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The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the strongest evidence-backed choice when you need borderless prints larger than letter size, while the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 is the clearest letter-size cartridge option. The other three models are sensible candidates for different ownership patterns, but their current regional specifications, prices, or availability need confirmation. This is a buyer’s guide to a provisional shortlist—not a hands-on test or a verified current ranking.
Choose by the work you actually do: print size, number of photos per month, whether you scan one original or a stack, and the exact model sold in your country. A six-color photo engine can improve tonal transitions, but it does not compensate for the wrong paper path, an inconvenient scanner, or ink costs that do not fit your volume.
What should you look for in a photo printer-scanner combo?
A photo all-in-one combines an inkjet photo printer, a flatbed scanner and a copier. The best model is the one that matches your largest print size and your document workflow, not necessarily the one with the most impressive product name.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Output size: Decide whether 4 × 6-inch and letter-size prints are enough, or whether you need borderless output around 11 × 17 inches or A3+.
- Ink ownership: Refillable-tank systems generally deserve investigation for frequent printing; cartridge systems can be simpler for occasional use or a lower initial commitment. A break-even point cannot be stated without local ink prices and your real monthly volume.
- Scanning: A flatbed is suitable for individual photos, book pages and documents. An automatic document feeder (ADF) matters when you regularly scan a stack of loose pages.
- Paper handling: A dedicated photo tray reduces the friction of switching between plain paper and photo media. Confirm supported sizes and weights before buying paper.
- Regional identity: Names, suffixes, included functions, consumables and warranties can vary by country. Verify the exact listing for your market.
The shortlist below reflects manufacturer specifications and named published assessments available for these models. It does not establish a controlled five-printer test, a universal price ranking or current inventory.
#1 Best Overall
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- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which five models belong on your shortlist?
| Model | Ink and format positioning | Scanner/document notes | Best fit | Evidence qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | Six-color refillable tank; borderless up to A3+ in Epson Australia’s specification | Flatbed scan size reported by RTINGS as up to 8.5 × 14 inches; no ADF | Frequent photo printing and large prints | Regional specifications and stock still need checking |
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 | Six-color refillable tank; positioned as the letter-size alternative to the ET-8550 | Print, copy and scan; dedicated photo-paper tray listed by Epson Australia | Tank ownership without a wide-format requirement | Confirm the local specification and price |
| Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 | Six-color Claria Photo HD cartridge ink; borderless up to 8.5 × 11 inches | Built-in scanner and copier; separate photo and specialty-paper trays | Occasional or moderate letter-size photo work | Replacement-cartridge yields are listed by Epson US, but are not a direct tank cost comparison |
| Epson Expression Photo XP-980 | Wide-format family candidate | XP-950 documentation describes print, copy and scan; XP-980 details require verification | Buyers considering an older or region-specific wide-format model | Epson identifies XP-980 as the XP-950 replacement; XP-950 specifications should not be assumed for XP-980 |
| Canon PIXMA G620 | Photo-focused MegaTank multifunction candidate | Complete scanner specifications were not established in the available material | Readers investigating a tank-based photo multifunction device | Verify the current manufacturer page, scanner details and local stock |
Is the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 the best wide-format choice?
It is the clearest wide-format pick supported by the available evidence, especially if you want borderless output beyond letter size and refillable ink. Its principal compromise is document handling: the scanner is a flatbed and it lacks an ADF.
What the ET-8550 does
Epson Australia lists print, copy and scan functions, a six-color ink system and borderless printing up to A3+. Digital Camera World describes it as a versatile photo printer with a standard-sized scanner. That combination makes it attractive for photographers who want large prints but still need occasional copying and scanning in one chassis.
What the scanner limitation means
RTINGS reports a maximum flatbed scan size of 8.5 × 14 inches and says the ET-8550 has no automatic document feeder. You can place one original at a time on the glass, but you cannot load a pile of loose pages for unattended scanning. For a family photo, artwork or a single receipt, that is normally manageable; for a multi-page archive, it adds handling time.
Who should buy it
- Choose it when A3+ borderless printing is a real requirement rather than an occasional aspiration.
- Choose it when you print enough photos to justify investigating a refillable tank.
- Look elsewhere if batch document scanning is central to your home office.
Confirm the exact Australian or other regional model before purchase. The A3+ statement cited here is from Epson Australia, and regional versions can differ in media support, bundled ink and warranty.
When does the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 make more sense?
The ET-8500 is the logical tank alternative when you want photo-oriented printing and scanning but do not need the ET-8550’s wide-format capability. Epson Australia lists it as a print/copy/scan all-in-one with six-color ink and a dedicated photo-paper tray.
Why its format decision matters
A smaller maximum sheet size can be an advantage if your routine is 4 × 6-inch photos, greeting cards and ordinary letter-size documents. The printer occupies less working space than a wide-format model and avoids paying for a capability you will rarely use. Conversely, buying it and later discovering that you need A3+ output can mean replacing the entire device.
What to verify before ordering
- Check the exact maximum borderless size for your country’s ET-8500 listing.
- Confirm whether the supplied ink bottles and replacement bottle part numbers match the regional model.
- Check the scanner dimensions and whether an ADF is included; the available specification summary does not establish those details.
- Compare the current price with the ET-8550 after including paper and ink, not just the printer’s sticker price.
Is the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 the best letter-size cartridge model?
The XP-8700 is the most completely documented letter-size option in this shortlist. Epson US lists six-color Claria Photo HD ink, borderless printing up to 8.5 × 11 inches, a built-in scanner and copier, and separate trays for photo and specialty paper.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why cartridge ownership can be reasonable
Cartridges can suit a household that prints photos intermittently and values a familiar replacement process over the lowest possible ink cost at high volume. You avoid estimating bottle usage and storage, while accepting that frequent printing may make replacement cartridges expensive over time.
How to interpret Epson’s yield figures
Epson provides replacement-cartridge page-yield figures on the XP-8700 product page. Those figures are useful for understanding the manufacturer’s consumable system, but they are not a direct cost-per-photo comparison with tank models. Photo coverage, paper size, cleaning cycles and local cartridge prices all change the result.
Who should choose it
- Choose it for letter-size borderless photos, small creative projects and occasional scanning.
- Choose it when a dedicated photo tray is more valuable than wide-format output.
- Investigate a tank model instead if you expect sustained, high-volume photo printing.
What is known about the Epson Expression Photo XP-980?
The XP-980 should be treated as a model-family candidate, not as a fully verified recommendation. Epson’s XP-950 product page identifies the XP-980 as the replacement product and describes the XP-950 as a six-color print/copy/scan model supporting borderless prints up to 11 × 17 inches.
Why the XP-950 specifications cannot simply be transferred
A replacement model can change its wireless features, media limits, scanner behavior, ink cartridges or regional availability. The 11 × 17-inch and other details cited above belong to the XP-950 documentation. They are not proof that every XP-980 variant has identical capabilities.
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- Identify the complete model number and the country for which it was manufactured.
- Read the current manufacturer specification for maximum paper size, borderless sizes and supported media.
- Confirm that print, copy and scan are all included rather than assuming the family name guarantees multifunction capability.
- Check the scanner surface, optical resolution and ADF status in the same regional document.
- Verify replacement ink availability and warranty support before buying an older or imported unit.
Should you consider the Canon PIXMA G620?
Yes, but only after filling in the missing specification details. Digital Camera World’s 2026 guide describes the G620 as a photo printer and highlights its multifunction MegaTank value. The available material does not provide complete scanner specifications or establish current stock.
Questions the listing must answer
- What is the maximum scan area and optical scan resolution?
- Does the exact regional model include copying and which paper sizes can it print borderlessly?
- What is in the box, and which bottle part numbers are sold in your country?
- Is the unit currently supported and available through an authorized local channel?
Until those answers are confirmed on the manufacturer’s current product page, compare the G620 on its verified facts rather than on the general “MegaTank” label.
How do the five options differ for common home workflows?
| Your priority | Most plausible starting point | Reason | Trade-off to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large borderless prints | ET-8550 | Six-color tank system and A3+ borderless support listed by Epson Australia | No ADF; verify local media limits |
| Letter-size photos with cartridges | XP-8700 | Six-color Claria Photo HD, 8.5 × 11-inch borderless output and separate trays | Replacement ink economics at higher volume |
| Letter-size tank printing | ET-8500 | Six-color tank and dedicated photo tray listed by Epson Australia | Confirm exact local format and scanner specification |
| Older or region-specific wide-format family | XP-980 | XP-950 documentation points to the family’s wide-format heritage | XP-980 capabilities must be verified independently |
| Canon tank alternative | PIXMA G620 | Photo-focused multifunction MegaTank positioning in Digital Camera World’s 2026 guide | Scanner specifications and stock are not established here |
How should you compare tank and cartridge running costs?
Do not use the printer’s purchase price alone. Build a simple local estimate using the same photo size, paper type, print volume and replacement-ink prices for every candidate.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A practical comparison method
- Write down your expected monthly mix, such as 20 4 × 6-inch photos, four letter-size prints and ten pages of documents.
- Record the manufacturer’s replacement consumable prices in your country, including every color required by the system.
- Use published page yields only as a reference; photo coverage and cleaning can differ substantially from standard document tests.
- Add photo paper costs and any premium media you actually plan to use.
- Compare a 12-month total, separating the printer purchase from recurring consumables.
Tank models generally become more interesting as volume rises, while cartridges can be perfectly rational when printing is sporadic. The available sources do not provide comparable prices, yields and usage assumptions, so no universal break-even number is defensible.
What scanner workflow should you expect?
Most photo all-in-ones in this shortlist use a flatbed: place one photo or document on the glass, close the lid and scan. That design protects originals and handles books or mounted photographs better than a feeder, but it requires manual placement for every page.
Flatbed versus ADF
- Flatbed: Best for individual photos, fragile originals, pages from books and mixed-size items.
- ADF: Best for multiple loose pages, receipts or forms that need batch scanning.
- No ADF: The ET-8550 is explicitly reported by RTINGS as lacking one; do not assume another model has one without a current specification.
If scanning is a primary task, treat the scanner specification as a purchase requirement rather than a bonus feature. Ask whether the lid opening, scan area and software controls fit the originals you own.
Which paper and print sizes should you verify?
Start with the largest finished print you genuinely need, then confirm borderless support for that exact size. “Wide-format” does not automatically mean every paper type can run borderless, and a printer may support a sheet size only with margins.
- The ET-8550’s A3+ borderless capability is listed by Epson Australia.
- The XP-8700’s Epson US specification lists borderless output up to 8.5 × 11 inches.
- The 11 × 17-inch borderless description belongs to the XP-950 documentation cited in connection with the XP-980 family; verify the XP-980 itself.
- For the ET-8500 and G620, check the current regional media table before buying paper.
Use paper profiles or the printer driver’s media setting when available. Selecting a plain-paper mode for glossy stock can change ink density, drying behavior and color appearance.
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Regional naming makes this step essential. Complete this checklist on the manufacturer’s page or an authorized local listing.
- Copy the full model name, suffix and region from the listing.
- Confirm print, copy and scan functions are all present.
- Record maximum paper size, borderless sizes and the supported photo-paper types.
- Check flatbed dimensions, optical scan resolution and ADF availability.
- Note the included ink, replacement part numbers and warranty terms.
- Check current stock and the seller’s return policy.
- Compare the total first-year cost using your own print volume.
This process prevents two common mistakes: importing a similarly named regional variant and treating a predecessor’s specification as proof of a replacement model’s capability.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How should you set up a photo printer-scanner combo?
- Install the manufacturer’s current driver and scanning software for your operating system.
- Complete print-head alignment or nozzle checks if the setup wizard requests them.
- Load the photo paper with the correct printable side and select its exact media type in the driver.
- Print a small test image before committing a large sheet or a full batch.
- Place a scan original squarely against the flatbed guides and choose the intended resolution and file format.
- Save a color-managed master file for important scans, then create smaller copies for sharing.
- Run the printer’s maintenance cycle only when needed; repeated cleaning consumes ink.
Keep the scanner glass clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and avoid pressing fragile photographs against the lid. Store opened photo paper flat and sealed so humidity does not curl the sheets.
What problems are most likely, and how can you fix them?
Photos have bands or missing colors
Check the nozzle pattern, confirm that the selected media matches the loaded paper and run the manufacturer’s maintenance routine once. If the pattern does not improve, stop repeated cleaning and consult the model-specific service guidance.
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Borderless printing is unavailable
Verify that the chosen paper size and media type support borderless output. Some drivers disable the option when a size, feed path or paper type is incompatible.
Scans are clipped
Check the original’s placement against the flatbed marks and make sure the software is not using an automatic crop. For oversized originals, scan in sections and stitch the files rather than forcing the entire item into a smaller scan area.
Colors look different from the screen
Use the correct printer-paper profile when supplied, keep display brightness reasonable and judge prints under consistent light. A screen image and a reflective print are different viewing systems, so an exact visual match is not guaranteed by the printer alone.
Ink costs rise unexpectedly
Track how many photos are printed, not just pages. Large, saturated images use more ink than ordinary documents, and maintenance cycles can consume ink even when no photo is produced.
What is the final buying decision?
Start with the ET-8550 if A3+ borderless photos and a refillable six-color system outweigh the inconvenience of a flatbed-only scanner. Start with the XP-8700 if you need a documented letter-size photo all-in-one with cartridges and separate photo handling. Investigate the ET-8500 for a letter-size tank workflow, and treat the XP-980 and G620 as candidates that require additional regional verification before you commit.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Whichever model you select, verify the exact local specification, consumables, warranty and current stock on the day you buy. That final check matters more than a nominal ranking when model names and capabilities vary by market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a flatbed photo printer scanner scan several pages automatically?
No. A flatbed requires you to place each original on the glass. Automatic batch scanning needs an ADF, and its presence must be confirmed in the exact model specification.
Are six-color printers always better than four-color printers for photos?
Extra photo inks can provide smoother gradations in some images, but final results also depend on the paper, driver settings, image file and viewing light. Treat the ink count as one factor, not a guarantee of superior prints.
Can I scan a photo larger than the printer’s glass?
You can scan it in overlapping sections and combine the files in image-editing software. The result depends on careful alignment and consistent exposure, so a single large-format scanner is preferable for frequent oversized originals.
How long should printed photos dry before handling?
Drying time varies with ink coverage, paper coating, humidity and the selected media setting. Follow the paper manufacturer’s handling guidance and avoid stacking freshly printed glossy sheets face-to-face.
Do regional model numbers affect replacement ink?
Yes. The same product family can use different cartridge or bottle part numbers by market. Match the consumable code to the complete regional model, not only to a similar-sounding series name.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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