Choosing a used thermal receipt printer for your POS retail supplies setup usually comes down to two workhorses: the Citizen CT-S2000 and the Epson TM-T88V M244A. Both are Windows-compatible and come with a jam-free auto-cutter, so they share the basics. The real differences are price, included extras, and the quirks that come with pre-owned equipment.
Quick Verdict
If you want the lowest upfront price, the Epson TM-T88V M244A is the stronger pick. It comes ready to plug in, prints well, and only shows case scratches. If you'd rather have a ready-to-test package and are okay with the missing roll retainer, the Citizen CT-S2000 is a very good unit.
At a Glance
| Feature | Citizen CT-S2000 | Epson TM-T88V M244A |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $39.99 |
| Connectivity | USB | USB |
| Cutter | JamFree Auto-Cutter | JamFree Auto-Cutter |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Included extras | Power supply and paper roll | AC adapter and USB printer cable |
| Notable quirk | Missing middle roll retainer | Scratched case |
Where Each Printer Wins
Choose the Citizen CT-S2000 if...
The Citizen is the pick when you want a printer that is ready to run right away. It arrives with the power supply, and it is in very good condition beyond the missing roll retainer. If you need to start printing quickly, the extra convenience is worth the higher price.
Choose the Epson TM-T88V M244A if...
The Epson wins on price and cabling. It is $20 less than the Citizen, and it comes with the essential cables. The case has several scratches, but it prints good, so if a scuffed exterior is acceptable, the Epson gives you the most usable printing setup for the least money.
Product Notes
Citizen CT-S2000 POS Receipt Printer - Thermal Barcode W/ Roll & Power Supply
The Citizen arrives with a power supply and a paper roll, which makes it the easier choice for a quick setup. The Windows-compatible thermal printer is in very good condition. The main flaw is a missing middle piece that normally holds the paper roll in place. The unit still prints without that piece, and the roll just may shift when the printer is moved. If you can accept that quirk, the Citizen offers a complete printing package for $59.99, including a test roll, so you can confirm output immediately.
Epson TM-T88V M244A USB/Serial Thermal POS Receipt Printer w/ Power Supply
The Epson is the more economical choice at $39.99 and still gives you everything you need to plug in: an AC adapter and a USB printer cable. The printer was recently retired from a store, and it prints good and is in good overall condition despite several scratches on the case. If you don't mind a few scuffs, this is the financially sensible option for someone who wants a working thermal receipt printer without a paper roll included.
Final Choice by Use Case
- Choose the Citizen CT-S2000 when you want a printer that is ready to run right away and can work around the missing roll retainer. The higher price gets you a very good condition thermal printer that is ready to go.
- Choose the Epson TM-T88V M244A when you want the lower price. A few scratches on the case are a fair trade for a working printer that prints good.
Both of these thermal printers can handle a retail counter. The Citizen has the convenience edge; the Epson has the price edge.
