When you're shopping for wide-format printers and plotters, you'll often be choosing between a compact desktop photo printer and a large-format roll-fed workhorse. The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 and the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 sit at similar price points, but they're built for very different jobs. Let's sort out which one matches your printing needs.
Quick Verdict
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is the best fit for a photographer who wants a compact photo printer with sharp output. The Epson Stylus Pro 9880 is the better match for anyone producing large banners or posters. Think about your biggest output size and how much maintenance you're willing to handle.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Epson Stylus Photo 1400 | Epson Stylus Pro 9880 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $400.00 |
| Condition | Open box | Used |
| Max media size | Up to 13x19 inches | 44-inch roll-fed |
| Resolution | Up to 5760 x 1440 dpi | Up to 2880 x 1440 dpi |
| Extras | Direct CD/DVD printing | Roll-fed setup; includes 3 ink cartridges |
Where Each Printer Wins
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 wins for desktop photo work where high resolution matters. The Epson Stylus Pro 9880 wins for large-format output where the 8-color ink system and a production-oriented design are more important than portability.
Product Notes
Epson Stylus Photo 1400
The Epson Stylus Photo 1400 stands out for its ability to print directly onto compatible inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs, which is a handy skill not every printer has. For photographers who produce custom disc labels or smaller photo prints, this open-box unit is an attractive option. The catch: it was only powered on, never put through a print test, so you should run a nozzle check and test print before relying on it. The USB-C connection is convenient for modern setups, but make sure your computer recognizes it. If you need a desktop printer for photo-sized output and don't mind doing a little first-time upkeep, this is a solid pick.
Epson Stylus Pro 9880
The Epson Stylus Pro 9880 is a roll-fed wide-format printer designed for production work. Its 8-color Ultrachrome K3 ink system with Vivid Magenta is a strong match for color-accurate posters and signs, and the machine ships with three ink cartridges and a power cord. That said, it's a used unit from a university print shop that hasn't operated in over a year. The print head may need maintenance, and one hinge on the ink slot cover is broken. The seller is upfront that it turns on but doesn't guarantee print quality. For a hands-on owner willing to service the print head, this machine offers a lot of capability at this price.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your prints top out at 13x19 inches, the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 at $349.99 is the practical buy. If you need 44-inch output for signs and banners, the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 at $400.00 is the better value for the extra width.
