Comparison
Bixolon SRP-330III vs Epson TM-T20IV: which receipt printer?
The SRP-330IIIESK adds Ethernet for shared network printing. The TM-T20IV USB + Serial prints sharper at 203 dpi and suits a single PC till.
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In this guide
Both are 80 mm direct thermal receipt printers with an autocutter, 250 mm/s print speed and a 24 V cash drawer port, and both can switch to 58 mm paper. The main difference in our versions: the Bixolon SRP-330III (SRP-330IIIESK/BEG) has a built-in Ethernet port, while the Epson TM-T20IV (C31CL47101) connects by USB and serial only, but prints sharper at 203 dpi and takes slightly larger rolls.
| Bixolon SRP-330III (SRP-330IIIESK/BEG) | Epson TM-T20IV (C31CL47101) | |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, Ethernet, RS-232 serial | USB, RS-232 serial |
| Ethernet | Built in, 10/100 Mbit/s | No (separate USB + Serial + Ethernet model) |
| Print resolution | 180 dpi | 203 dpi |
| Characters per line (Font A, 80 mm) | 42 | 48 |
| Max print speed | 250 mm/s | 250 mm/s |
| Print width (80 mm paper) | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Paper width | 80 mm; 58 mm with the included partition | 80 mm; 58 mm with the included guide |
| Max roll diameter | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Paper thickness | 50–80 µm | 53–75 µm |
| Paper sensors | Paper end, cover open | Paper end, paper near-end (off by default) |
| Autocutter life | 1.8 million cuts | 2 million cuts |
| Size (W × D × H) | 145 × 195 × 146 mm | 146 × 199 × 146 mm |
| Weight | 1.6 kg | 1.7 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0–40 °C | 5–45 °C |
| Operating humidity | 10–80 % RH | 10–90 % RH |
| Command system | BXL/POS | ESC/POS |
| Windows driver | Bixolon Software POS Windows Driver, OPOS, JavaPOS | EPSON Advanced Printer Driver 6, OPOS ADK, JavaPOS ADK |
| Cash drawer | Drawer kick-out port, 24 V | Drawer kick connector, 24 V |
| Mounting accessories in the box | Not listed | Wall bracket and rubber feet for vertical use |
Figures from Bixolon's spec sheet and user manual and Epson's technical reference guide. Speeds are maximums.
Choose the SRP-330III if
- You want to print over your network, for example from several tills or a tablet POS that supports network printers
- You also need USB or serial on the same printer
- You already use Bixolon drivers or Bixolon printers in your shop
- 42 characters per line is enough for your receipts
Choose the TM-T20IV if
- Your till is a Windows PC connected by USB or serial and you don't need a network
- You want sharper 203 dpi print and 48 characters per line
- Your POS software lists Epson or ESC/POS printers
- You want to mount the printer vertically or on a wall with the parts in the box
- The printer stands in a warm place, up to 45 °C
What the two printers share
Both print up to 72 mm wide on standard 80 mm thermal rolls and cut each receipt automatically. Both come with a part for 58 mm rolls, and on both the change is best treated as permanent: Epson says you cannot go back to 80 mm, and Bixolon warns that print quality may drop if you return to 80 mm paper. The cash drawer port on both drives a 24 V drawer, and both makers offer Windows, OPOS and JavaPOS drivers plus drivers for Mac and Linux.
Where they really differ
Network
Our SRP-330IIIESK has Ethernet built in. It gets its IP address from your router by DHCP and prints on port 9100, so several computers can share it. Our TM-T20IV C31CL47101 is a USB and serial printer; Epson sells Ethernet as a separate model. Bixolon also sells the SRP-330IIISK without Ethernet.
Print quality and layout
At 203 dpi the TM-T20IV prints 48 characters per line in its standard font; the SRP-330III prints 42 at 180 dpi. Both are fine for receipts, but if your POS layout was designed for 48 columns, check it on the Bixolon. Bixolon's 203 dpi version is the SRP-332III.
Paper and environment
The TM-T20IV takes rolls up to 83 mm in diameter and has a near-end sensor (off by default), so you get a warning before the roll runs out. The SRP-330III takes rolls up to 80 mm and reports only paper end. The Epson is rated for 5–45 °C, the Bixolon for 0–40 °C.
Setup help: SRP-330III setup guide and TM-T20IV setup guide. All guides: SRP-330III and TM-T20IV.
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, the Bixolon SRP-330III or the Epson TM-T20IV?
Neither. Both print at up to 250 mm/s.
Can the TM-T20IV connect to a network like the SRP-330IIIESK?
Not our C31CL47101, which has USB and serial only. Epson's network version is a separate part number, C31CL47102.
Do both printers use the same paper?
Both use 80 mm thermal rolls, or 58 mm rolls after fitting the included part. The Epson takes rolls up to 83 mm in diameter, the Bixolon up to 80 mm.
Can I use the same cash drawer with both?
Yes, if it is a printer-driven 24 V drawer. Both printers drive it through their drawer port; set the drawer opening in your POS software or driver.
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