There are thousands of printers on the market and hundreds that can print in 4×6” size. We understand how confusing it is to find a 4×6 photo printer and that’s why we’ve made it much easier for you.
By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on the best 4×6 photo printers, and you’ll find the one that fits your needs. Enough with the talking, here’s what you came for.
Table of Contents
List of the Top 5 Best 4×6 Photo Printer:
- Canon SELPHY CP1300 — Best Overall
- HP Tango — HP Instant Ink
- Canon Pixma iP110 — Compact InkJet for Photos
- Kodak Dock — Wi-Fi 4×6 Photo Printer
Comparison of Top 4×6″ Photo Printers
| Printer | Canon SELPHY CP1300 | HP Tango | Canon Pixma iP110 | Kodak Dock |
| Battery | Optional | No | Optional | No |
| Printing Technology | Dye Sublimation | Inkjet | Inkjet | Dye Sublimation D2T2 |
| Maximum Printing Size | 4×6” | 5×7” | Legal | Legal |
The 4 Best 4×6 Photo Printers in 2024
1. Canon SELPHY CP1300 — Best Overall
Coming in the first place is the SELPHY CP1300. It prints using Dye-Sublimation technology that ensures the longevity of printed pictures, as well as water resistance.
It allows you to choose from 4 available finishes. It also has a unique feature called Party Shuffle that lets you send images from multiple smartphones, and the printer makes a collage out of them.
If you’re planning to use the printer for something other than printing photos, this is not the one for you as it cannot print larger than 4×6”. Also, it only allows printing, not scanning, nor copying.
It is lightweight at only less than 2 pounds, and it is portable with an optional battery for printing when you’re on the go. Its printing resolution is 300×300 and can print your 4×6” photo in only 47 seconds.
As for connectivity, it supports USB, SD, AirPrint, as well as wireless printing from any smartphone through its free application. However, it cannot print directly from a camera device.
- Optional battery
- Lightweight and compact
- High printing speed
- LCD screen to previewing before printing
- Can only print up to 4×6”
- You only get enough ink for a sample with the printer
- Cannot copy or scan
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a printer specifically for printing 4×6” or smaller photos, this is the one for you. It can run on battery, it is small, lightweight, and easy to use and has a small LCD screen to preview your photos. However, that’s about as far as it can do, it cannot copy, scan, or print in sizes larger than 4×6”.
2. HP Tango — HP Instant Ink
The runner-up is the HP Tango, which can do more than just photo printing at around the same price as the SELPHY. It is a smart printer that supports voice activation.
Its most significant advantage is if you subscribe to HP Instant Ink, you’d be able to print 4×6” photos for free. Unlike any other printer on this list, you only pay for the printer’s initial cost, and that’s it.
In addition to printing in 4×6”, it can also print up to legal size with a printing resolution of 4800×1200 using HP Thermal Inkjet printing technology.
The HP Tango is marketed as it is able to copy and scan, but that is only partially true. It can copy and scan only via a smartphone.
It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and AirPrint, but it doesn’t have a USB port, which is a huge let-down.
- Free 4×6” photos printing with Instant Ink
- Cannot print smaller than 4×6”
- Smart voice-activated printer
- No battery
- No USB port
- Can only copy and scan via a smartphone
Final Verdict
The main reason why you consider the HP Tango is HP’s Instant Ink that will provide you with free 4×6” printing for life. It doesn’t come with an optional battery that takes away from its portability. Also, it cannot print any smaller than 4×6”; however, it can print up to legal size and offers wireless connectivity.
3. Canon Pixma iP110 — Compact InkJet for Photos
The iP110 is a lot more than just a photo printer. It has an outstanding printing resolution of 9600×2400 and can print a 4×6” photo in only 53 seconds.
The inkjet iP110 printer also offers PhotoPrint+ that allows you to edit photos before printing. Also, it supports AirPrint, Cloud, USB, PictBridge, as well as wireless connectivities.
Besides, the iP110 offers 5 ink cartridges that no other printer on this list matches. The 5-ink system provides a wider range of tones, which results in a high-quality color photo.
It is compact and lightweight at just 4.3 pounds, and when combining that with its battery, you’d get a portable printer for when you’re on the go. Also, it can print up to 8.5×23” size.
- PhotoPrint+ for editing photos
- Universal connectivity
- Optional battery
- Cannot print smaller than 4×6”
- High price tag
- Difficult to set-up
Final Verdict
The iP110 costs a little more than other printers on the list; nonetheless, it is number 3 in our list of best 4×6 photo printer that can print high-quality photos with an unmatched resolution of 9600×2400 and a 5-ink system in just 53 seconds. In addition, it features PhotoPrint+ that allows you to edit photos before printing.
4. Kodak Dock — Wi-Fi 4×6 Photo Printer
If you’re looking for portability and functionality, look no further because the Kodak Dock is the one for you. You can easily connect your smartphone by docking it in the printer. Also, you can simultaneously charge two phones through the printer. A printer and a power source? Yes, please!
It is lightweight at just 1.6 pounds and with a printing resolution of 300×300. It can print a 4×6” photo in around one minute using the D2T2 Sublimation printing technology.
It prints waterproof and fade-proof photos for longevity. However, it cannot copy or scan. When it comes to connectivity, it is universal. It can accept any smartphone, as well as a USB port.
The only downside is that it is not battery-operated and needs to be plugged into a power source.
- Charges two phones simultaneously
- Lightweight and portable
- Universal connectivity
- Can only print 4×6” photos
- Not battery powered
- The mobile app frequently crashes
Final Verdict
The Kodak Dock is an easy-to-use printer, just dock your phone, then with just one touch, it’s printing. It can also charge two phones at the same time. Using Dye-Sublimation printing technology, it prints high-quality photos that can last for a long time. However, it does not come with a battery.
What To Look For When Buying one of the Best 4×6 Photo Printer?
Know What You’ll Be Printing
Do you plan to only use your printer for photo printing, or do you also want it to be able to print regular documents? If you’re unsure or you don’t have a printer at home, you might as well get one that can print regular documents.
Know How You’ll Be Printing
If you’ll be printing via your smartphone or tablet, you wouldn’t need USB connectivity; only WiFi-Direct can get the job done. On the other hand, if you’ll be printing via a computer, a USB port is critical. Lastly, if you’ll be printing directly from a camera device, make sure that your printer can support camera devices, or at least SD card.
Size
You need to decide whether you need a desk printer or one that you can use on the go. Some portable models come with a rechargeable battery so that you can use them anywhere you are. This kind is especially great for people who love to print their photos right after taking them.
Photo Quality
If you need a decent printing quality, and why wouldn’t you? Do not get a printer with a resolution of less than 4200 x 1200 dpi.
Ink Cost
You don’t want to get a printer with a high running cost, so make sure that the ink for the printer you are buying does not cost a fortune. Also, ask if the manufacturer provides any ink replenishment programs.
Types of Paper:
More often than not, the paper will be included with the printer or the ink. If not, you need to know what you’re looking for and get the right paper that fits your needs.
Glossy Finish
If you’re looking for rich colors, you should opt for Glossy; however, that will result in a glare.
Matte
On the other hand, if you don’t like the glare, you should opt for Matte or Satin paper that also provides better contrast.
Canvas
There’s also Canvas paper that is the optimum choice if you’re planning to frame your photo. It also doesn’t have that annoying glare but still keeps a good contrast ratio.
Semi Glossy
Lastly, there’s the Semi-Glossy paper that has the best of both worlds of the Matte and Glossy paper.
Final Words
When it comes to choosing the perfect photo printer that fits what you’re looking for, it’s not exactly a piece of cake. Nonetheless, here’s a recap of the best 4×6 photo printers on the market that you need to look into right now.
Our top pick is the Canon SELPHY CP1300, which is the optimum photo printer that is easy to connect and quick to print from any device you may have.
Following up is the HP Tango that is a smart printer that can also copy and scan through your smartphone. In addition, you can also use it as a regular printer for your documents up to legal size. Not to mention, you’ll be able to print 4×6 photos for free.
After that, there is another Canon product, the Pixma iP110. It offers an unmatched resolution and PhotoPrint+ feature that allows you to edit your photos.
Lastly, Kodak Dock is the optimum portable printer even though it does not come with a battery. It is lightweight, and it can charge your phone.