What are the features that make the popular portable photo printer? It starts with an excellent balance of size, weight, and overall portability. So you’ll want a mobile printer with a lightweight design and compact size. It should boast hassle-free portability that makes it easy to transport and carry around. You’ll also want one that delivers high-quality prints and uses a built-in rechargeable battery pack, so you can use it wherever you go. Although price is an essential aspect to factor in, you should focus more on image quality and how well it operates.
A close second is the type of technology used. Some portable printers employ thermal printing, which uses heat to fuse toner onto the photo paper to produce images. Most mobile printers, however, use inkjet technology to print. Also, look for a printer with multiple connectivity options to make it compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. One that uses wireless connections such as Bluetooth connectivity and has high printing speeds is ideal. Keep reading our best portable photo printer buying guide to learn more.
Top Portable Photo Printers
#1 HP Sprocket Printer
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll love the fact that you won’t have to replace any ribbons or use expensive toner for this model. It also produces photos that are resistant to damage from liquids like water and don’t easily smudge.
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- Zink Zero Ink technology
- Photos are resistant to damage
- Unique filters, frames, and flair
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- Colors might be off
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You can easily print your photography any time you’d like with this second edition model. It will provide 2” x 3” photos on demand. You can pull from your smartphone’s library, or you can print straight from social media. That puts the control entirely in your hands. It has been reported by some consumers that this printer started to produce strange colors after a few uses. This hasn’t been common, but it’s something to consider.
This model uses Zink Zero Ink technology. This means that it doesn’t need to use expensive toner. You’ll also be able to skip rubbin replacements. The photo printer paper it uses has all of the colors you need to be embedded straight into the paper itself. They also put a sticking backing on the photo paper and made it glossy so that photos always look their best.
#2 KODAK Step Wireless Printer
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model will connect to most smartphones for a more convenient experience than you might have with competitors. It also uses embedded dye crystals, producing stunning imagery as a result.
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- Connects to most smartphones
- Uses embedded dye crystals
- Weighs less than a pound
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- Photos may be too warm
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This printer connects to almost any smartphone on the market. You’ll be able to use an iOS or Android tablet or smartphone to print your photos directly. It uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly, so there are no messy wires to get tangled up in or try to find storage for. Unfortunately, this printer produces imagery that tends to lean toward “warm” colors. This can skew the color profiles of images.
The photos that it prints are extremely durable to ensure you’re able to keep those memories alive as long as possible. They’re able to resist moisture, rips, tears, and smudges. Beyond this, the brand also provides access to a free app. This allows you to add filters, create collages, use borders, apply stickers, or even slap on some text. It’s a full editing suite so you can always make sure that your photos print exactly like you want them to.
#3 Lifeprint Portable Printer
Award: BEST FOR LARGER PICTURES
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll be able to print photos directly from social media when you use this model. It’s a technologically advanced option that has multiple features, such as the ability to connect with others through an app.
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- Technologically advanced option
- Connects with others through an app
- Prints right from social media
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- App can be a little finicky
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You’ll have access to larger photos with this printer than you do with most competing models. Instead of the standard 2” x 3”, the photos printed will come out to a whopping 3.4” x 5”. This is great for those who need slightly larger photos for their purposes. You’ll also be able to see more detail. However, some people think that the app doesn’t work the way it should. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for most, it’s something to keep in mind if that’s a feature you’re after.
There is also augmented reality built into the photos. This is a super cool feature that you don’t really see in competing for portable printers. They’re called “Augmented Reality Hyperphotos”, and they allow you to embed videos inside of your photos. It’s also able to connect with your friends and your family using the specialized app the company developed. You can instantly share your photos using your printer to anybody in the world.
#4 Canon SELPHY CP1300 Printer
Award: BEST FOR QUICK PRINTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll enjoy that this portable model can go anywhere with you since it’s small enough to fit comfortably in a purse or backpack. It also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a smart option for technology enthusiasts.
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- Extremely portable option
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Takes 47 seconds to work
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- Photos tend to skew dark
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This wireless photo printer offers a fantastic way to personalize your bedroom, office, bathroom, or any other place that needs a little decoration. This printer is highly compact, as well, making it perfect to travel with for fast printing on the go. Unfortunately, the photos you print with this model will generally skew pretty dark. You can counter this by using apps on your phone to heighten the brightness of your images before printing.
It offers an 802.11b/g connection. This allows you to print from almost anywhere so long as you’re connected to your printer. The photos it produces are long-lasting and durable so they’ll be able to stand the test of time. It prints up to 4” x 6” and is able to add a border for a little extra decoration on your photo. It only takes around 47 seconds for this printer to work, so it’s a super fast option for those who are pressed for time.
#5 Polaroid Hi-Print Printer
Award: BEST FOR OLD SCHOOL AESTHETIC
WHY WE LIKE IT: The rechargeable battery on this model means you’ll never have to worry about keeping a fresh battery on you. It also has wireless connectivity, making it a super convenient option when printing from your phone.
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- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Has wireless connectivity
- Prints in under 30 seconds
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- Sticker-backing may be subpar
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If you’re a huge fan of retro aesthetics, this compact printer will be the perfect fit for you. It has super appealing housing that people love. Beyond the good looks, the printer is compatible with sticky-back photo paper. This means you can easily peel off the back and stick your photos right where you want them. Keep in mind that the sticker backing on the printer paper is not nearly as sticky as most would like. It may have trouble with the edges curling up.
You’ll be able to print a multitude of different materials depending on what you need. It will produce up to 2” x 3” photos, business cards, and more. It also uses Dye-Sub technology. This means that the cartridge is capable of producing high-quality, vibrant photos quickly and efficiently. This printer only takes around 50 seconds to finalize your print so you can get your photos that much more quickly than with larger printers.
#6 Fujifilm Instax Mini Printer
Award: BEST FOR TRAVELING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This extremely compact option is perfect for traveling. It also has a free app that you can download to help you edit photos and print them. Beyond this, you can print pictures straight from videos.
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- Extremely compact option
- Free app available
- Prints photos from videos
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- Might be too small for some
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If you’re looking for an ultimate editing suite, this is a great option to go with. The brand developed a special app just for this printer so you can have precision control. This app will allow you to add filters, frames, and so much more, allowing you to personalize every photo. Unfortunately, being such a compact size does come with a significant disadvantage. You won’t print larger photos, and this may be a dealbreaker for some.
This is a Bluetooth capable printer. Wireless connectivity is a huge advantage to have for compact printers, especially since you’ll be printing directly from your smartphone or tablet. Beyond this, you’ll also be able to print photos from stills in videos. This isn’t a feature normally seen in compact printers, so if you really want that feature then this is a great option for you. Finally, you’ll enjoy a super speedy printing time of around 12 seconds, with 90 needed for post-print development.
Beginners Guide to Best Portable Photo Printer
What is the Best Portable Photo Printer?
In essence, a portable photo printer is a compact mobile device that you can use to print high-quality photos at home or on the go, allowing you to see your pictures traditionally instead of viewing them on screens. Photo printers let you capture and share memories in a more tangible way. If you also need to scan, copy and print documents try using a high rated laser printer.
While the idea of printing your pictures from a mobile device might not appeal to everyone, the truth is there are many benefits to using a portable photo printer. It features wireless connectivity and allows you to print digital images directly from your smartphone or tablet without the need for a computer. You can also use the photo printer as a regular printer for essential documents or photos stored on your computer.
They have a rechargeable battery, so you can take them with you when traveling. This is an ideal solution if you want to print high-quality photographs anywhere without worrying about power outlets.
While you can use any standard printer with a memory card reader or an external disc drive to print your photos, having your portable photo printer offers a few distinct advantages. It’s compact enough to carry around and doesn’t consume much space, unlike a traditional printer. The wireless connection feature means you can print your photos without the need for a computer and, as mentioned earlier, it’s ideal if you like to travel.
The best mini photo printer allows you to print high-resolution images with vivid colors. Although it needs to be compact, it must also be fit for purpose, allowing you to print pictures of the highest quality.
Portable Photo Printers Vs. Standard Photo Printers
Portable photo printers offer some diverse distinctions from standard photo printers.
First off, they are more compact and lightweight than traditional printers. They also offer wireless connectivity so that you can print photos from your phone or tablet without the need for a computer.
Equally important is their portability, with some of the best models allowing you to print photos from anywhere and everywhere – perfect for taking on your travels.
Unlike the standard printer, they use a built-in rechargeable battery pack. This means you can easily carry around a portable photo printer without having to find power outlets or worrying about your device dying.
Moreover, the built-in battery has long battery life that allows you to print hundreds of photos on a single charge or even transfer files wirelessly from your computer.
Let’s talk about costs. Because they don’t have complex components like laser or inkjet printers, portable photo printers are cheaper. They also use smaller paper sizes, which are frugal on the ink.
Many portable photo printers let you print borderless photos without wasting any paper, and they come with a stylus for swiping your finger across the screen to preview and edit your photos before printing.
In terms of quality, they feature inkjet technology that prints vibrant photos in high resolution. Some models have special photo paper that offers a matte finish and doesn’t require ink cartridges to work.
Most importantly, though, they are compact, lightweight, and portable. If you always wondered how to print photos from your phone or tablet, this is the ideal solution. If you own a Cricut cutting machine, choosing a top tier cricut printer should be an option.
How Portable Photo Printers Work
Portable photo printers work in as much the same way as standard photo printers. While some use thermal technology, most use inkjet technology. The inkjet technology is used to print photos on special photo paper from your phone or tablet, while thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper to print your photos.
When it comes to quality, the inkjet technology is more sophisticated and produces sharper and clearer images in high resolution. The inkjet technology also creates a more realistic image and offers greater control over your photo prints.
The best small photo printer is easy to use, with a simple user interface. You can connect your phone or tablet to your printer via Bluetooth or a direct Wi-Fi connection.
They use potent batteries that deliver long life per charge, with some models offering up to 800 prints on a single charge. A battery indicator lets you know precisely how much power is left, so you can plan your printing and charging accordingly.
The exceptional print quality offered by the best portable photo printer makes them ideal for printing professional-grade photos, not only while you travel but also for everyday use.
Why Should You Buy a New Portable Photo Printer?
Do you need a new portable photo printer? If you plan to travel or just want to print pictures on the go, getting an unknown portable photo printer makes sense. These portable printers are lightweight, compact, and use innovative battery technology to print photos with ease whenever you want. They are ideal for travel, and you can carry your portable mobile photo printer around without worrying about finding power outlets.
The excellent high-quality print offered by these dedicated photo printers makes them ideal for printing professional-grade non-color and color images. You can print your favorite photos with exceptional detail and clarity.
Is Portable Photo Printer Worth Buying?
- Fast Instant Photo Prints: A portable printer is an ideal printer for people who regularly print photos. They are quick, compact, and easy to use. You can quickly print your photos from your phone, tablet, or computer with a simple tap.
- They offer portability and convenience: Since they are small and compact, you can carry your photo printer anywhere with ease. You can also print your photos from any location without bringing your laptop or connecting to a desktop computer.
- Print professional-grade photos: The best pocket photo printer lets you print your photos with exceptional clarity and detail. You can print full-color, high-resolution images that look fantastic for professional presentations.
- A portable printer offers multiple photo paper options: Portable photo printers have available different types of photo paper for printing photos. You can choose from matte, glossy, classic, and premium photo papers. Each type of paper offers a different finish, ideal for printing various kinds of photos.
- Advanced battery technology: Portable printers use next-generation battery technology that provides long life per charge with exceptional performance. They can print up to 800 photos on a single charge. You can charge their batteries with a USB connection which is often readily available.
- They come with additional features: You can also get printer models that offer additional features, such as a photo scanner, copy functionality, and a document scanner. These types of printers are ideal for people who want to print more than just photos.
Why a Portable Photo Printer May Not be For You
- Some printers have slower print speeds: Some portable printers print pictures slower than you might like. You may want to check the specifications before buying a printer to make sure that it can print the photos you want to print quickly. However, even if they are slow, the worst they can get is one-minute print time per photo.
- Small print size: Most portable printers have a small print size ideal for printing your social media photos but may not be large enough if you want to print larger pictures.
- They don’t offer color management: If you want to print pictures with exact color accuracy, your portable photo printer may not be ideal. While they are good at printing pictures, you may want to use them in addition to a regular printer that has color management capabilities.
How Long Will a Portable Photo Printer Last
While the average lifespan of a standard printer is 3-5 years, the lifespan of a portable printer is slightly less, but still long enough to help you reserve your favorite memories for over 100 years, thanks to the excellent print quality. Also, these printers are made to be durable, so the chances that you’ll have to replace them within a few years is unlikely.
Taking care of your printer will prolong its life and help it look newer. You can clean the outside of your printer with a damp cloth and avoid extreme heat, humidity, and bright light. It is imperative that you only use the printer’s manufacturer-approved ink cartridges to keep it optimal. Never use incompatible ink because it can damage the printer and void the warranty.
That said, the part that is most susceptible to damage is the print head. The best thing you can do to maintain it is to use your printer regularly—every time you print, those tiny nozzles fire off the ink. The more you use it, the better it will hold up over time. You don’t have to print hundreds of photos every day, but it’s good to print at least occasionally and avoid letting your photos just sit on the printer.
How to Choose the Best Portable Photo Printer
There are crucial factors that you should consider when choosing a photo printer. But it shouldn’t be a hard decision because you can compare them side by side to decide. These factors include print quality, print speed, connectivity options, quality of photos and paper, battery life, and hassle-free portability. Keep reading to learn more about these and how to decide on your next portable photo printer.
1. What Type of Photos Do I Want?
You can get a printer that specializes in special photos such as passport photos or mini prints. You should also decide what type of photo paper you want. Some print only black and white photos, while others offer a wide variety of colors.
2. Can the Photo Printer Fit in My Bag, or Do I Need to Carry the Case as Well?
If you are looking for the best pocket printer, the one that can fit in a small bag is ideal. Most laptops can hold these printers, so it won’t be hard to find a place to put them away when not in use. If you have a big bag or purse, you can easily fit the case in as well.
3. What Size of Photos do I Need?
If the size of your photos is going to be necessary, you should consider that. Some printers print on 6×4 inch paper, while others offer various sizes from wallet-size to A1+.
4. How Often Will I Use It?
You might be wondering if this purchase will pay off in the end and considering how often you will be using it. This may seem like a silly factor when deciding on which printer to get, but if you are only going to print photos once in a blue moon, then you might not want to spend too much money on a photo printer.
5. Do I need a Fast Instant Printer?
If your main objective is to print large quantities at once, you should look for a printer that has fast printing time. However, some printers offer slower printing but are more portable. You should decide what is more important to you, speed or portability. The other option is to buy a printer with both because the features will be ideal for your needs.
6. What are My Connectivity Options?
If you want to print photos from your phone, tablet, or laptop, look for a printer that offers the connectivity options you need. This way, it can easily connect with all your devices and allow you to print on the go. The best Bluetooth photo printer is ideal for this, but not all printers have that capability.
7. Does it have additional features?
More advanced photo printers come with more features. You can have fun and creative options such as borderless print photos, add a graphic, use stickers, or even make collages for your photos. These are available on most high-end portable photo printers, so look for one that offers the extra features you want.
