When you’re selecting the best photo printer, consider features like print quality, color accuracy, and speed. If you need a printer for detailed photo prints, Epson‘s specialized photo printers are reliable, offering vibrant and precise images. HP‘s photo printers are also noteworthy for their swift printing speeds, while Canon remains a top choice due to its superior photo printing quality and higher color page yield.
In our rigorous process, three photo printers stood out from over 26 models analyzed. We examined 150,261 reviews and found that 67% of expert reviews were unreliable. Our unique approach combines True Score analysis, verification of products as tested, and our proprietary Trust Rating to filter out fake and low-quality reviews. The top models demonstrate exceptional performance in photo quality and reliability. These top-performing units have earned their reputation as the best printers available, making them ideal choices for anyone serious about photography.
How Did We Rank the Best Photo Printers?
Our team has meticulously analyzed testing methodologies from over 200 sites to identify the best photo printers. By delving into customer reviews and expert opinions, we’ve pinpointed the critical pain points and essential criteria. We determined that 2 required test results and 1 must-have specification are crucial for photo printers. Our True Score system integrates this comprehensive analysis to offer a buying guide that confidently directs you to the top options available.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Color Laser or Color Inkjet.
? Test Criteria
- Color Accuracy: Color accuracy is maintained with a deviation (dE) of less than 6.
- Color Printing Costs: Color printing cost is 40 cents per minute.
Latest Updates
- 06/14/2024: Republished the list to include the best photo printers based on our True Score system.
Top Photo Printers For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Best For Canon
For unmatched color fidelity and detail in premium photo printing, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is the top choice. It blends superb quality with cost efficiency, although at slow print speeds.
True Score
89884Experts
90464Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$899.00$799.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great print quality
- Decent running costs
Reasons to Avoid
- Slow printing speed
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder No 
Automatic Two-Sided Printing No 
Copier Resolution (B&W) – 
Copier Resolution (Color) – 
Depth 15″ 
Duplex Scan Function na 
Energy Star Certified Yes 
Height 7.9″ 
Integrated Fax No 
Max Number of Copies – 
Max Paper Width 13″ 
Mobile Printing Yes 
Number of Ink Cartridges Required 10 
Paper Feeder Top loader 
Print Speed (B&W) – 
Print Speed (Color) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 2400 
Printer Type Printer 
Scanner Resolution na 
Scanner Type na 
Tray Capacity 100 
Width 25.2″ 
Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 1 Color Print Speed (ppm) 1 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 4 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 28 Color Accuracy (dE) 3 All Retailers
$799.00$899Save $100
$799.99$900Save $100
$864.95
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium photo printer that doesn’t compromise color fidelity, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is an excellent choice. It stands out with an exceptional, best-in-class color accuracy score of 2.93 dE, ensuring that your prints match the vividness and depth of your original images with striking precision. Adding to its impressive features with a high resolution of 4800 x 2400 ensures that every print is true to color and razor-sharp, capturing every detail. This precision is paramount for professionals and enthusiasts alike who demand the utmost in color reproduction for their photographs, artworks, or design projects.
The PRO-300 printer stands out with its 10-ink cartridge system, offering exceptional color accuracy through a broad color spectrum. It accommodates both traditional wired and modern wireless printing methods. Versatile in handling different media types, it’s ideal for a range of prints, from glossy photos to matte art. Despite a modest print speed of 1 ppm for black and white and 0.75 ppm for color, its emphasis on quality is evident. With low operating costs at 4 cents per page, significantly less than the Canon Pixma TR8620A’s 7.6 cents, it combines economy with superior print quality.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 is not just about printing stunning photos. It also excels in applications beyond photography, such as crafting hobbies, scrapbooking, or even producing high-quality prints for small business marketing materials. Its extensive ink system and media flexibility offer a wide range of creative possibilities, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to bring their creative visions to life with exceptional detail and color fidelity.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon Pixma TR8620A
The Canon Pixma TR8620A excels with its decent print speeds, high color accuracy, and versatility, making it an ideal pick for diverse printing needs.
True Score
75734Experts
834kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $60$199.99$139.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive printing quality
- High-quality scanner
- Decent printing speed
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive running cost
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 13.8″ Duplex Scan Function No Energy Star Certified Yes Height 7.5″ Integrated Fax Yes Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 5 Paper Feeder Cassette tray, Tray loader Print Speed (B&W) 15 ppm Print Speed (Color) 10 ppm Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Type Copier, Fax, Printer, Scanner Scanner Resolution Up to 1200 x 2400 Scanner Type Flatbed, Sheetfed Tray Capacity 200 Width 17.3″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 12 Color Print Speed (ppm) 4 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 8 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 16 Color Accuracy (dE) 5 All Retailers
- $139.99$200Save $60
$197.01$200Save $3- $199.00
Our Verdict
For those needing a reliable photo printer, the Canon Pixma TR8620A is a compelling mid-range choice. It is notable for its standout print speeds. With a black-and-white print speed of 11.67 pages per minute (ppm) and a color print speed of 3.97 ppm, it efficiently leads its class, ensuring rapid production of documents and photos alike. This speed is essential for users with moderate to high printing demands, making the TR8620A an ideal companion for home offices and creative endeavors.
The TR8620A supports color printing and various connectivity options, including wireless printing, which enhances its versatility. It’s equipped with sufficient 200-sheet tray capacity and the convenience of an automatic document feeder, facilitating seamless, multi-page document handling. Moreover, its proficiency in producing color prints with a color accuracy of 4.93 dE and a resolution up to 4800 x 1200 DPI produces vivid and true-to-life photo prints, a critical factor for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Canon Pixma TR8620A’s strengths extend beyond its impressive speed and color fidelity. Its ability to seamlessly adapt to various applications, from creative projects like scrapbooking to the rigorous demands of small business operations, is particularly commendable. This flexibility, paired with its cost-effective ink consumption at 7.6 cents per page—a marginal improvement over the Canon Pixma MG3620’s 8.8 cents per page—makes this a practical choice for diverse printing requirements, not just limited to photos.
The Canon Pixma TR8620A is a robust, versatile printer that can handle a wide range of printing tasks, from high-volume document printing to intricate photo reproductions. It is a valuable tool in both personal and professional settings.
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Category Snapshot
Printers
- Total Brands/Products Tested
5 Brands, 26 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Epson, Canon
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$30-$1,000
- Average True Score
80.95
- Important Test Criteria
Mono & Color Print Speed (in/s, cm/s)
Color Accuracy (dE)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Top Printer Experts
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon Pixma MG3620
Ideal for budget-conscious photo enthusiasts, the Canon Pixma MG3620 offers versatile, cost-effective printing with satisfactory speeds and quality.
True Score
72704Experts
7931kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $40$79.99$39.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High print quality
- Great scan quality
Reasons to Avoid
- Steep running costs
- Slow printing speeds
- Missing display and limited connectivity
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder No Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 12″ Duplex Scan Function No Energy Star Certified Yes Height 6″ Integrated Fax No Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 2 Paper Feeder Tray loader Print Speed (B&W) 9.9 ppm Print Speed (Color) 5.7 ppm Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Resolution (Color) Up to 4800 x 1200 Printer Type All In One, Copier, Printer, Scanner Scanner Resolution Up to 1200 x 2400 Scanner Type Flatbed Tray Capacity 100 Width 17.7″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 8 Color Print Speed (ppm) 3 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 9 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 20 Color Accuracy (dE) 5 All Retailers
- $39.99$80Save $40
- $39.00$79Save $40
- $55.45$80Save $25
Our Verdict
If you are searching for a photo printer but don’t want to spend a lot, the Canon Pixma MG3620 stands out as a budget-friendly option. It offers satisfactory performance in black and white and color print speeds at 8.43 ppm and 2.63 ppm, respectively. Its efficiency in handling various printing tasks without breaking the bank makes it a compelling choice for users prioritizing cost-effectiveness alongside decent performance.
The MG3620 is also versatile, with features tailored for photo printing enthusiasts and beyond. It supports color and monochrome printing, providing flexibility for diverse printing needs. The printer is equipped with wireless connectivity options, enhancing its convenience for users by enabling mobile printing. With a tray capacity of 100 sheets and the capability for duplex printing, it adeptly meets the requirements of moderate home use.
Although it lacks an automatic document feeder, its decent color accuracy of 5.24 dE underlines its suitability for casual photo printing and producing high-quality prints for crafting hobbies or scrapbooking. Although its cost per page is 8.8 cents, notably higher than the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300’s economical 0.4 cents, it nonetheless offers a fair balance of quality and affordability, appealing to budget-aware crafters and hobbyists.
The Canon Pixma MG3620’s performance and features extend its utility to a broader range of printing tasks, accommodating the varied demands of home environments. While it may not be the top choice for high-volume document printing due to its modest tray capacity and print speeds, its balance of quality, functionality, and value make it a reliable option for users seeking a versatile and cost-effective printer for occasional photo printing and everyday printing needs.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Photo Printers?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a printer that will print the best photos.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | < 6 dE | Yes | How much the color printed by a printer deviates, on average, from the reference color. |
| Color Printing Costs | > 40 cents | Yes | How much a color page costs to print. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 80+ printers reviewers and found that 23 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for printers.
- Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
- Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
- Ben Keough – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every printer review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Printers Test Data & Results
1. Color Accuracy (dE)
Color accuracy with printers uses a mix of standardized references (like the Adobe ColorChecker) and a color control sensor to check the accuracy of the colors printed by a printer and then grades the accuracy on a 10-point+ scale. Unlike most scales, where 10 is good, color accuracy scores are reversed, with 0 and 1 being the most desirable score, as it indicates little to no deviation from the reference color.
Generally speaking, color accuracy should be at least a 5 or lower to be considered “good.” At 6 or higher, the colors are noticeably different, which is an issue if you’re printing photos and hoping for accurate colors.
Color Accuracy
< 6
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much deviation exists between the colors printed by the printer itself and the colors shown in the photograph you’re printing on your monitor or phone.
Units of Measurement: N/A
Tools to Measure: Color Control Sensor, Color Reference Document
Why It’s Important:
If you print photos constantly, or need accurate colors for logos, color accuracy matters a great deal.
Color Accuracy (lower is better)
2. Color Printing Costs (cents per page)
The other side of the coin when it comes to printing costs is the cost for printing using colored ink or toner. While it’s measured the same was as you’d measure black and white printing costs, the acceptable cost is much, much different. Colored ink is more expensive than black and white ink, and if you’re constantly printing photos, the cost of printing in color will ramp up very fast.
We therefore recommend that your printer print color pages at a cost of 40 cents per page or less. Less is always better – getting the cost as low as possible without compromising print quality is the ideal, after all.
Color Printing Costs
< 40 cents per page
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much it costs to print a page in color.
Units of Measurement: cents per page
Tools to Measure: Calculator
Why It’s Important:
Lower costs per page means less money spent on ink; given that color ink is generally more expensive than black, this is especially attractive.
Color Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)
Best Photo Printers: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Printing Technology: Different printing technologies like inkjet and dye-sublimation offer varying print qualities. Inkjet printers generally offer versatile printing options, while dye-sublimation printers excel at producing high-quality photo prints. Choose the technology that best suits your needs.
- Underestimating Print Quality: Print quality is paramount for photo printers. Don’t sacrifice quality for other features. Ensure the printer can produce vibrant colors, sharp details, and lifelike images for your photos.
- Disregarding Print Size: Consider the maximum print size supported by the printer. Some photo printers can only print standard sizes like 4×6 inches, while others can produce larger prints up to 13×19 inches or more. Choose a printer that meets your print size requirements. If you need to print on the go, consider a portable photo printer, which is ideal for quick prints from a mobile device.
- Neglecting Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer offers convenient connectivity options for your devices. Look for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB connectivity, as well as support for mobile printing technologies like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print for seamless printing from smartphones and tablets.
The Best Photo Printers Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
B&W Print Speed
|
Color Print Speed
|
B&W Cost (per page)
|
Color Cost (per page)
|
Color Accuracy
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|  $799.00 $899 $100 |
| 75 |
|
|
|
|
|  $139.99 $200 $60 |
| 72 |
|
|
|
|
| $39.99 $80 $40 |
