5 Best Portable Photo Printers

In this guide, we’ll showcase the very best portable photo printers from leading brands.

It’s important to distinguish the best from the rest among the increasing number of imitations and cheap knock-offs.

Our guide will review the best portable photo printers, explain how to choose the one that’s best for you, and show you how to make the most of any creative project.

What’s The Best Portable Photo Printer?

You’ll notice that the best printers are primarily developed by brands with a proven history in the photography industry.

Fujifilm, Kodak, Canon, Agfa, and Polaroid develop fantastic portable devices to print high-quality images on the go.

While many other nondescript brands and products appear on online marketplaces, we recommend sticking with a trusted name.

That way, you know you’re buying a quality product with customer support and continued access to printing supplies or accessories.

I’ve also listed the type of consumable media required to continue operating your portable photo printer long beyond the included print paper running out.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 – Ultimate Portable Printer

Fujifilm is one of the original photography and film companies with over 90 years of experience.

The first entry in the Fujifilm Instax range was the Instax Mini 10, an Instax camera released in 1998—before many of you were born!

Fujifilm continues to innovate by enhancing the Instax range of cameras and printers with current-generation tech and thinking.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 is the latest in the Japanese company’s popular range of portable printers.

Available in Clay White, Sage Green, and Rose Pink, the Mini Link 3 pairs effortlessly with smartphones for high-quality film-style printing.

The Fujifilm Instax range of portable printers uses an old-school approach to expose photographic paper similar to print-lab photos.

A sealed light-proof cartridge of 10 Instax slides loads neatly into the rear of the Mini Link.

Remember that it’s light-sensitive photographic paper, so don’t open the Instax Mini until all ten slides have been printed.

Each slide measures 86 x 54mm (3.38 x 2.12″), with the inset picture size 62 x 46mm (2.44 x 1.81″). The external frame of each slide contains the necessary processing chemicals.

Using the companion Instax smartphone app, you can easily pair and print a selected image from your gallery.

The Instax app offers a range of creative applications, including collages, filters, and 3D AR (Augmented Reality) elements.

The Mini Link takes approximately 15 seconds to squeeze the film chemicals across the slide as it ejects from the printer.

While the initial print is blank, you have a developed film-quality print ninety seconds later with an approximate 318 dpi resolution and 256 levels per RGB color.

At 90 x 37.3 x 125 mm (3.54 x 1.46 x 4.92:), the Mini Link 3 is smaller than many portable printers, even though it effectively houses a mini-film print lab inside.

Despite its size, the Instax features a soft organic form with a ribbed surface and LED display of the Instax logo.

The Instax Mini Link 3 weighs 210g (0.44lb) and features a USB-C port to charge the lithium-ion battery.

While the Instax printers deliver unique film-quality prints, they cost a considerable amount per packet of Instax Mini film.

A pack of 10 costs around US$13, but larger bundled packs are available for a little less.

However, since you’re selecting images from a smartphone, you can be selective about what you print.

Fujifilm also develops a range of Fujifilm Instax film and hybrid film/digital point-and-shoot cameras using the same Instax film and printing technology.

Alternatively, Fujifilm offers two more Instax models if you want a portable printer that produces larger film-style images.

The Fujifilm Instax Square Link utilizes the same film print processing technology.

However, the slides are larger at 86 x 72mm (3.38 x 2.83″) with an inset picture size of 62 x 62mm (2.44 x 2.44″) – hence the Square title.

Finally, Fujifilm offers an Instax Wide Link model with wider film slides, measuring 86 x 108mm (3.38 x 4.25) and a picture size of  62 x 99mm (2.44 x 3.89).

The Fujifilm Instax Square Link and Instax Wide Link are larger printers designed to accommodate the larger film slides used.

Canon Selphy QX20

Canon has been a leader in the photography and printing industry for almost as long as Fujifilm.

Given its heritage and reputation for developing high-tech digital cameras, it’s no surprise that the Japanese company also develops printers.

Canon offers some of the best home- and studio-quality photography printers, and portable photo printers are no exception.

The Canon Selphy range of portable photo printers has existed since 2004, the latest entry being the Canon Selphy QX20.

Canon’s Selphy QX20 utilizes dye-sublimation thermal transfer technology to produce prints featuring a 287 dpi resolution and 256 shades per color.

Dye-sublimation thermal transfer is a process that heats the photo paper, allowing the ink to adhere permanently once it has cooled.

Once the ink has been applied, the Selphy portable printer applies a transparent protective layer to every print.

As a result, prints are instantly dry and can be written on with a maker, while the clear coating also prevents fading or damage for up to 100 years.

The downside of the dye-sublimation thermal transfer process is the longer printer times of 40 seconds.

Unlike the Fujifilm Instax range, the Canon Selphy QX20 can print square prints at 68 x 68mm (2.7 x 2.7”) or rectangle business card-size prints at 53 x 86mm (2.1 x 3.4″).

Available in white and dark grey, the Selphy QX20 measures 102 x 33 x 144mm (4 x 1.3 x 5.7″) and weighs 500g (1lb) – over double the weight of the Instax.

It boasts a brick-like form with a wide slot to accommodate the rectangle and square print paper.

The rear of the Selphy features a locking panel to insert the paper and a second on the side to access the disposable ink cassette.

The Selphy QX20 takes around 80 minutes to charge via the USB-C port and includes a cable.

Canon’s SELPHY Photo Layout app is available for iOS and Android devices.

It offers a range of editing features, including stamps, frames, overlays, and the option for borderless prints.

Each pack of the XS-20L includes an ink cassette and 20 sheets of sticker-back print paper. At around US$15 per pack of 20, this is excellent value for money.

The Canon Selphy QX20 is the new kid on the block, as the Canon Selphy QX10 (that only prints square photos) will be retired.

Polaroid Hi Print Gen 2 Pocket Photo Printer

Polaroid cameras have existed since 1948, with the first being the Model 95.

I grew up in the age of film photography – long before digital cameras existed – and Polaroid was known as one of the most fun and innovative cameras available.

Polaroid cameras work similarly to Fujifilm Instax models. The film processing chemicals squeeze across the image as the print is ejected from the camera.

The company still produces a range of Polaroid instant cameras and exceptional film options – but that’s a topic for another day.

Polaroid also offers a popular portable photo printer – the Polaroid Hi Print Gen 2 Pocket Photo Printer.

The Polaroid Hi Print 2×3 is a truly compact and portable printer that measures 15o x 79 x 28mm (5.9 x 3.1 x 1.1″) and weighs 261g (0.57lb).

It’s a stylish, streamlined rectangular printer with soft curved edges and a delightful rainbow end where the prints eject.

The Hi Print uses an all-in-one disposable ink and paper cartridge containing 20 sheets of photo paper. It’s easy to insert via a side panel.

While there is a lot of plastic and chemical waste, it’s a very convenient solution, and each pack costs around US$17.

As found with the Canon QX20, the Polaroid Hi Print portable photo printer uses dye-sublimation technology to deliver lifelike, high-resolution images with 291 dpi resolution.

The borderless 51 x 76mm (2 x 3″) photo paper prints in 50 seconds and features an adhesive back, making it ideal for craft projects and scrapbooking.

Polaroid’s Hi Print includes a USB-C cable and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

It pairs with all iOS and Android devices (Windows and MacOS) via Bluetooth connectivity and the free Polaroid Hi Print app.

The app offers a range of simple editing and enhancement tools to optimize the look and appeal of any print.

While not as portable or pocketable as the 2×3, the Polaroid Hi Print 4×6 Photo Printer is a handy desktop alternative that prints high-quality 101 x 152mm (4 x 6″) prints.

The Polaroid Hi Print 4×6 utilizes the same dye-sublimation thermal transfer process but takes around 70 seconds per print.

Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass Photo Printer

Kodak is a well-known and trusted photography brand that commenced operation in New York in 1888.

While the company has struggled to stay relevant and survive in a post-film world, the name lives on in various instant cameras and portable photo printers.

The Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass Photo Printer lives up to its name thanks to its retro-styling and graphical branding.

It measures 76.2 x 127 x 25mm (3 x 5 x 1″) and weighs 200g (0.44lb), making it lightweight and easy to carry in a pocket or bag.

Available in black, white, and yellow, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro produces vivid, lifelike photo prints thanks to four-pass dye-sublimation technology.

As found in the Polaroid Hi Print, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro features an all-in-one cartridge that contains 10 sheets of paper and necessary ink.

Given that it’s a four-pass process, the printer adds each layer of yellow, magenta, cyan, and a clear protective lamination that preserves color and image quality.

Each Kodak print ejects from the printer instantly dry and durable enough to last 100 years!

What’s more, you can frame the image in a white border or go for borderless prints.

While it’s more waste, Kodak claims the print cartridges are made from recyclable, environmentally friendly PCR resin.

Each cartridge holds ten prints and is available in triple packs containing three print cartridges or 30 prints.

A 30-pack will cost around US$25.

If you’re looking for a portable photo printer that creates larger square prints, the Kodak Mini 3 Retro 4Pass Photo Printer is a great choice.

It’s available in the same retro aesthetics with black, white, and yellow options. The only key difference to the Mini 2 Retro is that it produces square 76.2 x 76.2mm (3 x 3″) photos.

However, the good times at Kodak don’t stop there. The brand offers an alternative series of instant cameras and portable photo printers.

The Kodak Mini 2 ERA Portable Photo Printer features the same technology, printing system, and cartridges as the Mini 2 Retro.

The only difference between the Retro and the ERA is the exterior shell styling.

Where the Mini 2 Retro printer appears sleek and stylish, the Mini 2 ERA offers a boxier form with a rounded grip.

It’s the Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA 4Pass 2-in-1 Instant Camera and Photo Printer without the front lens.

It also costs roughly the same as the Mini 2 Retro. Alternatively, Kodak offers the Mini 3 ERA photo printer that produces 76.2 x 76.2mm (3 x 3″) photos.

AgfaPhoto Realipix MINI P

Established in 1867 in Berlin, Germany, Agfa is one of the oldest brands in the photography and imaging industry.

Having learned photography with a 35mm film camera, I often used Agfa film while on a shoot.

Today, Agfa manufactures a wide range of photographic equipment, including film, 35mm film cameras, and portable photo printers.

The AgfaPhoto Realipix MINI P Portable Photo Printer is a handy, compact printer that produces credit-card-sized 53 x 86mm (2.1 x 3.4’’) prints.

It uses the exact four-pass printing solutions as the Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass, using dye-sublimation to print layers of yellow, magenta, cyan, and a clear protective coating.

The AgfaPhoto Realipix MINI P produces excellent 300 dpi image sharpness and reproduction of over 16 million colors.

Like many portable photo printers, the Realipix MINI P requires a single-use cartridge with ten sheets of 53 x 86mm (2.1 x 3.4’’) print paper and the dye-sublimation thermal transfer mechanism.

The AgfaPhoto AMC20 Photo Printer Cartridges are available in packs of two or five and can deliver up to 50 prints.

The AMC20 two-pack costs around US$20; however, it doesn’t feature adhesive backing and is more expensive per print.

Available in white and black, AgfaPhoto’s Realipix MINI P features a squared design with soft corners and measures 132 x 78 x 26 mm (5.19 x 3 x  1.02:).

It’s relatively lightweight and portable at 255g (0.56lb).

While it’s not as organic-looking as the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 or the Polaroid Hi Print Gen 2, it’s a stylish portable printer that would look great on a desktop.

The Realipix MINI P includes the printer, USB charging cable, and a sample cartridge capable of printing eight photos.

Available for iOS and Android, the AgfaPhoto Realipix app pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth to control the printer settings and output.

The app also offers a range of features for applying cropping and adding filters, text, stickers, and decorative frames.

The AgfaPhoto Realipix MINI P continues a long tradition of Agfa supporting the photography industry for over 150 years.

Agfa also produces a square portable photo printer – the AgfaPhoto Realipix SQUARE P.

Available in white or black, it’s a larger printer that uses the same technology to create larger 76 x 76mm (3 x 3″) square prints.

How To Make The Most Of A Portable Photo Printer

Portable photo printers expand the possible creative applications of photography.

They’re a handy tool to add to a mobile photography kit for beginners or even for a pro event photographer’s camera bag.

Below are five creative applications where a portable photo printer makes a world of difference.

Stickers and Book Covers

Many portable photo printers, such as the Polaroid Hi Print Gen 2 Pocket and the Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass, produce prints with adhesive backing.

As a result, you can print your best smartphone photos of friends and family and stick them to your favorite notebook or laptop or even create a photo journal.

Create A Themed Photo Album

A great way to showcase your prints is to create a themed photo album with your images, ideas, or story.

While photo albums may seem old-school, flipping through a coffee-table book of your favorite shots is fun and helps to preserve memories and moments.

Photo albums are also available for specific print sizes, including the 86 x 54mm (3.38 x 2.12″) prints from the Instax Mini Link 3.

Visual Diary

A visual diary is a notebook or sketchbook where you write, draw, or paint your creative ideas. With a portable photo printer, you can add visual inspiration through photos captured with your smartphone.

A visual diary is whatever you want it to be, but adding mixed media to your thoughts is compelling.

Alternatively, if you love scrapbooking, you can include printed images in your paper-craft masterpieces.

Events and Guest Books

Many photographers shoot events and parties with a pro-grade photography kit. However, many pack a portable photo printer or Instax camera to give guests instant photos.

I’ve shot birthday parties where I printed photos directly from my Fujifilm X Series camera to a Fujifilm Instax printer. I also supplied a hard-cover sketchbook so guests could stick their photos and write a message to the birthday boy.

School Holiday Projects

Invest in a portable photo printer if you’re looking for a fun school holiday project with the kids.

Print your kids a list of items they must locate and photograph in and around the house. Once they’ve completed their list, print the best of their shots and display them on the fridge or a large sheet of poster card.

Choose The Best Portable Photo Printer For you!

Fortunately, visual creatives looking for the best portable photo printer have much to choose from.

The flip side is a crowded market with countless products, including cheap imitations that promise class-leading features.

I always recommend sticking to a trusted brand that’s been in the industry for some time.

Putting aside the badge on the box, below is a list of considerations to make the selection process easier and tailored to your creative needs.

Upfront and Ongoing Costs

The first consideration should always be how much you’re willing to spend on a photo printer. However, the upfront cost isn’t the only thing to consider.

Many portable photo printers require print paper, batteries, ink cartridges, and (in the case of Fujifilm Instax) film slides.

Understanding the total cost of a portable printer helps you determine what you can afford now and in the months ahead.

Size and Portability

Portable photo printers should live up to their namesake—being portable!

Don’t be fooled by the glossy images on Amazon. Ensure you read the printer dimensions and weight to determine if it suits your purposes.

If you plan to carry your portable photo printer everywhere in a small bag, look for a compact and lightweight model.

Companion App

The best-quality photo printers connect directly with an Apple or Android smartphone app.

The apps offer a wide range of features to edit, crop, print, and apply filters, stickers, text, collages, and even Augmented Reality attributes to your experience.

Check out the App Store for reviews to determine if the app suits your needs.

Print Quality

Print quality is one of the most important aspects of selecting the best photo printer. It’s essential to understand that not all photo printers produce the same print style.

For example, the Fujifilm Instax range of portable printers uses an old-school film exposure print. The prints are grainy with a lower resolution and won’t match the image on your smartphone screen. However, it’s the best option if you’re looking for a film-like print.

Other printers produce a higher-resolution image that has less character.

Connectivity

Most portable photo printers connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth or WiFi, allowing a seamless and quick process. However, some photo printers rely on a cable to connect to your device.

Check the portable printer specifications to determine if it offers wireless or wired connectivity.

Print Size

Each brand and style of portable photo printer produces high-quality prints of varying sizes.

Some printers, such as the Instax Square Link, produce square prints measuring 62 x 62mm (2.44 x 2.44″). Others, like the Kodak Mini 2 Retro, print 53 x 86mm (2.1 x 3.4″) sized photos.

Choose the best print size to suit your project or ongoing creative dreams.

Speed and Battery Life

The performance of a portable photo printed is a crucial consideration before purchasing. Professional photographers rely on a portable printer to produce prints on demand at an event – they need speed and reliability.

Each photo printer works in different ways. Some print out a photo in a single pass in as little as 15 seconds. Others use a multi-pass system that requires longer to print each color and final clear coating.

As for battery life, it varies, with some models only able to print 20 photos before being recharged.

Environmental Impacts

While I’m a big advocate for printing your best photos, I also think it’s worth considering the environmental impacts of portable photo printers.

Most portable printers rely on a single-use cartridge or cassette that contains the print paper, film slides, processing chemicals, and print head. Many of these elements are non-biodegradable and contribute to landfill.

I encourage all visual creatives using a portable photo printer to be conscious of this and only print the photos they intend to use in a dedicated project.

The style of photo printer you need depends on your specific situation, requirements, and the end-use of each print.

Research the above elements to choose the best portable printer and avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts

Smartphone photography is an impressive and convenient way to capture daily activities, special events, or creative experiences.

Given the quality of smartphone cameras, image quality, sharpness, color accuracy, and dynamic range are assured.

The pro-grade, built-in editing functions, filters, and enhancement features produce stunning results.

Pairing your smartphone photography with a portable photo printer is an excellent way to expand your creative output.

Print images with a portable photo printer rather than hiding your best images in a phone photo library or on social media.

The high-quality prints can be used in various creative projects or hung on the fridge to remind you of good times.

A portable photo printer produces near-instant results that expand your creative pursuits.

HIGHLY RECOMMEDED

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3

Marries a feature-packed smartphone app with old-school film-quality prints for a magical on-the-go printing experience.