If you're shopping for wide-format printers and plotters, the first question isn't which Epson is "better"-it's whether you need a machine built for wide output or one built for detailed photo work at a more modest size. These two Epson models sit at opposite ends of that decision. One is aimed at oversized prints; the other is a photo printer that has yet to produce a page. The right call depends on your print size, your tolerance for repairs, and how much you want to spend.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Stylus Pro 9880 when your projects need the maximum output scale in this pair. Choose the Stylus Photo 1400 when you want a photo-focused unit.
Comparison Table
| Consideration | Epson Stylus Pro 9880 | Epson Stylus Photo 1400 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 480.00 | USD 349.99 |
| Condition | Used | Open box |
| Maximum print size | 44 inches wide | 13 × 19 inches |
| Maximum resolution | 2880 x 1440 DPI | 5760 x 1440 DPI |
| Intended use | Sheet-fed, can be fed rolls | Photo and graphics; direct CD/DVD printing |
Where Each Product Wins
The Stylus Pro 9880 wins for broad output. It's the only one of the two built around a large-format width, and it arrives with four ink cartridges. That makes it the stronger candidate when your prints need maximum width and you can manage the upkeep.
The Stylus Photo 1400 wins as the easier unit to start with. It is designed for photo-focused work and gives you a clean slate before the first print.
Product Notes
Epson Stylus Pro 9880
Listed at USD 480.00, the Stylus Pro 9880 is a used 44-inch-wide inkjet printer with an 8-color Ultrachrome K3 ink system using Vivid Magenta. It comes with four ink cartridges: Vivid Magenta, Light Magenta, Vivid Light Magenta, and Magenta. The printer turns on, the wheels work, it's set up for sheet-fed use, and it can also be fed rolls. The concrete reason to choose it is the combination of 44-inch width and included ink. The limitation is just as concrete: the control screen shows a service error notice, the print head may need maintenance, and one hinge on the ink-slot cover is broken. This is a printer for someone who can troubleshoot a large-format machine and doesn't need it perfect out of the box.
Epson Stylus Photo 1400
The Stylus Photo 1400 is an open-box wide-format color inkjet printer listed at USD 349.99. It has never been used or set up, remains in its original packaging, and was only connected to power and powered on successfully. It supports photo and graphic printing up to 13 × 19 inches, can print directly onto compatible inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs, and lists a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI plus USB-C connectivity. The concrete reason to choose it is the lower price combined with a never-used unit and a high-resolution photo output. The limitation is that no print test was performed, so the first real print will be your test. That makes it a better match for someone who prefers to start with a clean unit and confirm output themselves.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your jobs regularly need the wider output format in this pair and you're prepared to service a printer with an error, the Stylus Pro 9880 is the right match. If your work fits a photo-sized format and you want a unit you can test yourself, the Stylus Photo 1400 is the more direct choice.
