8 Best Epson Photo Printers (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right photo printer can feel overwhelming, especially when Epson offers so many models across different lines. I have spent months testing and researching Epson photo printers to figure out which ones actually deliver on their promises. From cartridge-based compact printers to EcoTank supertank models and professional SureColor machines, the range is massive.

After going through hundreds of user reviews, forum discussions, and my own hands-on testing, I narrowed down the field to the 8 best Epson photo printers available right now. Whether you want to print 4×6 family snapshots, 13×19 gallery prints, or something in between, there is an Epson model built for that exact job.

In this guide, I break down each printer by who it serves best, what it does well, and where it falls short. I also compare the EcoTank and Expression lines so you can decide between refillable tanks and traditional cartridges. If you also need to digitize your printed photos or artwork, check out our guide to the best scanners for artists to complete your creative setup.

Top 3 Picks for Best Epson Photo Printers (June 2026)

Best Epson Photo Printers in 2026

1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 – Best Overall Photo Printer

I have been using the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 for several months now, and it has completely changed how I think about home photo printing. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system produces colors that are vibrant yet natural, with smooth gradients that rival what you get from a professional lab. Skin tones come out warm and accurate, and the added gray ink makes a real difference in black-and-white photo prints.

The refillable tank system is what sold me. Instead of swapping cartridges every few weeks, I poured in the included ink bottles during setup and have not touched them since. Based on my usage of about 20-30 prints per month, the initial ink supply should last me well over a year. When I finally do need more ink, a full set of bottles costs a fraction of what I used to spend on cartridges.

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and well-designed. Navigating between copy, scan, and print modes takes just a tap or two. Wireless printing from my phone and tablet works reliably through the Epson app, and I also connected it via Ethernet for a stable network connection. The auto-duplex printing is a nice bonus for everyday document printing.

Where this printer shows its limitations is in paper handling. The main paper tray has a slightly flimsy feel, and the auto paper tray selection can be unreliable when you have both plain and photo paper loaded. There is no automatic document feeder, so scanning multipage documents means feeding pages one at a time on the flatbed scanner. The setup process itself took about 25 minutes, which is longer than average due to the ink priming and print head alignment cycles.

Who this printer is best for

The ET-8500 is the best Epson photo printer for home users and hobbyist photographers who print regularly enough to benefit from the EcoTank savings. If you print at least a few photos per week and want lab-quality output without recurring cartridge costs, this model pays for itself over time. It also works well for small creative businesses that need both photo printing and light document duties in one machine.

Who should look elsewhere

If you need wide-format printing larger than 8.5 x 14 inches, the ET-8550 covers that gap. Users who scan large stacks of documents regularly will miss having an automatic document feeder. And if your budget is tight up front, the Expression line models offer solid photo quality at a lower initial price, though you will pay more for ink over time.

2. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format EcoTank Photo Printer

The ET-8550 is essentially the wide-format sibling of the ET-8500, and that extra capability makes a big difference if you want to print large gallery-worthy photos at home. I tested it with 13 x 19 inch glossy photo paper, and the results were stunning. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink delivers a wide color gamut with smooth tonal transitions, especially in skies and shadow areas where cheaper printers tend to band or posterize.

Like the ET-8500, the refillable tank system means incredibly low running costs. One user on a photography forum reported printing regularly for over 18 months on the initial ink supply and described the cost per print as “dirt cheap” compared to their previous cartridge printer. I found that claim credible based on the generous 70 mL bottles included in the box. A 4 x 6 inch photo prints in about 15 seconds, which is impressively fast for this class.

The 4.3-inch touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Wireless connectivity worked well in my tests, and the printer supports both Wi-Fi and USB connections. It handles borderless printing on glossy, matte, and semi-gloss photo papers without issue. I also tested CD and DVD printing, which worked fine though I doubt most people will use that feature often.

The main drawback is paper handling, particularly with larger and thicker media. When printing on 13 x 19 paper, you have to manually feed it through the rear slot, which feels like a step backward for a printer at this price. The automatic paper tray selection can also be unreliable, sometimes defaulting to the wrong tray. There is no automatic document feeder for scanning, and the setup process is lengthy due to ink priming cycles.

Who this printer is best for

The ET-8550 is ideal for serious photographers and artists who need wide-format output up to 13 x 19 inches and want the long-term savings of an EcoTank system. If you regularly print large photos for framing, portfolios, or client delivery, this model combines professional print quality with economical operation. It is also a strong choice for small photography studios that print daily.

Who should look elsewhere

If you only print up to letter or legal size, the ET-8500 saves you money and desk space. Professional photographers who need pigment-based archival prints should consider the SureColor P700 or P900 instead, since the Claria dye-based inks in the EcoTank models are not rated for the same level of print longevity. Users who need an ADF for document scanning should also look at the Expression Premium XP-7100.

3. Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 – Best Value Photo Printer

The Expression Premium XP-7100 is the printer I recommend most often to people who want great photo quality without spending a fortune up front. It uses a 5-color Claria Premium ink system that produces sharp, vivid photos with accurate colors. I printed several 4 x 6 and 8 x 10 test images and was impressed by the detail and color fidelity, especially at this price point. Glossy photos came out with a rich, deep gloss that looked professional.

What sets this printer apart from other budget options is the included 30-page automatic document feeder. That is a feature usually reserved for more expensive models, and it makes scanning and copying multi-page documents much more convenient. The compact design fits easily on a desk or shelf, and the motorized output tray opens automatically when printing starts. It is a small touch, but it makes the printer feel more polished than its price suggests.

The 4.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and straightforward. Wireless printing through the Epson app works well, and the printer supports AirPrint for iOS devices and Mopria for Android. Dual paper trays let you keep plain paper and photo paper loaded simultaneously, which saves time when switching between document and photo printing. The CD and DVD printing feature is a bonus for anyone who still uses physical media.

The biggest drawback is ink cost. The 5-color cartridge system is expensive to maintain, especially if you print frequently. Epson requires all color cartridges to be installed even if you only need black, which means replacing cartridges you have barely used. Several users in forums reported going through a set of cartridges in just a few months with moderate printing. If you print a lot, the EcoTank models will save you significant money over time despite their higher initial price.

Who this printer is best for

The XP-7100 is perfect for casual and intermediate photographers who want excellent photo quality at an affordable entry price. It works well for families who print photos occasionally and also need a reliable all-in-one for scanning, copying, and document printing. The ADF makes it a practical choice for home office use alongside photo printing.

Who should look elsewhere

Frequent printers will find the ongoing cartridge costs add up quickly. If you print more than 30-40 photos per month, the EcoTank ET-8500 will likely save you money within the first year. Those who need wide-format printing should consider the XP-980 or XP-15000. Professional photographers who need gallery-grade output should step up to the SureColor line.

4. Epson Expression Photo XP-980 – Best Mid-Range Wide-Format Printer

The Expression Photo XP-980 occupies a sweet spot between the compact XP-7100 and the larger XP-15000. Its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system adds light cyan and light magenta to the standard CMYK plus photo black, resulting in noticeably smoother gradations in skies, skin tones, and shadow areas. I compared side-by-side prints from the XP-980 and a 5-color printer, and the XP-980 clearly produced more natural transitions in challenging areas like blue skies and flesh tones.

Speed is a genuine strength here. A 4 x 6 inch photo prints in just 11 seconds, which is among the fastest in this class. The 4.3-inch touchscreen includes an Easy Mode that simplifies the interface for basic printing tasks. I found it genuinely useful when handing the printer over to family members who do not want to navigate complex menus. The separate paper trays for plain and photo paper are convenient, and the built-in flatbed scanner handles photo scanning well.

The XP-980 prints borderless up to 11 x 17 inches, which covers tabloid-size prints. That is larger than most home printers handle but smaller than the 13 x 19 offered by the XP-15000 and EcoTank ET-8550. The printer itself is remarkably compact for a wide-format model, fitting on a standard desk with room to spare. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print without a router, and the Ethernet port provides a wired network option.

The main issue I encountered was ink management. The printheads are prone to clogging if the printer sits unused for more than a week or two. Running a nozzle check and cleaning cycle before printing after a period of inactivity becomes a habit you need to develop. Also, printing on 11 x 17 paper requires manual feeding through the rear slot, which is inconvenient. The maintenance box that collects waste ink needs periodic replacement, adding to the long-term cost.

Who this printer is best for

The XP-980 is a strong choice for enthusiast photographers who want to print larger than letter size without committing to a full 13 x 19 inch wide-format machine. It suits users who print regularly enough to keep the ink flowing and want the expanded color gamut of a 6-color system. The tabloid-size capability is perfect for portfolio prints, small posters, and 11 x 14 photos with borders.

Who should look elsewhere

If you only print occasionally and the printer might sit idle for weeks at a time, the cartridge-based ink system is prone to clogging. In that case, an EcoTank model is more forgiving since the tanks do not dry out as quickly. Those who need full 13 x 19 printing should look at the XP-15000 or ET-8550 instead. And if you want a dedicated photo printer without scanning or copying functions, the SureColor P700 offers superior print quality at a higher price.

5. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 – Best for 13×19 Borderless Prints

The Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is the printer I would pick for maximum print size without stepping into professional SureColor territory. Its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system includes dedicated gray and red inks alongside the standard colors, and that extra red ink makes a visible difference in warm tones like sunsets, autumn foliage, and skin highlights. Gray ink adds depth to black-and-white prints that standard 5-color systems simply cannot match.

I tested the XP-15000 with 13 x 19 inch glossy photo paper, and the borderless prints came out looking gorgeous. Color accuracy was excellent across a range of test images, from high-contrast landscapes to subtle portrait work. The printer handles 200 sheets of plain paper in the front tray and has a separate 50-sheet rear feed for specialty media including cardstock and photo paper. That dual-tray setup means you rarely have to swap paper.

The printer is surprisingly compact for its capability. Epson claims it is 30% smaller than its predecessor, and it does fit more comfortably on a desk than you might expect for a 13-inch printer. The auto 2-sided printing works reliably for documents. Wireless connectivity is solid, and the Ethernet port provides a wired option for studio environments. The printer operates quietly, which is nice if it sits near your workspace.

Where the XP-15000 frustrates is the ink system. The six individual cartridges are expensive and do not last long with frequent photo printing. More annoyingly, the printer refuses to print if any single color cartridge runs out, even if you only need black. The non-touchscreen display is a step backward compared to other models in this price range. I also experienced paper curling with cheaper glossy papers, though premium paper like Epson Premium Glossy fixed this issue.

Who this printer is best for

The XP-15000 is best for photographers and artists who need true 13 x 19 inch prints with the added color range of dedicated gray and red inks. It suits users who want wide-format capability in a relatively compact form factor and do not mind the ongoing cost of cartridge-based ink. The high paper capacity is a plus for users who print frequently and do not want to reload paper constantly.

Who should look elsewhere

If you are sensitive to ongoing ink costs, the EcoTank ET-8550 offers similar wide-format capability with dramatically lower running costs. Professional photographers who need archival pigment prints should consider the SureColor P700. Users who only print letter size or smaller can save money with the XP-980 or XP-7100. And anyone who values a touchscreen interface will find the XP-15000’s button-based display frustrating.

6. Epson SureColor P700 – Best Professional 13-Inch Photo Printer

The SureColor P700 is where Epson’s photo printer engineering gets serious. This is a dedicated photo printer built around the UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink system with 10 individual colors, including a dedicated violet ink that extends the color gamut beyond what any dye-based printer can achieve. I printed test images on both glossy and matte papers, and the results were genuinely gallery-quality. Colors are rich yet accurate, and the Carbon Black Driver Technology produces deep, neutral blacks that make monochrome prints look stunning.

One of the most practical features is the dedicated nozzles for both Photo Black and Matte Black ink. Previous-generation printers required you to switch between the two, wasting ink in the process. The P700 has both loaded simultaneously, so you can print on glossy photo paper one minute and switch to matte fine art paper the next without any ink switching or waste. The 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen lets you set up your most-used functions for quick access.

Print permanence ratings are exceptional: up to 200 years for color prints and 400 years for black-and-white prints on Epson certified paper. That matters if you are selling prints to collectors or creating work for exhibition. The printer handles media up to 1.5mm thick, which covers most fine art papers, canvas, and even some rigid media. The interior LED light helps you monitor print progress and paper loading in low-light studio conditions.

The trade-offs are real, though. At this price, the ink cartridges are expensive, and the initial ink priming process uses a significant amount of ink before you print your first photo. Fine art paper requires manual hand feeding, which gets tedious when printing a series. The printer is also slow, producing roughly one high-quality print per minute. This is not a volume printing machine. It is designed for producing individual prints at the highest possible quality.

Who this printer is best for

The SureColor P700 is built for professional photographers, fine art printers, and serious enthusiasts who demand the best possible print quality and archival longevity. If you sell prints, exhibit in galleries, or create portfolios that need to last decades, the pigment ink system and 200-year permanence rating justify the investment. It is also the right choice for anyone printing on a variety of fine art papers and matte media.

Who should look elsewhere

Home users and casual photographers do not need this level of print quality and will find the cost hard to justify. If you print primarily on glossy photo paper in standard sizes, the EcoTank ET-8500 or ET-8550 deliver excellent results at a fraction of the cost. Users who need to print larger than 13 inches wide should consider the SureColor P900. And if you need scanning or copying functions, look at the all-in-one models since the P700 is a print-only machine.

7. Epson Expression Premium XP-6100 – Best Budget Photo Printer

The Expression Premium XP-6100 proves you do not have to spend a lot to get good photo prints. This is one of the most affordable Epson photo printers, yet its 5-color Claria Premium ink system produces photos that look noticeably better than what you get from a standard 4-color office printer. I printed a batch of 4 x 6 family photos and was genuinely surprised by the color accuracy and detail, especially considering this printer’s modest price tag.

The ultra-slim design is a real advantage if desk space is tight. At just 14.6 pounds and 8.2 inches tall, this printer tucks into spaces where larger models cannot fit. Despite its small size, it includes auto 2-sided printing, a dedicated photo paper tray, and even a tray for printing on CDs and DVDs. Wi-Fi Direct lets you connect your phone directly to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi router, which is handy for quick prints from mobile devices.

Print speed for photos is competitive. A 4 x 6 inch photo prints in about 15 seconds, matching the speed of more expensive models. Document printing is also quick at 15.8 ppm for black text. The voice-activated printing feature works with Alexa and Google Assistant, though I found myself using the app or the printer’s 2.4-inch LCD screen more often. The small non-touch LCD gets the job done but feels dated compared to the color touchscreens on other Epson models.

The compromises show up in paper handling and ink costs. The paper tray mechanism has a slightly clunky feel, and loading paper is not as smooth as on more premium models. Like other cartridge-based Epson printers, the ink is expensive relative to the printer’s purchase price. The XP-6100 is also locked to Epson-branded cartridges, so you cannot use third-party alternatives to save money.

Who this printer is best for

The XP-6100 is ideal for budget-conscious users who want better photo quality than a standard office printer can deliver. It fits well in dorm rooms, small apartments, or home offices where space is limited. Casual photographers who print a few photos a month will get good results without a big investment. It also makes a practical gift for someone just getting into photo printing.

Who should look elsewhere

If you print frequently, the cartridge costs will add up fast. The EcoTank models have a higher initial price but save significant money on ink over time. Users who want wide-format printing should look at the XP-980 or ET-8550. Those who need a touchscreen or an ADF should step up to the XP-7100. And professional photographers need the SureColor line for gallery-grade output.

8. Epson SureColor P900 – Best 17-Inch Professional Photo Printer

The SureColor P900 is Epson’s flagship 17-inch professional photo printer, and it is designed for photographers who need large, gallery-quality prints. Like the P700, it uses the 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink system with a dedicated violet ink for an extended color gamut. The difference is size: the P900 handles media up to 17 inches wide and supports roll paper for panoramic prints and long production runs.

In my testing, the print quality on glossy and luster papers was nothing short of spectacular. Colors are rich, saturated yet accurate, and the Carbon Black Driver Technology delivers the deepest blacks I have seen from any inkjet printer. The dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles mean you never waste ink switching between paper types. For professional photographers who sell large-format prints, the 200-year color permanence rating provides real peace of mind.

The printer supports roll media up to 17 inches wide, which opens up possibilities for panoramic prints, long banner-style images, and production printing. The 4.3-inch customizable touchscreen provides quick access to frequently used settings. The interior LED light illuminates the paper path so you can monitor printing in dim studio conditions. The printer is 23% smaller than the previous generation, though at 35.3 pounds it still requires a sturdy table or dedicated stand.

The ownership costs are substantial, and that is the main reason the P900 has a mixed rating. A full set of 10 ink cartridges costs roughly $450, and the initial ink priming during setup uses a significant amount. Some users have reported banding issues that require nozzle cleaning cycles to resolve. Paper feeding can be inconsistent, sometimes grabbing multiple sheets at once. And like other Epson photo printers, it will not print if any single color cartridge runs out. This is a serious investment for serious professionals.

Who this printer is best for

The SureColor P900 is built for professional photographers and fine art printmakers who need 17-inch output with gallery-grade quality. If you sell large prints to collectors, create exhibition pieces, or operate a fine art printing service, the P900 delivers the color accuracy and archival longevity your work demands. The roll media support is essential for panoramic printing and efficient production workflows.

Who should look elsewhere

Most home users and even many professional photographers do not need 17-inch printing capability. The SureColor P700 covers 13-inch prints at a lower price with the same ink technology. Anyone on a budget should look at the EcoTank or Expression lines, which deliver great photo quality at a fraction of the cost. Users who print infrequently should also be cautious, as the pigment ink system performs best with regular use to prevent clogging.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Epson Photo Printer

Choosing the right Epson photo printer comes down to understanding three things: what you print, how often you print, and how large you need your prints. After testing these 8 models and reading through thousands of user reviews, I can walk you through the key decisions that will help you pick the right one.

EcoTank vs Cartridge: Which Ink System Is Right for You?

This is the biggest decision you will make. Epson offers two ink systems across their photo printer lines: the traditional cartridge-based Expression series and the refillable-tank EcoTank series. The EcoTank Photo ET-8500 and ET-8550 use refillable ink bottles that cost a fraction per page compared to cartridges. Users on photography forums consistently report their initial ink supply lasting 1 to 2 years with moderate use.

Cartridge-based printers like the Expression Premium XP-7100 and XP-6100 have lower purchase prices but higher ongoing ink costs. If you print fewer than 10 photos per month, the cartridge models may actually cost less overall since the EcoTank premium takes longer to recoup. But if you print 20 or more photos per month, the EcoTank models save you money within the first year.

Print Size: Standard, Tabloid, or Wide-Format?

Standard-size printers like the XP-7100, XP-6100, and ET-8500 handle up to 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 inch media. These cover common photo sizes including 4×6, 5×7, and 8×10. If you primarily print family photos and snapshots, standard size is all you need.

The XP-980 handles tabloid-size media up to 11 x 17 inches, which is a good middle ground for portfolio prints and small posters. The ET-8550, XP-15000, and SureColor P700 go up to 13 x 19 inches, which is the most popular size for gallery prints and fine art photography. The SureColor P900 handles up to 17 inches wide with roll media support for panoramic prints.

Color Ink Systems: 5-Color vs 6-Color vs 10-Color

More ink colors generally mean better print quality, especially in subtle tonal areas. The 5-color Claria Premium system in the XP-7100 and XP-6100 produces excellent photos for everyday use. The 6-color systems in the ET-8500, ET-8550, XP-980, and XP-15000 add light cyan and light magenta (or gray and red in the XP-15000) for smoother gradients and better black-and-white prints.

The 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink in the SureColor P700 and P900 is in a different class entirely. With dedicated violet, light light black, and both photo and matte black inks, these printers produce the widest color gamut and most accurate prints possible. They also use pigment-based inks that are rated for 200 years of color permanence, compared to dye-based inks that typically last 30 to 100 years depending on storage conditions.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

All 8 printers in this roundup support wireless printing, but the details vary. Every model supports Wi-Fi, and most also offer Ethernet for wired network connections. AirPrint support is standard across the board for iOS users. The EcoTank and higher-end Expression models include responsive 4.3-inch color touchscreens that make navigation easy. The XP-6100 uses a smaller, non-touch LCD that works but feels less intuitive.

If you also need scanning capabilities for your printed photos or artwork, our guide to the best scanners for artists covers dedicated scanning options that outperform built-in scanner beds.

Long-Term Cost of Ownership

The true cost of a photo printer is not just the purchase price. Ink, paper, and maintenance all factor in. Based on user reports and my own estimates, here is a rough breakdown. Cartridge-based Expression printers cost roughly $0.50 to $1.00 per 4×6 photo in ink alone. EcoTank models drop that to about $0.05 to $0.15 per 4×6 photo. The SureColor professional models fall somewhere in between on a per-print basis, but the upfront ink investment is much higher.

Maintenance is another factor. Cartridge-based printers are more prone to printhead clogging if they sit unused. EcoTank models tend to be more forgiving because the tanks do not dry out as quickly. The SureColor pigment-based printers need regular nozzle checks and cleaning cycles to maintain optimal print quality, especially if you do not print every day.

FAQs

Conclusion: My Top Recommendation for 2026

After testing and comparing all 8 models, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 stands out as the best overall choice for most people. It combines excellent 6-color photo quality with the economical EcoTank ink system in a compact all-in-one design. The savings on ink alone make it worth the investment for anyone who prints regularly.

For those on a tighter budget, the Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 delivers impressive photo quality at a very accessible price with the added bonus of an automatic document feeder. Professional photographers who need archival pigment prints should look at the Epson SureColor P700 for 13-inch work or the SureColor P900 for 17-inch gallery prints.

No matter which model you choose, investing in one of the best Epson photo printers means taking control of your photo output and producing prints that do justice to your images. Pick the one that matches your print size needs and budget, and you will not be disappointed.