We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Compact Photo Printers 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer (4x6 inches) + 90 Sheets Bundle (10 Initial Sheets + 80 Sheet Pack)

The Kodak Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer is an excellent choice for those who value convenience and quality in a compact package. Its standout feature is the 4PASS technology, which ensures superior photo quality with vibrant colors and durability—photos are water-resistant and fingerprint-proof, lasting over 100 years. This makes it perfect for preserving special memories. Additionally, the ability to choose between border and borderless photos adds versatility, and the included bundle of 90 sheets offers great value for money.

The printer is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. The added functionality of docking and charging your phone while printing is a thoughtful touch that enhances its usability. However, there are some drawbacks. The print speed is quite slow at only 1 page per minute, which could be a downside if you need to print multiple photos quickly.

Portability is also a consideration; while the printer is compact, it weighs 2 kilograms, which might be a bit heavy for carrying around frequently. Lastly, the cost of consumables, although lower when bought in a bundle, could add up over time if you print a lot of photos. This printer is ideal for casual users who want high-quality prints at home without the need for fast output or extreme portability.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality
The quality of the pictures is really nice and clear, making it fun to use.
#2

KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer, 2.1x3.4 inches, 68 Sheets Bundle, White

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact and portable photo printer. Weighing just 0.4 pounds and small enough to fit in a pocket, it's highly portable and ideal for on-the-go printing at school events, travel, or social gatherings.

The standout feature is its superior print quality, thanks to Kodak's 4PASS technology, which ensures vibrant, detailed, and durable prints that are fingerprint-proof and water-resistant. The printer's ability to create both border and borderless photos adds versatility for different printing needs. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth support for easy pairing with both Android and iOS devices via the Kodak Photo Printer app, which also offers creative editing and framing options for enhancing your photos before printing.

The print speed is quite slow at 1 ppm (page per minute) for both monochrome and color prints, which might be a downside for those needing faster prints. Also, while the initial bundle includes 68 sheets, the ongoing cost of consumables (photo paper and dye cartridges) should be considered, as it can add up over time. Despite being slightly outdated since first available in 2020 and discontinued by the manufacturer, the KODAK Mini 2 Retro still holds a strong position in the market, making it a reliable option for personal photo printing needs.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality
Print quality is generally good, though sometimes the tone may not be 100% accurate or there may be minor blemishes.
Connectivity
Setup is a breeze with the Kodak app and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to use.
Portability
Perfect for journaling and scrapbooking, fitting comfortably in a purse or bag for on-the-go printing.
#3

KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer - Portable Mini Color Wireless Mobile Printer - Zink 2x3” Sticky-Back Photos - Bluetooth Compatible with iOS & Android Devices - Fun Editing App - White

The KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a compact and portable option for those who love printing photos directly from their smartphones. With its lightweight design, weighing only 0.25 kilograms, it is easy to carry around and perfect for on-the-go printing. The printer supports Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, making it compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for instant printing without the need for cables or a computer.

The included Kodak app offers a full editing suite, so you can add filters, borders, and stickers to your photos before printing them in less than 60 seconds. The 2x3-inch sticky-back photo paper, which uses Zink technology, eliminates the need for ink cartridges, keeping costs low and prints smudge-free and durable. The print speed is relatively slow at 1 page per minute, and the print size is limited to 2x3 inches, which may not be suitable for everyone.

While the initial cost of the printer is reasonable, the cost of the Zink paper should be considered as it could add up over time. The built-in rechargeable battery allows for printing up to 25 photos on a single charge, which is convenient for trips or events. Its ease of use and fun editing features make it ideal for casual users, social media enthusiasts, and crafters looking for a quick and creative way to print photos. Those needing larger prints or faster speeds may need to explore other options.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality
Colors may not always match what you see on your phone, but filters in the app help adjust them nicely.
Print Size
It's small, easy to use, and perfect for scrapbooking with photo sizes just a bit smaller than Polaroid pictures.
Connectivity
Printing photos directly from your smartphone is a breeze, and the rechargeable battery is perfect for on-the-go use.
Portability
This compact printer is ideal for travel, fitting easily into a purse and not taking up much space.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Photo Printers

Choosing the right compact photo printer can be a rewarding experience, especially if you love capturing and printing your memories on the go. Compact photo printers are designed to be portable and easy to use, making them perfect for travel, events, or even just home use. To find the best fit for you, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a compact photo printer.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI), which indicates how many dots of ink the printer can place on a square inch of paper. Higher DPI values generally mean better print quality, with more detail and sharper images. For most casual users, a DPI of 300-600 is sufficient for good quality prints. If you are a professional photographer or need extremely high-quality prints, look for printers with a DPI of 1200 or higher. Consider what you will be using the prints for; everyday snapshots may not require the highest DPI, while professional portfolios might.
Print SizePrint size refers to the maximum dimensions of the photos the printer can produce. Common sizes for compact photo printers include 2x3 inches, 4x6 inches, and 5x7 inches. Smaller sizes like 2x3 inches are great for wallet-sized photos and quick prints, while 4x6 inches is the standard size for photo albums and frames. If you need larger prints, ensure the printer supports those dimensions. Think about how you plan to use your prints; for scrapbooking or sharing with friends, smaller sizes might be perfect, but for display purposes, larger sizes are preferable.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can send photos to the printer. Common methods include USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and memory card slots. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers, which is very convenient for on-the-go use. USB connections are reliable and often faster but require a physical connection. Memory card slots let you print directly from your camera's memory card without needing a computer. Consider your typical workflow; if you often print from your phone, wireless options are essential, while direct printing from a camera might be useful for photographers.
PortabilityPortability is a key feature of compact photo printers, encompassing size, weight, and battery life. Smaller and lighter printers are easier to carry around, making them ideal for travel or events. Some models come with built-in rechargeable batteries, allowing you to print without needing a power outlet. If you plan to use the printer mainly at home, portability might be less of a concern, but for frequent travelers or event photographers, a lightweight, battery-powered model is a must. Assess how often and where you will be using the printer to determine the importance of portability.
Print SpeedPrint speed indicates how quickly the printer can produce a photo, usually measured in seconds per print. Faster print speeds are convenient if you need to print multiple photos in a short amount of time, such as at events or parties. Typical print speeds for compact photo printers range from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes per photo. If you value speed and efficiency, look for printers with faster print times. However, if you are not in a rush and prioritize quality over speed, a slightly slower printer might still meet your needs.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes the price of ink cartridges, photo paper, and any other materials needed to print photos. This ongoing cost can add up over time, so it's important to consider when choosing a printer. Some printers use proprietary ink and paper, which can be more expensive, while others allow for third-party options. Calculate the cost per print by dividing the price of the consumables by the number of prints they produce. If you plan to print frequently, look for printers with lower consumable costs to save money in the long run.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now