10 Best Photo Printers 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a versatile all-in-one printer that stands out in the photo printer category, particularly for home use. One of its major strengths is the innovative cartridge-free system that significantly reduces ink costs; the EcoTank can replace up to 80 traditional cartridges with its refillable bottles. This can lead to savings of up to 90% on ink, allowing for impressive print yields of around 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color. Additionally, it comes with two years' worth of ink right in the box, which means less frequent trips to the store for replacements.

The print quality is noteworthy, using Micro Piezo technology that produces sharp text and vibrant colors, making it suitable for both documents and photos. Its built-in scanner and copier add to its functionality, making it a practical choice for users who need more than just printing capabilities. The connectivity options are modern and user-friendly, supporting wireless printing from smartphones and compatibility with apps like AirPrint.

However, there are some areas for improvement. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages for color, which might be a consideration for those needing high-volume printing quickly. While the printer is portable for home use, it may not be the best choice for users needing a compact printer for small spaces, as it is somewhat bulky. Another consideration is that using non-genuine Epson inks can void the warranty, which might deter some users seeking cost-saving alternatives.

The Canon imagePROGRAF Professional 13" PRO-310 is designed for serious photographers and artists who need gallery-quality prints. One of its standout features is the 9-color pigment-based ink system, which includes a Chroma Optimizer to produce exceptionally accurate and vivid colors. The addition of matte black ink enhances print density and broad reproductions of dark areas, making it ideal for high-contrast photos.

The printer's LUCIA PRO II ink system delivers impressive gloss uniformity and scratch resistance, ensuring the longevity and durability of prints. The 3.0-inch color LCD monitor provides a user-friendly interface to easily track ink levels and printer status, enhancing its ease of use. Its Anti-Clogging System and Skew Correction further contribute to reliable and consistent performance, reducing print errors and maintenance issues.

However, the print speed is relatively slow at 2 pages per minute for both monochrome and color prints, which could be a drawback for users requiring faster output. Additionally, the printer is quite substantial, weighing 31.6 pounds and has a large footprint, making it less portable and requiring a dedicated space. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, which facilitates wireless printing. While the ink system offers high-quality results, the cost of the pigment-based inks might be higher compared to dye-based alternatives, so it's essential to consider ongoing expenses. This Canon model excels in producing high-quality prints with excellent color accuracy, making it a strong choice for professionals who prioritize print quality over speed and portability.

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact and portable photo printer designed mainly for people who want quick, easy prints of their favorite photos at home or on the go. It uses dye sublimation printing technology, which produces water-resistant photos with good color quality and sharpness at a resolution of up to 300 x 300 dpi. The printer supports various small print sizes, including the popular 4x6-inch photo size, making it great for printing postcards or photo album inserts.

One of its strong points is connectivity—it offers Wi-Fi, USB, and memory card slots, allowing you to print directly from smartphones, cameras, or computers without much hassle. The 3.5-inch color display is helpful for previewing and editing photos before printing, with simple filters like sepia or black-and-white to customize your prints. On the downside, the print speed is quite slow, producing about one color photo per minute, which may feel limiting if you need to print many photos quickly.

Also, while the optional battery makes it portable, the printer itself weighs around 3.5 pounds, which is fairly light but not ultra-compact for pocket carrying. The printer uses a 4-color ink system (CMYK), which ensures vibrant images but requires special ink packs, potentially adding to running costs. The SELPHY CP1500 suits casual users who value photo quality and portability over speed, such as families, travelers, or hobbyists wanting instant physical copies of digital images. If your priority is rapid bulk printing or very high-resolution prints, this might not be the fastest or most efficient choice.