Your Guide to Choosing the Right Epson ColorWorks Printer

All of the Epson ColorWorks printers are capable of printing quality color labels. However, there are subtle, yet important differences between the various models that might make you inclined to choose one model over another.

To help make the decision easy for you, we have highlighted several different key features and ranked each printer based on its performances in that area.

Print width is a great place to start. If you need to print labels wider than 4”, there’s only one option—the C6500. This model prints up to 8” wide, making it the best choice for larger label printing.

• C6500 – Up to 8” Wide
• C4000, C6000, C8000 – Up to 4” Wide

Your printing volume also plays a key role in determining the best printer for your needs. Choosing a model that aligns with your monthly label output ensures optimal performance.

Here are the recommended print volumes based on printing 4” x 6” labels in normal mode:

• Epson C8000 – 35,000 daily max; 55,000 labels per month
• Epson C6500 –  4,700 daily max; 22,000 labels per month
• Epson C6000 –  4,700 daily max; 22,000 labels per month
• Epson C4000 –  4,200 daily max; 16,000 labels per month

While print volume is an important consideration, other factors like label roll size, ink cartridge capacity, and print speed also play a crucial role in selecting the right printer.

Each Epson ColorWorks printer supports different roll sizes. At first glance, the 8” OD (outer diameter) and 6” OD rolls might seem similar in label count, but that’s not the case. The difference in roll length significantly impacts how often you need to reload labels.

• 8” OD – 500 feet per roll
• 6” OD – 220 feet per roll
• 4” OD – 85 feet per roll

For example, with our 4” x 2” labels:

• 4” OD roll holds ~470 labels
• 6” OD roll holds ~1,410 labels
• 8” OD roll holds ~2,820 labels

Fewer labels per roll means more frequent roll changes.

💡 Pro Tip: If your print volume increases and you want to use larger rolls, an external media holder allows you to use bigger rolls without modifying your printer setup.

• Epson C8000 – Up to 8” OD roll
• Epson C6000 – Up to 8” OD roll
• Epson C6500 – Up to 6” OD roll
• Epson C4000 – Up to 4” OD roll

Labels aren’t the only supplies you’ll need to replenish in your Epson ColorWorks printer—ink cartridges will need to be replaced as well. Just like label rolls, some models use different cartridge sizes.

Labels with heavy color coverage or full-background designs will use more ink, requiring more frequent cartridge replacements compared to simpler designs with minimal ink usage. 

• Epson C8000 – 480mL
• Epson C6500 – 80mL
• Epson C6000 – 80mL
• Epson C4000 – 50mL

If you’d like an estimate on how much ink you might go through, send your label design in a PDF file to info@smithcorona.com, and we’ll be happy to help!

When printing large volumes of labels, you might need a printer that can keep up with demand. Print speed is a key factor in ensuring efficiency, reducing wait times, and keeping your workflow running smoothly.

• Epson C8000 – 11.8” per second
• Epson C6000 – 4.7” per second
• Epson C4000 – 3.9” per second 
• Epson C6500 – 3.3” per second 

If DPI (dots per inch) is important to you, you’re in luck! Almost all Epson ColorWorks printers offer the same high-resolution print quality, except for the C8000, which has a slightly lower DPI. 

• C4000, C6000, C6500 – 1200 x 1200 dpi
• C8000 – 600 x 1200 dpi

Epson ColorWorks printers offer two different feed options: auto cutter and peel-and-present. Two out of the four printer models give you the flexibility to choose between these options. 

Your choice depends on how you plan to apply the labels. If you need flexibility to cut labels to different sizes, the auto cutter is ideal.

If you prefer the convenience of having labels automatically peeled from the liner for immediate application, the peel-and-present option is the better fit.

💡 Pro Tip: No matter which feed option you choose, you can always turn it off when not needed.

• Epson C6000 – auto cutter and peel-and-present
• Epson C6500 – auto cutter and peel-and-present
• Epson C4000 – auto cutter only
• Epson C8000 – auto cutter only

Smith Corona is your go-to source for all your inkjet printing needs. We offer Epson printers, accessories, and a wide selection of inkjet roll labels in various sizes, materials, and finishes.