When you're shopping for POS retail supplies, the receipt printer is one piece of gear you can't hide away. Two used models often come up in this category: the Epson TM-T88V and the Star TSP650II. Both are 80mm thermal printers with jam-free auto-cutters and power supplies included. The Epson carries the higher price, with a nearly $34 spread over the Star. That price gap matters when your register setup only needs one connection type. So which one should sit on your counter?
Quick Verdict
If your POS system needs both USB and serial ports, the Epson TM-T88V is the better fit. It offers the flexibility to connect to older serial hardware or modern USB registers without extra adapters. If you run a USB-only register and want to keep more cash in the drawer, the Star TSP650II handles the job at the lower price. The Star's single USB connection is fine for many small shops, but it's not a choice that can grow with a mixed-port setup.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Epson TM-T88V | Star TSP650II |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 65.95 | USD 32.00 |
| Connectivity | USB & Serial | USB |
| Auto-cutter | JamFree | JamFree |
| Print method | Thermal | Thermal |
| Print width | 3.13 in | 3.13 in |
| Condition | Used | Used |
Where Each Product Wins
The Epson TM-T88V wins when you value connection flexibility. Its USB & Serial connectivity lets you plug into both modern USB systems and older serial terminals without additional adapters. For a busy retail counter with mixed equipment, that convenience often justifies the higher listed price. The Epson is also identified by model M244A, a detail that can help when you're checking compatibility with your existing POS software.
The Star TSP650II wins when you want a no-frills USB printer and don't plan to lean on serial connections. It delivers the same 80mm thermal output and jam-free auto-cutter as the Epson, but for less upfront. The Star also lists compatibility with iOS, Windows, and Android systems, which makes it easy to drop into a counter that uses a tablet or standard computer as the point of sale.
Product Notes
Epson TM-T88V
The Epson TM-T88V is a compact thermal printer designed for retail and restaurant point-of-sale setups. It includes a power supply, prints 80mm receipts, and its JamFree auto-cutter keeps lines moving. The model M244A appears in the listing. The main reason to choose it is the dual USB & Serial connectivity, which makes it a good fit if you're transitioning between older serial hardware and modern USB registers. The trade-off is the price: it costs more than the Star, so you're paying for that extra port. If your counter already uses USB for everything, that added flexibility may go unused.
Star TSP650II
The Star TSP650II is a straightforward USB thermal receipt printer in a black compact case. It comes with a power adapter, though you'll need to supply a standard three-prong cord for the adapter and your own USB cable. The listing also notes compatibility with iOS, Windows, and Android systems, and it includes the same jam-free auto-cutter as the Epson. The main reason to choose it is the lower price, which gives you the essentials without stretching your register budget. The limitation is that it only has USB connectivity, so you'll need to be sure your POS system doesn't rely on serial ports before committing.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a small shop or food truck that runs everything through USB, the Star TSP650II is the practical pick. It keeps the initial cost down and covers the basics. For a larger retail operation with a mix of serial and USB devices, the Epson TM-T88V is worth the extra money. Both printers will produce the receipts you need; your decision really comes down to the ports you have and how much you want to spend.
