Best Picture Printer

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Picture printers bring your digital photos to life, making it easy to hold and display cherished memories. These devices connect to computers, phones, or cameras to produce high-quality prints, ranging from compact portable models to larger desktop units. Dedicated photo printers are often preferred over standard inkjets for their superior image quality, using special ink and paper to create vibrant, long-lasting prints that resist fading. Some models even allow direct printing from memory cards or wirelessly from mobile devices. When choosing a picture printer, consider print quality, speed, and resolution (measured in dpi), as well as the types of ink and paper used, which affect both longevity and cost per print. We tested several picture printers to find the ones that deliver beautiful photos quickly and easily.

  • Liene 4×6″ Photo Printer

    10

    We recommend this printer for easy, high-quality photo printing at home.

    10

    We recommend this printer for easy, high-quality photo printing at home.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and use
    • Good print quality
    • Compact size

    Cons

    • Limited to 4×6″ prints
    • Requires special paper and ink
    • Wi-Fi only, no Bluetooth

    We tried out the Liene 4×6″ Photo Printer and found it simple to set up. The app connected quickly to our phones. We printed a bunch of photos and were happy with how they turned out. The colors looked bright and the images were clear.

    The printer is small enough to fit on a desk or shelf. It’s nice to have around for printing pictures right away. We liked that we could edit photos in the app before printing. The touchups made our pictures look even better.

    One thing to keep in mind is you need special paper and ink for this printer. It comes with some to start, but you’ll need to buy more when you run out. The printer only makes 4×6″ photos, which was fine for us. If you want bigger prints, you’ll need a different model. Overall, we think this printer is great for anyone who wants to print photos at home without much fuss.

  • Kodak Mini 2 Retro Printer

    9.7

    We think the Kodak Mini 2 Retro is a great pick for anyone wanting quick, high-quality photo prints on the go.

    9.7

    We think the Kodak Mini 2 Retro is a great pick for anyone wanting quick, high-quality photo prints on the go.

    Pros

    • Compact and portable design
    • High-quality, waterproof prints
    • Easy to use with mobile app

    Cons

    • Small print size (2.1 x 3.4 inches)
    • Limited battery life
    • Slow printing speed (1 page per minute)

    We tested the Kodak Mini 2 Retro printer and were impressed by its performance. This tiny device fits easily in a bag or pocket, making it perfect for printing photos anywhere. The printer connects to phones via Bluetooth, and the Kodak app makes selecting and printing images a breeze.

    The print quality surprised us. The 4Pass technology creates vivid colors and sharp details. We liked that the prints are waterproof and fingerprint-proof, which helps them last longer. The glossy finish gives the photos a professional look.

    We found the battery life a bit short, lasting for about 20 prints before needing a recharge. The printing process is also slow, taking about a minute per photo. But for us, the convenience and quality outweighed these minor drawbacks. If you want a fun way to print and share memories on the spot, we think the Kodak Mini 2 Retro is a solid choice.

  • Canon Ivy 2 Pocket Printer

    9.5

    We think the Canon Ivy 2 is a fun and portable photo printer that’s great for capturing memories on the go.

    9.5

    We think the Canon Ivy 2 is a fun and portable photo printer that’s great for capturing memories on the go.

    Pros

    • Pocket-sized and very portable
    • No ink needed – uses ZINK technology
    • Prints sticky-backed photos

    Cons

    • Limited to 2×3 inch prints
    • Battery life could be better
    • Print quality isn’t perfect

    The Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer is a tiny powerhouse that fits in your pocket. We loved how easy it was to connect our phones and start printing. The app is simple to use, and we were printing photos in minutes.

    Print quality is pretty good for such a small device. Colors look vibrant, and skin tones come out nice. It’s not photo lab quality, but it’s perfect for quick prints to share or stick in a journal. The sticky backs on the prints are handy – we stuck photos all over our fridge and laptop.

    Battery life is okay, but not great. We got about 10-15 prints before needing to recharge. The printer uses ZINK paper, which means no ink cartridges to replace. It’s convenient, but refill packs can be pricey. Still, for a fun way to print photos anywhere, the Ivy 2 is hard to beat.

  • Liene Pocket Photo Printer

    9.4

    We think this compact printer is a fun choice for on-the-go photo printing, despite some image quality limitations.

    9.4

    We think this compact printer is a fun choice for on-the-go photo printing, despite some image quality limitations.

    Pros

    • Easy Bluetooth connectivity
    • Portable size
    • Prints sticky-backed photos

    Cons

    • Limited to 2×3″ prints
    • Some users report dull colors
    • Requires proprietary app

    We tested the Liene 2×3″ Photo Printer and found it to be a handy gadget for quick photo printing. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, making it perfect for parties or outdoor adventures. We liked how easy it was to connect to our phones via Bluetooth 5.0.

    The printer uses Zink technology, which means no ink cartridges to replace. We printed about 30 photos on a single charge. The sticky-backed paper is a nice touch, letting us stick photos wherever we wanted.

    We noticed the print quality wasn’t always perfect. Some images came out a bit dull or had slight streaking. But for casual snapshots, it did the job. The app worked well enough, though we wish it wasn’t required for printing.

  • HPRT Compact Photo Printer

    9.3

    We think the HPRT Compact Photo Printer is a solid choice for quick, high-quality 4×6 prints from your phone.

    9.3

    We think the HPRT Compact Photo Printer is a solid choice for quick, high-quality 4×6 prints from your phone.

    Pros

    • Easy wireless printing from smartphones
    • Vibrant, long-lasting photo prints
    • Portable size for on-the-go use

    Cons

    • Limited to 4×6 inch prints
    • Requires special photo paper and ribbon
    • Slightly pricey consumables

    We tested the HPRT photo printer and were impressed by how simple it was to set up. After downloading the app, we connected our phones and started printing in minutes. The wireless functionality worked smoothly, letting us print photos directly from our camera rolls.

    Print quality stood out to us. The colors looked rich and true-to-life. We liked how the printer adds a protective coating to each photo, helping prevent fading and damage. Our prints felt durable and looked glossy.

    The compact size makes this printer great for parties or trips. We could easily toss it in a bag to bring along. It doesn’t take up much space at home either. While the initial cost seems reasonable, keep in mind you’ll need to buy special paper and ribbons. Over time, that can add up compared to regular photo printing.

  • Cabaro Mini Sticker Printer

    9.1

    We think this compact thermal printer is a fun gadget for casual photo printing and note-taking, but it has some limitations to consider.

    9.1

    We think this compact thermal printer is a fun gadget for casual photo printing and note-taking, but it has some limitations to consider.

    Pros

    • Portable and easy to use
    • No ink required
    • Prints photos and text quickly

    Cons

    • Print quality is basic
    • Limited to black and white
    • App can be finicky

    We tried out the Cabaro Mini Sticker Printer and found it to be a neat little device for quick prints on the go. It’s about the size of a smartphone, making it easy to toss in a bag. Setup was simple – we just downloaded the app and connected via Bluetooth.

    The printer uses thermal paper, so there’s no need to worry about ink refills. We printed some photos and notes in a matter of seconds. The quality isn’t amazing, but it’s good enough for basic use. We liked being able to cut the printouts into custom shapes for stickers and labels.

    While fun to use, we did run into some issues. The app crashed a couple times, which was frustrating. Also, since it only prints in black and white, colorful photos don’t turn out great. The paper rolls are small, so you’ll need to replace them often with heavy use. For casual printing needs, this gadget can be handy, but don’t expect pro-level results.

  • Kodak Dock Plus Photo Printer

    9

    We think the Kodak Dock Plus is a solid choice for anyone wanting quick, high-quality photo prints at home.

    9

    We think the Kodak Dock Plus is a solid choice for anyone wanting quick, high-quality photo prints at home.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with smartphones
    • Affordable printing costs
    • Water-resistant, long-lasting prints

    Cons

    • Slow printing speed
    • Limited to 4×6 inch photos
    • Requires special photo paper

    We tried out the Kodak Dock Plus and found it super simple to set up. Just plug in your phone and start printing. It works with both iPhones and Android devices, which is great if you have friends over with different phones.

    The print quality surprised us. The colors came out vibrant and true-to-life. We liked how the prints are water-resistant too. We spilled some water on one by accident, and it didn’t smudge at all.

    One downside we noticed is the printing speed. It takes about a minute per photo, so it’s not the fastest option out there. But for casual use at home or small gatherings, we think it’s fine. The photo paper is a bit pricey, but it’s still cheaper than using a photo kiosk.

    We had fun playing with the app’s filters and frames. It adds a nice touch to make your prints more special. Just keep in mind you’re limited to 4×6 inch prints. For us, that was perfect for most uses, but you might want a bigger size sometimes.

  • Canon SELPHY CP1500

    8.7

    We think the Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a great pick for anyone wanting high-quality photo prints at home or on the go.

    8.7

    We think the Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a great pick for anyone wanting high-quality photo prints at home or on the go.

    Pros

    • Portable and compact design
    • Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity
    • Prints water-resistant photos that last up to 100 years

    Cons

    • Limited to 4×6 inch prints
    • Requires special paper and ink
    • Battery pack sold separately

    We’ve been using the Canon SELPHY CP1500 for a while now, and it’s become our go-to for quick photo prints. The printer is small enough to take anywhere, which is great for parties or travel. We love how easy it is to print from our phones using Wi-Fi or AirPrint.

    The print quality really impressed us. Colors look vibrant and true-to-life. It’s amazing that these prints can last up to 100 years and even resist water damage. We spilled some water on a print by accident, and it held up perfectly.

    One thing to keep in mind is that you’re limited to 4×6 inch prints. For us, this size works well for most photos, but it might not suit everyone. The printer uses special paper and ink, which means you’ll need to buy Canon-specific supplies. We found this a bit limiting, but the results are worth it.

    While the CP1500 is portable, you’ll need to buy a separate battery pack for true on-the-go printing. We wish this was included, but it’s not a deal-breaker. The 3.5-inch screen is handy for previewing and editing photos right on the printer. We’ve had fun playing with the built-in filters like sepia and black-and-white.

  • KODAK Step Portable Printer

    8.7

    We think the KODAK Step is a fun, pocket-sized printer for anyone who wants quick, sticky-backed photos on the go.

    8.7

    We think the KODAK Step is a fun, pocket-sized printer for anyone who wants quick, sticky-backed photos on the go.

    Pros

    • Compact and lightweight
    • Easy to use with smartphones
    • No ink cartridges needed

    Cons

    • Small 2×3″ print size
    • Print quality isn’t perfect
    • Battery life could be better

    We recently tried out the KODAK Step printer and found it to be a neat little gadget. It’s about the size of a smartphone, making it easy to slip into a bag or pocket. We liked how simple it was to connect to our phones via Bluetooth and start printing right away.

    The ZINK (Zero Ink) technology is pretty cool. We didn’t have to worry about replacing ink cartridges or dealing with messy toner. The prints come out dry and smudge-proof, which is nice. The sticky backs are fun for decorating notebooks or creating quick photo displays.

    While the 2×3″ prints are small, they’re perfect for scrapbooking or making little mementos. The print quality isn’t as sharp as a full-sized photo printer, but it’s good enough for casual snapshots. We got about 20-25 prints per charge, which is okay but not great for long printing sessions.

  • Epson PictureMate PM-400

    8.6

    We think the Epson PictureMate PM-400 is a solid choice for anyone who wants to print high-quality photos at home.

    8.6

    We think the Epson PictureMate PM-400 is a solid choice for anyone who wants to print high-quality photos at home.

    Pros

    • Prints beautiful 4×6 and 5×7 photos
    • Compact and portable design
    • Easy wireless printing from phones and tablets

    Cons

    • Only works with Epson ink cartridges
    • Limited to smaller photo sizes
    • Might be pricey for occasional use

    We tested the Epson PictureMate PM-400 and were impressed by its photo quality. The prints came out sharp and vibrant, rivaling what you’d get from a photo lab. We liked how easy it was to set up and use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

    The printer’s small size is a big plus. It doesn’t take up much space on a desk or shelf, and you can easily move it around if needed. We found the wireless printing feature really handy. It was simple to print directly from our phones and tablets without any fussy connections.

    One thing to keep in mind is that this printer only uses Epson ink cartridges. While this helps ensure print quality, it might cost more in the long run. The PM-400 is also limited to 4×6 and 5×7 sizes, which might not suit everyone’s needs. But for most people who want to print family photos or scrapbook images, we think it’s a great pick.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a picture printer, we recommend considering a few key factors. Print quality should be at the top of your list. Look for printers with high resolution and vibrant color output.

Print speed is also important. Faster printers let you produce more photos in less time. Check the pages per minute (ppm) rating.

Connectivity options matter too. Wi-Fi allows for easy wireless printing. USB ports provide a simple way to print directly from cameras or phones.

Key Features

  • Print resolution (dpi)
  • Color accuracy
  • Print speed (ppm)
  • Paper capacity
  • Connectivity (Wi-Fi, USB, etc.)

We suggest thinking about what size photos you’ll print most often. Some printers specialize in 4×6 prints, while others handle larger sizes.

Don’t forget about ongoing costs. Look at ink prices and yield to estimate how much you’ll spend over time.

Ease of use is crucial. We prefer printers with intuitive controls and helpful mobile apps.

Lastly, consider any extra features you might want:

  • Touchscreen display
  • Borderless printing
  • Two-sided printing
  • Memory card slots

By focusing on these aspects, we can help you find a picture printer that fits your needs and budget.