HP DeskJet 4255e Review: A Basic Home Printer With Useful Extras

The HP DeskJet 4255e is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer built for basic home use. It prints, copies, and scans, while its automatic document feeder and wireless connectivity give it more flexibility than many entry-level models.

That convenience comes with trade-offs. The 4255e is not fast, it does not print automatically on both sides of the page, and its two-cartridge ink system can become expensive for households that print regularly. Independent testing from RTINGS and PCMag also places it firmly in the basic home-printer category rather than the high-volume or enthusiast class.

For occasional documents, schoolwork, forms, and light scanning, the HP DeskJet 4255e can make sense. Frequent users should look carefully at ink costs and consider whether a faster printer with lower operating costs would be a better long-term choice.

HP DeskJet 4255e: Key specifications

The DeskJet 4255e combines the core functions most home users need in a relatively small chassis. Its main specifications include:

• Functions: Print, copy, and scan
• Print technology: HP thermal inkjet
• Rated print speed: Up to 8.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 pages per minute in color
• Paper input: Up to 60 sheets
• Paper output: Up to 25 sheets
• Automatic document feeder: 35 sheets
• Duplex printing: Manual two-sided printing
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0
• Monthly duty cycle: Up to 1,000 pages, with a lower volume recommended for best performance
• Dimensions: Approximately 16.85 by 13.07 by 7.87 inches with trays closed
• Weight: Approximately 10.6 pounds

The published speed and resolution figures are HP maximums under stated conditions, not guarantees of everyday performance. Actual results depend on the document, paper, print quality setting, and connection. HP lists up to 1,200 by 1,200 rendered dpi for black printing and up to 4,800 by 1,200 optimized dpi for color on HP photo paper. The word “optimized” matters: it should not be interpreted as native print resolution.

Design and everyday usability

The 4255e is designed for people who want a printer that handles several occasional tasks without taking up the space of a traditional office machine. Its basic icon-based control panel keeps the hardware simple, although users who prefer a touchscreen will find the interface limited.

The 60-sheet input tray and 25-sheet output tray are adequate for light use. They are less convenient for larger print jobs, however, because the printer needs more frequent refilling and clearing. Its 35-sheet automatic document feeder is one of the more useful features for the price category. It can feed a stack of loose originals for scanning or copying instead of requiring each page to be placed on the scanner glass individually.

The ADF is not a replacement for a flatbed scanner. Books, bound material, delicate originals, and other items that cannot lie flat should be handled on the scanner glass. Also, do not assume that the feeder provides automatic two-sided scanning; consult HP's model-specific documentation if that workflow is important.

Print quality and speed

The HP DeskJet 4255e is best suited to everyday documents rather than demanding photo work or large batches. Its rated speeds—up to 8.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 pages per minute in color—are modest, and independent testing from RTINGS identifies speed as one of the printer's limitations.

That does not make it unsuitable for occasional printing. A few pages of homework, a shipping label, a form, or a short report are within its intended role. The experience becomes less attractive when the printer is asked to produce large documents regularly. Waiting for color pages and managing the relatively small paper trays can make routine office work feel unnecessarily slow.

Photo output is another area where expectations should remain realistic. The printer can produce color images, but independent testing finds its photo quality limited compared with more capable inkjet models. It is better viewed as a general-purpose document printer that can handle occasional images than as a dedicated photo printer.

Scanning and copying

Scanning and copying are valuable additions for a home printer, particularly when dealing with forms, receipts, school documents, or signed paperwork. The 35-sheet ADF makes multi-page jobs easier than on an all-in-one that only offers a scanner glass.

For a single sheet or an original that should not pass through a feeder, the scanner glass remains the appropriate option. Scan and copy performance also depends on using the correct software and placing the original properly. HP's user guide and support documentation should be treated as the authority for resolution settings and model-specific workflows.

Connectivity and setup

The DeskJet 4255e supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0. Mobile and computer setup generally uses the HP Smart app or HP's software and drivers. HP lists support for compatible Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, but operating-system support can change, so check HP's current compatibility information before buying for an older device.

Depending on the device and network, mobile printing can also work through Apple AirPrint and Mopria-compatible printing. Wireless features are convenient, but they depend on a functioning network and, for app-based services, continued support from HP. A USB connection provides a separate local option, although the USB cable may not be included in the box. Check the exact package contents before assuming one is supplied.

For initial setup, use HP's official app or the DeskJet 4100e series support page, rather than downloading drivers from a third-party website. Make sure you select the precise 4255e model; the similarly named DeskJet 4255 without the “e” is a different model.

Ink costs and HP+

The 4255e uses two cartridges: one black cartridge and one tri-color cartridge containing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. In the United States, HP lists HP 67 and HP 67XL cartridges for the model. Always verify compatibility by printer model and country before purchasing ink.

The two-cartridge design is simple, but it has a familiar weakness. If one color in the tri-color cartridge runs out, you may need to replace the entire color cartridge even when some of the other colors remain. That can make ink usage less efficient than a printer with separate cartridges for each color.

The cost of ownership deserves as much attention as the printer's purchase price. Cartridge yield varies with page content and print settings, and current cartridge prices can change. If you print more than occasionally, compare the price and stated yield of HP 67 and HP 67XL cartridges before buying. For some users, the ink may cost more over time than the hardware initially suggests.

HP also offers Instant Ink, an optional subscription based on the number of pages printed rather than the amount of ink consumed. Whether it saves money depends on your monthly volume and the mix of black-and-white, color, and image-heavy pages. Review the current U.S. plans, pricing, and cancellation terms directly with HP Instant Ink.

The “e” in the model name indicates that the printer is eligible for HP+. HP+ is optional, not a requirement for ordinary printing. However, enrollment includes lasting conditions: HP says the printer must remain connected to the internet, use an HP account, and use Original HP ink for the life of the printer. A promotional Instant Ink offer should not be treated as the same thing as HP+ or as a permanent benefit. Read the current HP+ terms before enrolling.

Important limitations

The DeskJet 4255e's low price and compact design involve several compromises:

• No automatic duplex printing: You must turn pages manually for two-sided documents.
• Modest speed: It is a poor fit for frequent large print jobs.
• Small paper capacity: The 60-sheet input and 25-sheet output trays require regular attention.
• Potentially high ink costs: The two-cartridge system can be expensive for regular printing.
• Basic controls: The icon-based panel is functional but lacks a touchscreen.
• Limited photo performance: Independent testing places its photo quality below that of more capable models.
• HP+ conditions: Enrollment adds internet, account, and Original HP ink requirements.

Its stated duty cycle of up to 1,000 pages should not be mistaken for a recommended routine workload. HP recommends a lower monthly volume for best performance, which reinforces the printer's role as an occasional-use home model.

Troubleshooting basics

For common problems, start with HP's current support documentation for the exact model. General steps include:

1. Install the correct software. Use HP Smart or HP's official support page for drivers and setup tools.
2. Check the wireless setup. For Wi-Fi problems, use the app's add-printer workflow and follow HP's documented reset instructions if the printer is not found.
3. Address print-quality issues carefully. Check cartridge installation and ink status, use suitable paper, and run HP's cleaning or alignment tools when offered. Cleaning uses ink, so avoid repeating it unnecessarily.
4. Handle paper jams gently. Follow the model-specific guide and remove paper without leaving scraps in the paper path.
5. Check scan and copy placement. Use the ADF for loose sheets and the scanner glass for individual or unsuitable originals. Confirm that the computer or mobile app has the required scan permissions.

Is the HP DeskJet 4255e worth buying?

The HP DeskJet 4255e is worth considering for light home use when wireless printing, copying, scanning, and an automatic document feeder matter more than speed or low running costs. It is compact, relatively straightforward to set up, and more versatile than a print-only model.

It is a weaker choice for students, home offices, or families that print frequently. Manual duplexing, modest speed, limited tray capacity, and the potential cost of replacement ink can quickly become frustrating. Before purchasing, compare current cartridge prices and yields, check whether the required HP+ conditions fit your preferences, and look at newer alternatives if your monthly volume is more than occasional.

The bottom line is simple: the HP DeskJet 4255e is a basic, convenient all-in-one for modest workloads, not a fast office printer or a low-cost high-volume solution.