Choosing between an extra-wide used workhorse and a compact new model is the core fork in the road for anyone shopping for wide format printers plotters. The Epson Stylus Pro 9880 is the lower-priced option in this head-to-head, while the HP DesignJet T230 is the newer, more office-friendly choice. The decision comes down to print width versus day-one reliability.
Quick verdict
If your daily output is technical drawings, posters, and renderings, the HP DesignJet T230 is the safer buy. The HP gives you a modern feature set in a smaller footprint. If you need even wider output and you're comfortable with a printer that may need print-head care, the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 delivers that capability for a lower price.
At a glance
| Epson Stylus Pro 9880 | HP DesignJet T230 | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $400.00 | $659.99 |
| Condition | Used | New - Open box |
| Max print width | 44 inches | 24 inches |
| Resolution | Up to 2880 x 1440 dpi | True 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Standout hardware | 8-color Ultrachrome K3 inks | 4.3-inch touchscreen, wireless and Ethernet |
Where each product wins
Epson Stylus Pro 9880 wins for wide-format output. The roll-fed, extra-wide design is the defining advantage. For print shops or studios that regularly output banners, oversize signage, and large technical drawings, the extra width alone is the deciding factor. It can print output far bigger than the HP, making it the pick for those jobs.
HP DesignJet T230 wins for setup simplicity. With wireless and Ethernet connectivity and a 2025 edition designation, the T230 is built for a modern office. Network connections mean multiple people can send jobs without direct cable hookups, which is a practical advantage for small workgroups. The print width covers a lot of technical drawing, poster, and rendering work without taking over a room. It's a more predictable choice for teams that just want the job printed.
Product notes
Epson Stylus Pro 9880
The reason to choose this Epson is the 44-inch roll-fed capability. It uses the 8-color Ultrachrome K3 ink system with Vivid Magenta, so it's aimed at production-minded output rather than casual desktop printing. The unit turns on and the wheels work, but this is used hardware, and it may need print-head maintenance. One hinge on the ink-slot cover is broken, and the three included cartridges are Vivid Magenta, Light Magenta, and another color. It came from a university print shop and had not been used in over a year, which reinforces the need for a careful setup. That makes it a project printer for someone who knows large-format hardware and wants the extra width this pairing offers.
HP DesignJet T230
The HP is the choice when you want a more straightforward start. It's new open-box hardware with a 4.3-inch touchscreen and modern connectivity, but the 24-inch print width is the ceiling; anything larger will need to be tiled or sent elsewhere. The 24-inch width handles standard technical drawings, posters, and renderings, and the compact footprint suits offices without a dedicated print room. For a workgroup that needs crisp line drawings at 1200 x 1200 dpi, this is the lower-hassle option of the two.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 when you need the widest output this pairing offers and are prepared to handle maintenance. Choose the HP DesignJet T230 when you want a modern wide format printer that's ready to plug into an office network and keep daily printing simple.
