Tamera Halstead

Written by Tamera Halstead

Published: 12 Feb 2024

Camryn Rabideau

Reviewed by Camryn Rabideau

9-best-instant-photo-printer
Source: Popphoto.com

If you're in the market for an instant photo printer, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll be discussing the 9 best instant photo printers available on the market. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or just someone who loves capturing moments with friends and family, an instant photo printer can be a handy tool to have. These printers allow you to print high-quality photos in a matter of seconds, so you can easily share and display your favorite memories. So, let's dive in and explore the top instant photo printers that are worth considering for your next purchase.

Top Picks:

Overall Score: 8/10

The KODAK Mini 3 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer offers high-quality photo printing at an affordable cost and allows you to print both bordered and borderless 3×3 inch photos. It utilizes 4PASS technology, printing flawless photos in seconds, and provides decorative features through its compatible app. This compact photo printer is perfect for creating lasting memories on the go and offers superior image quality and longevity. Customers have praised its ease of use and print quality, although some have reported issues with replacement cartridges.

Key Features

  • Low Photo Cost
  • Superior Photo Quality
  • Two Photo Types
  • KODAK Photo Printer application
  • Compact Size

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 1.57Lx1.97Wx0.39H
  • Size: Paper 60-Pack Bundle

Pros

  • Low photo cost
  • Superior photo quality
  • Compatible app for decorative features
  • Compact and portable design
  • Long-lasting printed photos

Cons

  • Issues with replacement cartridges

The KODAK Mini 3 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer delivers high-quality, affordable photo printing in a compact and user-friendly design. It provides superior image quality and longevity, making it ideal for creating lasting memories while on the go. Despite some reported issues with replacement cartridges, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable portable photo printer.

Overall Score: 8/10

The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer is designed for users who want to print memories on-the-go. This portable, compact printer pairs with any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Its zero-ink technology eliminates the need for ink cartridges, and the free Kodak App offers a full editing suite for personalized flair. The printer uses 2×3 sticky-back paper to produce durable, high-quality prints resistant to moisture, tears, and smudges. With a printer weight of less than a pound and a palm-sized design, it's perfect for decorating various surfaces. On a full charge, it can print 25 photos, making it a fantastic gift idea. Customer ratings highlight its ease of use, fast setup, and cost-efficient paper. The main con is that prints may have a slight color deviation, but users overall love this product for its quality, speed, and convenience.

Key Features

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth & NFC device compatibility
  • Zero-Ink Technology: Eliminates need for ink cartridges
  • Mobile Editing: Full editing suite via Kodak App
  • Portability: Palm-sized & lightweight

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 3.00Lx5.00Wx1.00H
  • Size: 2×3
  • Max Print Speed (B&W): 1.0 pages per minute
  • Max Print Speed (Color): 1.0 pages per minute
  • Printer Technology: Zink Technology

Pros

  • Easy to use, ideal for scrapbooking and gifting
  • Fast setup and cost-efficient paper
  • Portability and lightweight design
  • Customer ratings highlight satisfaction with photo quality

Cons

  • Possible color deviation from expected result

The KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer offers a convenient, portable solution for printing instant memories. Despite minor color discrepancies, its high satisfaction ratings make it a great option for users who value ease of use, photo quality, and convenience.

Overall Score: 8/10

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is a compact and portable printer that allows you to print high-quality photos. It offers superior photo quality, low photo cost, and the ability to print both bordered and borderless pictures. With the KODAK Photo Printer application, you can edit and print photos from anywhere. This printer is perfect for creating lasting memories and adding a touch of nostalgia to your photos. It comes in a vibrant yellow color and includes a 68-sheet gift bundle. Customer ratings for this product are at 4.5 out of 5 stars, with users praising its simplicity, photo quality, and ease of use, while some have expressed frustration with the app and setup process. The KODAK Mini 2 Retro provides a convenient and affordable solution for printing memories on the go.

Key Features

  • Low Photo Cost
  • Superior Photo Quality
  • Two Photo Types
  • KODAK Photo Printer Application
  • Compact Size

Specifications

  • Color: Yellow
  • Size: Accessory Gift Bundle

Pros

  • Low printing cost
  • Superior photo quality
  • Portable and compact size
  • Ability to print both bordered and borderless pictures
  • Convenient photo printing from anywhere

Cons

  • Issues with app stability and connectivity
  • Confusing setup and app instructions

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer offers a convenient and affordable solution for printing high-quality photos on the go. Its compact size, superior photo quality, and ability to print both bordered and borderless pictures make it a versatile option for creating lasting memories. However, some users have encountered issues with the app stability and setup process, which may affect the overall user experience. With a customer rating of 4.5 out of 5, it’s evident that the KODAK Mini 2 Retro has garnered positive feedback for its functionality and performance.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Zink Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer is a convenient printing device that allows users to print high-quality photos directly from their Android or iOS devices. It comes with easy print technology and wireless connectivity for quick and hassle-free printing. The printer uses an innovative 4 PASS D2T2 dye transfer method to produce beautiful, detailed black and white or color portraits that dry instantly and stay bright for up to 10 years. The Kodak MC cartridges combine paper and color ink for easy maintenance, and users can download the Kodak Photo Printer App for filters, cropping, stickers, card templates, ID photo print, video, and SNS print and more.

Key Features

  • Easy print technology: Print 2.1 X 3.4” photos directly from Android or i OS devices; no cables or buttons necessary
  • Wireless convenience: NFC One Touch for Android; also compatible with i OS/Android via Bluetooth
  • High quality photos: 4 PASS D2T2 Dye Transfer Method produces beautiful, detailed portraits
  • All in one convenience: Kodak MC Cartridges combine paper and color ink for easy maintenance
  • Free companion app: Kodak Photo Printer App for filters, cropping, stickers, and more

Specifications

  • Color: White
  • Dimension: 3.00Lx1.00Wx5.20H
  • Size: Basic

Pros

  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Produces high-quality, long-lasting prints
  • Wireless connectivity for quick printing
  • Companion app for additional photo editing features
  • Innovative cartridge design for easy maintenance

Cons

  • Refill cartridges may be difficult to find
  • Inconsistent photo quality
  • Issues with charging and cable connections

The Zink Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Portable Mobile Instant Photo Printer is a reliable and convenient printing device, ideal for users who want to print high-quality photos directly from their mobile devices. It offers easy and wireless connectivity, innovative printing technology, and a companion app for additional editing features. However, users may encounter difficulties in finding refill cartridges and experience some inconsistencies in photo quality. Overall, it’s a great portable option for on-the-go photo printing.

Overall Score: 8/10

The KODAK Step Printer is a wireless mobile photo mini color printer designed for photo-loving influencers and crafters of all ages and skill levels. It connects to any iOS or Android device via Bluetooth or NFC. The printer uses ZINK 2” x 3” Sticky-Back Paper with embedded dye crystals to deliver high-quality, durable, and affordable prints. It comes with a full editing suite via the KODAK app that allows users to create collages and customize their prints with filters, borders, stickers, and text. The palm-sized printer weighs less than a pound and is designed to be portable, with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. However, the app has received mixed reviews, with some users reporting issues with the printing quality and interface.

Key Features

  • Connects to any i OS or Android device
  • ZINK 2” x 3” Sticky-Back Paper
  • Full editing suite via app
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Dimension: 4.70Lx2.90Wx0.90H
  • Size: 2×3

Pros

  • High-quality, durable prints
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Full editing suite via app

Cons

  • Mixed reviews on app's printing quality and interface

The KODAK Step Printer is a convenient and portable solution for printing photos on the go. It offers high-quality, durable prints and a user-friendly app for editing and customization. However, some users have reported issues with the app’s printing quality and interface, so it may not be suitable for professional photo printing purposes.

Overall Score: 7/10

The Portable Printer is a mini pocket wireless Bluetooth thermal printer that offers superior print quality and wireless BT 4.0 connection, perfect for printing photos, web content, labels, memos, and more. Its compact size and rechargeable battery make it an ideal travel companion. It comes with a guarantee and includes 6 rolls of plain thermal paper. The printer is a lovely gift for students, office workers, and family members.

Key Features

  • Lovely portable and compact design
  • Superior print quality with inkless thermal printhead
  • Wireless Bluetooth connection for easy operation
  • Supports various printing functions
  • Suitable for travel purposes

Specifications

  • Color: Blue
  • Dimension: 3.15Lx1.38Wx4.30H
  • Size: S

Pros

  • Portable and compact design
  • Superior print quality
  • Wireless Bluetooth connection
  • Suitable for travel purposes

Cons

  • Inconsistent printing quality reported by some users
  • Challenging warranty process

The Portable Printer offers great portability and superior print quality, making it a versatile device for various printing needs. While some users reported inconsistencies in print quality and warranty issues, the overall performance and features make it a worthy purchase for on-the-go printing.

Overall Score: 7/10

The ST-CARE Mini Pocket Bluetooth Printer is a small and portable thermal printer that is ideal for printing pictures, retro-style photos, receipts, notes, lists, labels, memos, and QR codes. It offers powerful and time-saving printing through its free 'iprint' app. With wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This cute and functional printer comes with an attractive pink color and a dimension of 4.33Lx3.15Wx1.38H, making it the perfect multifunctional pocket printer and an ideal gift for kids. Despite some cons, such as print quality and heat-related limitations, customers appreciate its affordability, ease of use, and versatility for crafts and educational purposes.

Key Features

  • Portable and lightweight design
  • Powerful 'iprint' app with various templates
  • Multifunctional printing capabilities
  • Wireless Bluetooth connection
  • Bundled with mini printer, sticker rolls, USB cable, and manual

Specifications

  • Color: Pink
  • Dimension: 4.33Lx3.15Wx1.38H

Pros

  • Portable and fashionable design
  • Easy wireless connectivity with phones
  • High-quality printing with 203 DPI resolution
  • Efficient app for various printing needs
  • Includes mini printer and sticker rolls

Cons

  • Print quality may not be excellent
  • Limitations related to heat printing
  • Expensive printer paper rolls
  • Issues with sharpness of sticker teeth
  • App requires permission for precise location

The ST-CARE Mini Pocket Bluetooth Printer is an excellent portable option for printing on-the-go. Its functionality and versatility make it suitable for various creative and organizational needs. While there are some print quality and heat-related limitations, this pocket printer is affordable, easy to use, and highly convenient, making it a great tool for crafts and educational purposes.

Overall Score: 9/10

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer in Soft Pink is a compact and lightweight printer that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone. It is for use with INSTAX MINI instant film only, printing 2” x 3” photos. You can add frames, filters, sketches, stickers, and even print photos from videos. The INSTAXAiR feature allows you to add doodles or shapes to your photos and print a QR code on your image. The package includes MINI LINK 2 Printer, USB Cable & 1-year Limited Product Warranty. Customer reviews tout the printer's ease of use, fast printing, and amazing photo quality. The only drawbacks mentioned are the cost of film and the limitations of connecting only one phone at a time.

Key Features

  • -Compact and lightweight: True
  • -Easily connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to your Smartphone: True
  • -For use with INSTAX MINI instant film only (sold separately) – Prints 2” x 3” photos: True
  • -Add frames, filters, sketches and stickers prior to printing: True
  • -Print photos from videos: True
  • -Using the INSTAXAi R feature, add doodles or shapes to your photos and print a QR code on your image: True
  • -Includes MINI LINK 2 Printer, USB Cable & 1-year Limited Product Warranty: True

Specifications

  • Color: Soft Pink
  • Dimension: 3.60Lx1.20Wx4.80H
  • Size: 0

Pros

  • Fast and easy printing
  • High-quality photo output
  • Compact and lightweight design

Cons

  • Cost of film
  • Limitation of connecting only one phone

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer stands out as an ideal portable printing solution, loved for its ease of use, photo quality, and convenience. While it may have limitations in terms of film cost and phone connectivity, its strong features and customer satisfaction make it an excellent choice for those looking to bring their digital photos to life.

Overall Score: 8/10

The Liene Photo Printer is a portable, affordable, and eco-friendly instant photo printer that uses Zink Printing Technology. It comes with 50 sheets of 2×3'' adhesive photo paper, allowing you to print colorful or black and white photos. The printer can be easily connected to your mobile device via Bluetooth and features a new app function for cleaning the print head. The color printer has a compact pink design and is rechargeable. It has received positive reviews for the quality of the photos and the affordability of the paper. However, some users have noted issues with the app and color accuracy of the prints.

Key Features

  • No Ink, Economic and Eco-friendly
  • 2X3'' Adhesive Photo Paper
  • Portable for Printing Color and Mono Photo
  • Easy Connection & Fast Printing
  • New App function – Clean print head

Specifications

  • Color: Pink
  • Dimension: 4.92Lx3.35Wx0.98H
  • Size: 2×3 inches

Pros

  • Affordable and eco-friendly
  • High-quality photo prints
  • Easy to use and portable
  • Adhesive photo paper

Cons

  • Glitchy app
  • Color accuracy issues

The Liene Photo Printer offers an affordable and eco-friendly solution for printing instant photos. It’s easy to use, portable, and produces high-quality prints. However, some users have experienced issues with the app and color accuracy. Overall, it’s a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly photo printer.

  • Consider the size and weight: Mini photo printers are supposed to be compact and portable, so make sure to choose one that is easy to carry around.
  • Print quality: Look for a mini photo printer that produces high-quality images with crisp and vibrant colors.
  • Connectivity options: Check if the printer is compatible with your smartphone, camera, or other devices. It should offer options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC for easy printing.
  • Printing speed: Consider how fast the printer can produce a photo. Some models may take longer than others, so choose one that suits your needs.
  • Print size: Decide on what photo size you want to print. Some mini photo printers only print small sizes like 2×3 inches, while others offer larger sizes like 4×6 inches.
  • Ease of use: Look for a printer with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-follow instructions for hassle-free printing.
  • Battery life: If you plan to use the printer on-the-go, consider the battery life and how long it can last without needing a recharge.
  • Paper and ink availability: Check if the printer uses easily accessible paper and ink cartridges. Some models may have proprietary supplies that are more difficult to find.
  • Additional features: Consider any extra features that may be important to you, such as editing options, filters, or special effects.
  • Price: Compare prices to find a printer that fits your budget while still meeting your needs. Keep in mind that the initial cost of the printer may be supplemented by ongoing expenses for paper and ink.

Frequently Asked Questions about 9 Best Instant Photo Printer

How can I connect my mini photo printer to my phone?

Most mini photo printers can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth or using a dedicated app. Simply follow the instructions in the user manual to pair your phone with the printer.

Is it possible to print photos from social media accounts with a mini photo printer?

Yes, many mini photo printers come with the option to print photos directly from your social media accounts. You can link your accounts through the printer’s app and select the photos you want to print.

What kind of photo paper do I need for a mini photo printer?

Mini photo printers use special photo paper that is often included with the printer or can be purchased separately. Make sure to use the correct type of photo paper recommended by the manufacturer for the best results.

Can I edit my photos before printing with a mini photo printer?

Yes, most mini photo printers come with editing features in their accompanying app. You can crop, filter, and add text to your photos before printing them.

How long does it take to print a photo with a mini photo printer?

The printing time varies depending on the model and the size of the photo, but it usually takes just a few seconds to a minute to print a photo with a mini photo printer.

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