HP C2WH0A#B1H Review: Wide-Format All-in-One with P3 Color
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format is a capable all-in-one printer for offices needing professional-quality 11x17 inch prints and scans, backed by HP's security features and an intuitive touchscreen interface.
In the realm of office printers, the ability to handle wide-format documents like floor plans, spreadsheets, and mood boards can elevate a device from a simple utility to a core business tool. The HP C2WH0A#B1H, also known as the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format, positions itself as exactly that: a wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer designed for offices that require professional-quality output beyond standard letter size. This review analyzes its specifications, features, and user feedback to determine if its blend of wide-format capability, security, and color accuracy makes it a worthwhile investment for your workspace.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format is an inkjet multifunction printer that supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing on media up to 11×17 inches. It is built for moderate-volume office use, featuring a 500-sheet paper capacity, automatic duplexing, and a focus on producing vibrant, screen-accurate colors. For businesses that regularly produce large charts, architectural drafts, or marketing materials, this printer offers a compelling set of features without stepping into the plotter category. Its bottom line is clear: it’s a versatile office workhorse for teams that need reliable wide-format output and robust all-in-one functionality.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide Format
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
HP C2WH0A#B1H at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Printer Type | Color Inkjet All-in-One |
| Maximum Print/Scan Size | 11 x 17 inches |
| Print Speed (B&W/Color) | Up to 22 ppm / 18 ppm |
| Paper Capacity | 500 sheets (Two 250-sheet trays) |
| Display | 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Key Feature | P3 Color Gamut for Screen-Accurate Prints |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | Yes, with Single-Pass Duplex Scan |
| Security | HP Wolf Pro Security |
| Warranty | One-year limited hardware warranty |
Design and Build
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format is a substantial device, reflecting its capability to handle larger paper. Its dimensions are 22.9 inches deep, 15.2 inches wide, and 18.4 inches high, with a weight of 43 pounds, indicating a stable, desk-bound unit suited for an office environment. The unit’s color is listed as off-white, which is a typical finish for professional office equipment. A notable design aspect highlighted by the manufacturer is its sustainable construction, being made with more than 30 percent recycled plastic content. The front is dominated by the 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which is described as having a phone-like user interface for intuitive navigation. The physical design accommodates two 250-sheet input trays and an output tray, supporting its high paper capacity claim.
Performance and Features
Print and Copy Performance
Performance is centered on its wide-format capability. The printer offers maximum print speeds of up to 22 pages per minute for black and white and 18 pages per minute for color documents. It supports an extensive range of paper sizes, from small 3×5 inch sheets up to 11×17 inches, and media types including plain paper, envelopes, and labels. A key performance differentiator is its use of the P3 color gamut, which the manufacturer states provides a wider color range than sRGB, aiming for vibrant, screen-accurate prints that are true to what is displayed on a monitor. This is particularly relevant for professional documents where color fidelity is critical. The maximum print resolution is 4800 x 1200 dots per inch for color output.
Scan, Copy, and Fax
As an all-in-one, the device is equipped with a flatbed scanner capable of handling legal-size (8.5 x 14 inch) documents. It also includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) that supports single-pass duplex scanning, meaning it can scan both sides of a two-page document in one pass, which greatly improves efficiency for multi-page jobs. The maximum copy speed for black and white is listed as 22 pages per minute. Fax functionality is also included, rounding out its traditional office duties.
Connectivity and Software
Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, which is promoted as HP’s most reliable, with features to automatically detect and resolve connection issues. Wired connections are available via Ethernet and USB hardware interfaces. The companion HP smartphone app allows users to print, scan, copy, or fax directly from their mobile device. A notable software feature is HP AI, which is designed to optimize print formatting for web pages and emails by removing unwanted content to prevent wasted pages and awkward layouts.
Security and Sustainability
Security is addressed with built-in HP Wolf Pro Security, which is intended to bolster protection and help keep the network safe from cyber threats—a consideration that aligns with modern cybersecurity practices for connected office devices. The sustainable design, using recycled plastics, is another featured aspect of its build.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup involves connecting to power and a network, with guidance provided through the touchscreen and the HP Smart app. The printer comes with a set of starter ink cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow). A significant part of the ownership model is the included 3-month trial of HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, which delivers replacement ink cartridges automatically before they run out. After the trial period, a monthly fee applies unless the service is canceled. The manufacturer states this service can save up to 50 percent on ink costs. The product is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty. Support resources are available online, though specific details on driver support longevity or firmware update policies are not listed in the provided data.
What Owners Say
Analyzing the provided buyer review excerpts and rating distribution offers a balanced view of real-world experience. The overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars. A majority of reviewers award five stars, praising the printer for its excellent print quality, ease of setup for some, and its performance with 11×17 paper and high-volume scanning. Positive comments highlight the intuitive app and the quality exceeding expectations.
However, the one- and two-star reviews reveal consistent pain points. Several users report significant difficulties with setup, particularly involving wireless connectivity and software registration with the HP Smart app, which in some cases blocked access to the Instant Ink trial. One user specifically mentioned recurring setup requirements and compatibility issues, suggesting potential driver or software instability. Another praised HP’s customer service for ultimately resolving a registration issue, though it required a lengthy support call. This indicates that while the core printing and scanning functions are well-regarded when operational, the initial setup and software integration can be a hurdle for some users.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Professional wide-format printing and scanning up to 11×17 inches.
- Vibrant, accurate color output using P3 color gamut technology.
- High paper capacity with two 250-sheet input trays.
- Convenient single-pass duplex scanning with the automatic document feeder.
- Intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen interface.
- Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security for network protection.
- Useful HP AI for cleaning up web and email prints.
Cons
- Instant Ink service transitions to a paid subscription after the trial.
- Potential for challenging wireless and software setup processes.
- Some reported software/driver instability requiring re-setup.
- Best suited for moderate, not very high-volume, office use.
- Large physical footprint due to wide-format capability.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format is an ideal fit for small to medium-sized businesses, design studios, architectural offices, or any professional home office that regularly produces color-critical wide-format documents. This includes items like floor plans, engineering diagrams, large spreadsheets, posters, or marketing mood boards. Users who value the convenience of an all-in-one with automatic duplex scanning and who want the potential ink savings of a subscription service (after the trial) will find it aligned with their needs. Its security features also make it a prudent choice for offices conscious of network safety.
This printer is not the best choice for users who only need standard letter or legal-size printing, as its large size and feature set would be overkill. Individuals or offices with very high-volume print demands (thousands of pages per day) should look towards dedicated high-volume printers. Those who are uncomfortable with potential software troubleshooting or who prefer a completely subscription-free ink model may want to consider alternatives. It may also not be suitable for environments with extremely complex or unstable wireless networks, given the setup challenges some users report.
Final Verdict
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format successfully fills a specific niche in the office printer market. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the ability to produce professional-quality 11×17 inch prints with impressive color accuracy, thanks to the P3 color gamut—a feature not commonly found in all-in-one printers at this level. When combined with its robust scanning capabilities, high paper capacity, and thoughtful touches like the AI print cleanup and security protections, it presents a compelling package for the right user. For those needing to bridge the gap between standard office printers and large-format plotters, this device offers an efficient and versatile solution.
However, its value proposition is somewhat tied to the user’s willingness to navigate HP’s ecosystem, particularly the Instant Ink service and the HP Smart app. The mixed user feedback on setup and software reliability cannot be ignored and suggests that a smooth experience is not guaranteed. Ultimately, if your office workflow depends on reliable wide-format color output and you appreciate the all-in-one convenience and advanced features like AI-powered formatting, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 is a strong contender, provided you are prepared for potential initial setup hurdles. It’s a capable tool that, once properly integrated, can handle demanding professional tasks effectively.
FAQs
What is the largest paper size the HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 can handle?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format is designed to print, scan, and copy documents up to 11 inches by 17 inches (also known as tabloid or A3 size). Its flatbed scanner can also accommodate legal-size documents (8.5 x 14 inches). This makes it suitable for wide-format applications like architectural plans, large charts, and posters.
Does the HP Instant Ink trial become a paid subscription?
Yes, the printer includes a 3-month trial of the HP Instant Ink service. This service automatically delivers ink to your door before you run out. After the 3-month trial period ends, a monthly fee will apply based on your chosen page plan unless you actively cancel the subscription through your HP account. The manufacturer states the service can save up to 50 percent on ink costs compared to standard cartridge purchases.
Can you use the printer without the HP Smart app?
While the HP Smart app provides convenient mobile printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, the printer can be used without it. The device has a full 4.3-inch color touchscreen on the unit for local control and can be connected to a computer via USB or Ethernet for traditional driver-based printing. However, some setup and registration steps, as well as access to certain features like the Instant Ink trial, may require app interaction according to user reports.
What security features does this printer have?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format includes HP Wolf Pro Security. This is a suite of security features built into the printer designed to help protect the device from certain cyber threats and bolster the security of your network. It represents HP’s approach to hardening connected office equipment, which is an important consideration in modern tech gear for business environments.