- And the best thing is that you do not need an expensive top-tier printer to print the photos from your phones. All you need is a portable photo printer that can connect to your phone, and the rest will be a cakewalk.
- Apart from being incredibly easy to handle, these mini photo printers are cost-effective than their desktop counterparts. Most of these printers let you connect via Bluetooth and works equally well with iPhones and Android phones.
- Lastly, the companion apps let you tweak the photos as per your choice, without the need to install third-party photo editing apps. Interesting, right?
- So, if you are on the market looking for portable photo printers, we curated a list of best such options for you.
- Note
- While the first four items are mini printers, the rest two are traditional (and compact) printers.
1. HP Sprocket 200 (2nd Generation)
Printing Technology: ZINK Zero Ink TechnologyPhoto Size: 2 X 3-inch
The Sprocket 200 uses ZINK technology to print small 2 x 3-inch photos. For those unaware, this is a zero-ink printing technology that uses heat to colorize and develop the picture instantly. Though these papers are waterproof and smudge resistant, they tend to be a tad darker when compared to actual photo printers. On the upside, ZINK prints are easy to stick on walls or fridge doors, since the photo papers are adhesive-backed. Again, setting up the Sprocket app is simple and easy. You have to pair the printer with the phone. Once the connection is established, you’ll be able to access the photos on your phone. After you are done selecting the filters, hit the print button and the print will be ready in no time. This printer comes with a rechargeable battery of 550mAh. And though HP hasn’t given a clear idea how long a single full charge will last, the guys at Trusted Reviews think that a fully-charged Sprocket 200 should be able to give you around 10 prints. That’s not all. The printer can also print when connected to a power outlet.
2. Canon IVY Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Printer
Printing Technology: ZINK Zero Ink TechnologyPhoto Size: 2 x 3-inches
Though it uses ZINK technology to print photos, the prints are bright. It’s this feature that pushes it above the HP Sprocket 200. And most users seem to appreciate the photo quality. Plus, the app also comes with an interesting feature called Tiling. This one lets you divide a photo into 4-9 tiles. You can print all the small tiles to create a single large image. However, IVY has some limitations. For one, the 500mAh battery dissipates quickly and barely lasts more than 10 prints. On the upside, it does not keep you waiting for a long time as topping it up takes only around 90 minutes.
3. Kodak Mini 2 HD Photo Printer
Printing Technology: 4PASS D2T2 dye transferPhoto Size: 2. 1 x 3. 4-inches
It uses the 4PASS D2T2 dye transfer method to print. Here, a photo undergoes four passes, and quite obviously, it usually takes more time than a single pass printing tech. But thankfully, the Mini 2 HD is not excessively slow and takes about 50 seconds for a single image. However, the Mini 2 HD has a couple of limitations. For instance, the built-in 620 mAh battery takes about 1.5 hours to charge, which is a lot of time, considering that you will mainly take it out for outdoor events. Plus, it can print only about 20 photos before it needs a recharge. Plus, Kodak’s ink cartridges come in either 20, 30, or 50 sheet options, and a pack of 20 costs about $14.99.
4. Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer
Printing Technology: Traditional FilmPhoto Size: 2.4 x 1.8
And that’s not all. This tiny printer goes by the motto of wriggle, wherein it switches to the Fun Mode when you lay it down. And if you keep it upright, it will enter the Print Mode. Okay, I have been going on and on about the Fun Mode. So what is it? For starters, it automatically adds frames, graphics, and stickers to the tiny 2.4 x 1.8 -inches photos when you switch to it. In fact, if five of your friends are connected to it, it can print a single photo by combining elements from all five photos. Interesting, right? It has a sizeable battery, and a single charge can give you around 100 photo prints, making it perfect for the holidays or any outdoor events. So far, it has managed to rake in pretty good reviews, and users speak highly of its easy-to-use (and fun) features. It uses Instax Mini film to print the photos, and the photo quality is great for the price. The resulting pictures are neither too dark nor too bright. If you are looking for a modern portable printer, this is the one.
5. Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
Printing Technology:Photo Size: 4 x 6-inches, 3.5 x 4.7-inches, 2.1 x 3.4-inches, and 2.1 x 2.1-inches
Plus, the Selphy CP1300 can print regular-sized images that can go up to 4 x 6-inches. It also comes with a 3.2-inch non-touch color LCD screen, which makes it easy to navigate menus and settings. Unlike the printers above, this printer uses Thermal Dye Sublimation to deliver the prints. Though it takes time, the good thing is that the photo quality is usually better than the ZINK prints. Its excellent print quality (for its price) has been spoken of highly by several users. At the same time, setting it up is a straightforward process and gets done pretty quickly, something which has been voiced by several users. Apart from printing via the mobile app, the Selphy CP1300 also gives you the option to print via SD cards and thumb drives. And the little screen, that we mentioned above, helps you select and print. A single set of 108 sheets of 4 x 6-inch Canon photo paper compatible with this printer cost about $29 (at the time of writing).
6.HP OfficeJet 250 All-In-One Portable Printer
Printing Technology: Traditional printing techPhoto Size:
It’s portable and takes around 90 minutes to charge. Plus, a single charge can go a long time, depending on how often you use it. The print quality is great and is perfect for printing sharp photos and documents, thanks to the print resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI. The photos appear colorful, vivid, and well-detailed and far exceed the quality of the mini printers. In addition to that, it’s incredibly easy to set up and is fast.
Print Your Memories
So, which printer will you choose? Will you go with one that uses ZINK printing technology, or will you go with the 4PASS D2T2 dye transfer technology? But if you ask me, I am all in for one that uses traditional film. What say?
