10 Best Portable Printers

The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is a multifunction portable printer designed to offer high efficiency and cost-saving in home printing. One of its standout features is the inclusion of up to 3 years' worth of ink, which can save users up to 90% on printing costs. The EcoTank system uses high-capacity ink tanks, reducing the hassle associated with traditional cartridges and allowing mess-free refills. Print quality is excellent, with resolutions of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints and 600 dpi for black and white prints, suitable for both documents and photos.

The printer includes duplex (double-sided) printing and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), enhancing productivity for various tasks. Connectivity is strong with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, enabling easy integration with smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Additionally, the Epson Smart Panel app allows users to control the printer from their smart devices. Despite its many features, the EcoTank ET-3850 is relatively compact, though it weighs 6.7 kg, which might be a bit heavy for some users seeking a truly portable option.

One notable drawback is the lack of an internal battery, meaning it needs to be plugged in to operate, limiting its portability in some scenarios. Print speed is reasonable for home use, with up to 33 pages per minute for monochrome and 20 pages per minute for color. In conclusion, the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is best suited for users looking for a cost-effective, feature-rich home printer with good connectivity options and excellent print quality, though it may not be ideal for those needing a lightweight, battery-operated portable printer.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is a versatile and economical choice for portable printing needs, especially for those focused on cost-effective printing with high-quality output. Its ink tank system is a major strength, allowing up to 3 years of usage with included ink, translating to significant savings and convenience without the need for frequent cartridge replacements. The print quality is excellent, with a maximum resolution of 5,760 x 1,440 DPI for color prints, making it suitable for detailed documents and photos.

Connectivity options are robust, featuring Wi-Fi and compatibility with the Epson Smart Panel app for easy mobile printing, copying, and scanning directly from a smartphone or tablet. This enhances its usability for users who are often on the move or need to print from various devices. In terms of size and weight, the printer is relatively compact with dimensions of 34.7 x 37.5 x 17.9 cm and a weight of 3.9 kg, making it slightly heavier but reasonably portable for a multifunction ink tank printer.

Print speed is decent with up to 33 pages per minute for monochrome and 15 pages per minute for color, suitable for moderate printing needs but might not be the fastest option available. Additional features like borderless printing and dual-sided printing add extra value, making it a comprehensive device for various printing tasks. It fits well for home or small office use where high volume and affordable printing are priorities.

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact, stylish photo printer designed for those who want high-quality, long-lasting prints on the go. It uses dye-sublimation technology to produce vibrant, lab-quality photos with rich colors, and its prints are protected to last up to 100 years, which is excellent for preserving memories. You can print various sizes, from postcards to mini stickers, making it versatile for scrapbooks, photo albums, or small crafts.

Connectivity-wise, it offers wireless printing through Wi-Fi and supports USB-C and SD card inputs, so you can easily print directly from smartphones, tablets, or computers. The user-friendly app adds a fun touch by allowing you to customize photos with stamps and filters. In terms of size and weight, it’s quite portable at about 850 grams and small enough to fit on a desk or carry around comfortably.

The print speed is relatively slow, taking about 41 seconds per photo, which might feel a bit lengthy if you need multiple prints quickly. This printer suits casual users and hobbyists who prioritize print quality and ease of use over speed. For those seeking a reliable, easy way to create lasting photo prints without bulky equipment, the SELPHY CP1500 is a solid choice.