The best portable printers can be a solid alternative for those who rarely use their bulky office printer. These compact and lightweight devices offer convenient features like wireless connectivity and rechargeable batteries, allowing users to print documents and photos from a laptop or smartphone while on the go. They’re perfect for remote workers, frequent travelers, or anyone on your gift list needing occasional printing outside the office.
These days, printers can feel like a relic of a bygone era, as more people are sharing documents and photos online. Still, even as our lives are increasingly digital, physical copies hold relevance. With these handy devices, documents can be shared with coworkers, on hand to annotate, and easily kept for archival purposes. Printing photos also offers a more tactile and enduring way to preserve memories, allowing you and your family to share and reminisce without relying solely on digital screens.
While the best portable printers offer the flexibility to print anytime, anywhere, it’s important to be aware of their limitations compared to traditional desktop printers. Major brands typically only offer a few portable options, and these models often prioritize portability over features and top-of-the-line print quality. A portable printer might not be the best choice if you or your recipient needs to print complex documents or high-resolution photos. However, for situations where portability is key and users only require basic printing capabilities, portable printers can be a valuable tool.
Best Overall: Best Budget: Best All-in-One: Best Basic: Best Thermal Printer:
Like home office printers, there are different types of portable printers to consider, including document printers, all-in-one printers, and photo printers. Each type of portable printer serves distinct purposes, but the features to look for are generally the same. The one thing they all have in common is that they run on battery power. Whether you're shopping for yourself or buying a gift for a loved one, the portable printer you choose will depend on the specific tasks you need it for and your personal preferences.
It's important to note that owning a portable printer, similar to a home office printer, comes with ongoing expenses beyond the initial purchase price. The most significant ongoing cost is replacing the ink and paper. Photo printers typically use more expensive paper compared to standard printers. These costs can vary depending on the brand, size, and quantity you purchase.
The name “portable printer” can be relative, as some options, while significantly smaller than office printers, are still not ultra-compact. For instance, the measures 12.7 inches wide and 7.3 inches deep, allowing it to print standard 8.5 x 11-inch documents. While this size makes it suitable for travel, it’s certainly not pocket-sized. Conversely, many portable photo printers are small enough to fit in your pants pocket.
While the portable printers on this list boast the convenience of battery power, it’s important to note that you may have to purchase a battery kit separately, increasing the overall cost. To ensure your chosen printer meets your needs, consider whether a battery is included and how long the battery will last on a full charge. Manufacturers usually specify the estimated number of pages a printer can print on a single charge. For example, HP estimates its Sprocket portable photo printer can print 35 photos before its battery needs to be recharged.
Due to their compact size, portable printers generally have limited paper-handling capabilities compared to traditional office printers. Paper tray capacities are typically smaller, often holding around 10-50 sheets at once. Additionally, some models might only accept specific paper sizes, like standard letters or A4, and may not handle thicker card stock or envelopes. The same applies to portable photo printers—they generally only work with a specific paper type and size.
As we mentioned earlier, your options are relatively limited when it comes to portable printers. To put this list together, we researched models from the industry’s leading brands — , , , etc. — ensuring they met our criteria outlined above. We vetted each product based on size, features, and price while analyzing user reviews and insights from expert publications. Our process ensured we put together a diverse range of options, each catering to specific needs and preferences.
1Best Overall
ProsCons
Battery comes separatelyThe Canon Pixma TR150 offers the best balance of features, quality, and price—and it’s relatively portable, weighing 5.1 pounds with the optional battery attached. The inkjet printer can print documents and photos in various sizes, from 3.5 x 3.5 inches up to 8.5 x 11 inches; it also supports various paper types, including plain, glossy photo paper, greeting cards, and U.S. #10 envelopes. The rear paper tray can hold 50 sheets of plain paper, according to Canon.
The Pixma TR150 produces excellent results, whether you’re printing text pages or graphics, even handling complex documents like a PowerPoint project. It can also turn out decent photos in a pinch despite not being a dedicated photo printer.
Compared to similar models on this list, Canon's printer is smaller and lighter while still supporting a wide range of paper sizes and types. Its battery is also rated higher than the similarly-sized printer from HP and Epson. Canon rates the printer’s maximum duty cycle at 500 prints, which is the estimated number of pages it can print in a month without experiencing significant wear and tear.
Meanwhile, the Pixma supports many of the same features as an office printer, including support for templates like prescription forms, application forms, and consent forms. The 1.44-inch monochrome OLED display and controls make it simple to navigate the printer and change settings. According to Canon, the Pixma can print up to 330 pages on a full charge, which should get you plenty of use outside the office. Unfortunately, the battery is sold separately, raising the printer’s price if you want to go mobile.
If you're looking for the best portable printer with the most features, this one's it.
| Weight | 5.1 pounds with battery (4.5 pounds without) |
|---|---|
| Battery life | 225 pages |
| Size | 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches (WDH) |
2Best Budget
Pros
Ultra-portable design
Zink technology cuts down on costs
Fun app featuresCons
Printing quality could be betterThe HP Sprocket is an affordable pocket-sized printer about the size of a modern smartphone, making it easy to slip into your purse, backpack, or pocket. It utilizes Zink (zero ink) technology, so you don’t need to replace ink cartridges. If you’re unfamiliar with Zink, the technology uses heat to transfer colors onto special Zink paper, creating smudge-proof and tear-resistant prints that dry instantly. Zink paper has a sticky backing, allowing you to stick your photos on various surfaces.
HP offers a Sprocket app that allows you to edit your images with stickers, frames, and text overlays before printing. These features enable you to personalize your photos further beyond tweaking the colors. Speaking of colors, the Sprocket is available in a handful of shades, including Luna Pearl, Blush Pink, Lilac, and Black Noir. Each one features a speckled texture that adds a touch of sophistication, ensuring the printer is fashionable and fun. Even with all these features, the Sprocket is the most affordable model on this list, making it an excellent budget option.
| Size | 3.15 x 4.63 x 0.98 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.31 pounds |
| Battery life | 35 prints |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
3Best All-in-One
Pros
All-in-one capabilities
10-page auto document feeder
2.65-inch color displayCons
Heavy for a portable printerThe HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Printer was chosen by our editors as one of the best all-in-one printers, and it’s making another appearance here. While it’s not quite as compact as our best overall pick, HP’s model boasts more capabilities, including printing documents and photos, scanning, and copying, essentially making it a mobile office in a portable printer. It also features an auto document feeder, simplifying tasks like scanning multi-page documents.
The main reason why this didn’t nab the best overall spot is the price. At $400, the HP OfficeJet 250 is a more expensive option. Unless you absolutely need the all-in-one capabilities, you’re better off going with our top pick. That said, it’s hard to argue the undeniable convenience and versatility it offers. For those who prioritize all-in-one functionality and are willing to invest in a slightly bulkier and pricier option, the HP OfficeJet 250 is a compelling choice.
| Size | 14.96 x 7.8 x 3.6 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.73 pounds with battery (6.51 pounds without) |
| Battery life | Not listed |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
4Best Basic
Pros
Compact design
SD card support
Supports add-on batteryCons
Small paper input capacityWhen it comes to the best portable printers on the market, the Epson Workforce WF-110 is a compact and light mobile printer ideal for business travelers. Its 1.4-inch color LCD display simplifies setup, navigation, and operation. Plus, wireless connectivity lets you print directly from your smartphone or laptop, eliminating the need for cables. Epson estimates the printer can churn out roughly 7 standard monochrome text pages per minute, making it suitable for printing basic documents on the go.
The printer’s built-in battery will last for roughly 100 monochrome prints before it needs to be recharged. Epson offers an add-on external battery that can bump that up to around 500 prints. You can also run the portable printer on AC power when it’s available. Additionally, an SD card slot allows for convenient printing directly from memory cards, giving you more versatility. Whether you need to print occasionally at home or while traveling, the Epson WorkForce WF-110 is a capable option for light-duty tasks.
| Size | 12.2 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5 pounds |
| Battery life | 100 pages |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, SD card |
5Best Thermal Printer
Pros
Compact and lightweight
No ink cartridges
Robust wireless supportCons
Battery comes separatelyThe Brother PocketJet PG883 is a nice option for those who prioritize ultimate portability. The ultra-compact monochrome thermal printer weighs just 1.34 pounds with the included battery (rated for an impressive 600 pages) and measures 10.04 x 2.17 x 1.18 inches, making it highly portable. Despite its size, it boasts an array of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB, ensuring you can print from various devices on the go.
There are some trade-offs to consider with the PocketJet PG883. It requires a special thermal paper, offered by Brother in various formats like rolls, single sheets, and fanfolds. While thermal printing eliminates the need for ink cartridges, it limits what you can print. Brother’s model is limited to monochrome, so it’s not suitable for photos or graphics. That said, it’s a solid option if you need to print simple text documents like receipts or shipping invoices on the go. Like a few other options on this list, the battery is .
| Size | 10.04 x 2.17 x 1.18 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.34 with optional battery (0.95 without) |
| Battery life | 600 pages |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
6Best Portable
Pros
Selphy app adds playful editing
Supports multiple paper sizes
Produces decent qualityCons
Battery comes separatelyThe Canon Selphy CP1500 is a fantastic portable photo printer that uses a dye-sublimation process to create high-quality prints. It’s compatible with Canon-made dye-sub dry ink cartridges and can print at a 300 x 300 dpi resolution, which is fine for smaller images. The Canon Selphy CP1500 is the printer you want if you plan to make photo albums or send out postcard-sized pictures to friends and family.
The whole process is more playful than your average photo printer. The Selphy Layout app (Android or iOS) gives you more creative opportunities. You can edit photos, apply filters, overlay text, and create collages. A 3.5-inch LCD and physical controls allow you to print directly from a USB-C flash drive or microSD flash card. Unfortunately, the battery is sold separately (and it’s a pricey $99). Still, the Selphy CP1500 is a reliable portable photo printer that you can use if you want to print beautiful 4 x 6-inch images.
| Size | 7.2 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.9 pounds |
| Battery life | 54 prints |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB, SD card |
7Best Retro Portable Printer
Pros
Robust app features
Instant film captures nostalgia factor
Prints beautiful photosCons
Instant film is expensiveThe Fujifilm Instax Link Wide portable printer allows you to print using instant film, giving images a charming retro aesthetic. It’s a fun alternative to buying one of the brand’s instant film cameras. The printer pairs perfectly with the robust companion app, which boasts a range of filters, templates, and editing tools to elevate your photos from snapshots to cherished keepsakes.
The wide format of the Instax Link Wide complements the retro feel across Fuji’s line of products, including Fujifilm’s recent X100VI, which looks like a vintage camera and offers built-in “recipes” to simulate the look of film photography. The biggest consideration with the Instax Link Wide is the cost of instant film, which can add up quickly at roughly $1 per print. However, if you’re captivated by the unique charm of old-school photos, the Fujifilm Instax Link Wide will transport you back to the golden age of instant film photography.
| Size | 5.47 x 5.01 x 1.32 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.74 pounds |
| Battery life | 100 prints |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
8Best Ultra-Portable Printer
Pros
Fits in your pocket
Sticky-based paper is great for decorating
Powerful app featuresCons
Printing quality is lacklusterThe Canon IVY 2.0 is another zero ink (Zink) photo printer that makes 2 x 3-inch pictures. The big draw of Canon’s snapshot printer is its diminutive size; it measures 0.8 x 3.3 x 4.7 inches, making it small enough to stow in your pocket. Print resolution is 313 x 512 dpi, and images come out borderless. The sticky-backed Zink paper allows you to stick your images on most surfaces, making it a fun way to decorate a fridge or personalize notebooks and scrapbooks.
The Canon Mini Print app helps elevate the printer, allowing you to edit images, add text, and decorate frames, and more. You can even “tile” a photo by joining multiple prints together to create a larger image or collage. While the Canon IVY 2.0 doesn’t have the style of the Fujifilm, its small size and robust app features make it a fun option for parties and family gatherings.
| Size | 3.3 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.4 pounds |
| Battery life | 20 prints |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
9Best for Square Photos
Pros
Square format gives a nostalgic feel
Can print border and borderlessCons
Consumables (cartridges and paper) can get priceyThe Kodak Mini 3 Retro is another compact photo printer in the same vein as the Canon Ivy 2.0 and HP Sprocket. The difference is that the Kodak printer produces square (3 x 3-inch) prints that look like they came straight out of a Polaroid camera. Similar to the Canon Selphy CP1500, the Mini 3 Retro uses dye-sub technology with a four pass method, with each pass applying a different color dye for more vibrant, detailed images. The final pass laminates each photo, making them water and dust-resistant.
The Mini 3 Retro is available in three colors, including Kodak’s iconic yellow. Like the other mini printers on this list, you can download an app to edit your images. You can customize the border with a number of templates and even create a collage with up to four photos on a single print. According to Kodak, the images you print should last up to 100 years.
| Size | 5.19 x 4.09 x 1 (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.87 pounds |
| Battery life | 20 pages |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
10Most Unique Portable Printer
Pros
Fun, unique design
App provides a lot of customization
Great for creating stickers and labelsCons
So-so qualityWhen it comes to the best portable printers, the HP Sprocket Panorama is a unique portable printer that breaks the mold of traditional photo formats. What’s neat is the printer uses a roll of Zink paper that allows you to create panoramic prints up to nine inches long. You can print a sprawling landscape image or even create a photo booth-style strip, perfect for capturing memories with friends and family. The Sprocket Panorama lets you print these expansive moments right from your smartphone.
You can pair the printer to your smartphone with the HP Sprocket app, which gives you tools to edit your photos and add text, drawings, and more. In addition to printing photos, the Sprocket Panorama can create stickers and labels, great for scrapbooking. When a print comes out of the printer, the button on top cuts the paper; it’s a fun little touch that adds to the overall experience.
| Size | 5.75 x 2.5 x 3 inches (WDH) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.54 pounds |
| Battery life | Not listed |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
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