Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 review
My verdictSame ink system as the ET-8550 in a smaller body that stops at letter size. If you never print larger, this is the better buy.
Best forFamilies printing 4x6 to 8x10 photos plus paperwork
Skip it ifAnyone who wants 13 x 19 or larger
- Owner rating
- 4.1 from 1,279
- Price tier
- $$$ Oct 30, 2026
- Biggest print
- 8.5 x 11 in
- Running cost
- 12-19c per 4x6
By Marius. Listing data pulled Oct 30, 2026. Page built Nov 1, 2026. How I rank printers.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 in detail
Don’t trust the spec box on the listing
The Amazon spec table for this listing says a 13 x 19 maximum. The paper-size list on the same page doesn’t include it, and the machine is letter-size. The ET-8550 is the one that goes to 13 x 19. This is the exact kind of listing mistake that leads to a return, so I’d rather say it out loud.
What it does well
Six-color Claria ET Premium ink from refillable bottles, an all-in-one body that also scans and copies, Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and a CD and DVD printing tray. At about 18.5 lb it’s the lightest of the photo tanks here, and it fits on a regular shelf.
Where I’d hesitate
Rated 4.1 from 1,279 ratings on the main listing, which is good for the category but not outstanding. Like any inkjet it wants regular use so the nozzles stay clear. If you’ve settled on tank economics, the question is only size: letter or 13 x 19.
Two listings for one printer
There’s a second ET-8500 listing with only 15 ratings. Judge the printer by the bigger sample and compare sellers for price and warranty.
Same bottles as the 8550
It takes the same 552 bottles as the ET-8550, so a stock of ink suits either machine if you ever step up in size.
The catches
- Letter-size ceiling.
- Another ET-8500 listing shows a much smaller sample, so compare listings and sellers.
EcoTank Photo ET-8500 specs
| Maximum print | 8.5 x 11 in (accepts legal paper) |
|---|---|
| Ink system | 6-color Claria ET Premium |
| Cartridges or tanks | Refillable tanks (EcoFit bottles) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Scan and copy | Yes |
| Screen | Color touchscreen |
| Weight | 18.5 lb |
| Good to know | Prints, scans and copies; prints on CDs and DVDs |
| Running cost | about 12-19c per 4x6 (planning figure) |
What it costs to run, worked out
Ink is a few cents a print on a tank; on cartridges it is the largest part of the bill.
| Size | Ink | Paper (budget to premium) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 4c | 8c to 15c | 12c to 19c |
| 5 x 7 | 6c | 11c to 22c | 17c to 28c |
| 8 x 10 | 14c | 26c to 51c | 40c to 65c |
| Volume | Ink and paper | With printer |
|---|---|---|
| 20 a month | $129 | $704 |
| 60 a month | $388 | $963 |
| 150 a month | $971 | $1,546 |
Planning figures from listings pulled Oct 30, 2026. The printer price is rounded and moves daily. Put in your own numbers.
What owners say
Amazon shows 4.1 out of 5 from 1,279 ratings on the listing I feature, which is a large sample. Data pulled Oct 30, 2026. A star average says owners are happy, not why; sort the listing by recent and critical reviews before you buy.
EcoTank Photo ET-8500 head to head
EcoTank Photo ET-8500 alternatives
Pairs well with: 4x6 inkjet paper
Epson Premium High-Gloss Photo Paper, 4x6 borderless, 100 sheets
4.8 (4,374)View on Amazon
Epson Value Photo Paper Glossy, 4x6, 100 sheets
4.7 (6,113)View on AmazonPairs well with: Epson 552 ink bottles
Epson 552 five-color ink bottle combo for ET-8500 and ET-8550
4.8 (895)View on Amazon
Epson 552 cyan, magenta and yellow bottle combo
4.9 (62)View on Amazon
Epson 552 black ink bottle, 70 mL
4.9 (618)View on Amazon
Epson 552 photo black ink bottle, 70 mL
4.9 (340)View on AmazonQuestions people ask
What is the maximum print size?
Letter, 8.5 x 11 in. Legal paper is accepted.
Does it scan?
It’s an all-in-one with scanning and copying.
Can the ET-8500 print on CDs?
Yes. Epson lists CD and DVD printing.
Is the ET-8500 a good choice for 4x6 photos?
Yes, and it costs a few cents per print in ink by Epson’s own claim.