Today in this digital world where everybody is capturing photos on their smartphone and cameras, the urge to hold a still photograph and save our memories still remains strong. This is where portable photo printers come into play. These small and compact printers provide a convenient solution to transform your digital images into actual photos instantly.
The market has a wide range of portable photo printers, each offering unique features and functionalities. However, only portable photo printers offer exceptional print quality, user-friendly interface portability, and connectivity options.
So, we have the homework for you. We are reviewing the best portable photo printers available in the market today.
But before you jump straight to the review section, here’s what you need to consider when buying a portable photo printer.
Print Technology: Different portable photo printers use different photo printing technologies. Understanding them will help you choose the right one for your needs.
- ZINK or Zero Ink Technology: This printer doesn’t need ink cartridges or ribbons. They use special ZINK papers embedded with dye crystals. As heat is applied to the papers, the colors activate and produce desired images.
- Dye-Sublimation Technology: Dye-sublimation is a far more complex printing technology that requires ink cartridges. But the results are high-quality, with smooth color transitions and long-lasting results. Due to their complex printing method, dye-sublimation printers are slower at printing than both ZINK printers and thermal printers.
- Thermal Technology: Thermal printers use special heat-sensitive papers to produce images. They are popular because of their portability and low-running costs. However, printing with thermal printers might not give you the same level of print quality and color accuracy. They often lack color options.
Print Speed: Consider the printing speed of the portable photo printer, especially when you have to print multiple copies. Some printers can give you results in less than a minute, while others can take time. In general, ZINK printers are faster than dye-sublimation printers and thermal printers and faster than ZINK printers.
Print Size: Different portable photo printers produce different size images, so consider the print size of your printer. The standard size prints are 2×3, 3.5×5, and 4.6 inches.
We also have included a detailed “Buyer’s Guide” on how to select the best portable photo printers along with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
Best Portable Photo Printer Table
| Best Portable Photo Printers | Printing Technology | Print Size | Print Speed | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KODAK Portable Photo Printer | Zink technology | 2x3 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer | ZINK Zero Ink | 2x3 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Canon Portable Photo Printer | Dye Sublimation | 4x6 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Liene Portable Photo Printer | Dye Sublimation | 4x6 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Polaroid Portable Photo Printer | Dye Sublimation | 2x3 inches | 1.5 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Phomemo Portable Photo Printer | Thermal | 1.9x2.08 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Lifeprint Portable Photo Printer | Zink Technology | 2x3 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
| Kodak HD Portable Photo Printer | Dye Sublimation | 2. 1 X 3. 4 inches | 1 ppm | Check On Amazon |
Best Portable Photo Printer Reviews
1. KODAK Portable Photo Printer
The KODAK step wireless and portable photo printer is one of the most affordable photo printers on the market. Weighing less than 1 pound, this portable photo printer can print 2×3 inch photos instantly.
It uses the Zink or zero ink technology, a dyeless process of printing photos. In other words, it doesn’t need ink cartridges or toner. Instead, you get 2”x3” papers with embedded crystals that come to life when you print them. The final results are moisture-resistant, tear-resistant detailed pictures that are also smudge-proof.
It can print 1 page per minute, which is a tad bit slow compared to others. It supports both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. Hence, all your iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and similar devices can be connected to this.
The mini printer can print up to 25 photos on a single charge. The photo papers have an adhesive back, so you can use them as stickers. The photos are also really small and best if you are looking for wallet-sized photos.
Also, Zink printers won’t get you the highest quality pictures compared to dye-sublimation printers. And sadly, some details will be lost from the original picture. However, you can download the KODAK app, which has a bunch of editing options.
In conclusion, it might not be the best in picture quality, but the affordable price tag and low-running costs make it a good portable printer.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: Zink or zero ink technology
- Print Size: 2×3 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
- Can print up to 25 photos on a single charge
- Photos have adhesive backs
- KODAK app support
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Pros:
- Low-running costs
- Pocket-sized
- Improved Zink print technology
- NFC support
Cons:
- The app has a few bugs
- Zink print technology is not as impressive as some other technologies
2. HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
At a slightly higher price, you can get this amazing portable photo printer from HP. The HP Sprocket portable instant printer features Zink printing technology. It doesn’t need any toner or ribbon refilling, and there’s no development time.
The 2×3 inches sticker papers have colors embedded in them which turn into bright and vivid pictures as you print them. Your photos are then water-resistant, smudge, and tear-resistant.
It can print 1 page per minute and up to 35 photos on a single charge. The 2×3 inches of photos can be used as stickers. It has Bluetooth 5 connectivity and supports both iOS and Android smartphones. It connects to multiple devices simultaneously so you and your friends can share pictures.
All you need to do is download the HP Sprocket app, and you can get access to a bunch of cool editing tools. Weighing just 6.1 ounces, the pocket-sized rechargeable printer is small enough to carry in your backpack, purse, or even pocket.
Printing with Zink paper printers is cheaper than film but comes with a cost of slightly washed-out prints. However, the HP Sprocket printer provides pictures with a fair amount of detail and colors. And it’s a great portable photo printer to start with.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: Zink or zero ink technology
- Print Size: 2×3 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth
- Can print up to 35 photos on a single charge
- Photos have adhesive backs
- HP app support
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
Pros:
- Portable and refined design
- App with simple UX
- Improved Zink print quality
Cons:
- Occasional paper-loading issues
3. Canon Portable Photo Printer
The Canon Selphy wireless portable printer is a great choice for photo booths and home use. It involves using dye-sublimation printing technology to produce amazing 4×6 inches prints. The photos are bright and vivid, with all the details intact.
The ink dries within seconds in this printing technology, so you don’t have to worry about smudged pictures. The pictures are of great quality, moisture resistant, and can last 100 years if stored carefully.
The dye-sublimation printing process takes longer to print images as it produces high-quality and high-definition pictures. So you only get 1 print per minute. However, a single charge can give you up to 108 pictures.
You can adjust the printer setting using the 3.5-inch LCD display. It gives you full flexibility while editing photos or adding filters. It’s compatible with the Canon Print app. And it also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility. So, you can easily connect this to your smartphone and print pictures directly from your memory card or USB.
The Canon Selphy is small enough to squeeze into a handbag, making it a perfect choice for travel and parties. We love its neat and clean design that produces amazing quality pictures. It’s easy to operate and has reasonable running costs.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: dye-sublimation technology
- Print Size: 4×6 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth, WiFi
- Additional battery support
- Can print up to 108 photos on a single charge
- Canon app support
- Weight: 5.55 pounds
Pros:
- High-quality pictures
- Lightweight and portable
- Has Wi-Fi
Cons:
- Expensive printing costs
4. Liene Portable Photo Printer
The Liene M200 uses dye-sublimation printing technology to produce clear and vibrant images. The final layer in this technology gives you photos that are water resistant, scratch resistant and will probably last you a lifetime if you store them properly.
It prints 4×6 inches photos that are crisp and holds every detail. The prints take less than one minute, which is nice because dye-sublimation technology takes longer to print images. It has a built-in battery, and a full recharge can print you up to 40 photos.
Liene portable photo printer features built-in Wi-Fi. So you can connect your iPhone and Android, and other similar devices easily without any intervention. The device allows up to 5 users to connect at the same time.
Liene also comes with its photo printer app, which allows you to add stickers, frames, and filters just like other photo printer apps. It’s also very compact in size and can be easily squeezed into a handbag. Weighing just about 2.16 pounds, the Liene small portable printer is one of the smallest in this section, and hence it’s great for traveling.
In conclusion, the Liene M200 dye-sublimation printer prints high-quality pictures, and it’s not as expensive as Canon. If you are looking for a good-quality portable photo printer that won’t break the bank, it’s a great choice.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: dye-sublimation technology
- Print Size: 4×6 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth, WiFi
- Built-in battery
- Can print up to 40 photos on a single charge
- Liene printing app support
- Weight: 2.16 pounds
Pros:
- Great picture quality
- Easy-to-use app
- Very lightweight and compact
- Low-running costs
Cons:
- Slower than some others
5. Polaroid Portable Photo Printer
The Polaroid HI-Print is a simple, no-fuss digital printer that does its job beautifully. The price is also on point and much lesser than most rivals.
The printing process is a tad bit slow ( under 50 seconds), but that’s due to the dye-sublimation technology, which means the photo films eject and out at least 4 times to add colors in each layer. The final result is a 2×3 inches business card size print that is of high quality and will last a lifetime.
The wait to get the images is all worth it because the overall printing quality is extremely high, and with more details and vivid color pictures, it can easily beat the standard quicker instant printers.
The accompanying mobile app is user-friendly and has a simple interface. You can easily customize and edit your pictures, and add frames, filters, stickers, and whatnot. It has Bluetooth for simple connectivity options. Also, it syncs with all image folders on your smartphone and pictures from Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, etc.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: dye-sublimation technology
- Print Size: 2×3 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth
- Built-in battery
- Polaroid app support
- Can print 20 images in a single recharge
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
Pros:
- Simple straightforward design
- Great printing quality
- Simple and user-friendly app interface
Cons:
- Occasional paper jams
- Slow printing speed
6. Phomemo Portable Photo Printer
If a simple black-and-white printer would suffice your needs, then the Phomemo M02 pocket printer is your best choice. You can use it to print stickers, notes, images, quotes, notes, and study cards.
It relies on thermal printing technology, which only develops black-and-white printing. It’s compatible with different kinds of thermal printing paper, and the running costs are very low. You can use white, color, semi-transparent, and colored sticker papers as well.
The app that comes with its camera is also pretty simple to use. The app features a clip art gallery and dozens of photo themes, filters, and frames. The MO2 app can also print text labels in a wide array of fonts. It also allows you to put text on your photos. You can get really creative with this small little gizmo.
The Phomemo small portable camera has a playful design that can easily slip into a purse or handbag. It comes with a small 1000 mAh battery. But it can last a week as the printer dares very little power. It has Bluetooth version 4.0 and easily connects to iOS and Android smartphones and similar Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: Thermal printing technology
- Print Size: 50-53 millimeters
- Has Bluetooth version 4.0
- Built-in battery
- Phomemo app support
- Weight: 11.3 ounces
Pros:
- Creative little printer
- Low running costs
- Small and compatible
Cons:
- Prints are not long-lasting
7. Lifeprint Portable Photo Printer
The Lifeprint Ultra Slim printer is only 19mm thick. It easily slides into your pocket or purse. It’s just about the size of your smartphone and really easy to carry anywhere.
Using Zink or Zero ink technology, the Lifeprint digital portable printer prints images with HD clarity. It uses ZINK 2×3 inch sticky-back papers for printing, and the print costs are really low compared to a dye-sublimation printer.
The printed images are moisture-resistant, scratch-resistant, and tear-proof. One great thing about having this small little printer is the ability to create a hyperphoto. Yes! It allows you to embed videos in your prints. All you need to do is scan the print through the Lifeprint app and watch the photo turn into a video.
The Lifeprint app features a wide range of filters. It also allows you to add text to your photos, crop, and adjust the brightness levels. It can directly print from Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. It’s a great choice for decorating, making journals, and scrapbooking.
As far as the connectivity is concerned, it has Bluetooth but no support for Wi-Fi. Lifeprint has its own Network community where you can share your photos and videos.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: Zink technology
- Print Size: 2×3 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth
- Built-in battery
- Lifeprint app support
- Can print 25 images in a single recharge
- Weight: 0.4 ounces
Pros:
- Ultra slim and portable
- Feature loaded
- Affordable than many
Cons:
- Sluggish
8. Kodak HD Portable Photo Printer
Another mini printer from our list, the Kodak mini 2 lets you print 2.1×3.4 inches photos that are the size of a credit card, directly from your Android or iOS device.
Even though it’s small, its prints are first-rate. It uses Kodak’s all-in-one ink and paper cartridges for easy maintenance. The Kodak mini 2 involves the use of patented four-pass printing technology, widely known as dye-sublimation technology, to print its images which results in beautiful, high-quality prints.
You get free access to Koda’s printing app, where you can add filters, frames, and stickers before hitting the print button. The prints will stay bright and colorful for up to 10 years. It takes around 50 seconds to print one picture.
As far as the connection goes, it has both Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. Android and iOS users can connect wirelessly to this mini printer.
Best Features:
- Print Technology: Dye-sublimation technology
- Print Size: 2.1×3.4 inches
- Print Speed: 1 ppm
- Has Bluetooth, NFC
- Built-in battery, 600 mAh
- Kodak’s app support
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
Pros:
- Excellent printing quality
- Fast connections with NFC
- Easy to use
Cons:
- All-in-one cartridges
Buying Guide For Best Portable Photo Printers
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to photo printers. These small little devices have lots of features and technologies that are very different from each other. To choose the right one for your use, you need to know about how they work and what features they hold.
You also need to check facts like connectivity and compatibility with your devices. So, here’s a full buying guide on how you can choose the right photo printer for your use to help you make an informed purchase.
Print technology: Portable photo printers primarily use three printing technologies. (1) Zink technology or zero-ink technology, (2) Dye-sublimation technology, and (3) Thermal printing technology.
1. ZINK or Zero Ink Technology
ZINK technology is an innovative printing technology used in some portable photo printers. ZINK technology uses a special type of zink paper that has color crystals embedded in them. As heat applies to these papers, the color crystals activate and produce the desired image.
The advantage of using ZiINK printers is that they don’t need ink cartridges. Instead of using Ink cartridges, they use these special ZINK papers. And the final results are water-resistant and smudge proof making them durable for sharing and displaying. ZINK printers are also faster than Ink-jet printers and Dye-sub printers.
However, you should remember that ZINK prints may not have the same level of print quality and color accuracy as dye-sub printers and Ink-jet printers.
2. Dye-Sublimation Technology
Dye-sublimation technology is another popular photo printing technology used by many portable photo printers. This technology uses a process where solid dye particles are heated, which turns the dye particles into gas. These particles now penetrate the specially coated paper. As the paper cools, the dye returns to a solid state resulting in a vibrant and continuous tone image.
Dye-sublimation printers are popular because of their high-quality prints, smooth color transitions, and long-lasting results. However, it’s worth mentioning that dye-sublimation printers can be more expensive than their counterparts. Their consumables, such as ink ribbons and papers, may have higher costs.
3. Thermal Print Technology
Some affordable photo printers use thermal printing technology to produce instant images.
Thermal printing technology utilizes heat-sensitive papers or thermal papers to print images. It applies direct heat to these specialized papers causing the thermal coating to react and produce the desired image.
Thermal print technology has several advantages. First of all, they are relatively fast printers and have low-running costs. Secondly, they are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for portable use. They are known for their simplicity and ease of use.
However, it’s important to note that thermal printers may not have the same level of print quality and color accuracy compared to dye-sub printers and ZINK printers. They often have limited color options and lack the vibrant hues and details of higher-quality prints.
4. Print Speed
If printing speed is important to you, check the printer’s printing speed measured in PPM or Page Per Minute. While portable photo printers may not match the speed of traditional printers, some models can produce a print in less than a minute.
Keep in mind that the printing speed depends significantly on the printing technology and various other factors such as image size and complexity of the image.
Dye-sub printers typically take a longer time to print images, while ZINK printers can make it within 50 seconds or less than that. Thermal printers, on the other hand, are much faster than the two printing technologies mentioned above.
Please keep in mind that faster printing speed often leads to a compromise on print quality. Faster printers may not give enough time to lay down the ink or heat the paper properly, resulting in poor-quality prints. Hence, finding a balance between speed and print quality is important.
In simple terms, better-quality prints take time to process. If print quality is your top priority, it’s better to sacrifice a bit on the speed rather than the color accuracy and detail.
5. Print Size
Different printers produce different size images, and therefore it’s crucial to consider the print size when choosing a portable photo printer. In general portable photo printers print standard-size images of 2×3 inches, 3.5×5 inches, and 4×6 inches.
These sizes are commonly used for sharing and displaying images. If you need photos for scrapbooking, sharing with friends, or making journals small, a printer offering smaller images would be your best choice.
If you need larger size prints for framing or displaying, there are portable printers available that can print photos measuring up to 5×7 inches or even 8×10 inches. But you should keep in mind that the portability of your printer may be compromised as the print size increases. Also, the printing speed can decrease.
6. Connectivity & Mobile Supporting Apps
You also need to consider the connectivity option provided by your portable photo printer.
Most printers offer wireless connectivity that can be Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and sometimes both, to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. Some portable photo printing also offers USB connections to help you print from your computer and laptop.
Check if the portable photo printer comes with a dedicated mobile app. A manufacturer-supplied app with a user-friendly interface and easy connectivity options can help you enhance your printing experience by offering editing tools, filters, frames, and templates. Make sure your printer is compatible with your preferred devices and operating systems.
7. Warranty
Lastly, you need to consider the warranty provided by the manufacturer. A warranty provides security and peace of mind in case the printer develops and malfunctions. Check the manufacturer-provided details on warranty coverage. Photo printers can have 6 to 12 months of warranty, depending on the brand and model. It’s recommended to buy from reputable brands that offer warranties and have a good customer support team.
Best Portable Photo Printer – FAQs
Ans: Not all portable printers need ink for printing photos. Portable printers which use inkjet printing technology or dye-sublimation printing technology use ink, but ZINK printers don’t need any ink cartridges. They use a special ZINK paper which has colors embedded in it. During printing, the printer heats up the color crystals, which causes the colors to develop on the paper.
Ans: Yes, you do need a special type of paper for printing photos. The most popular type of paper finish for printing photos is undoubtedly a glossy finish. Though you can choose from different gloss levels, from regular to high gloss. The shiny coating on these glossy papers helps to create details in the picture.
Ans: Yes, photo paper needs much more ink with proper photo settings than plain paper.
Ans: Laser printers produce overall higher quality prints. No other printer can match the quality of a laser printer when it comes to printing high-quality black-and-white images with crisp details. However, inkjet printers specialize in printing color photos and producing high-quality images.
Conclusion
Today in this digital world, capturing and sharing photographs has become an integral part of our life. While smartphones and cameras can give an instant picture, nothing can be compared to the joy of holding a physical print in your hand. Whether at a party or traveling or simply wanting to create a keepsake, a portable photo printer provides the best solution to print photos and make memories on the go.
In conclusion, we hope our buying guide has provided enough information on portable photo printers. Now you can choose what suits your needs best.
If you are still confused, here are our top three recommendations.
- The KODAK Portable Photo Printer is our best budget pick. It’s a zero ink printer that needs no cartridges and prints 2×3 inches of photographs that dries up quickly. The photos are moisture-resistant and scratch resistant. The printing technology might not be the best, but the low-running costs, ease of use, and portability make it one of the most popular portable photo printers on the market.
- The Canon Portable Photo Printer produces the highest-quality prints. It uses dye-sublimation technology producing crystal-clear images with details and smooth color transition. The prints can last for a lifetime if you store them properly. It comes with a 3.5-inch LCD display and amazing editing tools on the Canon print app. Moreover, it has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support for easy connectivity.
- The Polaroid Portable Photo Printer is the best digital photo printer in terms of portability. It’s small and compact and holds almost all of the necessary features. It uses dye-sublimation print technology and prints 2×3 inches photos of amazing quality and details. You can easily squeeze it into a handbag or even a purse. When it comes to print quality and portability, the Polaroid Hi-Print is impossible to beat.
