10Best.Guide

Portable Printer

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Compact size and battery operated
  • Good print quality
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Wireless connectivity is seamless
  • Can print from any device wirelessly
Cons
  • Spotty connectivity with Mac OS
  • HP support software is horrible
Bottom Line
The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One printer is a great portable printer with good print quality and wireless connectivity. However, it may have some connectivity issues with Mac OS and the setup process can be tedious.
Pros
  • Print quality is fantastic
  • Wireless capability is awesome
  • Easy to set up
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Good for printing regular documents
Cons
  • Difficult to set up WiFi
  • Flimsy flap-door
Bottom Line
The Canon Pixma TR150 Wireless Portable Printer is a great option for those who need a portable printer for regular documents and occasional photo printing. It has fantastic print quality and wireless capability, but the setup process can be difficult and the flap-door is flimsy. It may be too heavy and bulky for some users.
Pros
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Good for quick sticker/pics
  • Decent print quality for casual use
  • Comes with starter kit for crafting
Cons
  • Visible lines in printed photos
  • Colors can be dull or tinted
Bottom Line
The HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer is a great option for those who want a portable and easy-to-use printer for quick sticker/pics and casual use. While it may have some quality issues and short battery life, it comes with a starter kit for crafting and is a fun toy to use.
Pros
  • Small and portable
  • Printer paper has adhesive on the back
  • Print quality is good
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Cool design
Cons
  • Incompatible with new versions of iOS
  • Print time can be annoying
Bottom Line
The Canon SELPHY Square is a great portable printer with good print quality and adhesive-backed paper. However, it may have compatibility issues with new versions of iOS and can be expensive to print photos.
Pros
  • Small and lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Convenient for memory notebooks and baby books
  • Good for printing pictures for cards and hanging on walls
Cons
  • Overheats and needs to cool down frequently
  • Loading problems and often prints out blanks
Bottom Line
The HP Sprocket Portable Printer is a small and lightweight printer that is easy to use and convenient for printing pictures for memory notebooks, baby books, cards, and hanging on walls. However, it may overheat frequently, have loading problems, and produce lower quality prints.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Portable Printers: Top Picks, Features, Prices, and More

Overview

Portable printers are a convenient and essential tool for people who need to print on the go. Whether you're a business professional, student, or traveler, having a portable printer can save you time and hassle. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of portable printers available, key considerations to keep in mind, essential features to look for, and prices to expect. We'll also provide tips to help you get the most out of your portable printer and answer some frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Thermal Printers: These printers use heat to transfer ink onto special thermal paper. They are compact, lightweight, and ideal for printing receipts, labels, and barcodes.

2. Inkjet Printers: These printers use liquid ink to produce high-quality prints. They are versatile, easy to use, and suitable for printing documents, photos, and graphics.

3. Laser Printers: These printers use toner and a laser to produce high-quality prints quickly. They are ideal for printing text documents and are often more cost-effective in the long run.

Key Considerations

1. Print Quality: Look for a printer with high resolution and color accuracy for the best print quality.

2. Connectivity: Choose a printer with wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for easy printing from your smartphone or tablet.

3. Print Speed: Consider the printer's print speed, especially if you need to print large volumes of documents.

4. Paper Handling: Look for a printer that can handle different paper sizes and types, including cardstock, labels, and photo paper.

5. Compatibility: Ensure that the printer is compatible with your device's operating system.

Features

1. Battery Life: Look for a printer with a long battery life to avoid frequent charging.

2. Size and Weight: Choose a printer that is lightweight and compact for easy portability.

3. Duplex Printing: Consider a printer with duplex printing capabilities to save paper and reduce printing costs.

4. Mobile App: Look for a printer with a mobile app that allows you to print from your smartphone or tablet.

Prices

Portable printers range in price from around $50 to $500, depending on the type, features, and brand. Thermal printers are generally the most affordable, while laser printers are the most expensive.

Tips

1. Use high-quality paper for the best print quality.

2. Keep your printer clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance.

3. Consider purchasing a carrying case or protective sleeve to keep your printer safe during travel.

4. Download the printer's mobile app and familiarize yourself with its features to make printing easier.

FAQs

Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?

A: Yes, most portable printers have wireless connectivity options that allow you to print from your smartphone or tablet.

Q: How long do portable printer batteries last?

A: Battery life varies depending on the printer model and usage. Look for a printer with a long battery life for optimal performance.

Q: Can I print photos with a portable printer?

A: Yes, inkjet and thermal printers are suitable for printing photos.

Q: Are portable printers easy to set up?

A: Yes, most portable printers are easy to set up and come with simple instructions.

Conclusion:

A portable printer is a useful and convenient tool for people who need to print on the go. When choosing a portable printer, consider the type, print quality, connectivity, print speed, and paper handling. Look for features such as long battery life, duplex printing, and a mobile app to make printing easier. With our comprehensive buying guide, you can find the best portable printer for your needs and budget.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Convenient and easy to use
  • Good quality photos
  • Bluetooth connection for quick printing
  • Compact size
  • Comes with sample photo sheets
Cons
  • App can be temperamental
  • Paper tray can be difficult to remove
Bottom Line
The Kodak mini photo printer is a convenient and easy-to-use option for printing photos from your phone. While the app can be temperamental and the Bluetooth connection unreliable, the printer produces good quality photos and comes with sample photo sheets. However, the paper tray can be difficult to remove and the tint film can be problematic. Overall, it is a good option for those looking for a compact and portable photo printer.
Pros
  • Easy to install with the app
  • Connected via Wi-Fi
  • Small footprint and compact design
  • Fast on draft print
  • Can scan and copy from a smart phone or iPad
Cons
  • Issues with connecting after moving the printer
  • Instant ink option charging for unprinted pages
Bottom Line
The HP Tango is a great option for those who need a small, compact printer that can connect to multiple devices and print quickly. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need a scanner or fax, and the instant ink option can be expensive.
Pros
  • Affordable option for printing shipping labels.
  • Easy to install software and connect to the app.
  • Prints quickly with great resolution.
  • Comes in a great size and is easy to use.
  • Works with any labels and has many label sizes pre-installed.
Cons
  • Requires the use of an app that has low ratings and could render the printer useless.
  • Difficult to find the correct driver software for the printer.
Bottom Line
The PeriPage Pocket Printer is an affordable and convenient option for printing shipping labels and documents on the go. However, it requires the use of an app that has low ratings and could render the printer useless. The printer is easy to install and use, but may have some reliability issues.
Pros
  • Convenient and portable
  • Prints high details
  • No need for ink
  • Affordable thermal paper
  • Easy to use app
Cons
  • Limited English instructions
  • Difficult to connect
Bottom Line
The Phomemo MO8F Portable Printer is a convenient and portable option for those who need to print on the go. It offers high detail printing and no need for ink, with affordable thermal paper. However, it has some limitations such as difficult connectivity, limited instructions, and no paper reservoir. The print quality is not as good as a laser printer, but it is adjustable. The printer is lightweight and rechargeable, but the battery life can be an issue. Overall, it is a good option for those who need a portable printer for occasional use.
Pros
  • Easy to set up on wifi and with MacBook
  • Small and sleek design
  • Good for printing on the go
  • Prints quickly
  • Good text and graphics quality
Cons
  • Expensive for a portable printer
  • No printer tray
Bottom Line
The HP Officejet 200 Mobile Series printer is a good option for those who need to print on the go and value portability. However, it is expensive and lacks a printer tray, and some users have experienced connectivity and durability issues.
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