11 Best Photo Printers [Tested and Reviewed]

Epson, headquartered in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, introduces the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Color All-in-One Supertank Printer, a distinctive offering in the photo printer market known for its economical running costs, thanks to its tank system.

This printer boasts six ink colors, offering remarkable high-resolution output that captures every nuance of your images, from the delicate spray of sea waves to the fine texture of sand. While its color reproduction has received mixed reviews, the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 tends to enhance the cyan, resulting in more vivid images than the original. This feature may not align with the preferences of those seeking exact replication of image data, but it is ideal for users who love photographs that pop with strong contrasts and rich colors.

In terms of user-friendliness, the ET-8500 ranks at the top among tested products. It supports a variety of printing options, including an SD card slot, USB memory, smartphone, and cloud printing, enabling effortless printing without the need for a PC. Its large 4.5-inch LCD screen further elevates the user experience by minimizing mispresses, making it accessible even to those with larger hands.

With its combination of cost-effectiveness, detailed and vibrant photo output, and exceptional ease of use, the EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is especially suitable for those who cherish capturing and preserving life's precious moments, from children's milestones to memorable events.

The PIXMA TS9521C Crafting All-In-One Printer from Canon, a leading brand in the inkjet and laser printer markets, debuted in 2018 with a focus on crafting and scrapbooking enthusiasts. It supports borderless printing up to 12x12 inches and can handle greeting card sizes of 7x10 inches, catering to a variety of creative projects.

This printer features a five-color ink system renowned for its vibrant color reproduction, capable of capturing the nuanced hues of sunlight in autumnal scenes and the subtle gradients that define them. However, those who prioritize the finest details may notice that the resolution could lead to prints appearing somewhat grainy, as the images are made up of tiny dots.

User convenience is a strong suit of the PIXMA TS9521C, equipped with an SD card slot and compatibility with mobile and cloud printing options, enabling straightforward printing without the necessity of a PC. The large 4.3-inch LCD screen further enhances its usability, facilitating a seamless interaction.

The printer excels in producing beautiful photos with rich color fidelity, making it an ideal choice for individuals passionate about capturing and preserving the beauty of natural landscapes and urban scenes in their creative projects.

The Expression Photo Wireless All-in-One Printer XP-8700 from EPSON, a leader in information-related equipment like printers, projectors, and computers, hit the market in August 2022. It's designed for those looking to produce professional-quality photos from the comfort of home.

This printer shines with its detailed photo printing capabilities, accurately capturing elements like water droplets and sand grains for a crisp, high-resolution output. However, it's worth noting that its color reproduction tends to amplify vibrancy beyond the original images. This is particularly evident in seascape photos, where the contrast between the blues and reds can be striking—appealing to some for its beauty, but seen by others as somewhat artificial.

When it comes to user convenience, the XP-8700 stands out from the competition. It features an SD card slot and USB port, along with support for mobile and cloud printing, enabling straightforward printing without the intermediate step of transferring data to a computer. The 4.2-inch LCD screen enhances usability, making printer operations smooth and hassle-free for all users.

The Canon PIXMA TR8620a, released in 2022, impresses with its compact design that doesn't skimp on features, including an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).

This all-in-one printer utilizes a five-color ink system, earning praise for the sharpness and vibrancy of its photo prints. It excels in transferring vivid colors from digital to print without losing the integrity of the original images. However, the intensity of its yellow output has sparked mixed reactions among users. The high resolution ensures that even photos with distant subjects are rendered with clarity and precision.

Ease of use is another strong point for the PIXMA TR8620a. It comes equipped with an SD card slot and offers smartphone and cloud printing capabilities, allowing for straightforward printing sessions free from PC transfers. The relatively large 4.5-inch LCD screen further enhances user interaction, making it a standout option for those seeking a user-friendly, high-performance printing solution.

Released by Canon in 2020, the PIXMA PRO-200 is tailored for photographers and graphic artists, boasting an 8-color ink system that stands out for its exceptional print quality.

This printer shines in its ability to vividly translate image data onto paper, leveraging the nuanced capabilities of its 8-color ink to produce prints that are rich in detail and color. It excels at capturing the subtle variations in the hues of autumn leaves and the ocean, as well as the intricate details of cityscapes, including the clear outlines of distant buildings.

In terms of user-friendliness, the PRO-200 performs adequately. It offers smartphone and cloud printing capabilities but lacks an SD card slot and does not support USB memory printing. This may not be an issue for users who prefer to fine-tune their images on a PC before printing, but it could be inconvenient for those who seek more straightforward printing options. Additionally, while it features a liquid-crystal display, the device relies on button operations rather than more intuitive touch controls.

With paper size compatibility ranging from 3.5x5 inches to an impressive maximum length of 39 inches, the PIXMA PRO-200 caters to a wide array of printing needs. Canon markets this printer as ideal for professionals focused on print quality, including photographers and graphic artists, as well as anyone looking to print diverse types of media.

Launched by Epson in 2019, the Expression Photo Small-in-One Printer is noteworthy for its ability to produce borderless prints up to 11x17 inches, accommodating a wide range of printing needs.

Despite employing a six-color ink system, the printer's color output might leave some users wanting more. The colors tend to appear subdued, giving photos a somewhat muted and less vibrant look. This is particularly evident in black tones, which can cause cityscape photographs to appear faded and greenish, reminiscent of old monochrome images. Additionally, the challenge of clearly differentiating between colors can lead to blurred edges and a diminished sense of detail in prints.

However, the printer excels in terms of user convenience. It comes equipped with both an SD card slot and a USB memory slot, alongside support for smartphone and cloud printing, facilitating effortless printing sessions without the necessity of a computer. The device also features a comparatively large 4.2-inch LCD screen, which helps minimize the likelihood of accidental mispresses, enhancing the overall user experience.

The Canon PIXMA Wireless All-in-One Printer Black TS6420a, launched in May 2022, is notable for its ability to produce square prints in sizes like 3.5x3.5 inches and 5x5 inches, catering to crafting enthusiasts.

Equipped with a four-color ink system, the TS6420a's photo print quality is considered below par. It struggles to accurately reproduce the full spectrum of colors present in digital images, leading to a diminished appreciation for the beauty of contrasts. Additionally, the resolution is on the lower side, which might result in the blurred outlines of subjects, such as in portrait photos. Consequently, this printer may not be the best choice for those wishing to print high-quality photos.

In terms of usability, the lack of an SD card slot may limit its appeal to users who prefer to print directly from memory cards. However, its support for smartphone and cloud printing offers a convenient alternative for those accustomed to taking photos with their mobile devices. It's worth noting that the TS6420a features a button-operated LCD screen, which, while functional, might not provide the same level of ease as touch-operated screens.

The EPSON PictureMate Personal Photo Lab PM-400, released in 2015, is celebrated for its compact size, offering flexibility in setup locations.

This photo printer utilizes a four-color ink system, which unfortunately does not excel in color reproduction. Sea photos, for instance, may have overly blue clouds and unnaturally dark beaches compared to the original digital images. Additionally, the resolution tends to be low, resulting in grainy-looking prints upon close examination. Thus, it might not meet the expectations of those prioritizing high print quality.

However, the PM-400 is user-friendly. Despite its small size, it boasts an SD card slot and a USB port, along with capabilities for smartphone and cloud printing, making it convenient for direct printing without needing a computer. The device's use of a button-operated liquid crystal display, though, might not be as intuitive as touch-screen interfaces.

The Canon PIXMA Black Wireless MG3620, released in 2015, is an entry-level photo printer utilizing a four-color ink system. It's designed to cater to basic printing needs within Canon's product range.

A notable concern with this model is its limited color gamut, which challenges its ability to faithfully reproduce the colors found in digital images, often resulting in prints that lack depth and variation. The print quality tends to be coarse, and the resolution slightly lacking, leading to a grainy appearance in closely inspected photos.

In terms of user convenience, while the absence of an SD card slot might be felt, the MG3620 compensates with support for smartphone and cloud printing. This feature allows for straightforward printing of photos captured on smartphones or stored online. However, the printer's lack of an LCD screen can complicate troubleshooting efforts, as users must rely on blinking lights or error messages on their PC to diagnose issues such as paper jams or low ink levels.

The Canon PIXMA Wireless Home All-in-One Printer, unveiled in 2022, is a versatile device featuring an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) that consolidates printing, copying, and scanning functionalities.

Despite being equipped with a four-color ink system, it falls short in delivering high-quality photo prints. The images produced often lack the vibrancy needed to make them stand out, resulting in a generally dull appearance. The texture of the prints is rough, with a noticeable graininess that detracts from the clarity and detail of the photos, making it challenging to fully appreciate the nuances of gradients and contours.

On a positive note, the printer is relatively user-friendly, largely due to its touch panel LCD which facilitates straightforward operation. This feature is a significant plus, enhancing the overall user experience. However, the absence of an SD card slot and the lack of support for USB drive printing may limit its convenience for some users, potentially complicating the printing process in certain scenarios.