Best portable photo printers
Do you love taking photos of your friends and family at special events? Or maybe you like to take lots of happy snaps when on vacation, so you can look back on the memories for years to come? If this is the case, then you might be interested in learning more about the best portable photo printer for your needs.
A portable photo printer allows you to print photos on the go. These photos can then be placed in books, within a phone case, or used to add more personality to a room. Photos can be printed within seconds, and handed to loved ones or stored away for safekeeping.
Those interested in purchasing a pocket printer will need to learn about some of the portable photo printers on the market. By comparing the features and prices of different models, you’ll have a good chance of deciding what the best portable photo printer for your needs is.
In today’s article, we take a look at some portable photo printers on the market, including their features and specifications. So, what is the best instant photo printer for your requirements? Read on to see our list of popular choices.
What is a portable photo printer?
A portable photo printer is a device that produces photos and can be taken out and about for portability. Pocket printers are available in lots of different shapes and sizes, and have different features and capabilities. These devices tend to be quite small (thus the name), and are battery powered rather than needing to be connected to mains power. This provides added portability and convenience.
Portable photo printers are great for those that like to take lots of photos that they can physically hold. Rather than having to get the photos printed at a local store, you can have them printed from your own device quickly and easily. A portable photo printer can also make a fantastic gift for those who enjoy printing out their photographs to decorate their space.
Why purchase a portable photo printer?
There are several reasons why you may like to purchase a portable photo printer. They’re wonderful for easily printing memories to decorate your books, phone, or furniture with. These printers can also come in handy when travelling, as they allow for easy additions to the travel journal. They can be used to print out photos for your business, letting you create a fun photo wall, or to provide customers with physical memories of their special occasions. These printers are also fantastic to have set up at an event such as a wedding or milestone birthday, as guests can take their own happy snaps.
If you have a loved one that enjoys taking photos, a pocket printer could be the perfect gift for them. These printers can be used anywhere and anytime, making them incredibly convenient.
What features should I look for in a portable photo printer?
When deciding on which pocket-sized photo printer is right for you, there are several features that you might like to keep your eye out for. The size and weight of the device, aesthetic design, ease of use, photo size, speed of printing, charging speeds, quality of the prints produced, and compatibility with different devices are all factors you may like to consider.
With so many different elements to choose from, you may sometimes need to compromise on some. Below are a few features and specifications that you may like to pay attention to when shopping around for your device:
Compatibility
Before making your purchase, check to make sure that the portable printer is compatible with the phone or tablet you’ll be taking the photos on. You’ll also want to check the type of connection it requires (Bluetooth, USB, etc.), plus the software or app you’ll need to have installed to use it. Ensure the device will work with your device before committing to the purchase.
Print quality
Pay attention to the quality of photos that the printer produces. Does it use ink, dye sublimation, or thermal technology? Does it print in colour or just black and white? How many dots per inch (DPI) does it print in? If you’re after a quality end product, then look for a printer that offers the highest resolution. Generally, photo printers that produce higher-quality pictures will cost more than those that produce lower-quality pictures. Those that aren’t too worried about print quality may like to sacrifice high quality printing for other features more suitable to their requirements.
Size and weight
The size and weight of the portable photo printer might also play a role in your decision of which device to purchase. Consider whether you require a photo printer that can easily slip into a pocket, or whether this is unimportant to you. Some photo printers will be larger and heavier than others, which could lead to trickier transportation. While this may not be an issue for situations where the printer will be placed in the one spot, those looking to travel around with their printing device may want something that’s a little more lightweight and easy to carry.
Price
Price is an important factor for many when it comes to purchasing a portable photo printer. Consider your budget and the features you require in order to narrow down your search. Those on a tighter budget may consider sacrificing some features to stay within their price range. Having a rough idea of how much you’re willing to spend upfront can help you narrow down your options. Investing the money into a high-quality portable printer could be beneficial for those that are looking to use the device frequently. Some consumers may want the best portable photo printer they can find, while others might not be bothered about getting the absolute best quality and will be willing to sacrifice some features for a lower cost.
Speed
Print speed is another factor to consider when searching for the best portable photo printer for yourself or a loved one. Speed of printing can vary greatly depending on the make and model of printer you select, which is worth keeping in mind if this is a variable that matters to you. This factor determines how quickly the printer produces a print, so if you want to share memories with friends or family quickly then this may be something that is vital. Have a think about how quickly you need to print photos and then search for a model that meets your needs.
Photo print size
Different printers will produce prints of differing sizes. Before purchasing your portable printer, determine what size prints you want to produce. It’s important to keep in mind that larger prints will generally take longer to print, so consider the speed of printing when looking for a device that meets your requirements. Some people may want smaller prints that can fit in a wallet or phone case, while others might be after larger prints.
Aesthetic design
The look of the portable photo printer could also be a factor to consider when searching for your new device. If aesthetics are important to you, then picking a printer that is pleasing to the eye could be beneficial. Different printers will have varying designs and shapes, so take some time to decide which design you like the most. Having a portable photo printer you like the look of may also be important if you’re wanting to display it in your home.
Battery life and charge time
Will you be wanting to use your portable photo printer for a long period of time between each charge session? If so, then you’ll likely be after a device that has a long battery life. Another factor to consider in this area is the amount of time it takes the device to charge. Those that can be a little forgetful with charging devices before they’re needed may like to consider a portable printer with a fast charge.
Ease of use
Those that struggle a little with technology may be looking for a portable photo printer that has simple, straightforward functions. These can make it easier to use, which can be particularly beneficial if multiple different people will be using the device. If you’ll be the main user of the printer, and aren’t too fussed about reading the instructions and learning how to use it, then you could consider something a little more advanced. Spending some time getting familiar with the device before using it can be beneficial in this case.
Additional technical specifications
Some consumers may also have additional technical specifications in mind when searching for the best portable photo printer. Those that are familiar with technical specifications will be more aware of what to search for when making their purchase decision.
Portable photo printers
Below are a few of the portable photo printers currently on the market. Each of these printers have their own specifications, pros, and cons, so it is important to make sure you take time researching the options available before making your purchase.
Fujifilm instax mini Link 2
The Fujifilm instax mini Link 2 is a new, updated version of the Fujifilm instax mini Link. This portable photo printer produces images that are 2.4″ x 1.8″ in size, and can create approximately 100 prints on each charge. It takes around 80 to 120 minutes to reach full charge (depending on the environment temperature), and takes around 15 seconds to produce each print. New features include instaxAiR, which allows you to use the LED on the device to write or draw in the air and have these creations show up on the photographs, and the instax-Rich Mode and instax-Natural Mode for enhancement of your pictures.
This portable photo printer is available in three colours: Soft Pink, Clay White, and Space Blue, and stands at 3.6″ wide and 4.9″ long. It was given a 3.5-star rating by PCMag.
Kodak Step Slim Instant Mobile Photo Printer
The Kodak Step Slim Instant Mobile Photo Printer is Ideal for those after a slim portable photo printer. This device measures 3.3″ x 4.9″, and is small enough to fit in a palm. It prints photos in under a minute using Bluetooth connectivity, holding 20 sheets at a time in the chamber. As a portable photo printer, it can create up to 25 sticky-backed 2″ x 3″ prints on each charge, and the Kodak Step Prints app allows for personalisation of images before they’re printed.
This portable photo printer uses Zink paper to produce its prints, and is designed to be easy to use. The Kodak Step Slim Instant Mobile Photo Printer comes in the one colour (white). It was given a 4-star rating by Tech Advisor.
Polaroid Hi·Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer
This is another portable photo printer that produces 2×3-inch prints with sticker backs. With sticker backs, you can attach your prints to many different surfaces for an instant display. The Polaroid Hi-Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer uses dye-sublimation technology, and connects to smartphones using Bluetooth. This printer can create up to 20 prints per charge, and measures 5.9″ high by 3.13″ wide. The images produced are fade-proof, and the device takes around an hour to reach full-charge.
The Polaroid Hi-Print 2×3 Pocket Photo Printer comes in white, with a rainbow stripe along the bottom of the device. It was given a 4-star review by PCMag.
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Compact Photo Printer
This device has a sleek design and produces high-quality photo prints. The Canon SELPHY CP1300 is a larger portable photo printer, but it provides printing options as it can produce photos that are 4″x6″, 3.5″x4.7″, plus photobooth-style 2″x6″, and square prints. This portable photo printer has a 3.2″ LCD screen, and can print either from a mobile device, directly via Wi-Fi, or directly from a camera using the SD card slot. It produces 4″x6″ prints in approximately 47 seconds. The SELPHY CP1300 is 18.06cm wide by 13.59cm high, and weighs around 860g.
This portable device comes in either black or white colours. It received a 4-star review from Lifewire.
Non-portable photo printers
If you’d like to print photos, but aren’t too worried about the portability of the printer, there are many printers on the market that produce stunning photographs. Ink Station stocks a number of stationary photo printers, including:
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500
This multifunction printer produces lab-quality, borderless 4″ x 6″ photos in 15 seconds and has an Automatic Photo Correction and red-eye removal tool for editing your photographs before printing. It also has a dedicated CD/DVD tray for printing designs directly onto discs, and produces colour A4 pages at speeds of up to 12ppm and monochrome A4 pages at speeds of up to 16ppm.
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Those looking to print large photos may want to consider the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. This printer can produce high-quality, borderless prints up to 13″ x 19″ in size. It prints 4″ x 6″ photos as fast as 27 seconds, monochrome documents at speeds up to 9.2ppm, and colour documents at speeds up to 9ppm. This machine also does direct CD/DVD printing, and has a 2.4″ colour LCD screen.
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700
The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 is an affordable choice for those interested in producing borderless 4″ x 6″ photos from the comfort of their own home. This machine has Automatic Photo Correction and red-eye removal for easy editing of photographs. It can also produce photos up to A4 in size, and prints 4″ x 6″ photos at speeds as fast as 10 seconds. The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 prints monochrome documents at speeds up to 9.5ppm and colour documents at speeds up to 9ppm.
Along with photo printers, we also stock a selection of photo paper for stationary machines.
The above list is just a small selection of some of the portable photo printers on the market. A portable photo printer can make a great gift for those that like to document their memories, or as a device when travelling for work or pleasure. When shopping for the best portable photo printer for your circumstances, carefully consider the specifications and features of each device, as this will help you find the one that most suits your needs.
There are several elements to consider while on the hunt for a portable photo printer that works for you. This may include device compatibility, size and weight, price, battery life, photo size, ease of use, aesthetic look, print quality, and print speed. By taking the time to examine each element of the portable photo printers on your list, you can find one that most suits your photographic needs.
With so many models available on the market, there is sure to be an option that meets your needs and budget. Whichever one you go for, the ability to print photographs on the go can make all the difference in preserving life’s moments to then share with loved ones.