What Ink Does the Epson XP-440 Use?

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Quick answer: The Epson Expression Home XP-440 uses Epson 288 (standard) or Epson 288XL (high-yield) ink in four separate cartridges. Castle Ink sells remanufactured 288XL cartridges, singly and as a four-pack.

The XP-440 is a compact Small-in-One home all-in-one — print, scan and copy over Wi-Fi.

CastleScore · October 2026

74/100 — Recommended

Epson XP-440

Pillar (weight)ScoreWhat it is based on
Owner ratings (28%) — No retailer rating with enough reviews to use.
Expert reviews (18%) 70 PCMag 3.5/5
Cost per page (24%) 78 About 3.9¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured 288XL (500 black / 450 color pages). Docked because the printer can reject cartridges without the maker's chip.
Reliability (13%) 83 Most-reported problems: faded or streaky prints that persist after head cleaning; wi-Fi setup and reconnection problems, e.g. after moving the printer or changing routers; paper feed problems or jams as the feed mechanism wears
Features (12%) 61 Print, copy, scan, Wi-Fi, touchscreen. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax.
Value (5%) — Running cost and owner satisfaction

Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.

Discontinued. Epson no longer sells the XP-440 new and names the Expression Home XP-4200 as its replacement. This score rates it for current owners.

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 8, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The cartridges, pictured

Our own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.

Epson XP-440 Ink Cartridges at a Glance

Cartridge Color Approx. Yield
Epson 288 (T288120) Black ~175 pages
Epson 288 (T288220 / T288320 / T288420) Cyan / Magenta / Yellow ~165 pages each
Epson 288XL (T288XL120) Black ~500 pages
Epson 288XL (T288XL220 / T288XL320 / T288XL420) Cyan / Magenta / Yellow ~450 pages each

Four Separate Cartridges, Which Helps

Unlike the HP and Canon home printers in the same price bracket, the XP-440 gives each color its own cartridge. You replace only what runs out, with no tri-color waste. It is a genuine running-cost advantage and worth weighing against the small cartridge sizes.

Skip the Standard 288

At 165–175 pages, standard Epson 288 is barely more than a setup cartridge. The 288XL black is nearly three times the pages. There is no realistic use case for the standard version.

A Note on Firmware

Epson states this printer is designed for use with Epson cartridges. Firmware updates on this generation have blocked third-party cartridges that previously worked. Epson's own XP-440 FAQ covers ink that stops being recognized after a firmware update, and its fix is genuine cartridges. If you run non-Epson ink, don't apply firmware updates. On Windows you can stop Epson's software from checking for them (see the owner questions below).

Is the XP-440 Discontinued?

Yes. Epson names the Expression Home XP-4200 as the successor, Epson's XP-440 page doesn't say which ink the XP-4200 takes, so check its own ink listing before you buy cartridges for it rather than assuming your 288s will fit.

What XP-440 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.

How do I stop the Epson software from checking for updates?

On Windows, right-click the printer icon in the taskbar, open Software Update Settings and set the check interval to Never. Firmware updates themselves are applied through the printer's Web Config page, which you open by typing the printer's IP address into a browser.

Does the XP-440 print on both sides automatically?

No. Two-sided printing is manual: you turn the pages over yourself, with up to 30 sheets loaded for a 2-sided job.

How much paper does it hold?

About 100 sheets of plain paper or 20 sheets of glossy photo paper, loaded short edge first in the top sheet feeder.

The installer hangs on Windows 11. Is that a known problem?

Yes. Epson's XP-440 support page flags a known Windows 11 issue where the installer stalls and stops responding (article wa00981). Check that page before reinstalling.

Can I print without a computer?

Yes. It has a built-in memory card slot for PC-free printing, and it supports Wi-Fi Direct for phones and tablets.

XP-440 quirks worth knowing

  • It has a 2.7-inch color touch panel, much larger than the 1.44-inch screen on the otherwise similar XP-340.
  • Firmware updates go through the printer's Web Config page as well as Epson's software. If you run non-Epson cartridges, don't accept an update from either place.
  • Turning off Paper Configuration (Setup > Printer Setup > Paper Source Settings) also turns off AirPrint, a side effect Epson notes in the user's guide.
  • Owners often say head cleanings use a lot of ink. Print a nozzle check first and clean only when it shows gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ink does the Epson XP-440 use?
Epson 288 or Epson 288XL, in four separate cartridges.

How many pages does Epson 288XL print?
About 500 pages black and 450 per color, against roughly 175 and 165 for standard 288.

Is there an Epson 288XXL?
No. This family is standard and XL only.

Can I use compatible Epson 288XL cartridges?
Many owners do, but Epson says the XP-440 is designed for Epson cartridges only, and firmware updates have stopped non-Epson cartridges from being recognized. If you use them, don't apply firmware updates.

Do I have to replace all four at once?
No. Each color is a separate cartridge.

Other printers that use Epson 288

Epson Expression Home XP-340 · Epson Expression Home XP-330 · Epson Expression Home XP-430

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

Sources

Ratings and prices were checked on October 8, 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.

Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.

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