Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 review
My verdictA tidy, small photo all-in-one that makes good 4x6 to 8x10 prints. The cartridges are what you’re really paying for.
Best forSmall desks, dorms and flats that need one machine for photos and documents
Skip it ifFrequent printers: cartridge cost per print will bother you
- Owner rating
- 3.8 from 241
- Price tier
- $$ Oct 30, 2026
- Biggest print
- 8.5 x 14 in
- Running cost
- 48-55c per 4x6
By Marius. Listing data pulled Oct 30, 2026. Page built Nov 1, 2026. How I rank printers.
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 in detail
The photo tray is the good idea
Two cassettes: one for plain paper, one for photo paper in 4 x 6 and 5 x 7, plus a rear feed for specialty stock. You don’t swap paper every time you switch jobs. The 4.3-inch touchscreen makes it simple to run without a computer.
Cartridge cost
Six-color Claria Photo HD cartridges. Epson’s own ET-8550 listing compares tank ink at about 4 cents per 4 x 6 with about 40 cents on traditional cartridges, which is where this printer sits. Fine for a family photo night; costly if you print a hundred prints a month.
The Epson listing also says the printer is designed for Epson genuine cartridges. Plan on paying their price.
XP-8700 or XP-8800
Epson’s newer XP-8800 sits right beside it on Amazon with the same ink set and touchscreen. The XP-8700 listing shows 3.8 from 241 ratings; the XP-8800 shows 3.7 from 153 at the time of the pull. They’re close enough that availability and price should decide.
Cartridge math
Epson’s own listing for the ET-8550 compares tank ink at about 4 cents a 4 x 6 with about 40 cents on cartridges, roughly ten times. If you print twice a month, you’ll hardly notice. If you print a hundred photos for a party, you will.
Where it fits at home
Two cassettes and a rear feed mean photo paper can stay loaded, which is what makes it pleasant for occasional photo printing. It’s also the lightest letter-size photo printer here at about 15 lb.
The catches
- Maximum paper is 8.5 x 14, so no 13 x 19.
- Ratings below 4 on both siblings.
- Cartridge cost per print.
Expression Photo XP-8700 specs
| Maximum print | 8.5 x 14 in |
|---|---|
| Ink system | 6-color Claria Photo HD |
| Cartridges or tanks | Individual cartridges |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Scan and copy | Yes |
| Screen | 4.3-in touchscreen |
| Weight | 15 lb |
| Good to know | Separate photo and plain-paper trays plus a rear feed |
| Running cost | about 48-55c per 4x6 (planning figure) |
What it costs to run, worked out
Cartridge ink is the biggest part of the bill; paper adds to it.
| Size | Ink | Paper (budget to premium) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 40c | 8c to 15c | 48c to 55c |
| 5 x 7 | 58c | 11c to 22c | 69c to 81c |
| 8 x 10 | $1.34 | 26c to 51c | $1.60 to $1.85 |
| Volume | Ink and paper | With printer |
|---|---|---|
| 20 a month | $389 | $669 |
| 60 a month | $1,166 | $1,446 |
| 150 a month | $2,915 | $3,195 |
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 3.8 out of 5 from 241 ratings on the listing I feature, which is a moderate 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.
Expression Photo XP-8700 head to head
Expression Photo XP-8700 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 AmazonQuestions people ask
Is the XP-8700 good for photo prints?
Yes at 4x6 to 8x10, thanks to the photo tray and six inks.
Is the XP-8800 better?
It’s the newer sibling. The listing data pulled for this site shows near-identical ratings.
Does the XP-8700 print 13 x 19?
No. Its maximum is 8.5 x 14.
Can I use third-party ink?
Epson’s listing says the printer is designed for genuine Epson cartridges.