What Ink Does the Epson Expression Premium XP-970 Use?
Last Updated:Correction: an earlier version of this article listed Epson 410 cartridges. The XP-970 uses Epson 277 / 277XL. Epson 410 cartridges will not fit.
CastleScore · October 2026
80/100 — Highly Recommended
Epson Expression Premium XP-970
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 83 | 4.23★ average across 824 ratings at Amazon (4.2), Best Buy (4.3) |
| Expert reviews (18%) | 70 | PCMag 3.5/5 |
| Cost per page (24%) | 86 | About 3.9¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 277XL (500 black / 740 color pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 83 | Most-reported problems: third-party 277 cartridges rejected after Epson firmware updates; paper-feed problems: no feed, skewed feed, multi-sheet feeds, and paper ejected unprinted from the rear feed slot; CD/DVD tray ejects when user tries to load it |
| Features (12%) | 73 | Print, copy, scan, auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen. No document feeder, no fax. |
| Value (5%) | 84 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. Epson names the Expression Photo XP-980 as its replacement and still sells Certified ReNew refurbished XP-970 units. Epson 277 and 277XL cartridges are still sold.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 10, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
277XL BlackT277XL120 · ~500 pages
277XL CyanT277XL220 · ~740 pages
277XL MagentaT277XL320 · ~740 pages
277XL Light CyanT277XL520 · ~740 pages
277XL Black
277XL Cyan
277XL Magenta
277XL Light CyanOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what ink does the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 use?
The Epson Expression Photo XP-970 (sometimes listed as Expression Premium XP-970) uses six Epson 277 Claria Photo HD cartridges: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, and Light Magenta. High-capacity Epson 277XL (T277XL) cartridges fit the same slots and are the best value. Epson 410 and 312 cartridges do not fit this printer.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Part number | Approx. XL yield* |
|---|---|---|
| Epson 277XL Black | T277XL120 | ~500 pages |
| Epson 277XL Cyan | T277XL220 | ~740 pages |
| Epson 277XL Magenta | T277XL320 | ~740 pages |
| Epson 277XL Yellow | T277XL420 | ~740 pages |
| Epson 277XL Light Cyan | T277XL520 | ~740 pages |
| Epson 277XL Light Magenta | T277XL620 | ~740 pages |
*Approximate ISO yields for 277XL. Standard 277 cartridges are rated about 240 pages (black) and 360 pages (each color). Photo printing uses far more ink than text pages.
Common questions about Epson Expression Photo XP-970 ink
Does the XP-970 use Epson 410 or 312 ink?
No. Epson 410 fits the XP-530/630/640/830/7100 family, and Epson 312/314 fit the XP-8500/XP-15000 family. The XP-970 uses Epson 277, the same cartridge as the XP-850, XP-860, XP-950, and XP-960.
Why does the XP-970 have light cyan and light magenta?
The two light inks let the printer render skin tones, skies, and soft gradients with less visible dot pattern, which is why the XP-970 is aimed at photo printing. There's only one black cartridge, and it handles both text and photos. For better photo results, see How to print photos at home that look like a lab print.
Standard 277 or 277XL: which should I buy?
277XL for almost everyone. XL cartridges hold about twice the ink, so you change cartridges half as often and pay less per photo. See Is XL ink actually worth it? Standard vs. XL with real numbers.
Can I replace just one color?
Yes. All six cartridges are individual, so replace only the one that's empty. Light cyan and light magenta often run out at different rates than the standard colors, depending on what you print.
Will the XP-970 print with an empty cartridge?
Generally no. Epson printers stop printing when any cartridge is expended and prompt you to replace it. Keeping a spare of your most-used color avoids downtime.
Can I use non-Epson 277XL cartridges in the XP-970?
Yes, with a caveat. Epson says the XP-970 is designed for Epson cartridges only, and its FAQ says a firmware update can leave non-Epson cartridges unrecognized, with fitting genuine cartridges as its fix. If you use non-Epson ink, turn off automatic firmware updates. Using third-party ink doesn't by itself void your warranty under U.S. law. More: Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the ink in the XP-970?
Turn the printer on and lift the scanner unit. When the carriage stops, squeeze the tab on the empty cartridge and lift it out. Shake the new cartridge gently, remove only the yellow tape, and press it into its slot until it clicks. Close the scanner unit and let the printer charge the ink. Step-by-step: How to install an ink cartridge in an Epson printer.
Why won't the XP-970 recognize a cartridge?
Reseat the cartridge firmly, make sure the yellow tape is fully removed, and wipe the chip with a dry lint-free cloth. Power the printer off for a minute. If it still refuses, see Printer says ink cartridge not recognized: how to fix it.
Why is the XP-970 not printing a color, or printing streaks?
Run a nozzle check from the Maintenance menu, then a head cleaning (up to two or three cycles). Letting the printer rest between cycles often helps. Detailed fixes: Epson printer not printing color: the real fix and Why is my printer printing streaks?.
Can the XP-970 print 11x17?
Yes. Epson rates it for borderless prints up to 11 x 17 inches (tabloid). See What is borderless printing?.
What does “Service Required” mean on the XP-970?
It usually means the internal waste ink pads are full from cleaning cycles. It isn't an ink problem. Read Epson “Service Required”: waste ink pad full for your options.
XP-970 key facts
- Type: wireless wide-format photo all-in-one (print, scan, copy)
- Ink system: 6 individual Epson 277 cartridges (BK, C, M, Y, LC, LM)
- Max print size: 11 x 17 in.
- Also uses 277 ink: XP-850, XP-860, XP-950, XP-960
- Does not use: Epson 410, 312, or 314
What XP-970 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Epson's support pages and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Can it print on both sides automatically?
Yes, on plain paper. Specialty paper has to be printed two-sided by hand.
Is the XP-970 still sold, and what replaced it?
Epson lists it as discontinued and names the Expression Photo XP-980 as the replacement. Epson still sells Certified ReNew refurbished XP-970 units.
Can I connect it with a network cable?
Yes. It has an Ethernet port and USB as well as Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
Can it print on CDs and DVDs?
Yes, from a dedicated tray. If the tray ejects as you load it, Epson's XP-970 user guide covers that in its troubleshooting section.
XP-970 quirks worth knowing
- Epson's own product page lists "Claria Photo HD 227" ink in the box. That's a typo: the cartridge series is 277.
- There are two paper trays, a 100-sheet main tray and a 20-sheet second tray for photo paper, plus a rear slot for specialty media up to 23 mil thick. Epson's troubleshooting covers paper ejecting unprinted from that rear slot.
- The scanner lid folds back so you can scan thick items, and there's an SD card slot for printing straight from a camera card.
- Standard 277 cartridges are small: about 240 pages for black and 360 per color. The XL sizes roughly double that.
More Epson ink guides: Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 · Epson WorkForce WF-2950 · Epson Expression Premium XP-7100 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — CastleScore 90
- Epson EcoTank ET-2850 — CastleScore 86
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-3820 — CastleScore 80
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 10, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Epson ink cartridges? Shop Epson ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.