When searching for the best photo printer, it’s important to consider what fits your specific needs. The photo printer can make all the difference, whether you’re a professional photographer or someone who loves to print family photos.
Inkjet printers are often preferred for their ability to produce vibrant, high-quality images. They work by spraying fine droplets of ink, resulting in rich colors and sharp details.
The photo printers offer more than just great print quality. Check for ease of use and compatibility with various paper types.
Remember, the ideal photo printer should match your printing requirements and budget. It ensures that your digital memories are beautifully transformed into lasting prints.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Canon PIXMA G620/G650
The Canon PIXMA G620/G650 is the photo printer, offering high-quality printing, efficiency, and versatility. This model is famous for its exceptional print resolution.
It also has a high page yield, making it ideal for both professional and personal use. Its advanced print technology ensures vibrant and detailed photos. This solidifies its position as a top choice in the market.
Specifications:
- Type: 3-in-1 color A4 inkjet printer
- Functions: Print, scan, copy
- Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
- Print Speed: 3 images per minute (mono)
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Print Quality: 1,200 x 4,800 dpi
- Scan Quality: 1,200 x 600 dpi
- High Page Yield: 3,800 photos per set of bottles
Who Is It For?
The Canon PIXMA G620/G650 is the photo printer choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals. It’s the photo printer, combining quality, efficiency, and versatility.
Its high-resolution printing capability ensures that every detail of your photos is captured with clarity and vibrancy. This printer is particularly suitable for those who print photos often.
Its high page yield and cost-effective printing solution make it an economical choice in the long run. Additionally, its connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Ethernet. They offer flexibility for various printing needs.
Whether you’re printing family photos, artistic projects, or professional portfolios, the Canon PIXMA G620/G650 delivers consistent, high-quality results. It’s the photo printer for a wide range of users.
Best Budget: HP Envy 6055
The HP Envy 6055 All-In-One Printer stands out as a Best Budget choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile photo printer. This model offers a balance of quality and affordability.
It is an excellent option for home users and small businesses. It features efficient ink usage, automatic duplex printing, and wireless connectivity.
All within a compact design. Its environmental sustainability adds to its appeal for cost-conscious and eco-friendly consumers. Its parts are made from recycled electronics.
Specifications:
- Model Name: HP ENVY 6055 All-In-One Printer
- Product Number: 5SE16A
- Printing Technology: HP Thermal Inkjet
- Print Speed: Up to 10 ppm (black), Up to 7 ppm (color)
- Print Resolution: Up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi (black, best), 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi (color)
Who Is It For?
The HP Envy 6055 is an ideal photo printer for individuals and small businesses. It offers an affordable yet efficient printing solution.
It’s particularly well-suited for those who need to print high-quality photos and documents but are also conscious of budget constraints. The printer’s compact size makes it a great fit for small spaces, such as home offices or desks with limited room.
Its eco-friendly design, utilizing recycled materials, appeals to environmentally conscious users. The automatic duplex feature and wireless connectivity further enhance its convenience.
The HP Envy 6055 is a photo printer for a variety of users. It balances functionality and affordability. Whether you’re a student, a home-based professional, or a small business owner, this printer fits your needs.
Best for Professionals: Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a top-tier choice for professionals seeking a reliable and high-performance photo printer. This all-in-one printer stands out with its advanced ink technology.
It also has wide-format printing capabilities, making it ideal for high-quality photo printing. Its efficient design and versatile functionality cater to the demanding needs of professional environments.
Epson EcoTank offers exceptional print quality and cost-effectiveness. With a focus on professional use, the ET-8550 is engineered to deliver precision and consistency in every print.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: 6-color (CMYK, Photo Black, Gray) refillable ink tanks
- Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: High-quality photo printing
- Paper Handling: Wide-format printing up to 13″ x 19″
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Display: 4.3″ Color Touchscreen
- Scanner Resolution: Up to 1200 x 4800 dpi
- Dimensions: 20.6″ x 29.8″ x 16.9″ (WxDxH)
- Weight: 32.1 pounds
Who Is It For?
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is an exceptional choice for professionals in photography, graphic design, and other creative fields. They prioritize the photo printer quality.
Its high-resolution printing and wide-format capabilities make it ideal for producing large, detailed prints. The cost-effective ink system is a significant advantage for those who print frequently.
Additionally, the ET-8550’s versatility in handling various paper types and sizes is a boon for professionals. They require flexibility in their printing tasks.
Best for A3: Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is an exceptional choice for A3 printing. It offers high-resolution photo prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
Its advanced 6-color ink system enhances the color range and depth. The Expression Photo includes red and gray, making it ideal for professional-quality photo prints.
Compact in design, this printer is not only space-efficient but also versatile in handling various paper sizes and types, making it a top contender for A3 photo printing.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: 6-color (C, M, Y, K, GY, R) drop-on-demand MicroPiezo® inkjet technology
- Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi
- Print Speed: Black: 9.2 ppm Simplex / 4.7 ppm Duplex, Color: 9 ppm Simplex / 4.7 ppm Duplex
- Borderless Photo Sizes: From 4 x 6″ to 13 x 19″ / 10.2 x 15.2 cm to 33 x 48.3 cm
- Paper Handling: Wide range of borderless sizes, up to A3+
Who Is It For?
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is ideal for photography enthusiasts and professionals. They demand high-quality, large-format prints. It can print up to A3 size.
This makes it perfect for creating stunning photo enlargements, art prints, and professional portfolios. Thanks to the additional red and gray inks, the enhanced color range ensures that each print exhibits exceptional color accuracy and depth.
Moreover, its compact design makes it a practical addition to any home studio or small office. It’s great for places where space is at a premium.
The initial investment and ink costs might be higher. However, those who prioritize the photo printer performance find the quality of output justifies the expense.
In summary, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is best suited for individuals who are serious about their photography. They require a printer that can deliver consistently superior results.
Best Budget for A3: Canon Pixma Pro-100S
The Canon Pixma Pro-100S stands out as the best budget option for A3 printing. It’s a versatile photo printer that combines high-quality output with affordability.
This printer is known for its exceptional color accuracy and detail, making it ideal for photographers and artists who require A3 prints. It features an 8-ink dye-based system, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting prints.
Specifications:
- Print Resolution: Up to 4800 x 2400 dpi
- Print Engine: Inkjet, 8 Single Inks, ChromaLife100+ ink system
- Ink Droplet Size: 3pl
- Media Handling: A3+, A3, A4, Letter, and various photo sizes
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Print Speed: High-quality A3+ in approx. 90 seconds
- Ink Cartridges: 8 separate ink tanks
Who Is It For?
The Canon Pixma Pro-100S is the photo printer choice for photographers, artists, and hobbyists who prioritize print quality without breaking the bank. Its ability to handle a variety of media sizes, including A3, makes it perfect for those who need to print large-format photographs or artwork.
The high resolution and 8-ink system ensure that the prints are of professional quality, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, its print quality more than compensates for the speed.
Additionally, its connectivity options make it a versatile choice for both home and small office setups. The Canon Pixma Pro-100S is a top contender for the title of the photo printer. It is for those who need quality A3 prints at an affordable price.
Best for Home: Epson Expression Photo XP-970
The Epson Expression Photo XP-970 stands out as the best choice for home use, offering professional-quality, wide-format photo printing. It’s capable of producing stunning, borderless photos up to 11″ x 17″.
With its 6-color Claria® Photo HD Inks, it ensures vibrant and true-to-life prints. Notably, it’s a fast and compact printer, making it perfect for home environments where space and time are at a premium.
Specifications:
- Print Technology: 6-color Claria® Photo HD inks
- Maximum Print Size: 11″ x 17″
- Print Speed: Black: 8.5 ISO ppm; Color: 8.0 ISO ppm
- Functions: Wireless, Wide Format, Print, Copy, Scan, Photo, Ethernet
- Display: 4.3″ touchscreen for PC-free printing
- Special Features: Fold-over scan lid, specialty media support (including CDs and DVDs)
Who Is It For?
The Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts and home users who prioritize high-quality photo printing. It’s especially suitable for those who often print wide-format images. It can handle up to 11″ x 17″ prints with ease.
The vibrant color output, thanks to its 6-color ink system, makes it a top contender as the photo printer. It’s for those who want their memories and projects to stand out with lifelike colors and crisp details.
Additionally, its compact size and user-friendly interface, including a 4.3″ touchscreen, make it a convenient and accessible option for home use. The XP-970 offers the flexibility and quality needed for various home printing needs.
Whether you’re printing family photos, school projects, or creative designs, it’s a great fit. Its ability to print on specialty media, including CDs and DVDs, adds to its versatility, making it a valuable tool for personalized projects and archival purposes.
In summary, if you’re looking for the photo printer that combines quality, versatility, and ease of use, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a superb choice for home users.
Best Compact All-in-One: Canon Pixma G4510
The Canon Pixma G4510 stands out as the photo printer in the All-in-One printer category. This printer offering a blend of efficiency and versatility in a compact design.
This ensures cost-effective and continuous printing. With dimensions that make it a perfect fit for small spaces, it’s ideal for home offices or personal use.
Its multifunction capabilities include printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, all within a sleek and user-friendly package.
Specifications:
- Type: Multifunction colour inkjet printer
- Functions: Print, copy, scan, fax
- Ink: Four ink tanks (C, M, Y, BK)
- Paper Size: Up to A4
- Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB
- Print Speed: 8.8ipm (mono), 5ipm (colour)
- Paper Tray Capacity: 100 sheets
Who Is It For?
The Canon Pixma G4510 is the best choice for individuals or small businesses looking for a versatile photo printer that doesn’t take up much space.
Its compact design makes it ideal for environments where space is at a premium, such as small offices or home desks. The high page yield and efficient ink usage make it cost-effective for those who print frequently.
Additionally, its multifunction capabilities make it a great all-in-one solution. It includes scanning and faxing, handling various tasks.
This printer is particularly suitable for users who prioritize print quality and efficiency but do not require high-volume printing. Its ease of use and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, make it a user-friendly choice for both tech-savvy and novice users.
In summary, the Canon Pixma G4510 is a top contender for the photo printer. It is for people who value compactness, efficiency, and versatility in their printing needs.
Best Supertank: Epson EcoTank ET-2720 photo printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 stands out as a Best Supertank photo printer, offering a blend of efficiency and quality. It features a unique EcoFit bottle design for easy ink refilling, a compact structure, and the capability for borderless photo printing.
This printer is ENERGY STAR® qualified, emphasizing its eco-friendly design. It’s ideal for those seeking a high-resolution printing solution with a focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Specifications:
- Printing Technology: 4-color (CMYK) drop-on-demand MicroPiezo® inkjet technology
- Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
- Paper Capacity: 100 sheets
- Borderless Photo Printing: Yes, up to 4″ x 6″
- Display: 1.44″ color LCD
- Voice-Activated Printing: Compatible with Alexa and other voice assistants
- Eco Features: ENERGY STAR® qualified, RoHS compliant, Recyclable
Who Is It For?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is the best photo printer choice for home users and small businesses looking for high-quality output.
Its high-resolution printing makes it ideal for printing detailed photos and documents. The compact design saves space, making it suitable for small offices or home setups.
Additionally, its eco-friendly features appeal to environmentally conscious users. The printer’s voice-activated capability and easy-to-use interface make it user-friendly, even for those not tech-savvy. It’s especially good for regular home use.
Moderate printing needs are met with low running costs. However, it might not be the best fit for high-volume printing environments due to its limited paper capacity.
Overall, the Epson EcoTank ET-2720 is a top choice for anyone seeking a photo printer. It balances quality, cost, and environmental considerations.
Best for SD Card: HP Envy Photo 7855
The HP Envy Photo 7855 stands out as the best photo printer for SD Card users, offering seamless integration with SD card storage.
This all-in-one printer is not just versatile in handling various printing tasks but excels in photo printing, thanks to its high-resolution capabilities and dedicated SD card slot.
It supports direct printing from SD cards, making it ideal for photographers and digital artists who prefer quick, hassle-free printing of their work.
Specifications:
- Model Name: HP ENVY Photo 7855 All-in-One Printer
- Product Number: K7R96A
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Ethernet, RJ-11 (Fax), SD card slot
- Wireless Capability: Yes, including dual-band Wi-Fi
- Memory Card Compatibility: Secure Digital (SD)
- Print Resolution (Best): Up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color
- Print Speed: Up to 15 ppm black, 10 ppm color
Who Is It For?
The HP Envy Photo 7855 is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and professionals who often work with SD cards.
Its direct SD card printing feature simplifies the workflow, allowing users to print photos without the need for transferring files to a computer. This makes it a convenient tool for those who value speed and efficiency in their printing process.
Additionally, its high-resolution printing ensures that every detail of your photos is captured, making it the photo printer for those who demand top-quality prints.
The printer’s versatility also extends to small businesses or home offices that require a reliable all-in-one solution for their printing, scanning, and copying needs.
While it may have a slightly higher cost per print and moderate speed, the quality and convenience it offers make it a valuable investment for those who prioritize photo printing and SD card compatibility.
In summary, the HP Envy Photo 7855 is the photo printer for users who seek quality, convenience, and versatility in their printing tasks.
Is a Photo Printer Better Than a Regular Printer?
A photo printer is better than a regular printer when it comes to producing high-quality photos. Photo printers are specially designed to deliver exceptional image quality, with vibrant colors and sharp details.
They use specialized ink and paper to ensure your photos look their best and last longer without fading. While regular printers can handle various tasks, if your primary goal is to print photos, investing in the photo printer is a wise choice for superior results that will leave no doubts in your mind.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got a Photo Printer?
- Print Quality: photo printers excel at producing vibrant, true-to-life colors and sharp details, ensuring your photos look stunning.
- Dedicated Features: They come with specialized features like color correction, borderless printing, and various paper options optimized for photos.
- Ink Quality: The photo printers use high-quality ink that resists fading over time, preserving your memories.
- Size Matters: Consider the printer’s size; some are compact for home use, while others are larger for professional photographers.
- Cost: Photo printers may have higher ink and paper costs, so factor this into your budget.
- Connectivity: Look for wireless and mobile printing options for convenience.
- Usage: Determine your printing needs – occasional or frequent photo printing – to select an appropriate model.
- Brand Reputation: Research trusted brands with good customer reviews for reliability.
