Epson has been a household name in the electronic and digital printer space for decades.
It is not included on our list of the best Epson receipt printers, but did you know that Epson invented the first electric printer in 1968?
It was the Epson EP-101 (see image). Given that Epson invented the first electric printer, it is no surprise that the company still maintains a strong presence in the printer space in general. And that includes receipt printers as well.
On top of that, Epson as an electronics company, was founded in 1942. It’s a company that has driven the evolution of printer technology. It is still considered an innovator in the printer space.
We know, that’s a flattering introduction. But Epson deserves the critical acclaim it receives. And that is why we decided to provide you with a rundown of the best Epson receipt printers on the market.
When you evaluate a receipt printer to add to your point of sale (POS) system, you will inevitably come across a number of models designed and sold by Epson.
Our goal with this article is to help you sift through all the clutter and go directly to the top five models. We aim to make your purchase decision easier so you can spend your time growing your business, not spending countless hours comparing printers (that’s our job).
Thermal Vs. Impact Printer Technology
Our list below includes four Epson receipt printer models that use thermal printing technology and one that uses impact printing technology.
It’s important to understand the difference between the two when shopping around for the best printer to meet your needs. Below we explain each respective type of printing technology in detail so you can make the most informed decision.
Thermal Printing Technology
Thermal printer technology uses a digital printing process to generate images, words, symbols, etc., using laser-generated, thermal heat to mark the paper.
Thermal printers use specially coated thermal paper and won’t function without that specific type of receipt paper.
As the paper passes by the printer’s thermal printing head, heat is applied to produce the desired image or alphanumeric symbols.
This heat, when applied, turns the paper black—essentially burning the image onto the paper. Thermal printers normally only print in black.
However, there are some that also print in a second color. Those are called two-color direct thermal printers and are able to produce a second color by applying thermal heat at a different temperature than that used to print in black. Typically, that second color is red.
One thing to keep in mind when using a thermal printer is that you must keep it in a location that does not experience excess heat.
If, for example, you run a restaurant and want your servers to be printing receipts in the kitchen, you would not want to use a thermal printer. The heat from the kitchen could start to leave unintended marks on the paper, making your receipts blotchy or even unreadable.
So, assuming you go with a thermal printer when making your purchase decision, don’t forget to keep it in a spot that’s not exposed to extreme heat.
Impact Printing Technology
An impact printer, on the other hand, uses impact printing technology to mark the paper with the impact of an ink belt.
The receipt paper passes through the printer and slides by an ink ribbon. Behind the ink ribbon, there is a mechanism to physically impact the paper, hitting the ink ribbon so that it presses against the paper and deposits ink in the form of the desired character.
Think of an old typewriter that has an arm for each letter. When you press that letter on the keyboard, that letter’s arm is smacked against ink ribbon and pushes it against the paper, leaving ink on the page. Impact printers work much the same way, except they are digital, not analog like old-school typewriters.
The Best Epson Receipt Printers Available
Here is a rundown of the top five Epson receipt printers available today.
1. Epson TM-T88V Thermal Receipt Printer۞ [TOP PICK]
A primary reason we decided to make the Epson TM-T88V Thermal Receipt Printer our top pick is that it is among the most popular printers on the market.
In other words, it is perhaps the most sold printer available. That has to count for something.
Many users love the fact that this Epson receipt printer easily integrates into an existing POS system without having to download drivers, etc.
It is highly compatible with most point of sale systems on the market. With this printer, it’s just a matter of plug and play.
Key features include a very durable and long-lasting printer head that has the capacity to print a receipt 100 kilometers long on a single printer head.
Obviously, you would never need to do that. But mentioning this goes to show the durability of this POS hardware component. Plus, it provides users peace of mind that their printer isn’t going to require a printer head replacement in the middle of a store shift.
Additional Features and Specs
Additional features for the Epson TM-T88V Thermal Receipt Printer include the following:
• Printer weight: 3.53 pounds
• Printer dimensions: 7.7 x 5.7 x 5.8 inches
• Printer model number: C31CA85084
• Typical price: Around US $270
2. Epson TM-T20II Direct Thermal Printer
Users of Epson’s Epson TM-T20II Direct Thermal Printer tout the speed at which it prints and automatically cuts off the printed receipt.
It packs a lot of punch for its price as it is fairly cost-effective. The TM-T20II uses thermal printing technology, as the name indicates. It is designed for use by smaller retail stores.
However, it can be effectively used by larger stores and other types of businesses, such as those in the hospitality or entertainment industries.
It can be leveraged with all of the commonly used operating systems, including Apple’s iOS, Android, and Windows.
It can print at a speed of 200mm per second and is considered quite intuitive and easy to use. It comes complete with various features and printing options that allow you to use up to 30% less paper when printing.
Additional Features and Specs
Additional features for the Epson TM-T20II Direct Thermal Printer include the following:
• Printer weight: 3.75 pounds
• Printer dimensions: 5.5 x 5.8 x 7.8 inches
• Printer model number: C31CD52062
• Typical price: Around US $140
3. Epson ReadyPrint T20 Direct Thermal Printer
The Epson ReadyPrint T20 Direct Thermal Printer is among the most popular receipt printers out there.
And, you guessed it, it uses thermal printing technology. It is quite fast, printing at speeds of up to 150 mm per second and has a quiet printer head with a long lifespan.
It also includes an automatic cutter to slice your receipt from the paper roll inside the printer.
That, coupled with a low price point and a built-in power supply in case it gets knocked over or otherwise gets unplugged, make this a top choice for many businesses.
It is fairly intuitive and easy to use, meaning a short learning curve for your staff. It’s also very durable.
Plus, it’s easy to set up and start using. Simply connect it to your POS system, download and install its driver, and in minutes you are using your new printer.
Additional Features and Specs
Additional features for the Epson ReadyPrint T20 Direct Thermal Printer include the following:
• Printer weight: 3.75 pounds
• Printer dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 5.8 inches
• Printer model number: C31CB10021
• Typical price: Around US $190
4. Epson TM-U220B Two-Color Receipt Printer
The Epson TM-U220B Two-Color Receipt Printer is the only impact printer that made it onto our list. It prints at a decently quick speed, churning out 6 lines per second.
Compared to the other receipt printers on the list, it is very lightweight and compact.
It is slightly smaller than the rest, yet it is optimized for high-speed output and can easily hold its own against the competition.
Because it uses impact printing technology, not thermal printing technology, it can be used in kitchens and other locations with high temperatures.
With its internal power supply, the TM-U220B is a great choice for all types of business, from retail stores to restaurants, hotels, and more.
As the name indicates, it can print in two colors, which can come in handy in many situations. Plus, it is completely compatible with any point of sale system that currently uses its predecessor, the TM-U200 receipt printer.
Additional Features and Specs
Additional features for the Epson TM-U220B Two-Color Receipt Printer include the following:
• Printer weight: 1 pound
• Printer dimensions: 6 x 4 x 5 inches
• Printer model number: C31C514653
• Typical price: Around US $250
5. Epson C31CE95022 Series TM-M30 Thermal Receipt Printer
You will notice the shape of the Epson C31CE95022 Series TM-M30 Thermal Receipt Printer is slightly different than that of the others on the list.
Rather than featuring elongated housing, it is a near-perfect cube in shape. This makes it easier to fit it into tight spaces.
Indeed, it is more compact than its competitors, which you can see in the specs below.
It features an automatic receipt cutter for a seamless printing experience during a rush. It uses thermal printing technology as the name indicates.
Users of this model seem to be quite happy and typically have few to no complaints about its performance. No assembly is required so it is ready to go right out of the box.
Installation is very easy and straightforward. Plus, it comes with a built-in power supply, making it a great choice for your receipt printing needs.
Additional Features and Specs
Additional features for the Epson TM-U220B Two-Color Receipt Printer include the following:
• Printer weight: 2.5 pounds
• Printer dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
• Printer model number: C31CE95022
• Typical price: Around US $240
Time to Start Shopping for Your Own Printer
A receipt printer is an essential point of sale hardware component for any business that processes purchase transactions on-site. But it can’t work alone. It needs to be connected to a broader, comprehensive point of sale system to be functional.
If you already have a point of sale system in place and are just looking for a new printer, be sure to check whether the receipt printer you purchase will easily and seamlessly integrate with your existing system and its components.
If you are looking to buy an entire POS system that includes a printer and other hardware components, researching your options is key.
You can conduct your own research, which is not a bad idea. But you can and should also take advantage of review sites that can provide you with recommendations for the best receipt printer or entire POS system.
And those recommendations are based on your unique business type and needs. Plus, many of these sites can generate a discount for you when you finally purchase.
For example, POS Quote helps consumers identify the best POS system—including individual components such as receipt printers—for their business and offers visitors a discount of up to 30% on entire POS packages. Simply visit their homepage and complete the yellow form to receive a free quote and up to 30% off your purchase.
With the information provided above, you should be able to easily find the right receipt printer and POS system for your business needs.
