Buying Guide: Best Polaroid Printers to Pick in 2024

Having a physical print of a photograph provides a tangible and lasting way to cherish our memories in today’s digital era. That's where Polaroid printers come in handy.
Polaroid printers offer a way to bridge the gap between digital and physical by allowing you to print your favorite photos instantly. In this buying guide, we'll explore the best Polaroid printers to pick in 2024, so you can easily bring your memories to life.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Polaroid Printer

Before diving into the best Polaroid printers of 2024, it's important to consider the factors influencing your decision-making process.

Photo by Juliana Malta on unsplash

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a Polaroid printer:

1. Print quality: The quality of the prints is a crucial factor when choosing a Polaroid printer. Look for printers that produce sharp, vivid, and accurate colors.
2. Connectivity options: Polaroid printers can connect to your smartphone, tablet, or computer through various methods, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Consider which connectivity option is most convenient for you.
3. Size and portability: Polaroid printers come in various sizes, from compact and portable to larger models suitable for home use. Consider how and where you plan to use the printer, and choose a size that fits your needs.
4. Printing speed: Some Polaroid printers take longer to print than others. If you plan to use your printer frequently, consider a model with a faster printing speed.
5. Paper type and availability: Polaroid printers use specific paper types to produce prints. Consider the availability and cost of the paper when choosing a printer.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options and choose a Polaroid printer that meets your needs and produces high-quality prints.

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 excellent photo quality and versatility. With its compact and stylish design, this printer is perfect for anyone who wants to print and share their memories on the go.

Specifications

• Print size: 2.84 x 3.35 inches
• Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
• Special feature: Water resistant
• Printing time: 43 seconds
• Printing Technology: Dye sublimation
• Battery life: 20 prints per charge
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Printer size: 4 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Weight: 1 pound

Pros

• Produces long-lasting prints (Up to 100 years)
• Multiple connecting options
• Prints dry quickly
• Comes with an app compatible with both Android and IOS

Cons

• None

2. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link: Best Compact One

Image credit: amazon.com

If you're looking for a compact and portable Polaroid printer that offers high-quality prints, then the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link is perfect. It's lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Specifications

• Print size: 2.4 x 1.8 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, app
• Printing time: 12 seconds
• Battery life: up to 100 prints per charge
• Charging time: 2 hrs
• Printer size: 8.5 x 6.3 x 4.7 inches
• Weight: 1 pound

Pros

• Compact and portable design
• High-quality prints with accurate colors
• Easy to use with the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link app
• Fun and creative features like collage and match test mode

Cons

• Limited connectivity options
• The colors might be off if you didn't adjust them 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 is a budget-friendly Polaroid printer that offers excellent value for money. If you're looking for a budget-friendly Polaroid printer that delivers excellent performance, the Kodak Step Wireless Photo Mini Printer is a great option.

Specifications

• Print size: 2 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Zinc technology
• Battery life: 25 prints per charge
• Charging time: 1.5 hours
• Printer size: 3 x 5 x 1 inches
• Weight: 0.55 pounds

Pros

• It is affordable
• Superb print quality
• Zero ink technology
• Editing options in the app

Cons

• Colors may appear dull.

4. Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer: Lightest Portable Printer

Image credit: amazon.com

This printer is small enough to fit in your pocket and can easily connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. With its easy-to-use app, you can customize your photos with filters, frames, and text before printing.

Specifications

• Print size: 2 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Printing time: 20 seconds
• Printing Technology: Inkjet
• Battery life: 20 prints per charge
• Charging time: 1 ½ hours
• Printer size: 6.5 x 5.4 x 4.2 inches
• Weight: 0.35 pounds

Pros

• Pocket-size so you can carry it anywhere
• Easy-to-use app with editing features
• Sticky-back paper option
• Affordable price

Cons

• You can only connect via Bluetooth
• Images may appear faded
• The printing process is a bit noisy

5. HP Sprocket Portable Printer: Best Design

Image credit: amazon.com

The HP Sprocket Portable Printer is a stylish and compact photo printer that lets you print photos from your smartphone or tablet. Its sleek and elegant design makes it one of the best-looking Polaroid printers on the market.

With its compact size and Bluetooth connectivity, you can take this printer anywhere and print 2x3-inch photos on sticky-backed paper.

Specifications

• Print size: 2 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Special feature: Multiple device connection, Augmented reality capabilities
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Zinc Technology
• Battery life: 35 prints per charge
• Charging time: 1 hour
• Printer size: 22.6 x 22 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 0.38 pounds

Pros

• Allows connection to multiple devices at the same time
• Supports borderless printing

Cons

• You can't connect via Wi-Fi.

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 perfect for anyone who loves the retro look and feel of Polaroid prints. With its advanced dye-sublimation technology, this printer produces high-quality 3x3-inch waterproof and fingerprint-proof prints.

Specifications

• Print size: 3 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Special feature: Augmented Reality
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Dye Sublimation
• Battery life: 20 prints per charge
• Charging time: 1 ½ hours
• Printer size: 1.6 x 2 x 0.4 inches
• Weight: 1 pound

Pros

• Supports both border and borderless photos
• Produces high-quality prints
• Comes in multiple colors to suit your style

Cons

• Lacks sticky-back paper option

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 a great option for anyone who wants to print larger-sized photos and videos. This printer produces high-quality 3x4.5-inch prints that are perfect for capturing larger-than-life moments. With its unique Hyperphoto technology, you can print still photos that come to life as videos when viewed through the Lifeprint app.

Specifications

• Print size: 3 x 4.5 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• Special feature: World's only shareable photo printer
• Printing time: 30 seconds
• Printing Technology: Zinc Technology
• Battery life: 25 prints per charge
• Charging time: 1 hour
• Printer size: 1.9 x 5.3 x 7.5 inches
• Weight: 0.75 pounds

Pros

• Easy to use
• Supports augmented reality
• Allows you to connect and share photos with others through the app

Cons

• Not great for small photos
• It is expensive

8. Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer: Best Performance Printer

Image credit: amazon.com

The Zink Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer is a powerful portable printer that delivers high-quality prints with impressive performance. Its built-in rechargeable battery allows you to print up to 50 photos on a single charge.

Specifications

• Print size: 2 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Zink Technology
• Battery life: 50 prints per charge
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Printer size: 4.5 x 3 x 0.7 inches
• Weight: 0.36 pounds

Pros

• Available in multiple colors
• More prints on a single charge than other printers
• Excellent battery capacity

Cons

• Limited paper size options
• Prints can have a slight color shift

9. KODAK Smile Instant Digital Printer: Best for Instant Printing

Image credit: amazon.com

The KODAK Smile Instant Digital Printer is a top-notch instant printer that offers fast and easy printing of your favorite photos. This printer uses Zink Zero Ink technology to produce smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant 2x3-inch prints that are ready to use immediately.

Specifications

• Print size: 2 x 3 inches
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Micro-USB
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Zink Technology
• Battery life: 40 prints per charge
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Printer size: 4.6 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 0.035 ounces

Pros

• Its app is packed with many editing features
• Allows you to edit and print photos directly from social media
• Produces highly detailed prints

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 a cost-effective Polaroid printer that offers great features at an affordable price. This printer is ideal for those who want to print photos from their mobile devices, digital cameras, or computers quickly and easily.

With its compact design and user-friendly interface, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to print high-quality photos without breaking the bank.

Specifications

• Print size: 4 x 6 inches
• Connectivity: USB
• Printing time: 60 seconds
• Printing Technology: Dye-sublimation
• Battery life: 54 prints per charge
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Printer size: 7 x 5.4 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds

Pros

• The average printing cost is $0.35, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
• Uses dye-sublimation technology to produce high-quality, vibrant prints that are long-lasting and resistant to smudging and fading.
• Versatile printing options, including Wi-Fi, USB, and SD card, make it easy to print photos from various devices.
• Comes with a 3.0-inch tilt-up LCD to easily navigate and edit your photos before printing.

Cons

• Slow printing speed
• It is heavier than the other printers
• It lacks a dedicated app

Conclusion

Polaroid printers are a fun and convenient way to print your favorite photos instantly. Whether you're looking for a compact printer you can take with you on the go or a larger printer that can produce high-quality prints, there's a Polaroid printer out there to suit your needs.

So take some time to consider what matters most to you and choose accordingly.

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