Ready to turn your digital images into stunning photographic prints and artworks? Thanks to modern technology, you can easily produce professional-quality photo prints at home using the right printer.
In this expert guide, we‘ll rank the top 5 best photo printers available today based on performance, features and value. For each recommendation, we‘ll overview the key capabilities, pros and cons, and best uses so you can select the perfect model for your needs.
We‘ll also provide key guidance on how to shop for a photo printer, explain the difference between inkjet and laser models, describe what it‘s like to use one, and answer frequently asked questions. Let‘s dive in!
Best Photo Printers 2023
#1 Best Overall: Epson Expression Photo XP-8600
Our choice for the best overall photo printer is the Epson Expression Photo XP-8600. This versatile all-in-one delivers exceptional image quality thanks to its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system.
Key features:
- Prints up to 11 x 17 inches
- Six individual ink cartridges for excellent color accuracy
- Built-in scanner with 4800 x 9600 dpi optical resolution
- 4.3 inch touchscreen display
- Print directly onto printable CDs/DVDs
With the ability to produce borderless, lab-quality prints even on fine art papers and canvas, this is the ideal photo printer for advanced amateurs and professionals alike. Just note that operating costs can add up over time.
Pros
- Great all-around performance for photos and documents
- Vibrant, accurate colors with broad tonal range
- Prints on various media types
Cons
- Ink is relatively expensive over long term
- Lacks some features found in higher-end photo printers
Best For: Photo enthusiasts wanting excellent quality without the price tag of pro models
See Price on Amazon: Epson Expression Photo XP-8600
#2 Best for High Volume: Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank
Need to print thousands of photos over time? The Canon PIXMA G620 MegaTank offers incredibly low operating costs, making it our choice for the best high-volume photo printer.
Key features:
- Large integrated ink tanks instead of cartridges
- Up to 6,000 monochrome and 7,700 color pages per tank set
- Six individual dye-based inks for photo realism
- Prints up to 13 x 19 inches
- 3.5 inch LCD touch panel
Thanks to the MegaTank system which allows you to refill the printer‘s reservoirs from ink bottles instead of buying cartridges, you can print up to 3,800 4×6 snapshots for only around $17 worth of ink. That‘s an unbeatable cost of approximately 2.5 cents per image! Just don‘t expect blazing fast speeds.
Pros
- Extremely inexpensive cost per print
- Still delivers vibrant colors and crisp details
Cons
- Slower print speeds
- No scanner or copier functions
Best For: Photo hobbyists that print a lot of snapshots and enlargements
See Price on Amazon: Canon PIXMA G620
#3 Best for Lab Quality: Epson SureColor P900
For exhibition-grade photo prints that will impress even professional photographers, the Epson SureColor P900 is our choice for best lab-quality photo printer.
Key features:
- All new 10-channel UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink system
- Prints up to 17 x 22 inches
- Advanced black and white mode
- Roll paper adapter handles cut sheets up to 1.5mm thick
- 4.3 inch customizable touchscreen
With the ability to switch seamlessly between two types of black inks and leverage an all-new 10th channel containing Violet ink, this printer delivers an incredibly wide color gamut for stunningly vibrant images. The one downside? You pay for that quality—with both its premium price and high ink costs.
Pros
- Gold standard for color accuracy and detail
- Handles thick fine art papers with ease
- Advanced layout and editing software included
Cons
- Very expensive upfront cost
- Ink is also pricier than most photo printers
Best For: Professional photographers needing exhibition-quality prints
See Price on Amazon: Epson SureColor P900
#4 Best Art Photo Printer: Canon Pixma Pro-200
For artists, graphic designers, and photographers wanting gallery-quality prints without breaking the bank, the Canon Pixma Pro-200 is our pick for best art photo printer.
Key Features:
- 8 Dye-based ink colors for exceptional detail and tonal range
- Prints up to 13” x 39” panoramas
- Prints letter-size images in under 40 seconds
- Advanced printing software with image optimization
- On-printer controls with 3 inch display
While not as extensive as the options available in Epson‘s high-end models, the Pro-200 still provides plenty of media handling capabilities, the ability to fine-tune images, and even make some edits right on its touch panel LCD screen. For creativity on a budget, it can‘t be beat!
Pros
- Striking print quality with vivid color
- Fast print speeds
- Lower operating costs than competitors
Cons
- Smaller maximum print size
- Display could be larger for onboard editing
Best For: Creative professionals wanting great quality without extreme price
See Price on Amazon: Canon Pixma Pro-200
#5 Best Portable: HP Sprocket Select
Want a photo printer you can slip into your pocket and take anywhere? We choose the HP Sprocket Select as the best portable photo printer.
Key Features:
- Only 5 inches wide
- Uses ZINK Zero Ink technology to print 2×3” sticky-backed photos
- Over-the-air printing from smartphones and tablets
- Collage and editing features in mobile app
- Prints custom stickers
Don‘t expect amazing print quality with its 190 dpi maximum resolution. But for having fun printing wallet photos, snapshots to share with friends or even creating custom stickers on the go, it can‘t be beat!
Pros
- Small size easily fits in bag or large pocket
- Affordable cost for a mobile printer
- Creative editing features in app
Cons
- Image quality isn‘t the best
- Only handles specialty ZINK photo paper
Best For: Printing snapshots, stickers and more on the go
See Price on Amazon: HP Sprocket Select
Now that you know the top models available, let‘s overview exactly what to consider when shopping for a photo printer…
How to Pick the Best Photo Printer
Choosing the right photo printer depends primarily on four factors:
- Print quality: Resolution, color accuracy, grayscale detail
- Connectivity: Wired vs wireless, mobile printing readiness
- Ink and paper costs: How much you‘ll spend long-term
- Size and portability: Footprint and mobility needs
Prioritize what‘s most important for your needs, then use that criteria to narrow down your options. Consulting both expert reviews and user feedback is also highly recommended before selecting a specific model.
And when possible, always print sample images from any printer you’re seriously considering. Seeing the actual output quality first-hand can reveal key differences between devices.
Inkjet vs Laser Photo Printers
The two main technologies used in photo printers are inkjet and laser:
Inkjet printers spray microscopic dots of liquid ink onto paper to build an image. They excel at printing photos with vibrant color and tons of fine detail.
Laser printers use static electricity and toner powder to fuse an image onto the page. They fare better for text and graphics, but some can print good quality photographs.
For the absolute best photo printing though, inkjets have a clear advantage. Their wider color gamut produced by combining multiple ink channels allows more accurate color reproduction. And innovations in ink chemistry and nozzle engineering enable outstanding detail.
Meanwhile, laser printers remain the standard for fast document printing thanks to their speed and low operating costs. For most users, an affordable inkjet all-in-one printer provides the best blend of quality photos plus versatile everyday functionality.
What It‘s Like Using a Photo Printer
Thanks to advances in hardware, software and connectivity, printing lab-quality photographs at home is easier than ever:
First, you edit or touch up your image on your computer, phone or tablet using photo editing software. Devices range from full Photoshop setups to mobile apps like Snapseed.
Next, you send your final file to the printer using a wired or wireless connection. Many printers today even support printing over Bluetooth from mobile devices.
Insert your preferred photo paper, like glossy or matte. Some printers have dedicated trays just for photo media.
Finally, enjoy stunning, professionally printed photos with incredible detail right from the comfort of your home!
Many printers also include onboard controls to preview images before printing, adjust settings like brightness and contrast, crop shots and more. For extra creative options, look models with separate ink cartridges. They allow you to do advanced black and white printing plus other unique techniques.
And portable pocket printers like the HP Sprocket make it fun and easy to print wallet sized photos and stickers wherever your adventures take you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What photo file types should I use?
PNG files are best because they compress images without losing quality like JPEGs. This results in better prints.
What do professional photographers use to print?
Most serious photographers opt for advanced inkjet printers like the Epson models featured earlier. They provide the color depth, resolution and handling of fine art papers needed for exhibition and gallery sales.
What image resolution do I need?
300 PPI (pixels per inch) is ideal for sharp prints. Lower resolutions become visibly pixelated based on the print size. For a 10×15” print, a 3000×4500 pixel image prints nicely.
Is glossy or matte photo paper better?
Glossy paper provides more vibrant color and deeper blacks in photos. Matte has a classic, elegant look and is great for black and white images.
Should I get an inkjet or a laser printer?
Inkjets like our top recommendations dominate the photo printer market thanks to their stunning image quality. But lasers have their place for affordable everyday text printing.
Well, those are our picks for the 5 best photo printers, along with everything you need to know about shopping for and using one! Let us know if you have any other questions.
