Photos are the greatest memories to save awesome moments forever. These moments remind us of the happy time spent with our family, friends, and dear ones. The finest way to save your memorable moments is to have a physical photo. As a result, a photo printer is a to-go tool for you to print your moments anywhere and anytime. It is a plus to be able to bring the printer anywhere and print them on spot for any events. Therefore, it is best if the person owns a photo printer that can be easily transported. Keeping these requirements in mind, many brands have already manufactured some of the best portable photo printers.
You can easily carry it anywhere, anytime, and experience how seamlessly it works. Capable to provide instant access to your photos, you can look at the 10 best portable photo printers to allow you to make a wise buying decision.
Table of Contents
List Of The Best Portable Photo Printers in 2023 Reviews
10. Kodak Mini Portable Photo Printer – Wi-Fi & NFC Compatible
Ready to start printing your precious memories? Just tap to get started! Are you willing to print your favorite photos with a single press of a button? If yes, then this portable photo printer from Kodak is the recommended device. Kodak Mini Portable printer is an all-in-one ink and a paper cartridge that produces a clear detail. The printer is for 2.1 x 3.4’’ size, and Fade-proof quality to ensure that all photos will work for at least 10 years.
Moreover, you can access loads of editing features via the free Kodak application. Those include cropping, collage, special ID print, and a lot more. With the use of this printer, you do not have to lift a finger. Simply go to your Android device on its surface, and an advanced NFC one-touch allows effective printing and editing of your photos.
What We Like:
- This printer works well with iOS smartphones as well as tablets that work on Wi-Fi networks.
- It comes with all-in-one ink as well as a paper cartridge that creates gorgeously detailed color and high-quality prints in the size: 2.1 x 3.4”.
- The implementation of anti-fading dye transfer technology ensures that every photo would last for a minimum of 10 years. This is accomplished with the help of its moisture feature- and the product is highly resistant to fingerprint.
- There is no need to worry about handling untidy ink because the photo papers and cartridge are incorporated inside a single cassette.
- The process to change the cassette is as easy as pulling the old cassette out and including the new cassette inside.
What We Don’t Like:
- Low Battery life
- Many steps of the setup process
- Experience slow printing speed
9. Lifeprint 2×3 Portable Photo and Video Printer
Meet our instant photos designed that can print 2’’x3’’ photos from anywhere and anytime you like. The good thing about this portable printer is that you can send photos instantly from your device to the printer, and let it do all the work.
Moreover, you can download the LifePrint app that allows you to access any pictures from your social media and camera rolls, etc. This package includes a starter pack of ZINK paper, so you can load it up and print it right out of the box.
What we like:
- Lifeprint allows an option of “Reality Hyperphotos” that you can embed a video inside your photos so they come to life
- Connect with friends and family within the Lifeprint App, so you can share photos with them through the app from anywhere around the globe. it runs well with iOS and Android devices.
- Lifeprint instant print camera produces better-quality images straight from your phone, you can print them from your iPhone in seconds.
- Connect Lifeprint to your home wifi and print.
- Easily print real photos from your phone or any social media account with just one click.
- This bundle includes: 1 Lifeprint printer, 1 Lifeprint 30-pack Zink paper, 1 Tote Bag, 1 set Magnet display, 1 set Magnetic Photo Frames, 1 Magnetic Picture Frames.
What we don’t like:
- The price is fairly expensive
8. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
One of the best on our list is Fujifilm Instax mini smartphone printer. Not only it has more than a thousand reviews on Amazon, but it also guarantees the most affordable price. It offers a portable design which makes it easy to carry around anywhere. The compact size makes it convenient to fit in any size bag or pockets.
Equipped in a compact and lightweight design, this portable photo printer is compatible with all devices both IOS and Android. Most importantly, it is easy to set up and ready to use and access anywhere through your phone. The photo prints in less than 12 seconds after the image is sent from your smartphone. Approximately 100 photos can be printed continuously when the printer is fully charged.
What we like:
- There is no hassle in transportation, you can carry it easily.
- Its handy unit comes with a wireless design to let you connect the printer with Wi-Fi activated devices.
- It can generate up to 100 images when charged fully
- Due to its compact size, it would easily fit inside your purse or pocket.
- The printer is capable to instantly print photos from smartphones. You can seamlessly connect it with all the Apple iPhone and contemporary iPad and Android
- All X Series cameras that are compatible with the FUJIFILM Camera Remote app are supported
- Using the app, swipe up on the image that you would like to print and the photo will come out of the printer using the same motion.
- You will be able to connect with up to five friends to create a unique Instax print.
What we don’t like:
- The cost adds up for printing such small photo each
- A very small size picture can be printed.
Fujifilm INSTAX printer creates Instax photos by sending images from smartphones and tablets using the free SHARE app. It offers high-resolution images with print pixels of 800×600 dots as we as 320 dpi to show the detailed gradations, the facial expressions, characters, or objects precisely. Moreover, its new laser exposure system provides a faster printing time of 10 seconds from the print data transfer to print output.
This printer arrives with a rechargeable battery in which can be charged via micro USB port, so you wouldn’t have to buy a battery. You can choose between classic colors in Silver and Gold of your choice. Designed to present high-resolution print outputs, you will perceive that you get print pixels of 800 x 600 dots, as well as 320 dpi, shows gradations.
What We Like:
- In the full-length portrait print output, you can clearly observe the expressions of materials, characters, etc.
- The printer works to decrease the damage of hue and sharpness due to aging. This aspect justifies that outstanding image stability identical to the silver-halide photographic prints.
- It implements an advanced laser exposure system that works to attain quick printing time.
- This time is around 10 seconds, measured from the print data transfer to the final print output.
- The printer packaging includes a rechargeable battery that can be charged through a micro USB port. It is found that the approximate charging time is 90 minutes, and it varies based on the residue battery level.
- You can do a manual adjustment on its share printer app which enables you to adjust the darkness and brightness of the image.
What We Don’t Like:
- Have to connect to Wi-Fi.
- It can’t edit the app. You have to edit the picture before you put it in the app to print
- App itself is a little confusing.
6. Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi Portable Photo Printer
With the use of this portable photo printer from Kodak, you can generate stunning 4” x 6” print outputs with a single press of a button. Its dock includes a charger and the printer device in one. This allows you to power different devices as well as convey all the captured images to physical output.
Most importantly, it is designed as a one-touch printing function, which makes it convenient for you to print photos directly from your smartphone; includes an android dock pin & free iOS lightning adapter. Its simultaneous charging function allows the printer to power up to two Smart Devices. It is fast to charge for home, office, school, or business.
What We Like:
- There is the implementation of easy printing technology which implies that you need not transfer files to your desktop or memory card. Simply plug in this printer to your Android phone through the use of the 5-pin dock. Alternatively, you can also hook up your iOS gadgets with a lightning charger.
- With the press of touch, you would be able to launch the Kodak app launch and finally print any image instantly.
- It is compatible with all your devices through the use of a built-in Wi-Fi network. You can print from a digital camera, iPhone, iPad, or USB memory stick
- The printer facilitates printing directly from your digital camera through the use of PictBridge technology.
- You can carry out simultaneous charging using this printer. This is because it can power two smart devices simultaneously. The inclusion of a dock delivers quick charging speed.
What We Don’t like:
- Incapable to use with USB-C
- The app is not updated, so there could be an issue setting up and connecting with the app
5. Canon Selphy CP1200 Wireless Color Photo Printer
Now you can print your favorite Facebook and Instagram memories right from your smartphone or tablet with the Canon Print Inkjet/Selphy app. The credit of high popularity, versatility, and increased use of this printer among the customers go to its compact design and manifold ways to print. Canon is a renowned brand, and there is no doubt about the print quality from the printers of this brand.
With its regular use, you will perceive that it is quite simple to take your printer anywhere and operate it wirelessly. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi button to easily connect to and Print from your Wireless network. Now you can print wirelessly and effortlessly from your Compatible iPhone, iPad. etc. Each Selphy ink and paper kit comes with exactly enough of each to Print 18, 36, or 54 photos.
What We Like:
- Using the printer, you can easily print on label size, postcard size paper, and also on eight little stickers. If you want, prior to printing, you can edit your photos with special effects and borders.
- In its package, every Selphy ink, as well as the paper kit comes, includes a sufficient amount of each to print photos in a pack of 18, 36, or 54. Thus, there is no hassle on how to print bulk photos.
- You can print your chosen memories from different social media platforms, directly from your smartphone/tablet by using the inkjet/selphy app from the brand.
- Its battery is so efficient that you can take out 54 prints with its single charge.
What We Don’t Like:
- setup instructions inadequate
- printing from either a Mac or an iPhone the results look a bit dull
- Take time for the printing process
4. Prynt Pocket -Instant Photo Printer for iPhone
Now you can transform your iPhone into a palm-sized camera with the use of this instant printer from Prynt Pocket. The Prynt app allows you to choose photos directly from Instagram, Snapchat, and your camera roll with this printer tool. Any photo saved to your smartphone or social media platforms can be printed anywhere in a second. The Prynt app gives you the option to add a video inside your photos to make it extra lively.
What We Like:
- It comes with a Prynt app that allows you to add a video within your photo.
- Whenever you share your Prynt image with people, you can utilize the Prynt app to open the video clip and finally convey the Prynt photo to real life.
- With the help of an easy-to-remove paper cartridge, you can transform your iPhone device into an instant camera that is almost half the size of the original Print
- There is no need for ink because the photos would get printed over the ZINK (zero ink) Sticker Paper.
- You can take prints from your smartphone and social media accounts; also, you can take out the print of new images in 30 seconds.
What We Don’t Like:
- Low print quality
- Colors of the print might come a little off
- Expensive
- Customer service is not the best
3. Canon IVY Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Printer
Canon is known as one of the highest quality brands in the market. Recognized extensively by its compact size, this portable photo printer from Canon will easily fit right into your pocket. Carry it anywhere without any worry of printers occupying more space. Canon IVY Wireless Bluetooth easily connects to your smartphones, to the Canon ivy mini photo printer app through the Bluetooth connection.
Now you can choose a photo from your smartphone or get it from social media apps. Then, print fun 2″x3″ Photos with a peel & stick back to add extra creativity. With the Canon ivy mini photo printer app, you now can customize your photos in your favorite style before you print them such as add frames, stickers, filters, texts, tile printing, Collage Print, and more.
What We Like:
- You can effortlessly connect your smartphone to the incorporated app -Canon ivy mini photo printer app through Bluetooth. Also, you can pick a photo from your smartphone or from social media and then print the photos.
- The app is such that you can customize your photos prior to printing. Now you can add frames, filters, stickers, tile print, text, collage print, and a lot more.
- This printer is found to be compatible with different mobile devices that run on iOS 9.0 or higher version. Moreover, it is also compatible with Android devices that run on Android 4.4 or higher version.
- n order to generate a compact and portable design, this printer makes use of Zink or a paper with built-in ink crystals. It is known that the crystals do not need ink cartridges.
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor color quality
- Fairly expensive
2. Canon iP8720 Wireless Portable Photo Printers
Another of our Canon products that ensure the high-quality printer on the market. First of all, the printer could print your photos up to 13inches x 19 inches. Whenever you wish to save your valuable memories into the high-quality physical format, go for this wireless printer from Canon.
This printer enables you to print appealing borderless photos of size up to 13” x 19”. It has auto power on the mode that allows the printer to automatically power up the printer whenever you send a photo or document to be printed. Also, the AirPrint mode allows you to print wirelessly and effortlessly from your compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, and no drivers needed
What We Like:
- Through the use of a 6-color ink system, built-in gray ink, and maximum color dpi of 9600 x 2400 dpi, the output print quality is wonderful.
- You only need to have the PIXMA Printing Solutions (“PPS”) app (freely available on the App Store and at Google Play Store) and an Internet connection.
- In addition to the color print, the printer is capable of printing the details of black & white photos.
- You can print wirelessly from the computer that is Wi-Fi enabled.
- The appealing aspect of this printer is it is cloud compatible.
What We Don’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Not suitable for photographer or gallery print, since it could print an average quality image
- There is no duplex printer
1. Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Color Photo Printer
This is one of the highest quality products on our list. Instantly share the cherished moments of any parties, family gatherings, events, etc. with the use of this portable and compact printer from Epson. Basically, it is a lightweight printer that works to deliver elegant borderless photos in dimensions like 4-inch x 6 inches and 5-inch x 7 inches. It is built as a lightweight, portable printer, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space wherever you choose to print.
Moreover, it is easily printed from the iPad, iPhone, tablet, and smartphones; includes Wi-Fi Direct. This printer is highly durable with a combination of photo quality and longevity. All photos quality are smudge-resistant, scratch, water, and fade-resistant that last up to 200 years in album storage.
What We Like:
- It comes with a wireless printing feature and Wi-Fi Direct feature to let you print from your smartphone, iPad, iPhone, or tablet.
- You can preview photos with the help of a 7-inch color display.
- The printer is capable of printing 4-inch x 6-inch photos in 37 seconds, and this implies that the operation is quick.
- With convenient Print Packs, you can get stacks of photos. The stack would include ink cartridges as well as 100 sheets of photo paper with dimension -4 inch x 6 inches.
- The output print is resistant to abrasion, water, and
- For personal and professional use, the portable photo printers work as a miracle because they can seamlessly accomplish the printing requirements wherever you are.
- The output print quality is usually the best and exactly resembles the captured images
What We Don’t like:
- Fairly expensive in term of price
- The S curve is very aggressive. Either thing are very white and nearly washed out or very dark and mushy
- The dithering is still clearly visible
- Complicate to set up
- Only works for Epson inks, no third party inks will works
Buying Guide for the Best Portable Photo Printers
In order to pick the right portable photo printers that are suitable for you, first, you need to understand your purpose. Whether you are a professional looking to buy high-quality prints or you just want to have fun creating a photo album, understanding your purpose will help you eliminate the choices. Here are a few keys to look for when looking to buy a photo printer.
Resolution
buy a printer that provides a high-quality resolution of at least 4,800 x 1,200 dpi. If you can afford more, be generous and really pay attention to resolution. Low-resolution produces low-quality print photos and makes the photos look extremely inferior.
Ink Quality
The ink is the most important part of photo printing. Eventually, the inks will run out and you would need to replace them. As a matter of fact, the quality of the inks is made from two types of sources – Coloring agent-based inks and Pigment-based inks. If you are looking for the cheaper option, Coloring agent-based inks are the to-go. However, it will also produce lower quality photos. On the other hand, Pigment-based inks are much better in quality if you are looking for better quality photographs that will last longer.
The size of the printer
Understanding the main purpose of buying a photo printer will also help you to choose the right size for your need. If you are traveling a lot or want a size that fits your backpacks and pockets, it is best to get a compact size one. Normally, bigger printers slightly produce better photo quality, so if you do not need to carry around a lot getting the one for your office and home will work best for quality.
Compatibility
This is an important step, you have to make sure that it is compatible with the device that you are going to connect with. Thus, before buying any photo printer, remember to check its specifications and see if it’s compatible with your device’s operating system.
Speed
speed matters when it comes to portable photo printers. You want a photo printer that is capable of printing more photos at an efficient speed. You wouldn’t want to spend more than 5 minutes for a print.
The number of prints
if you are planning to print more than 50 photos, getting the cheaper photos printer or the portable one might not work best for you. In that case, you want to invest in high-quality print that can produce more photos at its full capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this require special paper or will any 4×6 photo paperwork?
A: This depends on different products. Some portable product printers are okay to be used with normal photo paper as well as 4×6 photo paper. However, some printers need their own special paper to ensure a good quality of printing.
Q: How long does the starter ink cartridge last? Or about how many photos?
A: Regularly, the starter ink cartridge of most portable photo printers will be able to last approximately up to 8 months. This means that users will be able to print up to 150 pages.
Q: Why is printer ink so expensive?
A: This is because the manufacture usually spends a lot on the production of R&D to make sure that the ink delivers top-notch image quality.
Conclusion
A photo printer is a fun tool to invest in if you are the person that is fond of making memories from photos. However, there are more than 50 brands of photo printer in the market. Choosing the best and suitable one for you could be time-consuming. It also means that you need to understand your purpose before buying. There are cheaper and more expensive options to choose from varied by their quality.
If you can afford the one with high quality, it is worth investing in the best one. We also recommend reading the reviews of each product before purchasing, it is a helpful way to understand any issue that you might encounter.