BoogschutterBuying Guide: Best Polaroid Printers to Pick in 2024
In this digital age, the best and most hassle-free approach to cherish and retain memories for a lifetime is with hands-on physical print (hard copy) of your photographs; which is why you need a Paraloid printer.
Paraloid printers are critical in bridging the gap between the digital and actual photographic worlds because they allow you to print your favorite shots wherever you go. So if you’re looking to buy the best Polaroid printer in 2024 and easily have all your memories with you, keep reading this guide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Polaroid Printer
Before we explore the best Polaroid printers of 2024, let’s look at the factors that are likely to affect your decision-making process.
Photo by Juliana Malta on unsplash
Here are some of the main factors you may want to keep in mind as you shop for a Polaroid printer:
- Print quality: The quality of the resulting prints is one important factor to keep in mind. This is what you should be looking for; prints that produce sharp, vivid, and accurate colors for amazing results.
- Connectivity options: Polaroid printers can connect to a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer through features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Go for the option that suits you most.
- Size and portability: The Polaroid printers come in a wide variety of sizes, some more portable and compact in size and some larger, which might be more suitable for home printing. Depending on how and where you intend to be using a printer, you can choose a size that suits the requirements.
- Printing speed: Polaroid printers come with different printing speeds. If you plan to use your printer quite often, then you will have to consider a printer with a faster printing speed.
- Paper type and availability: Polaroid printers use a special kind of paper to make prints. Keep in mind the availability and cost of these papers while selecting the ideal printer for you.
Taking these factors into account, you will be able to select a printer that will produce high-quality prints and meet your other printing needs.
Best Polaroid Printer to Buy in 2024
Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Canon SELPHY Square QX10: Overall Best
Image credit: amazon.com
The Canon Selphy Square QX10 is a high-quality, portable photo printer with versatility and excellent print quality. This compact and stylish look fits perfectly when you want to print and share your memories on the go.
Specifications
- Size of printed area: 2.84 x 3
- Portability: USB, Wi-Fi
- Special Feature: Water Resistant
- Print time: 43s
- How it is Printed: Dye Sub
- Printing speed: 20 sheets/charge
- Charge Time: 2 Hours
- Printer size: 4 x 5.6 x 1.2
- Weight: 1 pound
Pros
- Creates long-lasting prints (Up to 100 years)
- Several connectivity options
- Fast drying prints
- Feature an application compatible with both Android and IOS
Cons
- None
2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link: Best Compact One
Image credit: amazon.com
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link is a light and portable printer that enables you to obtain good-quality prints. It is lightweight, simple to use, and compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Specifications
- Image Size: 2.4 x 1
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, application
- Time taken to print: 12s
- Power Supply: Up to 100 prints on a single charge
- Time to fully charge: 2
- Physical size: 8.5 x 6.3
- Weighs 1 pound
Pros
- High-quality prints with the right colors
- Easy to use with the Instax Mini Link app from Fujifilm
- Fun and creative features like collage and match test mode
- Robust design and lightweight thus easy to carry around
Cons
- Fewer connectivity options
- The colors can be slightly off if not adjusted in the app first
3. Kodak Step Wireless Photo Mini Printer: Best Budget Polaroid Printer
Image credit: amazon.com
The Kodak Step Wireless Photo Mini Printer has been characterized as budget-friendly for a Polaroid printer, but it comes with great value for the cost as well. So, if you are on a budget and need a working, great Polaroid printer, this is the way to go.
Specifications
- Imprint area: 2 x 3 inches
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
- Print Time: 60 sec
- Printing Technology: Zinc technology
- Number of prints per charge: 25
- Charging time: 1.5 hours
- Size: 3 x 5 x 1 inches
- Weighs 0.55 pounds
Pros
- It's affordable
- The print quality is excellent.
- Non-Ink Technology
- Options for editing are available in the application
Cons
- Colors may look dim
4. Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer: Lightest Portable Printer
Image credit: amazon.com
There are pocket-size printers that can easily be connected to a smartphone or tablet. Now, with its new application, you can easily edit the picture and even put in some filters, frames, or text before printing.
Specifications
- Print Size: 2 x 3 inches
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 20 seconds Printing Time
- Inkjet Printing Technology
- Prints per charge: 20 pages
- Charging Time: 1 ½ Hours
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.4 x
- Weighs 0.35 pounds
Pros
- Pocket-sized so you can carry it around with you
- App for easy use with editing utilities
- Self-adhesive paper option
- Economically priced
Cons
- You can only connect using Bluetooth
- Images may look overly washed
- The printing process is somewhat noisy
5. HP Sprocket Portable Printer: Best Design
Image credit: amazon.com
The HP Sprocket Portable Printer allows you to print instant photos from your smartphone or tablet. It features a sleek, elegant design which makes it one of the best-looking Polaroid printers on the market.
This printer is small in size and connects to other devices through Bluetooth. You can print a 2x3-inch photo on sticky-backed paper just about anywhere.
Specifications
- Image Size: 2" x 3
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Special feature: multi-device linking, augmented reality function
- Time to print: 60sec
- Printing Technology: Zinc Printing
- Battery: 35 prints per charge
- Charging Time: 1 hour
- Measurements: 22.6 x 22 x 0.5 inches
- Weighs 0.38 pounds
Pros
- Enables connection to several devices at once
- Borderless printing is supported
Cons
- Wi-Fi connection not available
6. Kodak Mini 3 Retro: Best Polaroid Printer for Retro Style Prints
Image credit: Kodak.com
The Kodak Mini 3 Retro is a high-quality portable printer ideal for all fans of the retro-style look and feel of Polaroid prints. The printer utilizes its advanced dye-sublimation technology to produce a high-resolution 3x3-inch print that is both waterproof and fingerprint-proof.
Specifications
- Size of Print: 3x3 inches
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Special Feature: Augmented Reality
- Time of printing: 60 seconds
- Dye Sublimation Printing Technology
- Quantity of prints: 20 copies in one shot
- Charging Time: 1 ½ hours
- Printer dimensions: 1.6 x 2 x 0.4 inches
- Weighs 1 pound
Pros
- It supports border and borderless photos
- The printer produces quality prints
- Comes in a variety of colors to suit your style
Cons
- Stick back option not provided
7. Lifeprint 3x4.5 Portable Photo and Video Printer: Best for Large Prints
Image credit: amazon.com
The Lifeprint 3x4.5 Portable Photo and Video Printer is perfect for those in need of prints of larger-sized photos and videos. The printer produces prints of 3x4.5 inches, great for capturing moments bigger than life. Its unique Hyperphoto technology enables the printing of still photos which, in effect when viewed through the Lifeprint app, come to life as videos.
Specifications
- Photo Size: 3 x 4.5 inches
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Key Feature: The world's only shareable photo printer.
- Print Time: 30 sec
- Printing technology: zinc technology
- Battery Life: 25 prints per charge
- Charging time: 1 hour
- Printer footprint: 1.9 x 5.3 x 7.5 inches
- Weighs 0.75 pounds
Pros
- Easy to use
- Supports augmented reality
- Allows you to connect and share photos with others through the app
Cons
- Not well suited for tiny photos
- It is quite costly
8. Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer: Best Performance Printer
Image credit: amazon.com
The Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer is a highly-performing portable printer that allows you to print quality images. It features a high-quality rechargeable battery which when fully charged, you can print up to 50 photos before the next recharge.
Specifications
- Print Image Size: 2 x 3 inches
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Print speed: 60 seconds
- Printed Technology Zink Technology
- Battery Life: 50 prints per charge
- 2 hours Charging Time
- Printer Dimension: 4.5 x 3 x 0.7 inches
- Weighs 0.36 pounds
Pros
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
- Can print more in one charge compared to other printers.
- Battery capacity is excellent
Cons
- Only a few paper-size selections
- Prints might be a little different in color
9. KODAK Smile Instant Digital Printer: Best for Instant Printing
Image credit: amazon.com
The KODAK Smile Instant Digital Printer is one of the top-rated instant printers with the simplest and quickest method to print your most loved photos. This printer utilizes Zink Zero Ink technology to achieve tear-resistant and water-resistant 2x3-inch prints ready to use on the go.
Specifications
- Print Size : 2 x 3 inches
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Micro-USB
- Printing Time: 60sec
- Printing Technology Zink technology
- Per Charge Print: 40 prints
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Size of printer: 4.6 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
- Weighs 0.035 ounces
Pros
- It has an app full of numerous editing features
- Enables one to edit and print photos directly from the social media platform.
- Provides very detailed printouts
Cons
- Requires the app to operate
- Its color reproduction isn't the best
10. Canon Selphy CP1300: Best Cost-Effective Polaroid Printer
Image credit: amazon.com
The Canon Selphy CP1300 is among the cheap Polaroid printers with many great features at a relatively low price. These exclusive features make the printer ideal for quick and easy printing directly from a mobile device, digital camera, or computer.
The Canon Selphy CP1300 is an excellent tool for high-quality photo output, yet an affordable, compact, and user-friendly device.
Specifications
- Print Size: 4 x 6 inches
- USB Connectivity
- Printing Duration: 60 sec
- Print Technology: Dye-sublimation
- Number of prints per charge: 54
- Charging Time: 2 hours
- Size of the printer: 7 x 5.4 x 2 inches
- Weighs 2 pounds
Pros
- The average printing cost is $0.35, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
- Features a dye-sublimation technology that enables users to get brilliant and high-quality pictures that last and are very resistant to smudging and fading.
- Versatile printing options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and SD card, make it easy to print photos from various devices.
- It comes with a 3.0-inch tilt-up LCD to easily operate and edit your photos before printing
Cons
- It prints slowly.
- It is heavier than other printers.
- It lacks a dedicated app
Conclusion
Polaroid printers are a fun way to print all those favorite photos instantly. From the smaller, lightweight printers to take with you on your travels to the more advanced and larger printers for those high-quality prints, there are so many different Polaroid printers to choose from. So take a moment to reflect on what truly matters most to you, and choose the printer that suits your needs.
