Ranking the best portable printers for 2022

Most people need to print pictures, documentation or other important files, but the offices that do this activity are, unfortunately, closed or located too far away.

If funds allow, it would be wise to consider purchasing office equipment. This means a portable type printer, through which documents can be printed on paper almost anywhere.

This post takes a deep dive into the features of the best portable printers for 2022, as well as their technological parameters.

What is the difference between a portable printer and an ordinary one?

The key difference between portable and stationary type printers is their weight, size and ability to function without being tied to a laptop or personal computer. It will not be superfluous to note the parameters indicating the portability of the printer, namely:

• The connection method for portable devices is often via Bluetooth. There are more innovative devices that support Wi-Fi wireless network standards, as well as older ones with infrared;
• Consumption of consumables. For portable gadgets, it is much larger with a smaller resource of cartridges;
• The speed of ordinary printers is better when compared with the same indicator for portable models;
• Electrical connection is required for office devices. Portable gadgets run on batteries, which must be charged on time;
• The page format is often smaller than the landscape sheet, which is accepted for printing official documents. One way or another, there are portable printers on the market that can print files in A4 format, but their price is much more expensive;
• The print quality of portable gadgets is provided at a level of 300 to 320 DPI, which is enough for documentation with textual content, but absolutely not enough for color images. At the same time, the price tags for devices operating in the 1000 DPI format are much higher when compared with ordinary printers from leading manufacturers.

Based on the above, it can be concluded that the user has the ability to:

1. Pay a large amount for a portable device and acquire the ability to print documentation in A4 format.
2. Buy a budget mobile model, but turn your back on high-quality A4 printing.

Criteria for choosing a portable printer

When buying a mobile printing device, you should focus on the following:

• Format - determines the quality of the printed information. Requirements for obtaining a high-quality image: from 1,200 DPI, illustrations - from 600 DPI, text content - from 300 DPI;
• Performance - the ability of the device to print a specific number of pages with color or black and white content per minute. Usually, the latter are printed faster;
• Memory capacity and the ability to display information from portable data storage devices (flash media, micro SD of various formats);
• Chip. The more productive it is, the faster color pictures are printed in large format;
• Interface - sets the ability to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Allows you to function not only with a laptop or PC, but also with phones, smart devices and tablet PCs;
• Format. Often there are mobile devices on the market that can output the maximum print format, which is 10x15 cm (A6). Not so long ago, portable printers designed for printing A4 documents began to be in demand;
• Print settings set auxiliary page parameters: duplex, no margins, etc.;
• Operating system support. Compatibility of the system with the interface of a smartphone, laptop, tablet PC and other drive from which the file is printed.

The cartridge resources, the number of colors, and also the power of the battery should also be considered important. All these parameters make it possible to choose a printer that is extremely pleasing to the needs of the buyer. Do not forget that you need to accurately indicate the method and scope of use of a mobile printer.For example, in some cases you need a capacitive battery, A4 size and the smallest requirements in order to print b/w text.

In such a situation, it is possible to find a device that is significantly more affordable when compared with color-type alternatives.

The best portable printers

To date, manufacturers from various countries are determined to provide customers with a huge selection of mobile printers in order to print documentation. Each printer has its own characteristics and price. The cost is related to the brand and quality of the gadget, as well as its functionality. To determine the difference between mobile printers, you need to study their parameters and features.

Brother PocketJet 773

This printer can print files in A4 format. The weight of the device is 480 g with dimensions of 25.5x5.5x3 cm. You can carry the gadget in a laptop backpack or in your hands. You can connect the device to a PC via a USB 2.0 cable, and to other portable gadgets via Wi-Fi networks.

The ability to function with phones and gadgets running Android and iOS operating systems distinguishes the device from competitors.

The output of information on paper is carried out by means of thermal printing technology, which makes it possible to output high-quality single-color copies on special-purpose paper in the 300x300 DPI format. The speed of the device is 8 sheets per minute.

The average price is 65,000 rubles.

• Small size and light weight;
• Synchronization with devices that work on the basis of Android and iOS operating systems;
• The speed of outputting information to paper.

• Overpriced, according to users, the cost.

Epson WorkForce WF-100W

If this portable inkjet type model is compared with ordinary stationary printers, then its small size should be highlighted. The weight is 1.6 kg, and the dimensions are 30.9x15.4x1 cm. The device is able to print pages in A4 format in b/w or color, as it works with 4 cartridges.

It is possible to control the portable device, as well as receive current information regarding the status of the print, from the console, which is located next to the small screen. The gadget works in an activated state through an electrical network or through a personal computer via a USB 2.0 interface.

Possibilities of a cartridge at a print in color make 200 sheets in 14 minutes, and at one-color - 250 sheets in 11 minutes. The maximum possible format is 5760x1440 DPI. To function via wireless-type communication channels for the gadget, you need to install the Epson iPrint application.

The average price is 19,000 rubles.

• Autonomy is about 2.5 hours;
• A4 format for test content and images;
• Excellent resolution;
• Excellent performance indicators.

• There is no tray for inserting paper;
• Relatively bulky and large.

HP OfficeJet 202 Mobile Printer

The mobile device for printing stands out from the competition with similar dimensions when compared with a device from the manufacturer Epson, but it has a large weight, which is 2.1 kg. Thanks to battery operation and the ability to work via a Wi-Fi channel with smartphones based on Android and iOS operating systems, the printer is considered a mobile device for the office.

The maximum print speed for color documents is 6 pages per minute, and monochrome - 9 pages per minute. If you connect the device to the mains, the print speed is slightly faster. Pictures are displayed in 4800x1200 DPI format, and text content and b/w files in 1200x1200 DPI resolution.

The battery charge of the mobile device is restored using the exclusive Fast Charge technology within 1.5 hours. The highlight of the printer is that it is able to function with photo paper, and can also print documents on both sides.

The average price is 14,000 rubles.

• Synchronization with devices that work on the basis of OS Android and iOS via Wi-Fi;
• Maximum print size - A4;
• Excellent resolution.

• Bulky.

Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2

To print pictures on this mobile model, you need to spend only a couple of seconds. Who does not know, this manufacturer won the hearts of buyers through the manufacture and popularization of photographic devices with instant photo printing. Over the entire period of the company's own activity, this printer has become the second representative of the range of portable gadgets designed to print color files in the smallest size, which is only 4.6x6.2 cm.

The dimensions of the printer are 13.2x9.4, and the weight is only 250 g. The battery can support the device for printing about 100 pages.

With Apple's Air Print support, the printer can sync with phones and receive files over Wi-Fi. Consumption of consumables is relatively economical.You will need to replace the cartridge frequently as it will only last 10 pages.

With a format of 320 DPI and due to OLED technology, the pictures come out high-quality, with good brightness and color intensity.

The average price is 8,000 rubles.

• Lightweight and compact;
• Synchronizes with gadgets that work on the basis of OS Android and iOS;
• Powerful battery;
• Availability.

• Low print resolution
• "Modest" capabilities of the cartridge.

Polaroid Zip

The portable printing device stands out from the competition with its compact dimensions, which are 12.7x4.2x3 cm, and also weighs 190 g. The printer can print single-color and color documents. The print is limited to a format that is 7.6x5 cm.

The interface of the model has support for NFC and Bluetooth, but is not equipped with a Wi-Fi unit. In order for the device to synchronize with Android or iOS OS, you must download and install branded applications in advance. One 100% battery charge is enough to print 25 sheets, but consumables are expensive. The highlight of the model is the use of Zero Ink Printing technology, which implies the absence of inks and cartridges. Instead, special-purpose paper with dyes applied to it is used.

The average price is 8,500 rubles.

• Small size and light weight;
• Synchronizes with devices running Android and iOS;
• Availability.

• Expensive consumables;
• No Wi-Fi block;
• The battery provides an impression of a small number of sheets.

Canon SELPHY CP1300

A portable device for printing differs from its competitors in its expanded screen dimensions and a number of convenient functions. Of the latter, it is worth highlighting PictBridge, which allows you to print pictures from the camera of the connected gadget, and Party Shuffle, which is used to print a number of photos in the form of a collage. The model stands out from the competition with the possibility of a sublimation print, which guarantees high quality and reliability. The gadget supports flash drives such as SD mini and macro standards, and is also able to work with various devices via USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi.

Thanks to the sublimation thermal imprint, the quality of the functioning of the model is not related to its placement and other mechanical influences. The battery recovers quickly: it is enough to print 50 sheets. The battery is easily removed and replaced, if necessary, with a backup. By the way, there is no “spare wheel” in the box, and therefore it will have to be purchased separately. The illustration format is 300x300 DPI with a print resolution of 10x15 cm. The print time of one sheet is 47 seconds, which is a long time compared to competitors.

The average price is 7,500 rubles.

• A huge number of interfaces designed to connect the printer to various devices and data storage devices;
• The spare battery charges quickly;
• Function of the press of pictures "for documents".

• Print duration.

Kodak Photo Printer Dock

The manufacturer makes portable devices for printing on gadgets running Android and iOS.By the way, such printers are marked with marks PD-480 and PD-450.

In Russia, portable models with these marks are difficult to find.

For operation, cartridges are used that are compatible with paper sheets measuring 10x15 cm, as well as a sublimation type tape. The mechanism of action of a portable gadget is similar to that used in the Selfie model from Canon. The cartridge is enough to print 40 high-quality prints that are resistant to fingerprints and moisture. To print a photo "one touch" on the case there is a button "1 Touch".

The average price is 12,000 rubles.

• The charger makes it possible to connect various gadgets for recharging;
• High quality print.

• For OS Android and iOS, different versions of devices are manufactured;
• Difficult to find on the territory of the Russian Federation.

comparison table

All of the portable printers described above have distinctive features. The maximum resolution of the print, as well as its quality, should be taken into account.

Each model has its own area of ​​use. For example, portable models from Fujifilm and Polaroid are designed to print documents and images. Devices from Canon and Kodak corporations allow you to get pictures in the 10x15 cm format, and printers from Brother, Epson and HP are perfect for working with documents.

Model	Print type	Interface	Maximum resolution, dpi	Number of colors	Format, cm	Weight, kg	Size, cm
Brother Pocketjet 773	Thermo	USB 2.0, WiFi	300x300	b/w	A4	0.48	25.1x5.5x3
Epson WorkForce WF-100W	Inkjet	USB 2.0, WiFi	5760x1440	4 colors	A4	1.6	30.9x15.4x6.1
HP OfficeJet 202 Mobile Printer	Inkjet	USB 2.0, WiFi	1200x4800	4 colors	A4	2.1	36.4x18.6x6.9
Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2	Thermo	WiFi	320x320	3 colors	4.6x6.2	0.25	9x13.2x4
Polaroid Zip	Thermo	Bluetooth 4.0, NFC	300x300	3 colors	5x7.6	0.19	12x7.4x2.3
Canon SELPHY CP1300	Thermal, inkjet, photo	SD, USB 2.0, WiFi	300x300	3 colors	10x15	0.86	18x6.3x13.6
Kodak Photo Printer Dock	sublimation	microSD, microUSB, USB		4 colors	10x15	0.76	16.58x10x6.85

For certain gadgets, the number of colors is written in the technological parameters of the model by the manufacturer, but they work according to the method of functioning with photographic paper, where dyes are embedded.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that portable printers are being made much more productive and more reliable every year, as technology is being improved in colossal steps. To date, it is possible to buy a portable gadget for printing, which allows you to output high-quality images in a format of 10x15 cm.

Users chose the SELPHY CP1300 model from Canon Corporation as the best available segment, through which pictures are displayed in a resolution of 10x15 cm in 300x300 DPI format. The weight of the gadget is only 860 g.

For those who want more options in terms of quality and print format, Epson's WorkForce WF-100W is available. This printer will give you the ability to print high quality pictures and make high quality copies in A4. This device will be an excellent purchase for those who work remotely or for personal use.

In truth, today it is possible to consider the Brother PocketJet 773 model as the flagship mobile device for printing, which differs from its competitors in its lightness, compactness and high-quality printing of documents in A4.