Inkjet photo printers are a popular choice for photographers and other creative professionals due to their high-quality print capabilities and affordable price. These machines can produce vivid, lifelike prints from the comfort of your home or office, making them a must-have for anyone who often needs to print photos. But with so many models and brands on the market, it can be a challenge to find the best one for your needs. We’ve gone the extra mile to test and evaluate multiple models to help you find the best inkjet photo printers.
The best inkjet photo printers are those that are optimally designed for producing crisp, vibrant photo prints. Factors like print quality, speed, color accuracy, and usability all play a pivotal role in determining the printer’s overall performance. Additionally, the printer should be user-friendly with a simple setup, and ideally, it should support wireless printing options. Be mindful of the ink cost and lifespan as well. No matter how good a printer is, it will be a hassle to use if it constantly runs out of ink.
It’s also important to think about whether you need your photo printer for other tasks. Some printers come with a multifunctional design that can print, scan, and copy, while others are purely dedicated to photo printing. Depending on your specific needs, one of these forms may be more suitable than the other.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the perfect inkjet photo printer for your needs. We have poured extensive research and testing into various models to offer you an informed and reliable overview of some of the best inkjet photo printers available on the market. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped with the information you need to make a purchase that will enrich the quality of your prints and your overall photo printing experience.
Best Inkjet Photo Printers
Selecting the right inkjet photo printer is essential to achieve superior photo prints consistently. The printer should offer excellent print quality, color accuracy, and high-resolution output. With several options saturating the market, choosing the best printer that suits your needs could be challenging. In this article, we have created a list of the best inkjet photo printers that are the culmination of extensive testing and research, and designed to provide you with the necessary insights to make a well-considered decision.
If you’re looking for a versatile all-in-one printer that can handle a variety of tasks, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier, Black is definitely worth considering.
Pros
The six-color individual ink system produces brilliant, true-to-life color photos and high-quality documents.
The 10 x 15 inch optional photo paper size lets you print borderless photos up to 11 x 17 inches.
The automatic document feeder (ADF) scans both sides of up to 35 letter-size pages at up to 600 x 600 optimized dpi color or monochrome.
Cons
The ink cartridges can be expensive to replace.
The printer is a bit noisy during operation.
The software can be a bit finicky to install and configure.
We’ve been using the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The six-color individual ink system produces vibrant, accurate colors that really pop. The 10 x 15 inch optional photo paper size is a nice touch, allowing us to print borderless photos up to 11 x 17 inches. And the automatic document feeder is a huge time-saver when it comes to scanning and copying documents.
The only downside we’ve noticed is the cost of the ink cartridges. They can be a bit pricey to replace, so it’s important to keep an eye on your ink levels and order new cartridges when needed. The printer is also a bit noisy during operation, so it might not be the best choice if you’re working in a quiet environment. Finally, the software can be a bit finicky to install and configure, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Overall, we think the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile all-in-one printer that can handle a variety of tasks. Its vibrant color output, large paper size options, and automatic document feeder make it a great choice for both personal and professional use.
If you’re looking for a versatile printer that can handle your crafting projects, the Canon TS9521C is a great option.
Pros
The 12-inch print width allows for large-format printing on specialty papers, making it perfect for scrapbooking and other crafting projects.
The printer is wireless and compatible with both Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, so you can print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without the need for a USB connection.
The Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app lets you enhance, adjust, and print photos and documents from your smartphone or tablet.
Cons
The printer requires six individual ink cartridges, which can be a bit of a hassle to replace.
The print quality may not be as sharp as some other high-end printers on the market.
The price point is a bit higher than some other printers in its class.
The Canon TS9521C is a great choice for those who want a printer that can handle their crafting projects. The 12-inch print width allows for large-format printing on specialty papers, making it perfect for scrapbooking and other crafting projects. The printer is also wireless and compatible with both Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, so you can print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without the need for a USB connection. Additionally, the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app lets you enhance, adjust, and print photos and documents from your smartphone or tablet.
However, the printer requires six individual ink cartridges, which can be a bit of a hassle to replace. Additionally, the print quality may not be as sharp as some other high-end printers on the market. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other printers in its class.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile printer that can handle your crafting projects, the Canon TS9521C is a great option to consider.
If you’re a professional photographer looking for a reliable and high-quality photo printer, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
The printer delivers studio-quality photo prints with vibrant colors and fine details.
The Chromalife OC-21 ink system ensures long-lasting photo prints with amazing color brilliance.
The printer is compatible with a wide range of media types, including Canon PRO-100 and PRO-1000 inkjet/dye-sub photo papers.
Cons
The printer is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute and 30 seconds to print a 4×6-inch photo.
The printer requires a dedicated workspace due to its size and weight.
The printer is relatively expensive compared to other photo printers on the market.
The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer is a professional-grade photo printer that delivers stunning photo prints with amazing color brilliance and fine details. The printer’s Chromalife OC-21 ink system ensures long-lasting photo prints that won’t fade or deteriorate over time.
One of the best features of this printer is its compatibility with a wide range of media types, including Canon PRO-100 and PRO-1000 inkjet/dye-sub photo papers. This means that you can experiment with different paper types and textures to find the perfect look for your photos.
However, the printer is relatively slow, taking about 1 minute and 30 seconds to print a 4×6-inch photo. This can be frustrating if you need to print a large number of photos quickly.
Additionally, the printer requires a dedicated workspace due to its size and weight, which may not be practical for some users. Finally, the printer is relatively expensive compared to other photo printers on the market, which may not be feasible for those on a tight budget.
In summary, if you’re a professional photographer looking for a high-quality photo printer that can deliver stunning photo prints with amazing color brilliance and fine details, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer is definitely worth considering.
If you’re looking for a high-quality photo printer that can also handle all your other printing needs, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
The six-color individual dye system ensures vibrant, true-to-life colors that pop.
The 11 x 17 inch wide-format printing capabilities make it easy to create stunning posters and presentations.
The high-capacity ink bottles provide up to two years’ worth of ink for photos and documents, saving you time and money on ink replacements.
Cons
The printer is quite large, so it may not be the best option if you have limited desk space.
The setup process can be a bit time-consuming, as you need to fill the ink tanks with the included bottles.
Some users have reported issues with the printer’s connectivity, although this seems to be relatively rare.
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a great choice for anyone who wants to print high-quality photos at home. The six-color individual dye system ensures that your photos look vibrant and true-to-life, while the 11 x 17 inch wide-format printing capabilities make it easy to create stunning posters and presentations. Plus, the high-capacity ink bottles provide up to two years’ worth of ink for photos and documents, saving you time and money on ink replacements.
One potential downside of the printer is its size. It’s quite large, so it may not be the best option if you have limited desk space. Additionally, the setup process can be a bit time-consuming, as you need to fill the ink tanks with the included bottles. Some users have also reported issues with the printer’s connectivity, although this seems to be relatively rare.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality photo printer that can also handle all your other printing needs, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best inkjet photo printer, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Print Quality
The print quality is one of the most important factors to consider when buying an inkjet photo printer. Look for a printer that can produce high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details. A printer with a high resolution will produce more detailed prints.
Ink Type
There are different types of ink available for inkjet photo printers, including dye-based and pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks are more vibrant and produce better color accuracy, while pigment-based inks are more durable and resistant to fading. Consider which type of ink is best suited for your needs.
Print Speed
Print speed is another important factor to consider when buying an inkjet photo printer. Look for a printer that can produce prints quickly, especially if you plan to print multiple copies or large batches of prints.
Connectivity
Consider the connectivity options available with the printer. Look for a printer that can connect to your computer or other devices wirelessly, as well as through USB or other wired connections.
Software
Finally, consider the software that comes with the printer. Look for a printer that comes with software that is easy to use and provides advanced features for editing and enhancing your prints.
By considering these factors, you can find the best inkjet photo printer for your needs.
