For most home buyers who want one machine for photos, documents, scanning, and copying, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is the strongest fit documented here. It combines six-color refillable ink, borderless prints up to 8.5 x 11 inches in the U.S., automatic two-sided printing, a touchscreen, mobile control, and support for specialty media. Epson calls its output “lab-quality,” but that phrase is the company’s marketing language rather than an independently established test result. See the official ET-8500 specifications.
Choose the Canon PIXMA G620 instead when your priority is a high volume of 4 x 6 prints and low advertised refill cost, and choose the Epson ET-8550 when you genuinely need prints larger than letter or A4. There is no controlled, same-condition head-to-head test establishing one universal winner, so the right choice depends on print size, photo volume, paper handling, and how much everyday document work you expect the printer to do.
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Quick verdict
The ET-8500 is the best all-in-one photo printer choice for a mixed home workflow. It is a genuine multifunction machine: it prints, scans, copies, connects through Epson’s Smart Panel mobile app, and provides automatic duplex printing. Its six-color Claria ET Premium refillable system is designed for photo work while keeping routine documents practical. The U.S. product listing supports borderless photographs up to 8.5 x 11 inches and lists cardstock and specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick.
- Best overall for photos plus home documents: Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500.
- Best for many small 4 x 6 photos: Canon PIXMA G620, if you can live with its simpler document workflow.
- Best for prints larger than letter/A4: Epson ET-8550, a wide-format alternative that supports A3+ output according to independent coverage.
These are fit-based recommendations, not the result of a common laboratory comparison. The available evidence combines manufacturer specifications with independent product-guide observations, and the manufacturers’ ink-cost estimates use different assumptions.
#1 Best Overall
- Never run out of ink. Connect your printer to Alexa and receive notifications when you’re running low. Alexa can even place a smart reorder from Amazon on your behalf, if you enroll in smart reorders
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- Wireless 4-in-1 (Print | Copy | Scan | Fax)
- 15 / 10 ipm Print Speed
- 200 Sheet Capacity (100 Cassette, 100 Rear Feed)
What an all-in-one photo printer must do well
A photo-capable multifunction printer has two jobs that can pull in opposite directions. Photos benefit from extra color channels, careful paper feeding, and borderless modes; documents benefit from fast routine handling, duplexing, simple controls, and a useful paper tray. A model can produce attractive photos yet be frustrating as the only printer in a home.
Start with the largest print you actually need
The ET-8500’s U.S. listing tops out at borderless 8.5 x 11-inch photos. That covers the common letter-size enlargement, but it is not a wide-format printer. Canon specifies the G620 for borderless sizes from 4 x 6 up to 8.5 inches. If your workflow includes A3+ posters, portfolio pages, or larger artwork, move to a wide-format model such as the ET-8550 instead of buying a smaller printer and hoping an adapter or different paper path will solve the problem.
Separate ink design from proof of output quality
Both recommended models use six inks, which gives them more photo-oriented color control than a basic four-color office machine. The ET-8500 uses six-color Claria ET Premium refillable ink. The G620 uses six dye-based inks and adds red and gray to the usual cyan, magenta, yellow, and black set. Those designs are meaningful specifications, but the number of inks alone does not prove that one printer will look better on every photograph, paper type, or driver setting.
Account for the non-photo jobs
Scanning, copying, duplexing, mobile control, and paper capacity matter if this will be the household’s only printer. Epson documents all of those functions for the ET-8500. Independent coverage of the G620 describes strong photo output but notes manual duplexing, no touchscreen, no memory-card slot, no Ethernet, and no main paper tray. Those omissions may be unimportant for a dedicated photo station and inconvenient for schoolwork, tax forms, or a home office.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500: the best mixed-use pick
What you get
Epson positions the ET-8500 as a wireless all-in-one with print, scan, and copy functions. Its six-color Claria ET Premium ink is supplied in refillable bottles rather than conventional small cartridges. The documented feature set includes a color touchscreen, Smart Panel mobile-app support, automatic two-sided printing, borderless output up to 8.5 x 11 inches in the U.S., and support for cardstock and specialty media up to 1.3 mm thick. Confirm the exact regional specification before ordering because paper sizes and bundled supplies can vary.
That combination is why it is the default recommendation here: it addresses photo work without abandoning the controls and automation people expect from a household all-in-one. You can make a borderless enlargement, scan a document, copy a form, and print a two-sided report without switching to a second machine.
Rank #2
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Superior photo quality with 5-color inks — Print stunning photos up to 8" X 10", Plus Sharp text for eye-catching documents; includes dedicated photo and DVD trays.
- Fast 4" X 6" Photos — in as little as 15 seconds (1)
- Convenient FEATURES — Auto 2-sided printing, built-in USB and memory card slots (3).
- Hands-free, voice-activated printing (2) — Print a variety of creative projects and everyday documents, including your to-do and shopping lists.
Where the ET-8500 fits best
- Families that print both photographs and ordinary documents.
- Creators who use glossy, matte, cardstock, or other supported specialty media.
- Users who want a touchscreen and phone-based control rather than a basic button panel.
- Homes where automatic duplexing saves paper and manual handling.
- Buyers who are satisfied with letter/A4-size maximum photo output.
Important qualification on Epson’s claims
Epson’s U.S. page says the printer can produce “lab-quality” color photos, graphics, and documents. Treat “lab-quality” as Epson’s own promotional description, not as an independent assessment. Epson also publishes its own running-cost and longevity estimates; those figures are useful for planning but are not universal measurements under every paper, coverage, or cleaning cycle.
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Canon PIXMA G620: a photo-volume alternative
Why photographers consider it
The G620 is a wireless MegaTank photo printer built around six dye-based inks, including red and gray. Canon lists borderless photo sizes from 4 x 6 through 8.5 inches and supports matte, glossy, square, and other listed media types. Canon also states that the print heads and maintenance cartridge are replaceable, a practical consideration for owners who print often and want serviceable consumable parts. See Canon’s PIXMA G620 product page for the current regional specifications.
For a user who prints stacks of snapshots, the G620’s advertised yield is compelling: Canon says one full ink set can produce up to 3,800 4 x 6 color photos and estimates ink at approximately 2.5 cents per 4 x 6 photo. Both numbers are Canon figures, not an independent cost test. Actual results vary with image coverage, paper, cleaning cycles, and the point at which you consider a print acceptable.
The everyday-workflow compromises
Independent 2026 coverage reports strong photo results but a less capable office feature set. Duplexing is manual, and the review notes the absence of a touchscreen, memory-card slots, Ethernet, and a main paper tray. A manufacturer-listed or review-reported speed of about 47 seconds for a borderless 4 x 6 print should be read as a specification for the stated conditions, not a guaranteed average for every quality mode.
Choose the G620 when small photo volume and refill economy matter more than convenience features. Choose the ET-8500 when the printer must also handle frequent two-sided documents, quick control from a panel or phone, and a broader range of household tasks.
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The ET-8550 addresses the size limitation that separates the ET-8500 from a true wide-format workflow. Independent coverage describes it as a six-ink all-in-one supporting A3+ prints. That makes it the relevant comparison when you need artwork, scrapbook pages, posters, or portfolio sheets beyond letter/A4.
Rank #3
- ECOTANK TECHNOLOGY — This Epson EcoTank ET-2800 wireless all-in-one printer features cartridge-free printing with refillable ink tanks; Delivering up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages per ink bottle set for home use
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY — Connect seamlessly to your home network with Wi-Fi capability; Allowing you to print, scan and copy from multiple devices including computers, laptops and smartphones throughout your home office
- ALL-IN-ONE FUNCTIONALITY — Combines color printing, flatbed scanning and copying in one compact inkjet printer, making it the multifunction printer scanner for basic home and office needs
- PRINTING INK — Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box; Helps reduce need for replacement ink compared to traditional cartridge printers for families and home offices with regular printing demands
- SUPERTANK DESIGN — Features high-capacity ink tank system that removes the need for frequent cartridge replacements; Providing easy printing with Epson's Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for consistent results
Do not automatically upgrade just because the ET-8550 is more capable. Wide-format printers generally require more desk space, larger paper storage, and a higher initial outlay. Confirm the exact model sold in your country, its maximum borderless dimensions, and the scanner limits before purchase; regional names and specifications are not guaranteed to be identical.
ET-8500 versus G620: the decision table
| Decision point | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 | Canon PIXMA G620 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum documented photo size | Borderless up to 8.5 x 11 inches in the U.S. listing | Borderless 4 x 6 up to 8.5 inches | Choose a wide-format model if you need output beyond letter/A4. |
| Ink configuration | Six-color Claria ET Premium refillable ink | Six dye-based inks, including red and gray | Extra photo colors are a design feature, not proof of a universal quality winner. |
| Advertised 4 x 6 cost | Epson says about 4 cents per photo versus 40 cents with cartridges | Canon says approximately 2.5 cents of ink per photo | The methods and assumptions differ, so do not treat the figures as a controlled comparison. |
| Advertised yield | Epson says up to two years of printing per bottle set; its European page separately says up to 2,300 photos | Canon says up to 3,800 4 x 6 color photos per full ink set | These are manufacturer estimates tied to different regions and test assumptions. |
| Document workflow | Print, scan, copy, mobile app, touchscreen, and automatic two-sided printing are listed | Independent coverage notes manual duplexing, no touchscreen, no card slots, no Ethernet, and no main paper tray | The difference is significant when this is your only home printer. |
| Media support highlighted in the documentation | Cardstock and specialty media up to 1.3 mm, plus borderless letter-size photos | Matte, glossy, square photo paper, and other listed media | Match your paper dimensions and thickness to the model’s supported list. |
| Large-format path | Letter/A4-oriented; the ET-8550 is the wide-format alternative | Small-format photo-focused model | Buy for a real size requirement, not a hypothetical future project. |
Specifications and claims in this table come from the Epson ET-8500 listing, the Canon G620 listing, and the independent 2026 photo-printer guide.
Choose by your actual workflow
You print family photos and normal paperwork
Pick the ET-8500. Automatic duplexing, scanning, copying, touchscreen control, and mobile support remove the friction that a photo-focused machine can introduce into routine jobs. Its maximum photo size is enough for standard 4 x 6 snapshots, 5 x 7 prints, and borderless letter-size enlargements.
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Compare the G620 first. Canon’s published yield and ink estimate are aimed directly at this use case, and six dye inks with red and gray are designed around photo output. Accept that you will feed some jobs manually, use manual duplexing for two-sided documents, and work without the connectivity and control features found on the ET-8500.
You need A3+ or other larger prints
Look at the ET-8550 or another documented wide-format all-in-one. The ET-8500 and G620 are not interchangeable with an A3+ workflow. Measure the printer location, check paper availability, and verify the scanner’s regional specification before committing.
You mostly scan and copy, with occasional photos
The ET-8500 remains the safer fit because its documented multifunction controls and automatic duplexing support everyday paperwork. A dedicated photo-first model can cost less to operate for snapshots while still being the wrong tool if document handling is frequent.
Rank #4
- Wireless Print/Copy/Scan
- Up to 2 years of ink included (2)
- Print up to 6,000 black & white / 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks! (1)
- Save up to $1,000 on ink (1)
- 1.35” Square LCD display
How to interpret ink costs and yields
Refillable systems can reduce consumable cost, but a headline cents-per-photo figure is not a guarantee. Ink coverage differs dramatically between a pale family snapshot and a saturated landscape. Cleaning cycles consume ink without producing a finished photo, and paper cost is separate from ink cost.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Model and source | Published figure | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Epson ET-8500, U.S. page | About 4 cents per 4 x 6 photo compared with 40 cents using cartridges | Use as Epson’s own estimate under its published assumptions, not as an independent benchmark. |
| Epson ET-8500, European page | Up to 2,300 photos per included ink set | Regional claim; assumptions and bundled supplies may differ from the U.S. version. |
| Canon G620 | Up to 3,800 4 x 6 color photos per full ink set and approximately 2.5 cents of ink per photo | Canon’s estimate for the stated print size; do not compare it directly with Epson’s number as if conditions were identical. |
| Epson ET-8500 | Up to two years of printing per bottle set | A manufacturer duration estimate, not a universal calendar guarantee. |
Before ordering replacement bottles, verify the printer model, ink series, bottle part number, and your country’s current pricing. The same model family can have regional consumable names or package contents.
Buying checklist
- Write down the largest print you need. If it exceeds 8.5 x 11 inches, compare a wide-format model such as the ET-8550 rather than the ET-8500 or G620.
- Estimate your monthly mix. Count ordinary pages, 4 x 6 snapshots, and larger photos separately. High snapshot volume favors the G620’s stated yield; mixed documents favor the ET-8500’s automation.
- List your required document features. Mark scanning, copying, automatic duplexing, touchscreen control, mobile printing, Ethernet, and memory-card access as required or optional. The G620’s documented omissions matter only when you need those functions.
- Check paper and media. Confirm the exact dimensions, finish, square formats, cardstock thickness, and borderless support you intend to use. Do not assume every glossy or matte sheet is interchangeable.
- Budget for paper as well as ink. Manufacturer cents-per-photo figures cover ink estimates, not the cost of glossy or matte paper, wasted sheets, or maintenance.
- Verify regional details. Product names, included ink, maximum sizes, scanner limits, and replacement-bottle prices can differ between the U.S., Europe, and other markets.
- Confirm the physical setup. Measure clearance for paper loading and scanning, and leave room to handle specialty media without bending it.
Photo-printing workflow that avoids common mistakes
1. Use a supported paper size and finish
Start with paper listed for your printer and select the matching size and surface in the print dialog. A borderless command cannot correct a mismatch between the selected paper dimensions and the sheet actually loaded. For thick media, stay within the ET-8500’s documented 1.3 mm limit and follow the model’s feed direction.
2. Select borderless only when the image is prepared for cropping
Borderless printing enlarges the image slightly so that the sheet has no white edge. That can trim heads, feet, or text near the frame. Leave a safe margin in the original file, preview the crop, and use a standard bordered mode when every pixel must remain visible.
3. Match quality to the job
Use a photo or high-quality setting for final prints and a faster setting for drafts. The exact labels differ by operating system and driver, so choose the option that names your loaded paper type and intended quality rather than relying on a generic “plain paper” default.
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4. Keep color management consistent
Do not let both the editing application and printer driver apply separate color conversions unless you intentionally configured that workflow. For predictable results, use the paper maker’s recommended profile when available, keep the same color space from edit to print, and make a small proof before committing a large sheet.
Best Value
- CLEAR AND VIBRANT PRINT QUALITY ― All-in-one inkjet color printer produces sharp text for eye-catching documents and impressive color photos and graphics; Your next print job will be vivid and bright with this photo printer
- PRINTER FOR HOME USE ― Designed to increase your productivity at home, this wireless color printer features a 30 page auto document feeder (ADF), auto 2-sided print, copy, and scan, multiple media feeds, and print quality you can count on
- CREATIVITY MADE EASY ― Epson color printer provides creative versatility, allowing you to print photos and documents on specialty paper¹ and DVDs; You can even print bright and crisp borderless photos up to 8 X 10 in
- SIMPLE FUNCTIONALITY ― Convenient features make printing, scanning, and copying a snap; Use the large, intuitive 4.3 in touchscreen to view, edit and print photos directly from USB or SD card slot²
- CONVENIENT WIRELESS PRINTER ― Ultimate wireless plus ethernet; Easily print photos and documents directly from your tablet or smartphone³; Includes Wi-Fi direct for network-free printing⁴
5. Let prints dry before judging them
Dye-based photo prints can look different immediately after leaving the printer. Handle the edges, allow adequate drying time for the paper, and compare the print under the lighting in which it will be displayed. This is especially important when deciding whether a color or density change is really needed.
Pitfalls and practical fixes
The print looks dull or has the wrong contrast
Check that the driver paper type matches the loaded sheet and that a plain-paper mode was not selected for glossy media. Print a small test image before changing the original file. If the problem appears only on one paper brand, use the printer’s supported media list and the paper manufacturer’s recommended settings.
The borderless print is clipped
Verify the selected size, orientation, and borderless option, then inspect the preview for automatic enlargement. Move important details inward or switch to a bordered layout. Borderless output is a crop-to-fill process, not a promise that the entire source frame will fit.
You expected automatic duplexing from the G620
Independent coverage describes G620 duplexing as manual. Print the first side, reload the pages in the correct orientation, and test with two sheets before running a long document. If automatic two-sided printing is a daily requirement, the ET-8500 is the better fit.
Specialty cardstock does not feed reliably
Confirm thickness and feed path before troubleshooting software. For the ET-8500, Epson lists specialty media up to 1.3 mm; heavier stock falls outside that documented limit. Fan sheets gently, load the number recommended by the manual, and avoid forcing a bowed sheet.
Ink cost is higher than the headline estimate
Separate ink, paper, and maintenance in your records. Large saturated images, repeated nozzle-cleaning cycles, discarded misprints, and premium paper can all raise the cost per finished photograph. Compare your own average over several refill cycles rather than treating a manufacturer estimate as a guarantee.
Supplies and regional checks before ordering
Buy ink bottles and photo paper only after confirming the exact model and ink series. Check whether the package is intended for the U.S., Europe, or another market, and verify that the paper dimensions appear in the printer’s supported list. For the G620, Canon’s replaceable print heads and maintenance cartridge are useful service features, but availability and pricing should be confirmed locally. For either Epson model, confirm the current bottle SKU and the ink quantity included with the printer.
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Stock paper in the sizes you will actually use instead of assuming that a printer’s maximum size describes every feed path. Keep glossy and matte sheets in their original packaging, protect them from humidity, and label opened packs so you can reproduce a successful print setting later.
Final recommendation
Buy the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 when one printer must cover serious home photos and normal printing, scanning, and copying. Select the Canon PIXMA G620 when 4 x 6 photo volume and Canon’s advertised refill economy outweigh the loss of automatic duplexing, a touchscreen, Ethernet, card slots, and a main paper tray. Move to the Epson ET-8550 only when A3+ or another larger-than-letter requirement is real and recurring. Recheck regional specifications, ink availability, and current prices immediately before purchase because those details can change.
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.
