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Head-to-head · Best Photo Printers

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 vs Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about high-quality photo printing enthusiasts — read the strengths below before deciding.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Ranked #4 in Best Photo Printers
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
3 sources1 derived$599.99as of Jul 31

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 aims at amateur photographers who want quality prints without paying for them in ink. Imaging Resource's Jeremy Gray credited its efficiency and ink savings, putting the cost reduction at up to 80% against professional printers. PCMag's William Harrel liked the wireless capabilities and the user-friendly touchscreen. Reviewers were clear it doesn't match the quality of Epson's SureColor pro-level printers. Home users who print frequently will be well served; anyone chasing studio-quality results won't.

Strengths
  • — Uses 6-color refillable ink tanks including Claria ET photographic dye inks for high-quality photo printing
  • — Prints up to 13 x 19 borderless with resolution up to 5,760 x 1,440 dpi
  • — Supports mobile and wireless printing including Apple AirPrint, Android printing and Amazon Alexa
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for professional-level photo printing quality
  • — Requires 10-minute initialization process after refilling ink tanks
$599.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Photo Printers
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
5 sources$299.99as of Jul 31

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a wide-format inkjet for high-quality photo printing, going borderless up to 13 by 19 inches. PCMag praised the six ink tanks and the wide range of connectivity features, and another reviewer noted it handles photo printing up to A3+ size. Epson positions it as professional-grade rather than a compact office model, and the higher price follows from that. Buy it if you need large-format photo printing; it's a poor fit for a small office.

Strengths
  • — Produces gorgeous borderless photo prints up to 13 by 19 inches
  • — Features six ink tanks for extended printing capacity
  • — Offers a wide range of connectivity options
Watch-outs
  • — Not a compact printer for small office use
  • — Higher price point compared to basic models
$299.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

Unlike the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, which offers higher print quality and more connectivity options, the ET-8550 focuses on affordability and ease of use with its 6-color refillable tanks. Compared to the SureColor P900, it lacks the professional-grade pigment inks and archival longevity, but provides a more budget-friendly entry point for home users. The ET-8550's 4.3-inch touchscreen sets it apart from the basic ET-2980, which only offers a 3-inch LCD display.

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

The XP-15000 outperforms the ET-8550 in terms of print quality and borderless capabilities, offering larger print sizes up to A3+ compared to the ET-8550's 13 x 19 inches. Unlike the SureColor P900, it lacks the professional pigment inks and archival longevity, but provides a more affordable alternative for users seeking high-quality photo printing without the premium price tag.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Printer TypeInkJet (Ink Tank)Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
Print Resolution5,760 x 1,440 dpi5760 x 1440 dpi
Max Print Size13 x 1913 x 19 inches
Ink System6-color refillable6-ink gamut
ConnectivityUSB, WiFi Direct, EthernetUSB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
Print Speed15 seconds for 4" x 6" photo in Draft Mode4" x 6" color photo in just 36 seconds
Weight24.5 lb18.7 lb
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