Here's why portable photo printers are one of our favorite travel gadgets

National Geographic

22-04-2025

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Digital photos may be convenient for travel, but there's something special about holding a printed picture. Portable photo printers let you turn your favorite snapshots into instant keepsakes, no matter where you are.
'I've been journaling my whole life but started taking it more seriously in 2020 as a way to relive my adventures, and since then, I incorporate different creative elements into my journaling, including photography,' says Ayusha Ayalur, a product manager from New York City. 'Having a portable photo printer allows me to capture moments instantly and document them right away, making my journaling feel more immersive and personal.'
When shopping for a portable photo printer, Ayalur suggests one that's lightweight and compact. '[That] can make a huge difference in how often you print, and hence, justify the cost,' he says.
Lisa VanderVeen , a travel writer from New Jersey, says she's been keeping a journal since she was a student. Now, after visiting nearly 50 countries, she says she's used bullet journals, longform notebooks, and typed entries to memorialize her trips.
'These journals/albums are my favorite travel souvenirs, as I can pull them out years after a trip and remember sensory details,' she says. 'For example, I adhered a business card from a restaurant in my Greece journal, beside a photo of the delicious octopus I ate there.'
VanderVeen recommends a printer with photo paper that's easy to find while traveling, so you're not restricted to what you bring with you.
I've used the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer on many of my trips as a travel journalist. I love how simple it is to use and the 15-second printing time. It's easily my overall top pick, but I've found other portable photo printers that excel at other features too. Scroll on for my full review. The best portable photo printers
When choosing the best portable photo printer, look for high print quality. Pay attention to the type of connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), as that can impact portability. Of course, it should be compatible with your primary photo device. Additional factors, including print size, battery life, and ongoing costs, such as ink or thermal paper, can also be important. Best portable photo printer overall: Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
Why we like it: As a travel photographer and journalist, I've used the Fujifilm Instax on trips for years. It's lightweight and develops images in under two minutes, then prints two-by-three-inch photos in just under 15 seconds. I love the fun creative features, which let you add extras like doodles, filters, and photo effects before printing. It has a seamless Bluetooth connection and charges via USB-C, making it compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
Keep in mind: It's easy to burn through the print packs, especially in the beginning as you figure out lighting and camera controls. You can only edit photos through the app.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 11.2 oz. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB Best Bluetooth portable photo printer: Aixiqee Portable Printer Wireless Bluetooth Compatible
Why we like it: This wireless portable photo printer is a great choice for frequent travelers. The Bluetooth connects to a variety of iOS and Android devices and prints on thermal, so you don't have to worry about running out of ink while you're on the go. We like that it's packable—at about two pounds, it easily fits into a backpack, yet it supports U.S. letter, legal, A4, and A5 paper.
Keep in mind: The print quality is great for documents and graphics, but it may not be ideal for high-quality images. The printer also relies on thermal paper, which can be difficult to find and expensive. Customers also point out that the paper rolls print on one continuous page. However, you can print one page at a time. It only prints in black and white.
Product details: Ink color: Black | Output size: Variety | Weight: 2 lbs. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
( How to turn your cellphone into a powerful travel tool ) Best portable photo printer for photo quality: Canon Selphy CP1500 Compact Photo Printer
Why we like it: This portable photo printer produces high-quality, non-pixelated, vibrant prints. It's easy to set up and weighs under two pounds. The printer supports both wireless and USB connections, enabling you to print directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. It features a built-in three-and-a-half-inch display for viewing, editing, and adding filter effects to photos, which print in a four-by-six-inch size.
Keep in mind: This printer can be a good choice for casual photographers or anyone who enjoys printing personal photos on the go, but it's not the best for producing large prints. The paper and ink packs can get a bit pricey, especially if you print frequently. While it's not too heavy, it's a bulky box that would fit better in a carry-on than a backpack.
Product details: Color: Black | Output size: 4 x 6 in. | Weight: 1.9 lbs. | Printing tech: Dye-sublimation | Connectivity: Wi-Fi Best portable photo printer with scanner: HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer
Why we like it: The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer is a versatile option for printing and scanning on the go. It connects wirelessly or with USB connectivity, so you can print, scan, and copy anywhere. It produces both black-and-white and color documents up to 8.5 x 11 inches and has an intuitive control panel for easy operation. We also like the long-lasting battery—up to 225 pages per charge, according to the brand.
Keep in mind: At 6.5 pounds this is not a lightweight printer and may not be ideal for trips where you're constantly on the go. The paper tray holds just 10 sheets, which can be an inconvenience. Additionally, because this is a printer and scanner, it's expensive and may be best suited to business travelers.
Product details: Ink color: Black and color | Output size: Variety, including envelope and photo (4 x 6 in.) | Weight: 6.5 lbs. | Printing tech: Inkjet | Connectivity: Wired and wireless
( For amazing travel photos, start with these essentials ) Best portable photo printer for wide prints: Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer
Why we like it: This printer produces wide-format prints (3.4 x 4.3 inches), offering more space than Instax Mini prints. Compact and lightweight, it connects via Bluetooth to both iOS and Android devices through a dedicated app. The app gives you creative control with features like filters, text, and QR codes. The print quality has a nostalgic instant film feel, and the images develop in about 90 seconds, which is great for scrapbooking, travel journaling, and casual photography during downtimes.
Keep in mind: The cost of the wide-format Instax film is more expensive than the standard Mini film, especially if you print often. The printer doesn't offer the same high-resolution quality as a digital photo printer, so while the prints are great for casual use, they may not be crisp enough for framing.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 3.4 x 4.3 in. | Weight: 12 oz. | Printing tech: Photographic print | Connectivity: Bluetooth Best portable photo printer for small prints: Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
Why we like it: This compact portable photo printer lets you print two-by-three-inch photos directly from your phone. It uses Zink (zero-ink) technology, which means you don't need ink cartridges, and the peel-and-stick paper makes it easy to adhere photos to your travel journal or anywhere. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and works with both iOS and Android devices.
Keep in mind: While it's easy to use, the print resolution can be a bit lacking, especially compared to more expensive or larger photo printers. The printer can also be a little slow, taking about a minute per print.
Product details: Ink color: Color | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 8.8 oz. | Printing tech: Zink Technology | Connectivity: Bluetooth
( 6 of the easiest cameras to use for travel ) Most versatile portable photo printer: HuiJuKeJi Mini Sticker Smart Pocket Inkless Thermal Printer
Why we like it: This compact and portable photo printer produces photos, notes, and custom stickers. It uses inkless thermal printing technology and connects via Bluetooth to both iOS and Android devices. It works on both sticky and non-stick paper to print two-by-three-inch photos, plus the app offers a host of features, including AI and the ability to turn photos into line art.
Keep in mind: The print quality lacks sharpness and vibrancy, making it less suitable for detailed images. It's slower than some mini printers and limited to small-format prints.
Product details: Ink color: Monochrome | Output size: 2 x 3 in. | Weight: 15 oz. | Printing tech: Thermal | Connectivity: Bluetooth
( Browse easily on your next trip with one of these top portable routers ) How we chose the best portable photo printers
In examining portable photo printers for this list, I prioritized portability and ease of use. Compatibility, quality of prints, and connectivity were also key attributes.
I also relied on real-world testing from people who are avid scrapbookers, journal regularly, and real customer reviews, including expert interviews. I also drew from my own personal experience as a travel photographer. Here's what I weighed:
• Third-party reviews: These are important because they offer unbiased, real-world insight that reflect how the printer performed in the field.
• Connectivity: Printers that work across devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, are especially important, whether you're travel for work or leisure.
• Practicality: The overall weight and print quality help travelers find the best value for their needs. Tips for buying a portable photo printer
There are lots of factors to consider when shopping for a portable photo printer. Besides quality and portability, it's important to make sure the printer works with the devices you plan to use while traveling.
Not all printers produce the same print size—some print only two-by-three-inch photos, while others print on a variety of sizes, including envelopes and even legal size paper.
For travelers, battery life and overall costs are very important. VanderVeen suggests trying out a few in advance, if possible, especially if image quality is important or if you have an extended holiday planned where switching printers isn't an option.
Here are more tips to keep in mind.
Compatibility
Ayalur recalls one instance where unreliable app connection caused her to miss some key moments of journaling on the go. 'Before you buy a portable photo printer, make sure it works with your device, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet,' she says. 'Most printers connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and need a supporting app from the App Store or Google Play. Also, check reviews of the app as they usually are good indicators of reliability.'
Quality
Print resolution and color accuracy can make a big difference in the sharpness and vibrancy of your photos. Ink-based printers deliver more detailed images by layering ink for better depth and color accuracy. Inkless options, such as thermal printers, are budget-friendly and portable but don't always match the same level of detail.
If print quality is a priority, then consider an ink-based printer, knowing that ink will be an added cost over time. Customers were particularly impressed with the quality of our top pick, the Canon Selphy CP1500 Compact Photo Printer.
Print size
Portable printers tend to produce smaller prints, typically 2 x 3 inches, which works best for scrapbooking, travel journaling, or making instant stickers. While smaller prints are more travel-friendly, they may not capture as much detail as larger ones (4 x 6 inches or 8.5 x 11 inches).
Battery life
Think about battery life when choosing a portable printer, especially if you'll be using it on the go without easy access to a power outlet. Some models can print 20-50 photos per charge, while others may need more frequent recharging. Our pick, the HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer, prints 225 pages before recharging, according to the brand, which makes it a good choice for business travelers or anyone needing to print lots of four-by-six-inch photos for an event.
Cost
Inkless printers, like those using Zink or thermal technology, don't need ink, which can save you money over time. Instead, they use special heat-sensitive paper to create images. However, the cost of the paper (like Zink paper) can add up if you're constantly printing. On the other hand, ink-based printers require ink cartridges or ribbons, which can drive up ongoing costs.
Speed
If you need to print multiple photos quickly, especially for events or gatherings, printing speed is important. Some portable printers take between 30 seconds to a minute per print, while others may be slower.
If you're planning to print many photos at once, be sure to check the print time per photo or pages per minute (ppm) to make sure the printer suits your needs. Our top pick, the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer, prints photos in under 15 seconds.
Portability
The biggest benefit of a portable printer is the size. Choose a lightweight model that easily fits into your bag or backpack. While some are small enough to fit in a pocket, larger printers can be a hassle, especially if they're bulky. Think about how much space the printer takes up and how often you'll need to carry it.
Features and ease of usage
Some portable printers offer advanced features like adding text, filters, frames, or QR codes to your photos before printing. These tools are ideal for scrapbooking, creating personalized gifts, or adding a creative touch to your prints. Read through the app capabilities to see if the portable photo printer is right for you.
Price
Portable photo printers come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options under $50 to pricier models over $100. Inkless printers are usually more affordable, while dye-sublimation and photo printers tend to cost more. In addition to the printer's price, the cost of paper and ink or thermal cartridges also add up. Consider how frequently you'll use the printer and whether the features justify the cost.
Reviews
Before making a purchase, it's a good idea to check user reviews and expert opinions, not just for the printer but also for the app (if applicable). Look for comments on reliability, ease of use, and print quality. Frequently asked questions
Do portable photo printers need ink?
Portable printers come in both ink-based and inkless varieties. Ink-based models, such as inkjets, rely on cartridges or toner to produce prints with rich detail and color accuracy. In contrast, inkless printers, like those using Zink (Zero Ink) or thermal technology, create images by applying heat to specialized paper, eliminating the need for ink.
Inkless options offer a more convenient and cost-effective solution over time since they don't require ink replacements. However, they may compromise color accuracy and print longevity, compared to ink-based alternatives.
How does a portable photo printer work?
A portable photo printer connects to your device via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB and uses either ink-based or inkless technology to print images or documents. Ink-based models, such as inkjet or dye-sublimation printers, produce high-quality, vibrant prints by layering ink on paper. Inkless options, like Zink or thermal printers, use heat-sensitive paper to create images without the need for ink, making them more compact and efficient.
Which phones are compatible with portable photo printers?
Most portable photo printers are compatible with iPhones (iPhone 5 and newer), iPads, and Android devices (Android 4.0 or later). They connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and often include associated apps on the App Store and Google Play, making printing and customization quick and convenient. Karthika Gupta is a Chicago-based travel photographer, freelance journalist, and podcaster. She's covered the outdoors, lifestyle, and travel for over a decade. Follow her on Instagram. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.