At the checkout counter, the receipt printer is the last thing your customer sees before they walk out. When you're setting up a retail counter or replacing a worn-out unit, the choice often narrows to two used Epson thermal models. The TM-T20III is aimed at Square checkout setups, while the TM-T88V M244A brings both USB and Ethernet along with the power supply and cable in the box. The right pick depends on your point-of-sale system and how much wiring flexibility you need.
Quick verdict
If you use Square Stand or Square Register and want a printer that's specifically set up for that USB connection, the Epson TM-T20III is the straightforward choice. If you'd rather have Ethernet on top of USB, want the AC adapter and USB cable included, and don't mind paying less, the Epson TM-T88V M244A is the practical pick.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Epson TM-T20III | Epson TM-T88V M244A |
| Listed price | $69.99 | $39.99 |
| Connection focus | Square Stand / Register over USB | USB and Ethernet |
| In the box | Printer with OEM Epson C1 power supply | Printer, AC adapter, USB printer cable |
| Cutter | JamFree Auto-Cutter | JamFree Auto-Cutter |
| Condition | Used | Used, case has scratches |
| Best suited for | Square POS counters | Wired-network registers |
Where the TM-T20III wins
The TM-T20III is the easier choice when your POS is Square. The product description calls out Square Stand and Square Register compatibility over USB, and it reminds you to update the Square app if the printer doesn't appear. That kind of specific setup guidance is useful when you don't want to fiddle with drivers or network settings. It also comes with the OEM Epson C1 power supply, so you only have to supply a USB cable. The JamFree Auto-Cutter is shared with the TM-T88V, so you get the same clean receipt tearing on this higher-priced unit.
Where the TM-T88V M244A wins
The TM-T88V M244A is the lower-priced printer, and it includes two things the TM-T20III listing doesn't: an AC adapter and a USB printer cable. It also supports Ethernet as well as USB, which makes it easier to place on a shared retail network or connect directly to a register. The case has several scratches, but the description says the unit prints well. If your counter setup doesn't depend on Square-specific software, this is the more flexible, less expensive route.
Product notes
Epson TM-T20III POS Receipt Printer Thermal Network USB Retail Sales Ethernet
Square users will likely prefer the TM-T20III. The listing points to Square Stand and Square Register over USB and suggests updating the Square app if the printer doesn't show up. That makes setup less of a guessing game. It's a thermal monochrome model with a JamFree Auto-Cutter and ships with the OEM Epson C1 power supply. The main limitation is that no USB cable is included, so buy one before your first receipt. For a counter that revolves around the Square register, the compatibility is the whole ballgame. If your checkout already runs Square, this is the better match.
Epson TM-T88V M244A USB/Ethernet Thermal POS Receipt Printer w/ Power Supply
The TM-T88V M244A fits well into a wired network. The box includes the AC adapter and a USB printer cable, so there's nothing extra to buy for a basic hookup. The listing describes a used unit with a scratched case and solid printing, which is a fair trade for a lower price. Its USB/Ethernet combo makes it easy to tuck into an existing network, and the JamFree Auto-Cutter keeps receipts moving. The cosmetic wear is the main drawback, but it doesn't affect output. For a register that doesn't depend on Square, this is a practical choice.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Epson TM-T20III if your counter runs Square Stand or Square Register and you value the dedicated USB setup; it's the $69.99 model with the power supply included. Choose the Epson TM-T88V M244A if you need a network-ready printer with the AC adapter and USB cable included; it costs $30 less at $39.99. For a Square-reliant shop, the TM-T20III is the one. For a wired register where you want to keep the initial cost down, the TM-T88V M244A is the better fit.
