Ready to move beyond drugstore prints? Photo printers vary widely in size and capabilities, so picking the right one can be a challenge. Let us help. I'm PCMag's primary printer guru, and have been reviewing printers since before the first color models for PCs, and at every step since. Below, you'll find our favorite models in the three relevant categories for consumers and photo enthusiasts: near-dedicated photo printers (pro-quality, often at large print sizes), dedicated snapshot printers (usually at least drugstore-quality, always snapshot size), and everyday inkjets with a decidedly photocentric bent. Our top picks overall are Canon's imagePrograf PRO-1100 for pro-grade photo printing, and the Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 for home use, but we stand behind every pick here for the specific use cases and budgets cited. All have gone through PC Labs' rigorous testing process, which evaluates output quality, features, connectivity, ease of use, and value. Below the list of recommended printers, you'll find the information you need to help you pick the right photo printer for what you print.
Overview
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![Canon imagePrograf PRO-1100]()
Best Overall Pro-Grade Photo PrinterCanon imagePrograf PRO-1100
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![Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Photo Printer]()
Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for Roll PaperEpson SureColor P900 17-Inch Photo Printer
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![Epson SureColor P700]()
Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for (Relatively) Light DutyEpson SureColor P700
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![Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One]()
Best Home AIO Photo PrinterEpson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One
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![Epson Expression Photo XP-980]()
Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Occasional Wide-Format PrintingEpson Expression Photo XP-980
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![Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550]()
Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Frequent Wide-Format PrintingEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
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![Canon Selphy CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer]()
Best Conventional-Size Snapshot PrinterCanon Selphy CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
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![Canon Selphy QX20]()
Best Instagram/Square Snapshot PrinterCanon Selphy QX20
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![HP Sprocket Select]()
Best Inkless Wallet-Size Photo PrinterHP Sprocket Select
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![Kodak Step Instant Mobile Photo Printer]()
Best Inkless Photo Printer for the Very Tightest BudgetsKodak Step Instant Mobile Photo Printer
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![HP Sprocket Photobooth]()
Best Photobooth PrinterHP Sprocket Photobooth
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Canon imagePrograf PRO-1100]()
Best Overall Pro-Grade Photo PrinterCanon imagePrograf PRO-1100
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Canon imagePrograf PRO-1100 is among the best 17-inch wide-format photo printers you can buy, with stunning quality that includes exceptionally dark blacks and vibrant colors. It's an updated version of the Canon imagePrograf PRO-1000, with a few hardware-based improvements, including enhanced Wi-Fi and the ability to print on paper up to 129 inches long. The PRO-1100's signature achievement is better print quality, though, with new Lucia Pro II inks that afford deeper and richer blacks than possible with the PRO-1000 and a wider color gamut that opens up the contrast range and brings a heightened sense of dimensionality. Plus, the reformulated inks provide better scratch resistance and print longevity.
Who It's For
Photographers: If you're a professional photographer or graphic artist, the imagePrograf PRO-1100 is probably the best printer for you.
People who print banners on sheets of paper: You can make giant banners with this printer, since it supports sheets up to 129 inches long. However, it does not support printing on rolls of paper.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Ethernet Connection Type USB Connection Type Wi-Fi Connection Type Wi-Fi Direct LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size 17" x 22" Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 12 Number of Ink Colors 11 Printer Input Capacity 150 Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) Not rated Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) Not rated Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only Learn More Canon imagePrograf PRO-1100 Review -
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![Epson SureColor P900 17-Inch Photo Printer]()
Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for Roll PaperEpson SureColor P900 17-Inch Photo Printer
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Only professional photographers are likely to spend roughly $1,200 for a 10-ink freestanding printer capable of producing gallery-class 17-by-22-inch prints and 17-inch-wide banners almost 11 feet long. Those who do will find Epson's SureColor P900 worth every penny—including the extra $250 for the roll adapter. This magnificent machine generates brilliant colors and deep blacks (automatically switching between photo and matte black ink), with its UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks more than fulfilling the promise of its ICC (International Color Consortium) profile and a control panel that lets you configure print jobs in ways that previously had to be done within Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. (There's also an Epson Print Layout plug-in that replaces Photoshop's Print dialog box.)
Who It's For
Professionals who can justify the price: If you have to ask, you can't afford it, but if you need spectacular wide-format prints, panoramas, and banners, the P900 is actually something of a bargain. For anything short of high-volume commercial printing, the SureColor is a sure thing.
People who print banners on roll paper: You can add an optional roll adapter to the P900, making it a great choice for print shops whose clients order large banners.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Ethernet Connection Type USB Connection Type Wireless Cost Per Page (Color) Not rated Cost Per Page (Monochrome) Not rated LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size 17" x 22" Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 10 Number of Ink Colors 10 Printer Input Capacity Up to 120 sheets plain paper up to 17" x 22" Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) Not rated Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only -
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![Epson SureColor P700]()
Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for (Relatively) Light DutyEpson SureColor P700
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Epson SureColor P700's target market—professional photographers and graphic artists—absolutely requires state-of-the-art quality, and the P700 delivers it in spades, at sizes up to 13 inches wide. Much of the credit goes to its 10-color ink system, which provides a much larger color gamut (range of colors) than printers with fewer inks. One of the 10 colors is light gray, which helps improve subtle shading in both color and grayscale prints. Of course, all that really matters is the final result: images that offer vibrant color, dark blacks, and top-tier color accuracy.
Pros also often need banners and panoramas in custom sizes that require printing on paper rolls, a need that the P700 addresses as well. In addition to offering borderless printing on cut sheets ranging from 3.5 by 5 inches to 13 by 19 inches, it can accommodate up to 13-inch-wide rolls for banners and panoramas up to 13 by 129 inches. That's 10 feet, 9 inches long by 13 inches wide of exquisite panorama images.
Who It's For
Pros with relatively light-duty print needs: The P700's high running cost will make it less appealing to professional photographers, graphic artists, and graphics designers who could save money overall by buying a more expensive printer with lower ink costs. But for those who don't print enough for the ink savings to offset the initial price difference, it delivers top-quality output and a potentially lower total cost over its lifetime.
Professionals who need to print at 13 inches wide: For pros who need to print gallery-level photos or graphics up to 13 inches wide, and may need the ability to print banners or panoramas using roll paper, the P700's ability to handle the job makes it better than smaller printers that can't hold that size paper, or pricier printers that handle even wider paper but take up more room.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Ethernet Connection Type USB Connection Type Wireless Cost Per Page (Color) varies with size and content Cost Per Page (Monochrome) varies with size and content Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size Supertabloid Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 10 Number of Ink Colors 10 Printer Input Capacity 120 sheets plain paper, 30 sheets photo paper Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) Letter-Size: 1 minute 29 seconds, Supertabloid: 2 minutes 23 seconds Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) Not rated Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only Learn More Epson SureColor P700 Review -
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![Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One]()
Best Home AIO Photo PrinterEpson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One printer stands out for both its high-quality photo output and its long list of features. Built around a six-color ink system that helps boost photo quality, it also excels as a general-purpose all-in-one for copying and scanning. The main tray at the bottom front of the printer can hold 100 sheets of up to legal-size paper. A second tray just above it lets you load up to 20 sheets of Epson's Premium Photo Paper Glossy, so you can keep both photo paper and plain paper loaded at all times rather than having to switch back and forth between the two.
Who It's For
Families: The XP-8800 is great for families who need a light-duty home printer that can also print high-quality photos.
People who print occasionally: If you don't print enough to save money by getting a tank-based printer, don't need to print at larger than legal size, and don't need Ethernet, the XP-8800 is hard to beat for great-looking photos plus everyday use around the house.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type USB Connection Type Wi-Fi Connection Type Wi-Fi Direct Cost Per Page (Color) 17.8 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) 4.6 cents Direct Printing From Media Cards Direct Printing From USB Thumb Drives LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area 8.5" x 11.7" Maximum Standard Paper Size Legal Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 6 Number of Ink Colors 6 Print Duplexing Printer Input Capacity 100+1+20 (photo paper only); 1 disc Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 9 ppm Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 9.5 ppm Scanner Optical Resolution 1,200 x 1,200 ppi Scanner Type Flatbed Standalone Copier and Fax Copier Type All-in-one -
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M. David Stone
![Epson Expression Photo XP-980]()
Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Occasional Wide-Format PrintingEpson Expression Photo XP-980
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Epson Expression Photo XP-980 is a little pricey for an AIO aimed at all-purpose home and family printing, but it's also one of the most budget-friendly models that can deliver borderless photos and superb quality on photo paper up to 11 by 17 inches (tabloid size). It's built around a six-color ink system, which helps make it easier to produce the subtle shading that gives photos a step up in color quality, and it handles text and graphics nicely, as well. It also offers a flatbed for scanning and copying, support for mobile printing, the ability to print disc labels directly on printable discs, and convenient features such as a 4.3-inch color touch-screen control panel.
Who It's For
Families: Beyond its ability to print large, high-quality photos, the XP-980 is a good fit for printing anything from a Happy Thanksgiving Day card to homework to a recipe. That makes it an ideal fit for families who need a light-duty home printer but also want to print high-quality photos, and occasionally print them at up to tabloid size.
Photo enthusiasts who want large prints only occasionally: The XP-980's photo quality is a match for a professional photo lab, which will make it attractive to anyone with a critical eye who wants to print high-quality photos at home. However, because it can hold only one sheet of tabloid or A3-size paper at a time, it's limited to strictly light-duty printing for those sizes.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Ethernet Connection Type USB Connection Type Wi-Fi Connection Type Wi-Fi Direct Cost Per Page (Color) 18 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) 4.6 cents Direct Printing From Media Cards Direct Printing From USB Thumb Drives LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area 8.5" x 11.7" Maximum Standard Paper Size Tabloid Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 6 Number of Ink Colors 6 Print Duplexing Printer Input Capacity 100+1+20 (photo paper only); 1 disc Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 8 ppm Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 8.5 ppm Scanner Optical Resolution 1,200 by 1,200 pixels per inch Scanner Type Flatbed Standalone Copier and Fax Copier Type All-in-one Learn More Epson Expression Photo XP-980 Review -
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![Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550]()
Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Frequent Wide-Format PrintingEpson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Think home-office and small-office multifunction inkjets are a dime a dozen? (They're actually $150 to $750, but you know what we mean.) The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 stands out from the crowd in several ways. First, it's a wide-format machine, supporting borderless tabloid (11-by-17-inch) and supertabloid (13-by-19-inch) prints. Second, it uses six inks (adding photo black and gray to the usual cyan, magenta, yellow, and black), yielding more vivid and detailed photos and grayscale images. Third, it's an EcoTank printer, using ink reservoirs refilled from bottles instead of costly cartridges to cut operating costs to just pennies per page.
Who It's For
People who need to print but don't need to scan multipage documents: Though its connectivity and text output quality are faultless, the ET-8550 isn't your best pick for office productivity, since it has a flatbed scanner with no ADF for copying multipage documents.
Photographers: Semi-pro photographers, enthusiastic hobbyists, and small businesses making their own marketing materials will find it a perfect partner, thanks to its ability to print photos and graphics with exceptional quality.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Ethernet Connection Type USB Connection Type Wi-Fi Direct Connection Type Wireless Cost Per Page (Color) varies with size and content Cost Per Page (Monochrome) less than 1 cent per page Direct Printing From Media Cards Direct Printing From USB Thumb Drives LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size 13" x 19" Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 6 Number of Ink Colors 6 Print Duplexing Printer Input Capacity 100 sheets plain paper, 20 sheets photo paper Printing Technology Inkjet Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 12 ppm Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 16 ppm Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax Copier Type All-in-one -
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![Canon Selphy CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer]()
Best Conventional-Size Snapshot PrinterCanon Selphy CP1500 Wireless Compact Photo Printer
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Canon's Selphy CP1500 comes from a venerable line of dye-sublimation printers that deliver snapshot-size output using "print packs" that bundle the paper and dye-ribbon cartridges in one box, good for a fixed number of prints. This model stands out for its support for up to four different print sizes, some with adhesive backing and some without. (Supporting a size smaller than the default 4 by 6 inches requires a cheap adapter tray.) It's relatively fast and produces high-quality prints at very competitive running costs. You'll find the software geared more toward printing from mobile devices than PCs, but it will do a creditable job, whatever the photo source.
Who It's For
Families: Families, especially ones with a scrapbooker in the house, will find the Selphy handy. If you need a quick, compact, and affordable way to turn your family's smartphone images into good-looking photos and stickers, the Selphy will do the job.
People who don't want to accidentally run out of ink: Canon's print packs come with both photo paper and dye-sub cartridges with exactly the right number of panels on the dye ribbon to match the number of photo paper sheets in the pack. So when the paper runs out, you've also reached the end of the ribbon, and you don't have to wonder if there's any left. You simply move on to another pack for a new matched set of ribbon and paper.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type USB-C Connection Type Wi-Fi Cost Per Page (Color) 29 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) NA Direct Printing From Media Cards Direct Printing From USB Thumb Drives Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size 4" x 6" Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 1 Number of Ink Colors 4 Printer Input Capacity 20 Printing Technology Dye Sub Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 41 seconds per print Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) Not rated Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only -
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
![Canon Selphy QX20]()
Best Instagram/Square Snapshot PrinterCanon Selphy QX20
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The QX20 combines high-quality dye-sub printing with the rare ability to print in both the Instagram-style square picture format and the rectangular business card format. Most competing models offer just one format or the other. Plus, the QX20 offers plenty of other reasons to pick it. At the top of the list is its long-lasting output, typical of high-quality dye-sub technology, as well as Canon's notably easy-to-use print and editing app.
Who It's For
People who take lots of photos on their phones: Phone-photo fiends who need quick, spiffy prints in a jiffy will love the QX20.
People who print photos in multiple sizes: Besides looking sharper and more colorful than most rivals' photos, the QX20's prints come in multiple sizes. If you need this versatility, it's pretty much the only printer for you.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome 4-pass color Connection Type Wireless Cost Per Page (Color) 68.3 or 76 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) 68.3 or 75 cents Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size Wallet-size Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Cartridges/Tanks 1 Number of Ink Colors 3 Printer Input Capacity 10 Printing Technology Dye Sub Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 1 print per 40 seconds Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 1 print per 40 seconds Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only Learn More Canon Selphy QX20 Review -
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![HP Sprocket Select]()
Best Inkless Wallet-Size Photo PrinterHP Sprocket Select
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
HP's Sprocket Select sits at a happy medium among the company's Zink (zero-ink) smartphone photo printers, delivering prints that are larger than the base Sprocket's tiny snapshots but smaller than the Sprocket Studio's 4-by-6-inch scrapbook photos. As expected for Zink printer output, the Select's 2.3-by-3.4-inch pics have a peel-off sticky backing. They cost 65 cents apiece if you buy HP's two-pack of 10 sheets or 60 cents if you buy either the 5-pack (50 sheets) or 10-pack (100 sheets). Print quality is the best we've seen from a Zink printer, if still short of inkjet and dye-sublimation models, but the Sprocket Select is only 0.7 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches and weighs just 6 ounces.
Who It's For
People who want to print their social media photos: The Select is a convenient gadget that offers easy integration with Facebook, Google Photos, and Instagram.
Families: This printer is tops for handing out pics at parties and family gatherings.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Bluetooth Cost Per Page (Color) 65 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) N/A Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size Wallet-size Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Printer Input Capacity 10 Printing Technology Zero Ink (ZINK) Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 76 seconds per print Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) Not rated Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only Learn More HP Sprocket Select Review Review -
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![Kodak Step Instant Mobile Photo Printer]()
Best Inkless Photo Printer for the Very Tightest BudgetsKodak Step Instant Mobile Photo Printer
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you're interested in trying a Zink printer like the HP Sprocket Select but are looking for a cheaper one with a more traditional design—which is to say a solid-color case—the Kodak Step Instant is an excellent alternative. It's available in solid hues (white, black, pink, and blue) rather than the silver-gray or light-green marbled finish of the Sprocket Select. Print quality is very good for a Zink printer, and the 50-cent cost per page is average for the category.
Who It's For
People who like stylish devices: Smartphone-compatible snapshot printers like this one are versatile and look good, making them great for carrying around for impromptu prints. The Step Instant's multiple color options make it a perfect fit for people who like to color-match their personal devices.
Scrapbookers and crafters: The Step Instant is also available in multiple bundles that include not only paper but extras like carrying cases, markers, and assorted arts-and-crafts supplies.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type NFC Cost Per Page (Color) 50 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) 50 cents Maximum Scan Area N/A Maximum Standard Paper Size 2" x 3" Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Printer Input Capacity 20 Printing Technology Zero Ink (ZINK) Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 1 ppm Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 1 ppm Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only -
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Credit: M. David Stone
![HP Sprocket Photobooth]()
Best Photobooth PrinterHP Sprocket Photobooth
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The HP Sprocket Photobooth takes and prints good-quality 3-by-4-inch keepsake photos, making it an excellent lower-cost alternative to renting a photo booth for commemorating special events. You can use it repeatedly with no additional costs other than Zink photo paper, so it's ideal for giving you and your guests keepsake pictures, even for modest events where the cost of renting a commercial photo booth is off the table.
Since we reviewed the Photobooth, HP has added a software feature that the company says lets users personalize its options by creating custom frames in Canva or Photoshop and uploading them to the printer.
Who It's For
People who host lots of parties: If you want to give party guests a self-serve photo-booth experience, the Sprocket Photobooth is an impressive pick.
Budget-savvy buyers: The Sprocket Photobooth is cheaper than renting a commercial photo booth multiple times, making it a good choice for people who want to keep their entertaining costs down.
Specs & Configurations
Color or Monochrome Color Connection Type Wi-Fi Cost Per Page (Color) 90 cents Cost Per Page (Monochrome) 90 cents LCD Preview Screen Maximum Scan Area N/A Monthly Duty Cycle (Maximum) Not rated Monthly Duty Cycle (Recommended) Not rated Number of Ink Colors 4 Printer Input Capacity 20 Printing Technology Zero Ink (ZINK) Rated Speed at Default Settings (Color) 1 ppm Rated Speed at Default Settings (Mono) 1 ppm Scanner Optical Resolution N/A Scanner Type N/A Standalone Copier and Fax N/A Type Printer Only Learn More HP Sprocket Photobooth Review -
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Best For | Best Overall Pro-Grade Photo Printer | Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for Roll Paper | Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for (Relatively) Light Duty | Best Home AIO Photo Printer | Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Occasional Wide-Format Printing | Best Home AIO Photo Printer for Frequent Wide-Format Printing | Best Conventional-Size Snapshot Printer | Best Instagram/Square Snapshot Printer | Best Inkless Wallet-Size Photo Printer | Best Inkless Photo Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets | Best Overall Pro-Grade Photo Printer | Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for Roll Paper | Best Pro-Grade Photo Printer for (Relatively) Light Duty |
Type | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only | All-in-one | All-in-one | All-in-one | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only | Printer Only |
Color or Monochrome | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | 4-pass color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color |
Buying Guide: The Best Photo Printers for 2026
As the name indicates, dedicated snapshot (more formally known as "small-format") printers are designed strictly for small photos. The maximum print size is most often 5 by 7 inches, 4 by 6 inches, or wallet size (any of several variations of roughly 2 by 3 inches), but it can also be an Instagram-style square within this general size range, or a longer panoramic print.
Generally, the smaller the maximum paper size, the smaller the printer, and the more likely the printer is to be limited to just one, or at most two, sizes for printing. Most models in this category use a print technology that can't print on plain paper, and even those that do can't accept a large enough sheet to print a standard-size document. The smallest models will often be limited to printing from Android and iOS mobile devices only.
All that said, this category isn't defined just by its limits. Because these printers are small, they're portable. And even though larger models for 4-by-6-inch and 5-by-7-inch prints tend to let you print from a PC over a USB port, the same way you would with a standard desktop printer, these models as a group tend to be less computer-centric than they are consumer gadgets, with an emphasis on ease of use for standalone printing. In some cases, they're essentially smartphone accessories.
(Credit: M. David Stone)By contrast, "near-dedicated photo printers" are aimed at serious amateur and semipro photographers. They offer professional-level output quality, can often print at sizes up to 13 by 19 inches (sometimes even larger), and, in many cases, demand reasonable sophistication to get the best results.
The third category is the standard inkjet with a photocentric design. In some cases, this just means it has minor photo-centric features, such as an added tray for holding 4-by-6-inch photo paper, or even just that it was designed to deliver as high-quality a photo as possible with the usual four ink colors: cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. More often, though, it means the design includes additional ink colors. Adding light cyan, light yellow, or gray inks makes it easier to design a printer that delivers smoother shading and smaller steps in color to show subtle differences. Adding other ink colors can increase the range of colors the printer can reproduce.
What the first two categories have in common is that they focus on printing photos. (Near-dedicated models are also good choices for professional-level graphics.) If you want to print a standard document, report, or presentation, a dedicated model simply can't do the job; the paper's not the right size or type. A near-dedicated model can, but it's a waste of money to buy one for that kind of printing. Models in the third category are good choices if you need both kinds of printing from one printer, but few will match the photo print quality you'll see from a near-dedicated photo printer.
So, which category should you be looking in? Here are the key issues to consider to make the right choice.
Do You Even Need a Photo Printer?
Almost any inkjet-based printer or all-in-one, including models designed for office use, can print photos at drug-store quality or better, and even some color laser printers do a decent job with photographic images for flyers or brochures. But even those that fall in the photocentric inkjet category, as defined above, are both designed for more general use and fully appropriate for it. Near-dedicated photo printers and snapshot models aren't.
By definition, near-dedicated photo printers can also print ordinary business documents. But it's a waste of their talents, like buying a Lamborghini to use as a town car. You'll have to swap out paper stock every time you switch between printing photos and everyday text documents, only to get results that most office inkjets or laser printers would give you at a faster speed for a fraction of the cost.
(Credit: David English)Snapshot printers are a whole different animal. At one time, these printers typically had LCD screens with menus and basic editing features that let you crop an image, remove red-eye, and otherwise serve practically as home photo kiosks with touch-screen controls. Nowadays, however, most snapshot printers work primarily, and often exclusively, with mobile devices like smartphones (most people's cameras of choice) over a wireless connection, while your phone or tablet serves as both the image source and the control screen. If you're interested in printing from your phone, these are more your speed.
How Much Will Your Photo Printing Cost?
With any photo printer, it's worth checking the running cost and total cost of ownership, if you can. Our reviews can be helpful in this regard, but keep in mind that in today's world of fluctuating tariffs and rising oil prices, both can change from what they were when we calculated them.
There's no easy way to peg the cost per print or the total cost of ownership for near-dedicated photo printers, especially if you'll be printing photos in various sizes, including long panoramas on paper rolls instead of sheets. Snapshot printers often use easy-to-replace packs or cartridges that combine enough photo paper and ink (or equivalent supplies) for a specific number of prints. To calculate the cost per photo in those cases, simply divide the print pack cost by the number of photos it produces. To calculate the total cost of ownership, multiply the cost per photo by the number of photos you expect to print over the device's lifetime and then add the printer's initial cost.
Some inkjet printers—though rarely photocentric ones—work with automatic ink delivery or subscription services like HP's Instant Ink, as we describe in detail in How to Save the Most Money on Printer Ink. These services can be great deals for consumers who print a lot of photos since they charge a flat monthly fee for a given number of prints, whether they be letter-size, borderless photos, or near-blank pages with one line of text. But note that the actual cost per photo will depend on how close you come to printing the maximum number of pages allowed in the plan. If you print only one photo and nothing else, the per-photo cost will be the full month's price for the plan.
Do You Print in Black and White?
When shopping for a laser printer, it's important to consider whether you really need color printing or can make do with monochrome. Photo printers turn that question on its head. Many of them can't handle black-and-white photos particularly well. So you have to ask: Do you ever want to print in black and white?
If you intend to print lots of black-and-white photos, you'll want to check out monochrome photo quality separately from the printer's color photo quality. The most common flaw is either a color tint overall or multiple tints that show up as different colors in different shades of gray. (In our reviews, we note such tints and their severity when we encounter them. But note that we don't use black-and-white images when testing snapshot printers designed to print exclusively from mobile devices, since people seldom, if ever, use these printers for that.)
Photo Printers: Portable Printers vs. Desk-Bound Printers
Many inexpensive snapshot printers are small enough to fit in a pocket, but a few are too big to carry very often. If you want to bring a printer to a party or a Little League game, pick a size you won't mind carrying. Also, consider whether the printer can run on batteries (many do by default; some offer batteries as options). And find out how many photos you can print on a full charge.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Most near-dedicated photo printers are larger than standard desktop-style inkjets, because they're designed for printing on cut-paper sheets as large as 11 by 17 or even 13 by 19 inches, and even on banners and roll paper for some models. Beyond the size of the printer itself, some machines in this class need additional space behind them to feed large paper stock or to accommodate a roll feeder.
Other near-dedicated photo printers also need extra space in front of them. In these cases, you have to feed a single sheet from the front. The printer then feeds it all the way through, so most of the sheet extends out of a rear slot, and it then moves the paper forward again to print the image. If you don't have enough free space for this approach to printing, look for a printer that can handle roll paper or feed large sheets from a standard tray (or both).
Do You Need a Wired or a Wireless Photo Printer?
Some snapshot printers can print from a computer via USB, but most are meant as standalone devices for use with phones or tablets. Older models tend to come with Wi-Fi connectivity, and many can print directly from PictBridge-supporting cameras and memory cards or USB flash drives. (Make sure the printer is compatible with the memory card format you want to use.) A few print from internal memory, but you need to transfer files to the memory first, so find out what connection you need. Bluetooth connectivity is most common with today's "smartphone companion"-type printers.
Connectivity options for near-dedicated photo printers are much the same as for standard office models. Some offer a single USB connector; others add an Ethernet jack for easy sharing on an office network. Most now offer Wi-Fi connectivity, and a few offer all three (USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi). Few models at this level offer PictBridge support, USB flash drive ports, or memory card slots. The assumption is that serious photographers will want to tweak their images in photo-editing programs before printing.
How to Get the Best Output Quality From Your Photo Printer
Whatever printer you're considering, check the output quality before buying. Professional and semipro photo printers include both inkjet models—often with eight or 10 different color ink cartridges, instead of the four in a typical inkjet—and dye-sublimation (usually called dye-sub) printers that make multiple passes to create an image (laying down, say, cyan, magenta, yellow, and a clear coat).
Snapshot printers offer the same two technologies. With an inkjet printer, you may have to buy ink and paper separately. If so, you'll want to match the printer maker's paper recommendations. Dye-sub models always combine their dye ribbon cartridges and paper into packs or cartridges designated for a fixed number of prints.
(Credit: Fujifilm)A third common technology in snapshot printers is zero-ink, or Zink. As you'd guess, it uses no ink. Instead, the Zink paper uses embedded dye crystals that change color when heated precisely by the printhead. Zink technology is limited to small print sizes, and its output quality is disappointing compared with typical inkjet or dye-sub quality. However, it delivers good enough quality for photos that will wind up in a wallet, behind a refrigerator magnet, or stuck to a locker or a PC—which you can do easily. Just remove the protective layer to reveal the sticky back.
Snapshot printers vary in quality, but any near-dedicated photo printer should offer output suitable for a professional photographer's exhibition prints. Even so, you should make a point of reading reviews or looking at print samples at a retailer before buying to confirm that the quality meets your needs. Keep in mind, too, that different people have different tastes, so choosing between two or more printers with superb but subtly different output simply may come down to which you like better.
The type of paper you use can also make a massive difference in the quality and appearance of an image, so ask what papers are available for the printer. For near-dedicated photo printers, most manufacturers offer an assortment of fine-art papers. And in many cases, you can get paper-specific color profiles so you can use the printer to its best advantage with third-party papers.
(Credit: Canon)Finally, two other issues fall loosely under the heading of quality: ruggedness and lifetime. Don't expect much ruggedness from fine-art framing papers, but you do need it for stacks of 4-by-6-inch snapshots you might pass around for people to look through. Photos from most printers today are reasonably waterproof and both smudge- and scratch-resistant, but some fare better than others.
Claimed photo lifetimes also vary, with longer lifetimes preferred. But take note of the storage conditions that go with the claim. Temperature, humidity, light, air, and pollutants can all affect how long a photo lasts.
Print Speeds and Quantities: Do They Matter?
Speed is a crucial measure for office printers, but print speed is almost a non-issue for photo models. Output quality matters much more, and even the slowest photo printers today offer speeds that are at least tolerable. As a point of reference, it's rare for any printer to take more than about 90 seconds for a 4-by-6-inch print in our tests. Of course, advertised and rated speeds are typically slower than real-world speeds, and (as we note in our reviews where applicable) wireless printing tends to be slower than USB or Ethernet.
Similarly, enterprises and workgroups worry about a printer's monthly and recommended duty cycles or the maximum number of pages it can crank out in a given time frame. But manufacturers rarely rate duty cycles for snapshot and near-dedicated photo printers. If you'll be printing enough photos to be concerned about duty cycle, it's best to ignore consumer-level snapshot printers and inkjets. Shop instead for printers aimed at professional photographers and retail-store use.
Ready to Buy the Best Photo Printer for You?
Whether you're a casual photographer or a pro, one of the photo printers we recommend is sure to fit your needs. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed to hold evidence of that great moment in your hand almost as soon as you capture it with a click. We've listed our favorite near-dedicated photo printers and snapshot models, as well as a few inkjet all-in-ones that do an especially good job with photos but can also serve general printing needs in a home or small office.
For a wider view of printers, check out our guide to our favorite printers overall. And for photo hounds getting started in the photo-printing world, see our guide to fixing bad photos and our collection of advanced photo tips.