What Printer Replaced the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 Today?

What printer replaced the hp officejet pro 8720

The core question many buyers ask is what printer replaced the hp officejet pro 8720. In practice, there is no official one-for-one successor designated by HP. The company shifted its product strategy toward newer wide-format models and multi-function printers that continue to support 11x17 paper sizes and networked workflows. This means that instead of searching for a single replacement, buyers should compare a set of modern 11x17-capable printers and assess which model best aligns with their needs, budget, and existing IT setup. The phrase "what printer replaced the hp officejet pro 8720" often appears in forums, but the practical takeaway is to map requirements to current capabilities and total cost of ownership.

HP’s broader strategy emphasizes ongoing updates to wide-format capabilities across several product families, rather than a strict replacement for every discontinued model. Consequently, the optimal choice depends on your priorities—speed, print quality, duplex features, connectivity, and support for archival-style scanning. In this context, treat the 8720’s successor as a set of viable alternatives rather than a single named device.

As you begin your search, develop a shortlist based on paper handling (11x17), multi-function usefulness (print, scan, copy, possibly fax), and the ability to integrate with your network and devices. This approach keeps you focused on capabilities rather than chasing a single model number that may no longer be in production.

Understanding wide-format printing needs

Wide-format printing—commonly 11x17 inches or A3—has become more accessible in office-grade inkjet printers. When evaluating whether you need that capability, start by mapping your typical document sizes, poster or presentation needs, and whether you frequently print two-up or require borderless printing. A printer that supports 11x17 can simplify handling large spreadsheets, architectural drawings, marketing materials, and classroom handouts without resorting to third-party plotters or external print shops. In the context of the 8720 replacement question, the key determinant is how often you need the larger sheet size and how critical color accuracy, borderless output, and paper weight support are for your work flow.

Beyond size, consider the downstream impact: will your selected device fit your desk footprint, your network environment, and your current software ecosystem? Many modern 11x17 printers offer cloud printing, mobile apps, and native scanning to email or cloud storage, which can streamline workflows for home offices and small businesses alike.

The closest contemporary options (11x17-capable)

The closest contemporary options to the HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 are 11x17-capable models released in recent years. In practice, buyers commonly start with a modern HP OfficeJet Pro model that explicitly lists 11x17 support in its specifications. These printers typically offer improved energy efficiency, faster first-page-out times, improved driver support, and more robust network features than older mid-range all-in-ones. When evaluating, verify that the model truly handles 11x17 sheets in both print and scan modes, and check the availability of replacement inks—some newer models use different cartridge families than the 8720.

In addition to HP, there are other brands offering wide-format inkjet all-in-one devices. Compare models that provide similar max sheet size, color accuracy, and cartridge economics. Your final choice should reflect both the functional needs (size, speed, scanning) and the total cost of ownership (including ink yield and maintenance).

Key features to compare across modern 11x17 printers

When comparing 11x17-capable printers, prioritize a clear feature set: print speed and first-page-out time, output quality at 11x17, reliable double-sided printing, and document feed reliability. Also examine scanning capabilities—whether the device handles duplex scanning, color depth, and OCR quality for converting scanned pages into searchable PDFs. Connectivity should include wired Ethernet, USB-C or USB-A, and robust wireless options (Wi‑Fi 6 or newer). Consider compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and whether the printer integrates with your existing management tools. Don’t overlook maintenance costs: ink or toner prices, cartridge availability, and the printer’s expected lifespan.

Beyond hardware, evaluate software ecosystems: mobile print apps, cloud-print services, and remote management tools. For small teams, a strong feature set in the management software can save time and reduce IT overhead. In short, look for a balance between practical capabilities, ease of use, and long-term cost efficiency.

Connectivity and driver support for modern replacements

Modern wide-format printers often deliver improved connectivity. Ethernet remains a staple for stable office networks, while Wi-Fi and wireless direct printing support convenience for mobile devices. Driver support is crucial for seamless operation across multiple computers and operating systems; ensure your chosen model offers current, actively updated drivers and compatibility with the common software you use (office suites, PDF workflows, and scanning utilities).

From a maintenance perspective, choose devices with easily available replacement components and consumables, including accessible ink or toner prices and widely available compatible cartridges. The ability to swap out maintenance boxes, print heads, or other consumables without specialized service reduces downtime and total cost of ownership. Finally, consider the quality of the scanner, OCR accuracy, and whether the device supports multi-page document handling that your workflows rely on.

Upgrading costs, timelines, and budgeting considerations

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is more than the sticker price. When budgeting for an upgrade from the 8720, include input costs (paper handling, media types), ongoing consumables (ink/cartridges), and potential maintenance or service plans. Compare the cost per page for the new device at typical monthly print volumes. If your workloads fluctuate seasonally, select a model with good media handling flexibility and high-capacity ink cartridges to minimize the frequency of replacements. Some vendors offer bundled service plans that can stabilize monthly expenses, which is worth evaluating if you rely on consistent output.

To ensure a solid return on investment, estimate your annual page volume and multiply by the anticipated cost per page. Then factor in any productivity gains from faster print speeds, better scanning to cloud services, or easier integration with your existing workflows. This practical approach helps you determine whether a modern 11x17 printer is a worthy upgrade over clinging to an older model.

Setup considerations when upgrading from the 8720

Upgrading from the 8720 should begin with a needs assessment and a clean software footprint. After selecting a model, download the latest drivers from the vendor’s site and verify driver compatibility with your operating systems. Before physically swapping machines, back up workflows, confirm network settings (SSID, password, and security), and decide whether to assign a static IP for predictable network behavior. When you install, run initial test pages for both printing and scanning, and configure scanner destinations (email, cloud storage, or network folders). If you rely on automation or scripts, test automation tasks with the new device to avoid disruption. Finally, plan a post-installation review period to confirm the upgrade truly meets your expectations in real-world tasks.

Practical migration steps and a quick-start checklist

1. List must-have features (11x17, duplex, color accuracy, scanning).
2. Compare current models and confirm 11x17 support.
3. Check driver and app compatibility with your OS.
4. Prepare network settings and security policies.
5. Install drivers, perform print/scan tests, and configure cloud destinations.
6. Run pilot projects and gather user feedback for the first 2–4 weeks.
7. Review costs and update toner/ink orders as needed.
8. Document setup steps for future IT and onboarding.
9. Schedule a follow-up evaluation to reconsider if requirements change.

Case studies: real-world upgrade scenarios

A small design studio recently replaced an aging 8720 with an 11x17-capable OfficeJet Pro model. They retained the same network setup, added cloud scanning to their workflow, and achieved faster color proofs with lower per-page costs. A home office user transitioned to a modern 11x17 printer with improved paper handling for large spreadsheets and marketing materials; the upgrade reduced outsourcing and saved time. In both cases, the key outcome was improved workflow efficiency and predictable operating costs rather than chasing a specific model number.

Common upgrade pitfalls and how to avoid them

One common pitfall is assuming the new model will perfectly mirror every feature of the old one. Verify critical capabilities first (11x17 handling, duplex scanning, and reliable network connectivity) before evaluating other bells and whistles. Another misstep is neglecting ink availability and total cost of ownership; ensure you can consistently source cartridges and that the price-per-page aligns with your usage. Finally, consider software compatibility and support; a printer that lacks current drivers or cloud integration can become a bottleneck rather than a productivity boost.