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.

The short answer

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about high-quality photo printing enthusiasts — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Photo Printers

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550

4.1

$674.99as of Jul 7

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a cost-effective photo printer designed for amateur photographers who want quality prints without breaking the bank. Imaging Resource's Jeremy Gray praised its efficiency and ink savings, noting up to 80% cost reduction compared to professional printers. PCMag's William Harrel highlighted its wireless capabilities and user-friendly touchscreen interface. However, reviewers noted it lacks the professional-grade quality of Epson's SureColor pro-level printers. This printer is ideal for home users who do frequent printing but not for those seeking studio-quality results.

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

$674.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Photo Printers

Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

4.6

$339.99as of Jul 7

The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is a wide-format inkjet printer designed for high-quality photo printing, capable of producing borderless prints up to 13 by 19 inches. PCMag praised its six ink tanks and wide range of connectivity features, while another reviewer noted its ability to handle photo printing up to A3+ size. The printer is positioned as a professional-grade option rather than a compact office model, with a higher price point reflecting its advanced capabilities. It's best suited for users who need large-format photo printing but may not be ideal for small office environments.

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

$339.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

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

Spec	Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550	Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Printer Type	InkJet (Ink Tank)	Wide-Format Inkjet Printer
Max Print Size	13 x 19	13 x 19 inches
Ink System	6-color refillable	6-ink gamut
Connectivity	USB, WiFi Direct, Ethernet	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
Print Speed	15 seconds for 4" x 6" photo in Draft Mode	4" x 6" color photo in just 36 seconds
Print Resolution	5,760 x 1,440 dpi	5760 x 1440 dpi
Weight	24.5 lb	18.7 lb

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