Are you tired of waiting for photo prints to arrive in the post? Investing in a portable photo printer allows you to share memories with family or friends instantly.
These devices let you print out precious memories instantly. They are also fantastic if you like to create wall art or decorate your home with photos.
We have compiled a list of the 7 best portable photo printers in 2023. We’ll show you which printers are popular and which offer high-quality printing for a relatively low cost.
The 7 best portable photo printers in 2023
Canon SELPHY CP1300
A great portable printer with wireless connectivity and a range of print sizes
Print speed: 1 print per minute | Print size: Postcard (6 x 4 inches), Large Size (3.5 x 4.7 inches), card size (2.1 x 3.4 inches), or square label (2.1 x 2.1 inches) | Weight: 861g
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer is the largest printer on our list. However, it is still portable and can fit in any size bag or backpack.
You can print directly from your smartphone or camera thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity and the Canon Print App3. Alternatively, you can connect a USB or your camera’s memory card direct to choose images.
The 6 x 4-inch prints dry instantly and are perfect for photo albums. They are water-resistant and have a lifespan of 100 years.
This printer can be used at home or on the go. But remember to pack the portable battery pack if you want to transport it anywhere.
The printing technology ensures consistent colors and quality and the print speed is quick at just 47 seconds per photo (for 6×4-inch prints).
The SELPHY CP1300 offers a great selection of print sizes and the 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen offers a built-in collage-maker.
HP Sprocket X7N07A
A stylish and fun printer, perfect for creating borderless prints
Print speed: 40 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 3 x 2 inches | Weight: 140.6g
HP has created a brilliant product with the Sprocket X7N07A, which offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus beautiful, borderless prints.
The rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 35 photos, and the basic packages come with 10 HP ZINK sticky-backed photo paper.
The 3 x 2-inch images look amazing on the official HP zinc paper. Moreover, the HP Sprocket App offers a world of creative options including the option to add text, borders, emojis, and more to your prints.
At 313 x 400 DPI, the photos are crystal clear and the official HP paper is high-quality and durable. Sometimes, the printer can leave lines on photos, but this is rare–the print quality is generally consistent.
Furthermore, the HP Sprocket App, Bluetooth connection, and battery life make the Sprocket X7N07A an excellent portable photo printer.
Kodak Smile Instant
Inkless printer boasts a pop-up design and augmented reality app
Print speed: 40 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 3 x 2 inches | Weight: 450g
The Kodak Smile Instant digital printer looks fantastic. It has a pop-up design and is available in 5 colors.
Users can connect to the device using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB port and print 3×2-inch photos straight from their smartphones.
In addition, the zink zero ink technology and rechargeable battery make using this device simple with low maintenance costs.
Furthermore, the photos are waterproof and have a peel-off, sticky back. You can also add filters or text overlays using the Kodak Smile app.
The app also features an augmented reality feature that works with your smartphone to create animated videos from your still images.
The image quality is excellent; the zinc paper produces bold colors and sharp images with great contrast.
And finally, the Kodak paper refills are moderately priced at approximately $10 for 20 sheets.
Fujifilm Instax SP-3 Mobile Printer
A fast, sleek, and stylish portable printer, perfect for square prints
Print speed: 13 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 2.4 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 311g
The Fujifilm Instax SP-3 Mobile Printer has a striking angular design and fits comfortably into any rucksack or handbag.
This device prints square 2.4 x 2.4-inch photos direct from your smartphone or other wireless devices. The photos are square and reminiscent of instant Polaroid shots; perfect for printing pictures from Instagram.
The Instax SP-3 also comes with a rechargeable battery and does not require ink to print–the images are self-developed on paper. Moreover, with a potential DPI of 318, images look crisp.
Furthermore, this is the fastest printer on our list, printing a photo in just 13 seconds. The device is also compatible with Fujifilm cameras, allowing you to share photos directly.
Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer
Retro-style prints from the original instant photo creator
Print speed: 55 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 3 x 2 inches | Weight: 187g
Polaroid is the king of instant cameras. So it is not surprising that the Polaroid ZIP wireless mobile photo mini printer offers excellent quality and portability.
The printer fits neatly into your pocket. Moreover, it uses Bluetooth connectivity and takes a rechargeable lithium battery which lasts for approximately 25 prints.
In addition, the zink zero ink printing technology produces magnificent photos complete with a protective layer that makes prints smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-resistant, and dry to the touch. As a result, there are no cartridge costs.
Finally, the Polaroid app also allows users to get creative with filters, and you can even doodle on photos before printing. Using the device is simple and you can control it from your smartphone.
Polaroid has certainly produced a brilliant portable photo printer that lives up to its reputation.
Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Photo Printer
Print on the go with this ultra-compact, wireless device from Kodak
Print speed: 50 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 3.4 x 2.1 inches | Weight: 317g
Kodak has created a superb portable photo printer with the Mini 2 HD. It is very portable as it’s the same size as a smartphone.
Both wireless and cable connections are available; so users can print directly from Android or iPhone devices, or from the free Kodak Photo Printer app.
Moreover, the printer requires a single lithium-ion battery for power (comes supplied with one). Photos are long-lasting with an expected lifespan of 10 years. Furthermore, the print quality is clear and sharp, with vibrant colors.
The main downside of this printer is that it does require ink cartridges. Kodak has created an all-in-one cartridge system, however, that includes both paper and ink.
Above all, this portable printer is easy to use, and the durable photos look amazing. It also comes in a range of colors including black, blue, white, pink, and purple.
Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer
Small and portable Bluetooth, inkless printer produces great image quality
Print Speed: 25 seconds for 1 print | Print size: 3 x 2 inches | Weight: 158g
This is the second Canon portable printer we have featured. The Ivy mini photo printer is compact and fits in the palm of your hand.
It also looks fantastic and is available in several colors. The small, light-weight design allows for easy transport.
To print, the device uses a Bluetooth connection, direct to the Canon photo app. Moreover, it is powered via a single lithium-ion battery.
In terms of print quality, the 3.4 x 2.1-inch photos look superb. Furthermore, the zinc-based print mechanism means that no ink is required.
Another great feature is brilliant print color quality and resolution thanks to the 314 x 400 dpi resolution. In addition to this, users can also purchase special sticker paper from Canon to create photo stickers.
Finally, the paper refills are cheap, making the Canon Ivy Mini one of the most affordable portable photo printers on the market.
Top-Rated Picks
To make your decision easier, we’ve put together this mini list of top-rated picks.
We have selected a top choice in terms of budget, portability, print quality, and size. So let’s take a look.
Most Affordable Portable Photo Printer
The Polaroid ZIP portable printer is best if you have a tight budget. Furthermore, paper refills are inexpensive and readily available.
Best Portable Photo Printer for Travel
The HP Sprocket X7N07A is extremely compact and lightweight. This makes it easy to carry in travel luggage.
Moreover, the rechargeable battery allows you to keep printing.
Best Portable Printer for Professional Prints
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 offers exceptional print quality.
In addition, it is compatible with Canon DSLR cameras, meaning you can get excellent prints from your high-resolution, RAW images.
Best Portable Photo Printer for Size
The Canon SELPHY printer can print up to 6 x 4-inch prints, which gives it an advantage.
However, this is just one of the print sizes available; it also supports a large variety of different photo formats, allowing users to be creative.
How to Choose the Best Portable Photo Printer
Any of these 7 best portable photo printers in 2020 is a great choice.
But before you settle on one, you should narrow down your selection.
Consider what you will use the printer for, plus how and when you will use it.
Also, think about your budget; how much can you realistically spend?
To help narrow your choices, we will look at 5 common considerations:
- Portability and connectivity;
- Print speed;
- Inkless vs print cartridge printers; and
- Paper cost and compatibility.
So let’s take a look.
Photo Printer Portability and Connectivity
Portability is the main purpose of buying a portable photo printer.
Compare how large the devices are; can any fit in your pocket or bag? Could you easily get it into your luggage for a holiday? Consider how you will transport the device and where you will take it.
Additionally, consider connectivity–does the printer require cables? If so, do you have a device that it can connect to?
If not, does the printer connect to your smartphone? Does your smartphone support the app? Look at how you will connect to the printer.
How Quickly Do You Need to Print?
The printers we have listed have similar print speeds–varying from 13 to 55 seconds.
If you are simply printing single photos for fun, print speeds may not matter to you.
Alternatively, if you want to print enough photos for whole albums or large volumes, a device with fast print speeds is advisable.
Inkless vs Ink Cartridge Photo Printers
The cost to replenish ink cartridges can soon add up–cartridges can be expensive.
If you plan to print hundreds of photos, cartridge costs could eclipse the original cost of the printer. However, many portable photo printers now use an inkless system, which will save you money in the long run.
Check about ink requirements and the cost of cartridges, if applicable. Some companies, such as HP, offer an ink replacement service that works out to be quite affordable.
Look at Photo Paper Cost and Compatibility
Finally, the photo paper a printer uses is important.
Most portable photo printers use their own brand of photo paper, however, some may accept generic manufacturers.
Check what size and make of paper is advised. Furthermore, look at the prices–how much is it for a pack of paper? Are there any special deals available?
Conclusion
We hope we have given you some inspiration with our run-down of the top 7 portable photo printers on the market right now.
Imagine the fun you can have using a portable photo printer. These devices offer endless photo printing possibilities.
Do you have a favorite portable photo printer? Which one and why? Have we included it on our list? Let us know in the comments below.