10 Best Printer For Photos

The Epson EcoTank ET-8500 A4 Wi-Fi Ink Tank Photo Printer is designed for those who need high-quality photo printing at home. It boasts a 6-color ink system which includes a new grey ink, enhancing the print quality of both color and black-and-white photos. The print resolution is high, ensuring sharp and detailed images. One of its strongest points is the economical ink system; you can print up to 2,300 photos with a single set of ink bottles, which are easy to refill without mess.

The printer supports various paper types including glossy photo paper, craft papers, and even thick media up to 1.3 mm, making it versatile for different artistic needs. Connectivity options are robust with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and capability to print directly from SD cards and USB flash drives, which enhances flexibility and ease of use. The Epson Smart Panel app adds convenience, allowing you to control the printer from your smart device.

However, print speeds are moderate, with a maximum of 16 pages per minute for monochrome and 12 pages per minute for color prints. Additionally, the initial cost of the printer may be higher compared to other models, and it weighs 11.1 kilograms, which might be bulky for some users. Consumables like ink bottles are significantly cheaper in the long run, but the upfront cost could be a drawback.

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3+ Wi-Fi Ink Tank Photo Printer is designed for high-quality photo printing, featuring a 6-color ink system that includes a grey ink for enhanced black and white photos and pigment black for sharp text. This printer is highly economical, allowing you to print up to 2,300 photos with one set of ink bottles, which significantly reduces the cost of consumables. The ease of refilling the ink tanks also adds to the convenience and cost savings.

It supports a wide range of media types and sizes, including A3+, craft papers, and even media up to 1.3 mm thick and 2 meters long, making it versatile for various artistic projects. With modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet, as well as the ability to print from SD cards and USB flash drives, it integrates seamlessly with most home setups. The Epson Smart Panel App further enhances its functionality by enabling control from smart devices.

One of its notable strengths is the heat-free Micro Piezo technology, which ensures consistent high-speed printing and energy efficiency. However, it has some drawbacks as well. The print speed, especially for color, is relatively moderate at 12 pages per minute, which might not be sufficient for users needing rapid output. Additionally, while the maximum color print resolution is 600 dpi, some photo enthusiasts might prefer higher resolutions for even more detailed prints. At 11.1 kilograms, it is quite heavy, which could be a consideration for users with limited space. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a robust choice for those prioritizing high-quality photo printing with cost-effective ink usage and versatile media compatibility.

The HP Envy 6020e is an affordable all-in-one color printer designed for casual photo printing and everyday tasks. It offers a decent maximum print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi, which means your photos will have good detail and color sharpness for home use. It uses thermal ink technology and supports HP Instant Ink, which can help reduce the cost and hassle of buying ink cartridges regularly. This printer supports glossy photo paper, making it suitable for printing vibrant photos at sizes up to standard letter (8.5 x 11 inches). Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing easy printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers without needing cables.

The print speed is moderate—about 7 pages per minute for black and white and up to 10 for color—which is fine if you’re printing photos or documents occasionally but may feel slow for larger batches. One downside is the paper capacity at 100 sheets, which is on the lower side and might require frequent refills if you print a lot. It supports double-sided printing, which is a nice addition but less relevant for photos.

This model covers basic photo printing needs well but might not satisfy users looking for professional-quality photo prints or larger print sizes. The HP Envy 6020e suits home users who want an easy-to-use printer with wireless features and decent photo print quality, especially if cost efficiency and convenience through Instant Ink are important.