The best portable photo printers 2025, tested and reviewed

The Polaroid Hi-Print is a simple, no-nonsense digital printer that costs less than most rivals while delivering superior print quality – though pricey paper means it’ll cost you in the long run.

Printing is slightly slower than most rivals at around 50 seconds – but this is due to it being a dye-sublimation printer, which means that the print ejects in and out at least four times to add each layer of colour, plus a protective film.

The wait is worth it, as print quality is overall extremely high and more detailed, vivid, and striking than you would get from a quicker digital instant printer.

The accompanying app is simple and user-friendly, with options to customise photos with frames, filters, aspect ratio changes, text, and stickers – but few unnecessary frills to over-complicate things.

It also syncs with any image folders on your phone, plus images from WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Who should buy the Polaroid Hi-Print?

You want high-quality prints at an affordable price with an easy-to-use app.

Polaroid Hi-Print: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for faster printing, cheaper running costs and less frequent recharging.

The Instax Square Link is currently the only dedicated portable printer that uses square prints, and is also Instax’s best portable printer yet.

It comes with a stylish and lightweight design, and produces bright, high-quality medium-sized snaps easily via the accompanying app. Prints take 12 seconds to eject, and around 90 seconds to develop.

There is a range of seasonal preset frames available from the Instax library for holidays such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as simple editing tools – including a dedicated AR print mode that adds either a digital animation, special effect or doodle to an image via a QR code and the app.

Unlike the Instax Link Wide or Instax Mini Link, it comes with USB-C charging, which gives faster charging speeds. This gives it the edge of its two sister products. That said, you won’t need to worry about battery life too much, as you can get around 100 prints on a single charge.

The app layout could do with a few tweaks, including making the text size bigger and improving the navigation. However, these are minor downsides to what is an excellent portable printer overall.

Who should buy the Instax Square Link?

You want a dedicated square printer with a great set of features.

Instax Square Link: Further considerations

Consider a cheaper alternative for long-term running costs.

The Instax Link Wide produces large, glossy prints with minimal fuss. It has a great design that is suited both for sitting in your home and for taking on the road. 

Photos on the Instax Link Wide are double the size of what you’ll find on the Mini printers and cameras, but the printing speed is very quick at around 12 seconds, with 90 seconds of development time.

Like other Instax products, the prints are bright and colourful with a vintage feel. However, the quality isn’t quite as impressive as what you will find on the Polaroid Hi-Print. The running costs of this printer will stack up over time due to the cost of Instax Wide film. 

The companion app provides multiple customisation options such as filters, collages and the option to add QR codes, though it could do with some improvements with its layout.

Who should buy the Instax Link Wide?

You want large, wide-angle prints with lots of editing features

Instax Link Wide: Further considerations

Choose another for modern USB-C charging. 

The Instax Mini Link 2 uses Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film. The Mini Link looks great, with funky colour options and a young and fresh feel.

It connects to your phone through the Mini Link app and Bluetooth, and can print photos both from your phone’s library and your social media profiles.

From the app, you can choose frames and other options, including split prints (separating one photo into two prints) and collages. You can edit photos within the app, with colour filters and dials to change the brightness, contrast and saturation.

The printer has a speed of around 12 seconds per print, supports continuous printing and can print up to 100 photos on a single charge. Photos come out clear, crisp and vibrant on the Mini film, and after printing, there’s a handy button to get a second copy instantly.

Fun options include a ‘match test’ that prints out a photo with a compatibility score between two people, and the ‘party print’ mode that allows users to add photos from up to five phones to create one Instax print. There is also the InstaxAir feature which allows you to draw patterns in the air on photos – but this can be a faff to use.

You can even use the printer as a remote control for your smartphone camera, tilting the printer back and forth to zoom in and out.

Who should buy the Instax Mini Link 2?

You want small photos which print quickly.

Instax Mini Link 2: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for something cheaper or if you need USB-C charging.

If you’re torn between what size prints you want from your portable printer, the Canon Selphy QX20 may be the device for you. It supports both square and credit-card formats, giving you plenty of versatility.

Like the Polaroid Hi-Print, the QX20 uses the thermal dye process, which produces stunning results – especially on the larger formats. The accompanying app is also simple to use, as is changing between the different paper options.

That said, the app could have improvements. There’s no way of viewing how many sheets of paper or ink are left, and the battery indicator only shows a vague estimation.

In addition, the battery life lasts for just over twenty prints, significantly less than Instax printers. Due to its dual-print support, it’s on the heavier side, making it less portable. Nonetheless, there’s nothing else on the market quite like this printer – so if you want something versatile, this is an excellent option.

Who should buy the Canon Selphy QX20?

You want a choice of print sizes with high-quality results. 

Canon Selphy QX20: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for something lighter and longer battery life. 

The Kodak Step is one of the most affordable printers on the market for Zink prints. Whilst Zink images aren’t quite as impressive as what you will find from brands such as Instax and Polaroid, the running costs are much cheaper, and there is no development time. 

The Kodak Step keeps its design simple with a compact, rectangular shape that you can get in a range of colours. It is easy to use, even for beginners. It supports up to 25 images on a single charge. 

The prints themselves are on the smaller side at 2x3in, so these are best if you’re looking for wallet-sized photos. The images come with an adhesive back so they can be used as stickers, and feature a range of colours – though some details are lost from the original images. 

The app includes a range of editing options, but does have a few bugs and issues. That said, the affordable price of the Kodak Step makes this a viable portable printer that gets the job done.

Who should buy the Kodak Step?

You want a budget-friendly printer with quick printing.

Kodak Step: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for USB-C charging and better print quality.

The HP Sprocket Select is the third-generation iteration of the Sprocket 200. It boasts Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which allows multiple phones to connect via the straightforward Sprocket app (free on Android and iOS).

A more significant improvement is that the Select prints larger images at 2.3 x 3.4in instead of 2 x 3in – which is roughly the size of a credit card. 

Like past Sprockets, the Sprocket Select prints on Zink, or “zero ink”, paper, which is cheaper than film in the long run – but at the cost of slightly washed colour tones. 

Given that Zink images can be slightly dull to begin with, the Sprocket Select trumped expectations with a fair amount of detail and contrast. The colours still appeared slightly washed out but were much more vibrant than on other Zink printers we’ve tested, particularly the reds.

Who should buy the HP Sprocket Select?

You want large prints without waiting and the ability to connect multiple devices.

HP Sprocket Select: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for easier paper loading

The Kodak Step Slim is one of the most portable options on the list. It is slim at 2.29cm thick and lightweight at 240g – making it easy to fit into a large pocket.

It’s easy to use as well, with the well-laid-out accompanying Kodak Step app. However, this does have a few bugs in comparison to some of the software that rivals boast. Nonetheless, you’ll still have plenty of filters, frames and more to add to your snaps.

This is another Zink printer, so prints aren’t quite as striking as what you’ll find on models from Instax and Polaroid, as this isn’t real film. However, the trade-off is that running costs are cheaper overall.

It’s not quite as affordable as its sister model, the Kodak Step, but it will still get the job done without breaking the bank.

Who should buy the Kodak Step Slim?

A pocketable printer with speedy printing.

Kodak Step Slim: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for higher quality results.

Whilst the Instax Mini Evo from Fujifilm is foremost a digital and instant camera hybrid, it also has all the capabilities of a standard portable printer, making it a true all-rounder. 

The Instax Mini Evo app allows you to edit photos with filters, stickers and frames – just like you can with other Instax printers. You can also transfer photos taken on the camera to the app so that they are digitally stored. 

The camera itself combines features such as analogue buttons with digital effects, making for an all-around fun shooting experience. It looks refined and vintage, and not childish like some other products from the brand. The Evo comes with a lengthy battery life, as well as a portable size. 

Unfortunately, whilst all these features are compelling, the Instax Mini Evo comes with a hefty price tag upfront, plus the running cost of Instax film on top of this.

Who should buy the Instax Mini Evo?

You want an instant printer with a camera built in. 

Instax Mini Evo: Further considerations

Look elsewhere for something more affordable if the camera isn’t a must.