Are you looking for a top inkless portable photo printer for 4×6 prints? Look no further! We’ve researched and found the best options to meet your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a compact and lightweight device, a device compatible with Android and iOS devices, or something smaller and more portable, we’ve got you covered.
Our top picks offer multiple connectivity options, sharp text documents and attractive graphics, fast printing, and ample connectivity options.
Read on to learn more about our top picks and what to consider when shopping for the best printer.
What are Portable Photo printers?
Portable photo printers, such as the Kodak Dock PD-450, HP Tango X, HP Sprocket Studio, Canon Selphy CP1300, and Canon Pixma iP110, are ideal for on-the-go 4×6 photo printing. They offer convenience, portability, and high-quality prints. These small and affordable printers are the perfect size and price for your printing needs, making them an excellent option for printing professional-looking images.
Portable photo printers are also an excellent alternative to traditional Polaroid cameras. They don’t require cartridges or other supplies and offer instant printing so that you can print your photos within minutes. These printers are perfect for any occasion, whether family gatherings, business meetings, or vacations. They are easy to take with you wherever you go.
With their portability, print quality, and convenience, you can go right with a portable photo printer.
How do they work?
Inkless portable photo printers are an ideal tool for quickly and easily printing stunning 4×6 photos on the go. These printers use unique dye-sub technology to produce quality prints that you can instantly hold.
Print sizes range from 4×6 to 8×14, and the print quality depends on your printer type. Inkless portable photo printers are relatively inexpensive, and many of them are also compatible with iOS and Android devices.
With an inkless portable photo printer, you can print from memory cards, mobile phones, USBs, or other devices, allowing you to have instant photos anytime and anywhere.
Factors to consider when buying
If you’re looking to buy a printer that can produce 4×6 photos, there are a few essential things to remember. These factors can help you find the best one for your needs:
- Connectivity: Look for a printer with Wi-Fi connectivity and a card slot for easy printing from other devices.
- Battery: Rechargeable or built-in batteries are both great portability options.
- Cost: Check the cost per print to make sure you’re getting the best value.
- Size: Check the printer’s dimensions to ensure it fits in your bag or backpack.
- App: It might be helpful to look for an app that can help you print photos directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- Paper: Ensure the printer supports the type of photo paper you prefer.
- Quality: Check the resolution and color accuracy for the best prints.
- Speed: Consider the print speed to ensure you don’t have to wait too long for your prints.
- Accessories: Ensure the printer has the necessary accessories, such as cables, paper, and ink.
Our top picks
When choosing a top inkless portable photo printer 4×6, several great options exist. Our top picks are the Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi, HP Tango X Smart Home Printer, Canon Selphy CP1300, Canon Pixma iP110, and Primera Impressa IP60.
These printers offer a range of features, making them perfect for professional and personal use.
Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi
Kodak Dock & Wi-Fi lets you quickly print photos directly from your smartphone while charging up to two smart devices. This application is compatible with devices that run on both Android and iOS operating systems. The dock uses D2T2 Thermal Transfer Technology to produce high-quality 4 x 6 photos with brilliant color and stunning detail. It has a maximum input sheet capacity of 120 and offers simple cartridge refills. The Kodak Dock has a companion app that includes filters, stickers, card templates, a collage maker, and video & SNS print, making it easy to create custom prints and share them with friends and family. The dock is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel and special occasions.
Product specs:
- Brand: KODAK
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
- Printing Technology: Thermal
- Special Feature: Portable
- Product Dimensions: 8.75″D x 11.25″W x 6″H
Pros:
• Easy to use one-touch printing
• Maximum device compatibility
• High-quality photos
• Simultaneous charging
• Companion app
• Easy maintenance
• Includes Android dock pin and free iOS lightning adapter
Cons:
• Not compatible with all devices
• Not ideal for large prints
• Not the most affordable product on the market
HP Tango X Smart Home Printer
If you’re looking for an excellent option for a portable photo printer, then the HP Tango X Smart Home Printer is worth considering. This device has features that make it an excellent choice for printing photos from your smartphone.
With dual-band Wi-Fi, the HP printer allows you to effortlessly print and scan from your smartphone using the HP Smart app, regardless of your location. As a bonus, you can receive a free photo offer to print up to 5×7. Additionally, you can control the printer with your voice through Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
With the app, you can check your ink and paper levels and even scan documents with your smartphone camera. If you’re looking for a dependable and user-friendly printer for your home, the HP Tango X Smart Home Printer is a great option.
Product Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.84 x 20.6 x 10.4 inches
- Item Weight: 7 pounds
- Max Input Sheet Capacity: 50
- Sheet sizes vary from 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14, including letter, legal, and envelope sizes.
- Wattage: 2.75 watts
Pros:
- You can print hands-free using Amazon Alexa and Google Home through voice commands.
- Ink delivered to your home with HP Instant Ink (optional)
- With the HP Smart app, you can easily print and scan from anywhere.
- Free photo offer for printing photos up to 5×7 from your smartphone
- Professional-quality prints with high color accuracy and crisp text
- Reliable, easy connections with dual-band Wi-Fi
- Smart printer designed to sync with all your devices
- Comes with a wisp gray device wrap that doubles as an output tray
- Compact and space-saving design
- Easy setup with clear instructions
- Convenient and simple to use
Cons:
- Some users experienced difficulties with setup and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Printer is dependent on Wi-Fi and does not have a hardwired connection option
- Printer is not ideal for travel due to Wi-Fi dependency
Canon Selphy CP1300
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 is an excellent choice for instant prints lasting up to 100 years and is water resistant. It’s designed to connect easily to smartphones and tablets through the Canon Print App so you can print directly from your USB or camera’s memory card.
The sleek and portable design is perfect for home and on-the-go use, and it even comes with an optional battery pack. You can also easily print photos in various sizes, including 4×6, 2.1×2.1 square, and sticker paper. Plus, it supports AirPrint, memory cards, Facebook, and Instagram printing. You can get creative with Party Shuffle Print and 2×6 photo booth layout prints.
The CP1300 is an excellent printer for those looking for a dedicated device for better print quality and ease of use than all-in-one printers. It produces crisp pictures with vibrant colors and incredible detail; you can edit pictures in the app. Cartridge/paper sets are also available for easy replacement, so you don’t have to worry about running out of ink. It’s also compact and wireless, making it easy to take.
Some minor issues have been reported, such as initial blurriness and slight paper warping, but these issues usually improve as the pictures dry. Overall, the Canon SELPHY CP1300 is an excellent choice for a compact, portable, inkless photo printer.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Canon
- Brand: Canon
- Item Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 2.5 x 5.4 inches
- Item model number: PS2234C001-B2
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
Pros:
- Instantly dry photos that last up to 100 years
- Water resistant
- Connects easily to smartphones and tablets
- Prints directly from USB or the camera’s memory card
- Sleek and portable design
- Supports various print sizes
- Compact and wireless
- Supports AirPrint, memory card, Facebook, and Instagram printing
- Features Party Shuffle Print and 2×6 photo booth layout prints
- Easy to take with you on the go
Cons:
- Initial blurriness and slight warping of the paper
Canon Pixma iP110
Experience the ultimate convenience with the Canon PIXMA iP110, the perfect Wi-Fi printer for printing on the go! With its high resolution of 9600 x 2400 DPI, you can be sure your prints will look sharp and clear.
It can also print up to 9 pages per minute in black and 5.8 pages per minute in color at draft quality.
The Canon PIXMA iP110 has a maximum input sheet capacity of 50 and supports various media types, including envelopes, matte, photo, and plain paper.
Additionally, you can use the Canon PIXMA Printing Solutions app for easy printing from your smart devices and PIXMA Cloud Link for cloud printing.
Canon manufactures the Canon PIXMA iP110, weighs 4.4 pounds, and measures 17.72 x 13.78 x 20.47 inches. It is powered by 1 Lithium Ion battery and requires 10 watts. The ASIN number is B00MWNDXQQ.
Product Specs:
- Resolution: 9600 x 2400 DPI
- Print Speed (Black, Normal Quality, A4/US Letter): 9 ppm
- Print Speed (Color, Draft Quality, A4/US Letter): 5.8 ppm
- Maximum Input Sheet Capacity: 50 sheets
- Maximum ISO A-series Paper Size: A4
- Supported Media Types: Envelopes, Matte Paper, Photo Paper, Plain Paper
- Standard Interfaces: USB, Wi-Fi (802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n)
Pros:
- High-resolution prints with exceptional quality
- Cloud printing with PIXMA Cloud Link
- Easy printing from smart devices with the PIXMA Printing Solutions app
- High-quality photo and document printing anywhere
- Compact size for easy portability
- Low power requirement
Cons:
- Not the fastest print speed
Primera Impressa IP60
Take your on-the-go printing to the next level with the Primera Impressa IP60! This portable, lightweight photo printer delivers high-quality prints with a 1200 x 4800 dpi resolution. It’s easy to transport to events, weighing only 8 lbs. (3.6 kg).
You can print 2×6 photo strips in as little as 3-4 seconds, 4×6 photos in 7-8 seconds, and 6×8 photos in 14-15 seconds, and even prints single 2×6, 4×6, 6×6, 6×8, 6×12, and 6×24 panoramas without changing supplies. Plus, it averages just $0.12 (USD) per 4×6 photo with ink and paper.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 12.7 x 8.3 inches
- Item Weight: 8 pounds
- Item Model Number: 81001
- Prints Fast: 2×6 photo strips in 3-4 seconds, 4×6 photos in 7-8 seconds, 6×8 photos in 14-15 seconds
- Light Weight: IP60 weighs only 8 lbs. (3.6 kg) for easy transport to events
- High Resolution: 1200 x 4800 dpi
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- High-quality prints
- Prints single 2×6, 4×6, 6×6, 6×8, 6×12, and 6×24 panoramas without changing supplies
- Low cost/print
- Built and designed in the USA
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Includes a 4×6 print catch, power cord, drivers by download, including PrimeraSNAP photo software, and a quick start guide
Cons:
- Does not include ink, photo paper, and USB cable (sold separately)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a portable 4×6 photo printer cost?
The price of a 4×6 portable photo printer varies, but you can typically find one for around $100-$150. Some are more expensive, so compare features and prices before buying.
Are portable photo printers easy to use?
Yes! Portable photo printers are relatively easy to use. Most come with user-friendly interfaces and are compatible with various devices, so you can easily manage and print your photos.
What type of paper do I need for a portable 4×6 photo printer?
You’ll need special photo paper to print 4×6 photos from a portable printer. Look for paper with a glossy or matte finish for your printer’s model. Make sure to double-check the paper size and weight before purchasing.
Does a portable photo printer require an external power source?
Yes, most portable photo printers require an external power source. However, some models, like the HP Sprocket Studio, have a built-in battery and don’t require a power source.
Are there any additional features available with portable photo printers?
Yes, there are additional features available with portable photo printers, such as wireless printing, USB connectivity, compatibility with various devices, and voice assistant control. Some printers also have a built-in battery, allowing for true portability.