Comparison

Epson TM-T20IV vs TM-T88VII: which receipt printer to choose

Speed, durability, connections and installation side by side, from Epson's own specifications, with a clear pick for each type of shop.

5 min Difficulty: Easy Updated: By SCANSHOP team
Best for most users
Epson TM-T20IV POS Printer (C31CL47101)
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Alternative
Epson TM-T88VII POS Receipt Printer (C31CJ57112)
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In this guide

    Both are 80 mm thermal receipt printers with an autocutter, a cash drawer port and the same paper rolls. The TM-T20IV is the compact, budget-friendly choice for a counter with moderate receipt volume. The TM-T88VII prints twice as fast, is rated for a longer life and adds Ethernet on our version. Choose by speed, connections and how hard the printer will work. Our versions: TM-T20IV (USB + serial) and TM-T88VII (USB, Ethernet, serial).

    TM-T20IV TM-T88VII
    Our version TM-T20IV (101): USB + Serial, C31CL47101 TM-T88VII (112): USB, Ethernet, Serial, built-in buzzer, C31CJ57112
    Max print speed 250 mm/s 500 mm/s (450 mm/s on 58 mm paper)
    Resolution 203 × 203 dpi 180 × 180 dpi
    Characters per line, 80 mm, font A 48 42 (48 in 48-column mode)
    Paper 80 or 58 mm thermal rolls, up to 83 mm diameter, 53–75 µm 80 or 58 mm thermal rolls, up to 83 mm diameter, 48–80 µm
    Cutter Autocutter, partial cut Same
    Connections, our version USB-B, RS-232 serial USB-B, Ethernet, RS-232 serial, USB-A for Epson accessories
    Wi-Fi Not on our version With the optional OT-WL06 unit
    Mechanism life 15 million lines 20 million lines
    MCBF 60 million lines 70 million lines
    Autocutter life 2 million cuts 3 million cuts
    Printhead life 150 km 200 km
    MTBF 360,000 hours Same
    Power supply AC adapter C1, included PS-190, included
    Power use, operating / standby About 27.2 W / 0.96 W About 27.9 W / 1.4 W
    Installation Horizontal, vertical or on the wall (bracket included) Horizontal, or on the wall with the optional WH-10 bracket
    Size (W × D × H), weight 146 × 199 × 146 mm, 1.7 kg 145 × 195 × 148 mm, 1.7 kg
    Noise About 55 dB About 52 dB
    Splash resistance Not specified IPX2 equivalent (paper side excluded)
    Status lights Power, Error, Paper Power, Error, Paper, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
    USB cable in the box Yes No
    EU network security (RED) Not in scope (no network port) In scope: only encrypted network printing by default
    Operating temperature 5–45 °C Same

    Figures from Epson's technical reference guides and Epson Europe product pages; speeds are maximums. MCBF is Epson's mean number of lines between failures, including wear-out.

    Choose the TM-T20IV if
    • You print a normal number of receipts at one till, connected by USB or serial
    • Desk space is tight and you want to stand the printer upright or hang it on the wall without extra parts
    • You want slightly sharper print at 203 dpi
    • You want a USB cable in the box and the lowest standby power
    Choose the TM-T88VII if
    • Queues form at busy times and receipt speed matters
    • The printer runs all day, for example in hospitality or a large shop, and should last longer
    • You need Ethernet for a network POS or several stations, or optional Wi-Fi
    • You are replacing a TM-T88VI or TM-T88V and want the same footprint and software
    Epson TM-T88VII - Supercharge Your Business With Speed And Versatility Today

    Video: Epson

    What both printers share

    Both use the same 80 mm thermal rolls with a 12 mm core and switch to 58 mm rolls with the guide from the box; you cannot switch back afterwards, see 58 mm paper. Both speak Epson ESC/POS and use the EPSON Advanced Printer Driver 6 on Windows. Both have a drawer kick connector with two drive outputs for 24 V cash drawers, wired the same way, so the same drawer works on either: see Connect a cash drawer.

    Replacing an older printer

    Epson designed the TM-T88VII to replace the TM-T88VI and TM-T88V: the outer size is the same, it can run with their drivers, and it can identify itself as one of them for older software. The TM-T20IV follows the TM-T20III. Setup steps are in the TM-T20IV setup guide and the TM-T88VII setup guide. Comparing with a smaller printer for tablets? See TM-m30III vs TM-T20IV.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the TM-T88VII faster than the TM-T20IV?

    Yes. Epson rates the TM-T88VII at up to 500 mm/s and the TM-T20IV at up to 250 mm/s on 80 mm paper.

    Do the TM-T20IV and TM-T88VII use the same paper?

    Yes. Both take 80 mm thermal rolls up to 83 mm in diameter, or 58 mm rolls with the included guide.

    Can I connect the TM-T20IV C31CL47101 to my network?

    No. Our TM-T20IV version has USB and serial only. For Ethernet, choose the TM-T88VII or another TM-T20IV version with Ethernet.

    Will my cash drawer work with both?

    Yes, if it is a 24 V printer-driven drawer. Both printers use the same drawer kick connector and wiring.

    Was this guide helpful?

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