Printers for photos are essential devices for both hobbyist and professional photographers. They not only offer the convenience of producing high-quality prints at home but also provide complete control over your photography. However, given the multitude of choices, it’s vital to choose a printer that meets your specific requirements.
The best photo printers should produce stunning, true-to-life prints with fast print speeds. They should also offer a wide color gamut and exceptional print longevity. Beyond print quality, factors such as paper handling, connectivity options, and ink efficiency should also be considered. Using the wrong printer could result in dull, inaccurate prints, potentially affecting your work or memories.
When purchasing a photo printer, it’s essential to pay attention to features such as printing technology, resolution, ink type, and the size of prints it can produce. A printer with dye-based or pigment inks, high-resolution printing (preferably in the range of 4800 x 1200 dpi), and the ability to print on various paper types will ensure top-notch photo quality and versatility.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best photo printer. We’ve researched, tested, and analyzed numerous models to identify those with the most desirable features and performance. By the end of this article, you will have all the information needed to invest in a photo printer that will consistently deliver vivid, stunning images.
Best Photo Printer
Selecting the right photo printer is critical for achieving accurate, high-quality photo prints. The printer should offer a wide color gamut, excellent print longevity, and robust connectivity options. Considering the overwhelming variety of models on the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for your needs. In this guide, we have curated a list of the best photo printers based on our comprehensive testing and analysis, that should help simplify your decision-making process.
KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer (2.1×3.4 inches) + 68 Sheets Bundle, White
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use photo printer, the KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is a great option.
Pros
- The mini size and retro design make it easy to carry and use anywhere.
- The 4-pass dye sublimation technology ensures high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details.
- The 2×3″ credit card-sized prints are perfect for everyday use and can be used as photo stickers or gifts.
Cons
- The printer is compatible with iOS 11 and later, Android 7.0 and later, and Amazon Fire OS 6 and later, so it may not work with older devices.
- The app requires a Kodak Account, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The printer is not suitable for printing large photos.
We’ve used the KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer and found it to be a great option for anyone who wants to print photos on the go. The mini size and retro design make it easy to carry and use anywhere, and the 4-pass dye sublimation technology ensures high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details. The 2×3″ credit card-sized prints are perfect for everyday use and can be used as photo stickers or gifts.
One thing to keep in mind is that the printer is compatible with iOS 11 and later, Android 7.0 and later, and Amazon Fire OS 6 and later, so it may not work with older devices. Additionally, the app requires a Kodak Account, which may be inconvenient for some users. Finally, the printer is not suitable for printing large photos, so keep that in mind when deciding what to print.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use photo printer, the KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is a great option to consider.
KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer (4×6 inches) + 90 Sheets Bundle
If you’re looking for a portable photo printer that can deliver high-quality prints in minutes, the KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer (4×6 inches) + 90 Sheets Bundle is worth considering.
Pros
- The printer is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it easy to use on the go.
- It delivers borderless 4×6″ prints that are smudge-resistant, water-resistant, and tear-resistant.
- The included KODAK 90 Sheets Kit provides up to 90 full-size 4×6″ prints, making it a great value for the price.
Cons
- The printer requires a constant power supply, which may limit its portability.
- Some users have reported issues with the app connectivity and photo alignment.
- The printer may take longer to print multiple photos in a row.
We’ve used the KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer (4×6 inches) + 90 Sheets Bundle to print several photos, and we’re impressed with the results. The printer is easy to set up and use, and it delivers high-quality prints that are smudge-resistant, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. The included KODAK 90 Sheets Kit provides up to 90 full-size 4×6″ prints, making it a great value for the price.
One of the standout features of this printer is its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices. This makes it easy to use on the go and print photos from your phone or tablet. The printer also delivers borderless 4×6″ prints, which gives your photos a professional look.
However, there are a few downsides to this printer. The first is that it requires a constant power supply, which may limit its portability. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the app connectivity and photo alignment, which can be frustrating. Finally, the printer may take longer to print multiple photos in a row, which can be time-consuming.
Overall, we think the KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer (4×6 inches) + 90 Sheets Bundle is a great option for anyone looking for a portable photo printer that can deliver high-quality prints in minutes.
Canon Selphy CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with 1-Pack KP-108IN Color Ink Paper Set (108 Sheets of 4×6 Paper + 3 Ink Cartridges) Deluxe Photo Album + Cleaning Cloth (White)
If you’re looking for a compact and wireless photo printer, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is a great option.
Pros
- The CP1500 is compatible with the Canon Print App, which allows you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- The printer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go.
- The included starter pack comes with 10 sheets of photo paper and three ink cartridges, which is enough to get you started.
Cons
- The printer is a bit slow, taking about 1 minute and 30 seconds to print a 4×6 photo.
- The photo paper is a bit expensive, costing about $0.44 per sheet.
- The printer only supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can’t connect it to a computer using a USB cable.
We’ve used the Canon Selphy CP1500 to print several photos, and we’re impressed with the results. The colors are vibrant and the details are sharp. The printer is also very easy to use, with a simple interface that allows you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
One thing to keep in mind is that the photo paper is a bit expensive, so you’ll want to use the printer sparingly. However, the results are worth it, and the printer’s compact size and wireless connectivity make it a great option for travel or events.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and wireless photo printer, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is a great choice. It’s easy to use, produces high-quality prints, and is perfect for on-the-go use.
KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer (White) Compatible w/ iOS & Android, NFC & Bluetooth Devices, 2×3
If you’re looking for a compact and portable photo printer, the KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer is a great option.
Pros
- The printer is compact and portable, making it easy to take on the go.
- It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices, as well as NFC and Bluetooth.
- The printer produces high-quality photos that are smudge-proof and water-resistant.
Cons
- The printer is a bit slow, taking about 1 minute and 15 seconds to print a 4×6 photo.
- The ink cartridges can be expensive to replace.
- The printer is only compatible with certain types of paper, which can be limiting.
The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer is a great option for anyone who wants to print photos on the go. The printer is easy to use and produces high-quality photos that are smudge-proof and water-resistant. The compact and portable design makes it easy to take the printer with you wherever you go, whether you’re traveling or just want to print photos at home.
One of the best things about this printer is its compatibility with both iOS and Android devices, as well as NFC and Bluetooth. This makes it easy to print photos from your phone or tablet without the need for a computer. The printer also supports popular photo apps like Instagram, so you can print your favorite memories directly from the app.
Another great feature of this printer is its ability to print borderless 2×3 photos. This is perfect for social media or for creating a photo collage. The printer also supports other photo sizes, so you can print your photos in the size that works best for you.
Overall, the KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer is a great option for anyone who wants to print photos on the go. While it’s a bit slow and the ink cartridges can be expensive to replace, the high-quality prints and compact design make it worth the investment.
Liene 4×6” Photo Printer, Phone Printer 100 Sheets, Full-Color Photo, Portable Instant Photo Printer for iPhone Android, Thermal Dye Sublimation, Wi-Fi Picture Printer 100 Papers & 3 Cartridges
If you’re looking for a portable and easy-to-use photo printer, the Liene 4×6” Photo Printer is a great option.
Pros
- The printer is very compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- It supports both Wi-Fi and USB printing, so you can print photos from your phone, tablet, or computer.
- The printer comes with 100 sheets of photo paper and three ink cartridges, so you can print a lot of photos without having to buy more supplies.
Cons
- The printer is a bit slow, so it may take a while to print a lot of photos.
- The print quality is not as high as some other photo printers on the market.
- The printer is a bit expensive, especially considering the print quality and speed.
We’ve used the Liene 4×6” Photo Printer to print a lot of photos, and we’re generally happy with the results. The printer is very easy to use, and it’s great that it supports both Wi-Fi and USB printing. This means that you can print photos from your phone, tablet, or computer, without having to connect the printer to your device with a cable.
One of the things we really like about this printer is that it comes with 100 sheets of photo paper and three ink cartridges. This means that you can print a lot of photos without having to buy more supplies. The printer is also very compact and portable, which makes it easy to take with you on the go.
However, there are a few downsides to this printer. The print quality is not as high as some other photo printers on the market, which means that your photos may not look as sharp and vibrant as they would if you printed them on a higher-end printer. Additionally, the printer is a bit slow, which means that it may take a while to print a lot of photos. Finally, the printer is a bit expensive, especially considering the print quality and speed.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable photo printer that you can take with you on the go, the Liene 4×6” Photo Printer is a good option. It’s easy to use, supports both Wi-Fi and USB printing, and comes with a lot of supplies. However, if you’re looking for the highest print quality and speed, you may want to consider a higher-end photo printer.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best photo printer, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that matter most.
Print Quality
Print quality is the most important factor to consider when choosing a photo printer. The best photo printers produce high-resolution prints with vibrant colors and accurate skin tones. Look for printers that use six-color or eight-color ink sets to achieve the best results.
Print Speed
Print speed is another important factor to consider when choosing a photo printer. The best photo printers can print a 4×6 inch photo in under a minute. Look for printers with dual-core processors and fast print speeds to ensure that you can quickly print multiple photos.
Connectivity
Connectivity is also an important factor to consider when choosing a photo printer. The best photo printers offer a range of connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Look for printers that offer easy-to-use software and apps to make printing from your smartphone or tablet simple.
Ink Cost
Ink cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a photo printer. The best photo printers offer high-quality prints at an affordable cost. Look for printers with ink cartridges that are easy to replace and offer good value for money.
Paper Type
Paper type is also an important factor to consider when choosing a photo printer. The best photo printers offer a range of paper types, including glossy, matte, and fine art paper. Look for printers that offer easy-to-use paper feed options to ensure that you can print on the paper of your choice.
In summary, when choosing the best photo printer, consider print quality, print speed, connectivity, ink cost, and paper type. By taking these factors into account, you can find a photo printer that meets your needs and produces high-quality prints that you can be proud of.
