2 Best Portable Photo Printers, Tested and Reviewed
Say goodbye to visits to the photo lab and hello to on-the-go prints from these compact instant printers.
Tested by Alec SchermaTest Engineer
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Printing photos of you, your friends and your family on the go shouldn't be a hassle. That's why analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recently conducted a comprehensive test of the best photo printers to identify easy-to-use, high-quality options that work right out of the box. Focusing specifically on portable photo printers, we reviewed our test data, analyzed best-seller lists and trending models on social media and conducted additional testing on top-rated compact printers to find the very best.
The Good Housekeeping Institute frequently tests new consumer electronics, from microphones for streaming to cameras for kids. We also regularly look at new tech specifically oriented towards portability during our annual Family Travel Awards.
Pros
- Small and light enough to carry anywhere
- Stylish, retro prints without streaks or fading
- The Mini Link app creatively adds more fun to the printing process
Cons
- Pricey paper replacements
If you read our more general roundup of the best photo printers then you'd know the Media & Tech analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are big fans of this tiny printer. Packing all the charm and retro flavor of the cult favorite Instax Cameras into a compact printer, the entire process of using this device is a reminder of how fun taking photos and sharing them with your loved ones can be.
Weighing in at only half a pound and small enough to keep in your pocket or purse, the device wowed experts and consumer testers alike with its stylish, high quality prints. Where some printers we looked at started streaking towards the end of their cartridge or paper lifecycles, we found this one maintained the photos' integrity, with one tester remarking, "I've printed over 50 images with this printer and it still works great."
The Mini Link app enhances the fun and functionality of this printer further, giving you creative photo editing options including augmented reality filters and playful frames. What's more, the Instax Camera feature lets you use the printer unit's power switch to trigger your phone's shutter, an innovative touch that helps you get the perfect group shot or tough-to-frame photo.
While the refillable cartridges (which each contain 10 prints) are easy to find online, they're pricier than other printers we've looked at. That said, given the high quality of this tiny device's prints, we're okay with swallowing that cost.
Pros
- The look and feel of disposable camera prints from the comfort of your smartphone
- Cheaper paper refills than other models
- Convenient folding design makes storage easy and keeps parts safe during travel
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi to function
- Can be tricky to set up for the first time
Maybe you want larger, more traditional photos out of your printer, or just aren't a fan of the classic Fujifilm look. The HP Sprocket Studio Plus delivers on the style of photos you might get developed from a disposable but with the comfort and convenience of anywhere you have Wi-Fi.
In Lab and consumer evaluations we found this printer's output accurate, high quality and speedy. Watching the printer work can be a joy in itself, as you can see it add each of the primary colors to the paper one by one. The compact design also wowed Lab analysts, with the paper tray locking neatly into the lid of the main unit when not in use. It's heavier (weighing around 2.5 pounds) and considerably more bulky than our overall pick so you won't want to carry it around everywhere, but for special occasions or vacations it's still small enough to toss in a tote bag and go.
"Getting it to connect initially can be a little buggy, and it requires Wi-Fi to print which won't make it as portable as the Fujifilm, but once you're connected the prints are worth it," remarked Alec Scherma, Test Engineer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, on the printer's setup. It's worth noting, however, that the paper refills for this model are available for half the price per print of our top picks, so the extra setup time may be worth it for more frugal photographers.
How we test portable photo printers
Testing for this article took place as part of our larger categorical test of the best photo printers. For that test, GHI Media & Tech Lab analysts started by surveying the landscape of photo printers available on the market, paying special attention to top-rated brands and models as well as anything buzzy or innovative. We noted prices, price per print, prints per charge and other important specifications.
After honing in on which printers to test in the Lab, the ease of setup and use was evaluated for each printer. We noted any troubles with connecting, bundled app responsiveness and on-unit controls for clarity and effectiveness.
From there we tested each model by printing three types of documents: text, graphics and photos. We compared the results of each printer to each other and the original files for clarity, color accuracy and overall quality.
Finally, to find the best portable photo printers, we weighed each printer and measured the dimensions. We considered how easy each is to transport and how many options each has for connectivity. Printers that were too bulky or not convenient to fit in a tote or other small bag (or that had parts that could potentially break in transit) were excluded.
What to look for when shopping for portable photo printers
✔️ Connectivity: Having a printer that makes it convenient for you or a friend to easily connect and quickly get a photo is one of our key considerations when picking the best portable printers. Typically we tend to favor models that sport Bluetooth connectivity as opposed to Wi-Fi since it means you'll be able to print even when you don't have a 2.4GHz network to connect to. That said, larger printers tend to more frequently work with Wi-Fi so it isn't always possible to avoid if you want bigger prints.
✔️ Print size: Print size is entirely a matter of preference, but it matters a lot when picking out a portable photo printer. If you're planning on using your photos to scrapbook or put on your wall, cutting out some index cards into some common photo shapes (2x3", 3x4", 4x6") and playing around with them can give you a sense of space and size before spending a pretty sum on a printer.
✔️ Print cost: Printing photos can be expensive. When picking which printer to go with, it's important to keep in mind your continued cost of use. Some printers like the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 we recommend only use photo-reactive paper whereas others require both ink and paper, so you'll need to factor that into the cost. If you find yourself wanting to print lots and frequently, opting for a printer with a lower paper cost can save you in the long run even if the model itself is a bit pricier.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nikolas Greenwald wrote this article. He's been testing products and writing new Lab protocols for their evaluation at GHI since 2022. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University.
Alec Scherma conducted testing for this article. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University, and has been testing products across GH's Labs for the past three years.
As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Alec Scherma (he/him) is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s test engineer, where he helps to create and implement new product testing methodology across home, cooking and cleaning appliances, wellness, tech products and more. He graduated from Drexel University’s College of Engineering with a B.A. in mechanical engineering.
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