In an increasingly digital world, the best photo printers serve as invaluable tools, transforming cherished digital memories into tangible, hold-in-your-hand keepsakes. They empower individuals to create lasting impressions, bridging the gap between pixels on a screen and physical, touchable photographs.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget | Best for Portability | Best for Professional Studio Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 | Canon SELPHY CP1500 | KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer | Epson SureColor P900 |
 |  |  |  |  |
A professional-grade photo printer offering exceptional color accuracy and versatile media handling, ideal for photographers seeking top-notch print quality. | A high-quality yet affordable photo printer featuring vibrant 6-color Claria Photo HD inks and user-friendly design, perfect for photo printing enthusiasts. | A budget-friendly, portable photo printer with versatile connectivity options and long-lasting, water-resistant prints, ideal for on-the-go photo printing. | A compact and portable photo printer using ZINK technology for inkless, durable, and smudge-proof prints. | A professional studio-quality photo printer with outstanding image quality and versatile media handling. |
What Is a Photo Printer?
A photo printer is a specialized printer designed to produce high-quality prints of digital images. Unlike standard printers, these devices are optimized for rendering vivid colors, sharp details, and accurate reproductions, particularly for photographs.
Why Buy a Photo Printer?
Investing in a photo printer offers unparalleled convenience and control over the printing process. It enables individuals to create professional-grade prints from the comfort of their home or office, ensuring customization and immediate access to physical copies of cherished moments. Moreover, owning a photo printer grants the freedom to experiment with various paper types and sizes, achieving personalized results that match unique preferences and artistic visions.
Photo Printers: What to Look For
Navigating the spectrum of available options requires a keen eye for key features—here are ten essential criteria to consider when choosing the ideal photo printer.
Best Overall: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Image credit: Canon
Pros:
Con:
Canon’s imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is a standout photo printer, excelling in both quality and functionality. Its remarkable features set it apart as the best choice for photographers seeking top-notch printing capabilities.
The PRO-300 is a powerhouse when it comes to color precision and image quality. Its 9-color ink system, including the Chroma Optimizer, ensures that every hue is accurately reproduced, resulting in stunningly vivid prints. Additionally, the inclusion of Matte Black ink significantly improves black density, catering to the intricate details and richer tones often desired in fine art prints.
Canon’s dedication to versatility is evident in this printer’s ability to handle various media types flawlessly. Whether printing on glossy paper or fine art surfaces, the PRO-300 maintains consistent, gallery-worthy results. Moreover, its seamless workflow integration and the intuitive Canon Professional Print and Layout software streamline the printing process, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
While the PRO-300 might not be the most portable option due to its weight, its compact design and professional-grade capabilities more than compensate for this aspect. For photographers seeking unparalleled print quality, color accuracy, and versatile media handling in a single device, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 stands as the ultimate choice, ensuring that every image receives the attention to detail and precision it deserves.
Bang for Your Buck: Epson Expression Photo XP-8700
Image credit: Epson
Pros:
Con:
The Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 stands out as an exceptional “bang for your buck” photo printer, offering a compelling combination of quality and functionality at an affordable price point.
Equipped with Epson’s renowned 6-color Claria Photo HD inks and MicroPiezo technology, the XP-8700 delivers stunning, borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″, ensuring vibrant colors and remarkable detail in every photo. Its versatile paper handling capability, featuring separate trays for different media types, adds to its appeal, allowing users to effortlessly switch between various paper options for different printing needs.
The printer’s intuitive design includes a large, 4.3″ color touchscreen, simplifying navigation and providing convenient printer management. This user-friendly interface streamlines the printing process, making it accessible and efficient for both beginners and seasoned users alike. Additionally, the built-in scanner and copier further enhance its functionality, offering high-resolution scans and accurate copies.
Despite a relatively slower print speed compared to some competitors, the XP-8700 compensates with its professional-quality prints, versatile media handling, intuitive controls, and a range of convenient features such as the Epson Smart Panel App, allowing easy printing from laptops and smart devices.
Best on a Budget: Canon SELPHY CP1500
Image credit: Canon
Pros:
Con:
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer stands out as the best budget-friendly option, delivering impressive features and functionality at an affordable price point.
One of its most appealing aspects is its portability. With its sleek design and optional battery pack, this printer becomes highly travel-friendly, allowing users to print and share memories on the go effortlessly. Additionally, its multiple connectivity options—Wi-Fi, AirPrint, USB, memory card, and the SELPHY Layout smartphone app—ensure convenience and flexibility in printing from various devices.
Despite its budget-friendly nature, the SELPHY CP1500 doesn’t compromise on print quality. Using dye-sublimation printing, it produces instant dry prints that are not only water-resistant but also boast a longevity of up to 100 years. This longevity ensures that the printed memories remain vivid and durable over time, making it an excellent investment for those seeking lasting photo prints.
Moreover, the SELPHY Layout app offers users additional features and editing options, allowing for greater customization and creative freedom. While its print speed might be slower compared to other models, its affordability, portability, versatile connectivity, and long-lasting print quality make the Canon SELPHY CP1500 the top choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to print high-quality photos without breaking the bank.
Best for Portability: KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer
Image credit: Kodak
Pros:
Con:
The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer stands out as the best mobile photo printer due to its compact, portable design and impressive ZINK technology, offering a convenient solution for instant photo printing on the move.
Its lightweight and compact build make it highly portable, allowing users to print photos wherever they are without the need for clunky equipment or messy wires. The printer utilizes ZINK technology, eliminating the need for ink cartridges by using dye crystals embedded in the paper. This innovative approach delivers durable, water-resistant, and smudge-proof 2” x 3” prints in under 60 seconds, ensuring that your memories can be instantly printed and shared.
What sets the KODAK Step apart is its comprehensive editing suite available through the Kodak Step App. Users can access a range of editing options beyond standard crop and rotate functions, including adjustments for brightness, color temperatures, blur settings, and more. Additionally, the app allows for creative collage printing, enabling users to print up to four images on a single photo, offering a fun and personalized touch to your prints.
While its print speed might not match some higher-volume printers, the KODAK Step’s portability, inkless printing technology, and extensive editing capabilities make it the top choice for individuals seeking a mobile photo printer that combines convenience, quality, and creative customization options for on-the-go printing needs.
Best for Professional Studio Quality: Epson SureColor P900
Image credit: Epson
Pros:
Con:
The Epson SureColor P900 stands out as the ultimate choice for Professional Studio Quality photo printing due to its exceptional image quality, versatile media handling, and advanced printing technology.
Designed for photographers and creative professionals seeking top-tier print results, the P900 boasts outstanding image quality powered by the UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet, ensuring a wide color gamut for vibrant and rich colors. Its dedicated nozzles for both Photo and Matte Black ink types eliminate the need for switching between black inks, enhancing efficiency during printing sessions.
This printer’s 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead consistently delivers prints with outstanding speed, accuracy, and consistency, ensuring professional-grade results with every print. Additionally, the new Carbon Black Driver Technology enhances Dmax, providing best-in-class black density on glossy papers, crucial for achieving deep, rich blacks in prints.
The SureColor P900’s professional media handling capabilities set it apart, accommodating rolls and sheet media up to 1.5 mm thick from Epson Professional, Signature Worthy, Legacy papers, and third-party media. Its 4.3″ customizable touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and interior LED light contribute to its ease of use, making it an ideal choice for professionals aiming for exhibition-quality prints from the convenience of their desktop. While its print speed might not match some high-volume printers, the SureColor P900’s unparalleled image quality, efficient ink usage, and professional-grade features make it the top choice for those seeking studio-quality prints without compromise.
What is the difference between a photo printer and a regular printer?
A photo printer is specifically designed to produce high-quality prints of digital images, offering superior color accuracy, sharp details, and vivid reproductions compared to regular printers. Photo printers use advanced technology, such as higher-resolution print heads and specialized inks, to ensure that every detail of the photo is captured with precision. Regular printers, while capable of printing photos, are generally optimized for text and document printing, which often results in lower quality photo prints.
Do I need special paper for photo printing?
Yes, using specially designed photo paper is crucial for achieving the best results with a photo printer. Photo paper is coated to enhance color vibrancy and detail, and it is available in various finishes, such as glossy, matte, and luster. Glossy paper provides a shiny finish that makes colors pop, while matte paper reduces glare and fingerprints. The right paper type can significantly affect the final appearance and longevity of your prints.
How important is print resolution in a photo printer?
Print resolution is extremely important in a photo printer as it determines the level of detail and sharpness in your photos. Higher resolutions, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI), allow for more detailed and clearer prints. For high-quality photo printing, a resolution of at least 300 DPI is recommended. Higher DPI levels are particularly beneficial for enlarging photos without losing detail, ensuring that prints maintain their quality even at larger sizes.
Can I print from my smartphone or tablet with a photo printer?
Many modern photo printers offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to print directly from smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and dedicated printing apps enable seamless integration with mobile devices. These options provide convenience and flexibility, making it easy to print photos on the go without the need for a computer. Some printers also support cloud printing services, further enhancing accessibility.
What is dye-sublimation printing, and how does it differ from inkjet printing?
Dye-sublimation printing uses heat to transfer dye onto materials, producing durable and water-resistant prints with smooth gradients and rich colors. This method is ideal for high-quality photo prints that need to withstand handling and environmental exposure. Inkjet printing, on the other hand, sprays tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper, allowing for a wider range of colors and finer detail. Inkjet printers are versatile and can handle various print tasks, but dye-sublimation printers excel in producing long-lasting photo prints.
Are there portable options for photo printers?
Yes, there are several portable photo printers available, designed for on-the-go printing. Portable printers like the Canon SELPHY CP1500 and KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Printer are compact, lightweight, and often feature built-in batteries for true mobility. These printers use wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, to print directly from mobile devices, making them ideal for events, travel, and situations where a full-sized printer is impractical.
How do ongoing ink or toner costs impact the choice of a photo printer?
Ongoing ink or toner costs can significantly impact the overall expense of operating a photo printer. High-quality photo prints often require more ink, and specialized photo inks can be costly. It’s important to consider the cost per print and the efficiency of the printer’s ink usage. Some printers use high-yield cartridges or ink tank systems to reduce costs. Evaluating these factors can help ensure that the printer fits your budget over the long term, balancing initial purchase price with operational expenses.
Can photo printers handle different paper sizes and types?
Many photo printers are versatile and can handle various paper sizes and types, including standard photo sizes, large formats, and specialty papers like fine art or canvas. This versatility allows for greater creative flexibility, enabling users to produce everything from small snapshots to large gallery-quality prints. Some printers come with multiple paper trays or roll feeders to accommodate different media types, enhancing their functionality for diverse printing needs.
What additional features should I look for in a photo printer?
Additional features to look for in a photo printer include built-in editing software, memory card slots, LCD screens, and multiple connectivity options. Built-in editing software can simplify the printing process by allowing basic photo adjustments directly from the printer. Memory card slots enable direct printing from camera cards, bypassing the need for a computer. LCD screens provide an intuitive interface for selecting and editing photos. Wireless connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offer flexibility and convenience for printing from various devices.
How long do prints from photo printers typically last?
Prints from high-quality photo printers can last many years, especially when printed on archival-quality paper and stored properly. Dye-sublimation prints, for example, are known for their longevity, often lasting up to 100 years if kept in optimal conditions. Inkjet prints can also be very durable, particularly when using pigment-based inks and high-quality paper. Factors such as exposure to light, humidity, and handling can affect print longevity, so proper storage and display methods are important to preserve the quality of your prints over time.
