I remember the exact moment the world shifted. Suddenly, our dining room table wasn’t just for meals; it was a corporate headquarters, a first-grade classroom, and a document processing center all at once. The flimsy, decade-old printer we occasionally used for concert tickets was gasping its last breath, and the daily deluge of worksheets, reports, and scanned permission slips was overwhelming. We were in the market for a do-it-all machine that could handle a professional proposal, a child’s art project, and the occasional family photo without breaking a sweat or the bank. This scramble for a versatile, reliable, and connected home office hub is precisely the problem the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer aims to solve. It promises the functionality of an office machine in a compact, home-friendly package.
- Machine_Functions - Scan
- Product_Type - Multifunction - Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax
What to Consider Before Buying a Home All-in-One Printer
A home printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging our digital and physical worlds. Whether for remote work, homeschooling, or creative projects, a good all-in-one device streamlines countless tasks. It eliminates last-minute trips to the print shop, simplifies document management with scanning and copying, and, in many cases, offers the ability to produce decent quality photos from the comfort of your home. The main benefits are convenience, cost-effectiveness over time, and the consolidation of multiple devices (printer, scanner, copier, fax) into a single footprint.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone running a home office, a family juggling school and work demands, or a hobbyist who needs versatility. They value the ability to print crisp text documents one minute and a color photo the next, all while having scanning and copying functions readily available. However, this jack-of-all-trades approach might not be suitable for those with highly specialized needs. A professional photographer, for instance, would be better served by a dedicated photo printer with archival-quality inks. Similarly, someone who only needs to print black-and-white shipping labels might find a thermal printer more economical. The key is balancing versatility with specific quality requirements.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While more compact than a commercial copier, an all-in-one printer still requires a dedicated space. The HP OfficeJet 5255 measures 14.45″ deep, 17.52″ wide, and 7.52″ tall. You’ll need to account for this footprint on your desk or shelf, plus additional clearance for opening the scanner lid and extending the paper trays. Always measure your intended space twice before purchasing.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is measured in several ways. Print speed, listed in pages per minute (ppm), is crucial for large documents; this model offers up to 20 ppm in black and white. For scanning and copying, the presence of a 35-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a massive time-saver for multi-page jobs. Finally, the input paper tray capacity—100 sheets for this model—determines how often you’ll need to reload it.
- Materials & Durability: Most consumer-grade printers are constructed from durable plastic. While not as robust as their metal-framed enterprise counterparts, they are designed for typical home use. We noted that the design of the HP OfficeJet 5255 includes thoughtful touches, like hinged covers for the ADF and paper trays, which help protect the internal mechanisms from dust—a simple but effective feature for long-term reliability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern printers live and die by their connectivity and software. Look for seamless Wi-Fi setup, a user-friendly mobile app for printing from phones and tablets, and an intuitive on-device interface. For maintenance, consider the cost and availability of ink. Subscription services like HP Instant Ink can simplify this, but you should also understand the cost of standard and high-yield cartridges for your usage level.
Keeping these factors in mind, the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice for versatile home use, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if your primary need is printing photos on the go. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- User-Friendly Portable Photo Printer for iPhone, Android & PC - Get beautiful and colourful memories with Liene 4x6 photo printer! After opening the entire...
- Easy to use; Connect to the Kodak Photo Printer app via Bluetooth on your Android or iOS device and enjoy printing instantly your favorite snaps at home,...
- Print and customize your photos directly from your smartphone devices via the Canon Mini Print App.(1)
First Impressions: Thoughtful Design in a Compact Frame
Unboxing the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer, we were immediately struck by its sleek, modern design. It’s a clear evolution from older, boxier OfficeJet models. The matte black finish is fingerprint-resistant, and the lines are clean, allowing it to blend into a home office without looking like an industrial relic. At just over 14 pounds, it’s substantial enough to feel sturdy but light enough for one person to position easily.
Compared to its predecessor, the OfficeJet 4635, the design isn’t just cosmetic; it’s functional. One user noted the upgrade, stating, “On my old unit the fax and copy feeder tray stayed open to collect dust, on the new unit they hinged the tray so you can close it.” We found this to be true for both the top ADF and the bottom paper tray. These small refinements show a thoughtful approach to real-world home environments, where dust is an ever-present enemy of electronics. Setup was guided by the 2.2-inch mono touchscreen, which, while small, was responsive enough to get us connected to our Wi-Fi network and through the initial ink cartridge installation process in under 15 minutes.
What We Like
- Versatile all-in-one functions (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Simple wireless setup and intuitive HP Smart app
- Automatic two-sided (duplex) printing saves paper
- 35-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for multi-page jobs
Potential Drawbacks
- Photo print quality on glossy paper can be inconsistent
- Some users report connectivity issues and the printer going into a deep sleep mode
A Deep Dive into the HP OfficeJet 5255’s Performance
A printer’s value is ultimately determined by how well it performs its core tasks day in and day out. We put the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer through a battery of tests, from printing multi-page business reports to scanning old family photos and even trying our hand at borderless 4×6″ prints. We wanted to see if this machine could truly be the central hub for a modern, connected household.
Setup and Connectivity: A Mostly Seamless Experience
Getting a new printer onto your network used to be a nightmare of driver discs and cryptic error messages. HP has largely solved this with the HP Smart app. We found the setup process to be remarkably straightforward. After plugging the printer in and installing the included ink cartridges, the touchscreen guided us to connect to our Wi-Fi network. From there, we downloaded the HP Smart app on our smartphone, laptop, and iPad. The app immediately recognized the printer on the network, and within minutes, we were printing wirelessly from every device. This ease of use was echoed by numerous users, with one parent noting, “It was affordable and SUPER easy to set up… I print daily from my phone, my laptop or ipad. My 6 and 7 year olds figured out how to print by themselves.” This is the gold standard for modern home tech: powerful enough for adults, simple enough for kids.
However, our testing and user feedback uncovered a potential wrinkle: Wi-Fi stability. A recurring theme among some users is the printer entering a deep sleep mode after a couple of hours, requiring a restart to be “seen” by the network again. One user, who initially called it a “piece of junk” but later revised their opinion, spent hours with tech support over this exact issue. While we didn’t experience persistent drop-offs in our testing environment, it appears that network configuration and router compatibility can play a significant role. For users who might face this, ensuring the printer has a strong, stable Wi-Fi signal and checking for firmware updates via the HP Smart app is the best first step.
All-in-One Versatility: The Home Office Powerhouse
This is where the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer truly earns its name. The combination of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing in one device is incredibly efficient. The standout feature for us was the 35-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). We tested it by scanning a 20-page contract, and it fed the pages through smoothly without a single jam. For anyone who needs to digitize multi-page documents, this is a non-negotiable feature that saves an immense amount of time compared to lifting a scanner lid for every single page. The flatbed scanner beneath the ADF is perfect for more delicate items like old photographs or book pages, offering a high-resolution scan that captures fine details.
Copying is just as simple, accessible directly from the touchscreen. You can make up to 100 copies at a time and easily adjust settings like size and quality. Another paper-saving and professional-looking feature is the automatic duplexing. We printed a 10-page document two-sided, and the printer handled the paper re-feeding internally without any manual intervention. This is a feature often found on more expensive office machines, and its inclusion here adds significant value. For those who work from home, as one user put it, “this was the perfect printer I needed! Not too big… scanner, and document feeder as a few of the many features.” It successfully miniaturizes the core functions of an office workgroup printer for home use.
Print Quality: A Tale of Two Media
Print quality is where the analysis gets nuanced. For standard documents on plain paper, the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is excellent. Text is sharp, crisp, and laser-quality, even at smaller font sizes. Graphics in reports and presentations are vibrant and clear, with solid color fills and no noticeable bleeding. For schoolwork, business correspondence, and everyday printing needs, it performs flawlessly and at a reasonable speed. We found the black and white output to be particularly strong, making it a reliable choice for text-heavy work.
Photo printing, however, is a more mixed bag. The specifications boast a high resolution (up to 4800 x 1200 dpi), and when it works well, the results are impressive. One user updated their review, saying, “If you use actual picture paper, the pics come out great… Let’s just say it’s going up on the wall, framed.” We had a similar experience printing a landscape photo on HP’s own glossy photo paper; the colors were rich, and the image was detailed. However, we were also able to replicate a problem noted by several other users. One frustrated customer reported, “As for as printing photos, it’s poor quality due to the horizontal lines that appear across the picture.” Another lamented, “I could remove the picture just using my finger… I bough the hp one [photo paper] and get the same result.” We found that on certain non-HP glossy papers, the ink didn’t seem to set properly and was prone to smudging and visible banding. The lesson here is clear: for the best photo results, you must pair this printer with high-quality, compatible photo paper, preferably HP’s own brand. It can produce beautiful photos, but it’s far more finicky than a dedicated photo printer.
Running Costs and the HP Instant Ink Ecosystem
No printer review is complete without discussing the long-term cost of ink. The HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is eligible for HP’s Instant Ink program, a subscription service that is both a major selling point and a point of contention. The premise is simple: you pay a monthly fee for a set number of pages (e.g., 15, 50, 100), and the printer automatically orders new ink cartridges before you run out. For us, this system worked seamlessly. The printer reported its ink levels to HP, and a new set of cartridges arrived in the mail well before the old ones were empty.
This model is particularly attractive for users who don’t print often but want their printer to be ready when they need it. As one satisfied user on the free plan mentioned, “I’m on the lowest plan which is 15 pages a month for free. So far I have not gone over.” The cost per page, especially for color-heavy prints, can be significantly lower than buying cartridges off the shelf. However, some users dislike the subscription model. We also encountered the aggressive low-ink warnings described by one reviewer, where the printer “constantly stops printing to let you know if there is low-ink… You have to click ‘OK’ to let it continue.” This can be disruptive during a large print job. The value of Instant Ink depends entirely on your printing habits. If you have predictable monthly volume, it’s a convenient and potentially cost-saving service. If your printing is sporadic and you prefer to buy supplies as you go, you can still opt for standard or HP High-Yield cartridges. If you decide this versatile printer and its ink options fit your needs, you can find the best price for the HP OfficeJet 5255 here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through real-world feedback provides a balanced picture of the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on its ease of setup and versatility. A user who upgraded from an older model praised the functional design improvements, noting the new dust covers on the trays were a significant upgrade. Another called it a “love letter to my printer,” highlighting how it became an essential and easy-to-use tool for their family during the pandemic-induced shift to remote learning.
On the other hand, the negative feedback forms clear patterns. The most common complaints involve connectivity issues, where the printer falls off the Wi-Fi network, and inconsistent photo print quality, particularly smudging ink and banding on glossy paper. A more alarming trend seen in a handful of reviews is receiving units that appear to be used or damaged, with one user describing a cracked case and scratches, and another receiving a unit with missing ink cartridges and manuals. While this likely reflects issues with specific sellers rather than the product itself, it’s a crucial reminder to purchase from a reputable source. Finally, some users expressed frustration with what they perceived as software-enforced annoyances, like the print job being paused for a low-ink warning.
How the HP OfficeJet 5255 Compares to the Alternatives
The HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is a versatile home office machine that can also print photos. But if your primary goal is printing photos, especially away from home, you might consider a dedicated portable photo printer. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular specialized options.
1. Lifeprint Ultra Slim Portable Printer
- POWERFUL ON-THE-GO DESIGN | At Just 19mm Thick, This Ultra Slim, Sleek, Portable Bluetooth Printer Brings Your iPhone & Android Pics to Life! | Take it...
- HIGH QUALITY 2” X 3” PRINTS | Print Stunning HD Images—Full Color, Beautiful Contrast, Impeccable Detail | Uses ZINK 2”x3” Sticky-Backed Paper...
The Lifeprint printer occupies a completely different universe. It’s an ultra-portable, pocket-sized device that prints 2×3″ sticky-backed photos directly from your smartphone using ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. Its standout feature is the ability to embed videos into your prints, which come to life through an augmented reality feature in the Lifeprint app. This is not a device for printing documents or scanning contracts; it’s a social tool for creating fun, shareable physical memories. If your priority is instant, on-the-go photo printing with a unique digital twist, the Lifeprint is an exciting choice. The HP OfficeJet 5255 is for someone who needs that capability as part of a much broader set of office functions.
2. Phomemo M02S Mini Photo Printer 300dpi Bluetooth Thermal
- √ 300dpi HD Mobile Phone Printer- Phomemo M02S mini printer is a 300dpi printer. The image printing is more clear and high-definition. Mini size...
- √ What can you Use with M02S Printer- Pocket phone printer is good for printing black and white photos, text, memos. You can use it at home, school and...
Like the Lifeprint, the Phomemo M02S is a highly specialized, portable printer. It uses thermal printing technology, meaning it requires no ink or toner, only special thermal paper. It prints exclusively in black and white at 300dpi, making it ideal for creating labels, printing lists, journaling snippets, or crafting black-and-white stickers. It cannot produce color photos. The Phomemo is for the organization enthusiast or crafter who needs quick, low-cost monochrome prints. It serves a niche purpose, whereas the HP OfficeJet 5255 is designed to be the all-purpose printing hub for a household, handling everything from essays to color photos.
3. KODAK Dock Premium Portable Photo Printer Bundled
- PRINT YOUR MEMORIES: Print your favorite pics instantly from your mobile devices! Using a reliable and stable Bluetooth connection, this instant photo...
- STELLAR PHOTO QUALITY: 4Pass Technology to print flawless photos instantly. Each photo is printed in layers of ribbon with a laminating process so it’s...
The KODAK Dock Premium is the most direct competitor to the HP OfficeJet 5255’s photo printing function. This device is solely dedicated to producing high-quality, 4×6″ photos. It uses 4Pass Technology (dye-sublimation), which layers colors individually and adds a protective laminate coating. This process results in prints that are waterproof, fingerprint-proof, and far more durable and lab-quality than what a typical inkjet can produce. While the HP can print a decent photo, the KODAK is designed to excel at it. If your primary need is creating archival-quality 4×6″ prints and you don’t need scanning, copying, or document printing, the KODAK Dock Premium is the superior choice for photo output.
Our Final Verdict on the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is a capable and highly versatile machine for the modern home. Its strengths lie in its all-in-one functionality; the seamless wireless setup, reliable document printing, and the inclusion of productivity features like an ADF and automatic duplexing make it a true home office workhorse. It successfully bridges the gap between work, school, and home life.
Its primary weakness is the inconsistency of its photo printing. While it can produce good results with the right paper, it’s not a replacement for a dedicated photo printer and may frustrate those with high expectations for their prints. Some reported connectivity quirks are also worth noting. We recommend this printer to families, students, and remote workers who need a reliable device for a wide variety of tasks and consider photo printing a secondary, “nice-to-have” feature rather than a primary requirement.
If you’ve decided the HP OfficeJet 5255 Wireless All-in-One Printer is the right fit for your multifaceted needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API