Even though digital photography has advanced since the last decade, you still want a printer that can print your photographs for some special occasions. Whether you want to display your photos on your birthday or send photo frames as a gift, buying a 4×6 photo printer can save a hell of a lot of money.
These printers are best to provide borderless printing, connectivity with your smart devices, and portability, yet an economical solution for photo printing.
Moreover, even photographers want photos printed. They have to send the film off and wait for it. All of this can be solved by buying a 4×6 photo printer. You can print photos from a desktop and mobile or even SD cards.
No need to run off to search for the best ones as we have given you a list of the best 4×6 photo printers. These 4×6 photo printers are not only tested and tried, but we also surveyed manufacturers’ and buyers’ reviews to get the best of all these.
We have listed our complete list in this review article. Along with that, a buying guide is also given for important information on photo printers. Let us get right into it!
Top 6 Best 4×6 photo Printers 2024
1. Canon SELPHY CP1300: Best overall photo printer
Specifications
- Printing technology: Dye Sublimation
- Output: Color
- Dimensions:4 x 7.1 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 9 Pounds
Starting right off the bat with CP1200 updated version is called Conan SELPHY CP1300. You can get photos printed, borderless, or with borders both in size 4×6. Looking at its weight, it’s on the light side, so you can easily carry it with you. The photo printed dries quickly, and you get high-quality photos in various sizes. We know you are looking for a 4×6 photo printer, but you can always get photos in different sizes ranging from 4″x6″ to 2.1″x2.1″ size as well. CP1300 takes only 47 seconds to print a 4×6 sized photo.
The resolution it gives is 300×300 dpi which is enough to show vibrant colors in photos, and we really liked the results this printer gave. Being quite small in size, you can print from anywhere, and you don’t need to worry about its portability. It also has built-in wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from Airprint, SD card, USB, and Bluetooth. You can easily print from Facebook™ and Instagram™ by using the Conan print app. Inside the package, you get Conan CP1300, a power adaptor, a paper cassette, and sample ink and paper as well.
Before getting prints of photos, CP1300 has an LCD screen of 3.2″ that allows you to edit them. You can tilt the LCD for a better editing experience. It is highly portable because you can travel with it as it comes with a separate battery pack.
Final words:
2. Epson Picture Matte PM-400: Best high-quality 4×6 photo printer
Specifications
- Printing technology: Inkjet
- Output: Color
- Dimensions:1 x 9.8 x 7.9 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
You can count on Epson when it comes to the quality of the best 4×6 photo printers. Epson picture Matte PM-400 uses only Epson cartridges; third-party ink cartridges will ruin the quality. The reason for its high picture quality is not using dye sublimation inks.
Yes, the printer may look unpopular to you, but it uses high-quality inks of four colors, yellow, cyan, magenta, and black, while having 180 nozzles per color. You get borderless photos of size 4×6 inches in approximately 36 seconds. Aside from 4×6 size, it gives 5×7 inches photos as well. The photo quality is superior and waterproof, giving you professional-level photographs at the convenience of your home.
PM-400 can be connected to any wireless device like mobile, tablets, androids, iPad, and iPhones. Also, it can print from an SD card as it has a slot for that. Although the design is not that small enough to take with you for tables, it does not take up much space. Moreover, its compact design can withhold 20 sheets of photos.
The control panel LCD is 2.7″ and easy to use. Epson holds quite confident in ink durability and ensures that photo ink does not fade for 200 years. Of course, you can’t test the claim, but it shows the quality and superiority you get with this photo printer. Inside the box, you get one ink cartridge having four colors. Moreover, you get 5 sample glossy paper sheets as well. We recommend this 4×6 photo printer for people who want to use it for occasional photos at home.
Final words:
3. HP Sprocket Photo Printer: Best budget 4×6 photo printer
Specifications
- Printing technology: Laser
- Output: Color
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 6.65 x 2.68 inches
- Weight: 06 Pounds
If Epson ensures 200 years of ink quality, then HP Sprocket photo printer ensures quality that will last 100 years. HP Sprocket is a dye-sublimation printer that is low priced among all and offers high-quality photo printing with minimum ink cost.
You can connect it to Bluetooth only. Or you can use the HP Sprocket app and print after editing your picture using built-in filters and editing options. The app allows you to experience Augmented reality and print from Cloud and social media. Get the best editing experience as the HP Sprocket app lets you print collages, ID photos, and much more!
You can get 4×6 inches photos that are water and smudge-resistant. Also, it features an input tray that can hold up to 20 sheets of paper. The package comes with 10 glossy paper sheets and an ink cartridge. Although the price is low, it uses the technology of expensive printers to print, plus you get an optional battery or power bank as well. Its speed is quite low as it prints one photo in one minute, but the photo quality is never compromised considering the budget.
Final words:
4. Kodak Dock Plus: Best Portable photo printer 4×6
Specifications
- Printing technology: Dye sublimation
- Output: Color
- Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 3 inches
- Weight: 22 pounds
Kodak Dock plus is another best 4×6 photo printer on the list, and we listed it because of its instant printing, small size, and high-quality prints.
This printer uses 4Pass technology to ensure high-quality 4×6 inches photos. It features a free Kodak app where you can edit photos and get them printed instantly. The printer allows you to print both borderless photos and photos with borders.
Kodak Dock plus comes with USB-C, a lightning connector, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect it to Android and iPhones both. The connectivity is fast as it connects in only 3 seconds. Also, the dock allows you to print directly from your mobile whilst charging it as well. However, it does not feature WIFI connectivity. The quality of photos is exceptionally high, and ink dries instantly as soon as photos are printed.
You can print a variety of stuff aside from 4×6 photos like phone covers or case covers and ID photos as well. Although Kodak Dock Plus is not overall budget-friendly like Sprocket, it still has a low running cost that makes it highly efficient.
Final words
5. iHome Photo Printer: Best-designed photo printer
Specifications
- Printing technology: Dye sublimation
- Output: Color
- Dimensions:8 x 8.2 x 4 inches
- Weight: 3 Pounds
You may not be familiar with this brand, unlike Epson and HP. iHome photo printer is the lightest on the list but does not compromise performance. Generally connects using Bluetooth, but iPhone users can also opt for a lighting connector. The performance of this printer is speedy as it gives 4×6 photo prints in only 50 seconds max.
Also, the quality is waterproof and smudge-resistant, making the prints highly durable with vibrant colors. The prints have a resolution of 300×300 dpi. It uses 4pass dye sublimation for clean photo prints.
You can print directly from your phone by connecting to the dock. The dock also allows you to charge your phone. There is no ink refilling onto the cartridge simplicity, so there will be no spilling. One cartridge can last for up to 40 prints, so you need to buy a new one. It features an iHome print app for sharing prints and editing prints. It’s lightweight, and you can get prints of photos as soon as you click them!
Final words:
6. HP Tango Wireless Photo Printer: Best 4×6 instant photo printer
Specifications
- Printing technology: Inkjet
- Output: Color
- Dimensions:11 x 14.84 x 3.58 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
Last but not least is the HP Tango wireless printer. We tested this photo printer through every possible task we could have done and found it quick, instant, and top-notch quality. This instant photo printer gives you a hand-free printing option by featuring Alexa. Being fully wireless, it does not feature USB connectivity or Desktop connectivity.
It connects with great speed and features dual-band WIFI, so your printing process never gets disturbed. Also, to show durability, it has a one-year warranty. You can get various sizes of photos as well as 4×6 inches photos. This printer is highly reliable with an input capacity of 50 sheets and an output capacity of 20 sheets. The printing speed of Hp Tango is 8 ppm in color.
HP Smart is a convenience that helps in printing from a distance as well. You can share and scan too! Aside from all this, you never have to worry about running out of ink. HP Tango keeps track of ink used and orders when needed. Moreover, you get ink for free right at your home for 4 months. After four months, the ink price is also affordable. You can get all this if you enroll in HP instant ink. Also, aside from giving high-quality photos, they can scan and copy.
Final words
Best 4×6 Photo Printer Buying Guide 2024
When choosing one of the best 4×6 photo printers, the most important factor is the cost. Obviously, you will not spend all of your money on a photo printer. Secondly, weight, portability, maintenance, and quality are other factors.
While testing, we also figured out what are the important considerations if you want to buy a 4×6 photo printer.
Let’s discuss those considerations in detail.
1. Printing quality
The printer’s printing quality should be looked into before buying a printer. For 4×6 photos, a printer with a resolution of 300×300 dpi is the best option. Laminated printers are also preferred when it comes to quality. The quality is also affected by the technology used. For photos, 4pass dye-sublimation technology is preferred best. Inkjet and laser technology also give high-quality printed photos.
2. Weight
People who want to print photos while traveling should look into the weight and size of the printer. The weight and size will show whether a printer is easily portable or not.
3. Printing Speed
This is one of the features that matter. Each printer has speed written on them, or you can search speed on google. For more productivity, get a printer that can print at a fast speed. Printers having a speed of 40 seconds per photo are preferred.
4. Connectivity
Most photo printers feature Bluetooth only. You can look into a printer with a Wi-Fi connectivity option if you prefer a Wi-Fi wireless connection over a Bluetooth one. Some printers feature both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity along with USB connectivity. They might be more expensive, but they do give various connectivity options.
5. Price
Aside from printer price, you should also look into the price of ink and cartridges. Most printers come at low prices, but the overall price of ink and paper puts stress on the wallet. People who are low on a budget should also look into the running cost of printers.
Final Words
Wrapping it up, we hope you chose your best 4×6 photo printer. Photos are the best memories saver in this technology age. Having a photo printed is a nice way to save them.
You can make an album dividing your year-end memories. 4×6 is the standard size for photos; here are our top picks of 4×6 best photo printers to give you a quick glimpse of all printers:
- Best overall photo printer- Canon SELPHY CP-1300: The best pick overall has everything from various connectivity options and speed to quality. It gives high-quality 4×6 photo prints. Plus, the 3.2″ LCD makes it easy to edit and print photos.
- Best 4×6 instant photo printer – HP Tango Wireless photo printer: Secondly, HP tango takes the place thanks to the printer’s instant ink feature and high capacity. Also, the quality of HP Tang is highly exceptional.
- Best portable photo printer 4×6- Kodak dock plus: Lastly, we recommend Kodak Dock plus because of its lightweight. Perfect printer for travelers. The low running cost and high-quality photo prints make it attractive and worthwhile to use.
FAQS
-
How can I print 4×6 photos at home?
You can use either of the above-mentioned printers. Or, if you have a printer, choose the photo size 4×6 when printing.
-
What printer do professional photographers use?
Professional photographers use printers from manufacturers like Conan and Epson.
-
What is the standard size of the photos?
The standard size of photos is 4×6 inches.
-
How do I print from my computer?
For printing using a computer, you need to buy a printer with USB connectivity or buy a desktop printer.