10 Best Portable Printers

The Instax Fujifilm Mini Link 3 is a compact and lightweight portable photo printer, weighing just 210 grams and designed for easy carrying. It uses Zink (zero ink) technology to print colorful photos on small Instax mini film (54 x 86 mm), producing prints with a decent resolution of up to 600 dpi for color. This makes it great for casual photo printing from your smartphone via Bluetooth, including images from social media accounts through the companion app. Battery-wise, it has a built-in rechargeable battery that supports multiple prints per charge, adding to its portability and convenience. Print speed is modest, with up to 4 seconds per photo, enough for quick snapshots but not for bulk printing. Paper handling is straightforward but limited to Instax film sheets, which are sold separately in small sizes and have a max input capacity of 10 sheets. The printer lacks dual-sided printing and doesn’t have a screen; all controls and previewing happen through your phone.

Unique features like a collage mode and remote camera shot add fun to the experience, especially for social events. If you require high-volume prints, larger paper sizes, or professional-grade photos, this printer might feel limited. It is best suited for users who want a stylish, easy-to-use instant photo printer for on-the-go moments and fun prints rather than detailed photo output or versatile media handling.

The HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile is designed for users who need a truly portable printer that can handle basic office tasks on the go. Weighing just under 3 kg and with compact dimensions, it's small enough to carry in a backpack or car for easy transport. Using inkjet technology, it delivers good color print quality on A4-sized paper, suitable for documents, envelopes, and card stock. Print speeds are decent for a portable model, reaching up to 20 pages per minute in black and 19 in color, which helps when you need quick outputs.

Battery life is a strong point—its long-lasting rechargeable battery can be charged via AC or even in a car, minimizing interruptions when away from power outlets. Connectivity is versatile, offering USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Direct options, making it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, or tablets without cables. The 2.65" color touchscreen and an auto document feeder add convenience, though it lacks double-sided printing, which might slow down some workflows. Paper handling supports up to 250 sheets, sufficient for mobile office use but not large volume jobs.

While the printer is not the lightest in its class, its durability and full-featured all-in-one functions (print, scan, copy) make it a solid choice for professionals needing flexibility and mobility. However, if you require duplex printing or very fast speeds, or if you prioritize the lightest and smallest device, there might be better specialized options.

The Canon Selphy CP1500 is a compact and lightweight portable photo printer, weighing just 0.85 kg and measuring about 18 x 13 x 6 cm, making it easy to carry around for events or travel. It uses inkjet technology to produce color and black-and-white prints at a resolution of up to 300 dpi, which is good for sharp, vibrant photos but not suited for detailed document printing. One of its standout features is fast printing speed—around 41 seconds per photo—which is convenient when printing multiple pictures quickly.

The printer supports wireless connections via Wi-Fi and also USB, allowing you to print directly from smartphones, tablets, cameras, SD cards, or USB sticks, giving plenty of flexibility. It handles various glossy photo paper sizes but has a relatively small paper input capacity of about 20 sheets, so frequent reloading might be necessary during bigger print sessions. It requires external power, so it’s better suited for places with power access rather than all-day cordless use. The Selphy also offers protective over-coating on prints to help photos last up to 100 years in an album, which is a nice bonus for preserving memories.

Designed specifically for photo printing, the Selphy CP1500 excels at producing quality photo prints on the go but is not ideal for general document printing or high-volume tasks. If you want a portable printer mainly for quick, quality photo prints with easy device connectivity, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is a solid choice.