With people becoming more reliant on their mobile devices, it comes as no surprise that there is a surge in the popularity of the various portable printers on the market.
With a compact and wireless printer like our top pick – the Canon IVY, you can print out your favorite photos on the go, without the need for cables and bulky hardware.
Portable Printer
We have carefully tested and reviewed a large number of mobile printers on the market and have chosen our top favorite portable printers for 2023 for you.
Best overall
Canon IVY Mobile Mini Photo Printer through Bluetooth
The Canon IVY is our top pick for the greatest portable printer for 2023. This compact printer is extremely easy to set and use on the go. You can easily print 2 x 3-inch photos wherever you are with this mobile device. It connects to your phone or another device via Bluetooth and the useful Canon Mini Print App.
You can print your favorite photos directly from your image gallery or from social media wherever you are, and without any cumbersome wiring required.
The mini printer is compatible with all mobile devices which run iOS 9.0 or above or Android 4.4 or newer versions.
The ZINC-based photos which you can print with this portable photo printer are water-resistant and smudge-proof, and they have a nifty peel and stick back, so you can easily stick them to your fridge door or just about anywhere you decide.
You can play around quite a bit with your favorite photos by adding various fun frames, stickers, emojis, and text, as well as doodling with the drawing tool provided by the app. You can also choose among the different image filters, add fun features to a portrait, and create personal collages and tile prints with this small-sized ultra-portable printer. The device is powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery.
The size of this device is just 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.7 inches, and it weighs only 5.6 oz. so you can literally take it everywhere with you and produce great quality, customized printed photos whenever you want with the Canon IVY mobile printer.
The runner-up
Fujifilm INSTAX Share SP-2 Smart Phone Printer
This elegant portable printer for photos by Fujifilm comes in either gold or silver versions and is the perfect gadget for all social media and photo enthusiasts who want to have a printer handy at all times to print out their favorite images.
The INSTAX Share SP-2 connects to all smartphones and tablets (iOS 8.0 or later and Android 2.3.3 or above) via Wi-Fi, and a direct connection to Fujifilm’s digital cameras is also possible. You can print the photos you like directly from Facebook or Instagram as well. You will need to download the free and easy to use Instax SHARE app for iOS or Android on your device, and you are set to go. The app has various editing options, including creating collages or split screens to add up to 4 images to a single photo. It also has fun seasonal templates, custom filters, and a Fujifilm Intelligence filter.
This small printer is capable of printing at a resolution of 800 by 600 dots at a resolution of 320 dots per inch, which is perfect for printing photos with fine detail and subtle tones. Photos printed with this portable photo printer will have more vibrant colors and greater detail than those generated with most other portable photo printers thanks to its 256 RGB levels per color. With a printing time of only 10 seconds, the compact printer makes it easy to print off images in an instant, even when you’re on the road. Simply press the convenient reprint button on the side of the printer if you need additional copies of your photo.
The device has a rechargeable battery via a mini USB charging port and a full charge takes just about 90 minutes.
The size of the unit is 7.12 x 5 x 3 inches.
The square template of the printer app allows for adding your personal notes or messages on the bottom of the printed photo.
Top budget option
Brother P-Touch Cube Smartphone Label Maker, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Multiple Templates, Apple & Android Compatible
If you want a compact printer but are not ready to pay too much, we suggest that you consider purchasing this reasonably priced tiny label maker by Brother.
The P-Touch Cube printer will allow you to create and print personalized labels directly from your smartphone or tablet. All you need to do is download and install the P-touch Design & Print app and you are ready to go.
The free app will provide you with hundreds of different templates to choose from and add up to 450 symbols per label. There are more than 60 frames and a large number of fonts to pick from.
The printer and app work with both iOS and Android devices. You can use the voice to text option, as well as the free spell check while you are creating your labels.
The small-sized printer connects to your mobile device seamlessly via Bluetooth.
You also get the option of picking a color of your liking from the multiple color options offered by Brother’s Genuine P-Touch TZe 12mm tapes. The printer tape is laminated, water and fade resistant, so you can stick those labels on things indoors and outdoors. The labels are also dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, so you can easily organize your frozen foods and pre-prepped weekly meals in the fridge or freezer by labeling them clearly.
The device is 2.5 x 4.6 x 4.6 inches and weighs 1.85 lbs.
We think that this smart little tool is an invaluable and inexpensive device that every household or business can benefit from.
This useful little printer will help organize your home easily – by labeling your spice containers, or just about anything else. You can also use it for labeling your products if you run a retail business.
The rest of our top picks for the best portable printer for 2023
Canon SELPHY CP1300 Wireless Compact Photo Printer with AirPrint and Mopria Device Printing, 2234C001
If you want to be able to print out your most memorable photos and keep them for generations ahead, you should opt for the incredible SELPHY CP3100 photo printer by Canon.
Features:
- It produces top quality photos which dry instantly and are water-resistant, so they will last for up to 100 years
- The printer has a useful large 2-inch tilting LCD screen so you can edit your photos directly on the device, or choose the ones you want to print
- The print resolution is up to 256 levels per color or 16.8 million colors
- The printer can connect to your mobile device via Wi-Fi, AirPrint, or Mopria, or you can use a USB flash memory or SD Card to print out photos directly from various sources without the need for a computer or other device
- You can connect the printer to your computer or digital camera as well
- You can print out photos and images directly from Instagram or Facebook
- The printer can print photos of different sizes, including a 4 x 6 inch postcard, an L-Size of 3.5 x 4.7 inches, a Card size of 2.1 x 3.4 inches, and a Square label size of 2.1 x 2.1 inches
- It works with the free and very useful Cannon Print App
- The fun Party shuffle function will allow all of your friends to send their favorite image to the printer, and a collage will be created and printed out – this is perfect for parties and celebrations
- There is a very cute Photo Booth feature which you and your friends will definitely enjoy using to capture all those special moments in your life
- The size of the unit is 7.1 x 5.4 x 2.5 inches
HP OfficeJet 200 Portable Printer with Wireless and Mobile Printing CZ993A
The HP OfficeJet 200 is a speedy and reliable portable printer which you can use as a top quality desktop printer and take it with you whenever you need to print something out on the go.
Features:
- Provides quick and easy portable printing from your laptop or mobile devices via wireless connectivity
- Offers better printing quality than many desktop inkjet printers
- A 2-inch display will allow you to adjust the settings and select the documents you want to print directly from the printer
- Works with the free HP ePrint mobile app and can be used via Wireless Direct Printing
- It can print up to 10 black and white pages per minute and 8 color pages per minute
- Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connectivity
- The size of the printer is 14.3 x 7.32 x 2.70 inches and it weighs 4.85 lbs.
- The durable make of the printer will ensure it stays safe even if you carry it around in your backpack or in your car
- The long-lasting battery will ensure that your printer is always ready when you need it
- Fast charging of the batteries for only 90 minutes – you can charge it in your car, at the office, at home, or wherever you want
- Works with all kinds of paper sizes including Letter, statement, legal, executive, envelopes, cards, and photo
- Sold with a 1-year warranty and reliable 24/7 web-based tech support
HP Tango Smart Home Printer – for your Smartphone with Remote Wireless Printing, Instant Ink Ready and works with Alexa – 2RY54A
If you want to add a smart portable printer to your smart home and all other IoT devices you have connected, then you should opt for the HR Tango Smart Home Printer.
Features:
- A modern design which will look great anywhere
- The printer can be voice activated for hands-free easy printing. It is compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Cortana, so you can use voice commands to get anything you need to print out immediately
- You can scan or print anything on this printer, no matter where you are via the HP Smart app which is available both for Android and iOS devices
- You will receive free ink deliveries for uninterrupted printing if you choose the HP Instant Ink Plan for photos of up to 5 x 7 inches in size
- The printer can produce photos sized 8.5 x 14 inches, borderless 5 x 7 inch ones, as well as all kinds of documents, and texts directly from your mobile devices
- Offers reliable dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- The HP Smart app will also monitor and inform you of the ink and paper status, so you never run out
- The size of the unit is 8.11 x 14.84 x 3.58 inches
- The printer is sold with a 12-month limited warranty and HP offers 24/7 online technical support
See also: Most Wanted Wacom Bamboo Graphic Tablets
Canon BJC-55 Color Bubble Jet Printer
If you need an inkjet portable printer which you can use on the go as well as a desktop printer for printing out documents, envelopes, and others, you should check out the portable Canon BJC-55 color Bubble Jet printer.
Features:
- A portable size of 11.9 x 2 x 4.4 inches, and a weight of 2.1 lbs. but with desktop quality
- Prints 5.5 black and white pages per minute, and 2 color pages per minute
- Uses normal A4 paper, but can work with envelopes, European, legal paper and transparencies
- Offers a 720 x 360 dpi print resolution
- Built-in fast IrDA wireless connectivity as well as USB connectivity, so you can connect it to your PC or Mac computer as well as to all of your mobile devices
- Powered by a long life lithium ion battery which will last for up to 100 pages per full charge
- You can purchase optional photo ink for high-quality photo printouts
HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer with Wireless and Mobile Printing CZ992A
If you need a portable scanner, copier, and printer which offers the quality of a good desktop inkjet, you should definitely consider investing in the HP OfficeJet 250.
Features:
- Works as a portable or desktop printer, scanner, and copier
- Allows for wireless connectivity and printing and scanning from a mobile device or laptop
- Features a large 65 inch color touchscreen display
- Has a 10-page automatic document feeder for faster and more seamless operation
- Prints 10 pages per minute
- Has Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connectivity
- Works with the HP ePrint app
- The battery is charged for just 90 minutes
- The printer works with all standard paper types and sizes, including 4 x 6 inch photo and borderless printing of up to 5 x 7 inches
- The size of the multifunctional device is 14.96 x 7.8 x 3.6 inches and it weighs only 6.51 lbs.
HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer, X7N07A, Print Social Media Photos on 2 x 3 Sticky-Backed Paper – White
Do you want a small sized printer to print out your absolute favorite photos from social media? With the HP Sprocket, this task is easier and faster than ever.
Features:
- Available in various color options
- Works with the free HP Sprocket App which will help you print out any photo you want directly from your social media profiles
- Features Bluetooth connectivity
- The mobile app has various editing options, filters, borders, stickers, fun texts, and other ways to customize your photos
- It creates 2 x 3 inch photos which have stickable backs
- Works best with HP ZINK sticky back photo paper
- It can print out u to 35 photos per charge
- The size of the printer is just 2.95 x 4.57 x 0.91 inches, so you can take it just about anywhere with you
Final words
When you are going on a business trip or on vacation, you don’t usually consider taking a printer with you, but the fact is that there are some excellent ultra-portable photo and other printers available on the market which will not take up too much space, and which can be very useful when on the road.
For 2023, we recommend a few of our favorite portable printers. While some function similarly to standard printers and some are designed specifically for creating laminated labels, others are better suited to printing out vibrantly colored, long-lasting photographs.
Selecting a printer that is tailor-made for your needs is made easier by the availability of a wide range of fantastic and convenient equipment.
There are portable multifunctional devices that serve as scanners, photocopiers, and printers, and some of these printers are ideal for usage at home or on the go.
We hope that we have helped you decide which portable printer is the perfect one for you, and that pretty soon you will be enjoying using your new mobile printing device, as much as we enjoyed testing these devices for you!
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Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API