Almost all of us now have a fantastic digital camera that lives in our pocket, and we take hundreds of pictures every day, the vast majority of which never leave Instagram.
This is something that portable or quick printers want to alter. These portable gadgets make it possible to print your favorite smartphone photos with the help of effects, filters, and other creative tweaks anywhere you go.
The greatest portable printers allow you to leave a lasting impression on your audience. While the cost of printing supplies adds up quickly if you print frequently, most printers are rather inexpensive. Of course, their little size sets them apart from even the best compact printers(opens in new tab) and photo printers(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab).
You can also find modern alternatives to the classic Polaroid in the form of instant-print cameras. Check out our recommended instant cameras and pick one that suits your needs.
Best Portable Printers for Smartphones in 2022
Polaroid Hi-Print
The Polaroid Hi-Print is a straightforward digital printer that, while more expensive than its competitors, offers better print quality, although the high cost of its paper will add up over time.
This printer takes about 50 seconds to print, which is a little longer than its competitors, but that’s because it uses dye sublimation, which requires the print to be ejected in and out at least four times to add each layer of color plus a protective film.
The wait is worthwhile because the print quality is superior to that of immediate digital printers in almost every way.
The corresponding mobile application is uncomplicated and easy to use, allowing users to personalize their images with a variety of options like frames, filters, aspect ratio modifications, text, and stickers.
Images from WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other services can also be synchronized.
Paper is more expensive than the Zink prints used in most competing products, which means ongoing expenditures will pile up over time; however, we believe the trade-off is worthwhile given the vastly improved print quality.
HP Sprocket Printer
This improved second-generation model makes it simple to print your photographs whenever you choose. On-demand, it will produce photographs measuring 2 by 3 inches. You can use the photos stored on your mobile device, or you can print directly from a social network platform. Because of that, the decision is completely in your hands. Some users have complained that after just a few prints, the printer began to create colors that looked off. Although this is not typical, it should be taken into account.
The Zink Zero Ink system was implemented in this design. This implies it can save money on toner by not using it. The need to swap out your trash cans for new ones will be eliminated. All of the colors you’ll need are included right into the picture printer paper that it utilizes. As an added bonus, the photo paper is glossy and has a sticky back, so your pictures will always look their best.
Instax Mini Link
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film can be used in the Instax Mini Link. The Mini Link is stylish and modern looking, with a variety of unique color possibilities.
It works with Fujifilm X Series cameras and links to your phone using the Mini Link app and Bluetooth. However, it is unable to connect to online services, thus the only thing you can do with your device’s images is print them.
The software allows you to browse your photo library and customize prints, such as split prints (which divide a single photo into two) and collages, with a variety of frames and customization options.
The software includes tools for editing images, such as filters and sliders for adjusting exposure, contrast, and saturation.
The printer can print up to 100 photos on a single charge and takes about 12 seconds to print a single image.
KODAK Step Wireless Printer
Any modern smartphone may pair with this printer. You may now print pictures straight from your iPad, iPhone, or Android tablet or smartphone. Bluetooth allows for a cordless connection, eliminating the need for tangled wires and the hassle of finding a place to stash them. Unfortunately, the output of this printer is heavily biased toward “warm” hues. Images’ color profiles may be altered as a result of this.
In order to preserve your precious memories for as long as possible, the photos it produces are incredibly long-lasting. You won’t have to worry about smudges, rips, tears, or water damage with them. Aside from that, the company also offers a free mobile app. Filters, collages, borders, stickers, and text can all be added in this way. Since it’s a comprehensive editing suite, you can always get the best possible printouts of your images.
HP Sprocket Select – Best for Larger Zink Prints
The third generation of HP’s Sprocket 200 is called the Sprocket Select. It has Bluetooth 5.0, so you can connect many phones at once using the user-friendly Sprocket app (free on Android and iOS).
The Select is a major upgrade over its predecessor because it produces pictures that are 2.3 by 3.4 inches in size, or about the size of a credit card.
The Sprocket Select, like previous models, prints on Zink, or “zero ink,” paper, which is less expensive than film but results in slightly muted colors.
Since Zink images tend to be muted, the Sprocket Select’s impressive level of clarity and contrast is especially welcome. Even though the colors were more bright than on other Zink printers we’ve tested, they still seemed a little washed out.
