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Finding the best photo printer can be a real headache, there are many types of printers, prices, sizes, brands... information!!
In this guide I will try to make it very easy for you to help you find the best printer for photos according to your needs.
Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here: types of printers, buying tips and recommendations, plus cartridges and paper for photo printers.
In addition to our list with our top photo printer recommendations, in this guide we will first explain how to choose a good photo printer. If you are impatient to see our list with the recommendations directly, you can do so by clicking here .
TYPES OF PHOTO PRINTERS
As I was saying, there are many types of printers , so that you can clarify, I am going to give you a summary:
- Multifunction printer is the one that incorporates the functions of printer, scanner and photocopier. Ideal for printing photos and documents. There are inkjets and lasers, as I will tell you below, inkjet is preferable for photos and lasers for documents.
- Inkjet printer is the one that ejects ink drops of different sizes on the paper mixing them to achieve the desired color range.
- Laser printer is the one that uses toner with ink in powder form and prints in black.
- Desktop printer is that photographic printer that usually works with ink and that is designed to be used with the computer and to print more elaborate images. Intended for more professional use or for advanced photographers, they print in all kinds of sizes.
- Thermal printer is the one that does not use impact technology but, in the same way as laser printers, uses heat as a transmitting medium to print. This printing is done on a special paper, sensitive to heat, called thermal paper. They are cheap, small, precise, silent and do not require cartridges. On the other hand, they only print in black and white and the durability of the print is low.
- Pocket or portable printer is that printer that you can take with you because it has a very compact size and you can connect it to your mobile devices. Normally the paper already comes with the ink cartridge or uses, for example, a Zink technology that does not need a cartridge.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PRINTER FOR PHOTOS
When choosing the best photo printer for you, I recommend you take into account the following aspects:
- Use: the first question you should ask yourself is "what am I going to use it for?" . You want it just for photos; that prints documents and scans, but can also print images; for occasional use; to print frequently... Knowing this will help you better define what you want.
- Define a maximum budget: think about the cost of the printer and the consumables (cartridges and/or paper) and try not to go beyond the budget you have, the offer is enormous but we do not always need the most expensive.
- Wireless or wired: look at this aspect, especially if you are going to print from different devices. Having WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity will also allow you to send your images not only from your computer, but also directly from your mobile. Some printers offer a USB port, others an Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi connection, or a combination of several of these options.
- Editing options: Some printers allow you to edit the photos (and even add elements like frames, filters, etc. through an application).
- Minimum Resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the print quality. A resolution above 2400 x 1200 dpi is recommended.
- With or without ink: Some printers do not require ink cartridges, because they use special paper. Others do work with ink and you have to take into account the price of the cartridges or refills. Tip: The cartridges are better separately, that is, it is best to choose a printer that uses a black cartridge and then one for each color.
- Printing technology: as I said above, the best way to print photographs is inkjet.
- Compatible paper: take into account if you print in glossy, matte or both and also the maximum thickness or weight of the paper allowed.
- Inputs for USB port or memory cards: regardless of whether or not you have WIFI, think about whether you will need to connect a USB or memory card directly to the printer.
- Size and design: decide where you are going to place it so that it fits you and does not bother your eyes. Or if you prefer a portable printer to take with you whenever and wherever you want.
- Print size: think about the size of the photos you want to obtain, maybe a credit card size will be enough for you, or maybe you are looking for a printer to print sizes from 10 x 15 cm and up (there are some that reach print in A3 size).
- Ease of use: study if it is an easy printer to use or if it is something that you do not worry too much about.
- Printing speed: it depends on your (im)patience, if you want or need it to print fast, keep this in mind when purchasing.
- Extras: trays, touch screen, battery, etc. If you want something specific, take a good look at the extras.
- Ease of maintenance: see if it requires any type of maintenance, if it needs cartridge replacement or not, and what your needs are or what you are looking for.
BEST PHOTO PRINTERS
The best printer for photos in terms of value for money that we can present to you is the Canon Selphy CP1300. A wireless photo printer, with an ultra-compact design, USB and SD card inputs that costs approximately 150 euros.
Excellent print quality. Easy to use and to change paper and ink. Allows you to crop before printing.
Single print size 10×15 cm.
If you like to print family albums, use it inside and outside the home, you are looking for quality and a standard size, this is your ideal printer.
Ink for Canon Selphy CP1300 photo printer: Paper and cartridge packfor 108 prints 10×15 cm.
But let's see more options, there are, and this does not have to be the best photo printer for you.
CHEAPEST PHOTO PRINTER
The cheapest printer is the mini thermal photo printer, which, as I said above, does not need a cartridge, although it is for a very specific use. With wireless connection and USB connection.
It is small, portable and very economical. Inkless printing.
It only prints in black and white and in small size.
PORTABLE MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER
With the use of mobile phones for photography, mini printers or portable printers have become quite fashionable and, beyond thermal printers, the offer of these pocket printers is very wide.
But what is the best mobile photo printer? Let's see several options depending on whether price, type of paper, size of the photo, printer, etc.
CHEAPEST: XIAOMI PHOTO PRINTER
If you are looking for a cheap mobile printer , the Mi Portable Photo Printer costs only €56.99, it has a size of 12.4 x 8.5 x 2.4 cm, weighs 181 g and can be shared with more people. Print with ZINK technology, and use glossy paper.
"AR" technology, Bluetooth 5.0 printing (for printing up to a distance of 10 m) compatible with Android and iOS, works with the Xiaomi Home application.
The paper is very easy to load and does not require ink.
The prints are in size 5×7 cm.
BEST INKLESS PORTABLE PRINTER
The HP Sprocket printer does not need ink cartridges because it prints with ZINK technology, it is an adhesive and very resistant paper. Simple charging, you can connect several devices; its dimensions are 11.7x8x2.5 cm approx. and weighs about 172 g. It costs €112.20 and in addition to the white model, it is available in black, purpleand rose.
Very easy to use, allows you to edit images and is quick to print.
The size of the photos, the prints are 5 × 7.6 cm and the price of these (0.69 euros approx copy).
BEST PORTABLE PRINTER FOR POLAROID-LIKE PHOTOS
If you like the aesthetics of Polaroid-type photos, but prefer to print from your mobile because that way you can select the photos and not be surprised by an instant camera, your ideal printer is the Instax Mini Link .
Uses the same paper as the Instax Mini camera, so the size of the photo is 5.4 x 8.6 cm, and the image is 4.6 x 6.2 cm. Available in White, blueand rose. Its dimensions are 12×3.5×9 cm and it weighs 209 g.
The Instax Mini Link 2 is also available , with something more interactive: white, blue, pink.
It is very easy to use, fast (about 12s), has a Wi-Fi connection and prints from your mobile or from social networks.
Small size of the image and price, if you do not find an offer it will cost you almost 1 euro per copy.
BEST MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER FOR SQUARE PHOTOS
If square photos are your thing, the Kodak Mini 3 Retro prints at 7.6×7.6 cm with 4Pass technology, which translates into high image quality.
Use this 30 print cartridge. Get it in yellow for €109.00. Also available in whiteand in black.
You can choose the images with and without border.
It only prints in square format.
BEST PORTABLE PRINTER WITH CAMERA
Kodak Printomatic is the most economical camera that prints photos taken on the spot and from other devices.
Prints are smudge-proof, tear-proof and adhesive-backed. It also requires no ink, toner, or plastic film cartridge. Use Zink paper refills, resistant and adhesive.
It costs only €69.99 and is available in the following colors: Yellow, blue, green, gray, blackand rose
It works as a camera and printer. Economic.
Image size (5×7.6 cm).
CANON PHOTO PRINTER
Above I have named the Canon Selphi CP1300 which is our personal recommendation, however, I would like to present these other options that are also interesting depending on your needs:
- Canon Zoemini 2: portable printer that prints instantly from your mobile device, via Bluetooth, on adhesive paper size 5 x 7.5 cm for €134.99 and use this photo paper. It is available in different colors.
- Canon PIXMA G550: if you print quantity, in different sizes and are looking for quality, this inkjet printer with refillable tanks may be your solution. Print over 3,000 4" x 6" photos with just one set of ink bottles. Wi-Fi or USB connection and compatible with Mac, Windows and Chrome OS. It costs about 215 eurosand the compatible ink cartridges are GI-53 <BK>, <C>, <M>, <Y>, <R>and <GY>.
HP PHOTO PRINTER
HP's photo printer offer is wide, we have already seen its HP Sprocket pocket printer, now let's see what more recommendations for printing photos we have:
HP ENVY PHOTO 6220
Multifunction wireless printer with WIFI, thermal inkjet, USB port, touch screen among other features. Supported sizes: A4, A5, B5, DL, C6, A6.
It prints borderless and double-sided automatically and has a touch screen.
Economical and versatile.
Size and price ink.
As I have just told you, this model is not designed to take photos, but if you are looking for a versatile printer that also prints photos and comes out well, it is a safe bet.
- Dimensions: 45.3 x 50.3 x 15.9cm; weight: 6.7 kg.
- Price: €199.00
The ink cartridges used by the HP ENVI Photo 6220 are HP 303.
HP SPROCKET STUDIO
This is a printer designed for photos. Unlike the HP Sprocket, this model isn't as portable, but it prints 4x6-inch prints in bright, high-quality, durable colors with thermal printing technology.
Photo size 10x15cm.
Single print size.
Its dimensions are 16.9 x 27.3 x 6.8 cm and it weighs about 900 g. The paper comes with the cartridgesand the copy costs approximately 0.36 euros.
KODAK PHOTO PRINTER
I have introduced you to two Kodak printers, the Mini Shot 3 Retro that prints in square format and the Kodak Printomatic instant camera that doubles as a printer.
But I have another recommendation if you want to print your photos in 10×15 cm size: Kodak PD460 Dock Plus.
Photos resistant to water and fingerprints in size 10x15cm.
Copy price.
For this printer the ink cartridge is sold with the paper. The copy comes out to about 0.57 euros.
INSTANT PHOTO PRINTER
Our pick for best instant photo printer is the Instax Link Wide , among other things, for its balance between portability and photo size.
It is a fairly compact printer that prints photos in a larger size than other portable printers (the photo 10.8x 8.6cm and the image 9.9×6.2 cm).
Print price and size, prints cost the same as the mini size and are larger. You can edit your photos through the Link Wide application and add a QR to the photo with whatever you want (coordinates, song, message, audio, etc.).
Price. It is one of the most expensive pocket printers.
Use these cartridgesand you can buy it for €159.00
POLAROID PHOTO PRINTER
Although Polaroid is best known for its instant cameras, it also has a pocket photo printer that prints business card size (5×7.6 cm) using this Zink photo paper.(resistant and adhesive).
Its dimensions are 7.9 x 14.9 x 2.7 cm; weighs 260 g and costs €82.99
It is economical and attractive in design.
Image size and weighs slightly more than other portable printers.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO PRINTER
If your needs go beyond the family album, let's first see what you should take into account when choosing a professional photo printer:
- photographic quality. The quality of the impressions prevails above any other aspect. It is what the end customer will receive.
- Print resolution. The higher the DPI (dots per inch), the better the print quality.
- Print speed. Keep this in mind if you have to make many copies in a short time.
- functions. What sizes do you need me to print? Must have scanner, fax? What are your needs?
- Easy to use. It will help you to be more agile on a day-to-day basis.
- Printing cost. Take this into account by calculating it with the price at which you can sell the copies.
Now I am going to give you two recommendations for a professional photo printer :
EPSON EXPRESSIONPHOTOXP-970
It is a multifunctional printer whose strong point is photography.
Not only does it offer one of the most competitive prices on the market, but it also offers excellent print quality. Scan in high resolution and copy up to A4 (documents). 3-in-1 ink injection that thanks to its six cartridges achieves greater color precision. With Wi-Fi and Ethernet, 10.9 cm touch screen, two paper trays: one for A4 paper and one for photo paper.
Replacement of individual ink cartridges. Printing photos in A3 format with vibrant colours.
Printing speed a bit slow. Copy price.
These are the ink cartridgesusing the Epson Expression Photo XP-970.
EPSON ECOTANK ET-8500
Wireless multifunction printer that, unlike the previous one, has a higher initial price, however, the copies are cheaper. That is why this is more indicated for a very high number of impressions, where the initial price would end up being amortized.
Six color ink system, photo printing up to A4 (for A3 size you would have to go for the ET-8550 model); Print, copy and scan A4; A4 and photo-size paper trays, plus 2 rear feeds for thicker paper.
Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet and Apple AirPrint connections. USB port. Refillable ink with bottles, up to 2300 prints with one refill. Print up to 12 color pages per minute. Resolution: 5760 x 1440 Dots per inch
Very low cost of copies. Connectivity options.
High price.
Uses 114 EcoTank inks: Cyan, black, Black photo, yellow, grayand Magenta,
CARTRIDGES AND INK FOR PHOTO PRINTERS
With each printer I have been indicating which ink cartridges I needed. You probably know that there are cheaper compatible ink cartridges for almost all photo printers.
But I would like to add something. If you want to achieve the best quality photos and that your printer lasts longer, be careful which cartridges and ink you choose. The optimal thing is to use those recommended by the brand, in this way you take care of the printer and make sure that the colors are optimized.
I also recommend using papers that are compatible with your printer so that it knows how to best distribute the ink through it and achieve the best results.
PAPER FOR PHOTO PRINTERS
Now let's focus on the next main element of photo printing: photo paper.
HOW TO CHOOSE PHOTO PAPER
It may seem that all photographic papers are the same, but the truth is that this is not the case. And the final result also depends largely on the paper used. So let's see what features we should know before deciding on one or the other.
- Weight: is represented by g/m². Usually, the heavier the weight, the better. It is usually around 90 to 260 g/m².
- Brightness: they are the levels of purity of the white color, it can be determined by a value that, the higher, the purer we consider the white to be. Although it does not always indicate it.
- Finish: gloss, matte, or semi-matte. The most used is usually the gloss finish, it is also the easiest to find. On the other hand, matte is recommended for black and white prints or for soft color images.
- Size: remember to choose a maximum size according to the printer you have.
- Price: Take a good look at the price per number of copies and do a little research and comparison before settling on one or the other.
SOME RECOMMENDED PAPERS TO PRINT YOUR PHOTOS AT HOME
- HP CR757A: 100 gloss-finish photo papers, 10×15 print size, 200 g/m², for inkjet printers. Price: €12.90
- Epson Premium Glossy: 60 sheets of paper in the size of 13 x 18 cm. 255gsm. The reproduction of the colors is quite faithful and offers a high quality of printing for home use. Great value for the price. Cost: €15.55 (€51.83 / 100 Sheets)
- AColoriStore: 50 photographic papers, A4 size, and 180 g/m², glossy finish, for inkjet printers. Price: €11.20 (€22.40 / 100 Sheets)
- Kodak Premium Photo: 50 A4 sheets of 280gsm super glossy photo paper. Excellent quality for prints with a high level of demand. Price: €35.34
- Apli Paper 11475: 100 sheets of photographic paper, A4 size, 180 g/m² with a glossy finish. Suitable for use in inkjet printers. This paper is the most economical although it does not offer the same quality as others. But if you prefer to have the memory than not to have it due to price, this is your option. Buy it for: €19.28
- Epson C13S042169: 30 sheets (2 packs of 15) of glossy finish paper, A4 size, weighing 255g/m². Price: €19.04 (€63.47 / 100 Sheets)
- Epson Matte Paper Heavy Weight: 50 sheets of matte-finish paper, weighing 167 g/m², and A4 size. Price: €16.25 (€32.50 / 100 Sheets)
And now you have everything to start printing your photos.
