Expression Photo XP-980

About Expression Photo XP-980

The Epson Expression Photo XP-980 is a wireless wide-format all-in-one photo printer introduced in January 2026 for creative households, hobbyists and families. It combines a six-color Claria Photo HD ink system with borderless printing up to 11 x 17 inches, a built-in scanner and copier, a 4.3-inch color touchscreen and mobile printing. Epson launched it at $379. As of September 23, 2026, Epson's US store lists it at $379.99 regular price with a $329.99 promotional price. It is a compact home option for users who want richer photo output and larger creative projects without moving to a professional wide-format printer.

Who is the Expression Photo XP-980 for?

The XP-980 is designed for people who print photographs, posters, school projects, vision boards and other color-heavy work at home. Its main advantage over a basic document printer is the six-color photo ink system and support for borderless output up to 11 x 17 inches.

That makes it useful for a family that wants one device to cover both creative printing and routine scanning or copying. It is also a sensible step up for hobby photographers who want convenient prints at home but do not need the media handling, archival workflow or larger sizes of Epson's professional SureColor photo printers.

What does the six-color ink system change?

Epson uses six-color Claria Photo HD ink in the XP-980. The additional photo-focused colors are intended to improve the richness and detail of photographic output compared with a basic four-color household printer. This is the core reason to consider the XP-980 rather than choosing it simply because it can print ordinary documents.

Cartridge-based photo printing does have a cost tradeoff. Buyers who print very high volumes should compare refillable EcoTank models and calculate ink cost around their actual mix of photos and documents. The XP-980 is strongest when photo quality and convenience matter more than minimizing cost per page.

How large and fast can it print?

The XP-980 supports borderless prints up to 11 x 17 inches, giving home users room for larger photographs, posters and creative layouts. Epson states that a borderless 4 x 6 inch photo can be produced in as little as 11 seconds. Actual time will vary with print settings, image complexity and system conditions.

The rear feed supports specialty paper, which is useful for creative jobs that do not belong in the main everyday paper path. Buyers should still check the exact paper type and weight they plan to use against Epson's supported media guidance before purchasing supplies in bulk.

How convenient is everyday use?

A 4.3-inch color touchscreen provides direct control at the printer, and Epson includes an Easy Mode intended to improve visibility and simplify common operations. The built-in flatbed scanner and copier mean the XP-980 can remain the household's general-purpose all-in-one rather than serving only as a photo printer.

Wireless connectivity supports printing from laptops, desktops, smartphones and tablets, including Wi-Fi Direct for compatible devices. Epson also supports the Smart Panel app for setup and printer tasks, while the Creative Print mobile app adds tools aimed at photo and creative projects.

What are the XP-980's practical limitations?

The XP-980 uses ink cartridges rather than refillable tanks, so frequent high-volume printing can make running cost a bigger consideration than the purchase price. Its 11 x 17 inch maximum is generous for a compact home device but will not satisfy users who need 13-inch, 17-inch or larger professional photo output.

It is also designed around home creativity rather than office throughput. A business that regularly scans multipage documents, needs an automatic document feeder, or prints large batches of reports should compare WorkForce or EcoTank office models instead of paying for photo-focused features it may rarely use.

How does it compare with EcoTank and SureColor?

Choose an EcoTank model when refillable ink tanks and lower long-run consumable costs are the main priorities. Some EcoTank models also target photo users, so the best choice depends on print volume, desired media size and whether cartridge convenience or tank economics matters more.

SureColor is the better direction for serious photographers, designers and print professionals who need larger media, more advanced color workflows or production-oriented controls. The XP-980 occupies a useful middle ground: it is more photo-focused than an ordinary home all-in-one but simpler and more compact than a professional imaging printer.

Who should choose something else?

A household that mostly prints homework, forms and shipping labels should choose a less photo-focused Epson model and avoid paying for a six-color system it will not use. High-volume families should compare EcoTank carefully, especially when ink cost matters more than occasional premium photo output.

Professional photographers selling prints should consider SureColor, while offices should look at WorkForce. The XP-980 is most convincing for creative home users who specifically want vivid photo printing, 11 x 17 inch borderless capability, scanning and copying in one relatively compact device.