Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 vs HP Sprocket Studio Plus
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 
HP Sprocket Studio Plus Epson Expression Photo XP-8700
HP Sprocket Studio Plus
| Feature | Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 | HP Sprocket Studio Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | 6-colour Claria Photo HD Ink | Dye-sublimation |
| Colour Output | Colour (6 Individual Inks) | Color |
| Print Resolution | 5760 x 1440 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 9.5 ppm | N/A |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 9 ppm | 60 sec per print |
| First Page Out Time | 12 sec | Instant (Bluetooth) |
| Auto Double-Sided | Automatic (2-sided) | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets (Standard), 20 (Photo) | 20 Sheets (Studio Paper) |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets (Motorized) | Single Sheet Output |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5, 10x15, 13x18 | 10 x 15 cm (4x6 inch) |
| Paper Weight Support | 64 to 300 g/m² | Dedicated Studio Paper |
| Scanner Type | CIS Flatbed | None |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 4800 dpi | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Approx 10 ipm | None |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB, SD Card | Micro USB (Power) |
| Mobile Printing Support | Epson Smart Panel, Creative Print | HP Sprocket App |
| Display Panel | 10.9 cm Colour Touchscreen | LED Status Light |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | Casual Photo Sharing |
| Ink/Cartridge System | 378 Squirrel Inks | Studio Plus Cartridges |
| Borderless Printing | Yes (up to A4) | Yes |
| Width | 349 mm | 169 mm |
| Depth | 340 mm | 273 mm |
| Height | 142 mm | 68 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6.8 kg | 0.93 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | Energy Star | Auto-Off Technology |
| Noise Level (dB) | 48 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) |
| Processor Speed | Integrated Process | N/A |
| Internal Memory | 256 MB | Internal Cache |
| Cloud Print Support | Scan-to-Cloud, Email Print | Google Photos, Instagram |
| Security Features | WPA2-PSK | Bluetooth Pairing |
| Compatible OS | Windows, macOS | iOS, Android |
| Included in Box | Initial Ink Set, CD Tray | Sprocket Studio Plus, Adapter |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year | 1 Year Limited |
| Recommended Use | Serious Home Photographer | Smartphone Photographers |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
Comparing the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 to the HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a choice between a professional-quality home photo studio and a simple, portable snapshot gadget. The Epson XP-8700 is a full-sized 6-ink all-in-one capable of producing stunning A4 photos and crisp documents, while also offering scanning and copying. The HP Sprocket Studio Plus is a small dye-sublimation printer designed exclusively for printing 4x6-inch photos from a smartphone. While the Sprocket is very convenient for instant memories and smudge-proof stickers, it lacks any of the professional features or print quality of the Epson. The XP-8700 allows for total control over colour management and supports many different paper types and sizes including CD printing. The Sprocket is much cheaper and simpler, but it is limited to a single size and paper type. If you are a photography enthusiast or an artist, the XP-8700 is a necessary tool. For anyone else who just wants quick snapshots from a phone, the Sprocket is a fun gadget. For its professional capabilities and versatility, the Epson XP-8700 is our winner.