10 Best Compact Photo Printers 2025 in the United States

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact and portable photo printer. Weighing just 0.4 pounds and small enough to fit in a pocket, it's highly portable and ideal for on-the-go printing at school events, travel, or social gatherings.

The standout feature is its superior print quality, thanks to Kodak's 4PASS technology, which ensures vibrant, detailed, and durable prints that are fingerprint-proof and water-resistant. The printer's ability to create both border and borderless photos adds versatility for different printing needs. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth support for easy pairing with both Android and iOS devices via the Kodak Photo Printer app, which also offers creative editing and framing options for enhancing your photos before printing.

The print speed is quite slow at 1 ppm (page per minute) for both monochrome and color prints, which might be a downside for those needing faster prints. Also, while the initial bundle includes 68 sheets, the ongoing cost of consumables (photo paper and dye cartridges) should be considered, as it can add up over time. Despite being slightly outdated since first available in 2020 and discontinued by the manufacturer, the KODAK Mini 2 Retro still holds a strong position in the market, making it a reliable option for personal photo printing needs.

The Kodak Dock Plus 4PASS Instant Photo Printer is an excellent choice for those who value convenience and quality in a compact package. Its standout feature is the 4PASS technology, which ensures superior photo quality with vibrant colors and durability—photos are water-resistant and fingerprint-proof, lasting over 100 years. This makes it perfect for preserving special memories. Additionally, the ability to choose between border and borderless photos adds versatility, and the included bundle of 90 sheets offers great value for money.

The printer is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. The added functionality of docking and charging your phone while printing is a thoughtful touch that enhances its usability. However, there are some drawbacks. The print speed is quite slow at only 1 page per minute, which could be a downside if you need to print multiple photos quickly.

Portability is also a consideration; while the printer is compact, it weighs 2 kilograms, which might be a bit heavy for carrying around frequently. Lastly, the cost of consumables, although lower when bought in a bundle, could add up over time if you print a lot of photos. This printer is ideal for casual users who want high-quality prints at home without the need for fast output or extreme portability.

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer offers a solid option for those looking for a portable photo printer with good connectivity features and decent print quality. One of its main strengths is its portability, with a compact design and battery support making it easy to take anywhere. Print size is versatile, supporting 4 different paper/sticker sizes, with a maximum of 4 x 6 inches. The 300 x 300 dpi resolution ensures vibrant photo prints, although not the highest resolution available, it is sufficient for most casual photo printing needs.

Connectivity is robust, featuring built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the ability to print from SD cards, USB drives, and computers. The printer also works with the SELPHY Layout App for iOS and Android, allowing for easy customization and effects like Sepia from the 3.5” LCD screen. Print speed is moderate at 10 ppm for both monochrome and color prints, which is reasonable for a compact photo printer.

However, the cost of consumables could be a drawback, as dye-sublimation printers typically have higher costs for ink and paper replacements. Additionally, the printer does not support dual-sided printing and has a limited sheet capacity of 20, which might not be ideal for higher volume printing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a reliable choice for users needing a compact and versatile photo printer.