Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Review: Premium A4 Photo Printing with Low Running Costs

The ET-8500 is Epson’s flagship A4 photo-centric multifunction inkjet printer, designed for those who want more than just basic document printing. With a six-ink EcoTank system, wireless connectivity and a user-friendly touchscreen, it aims to deliver rich, vibrant photo prints straight from your desk — at much lower ongoing cost than traditional cartridge-based printers. 

While the A4 format limits maximum print size compared with its larger sibling, the ET-8550(which can output up to A3+), the ET-8500’s smaller footprint and focus on premium A4 photo quality make it a compelling choice for photographers, creatives and small studios.

Key Features & Specs

The Epson ET-8500 packs premium features for A4 photo printing in one package:

• Six-ink EcoTank system — rich colour gamut with dye-based colour inks plus pigment black for crisp text. 
• Wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet and USB support. 
• Large colour touchscreen for easy standalone operation. 
• Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks — dramatically lower ongoing ink costs. 
• A4-only photo printing — ideal for 4x6, A4 and similar formats. 
• All-in-one print/scan/copy functionality with flatbed scanner. 

Print Quality & Workflow

In practice, the ET-8500’s six-ink system produces vibrant and well-saturated photos on glossy and semi-gloss paper, and strong document prints thanks to the pigment black ink. Reviewers note its flexible paper handling and user-friendly operation, even if it doesn’t match the absolute colour fidelity of dedicated professional photo printers. 

Connectivity is broad — including wireless printing via app or network — and the refillable EcoTank design means ink running costs remain impressively low compared with traditional cartridge models. For many users, this combination of quality and economy is a standout feature.

Watch It in Action

Epson ET-8500 vs ET-8550 — Key Differences

The biggest distinction between these two printers is paper size support. The ET-8500 focuses on A4/8.5" printing, while the ET-8550 supports larger A3+ prints — a major advantage for photographers or creatives wanting larger photo output. Internally, they share the same six-ink EcoTank photo engine and wireless features, so quality and cost efficiency are very similar. 

Who Should Buy the ET-8500?

• Photography enthusiasts and hobbyists: Ideal for printing high-quality A4 photos at home.
• Small creative studios: Great for client proofs, portfolios and marketing prints without expensive cartridges.
• Families & memory printing: Excellent for prints of travel photos, portraits and daily moments.
• Home office users with photo needs: A strong all-in-one for documents and photos under one roof.

Final Verdict: Premium A4 Photo Printer That’s Worth It

The Epson ET-8500 sits near the top of Epson’s A4 EcoTank lineup because it balances excellent photo-centric performance with very low running costs. If you want better image richness and colour vibrancy than standard A4 printers — and are willing to pay a premium upfront for refillable inks and wireless convenience — this printer delivers strong value.

While not a gallery-level photo press, the ET-8500 brings powerful photo printing into the home or creative workspace with minimal fuss and ongoing costs.