HP DesignJet or HP PageWide XL Printers (Comparison) – Which is Best?

HP makes some of the best wide-format printers on the market today. And while it may be a simple choice to go with an HP printer, choosing between the HP DesignJet and the HP PageWide XL isn’t as simple for everyone.

In the end, one series may be better-suited for the needs of your business than the other. Either way, both series makes some great models, so it really comes down to personal preferences and needs. Also, if you are in the market for a large format printer scanner and would like our professional, and humble, opinion – just give us a call or email us.

Also, deciding between the DesignJet and the PageWide XL requires research. There are many options available, and the team at Kelley Create can help you decide which features and capabilities represent the most value for your business… if you do, in fact, want out help.

For many future HP printer owners, the question comes down to comparing the HP PageWide XL printer, the HP Designjet Z-Series and the HP DesignJet T-Series.  All of these are highly capable wide-format printers that deliver high-quality prints, but with key differences that will guide the buying decision.

Use this HP printer comparison as a reference for your purchase. Whether you are looking for a low-cost wide-format print option or a powerful photographic printer, you will find it in HP’s product lineup with help from the team at Kelley Create.

HP DesignJet T-Series

There are more individual product models in the HP DesignJet T-Series than there are in the PageWide XL lineup. The T-Series spans a broad range of print devices, from accessible entry-level printers to high-definition professional multifunction printers.

All of these printers feature wide-format compatibility for media sizes between 24 and 44 inches. This makes them ideal for creating seasonal banners, photographs, blueprints, maps, and more.

Here are some of the most popular HP DesignJet printers out there. Note, some may not be available from HP anymore, but give us a call if you have any questions or needs.

DesignJet T120

This is the entry-level model that supports mobile printing using four high-quality inks in CMYK configuration. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity and prints a single page in 70 seconds on average. With that, this is a popular choice due to its small form factor (it fits on a desk) and affordable cost.

HP DesignJet T210

The HP DesignJet T210 is a compact, large-format printer from HP’s DesignJet series, suitable for professional graphics and CAD drawings. It’s designed to deliver high-quality prints, primarily for architects, engineers, and professionals needing detailed illustrations or blueprints. With a streamlined design, it’s also ideal for small office spaces.

HP DesignJet T230

The HP DesignJet T230 is a compact, large-format printer from HP. This machine is great for architects and engineers looking to for a construction plan printing solution, but it is also popular for other industries. Its efficient design makes it suitable for smaller workspaces, ensuring precision prints.

HP DesignJet T250

The HP DesignJet T250 is a large-format printer from HP’s DesignJet series. Catering to professionals, it offers high-quality outputs for graphics, CAD drawings, and detailed illustrations. Optimized for architects and engineers, its design is both efficient and user-friendly, ensuring precise prints in various workspaces.

HP DesignJet T630

With 24″ and 36″ models available, the HP DesignJet T630 is a popular large-format printer. Like all of the DesignJet Printers, the T630 prints high-quality graphics, CAD drawings, and detailed illustrations with ease.

Although preferred by architects and engineers, this printer is great for anyone else in the market for one similar. It boasts an efficient and user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for precision prints across diverse workspaces.

HP DesignJet T650

The HP DesignJet T650 is a large-format printer that comes in either a 24″ or 36″ model. Since this machine is tailored for professionals, it renders high-quality graphics, CAD drawings, and detailed illustrations. Favored by architects and engineers, the T650 offers an efficient, user-friendly experience, positioning it as a top choice for precise prints in varied workspaces.

HP DesignJet T730

HP DesignJet T830

Available in either a 24″ or 36″ model, the HP DesignJet T830 is a multifunctional, large-format printer designed for professionals. It combines printing, scanning, and copying functionalities, producing high-quality graphics and CAD drawings. Favored by architects and engineers, its versatile features make it indispensable for detailed work in diverse professional settings.

DesignJet T930

This 36-inch printer is one of HP’s finest devices. It uses six inks and prints at a rate of 21 seconds per page. Choose between a PostScript-enabled version and a more affordable non-PostScript-enabled version. Both print directly from smartphones, tablets, and USB drives with no extra configuration necessary. This model also offers a built-in stacker system.

HP Designjet T1600

The HP DesignJet T1600 is a high-performance, large-format printer from HP’s DesignJet series. Tailored for professionals like architects, engineers, and graphic designers, it delivers precise, high-quality prints for graphics, CAD drawings, and detailed illustrations. Its advanced features ensure efficient workflows and outstanding results in professional environments.

DesignJet T2530

Create a D/A-1 size copy in 21 seconds with the T2350. Developed with designers and developers in mind, this HP DesignJet Wide Format printer renders in precise, vivid color.

DesignJet T3500

Developed to be the most productive, most cost-effective MFP in the DesignJet lineup, the T3500 meets the demands of almost any IT team, and meets all of your wide-format, black-and-white or color printing requirements

HP DesignJet Studio Series

Designed with aesthetics in mind, the DesignJet Studio printers are meant to fit into modern office and studio environments without looking out of place.

This series consists of large-format printers with a modern aesthetic, blending functionality with style. Designed for architects, designers, and creatives, these printers produce high-quality prints, from graphics to detailed illustrations.

HP DesignJet Studio 24

The HP DesignJet Studio 24 is a stylish, large-format printer from HP’s DesignJet series. With a modern aesthetic, it’s crafted for architects, designers, and creatives seeking high-quality prints, from graphics to detailed illustrations. Its sleek design seamlessly integrates into contemporary office and studio environments, delivering professional results.

HP DesignJet Studio 36

The HP DesignJet Studio 36 is a large-format printer from HP’s DesignJet series, combining aesthetics with performance. Designed for architects, designers, and creatives, it handles detailed illustrations and graphics with precision. Its modern design ensures it fits seamlessly into contemporary office and studio spaces, offering both function and style.

HP PageWide XL Printer

The PageWide XL is the most productive plotting system available for technical and CAD printing. This makes it an important asset for businesses that need to print blueprints, technical drawings, and other large-format documents that aren’t color photographs.

In the past, CAD printers were almost all exclusively monochrome printers. But the PageWide XL offers color compatibility that significantly improves the quality and readability of wide-format technical documentation. This is not the same depth of color offered by the DesignJet series, but it is enough to create compelling color documents that are attractive and easy to read.

Furthermore, the PageWide XL offers a savings of up to 50% in total production costs. This makes it the best option for any business looking for a cost-effective solution for large-format printing.

It is a secure, reliable, and energy-efficient device that offers the full assortment of modern print features.

The speed and affordability that the PageWide XL offers makes it a powerful tool in any business’ arsenal. However, it is best suited to meet the needs of industrial and CAD drawing print processes. This is the first device you would want to use to create highly accurate maps, blueprints, or production sketches.

The HP PageWide XL family includes printers ranging from the speedy 4000/4500 models with their 30-second first page out to the 8000 series and its ability to produce technical documents up to 40-in. wide. Whether you work for a high-volume architecture firm or a government office, there’s a PageWide XL multifunction device that’s ideal for your needs.

Here are all of the current HP PageWide XL printers available from HP:

HP PageWide XL 3920

The HP PageWide XL 2920 is a large-format printer with a top stacker. As you will see with the rest of the printers from this series, it’s geared mainly towards architects, engineers, and print service providers. It is fast and puts out high-quality prints.

HP PageWide XL 4200

The HP PageWide XL 4200 is a large-format printer. Designed for professionals, it’s geared mainly towards architects, engineers, and print service providers needing fast, high-quality outputs. It’s ideal for CAD drawings, blueprints, and extensive printing assignments, blending efficiency with precision in professional environments.

HP PageWide XL 4700

HP PageWide XL 5200

The HP PageWide XL 5200 is a high-speed, large-format printer utilizing HP’s PageWide technology. Aimed at professionals, it’s perfect for architects, engineers, and print service providers requiring fast, high-quality prints. It efficiently handles CAD drawings, blueprints, and large-volume projects, offering both speed and precision in professional settings.

HP PageWide XL 8200

The HP PageWide XL 8200 is a high-speed, large-format printer leveraging HP’s PageWide technology. Designed for professional environments, it offers rapid and high-quality prints ideal for architects, engineers, and print service providers. Its efficiency suits those needing detailed CAD drawings, blueprints, or large-volume print jobs with quick turnaround times.

HP DesignJet Z- Series

The latest addition to the HP DesignJet family, the new Z-Series provides high quality graphics, pigmented inks for outdoor applications, and photographic printing functionality. In addition to the improvements in overall quality, the Z-Series is also engineered to print 2.5 times faster than the DesignJet Z3200 while using less ink.

Both the Z6 PostScript and Z9 PostScript are available in 24-in. and 44-in. formats with onboard vertical trimmers, new HP Pixel Control color technology, and an updated poster application. The Z6 is ideal for geographic prints and water- and fade-resistant large-format prints. The Z9+ delivers photographic print quality that can only be described as staggering. If your growing firm requires high-definition prints or uses complex files, the new Z-Series provides greater precision and needs less ink.

Here are all of the Z series printers currently available on the HP website. Again, if you have any questions, just give us a call.

HP DesignJet Z9

The HP DesignJet Z9 is a large-format printer from the DesignJet Z series known for superior color precision and image quality. Ideal for photographers, graphic designers, and artists, it produces vibrant, detailed prints, ensuring impeccable representation of visuals, making it a top choice for professional photo and graphic projects.

HP DesignJet Z6

The HP DesignJet Z6 is a large-format printer from the DesignJet Z series, renowned for its advanced color accuracy and detail clarity. Targeted at photographers, graphic designers, and artists, this printer is adept at delivering stunning prints, ensuring high-quality representation of visuals for professional portfolios and graphic works.

Still not sure which HP wide format printer is the best choice for your growing organization? Talk to the experts! Kelley Create can help you deploy the right printer for your firm’s needs.