Best Photo Printer of 2021

The printer is one of the most common devices seen in offices, art studios, colleges, and modern homes. It is essential for creating physical copies of documents and precious photos intended to last. Unfortunately, the contemporary inkjet printer is not ideal for pictures. If you want to print high resolution, high-quality photos, then you need to invest in a dedicated photo printer.

These machines apply ink using dye-sublimation (dye-sub) technology that enriches the colors and creates a clearer image than a traditional inkjet. When you use an inkjet printer, the dyes are merely applied as colored dots. To find the best photo printer, you need to take a look at the device’s specs, how recent its dye-sub technology is, and whether there are special requirements to use the printer.

For example, some models cannot be used for documents at all and will only accept certain brands of paper and ink. To help you find the right model to print your beautiful images, we have identified some of the best models in the current market.

Top 12 Best Photo Printer Reviews in 2021.

Listed here are the top twelve photo printers for high-resolution image creation. All of these models focus on the effective use of materials, quality completed projects, and technological compatibility with camera cards and other devices.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out in photography, the quality of your printer is something you can’t afford to compromise on. While there are hundreds of printers that can print photos and images, not all can deliver quality.

That’s why it’s essential to invest in a printer that is specially designed to print photos. A dedicated photo printer can precisely and vividly reproduce your original images and photos into fine copies.

To ease your search for the right photo printer, listed here are the top 12 best photo printers worth checking out in 2021. All these models are quality and affordable, so you will definitely find one that meets your needs.

1.Canon TR8520 All-In-One Printer.

Canon TR8520 is another premium yet highly affordable all-in-one printer for photo printing. Besides printing, this machine can scan, fax, and copy documents and photos. Featuring a 5 Individual Inks system, this printer ensures that you get highly detailed, colorful, and professional photos. Besides, it saves you the hassle of refilling inks since you only need to replace the specific ink that runs out.

Even better, this Canon TR8520 is designed with a high print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for highly detailed and vibrant print outs. To save in paper, this machine also supports auto 2-sided printing. Thanks to the impressive 4.3″ color touchscreen, operating this machine is easy and straightforward. It also features an inbuilt Fax and 20-sheet ADF.

With this printer, you can print on various paper sizes and types. It supports 4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, and 5 x 5 inches square borderless photos. Whether you’re printing documents or photos, this Pixma Tr8520 has got your back. It features a front and rear paper tray for specialty media such as business cards. Furthermore, this Canon TR8520 has plenty of connectivity options. You can use it directly with your smartphone, tablet, or computer via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and High-speed USB.

It also supports memory cards and 3rd applications such as Canon Print App, Google Cloud Print, Mopria Print, and Air Print. For voice-activated operation, the printer works with Alexa. The compact design of this printer is another plus feature. Measuring just 14.4 x 17.3 x 7.5 inches, this printer features a sleek design and can fit easily in small spaces. The printer is also lightweight, 17.5 pounds, for hassle-free portability and storage.

2. Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Photo Printer.

If you’re looking for a highly reliable yet portable printers, this Canon Selphy CP1300 Wireless Printer has you covered. This printer not only guarantees exceptional photo quality but also ensures that you get your photos instantly dry.100 years from the print time, the photos will still look amazing. Even better, the camera is highly portable and produces water-resistant images, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and partying.

With an impressive 3.2″ tilting color touchscreen, you can easily choose, upload, edit, and print your favorite photos. Besides, it comes with a comprehensive paper tray that can support up to 18 sheets. This means that you won’t have to refill a paper after every photo. Thanks to the high print resolution of up to 256 levels per color, the exceptional quality of all your photos are guaranteed. Even better, this printer supports numerous paper types and sizes – 4″ x 6″ Postcard, 3.5″ x 4.7″ L size, 2.1″ x 3. 4″ card size, and 2.1″ x 2.1″ square labels. It operates at temperatures of 5 – 40 °C.

The printing speed is relatively good – approximately 47 seconds per photo. Weighing just 1.9 pounds, you can easily travel with this printer in your backpack. The printer is also compact, 5.4 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches, for convenient storage and portability. As for the connectivity, it’s easy and straightforward. You connect to your computer, tablet or smartphone via the Canon print App, Air Print, Mopria Print, camera’s memory card, USB, and Wi-Fi.

3. Epson Expression Premium XP-640 All-in-One Printer.

The Epson Expression Premium XP-640 is a small and lightweight photo printer that could work well in a home office or studio. It includes a scanner and copier in addition to the basic printing function and has a digital touchscreen so you can rapidly switch between functions as needed.

This printer weighs 15 lbs., so it is not as portable as some others. However, it can print a variety of high-resolution images in as little as 20 seconds. It works well with photo paper and creates borderless photos that measure 4 x 6 or 8 x 10 in.

When you use the Epson Expression Premium XP-640, you can choose from a broad range of connectivity options. Perhaps the most popular is the ability to print wirelessly from devices like smartphones and tablets. Users can also connect through the USB port or use an Ethernet cable if they are old-fashioned.

The device is not compatible with Apple phones. When setting up this printer, it is important to know the 2-sided printing is automatically switched on. If you would like to print on only one side of a page, you can use the digital touchscreen to turn the function off.

4. Canon Pixma Pro-100 Wireless Inkjet Printer.

The Canon Pixma Pro-100 uses 8 dye-based inks to create accurate color and high-resolution photos. Three of the inks are in various shades of gray because this printer allows users to create black and white pictures in addition to color.

This printer uses an Optimum Image Generating System to control how much of the ink is used for each picture. The output tray automatically feeds paper into the printer and is easy to change and adjust as needed.

Users are able to use photos and regular letter paper in multiple sizes. The Canon Pixma Pro-100 uses a variety of CLI 42 Ink Tanks. It is compatible with Windows and Mac systems and also features CD printing, which is not common in newer photo printers.

Because of the adjustable nature of the output tray, it can fit 150 sheets of regular letterhead, 20 sheets of basic photo paper, and 1 sheet each of other specialty papers. The full dimensions of this printer are 15.2 x 27.2 x 8.5 in., and it weighs 43 lbs. It is possible to connect to the Canon Pixma Pro-100 through a wireless system or a USB port.

5. Canon IP8720 Photo Printer Best for Print.

The Canon IP8720 prints large photos up to 13 x 19 in. and is AirPrint and Cloud compatible. This model features a 6 color ink system including gray ink and 9600 x 2400 maximum color dots per inch (dpi) to develop high-resolution images that can be framed or presented as artwork.

Unlike some other printers, the Canon IP8720 allows users to print in color or black and white. One of the greatest features of this printer is how many types of ink cartridge the system is compatible with. At a glance, the Canon IP8720 accepts numerous CLI 251 cartridges in a broad range of colors.

The ink droplet size can be 1, 2, or 5 depending on your personal preference. The device allows for wireless printing so users can send their documents to the printer from their laptops and desktops. A USB connection is also available, and you can use an Ethernet cable. The full product dimensions are 23.3 x 13.1 x 6.3 in. and the printer weighs 18.6 lbs.

6. HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 All-in-One Wireless Printer.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is a more flexible and dedicated wireless photo printer that focuses on utilizing the latest technology to create high-resolution prints. This model also includes a scanner and copier along with the initial printer, and it can also fax images and receive documents.

This printer utilizes wireless connectivity and allows users to print from a broad range of devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Users can also use apps like AirPrint to transfer and produce their photos.

2-sided duplex printing is included, and there are a color touchscreen and an auto document feeder. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 can print up to 20 black and white pages per minute and allows individuals to choose between creating full color and pure black and white images.

It is recommended that you don’t print more than 2000 pages for a month to keep the functionality consistent. This printer supports multiple paper sizes, including the following: Letter, Legal, Government Legal, Executive, Statement, 3×5 in, 4×6 in, 5×7 in, 13×18 cm, 8×10 in, 10×15 cm, L, Photo 2L, Envelope, Card.

7. Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Photo Printer.

The Epson PictureMate is a dedicated color photo printer that emphasizes the importance of high-resolution image creation. The system creates borderless photos and utilizes an ultra-compact design that allows for portability.

This device uses an upper paper tray that holds pages vertically. The system can accommodate 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 in. paper. Similar to other Epson printers, this model features wireless connectivity. This allows users to print their images from a variety of machines like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

To print a single image, the Epson PictureMate takes around 36 seconds. The manufacturer claims each image created by the Epson PictureMate will not smudge or fade for many years after the initial print. The device only accepts Epson print packs and will not function properly if you try to use refurbished cartridges. The full product dimensions of the Epson PictureMate are 15.1 x 9.8 x 7.9 in., and it weighs 6 lbs.

8. HP Envy 4520 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer.

The HP Envy 4520 Wireless is the most traditional of the photo printers on this list. It includes a scanner and copier but also allows for 2-sided and wireless printing. It is possible to send images to this device from a broad range of machines, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.

Users can also send information through Bluetooth or various online apps. USB connectivity is included. The HP Envy 4520 Wireless creates borderless photos and supports numerous paper sizes like Letter, legal, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, and No. 10 envelopes. It actually has some of the largest printing sizes out of the devices on this list.

The HP Envy 4520 can print around 20 pages per minute. One element of this printer that allows it to stand out from the rest is the 1-year limited hardware warranty. If something malfunctions during regular use, it is possible to receive replacement parts or have the cost of repair covered by the company. 24/7 online tech support is also available to answer questions about any errors.

9. Canon TS9120 Wireless All-In-One Printer.

The Canon TS9120 works well in home offices because it includes a scanner and copier with the base photo printer. This model uses six individual color ink systems to create high-resolution images on the photo and regular paper.

The high definition system maximizes how much ink is saved during each print so cartridges last longer. Similar to other models, the Canon TS9120 uses a wireless connection to allow users to print from their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices. It’s also possible to print using Bluetooth, the Cloud, and social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

The maximum resolution is 4800 x 1200 dpi. One enjoyable element about the Canon TS9120 is its inclusion of a touchscreen that allows users to adjust settings and make rapid changes. The enhanced interface even includes a document removal reminder for those who are prone to forgetting their pages in the printer.

10. Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless Photo Printer.

The Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless is a highly portable mini printer capable of being transported for easy photo access and creation. It weighs a mere 8 oz. and has full dimensions of 1 x 3 x 5.2 in., making it the smallest instant photo printer on the list.

This model is available in multiple colors, including light purple, pink, and blue. It utilizes a simple wireless connection that allows it to print small pictures directly from an Android device.

It is recommended to use this model with a smartphone or tablet for the best results. The dye transfer method used by the Kodak Mini 2 HD Wireless allows for the creation of black and white or color photographs depending on the user’s preference.

11. Canon Selphy CP1200 Wireless Photo Printer.

This is another photo printer by a well-known manufacturer Canon. The Canon Selphy would be good for a college dorm or frequent traveler because of its combination of functionality, affordability, and small size.

One outstanding feature of this printer is how it can print photos directly from a smartphone, tablet, or similar device. It can even do so through a wireless connection that allows the user to access photographs on apps like Instagram.

Above all else, the Canon Selphy is intended to be durable and portable. Unlike many other models, this one comes with a battery pack that allows the user to print up to 54 photos in a single session. The system prints multiple sizes, including Card Size (2.1” x 3.4”), Postcard (3.9” x 5.8”), L Size (3.5” x 4.7”), Square Label (2.0” x 2.0”).

This model can only take specified Canon ink and requires the KP-108IN or the RP-108. Dedicated ink and paper sets are available for new users. One advantage of using the dedicated sets is that you never have to worry about having too much paper or purchasing the wrong type of ink. The only downside is that the sets need to be purchased online as it is not often sold in stores.

12. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 Inkjet Printer.

One way in which the Canon image Prograf stands out is in the anti-clogging technology utilized in the design. This technology creates faster printing speeds while also reducing the chances of too much ink being applied to the page.

As the name suggests, it also reduces how often papers become stuck in the printer. This model also features an air feeding system that stops the pages from skewing while in the machine. The system prevents the papers from moving, ensuring an accurate ink delivery and reducing smudges.

The system can be seen along the side and tested on a regular basis. When it comes to ink quality, the Canon image Prograf is one of the only models capable of producing absolute blacks to improve contrast in printed photos. Precise gradation is also present. The printer utilizes a Lucia Pro 11-color plus Chroma Optimizer ink system with denser droplet placement.

This reduces bronzing while improving overall glossiness. When it comes to dimensions, the Canon image Prograf is 17 x 28.5 x 11.2 in. and weighs a whopping 70 lbs. It is designed to produce images of professional quality and might be ideal for photographers, graphic artists, and designers.

Conclusion

Whether you are an amateur or a pro, having a dedicated photo printer is one of the best ways to get the most out of your pictures and artwork. Because of the development of new forms of technology, the majority of contemporary photo printers utilize wireless connectivity. It is also possible to connect through apps, and many models are designed to be small and portable.

Out of all of the models here, perhaps the best one is the Canon image Prograf. It understands the needs of an artist and utilizes technology that makes printing high-quality photos simpler, not more complicated. It uses the latest technology and is compatible with a broad range of devices. However, even if the Canon image Prograf does not work for you, there are plenty of other great options available in this list!