10 Best Photo Printers 2025 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 Kodak Dock Plus 4Pass Instant Photo Printer is a compact and lightweight photo printer designed for quick and easy 4x6 inch photo prints, making it a great choice for home or casual use. It uses a 4PASS dye sublimation printing technology, which creates vibrant, layered photos that are also fingerprint-proof and water-resistant. This means your photos will look sharp and last a long time without smudging. The maximum print resolution is 300 dpi, which is decent for small photo prints, but not as high as some professional photo printers. It supports four ink colors (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) through an ink ribbon, delivering good color depth for everyday photo needs.

One handy feature is the ability to print borderless photos or choose a bordered option where you can write notes on the frame. Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth support and a convenient phone dock that works with both iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone without cables. However, printing speed is quite slow at about one photo per minute, so it’s not ideal if you need lots of photos quickly.

Portability is a strong point; it’s lightweight and small enough to carry around easily, which adds to its appeal for printing memories on the spot—like at parties or trips. Paper compatibility is limited to glossy 4x6 inch sheets, with a small tray that holds up to 10 sheets, so you’ll need to reload often if printing many photos. This printer is best suited for users looking for a simple, portable, and affordable way to print decent-quality photos instantly from their smartphones, rather than for professional or high-volume photo printing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a versatile all-in-one photo printer that suits home office needs, particularly for users who value cost-effective printing. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free ink system, which significantly reduces ink costs—users can save up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges. This model includes enough ink to print thousands of pages, which minimizes the hassle of frequently replacing cartridges. The printer delivers impressive print quality thanks to its Micro Piezo technology, ensuring sharp text and vibrant color photos on various media types.

Print speed is decent, with black and white outputs reaching up to 10 pages per minute and color prints at 5 pages per minute. The EcoTank ET-4800 also excels in connectivity, offering options like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing capabilities through the Epson Smart Panel App. Its built-in scanner and copier add to its utility, making it a practical choice for those needing multifaceted functionality.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the print quality is generally high, some users might find that it occasionally doesn't meet professional-grade standards for color accuracy. The printer's size and weight may also make it less portable for those who need a lightweight solution. Additionally, while the initial ink savings are significant, the investment in the printer may seem steep for casual users who don't print frequently.