With the best photo printers, you can turn your images into something that lasts. Digital files are fleeting things, and when it comes to making memories that’ll last for many generations, nothing beats a high-quality physical print.
Which printer to choose? There are models out there to suit all different needs and budgets – some designed to work with desktop computers, others that are more geared to work with smartphones. We’ve assembled this list of the best on the market right now to help you sort through the noise and find the printer that’s right for you. Whatever your needs, aims and budget, we’re confident that somewhere here, we’ll have the printer for you.
So let’s get started!
Our top picks
Pros:
- Brilliant prints from 12-ink system
- Accepts 1200ppi high-resolution image data
- Chroma Optimizer delivers brilliant monochrome performance
Cons:
- Requires a lot of space
For those with a bigger budget and bigger prints in mind, this pro-grade A2 printer from Canon should fit the bill nicely. Render your images in glorious professional colour and detail with this printer that boasts a 12-ink pigment-based system – it’s especially good if you’re already a Canon EOS user, as you’ll be able to take advantage of the new ‘Crystal-fidelity’ functionality to produce prints of unmatched sharpness.
Even if you’re not a Canon user, there’s still plenty to recommend here. The printer offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity that allows you to download updates as well as sending images directly to the printer, and its 3-inch display makes operation easy for even the novice user. The Canon printer has been designed with today’s high-resolution sensors in mind, and accepts 1200ppi high resolution image data for smooth, fine lines.
Pros:
- A3+ printing with exceptional color accuracy
- Vibrant 8-color dye-based ink system
- Prints panoramas up to 39 inches long
Cons:
- No scanner functionality
Think high-quality A3+ printing has to come with a hefty price tag? Think again. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 delivers outstanding photo prints without breaking the bank. Its 8-colour dye-based ink system enhances colour vibrancy and detail, while updated black and magenta inks ensure rich tones and deep contrast, whether you're printing in color or monochrome.
The printer handles a variety of paper sizes and types, including borderless printing up to 13x39 inches for panoramic shots. It’s also impressively fast — a borderless 8x10” print takes just 90 seconds.
Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity offer flexible options for sending files, while Canon’s PRINT app makes printing from your phone or tablet a breeze. Though it lacks a scanner, the PRO-200’s sleek, space-saving design and pro-level print quality make it a standout choice for photographers and creatives alike.
Pros:
- Extremely portable
- Easy to charge via USB
- Quick connection to smartphone
Cons:
- Limited paper compatibility
When you think of printers, you don’t necessarily just need to consider desktop models – why not try a dedicated smartphone printer? The Canon SELPHY Square QX10 Printer is a small, portable, square-format printer that you can carry around with you and whip out at a moment’s notice to quickly produce 2.7x2.7-inch prints of images sent via Wi-Fi. This makes it great fun for parties or days out – performing a similar function to an instant camera.
The printer can be quickly charged via USB if needed, and thanks to the Canon SELPHY Photo Layout app, you can also quickly assemble stylish collages for print if you so desire. The QX10 uses the dye-sublimation printing technique, which uses heat to transfer ink to paper for fast, long-lasting results.
Pros:
- Excels at reproducing skin tones
- Claria Photo HD inks deliver brilliant results
- Compact for an A3 printer
Cons:
- Other printers are faster
A particularly good printer for portrait photographers, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Printer uses six-color Claria Photo HD inks to produce images with smooth tonal gradation and excellent skin tones. Producing professional-quality borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches in size, so if you want glorious A3 prints of your images, look no further.
Able to handle plenty of different types of photo paper, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is simple to set up and easy to use, and thanks to its relatively small footprint, you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space on your desktop. Printing speeds are fast too, which is handy if you anticipate producing lots of copies of your images, and it has both wired and wireless connectivity.
Pros:
- Outstanding colours with deep blacks
- Useful touchscreen control
- Up to A2 printing
Cons:
- Priced for professional use
This is part of Epson’s professional-quality line of printers for studios, so as you might expect, it has all the most up-to-date features and technology, with a 10-colour UltraChrome Pro 10 system that produces some of the deepest blacks on the market. Your images will look fantastic on paper, and thanks to the easy-to-use interface, you won’t have to bury yourself in manuals to figure out how to do it.
The generously sized 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operating the printer a breeze, and it has all the connectivity features you’d expect from a modern printer, allowing you to send images via Wi-Fi for quick printing from a smart device. You can print at up to A2 size, so dream big, and make those gorgeous home prints of your photos a reality with this Epson printer!
FAQs
What should I look for when buying a photo printer?
Photo printers are different to your standard printer - you’re looking for something that will correctly reproduce your images the way you shot them - so, you should think about print quality, colour accuracy, ink type and the cost of replacement ink cartridges. High resolution, accurate colour reproduction, and the type of ink used (dye-based or pigment-based) are crucial for achieving the best photo prints.
Do I need to clean my photo printer?
It is important to regularly clean the print heads to prevent clogs, use the printer's self-cleaning functions, and keep the printer dust-free. Use the correct type of paper and ink cartridges recommended by the manufacturer and update the printer's firmware and software to keep it running smoothly.
Can I print high-quality photos with an all-in-one printer?
Yes, you can print high-quality photos with an all-in-one printer, but the quality may not match that of a dedicated photo printer. All-in-one printers are versatile and convenient for general use, including printing photos, documents, scanning, and copying. However, for the highest photo quality, a dedicated photo printer with advanced color management and higher resolution is often preferred.
What type of paper should I use for photo printing?
For photo printing, use high-quality photo paper designed specifically for your printer type. Glossy, semi-gloss, and matte finishes are common options, each offering different visual effects. Glossy paper provides vibrant colors and sharp details, while matte paper gives a more subdued and professional look. But with which ever paper your choose, make sure the paper is compatible with your printer and ink type to achieve the best results.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over our guides and tips articles. We also consider emerging trends and customer feedback to make sure our guides are always up-to-date and reflective of what people are truly looking for. By curating only the best products, our guides provide trustworthy recommendations, making it easier for customers to make informed choices with confidence.
If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media. And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy
