HP 588S5A#B1H Review: AI-Enhanced Formatting for Home Documents
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a compact wireless all-in-one designed for light home printing, scanning, and copying, featuring AI-powered formatting to clean up web pages and emails.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 21, 2026
The HP 588S5A#B1H, also known as the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet, is a multifunction printer aimed squarely at the home user. It consolidates printing, scanning, and copying into a compact footprint, targeting families and individuals who need to handle everyday documents like letters, schoolwork, recipes, and to-do lists. This review analyzes its specifications, key features, and user feedback to determine if its AI-powered intelligence and wireless convenience deliver a hassle-free experience for basic home office tasks.
Positioned as an entry-level all-in-one, the HP DeskJet 2855e emphasizes ease of use through a simplified control panel, a dedicated mobile app, and a notable focus on AI-enhanced printing to eliminate wasted pages. Its bundled three-month Instant Ink trial offers a glimpse into a subscription-based ink delivery model. For users seeking a straightforward device for sporadic color printing and scanning without advanced features, the 2855e presents a specific value proposition that warrants a closer look at its performance and long-term ownership costs.
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
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HP 588S5A#B1H at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | HP DeskJet 2855e All-in-One Printer |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy |
| Printer Type | Color Inkjet |
| Maximum Print Speed | Up to 7.5 ppm (black), 5.5 ppm (color) |
| Connectivity | Wireless (2.4 GHz only), USB, Bluetooth |
| Control Panel | Basic LED Icon Display |
| Paper Input Capacity | 60 sheets |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed |
| Included Trial | 3 months of HP Instant Ink (with HP+ activation) |
| Required Cartridges | HP 67 (Black, Tricolor, or XL) |
Design and Build
The HP DeskJet 2855e adopts a compact, utilitarian design with dimensions of 11.97 inches deep by 16.7 inches wide by 6.06 inches high and a weight of 7.55 pounds. Its white plastic chassis is built to fit easily on a home desk or shelf without consuming excessive space. The physical interface is deliberately minimalistic, featuring a basic LED icon control panel rather than a touchscreen or detailed LCD. This design choice prioritizes simplicity and cost reduction, offering straightforward buttons for power, wireless status, and cancel operations, but it limits direct access to advanced settings or status information from the device itself.
The build centers on core functionality for light-duty use. It includes a 60-sheet input tray, which handles standard letter-sized paper, and a flatbed scanner lid for scanning or copying single pages or small objects. The absence of an automatic document feeder (ADF) means multi-page scanning or copying requires manually placing each page on the scanner glass. The overall construction is typical for printers in this class, designed for occasional home use rather than high-volume or rigorous office environments. For those interested in even more compact computing solutions, our guide to fanless mini PCs explores silent, space-saving alternatives.
Performance and Features
Print and Copy Speeds
According to manufacturer specifications, the HP DeskJet 2855e offers maximum print speeds of up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and up to 5.5 ppm for color documents. The maximum copy speed for black and white is also listed as 7.5 ppm. These speeds are indicative of an entry-level device suited for intermittent, low-volume printing tasks such as homework assignments, simple forms, or recipes. Users requiring faster output for larger documents may find these rates limiting. The print resolution is specified at 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 600 dpi for black and white.
Connectivity and Wireless
The printer provides multiple connectivity options: wireless Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth. A significant and explicitly stated limitation is that its wireless capability is restricted to the 2.4 GHz band only; it does not support 5 GHz networks. The manufacturer states the Wi-Fi is designed to automatically detect and resolve connection issues. For device control and printing tasks, the HP Smart app serves as the primary interface for smartphones, tablets, and PCs, enabling printing, scanning, and copying directly from mobile devices. This mobile-centric approach compensates for the basic physical control panel. Understanding your network is key; learn more about optimizing your setup with our resources on router Wi-Fi.
AI-Powered Printing and Key Features
A standout promoted feature is the AI-enabled printing software. This technology is designed to intelligently reformat web pages and emails during the print process, aiming to remove unwanted content like ads, headers, and footers to produce “perfectly formatted” prints without awkward layouts or wasted pages. This addresses a common frustration when printing directly from a browser. Beyond AI formatting, the device functions as a flatbed scanner and copier. The scanner supports a color depth of 24 bits per pixel. It is also described as having built-in security features that help keep the printer updated and protected, though specific details of these security protocols are not listed by the manufacturer.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Initial setup is centered around the HP Smart app and requires activation of HP+, which enrolls the printer in a connected services program. This activation is mandatory to claim the included three-month trial of the Instant Ink subscription service. Instant Ink monitors ink levels and ships replacement cartridges automatically before they run out, transitioning to a monthly fee after the trial period unless cancelled. The printer comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty. For ongoing functionality, it relies on genuine HP 67 series ink cartridges (Black, Tricolor, or their XL variants). The manufacturer notes that the printer is AI-enabled to intuitively adapt to your workflow, though the exact mechanisms for this adaptation are not specified in the provided data.
What Owners Say
User reviews present a mixed but telling picture. The overall rating distribution shows a high percentage of five-star reviews, with many users praising the easy setup, compact size, and satisfactory print quality for basic home needs. Positive experiences frequently highlight the straightforward wireless connection to phones and laptops and the value for money for light printing tasks. However, a significant portion of one-star reviews reveals common pain points. These often center on software and connectivity issues, such as the HP Smart app or computer drivers failing to maintain a stable connection with the printer, leading to frustrating “printer not ready” or port errors even when the device appears online.
Other critical feedback focuses on the ink system. Several owners report that the printer does not function properly—or at all—with third-party or generic ink cartridges, displaying errors or refusing to print, which effectively locks users into purchasing more expensive HP-branded ink. Some also mention that the starter cartridges contain a very small amount of ink, depleting quickly. A few reviews note mechanical issues like false paper jam errors. This polarization in feedback suggests that while the printer works well for many in a simple setup, it can be prone to software-driven reliability and compatibility hurdles that detract from the user experience. For a different kind of compact tech with its own user considerations, see our analysis of the Geekom A5 mini PC.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- AI-powered formatting for clean prints from web pages and emails
- Includes a three-month Instant Ink trial for automated ink delivery
- Compact design suitable for small home desks
- Wireless printing via app from smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Relatively easy initial setup process for many users
- Built-in flatbed scanner and copier functionality
Cons
- Limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, no 5 GHz band support
- Basic LED control panel lacks a touchscreen or detailed display
- No automatic document feeder for multi-page scans/copies
- Reported software and driver connectivity issues
- Incompatibility with non-HP ink cartridges according to user reports
- Starter ink cartridges may have low page yield
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The HP 588S5A#B1H is a sensible choice for households with very light, intermittent printing needs. It is ideal for users who primarily print occasional documents, school assignments, or web content and value the AI reformatting feature to avoid wasting paper on poorly laid-out prints. Its compact size and all-in-one capabilities make it suitable for small spaces where a simple scanner and copier are also welcome. Those willing to engage with the HP ecosystem—using the HP Smart app and considering the Instant Ink subscription or committing to genuine HP ink—are most likely to have a smooth experience.
This printer should be skipped by users with frequent or high-volume printing demands, as its speed and paper capacity are limited. Anyone reliant on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network will find it incompatible. Users who prefer a physical control panel with a display for direct operation, those who need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly (due to the lack of an ADF), or individuals seeking to use lower-cost third-party ink cartridges should look at other models. It is also not recommended for those averse to potential software troubleshooting, as driver and connectivity issues are a noted concern among some owners.
Final Verdict
The HP DeskJet 2855e succeeds as a compact, basic all-in-one for targeted home use. Its core strength lies in simplifying specific tasks: the AI formatting feature is a genuine differentiator for cleaning up web prints, and the bundled Instant Ink trial offers convenience for those open to a subscription model. When the wireless setup works seamlessly, it provides easy mobile printing. However, its value is heavily contingent on operating within HP’s preferred ecosystem of official ink and software.
Ultimately, this printer represents a trade-off. It offers useful smart features and a low initial cost but comes with limitations in connectivity hardware, physical controls, and reported long-term reliability concerning software and ink compatibility. For a user with modest, predictable printing habits who can navigate its setup requirements and ongoing ink costs, it can be a satisfactory solution. For those with more demanding needs, less patience for potential software glitches, or a desire for hardware flexibility, exploring other options in the tech gear category would be prudent.
FAQs
Does the HP DeskJet 2855e have an automatic document feeder?
No, the HP DeskJet 2855e does not include an automatic document feeder (ADF). It features a flatbed scanner only. This means you must manually place each page on the scanner glass to scan or copy multi-page documents, which can be time-consuming for more than a few pages.
Can I use this printer with a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network?
No, the manufacturer explicitly states that this printer is only 2.4 GHz capable. It will not connect to or function on a 5 GHz wireless network band. You must ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz network for the printer to connect wirelessly.
What is HP+ activation and is it required?
HP+ is a connected services program. Activation is required during the initial printer setup to enable certain features, most notably to claim the included three-month trial of the Instant Ink subscription service. The printer’s AI-enabled features and some security updates are also tied to this active connection.
Are generic or third-party ink cartridges compatible with this printer?
Based on numerous user reviews, the HP DeskJet 2855e often encounters functionality issues or complete failure when third-party or generic HP 67 cartridges are installed. Users report errors and the printer refusing to operate, strongly indicating that the printer firmware is designed to work reliably only with genuine HP 67 series ink cartridges.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.