Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 vs EcoTank Photo ET-8500
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500In shortTwo Epson photo all-in-ones, six inks each. The XP-8700 is compact and cheap to buy. The ET-8500 is bigger and cheap to run. (Also searched as ET-8500 vs XP-8700.)
By Marius. Listing data pulled Oct 30, 2026. Page built Nov 1, 2026. How I rank printers.
Expression Photo XP-8700 vs EcoTank Photo ET-8500 specs
| Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum print | 8.5 x 14 in | 8.5 x 11 in (accepts legal paper) |
| Ink system | 6-color Claria Photo HD | 6-color Claria ET Premium |
| Cartridges or tanks | Individual cartridges | Refillable tanks (EcoFit bottles) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Scan and copy | Yes | Yes |
| Screen | 4.3-in touchscreen | Color touchscreen |
| Weight | 15 lb | 18.5 lb |
| Running cost | about 48-55c per 4x6 | about 12-19c per 4x6 |
| Amazon rating | 3.8 from 241 ratings | 4.1 from 1,279 ratings |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
Where they differ
The break-even
Edge: EcoTank Photo ET-8500
Epson’s own numbers on the ET-8550 listing are about 4 cents a 4 x 6 with tanks and about 40 cents with cartridges. With the price gap between these two on the listings I pulled, the tank pays for itself after roughly 800 4 x 6 prints. Fewer than that and the XP-8700 wins on total cost.
Footprint
Edge: Expression Photo XP-8700
15 lb and a low profile against 18.5 lb. The XP-8700 has the better answer for a small desk.
Owner ratings
Edge: EcoTank Photo ET-8500
3.8 from 241 ratings for the XP-8700 and 4.1 from 1,279 for the ET-8500. Same family, different feel in the data.
Who should pick which
Pick the Expression Photo XP-8700 if
A few dozen photo prints a year and limited space.
Pick the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 if
Anything more, or if you’re annoyed by cartridge prices already.
The call
Count your prints honestly. Most people print fewer than they think, which keeps the XP-8700 in the running.
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 review, Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 review, cost calculator.
Questions people ask
Do both have a photo paper tray?
The XP-8700 has a dedicated photo cassette plus a rear feed. See the ET-8500 listing for its trays.
What about the XP-8800?
It’s the newer sibling of the XP-8700 with the same ink set.