Epson XP-8700 Photo Printer Review: High Quality, High Cost
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up bluntly: “If you’re serious about photo printing, this little machine is a beast.” The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Wireless All-in-One Printer consistently scores between 4.3 and 4.4 out of 5 across platforms, earning around 8.6/10 on performance for its niche — high-quality home photo output with respectable office functionality. But beneath the glossy marketing claims, users say it’s a story of stunning prints, smart paper handling, and unexpectedly high ink costs.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for photo enthusiasts; proceed with caution if you print a lot of text
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional photo quality with 6-color Claria Photo HD inks | Very high cost-per-page, especially for graphics |
| Compact “small-in-one” footprint with dual paper trays | Slower text printing than many rivals |
| Mobile-friendly with Wi-Fi Direct & Epson Smart Panel app | Requires only genuine Epson ink cartridges |
| Auto-duplex printing saves paper | Limited longevity per cartridge (~7 months) |
| Versatile media support including CDs/DVDs | No refillable ink tank option |
Claims vs Reality
Epson’s marketing promises “professional-quality photos at home” and “borderless prints up to 8.5” x 11" from an advanced 6-color Claria Photo HD system.” Reddit user PrintGeek84 backed this up: “Photos look every bit as good as my local lab’s, with smooth gradations and spot-on skin tones.” Photography hobbyists and semi-professionals echoed this across Trustpilot and Quora, noting the huge color gamut and longevity up to “300 years in an album.”
The company also touts “easy operation” via a 4.3" color touchscreen and intuitive controls. A verified buyer on Amazon agreed: “Setup with Smart Panel took 10 minutes from box to first print — no driver headaches.” However, Consumer Reports noted a discrepancy: their testing measured the display at 7.4 inches diagonal, not 4.3, leading to confusion over official specs.
Finally, Epson claims “versatile paper handling” with dedicated photo and specialty trays. Here, users strongly support the claim — from printing on card stock via rear feed to decorative CDs. Reddit user SnapStudio said: “I’ve done art prints, wedding invites, and DVD labels without a hitch.” But they also warn that heavier media works “only if you feed one sheet at a time, otherwise misfeeds happen.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Twitter, the standout praise is for photo print quality. A Trustpilot reviewer described the output as “rich, deep blacks and natural tones — rivals professional labs.” Photographers benefit most from this, especially those who want to experiment with different paper types. The rear specialty feed was singled out for accepting media up to 300 g/m², ideal for small business creatives producing sample boards or greeting cards.
Wireless flexibility also scores high marks. From Apple AirPrint to Epson’s Creative Print app, mobile workflows run smoothly. A verified buyer remarked: “Printed my vacation shots straight from my iPhone in seconds — no PC needed.” The convenience appeals to families who share the printer across multiple devices. Combined with dual trays, there’s negligible downtime switching between office docs and photos.
Another consistent crowd-pleaser is the compact footprint with powerful functionality. At just 6.8 kg, it fits small desks without sacrificing scanner or copier capability. One Reddit comment noted: “It’s the only photo printer I could keep in my dorm that didn’t feel like a monstrosity.”
Common Complaints
The Achilles’ heel is ink cost. Consumer Reports calculated color graphic printing at 63.7 cents per page, and text at 12.9 cents — “very high for inkjet.” Over two years of moderate use, the total equivalent cost hit $534, ballooning to $944 over five years. Users in high-volume scenarios, like teachers printing handouts with graphics, find this unsustainable.
Speed is another sore spot. Official specs cite 9–9.5 ppm, but multiple testers reported slower-than-average text jobs. A Reddit user said: “My 5-page letter took nearly 40 seconds — fine for me, but frustrating when you’re rushing.”
Lastly, the printer’s refusal to work with third-party inks drew ire from some. Amazon buyer review: “When my last Epson allowed generic ink, costs were halved. This locks you in.” Attempts with off-brand cartridges often end in non-recognition or print quality drops.
Divisive Features
Voice-activated printing divides opinion. Casual users appreciate telling Alexa to print grocery lists; power users see it as gimmicky. A Quora answer mentioned: “It’s fun once, then I go back to hitting ‘Print’ in my editing software.”
The motorized output tray is another — some enjoy the ‘premium’ feel, others worry about mechanical wear. As one Trustpilot comment wryly noted: “Looks cool until it fails mid-job — mine jammed after a year, though Epson replaced it.”
Trust & Reliability
Digging deeper into Reddit threads, durability holds up well for light to moderate use. Six months in, Reddit user LensLover posted: “Still flawless — colors haven’t shifted, no clogged nozzles.” Complaints about breakdowns are rare, though reliability is compromised if genuine inks aren’t used.
On Trustpilot, the main trust concern is corporate — Epson’s firm stance against third-party inks feels restrictive to cost-conscious buyers. Returns and warranty replacements are generally smooth, especially with optional CoverPlus service packs extending repair coverage up to five years.
Alternatives
While direct competitors were rarely named, some users compared the XP-8700 to Epson’s EcoTank models. EcoTank wins on ongoing ink costs, XP-8700 wins hands-down on photo fidelity. Canon’s PIXMA photo series also came up — Reddit photographers felt Canon’s prints were slightly warmer in tone, Epson’s slightly cooler and sharper.
For heavy text printing and low running costs, avoid this model; for best-in-class home photo output, it pulls ahead.
Price & Value
eBay listings show wild price variance: from $129 open-box to $425 new, versus Amazon’s $295.88. Open-box deals are attractive, but community advice warns to check ink levels and warranty status. The resale value holds decently among hobbyists — fetching over $120 even after a year if prints remain flawless.
Tips from Reddit: buy high-capacity 312XL cartridges to double yield, and time purchases during seasonal sales where Epson bundles paper.
FAQ
Q: Is it worth buying for non-photo printing?
A: Only if your volume is low — office text output is fine but slower, and ink costs are high compared to purpose-built document printers.
Q: Can I use third-party ink to save money?
A: No reliably; the printer is designed for Epson cartridges only, and will reject generics.
Q: How long do the cartridges last?
A: Around 7 months for average home use; high-volume or large photo jobs shorten that lifespan considerably.
Q: Does it support borderless printing for all sizes?
A: Yes, up to 8.5” x 11”. Small formats like 4”x6” print in about 10 seconds on premium glossy paper.
Q: How easy is mobile setup via Smart Panel?
A: Very — most users report under 15 minutes from unboxing to first print, no PC required.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a photo enthusiast, hobbyist, or creative small-business owner who needs stunning prints and versatile media handling without industrial output. Avoid if your priority is low-cost, high-volume text.
Pro tip from the community: “Load the rear feed one specialty sheet at a time — perfect results, no jams.”
