This category covers portable photo printers for phone pictures, dye-sublimation models and inkjet photo printers. Our range includes over 40 models, with brands such as KODAK, CANON, LIENE and EPSON.
They suit anyone who wants to print memories at home instead of ordering from a photo lab.
How to choose a photo printer
Print technology. Dye-sublimation printers produce continuous-tone prints that resist moisture, but they need a matching paper and ribbon pack. In ZINK (zero-ink) models the colour is built into the paper, so there are no cartridges. Inkjet photo printers also handle larger sheets. Our range includes all three types.
Size and resolution. Portable models print small photos, while inkjets suit larger prints. Dye-sublimation and ZINK models are typically around 300 DPI, whereas the inkjets in our range reach 4800 x 1200 and 5760 x 1440 DPI. DPI figures from different technologies cannot be compared directly.
Connectivity. Printing from a phone needs Wi-Fi or another wireless link and the manufacturer's app. Many models in our range have Wi-Fi, and the connector is most often USB Type-C, so you can charge with the same cable as many phones.
Power source. Battery-powered models print without a socket, for example on a trip or at a party. Inkjet and larger models are usually mains-powered and suit a fixed spot at home or in the office.
Running costs and speed. Check how many photos one paper and ink pack produces, because that sets the cost of each print. The wait for the first photo in our range varies from roughly 5.5 to 50 seconds.
Brands we carry
- KODAK: known for portable photo printers designed for pictures from a smartphone.
- CANON: makes the SELPHY small-format dye-sublimation printers and PIXMA inkjet photo printers.
- EPSON: known for inkjet printers aimed at vivid photos as well as documents.
- FUJIFILM: produces the Instax Link printers, which print phone photos onto instant film.
- XIAOMI: offers portable phone photo printers controlled through an app.
- POLAROID: a name closely tied to instant photography.
Also in our range: LIENE, LOKLIK EUROPE, EASYPIX, AgfaPhoto and HP.
Photo printer FAQ
What is the difference between dye-sublimation and ZINK photo printers?
A dye-sublimation printer transfers dye from a ribbon onto special paper, and the prints usually keep their colour for longer. A ZINK printer needs no ribbon, because the dye crystals are already in the paper and are activated by heat. That makes ZINK devices simpler.
Can I print photos straight from my phone?
Yes, portable photo printers are made for exactly that. You send the picture through the manufacturer's app over Wi-Fi or a cable. Before buying, check that the model supports your phone's operating system.
Does a photo printer always need ink?
No. Dye-sublimation models need a ribbon and paper pack, ZINK models need only special paper, and inkjet printers need ink cartridges.
Is an inkjet printer good for photos?
Yes, if it is a photo printer with high resolution and multi-colour ink. It prints larger photos than a portable model, but takes up more space and needs ink cartridges. Ordinary office printers often fall short of it for photo quality.
