In the world of inkjet printers, Epson has established itself as a prominent player, known for its innovative EcoTank series. Two popular models in this series are the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 and the Epson EcoTank ET-8550. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at these two printers to help you make an informed decision based on your printing needs.
Design and Build
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 sports a compact and sleek design. It measures 20.2 x 13.6 x 7.8 inches and weighs approximately 19.8 pounds. It has a user-friendly control panel and a 4.3-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550, on the other hand, is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 20.3 x 16.4 x 10.2 inches and weighing about 27.3 pounds. It also features a touchscreen control panel, but it’s a bit larger at 5 inches, making it even more convenient to use.
Printing Technology
Both printers utilize Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore technology, ensuring high-quality prints with sharp text and vibrant colors. They are both capable of borderless photo printing.
Print Resolution
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 offers a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, which is more than sufficient for most home and small office printing needs.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550, on the other hand, takes it up a notch with an impressive maximum print resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi. This makes it a superior choice for professional photographers and graphic designers who require the utmost in print quality.
Printing Speed
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 can print at speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and 10 ppm for color documents. It’s a decent speed for regular printing tasks.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550 is slightly faster, with a printing speed of up to 16 ppm for black and white documents and 12 ppm for color documents. While the difference may not be dramatic, it can make a noticeable impact when printing larger documents.
Paper Handling
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 comes with a 100-sheet input tray and a 30-sheet rear feed for specialty media. It can handle a variety of paper sizes, including letter, legal, and photo paper.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550 offers more flexibility with a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet rear feed. This larger paper capacity is advantageous for users who frequently print in high volumes.
Ink System
Both printers feature Epson’s signature EcoTank ink system, which eliminates the need for traditional ink cartridges. Instead, they come with refillable ink tanks that can be easily replenished with Epson’s high-capacity ink bottles. This results in significant cost savings in the long run and reduces environmental waste.
Connectivity Options
Both printers offer a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet. They also support mobile printing through the Epson iPrint app, making it convenient to print from smartphones and tablets.
Specialized Printing Capabilities
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
The ET-8500 is a versatile printer that can handle a wide range of printing tasks, including documents, photos, and even occasional envelopes or labels. It’s well-suited for home users and small offices where general-purpose printing is the primary requirement.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550, with its higher print resolution and larger paper capacity, is better equipped for specialized tasks such as photo printing and graphic design projects. If you’re a photographer or a creative professional who needs precise color reproduction and fine details, the ET-8550 is the more suitable choice.
Color Management
Epson EcoTank ET-8500
While the ET-8500 provides good color accuracy, it may not meet the exacting standards of professional photographers or graphic designers who require precise color management. It’s important to note that the ET-8500 is primarily designed for home and small office use, where high-quality color reproduction is important but not necessarily at the professional level.
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The ET-8550, with its higher resolution and advanced color management features, is better equipped to meet the demands of professionals who require precise color control. It comes with advanced color correction tools, making it a preferred choice for users who need to maintain color consistency in their work.
Maintenance and Cost of Ownership
Both printers are part of Epson’s EcoTank series, which is known for its cost-effective printing. The refillable ink tanks significantly reduce the cost per page compared to traditional ink cartridges. However, it’s essential to note that the initial purchase price of the ET-8550 is higher than that of the ET-8500. Users should consider their long-term printing needs and budget when making a decision.
Additional Features
Both printers come with a variety of additional features that enhance the overall user experience. These may include:
- Automatic two-sided (duplex) printing, which can save paper costs.
- Mobile printing capabilities through Epson’s mobile app.
- Ethernet connectivity for networked printing in an office environment.
- High-capacity ink bottles, reducing the frequency of ink refills.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the choice between the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 and ET-8550 ultimately depends on your specific printing requirements and budget. Here’s a brief summary to help you decide:
- Choose the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 if you need a reliable, all-purpose printer for everyday tasks, such as document printing and occasional photo printing. It’s cost-effective and suitable for home and small office use.
- Opt for the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 if you are a professional photographer, graphic designer, or someone who demands high-quality prints with precise color management. The ET-8550’s superior resolution and color accuracy make it the ideal choice for specialized printing needs, despite its higher upfront cost.
Basic Specifications
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet |
| Maximum Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| Print Speed (Black) | 16 pages per minute | 17 pages per minute |
| Print Speed (Color) | 12 pages per minute | 13 pages per minute |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
Paper Handling
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Input Capacity | 100 sheets | 120 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder | No | Yes |
| Duplex Printing | Manual | Automatic |
| Maximum Paper Size | 8.5 x 14 inches | 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes |
Ink System
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Type | Pigment and Dye | Pigment and Dye |
| Number of Ink Bottles | 6 | 6 |
| Ink Bottle Capacity | 70 ml each | 70 ml each |
| Color Gamut | sRGB | Adobe RGB |
| Replacement Cost (set) | $$$ | $$$ |
Display and Controls
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 2.4 inches | 4.3 inches |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Control Panel Buttons | Physical | Touchscreen |
| Memory Card Slot | No | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions and Weight
| Feature | Epson EcoTank ET-8500 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 16.7 x 13.7 x 7.9 in | 20.7 x 16.7 x 13.2 in |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs | 25.1 lbs |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Level | 50 dB | 42 dB |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Consider your priorities, such as print quality, speed, and budget, to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. Both printers offer the benefits of the EcoTank system, ensuring cost-effective and eco-friendly printing in the long run.
