Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) theoretically offers advantages compared with open esophagectomy (OE). However, the long-term outcomes have not been well studied, especially for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We retrospectively compared postoperative outcomes, quality of life (QOL), and survival in a matched population of patients undergoing MIE, with a control (OE) group. Methods From May 2004 to August 2013, MIE was performed for a group of 735 patients, which was compared with a group of 652 cases of OE. Eventually, 444 paired cases, matched using propensity-score matching, were selected for further statistical analysis. Results Compared with the OE group, the MIE group had shorter operation duration (191 ± 47 minutes vs 211 ± 44 minutes, P  < .001); less blood loss (135 ± 74 ml vs 163 ± 84 ml, P  < .001); similar lymph node harvest (24.1 ± 6.2 vs 24.3 ± 6.0, P  = .607); shorter postoperative hospital stay (11 days range: 7-90 days vs 12 days range: 8-112 days, P  < .001); fewer major complications (30.4% vs 36.9%, P  = .039); a lower readmission rate to the intensive-care unit (5.6% vs 9.7%, P  = .023); and similar perioperative mortality (1.1% vs 2.0%, P  = .281). At a median follow-up of 27 months, the 2-year overall survival rates in the MIE and OE group were: (1) stage 0 and I: 92% versus 90% ( P  = .864); (2) stage II: 83% versus 82% ( P  = .725); (3) stage III: 59% versus 55% ( P  = .592); (4) stage IV: 43% versus 43% ( P  = .802). The generalized estimating equation analysis showed that MIE had an independently positive impact on patients' postoperative QOL. Conclusions In our experience, MIE is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. It may offer better perioperative outcomes, better postoperative QOL, and equal oncologic survival, compared with OE.