Buying a Portable Photo Printer: 5 Things to Check First

Small photo prints next to a pocket photo printer

Pocket photo printers turn phone pictures into prints you can hold in about a minute. These five checks decide which one fits the way you print.

5 things to check before you buy

  1. Decide on the print technology. Dye-sublimation gives the sharpest prints, ZINK the smallest printer with no ink, and instant film the classic look.
  2. Check the print size. Most pocket printers make 2 x 3 inch prints. Some add a square size, and a few print postcard size.
  3. Look for sticky backs. ZINK and many dye-sublimation papers peel and stick, which makes prints easy to use in journals and on walls.
  4. Work out the cost per print. Compare the price of a refill pack with how many prints it makes.
  5. Check the battery. A built-in battery lets you print anywhere, but some printers only print a few dozen photos per charge.

Three picks to start with

  • Best Overall: Canon SELPHY QX20, a pocket dye-sublimation printer for square and card-size adhesive prints, with Wi-Fi and USB-C charging.
  • Best Instant Film Printer: Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Link 3, which prints phone photos on real INSTAX Mini film.
  • Best Budget Dye-Sub Printer: KODAK Mini 2 Retro, a pocket 4PASS dye-sublimation printer with a protective layer.

All nine picks and a side by side table are in our guide to the Best Portable Photo Printers.

Browse the full Photo Printers category for related guides.

#ad As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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