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10 Best Portable Printers

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
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#5
HP OfficeJ
33% OFF
Available on
£220
33% off
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#8
HP 2M32H38
25% OFF
Available on
£216.5
25% off
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-3850 A4 Multifunction Air Print Wi-Fi Ink Tank Printer with Duplex and ADF, Up To 3 Years Of Ink Included

10.0  score

Available on
£429.99
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Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Size and Weight
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high, making it suitable for office documents, though it might not satisfy photo printing needs.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity works well, though some users have experienced initial setup challenges.
Size and Weight
Despite its compact size, the printer feels functional, though the lack of a touchscreen and some design elements could be improved.
Print Speed
While print speed isn't the fastest, it's adequate for home use, and the long-lasting ink is a significant advantage.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,366
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Size and Weight
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high, making it suitable for office documents, though it might not satisfy photo printing needs.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity works well, though some users have experienced initial setup challenges.
Size and Weight
Despite its compact size, the printer feels functional, though the lack of a touchscreen and some design elements could be improved.
Print Speed
While print speed isn't the fastest, it's adequate for home use, and the long-lasting ink is a significant advantage.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2861 A4 Multifunction Wi-Fi Ink Tank Printer, With Up To 3 Years Of Ink Included , Black

8.5  score

Available on
£121.99
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Rating
8.5
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Speed
Print Quality
Ideal for artists and photographers, the printer delivers stunning print quality, especially when proper color profiles are used in Photoshop, outperforming print companies' results.
Connectivity Options
Its compact design and versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, make it easy to integrate into various setups, perfect for both home and university use.
Print Speed
Printing full-color A4s back-to-back can cause the printer to pause and spit out unfinished pages, but waiting 30 seconds between prints prevents this issue.

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.

Rating
8.5
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Print Speed
Print Quality
Ideal for artists and photographers, the printer delivers stunning print quality, especially when proper color profiles are used in Photoshop, outperforming print companies' results.
Connectivity Options
Its compact design and versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, make it easy to integrate into various setups, perfect for both home and university use.
Print Speed
Printing full-color A4s back-to-back can cause the printer to pause and spit out unfinished pages, but waiting 30 seconds between prints prevents this issue.
#3

Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer – Wireless Printing, Long-Lasting Prints, USB-C & SD Card Connectivity – Ideal for Scrapbooks & Photo Albums, Black GB

8.2  score

Available on
£132.99
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Rating
8.2
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Size and Weight
Print Quality
Produces vibrant, lab-quality photos with rich colors that truly preserve memories.
Connectivity Options
Wireless printing via Wi-Fi and easy app setup make printing directly from smartphones and computers effortless.
Size and Weight
Compact and stylish design fits perfectly on a desk or in small spaces without sacrificing quality.
Print Speed
Print speed is slower but acceptable for those prioritizing quality over quantity.

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.

Rating
8.2
Print Quality
Connectivity Options
Size and Weight
Print Quality
Produces vibrant, lab-quality photos with rich colors that truly preserve memories.
Connectivity Options
Wireless printing via Wi-Fi and easy app setup make printing directly from smartphones and computers effortless.
Size and Weight
Compact and stylish design fits perfectly on a desk or in small spaces without sacrificing quality.
Print Speed
Print speed is slower but acceptable for those prioritizing quality over quantity.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Printers

Choosing the right portable printer involves understanding your specific needs and how different features can meet those needs. Portable printers are designed for convenience and mobility, making them ideal for people who need to print documents or photos on the go. When selecting a portable printer, consider factors such as print quality, connectivity options, size, and battery life. These aspects will help you determine which printer will best suit your lifestyle and printing requirements.
Print QualityPrint quality refers to the clarity and detail of the printed output. It's important because it affects how professional and readable your documents or photos will appear. Print quality is often measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI values generally mean better print quality, with 300 DPI being suitable for text documents and 600 DPI or higher recommended for photo printing. Consider what you will be printing most often; if you need high-quality photo prints, opt for a higher DPI.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the printer. This is crucial for ease of use and compatibility with your gadgets. Common options include USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. USB connections are reliable but require a physical connection, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi offer wireless convenience. If you frequently print from smartphones or tablets, look for printers with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities to ensure seamless printing.
Size and WeightSize and weight are important for portability. A portable printer should be compact and lightweight enough to carry easily. Smaller printers are more convenient for travel but may have fewer features or lower print capacity. Consider how often you'll be transporting the printer and whether you need it to fit in a backpack or briefcase. If portability is a top priority, choose a model that balances size with the features you need.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the printer can operate without needing a recharge. This is vital for printing on the go, especially in situations where power outlets are not readily available. Battery life can vary significantly between models, with some offering several hours of continuous use. If you plan to use the printer frequently while traveling, opt for a model with a longer battery life to avoid interruptions.
Print SpeedPrint speed refers to how quickly a printer can produce documents or photos. It's measured in pages per minute (PPM) for documents and images per minute for photos. Faster print speeds are beneficial if you need to print large volumes quickly, but they may come at the expense of print quality. Consider your typical printing volume; if you often print large batches, a higher PPM will save you time.