Best Photo Printers for Photographers in 2026

The best photo printers for photographers

The right photo printer can turn a well-edited image into something you can hold, frame, and display. But photographers do not all need the same kind of machine. A compact dye-sublimation printer is ideal for quick 4 × 6-inch snapshots, while a 24-inch pigment printer belongs in a studio producing gallery or client work.

For most serious hobbyists, the Epson SureColor P700 is the strongest all-around choice. It combines a 13-inch format with a 10-color pigment-ink system, dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black channels, and support for sheet and roll media. Photographers who need larger prints should step up to the Epson SureColor P900, while frequent home users may prefer the refillable Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550.

This guide compares the best photo printers for photographers across several workflows, including fine-art printing, glossy color work, snapshots, instant film, and large-format production.

Best photo printers at a glance

• Best overall for serious hobbyists: Epson SureColor P700
• Best 17-inch desktop photo printer: Epson SureColor P900
• Best for lower ink costs and home use: Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
• Best for vivid 13-inch color prints: Canon PIXMA PRO-200
• Best 13-inch Canon pigment printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
• Best 17-inch Canon pigment printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
• Best 24-inch professional printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600
• Best compact snapshot printer: Canon SELPHY CP1500
• Best instant-film smartphone printer: Fujifilm instax Link WIDE

Epson SureColor P700: Best overall for serious hobbyists

The Epson SureColor P700 is the most balanced choice for photographers who want exhibition-quality prints without moving to a large studio printer. Its 13-inch format is large enough for common sizes such as letter, 11 × 14 inches, and many 13 × 19-inch prints, depending on the selected paper and border settings.

The P700 uses Epson's 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment-ink system. It includes separate Photo Black and Matte Black inks, which is useful for photographers who move between glossy, luster, matte, and fine-art papers. Epson also lists support for sheet and roll media, with a roll adapter included in its product materials.

Pigment ink, broad media support, and the ability to work with custom paper profiles make the P700 a natural fit for photographers who care about color-managed output. It is not the economical choice for occasional snapshots, however. The printer, ink, paper, and maintenance requirements make more sense when you print regularly and want control over the finished image.

Best for: Fine-art prints, portfolio work, serious home studios, and photographers who need a flexible 13-inch printer.

Keep in mind: Confirm the current maximum media thickness, borderless sizes, and printable roll length in Epson's manual before buying specific paper or roll media.

See the Epson SureColor P700

Epson SureColor P900: Best 17-inch desktop photo printer

The Epson SureColor P900 is the larger-format counterpart to the P700. It uses the same general 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment approach but supports media up to 17 inches wide, giving photographers more room for large prints, generous borders, and wider compositions.

That extra width is valuable for landscape photographers, fine-art printers, and anyone who regularly finds a 13-inch carriage restrictive. The P900 also lists separate Photo Black and Matte Black inks, helping it serve both glossy and matte workflows without treating the printer as a one-paper-type specialist.

The trade-off is practical rather than simply technical. A 17-inch printer needs more workspace, larger paper storage, and a bigger budget for media and consumables. If most of your work ends up as 8 × 10 or 11 × 14-inch prints, the P700 may be the more sensible choice. If you routinely make larger prints at home, the P900 is a better long-term fit.

Best for: Photographers who need prints up to 17 inches wide but do not need a 24-inch production printer.

Keep in mind: Verify roll support, media thickness, and borderless options for the exact paper you plan to use.

See the Epson SureColor P900

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Best for high-volume home printing

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is aimed at photographers who want strong everyday photo performance without relying on traditional cartridges. Its refillable ink tanks can reduce ink cost per page for people who print frequently, and the printer also handles scanning, copying, and general household documents.

It uses six-color Claria ET Premium dye ink and supports borderless prints up to 13 × 19 inches. That makes it a versatile choice for family photos, school projects, home-office work, and regular color printing. Wireless connectivity adds convenience for a mixed household workflow.

The ET-8550 is not a direct replacement for the pigment-ink P700 or P900. Dye ink can be an excellent fit for vivid glossy photographs, but the printer's media support and print behavior differ from a dedicated fine-art system. Photographers who prioritize specialized fine-art papers, extensive color-management control, or pigment-based output should look at a dedicated photo printer instead.

A refillable tank also does not automatically mean the lowest total cost for every buyer. Frequent printing is where the economics are most compelling. If the printer sits unused for long periods, maintenance and cleaning can affect the real cost of ownership.

Best for: Frequent home photo printing, mixed photo-and-document use, and buyers who want a scanner and copier built in.

Keep in mind: Compare the complete cost of the printer, ink, paper, and maintenance rather than focusing only on the refill price.

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: Check Price on Amazon ->

Canon PIXMA PRO-200: Best for vivid 13-inch color prints

The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 is a strong option for photographers who favor vivid color on glossy and luster media. It uses an eight-color dye-ink system and supports photo printing up to 13 inches wide, along with borderless printing on supported sizes and a range of photo and fine-art media.

Its dye-based design makes it a natural match for colorful portraits, travel photography, family images, and other work intended for glossy presentation. It is also worth considering for photographers who prefer Canon's software, paper, and camera ecosystem.

The PRO-200 is less obviously suited to buyers seeking a pigment-ink workflow or maximum print permanence. Dye output can look excellent, but permanence depends on the exact ink, paper, lighting, storage, and handling conditions. Photographers comparing it with pigment models should judge actual print requirements rather than assuming one ink type is universally better.

Best for: Color-focused photographers who primarily use glossy or luster paper and want a 13-inch printer.

Keep in mind: Compare the PRO-200 with pigment models if you print monochrome work, use specialized fine-art media, or place a high priority on print stability.

Canon PIXMA PRO-200: Check Price on Amazon ->

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310: Best 13-inch Canon pigment option

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is designed for photographers who want a 13-inch Canon printer with a 10-color pigment-ink system. Canon lists dedicated monochrome and photo inks, along with support for fine-art media.

That combination makes the PRO-310 especially relevant to photographers who print black-and-white images, landscapes, portraits, and color work on a range of papers. Pigment ink is commonly used in dedicated fine-art printers because it can support durable output and broad media workflows, though actual longevity depends on the complete ink-and-paper combination and display conditions.

The printer is a more specialized purchase than a general-purpose all-in-one. Before buying, confirm current U.S. availability and the exact ink names, media specifications, and compatibility information on Canon's current product and support pages.

Best for: Photographers who want a 13-inch Canon pigment printer for color and monochrome work.

Keep in mind: Do not choose it based on ink count alone. Paper, profiles, driver settings, and the quality of the original image all influence the final print.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310: Check Price on Amazon ->

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Best 17-inch Canon pigment printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 brings a 12-color pigment-ink system to a 17-inch format. It is built for photographers who want larger photographic and fine-art prints while staying within a desktop or near-desktop workflow.

The additional width is useful for large portraits, landscapes, exhibition prints, and images that need wide margins. A 17-inch printer can also make smaller prints comfortably, but its price, ink requirements, and physical footprint make it excessive for casual use.

Photographers considering the PRO-1100 should confirm roll support and maximum media thickness in Canon's current manual rather than assuming every 17-inch printer accepts rolls or every type of heavy fine-art paper.

Best for: Canon users who need a professional 17-inch pigment workflow.

Keep in mind: Factor in paper storage, ventilation and workspace, maintenance, and the cost of larger sheets before choosing a 17-inch printer.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: Check Price on Amazon ->

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600: Best 24-inch professional printer

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 is the choice for studios and professional photographers who need prints up to 24 inches wide. It uses a 12-color pigment-ink system and is intended for professional photo and fine-art production.

A 24-inch printer opens the door to substantially larger wall prints, gallery work, commercial photography, and high-end studio output. It also changes the buying decision. This is not simply a larger version of a home photo printer; it requires more room, larger media, more careful handling, and a professional-scale budget.

For photographers who only occasionally need a print wider than 17 inches, a professional print lab may be more economical and convenient. The PRO-2600 makes the most sense when large-format work is a regular part of the business or creative practice.

Best for: Studios, galleries, and professionals who regularly produce large photographic or fine-art prints.

Keep in mind: Confirm current U.S. pricing, ink costs, media support, and installation requirements before making a purchase.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600: Check Price on Amazon ->

Canon SELPHY CP1500: Best compact snapshot printer

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a very different kind of photo printer. It uses dye-sublimation rather than a conventional desktop inkjet system and is designed for small prints, including 4 × 6-inch photos.

Its strengths are convenience and portability. The CP1500 supports direct wireless and mobile printing, and optional battery operation is available with the compatible battery accessory. That makes it useful for events, parties, travel, and quick physical copies of smartphone photos.

It is not intended for large prints, fine-art media, or a color-managed portfolio workflow. The proprietary paper-and-ink sets also mean that running costs should be considered separately from those of an inkjet printer.

Best for: Small snapshots, events, family photos, and portable printing.

Keep in mind: Its fixed small format makes it a companion printer, not a substitute for a wide-format photo printer.

Canon SELPHY CP1500: Check Price on Amazon ->

Fujifilm instax Link WIDE: Best instant-film smartphone printer

The Fujifilm instax Link WIDE prints smartphone images onto Instax WIDE instant film. It is designed for casual, physical instant photos rather than conventional inkjet output or archival photographic presentation.

The appeal is the experience: select an image on a smartphone, send it through the app, and receive an instant-film print with a distinctive look. It works well for parties, travel journals, creative projects, and informal sharing.

It is not the right tool for photographers who need accurate color management, fine-art paper choices, large prints, or predictable portfolio output. Film cost, image character, and per-print economics are quite different from those of a desktop photo printer.

Best for: Casual instant prints from a smartphone.

Keep in mind: Treat it as an instant-film camera accessory or creative printer, not as a professional photo-printing system.

Fujifilm instax Link WIDE: Check Price on Amazon ->

How to choose a photo printer

Start with the print size

Print width is one of the most important buying decisions:

• A 13-inch printer is suitable for many letter-size, 11 × 14-inch, and 13 × 19-inch jobs, depending on borders and media settings.
• A 17-inch printer gives you more room for large prints and generous margins.
• A 24-inch printer is generally aimed at studios, galleries, and commercial workflows.

Do not confuse carriage width with guaranteed borderless print size. The driver, paper type, printable area, and border settings can limit the usable image area. Check the exact specifications for the media you intend to use.

Choose the ink type for your workflow

Pigment ink is common in dedicated fine-art and professional printers. It is a strong choice for photographers who want broad media support, custom paper profiles, and durable display output. Longevity still depends on the ink, paper, exposure to light, humidity, pollutants, and handling.

Dye ink is common in vivid color photo printers and many consumer models. It can produce excellent glossy prints and may suit photographers who prioritize bright color and everyday convenience.

Dye-sublimation printers such as the SELPHY CP1500 use matched paper and ink consumables to create compact snapshots. They are convenient, but their format and media choices are limited.

Avoid blanket claims that one ink type always outlasts another. For permanence, look for testing that covers the exact printer, ink, paper, and display conditions.

Think about printing frequency and total cost

Cartridge printers can have substantial ink costs, and some ink may be used during priming, cleaning, or maintenance. Refillable-tank printers can be more economical for people who print regularly, but they have a higher initial purchase price and are not automatically the cheapest option for light use.

Your real cost depends on:

• Image coverage and print size
• Ink or dye-sublimation consumables
• Paper type and weight
• Maintenance and cleaning
• Regional ink and paper prices
• How often the printer sits unused

If you print only a few large images each year, compare the cost of ownership with a professional lab. Outsourcing may be the better choice for occasional large-format work.

Check paper compatibility and feed paths

Make sure the printer supports the paper you actually want to use, including glossy, luster, matte, and fine-art stock. Thick paper may require a rear or straight-through feed, and some printers support only specific media thicknesses or loading procedures.

Also verify whether the printer supports:

• Borderless printing at your preferred size
• Third-party paper profiles
• Sheet and roll media
• Panorama printing
• Your computer's operating system and driver

Never force heavy paper through a standard tray. Consult the current manual before loading specialty media.

Decide whether you need scanning and copying

Dedicated photo printers usually focus on printing and may not include a scanner. The ET-8550 is different because it combines photo printing with scanning and copying.

If you need to digitize film, negatives, or transparencies, do not assume a regular flatbed scanner can handle them. Verify that the scanner specifically supports the media you want to scan.

How to get better photo prints

1. Use the correct media setting. Select the driver setting that matches the paper loaded in the printer. The setting can affect ink delivery and print behavior.
2. Choose one color manager. In a color-managed workflow, let either the application or the printer driver manage color according to the paper and profile instructions. Avoid enabling conflicting corrections in both places.
3. Install the correct ICC profile. For third-party paper, use the paper manufacturer's profile and follow its installation instructions.
4. Soft-proof before printing. A soft proof using the correct ICC profile can show where an image may exceed the paper's gamut or be affected by the paper's white point.
5. Run a nozzle check when output looks wrong. Missing lines or colors can indicate a clogged nozzle. Use the printer's nozzle-check utility and clean only as directed, since repeated cleaning uses ink.
6. Let prints dry and stabilize. Follow the paper and ink manufacturer's guidance, then store finished prints away from direct sunlight, high humidity, pollutants, and damaging surface contact.

For more guidance, see Adobe's color-management instructions for Photoshop and its guide to soft-proofing colors.

Common photo-printer mistakes

• Choosing by DPI alone: Resolution figures do not describe the entire print system. Ink, paper, printhead behavior, driver settings, color management, and the source image all matter.
• Assuming more inks guarantee better output: Additional channels can improve gamut or tonal transitions, but results depend on the complete printer and paper workflow.
• Assuming wide format means roll support: Confirm roll compatibility and whether an adapter is required for the exact model.
• Ignoring black-ink switching: Some printers switch between Photo Black and Matte Black. Check how the model handles switching and whether it consumes ink or takes additional time.
• Treating advertised print costs as universal: Manufacturer estimates rely on specific assumptions and may not match your image coverage, paper, maintenance, or regional consumable prices.
• Underestimating space: Large-format printers need room for the machine, paper, completed prints, and safe handling.
• Using unsupported paper: Thick fine-art media can cause jams or damage if loaded through the wrong path.
• Neglecting color management: An overly bright monitor, an incorrect paper profile, or multiple color-correction stages can make prints look unlike the screen.
• Treating a snapshot printer as a portfolio printer: Compact dye-sublimation and instant-film printers are convenient, but they cannot replace a wide-format, color-managed fine-art workflow.

Which photo printer should you buy?

For most photographers who want serious control over their prints, the Epson SureColor P700 is the best starting point. It offers a useful 13-inch format, pigment ink, separate black channels, and support for a broad range of photographic work.

Choose the Epson SureColor P900 or Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 if 17-inch prints are a regular requirement. Move to the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 only when 24-inch production is central to your work and you have the space and budget to support it.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the better choice for frequent home printing and mixed photo-and-document use, while the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 suits photographers who prefer vivid color on glossy and luster media. For quick small prints, choose the Canon SELPHY CP1500; for instant-film fun, choose the Fujifilm instax Link WIDE.

The best printer is ultimately the one that matches your actual print sizes, paper habits, production volume, and tolerance for maintenance. A well-matched 13-inch printer will produce better results for many photographers than an impressive 24-inch machine that rarely gets used.