Best Portable Printers in 2025: Top 3 Compared
By Mike Rodriguez · July 19, 2025 · 5 min read
Whether you need lab‑quality photo prints, inkless note‑taking or a full home office powerhouse, there’s a portable printer to fit. We evaluated three devices—HPRT’s dye‑sublimation photo printer, PRT’s inkless thermal printer and Canon’s TR8620a all‑in‑one—to see how they stack up.
Which One Should You Get?
- Best for Travel Photo Keepsakes – HPRT CP4100 4×6 Photo Printer – perfect for printing lab‑quality 4×6 photos on the go.
- Best for Students & Note‑Takers – PRT Inkless Portable Thermal Printer – a portable, inkless printer for documents and notes up to letter size.
- Best for Home Offices & Photo Printing – Canon PIXMA TR8620a All‑In‑One Printer – an all‑in‑one inkjet for high‑quality photos and document workflows.
Best portable printers
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Pros
- Produces lab‑quality 300 dpi photos with bright, accurate colors
- Dye‑sublimation process laminates prints so they’re water‑ and fingerprint‑resistant
- Wireless printing via Wi‑Fi plus MicroUSB, Bluetooth, SD card and USB ports
- Fast print speed of about one photo per minute
- Compact size for travel and on‑site events
Cons
- Only prints 4×6‑inch photos—not documents or larger formats
- Requires proprietary paper and ribbon cartridges
- Consumables can be costly over time
Unique Features & Insights
![PRT Inkless Portable Thermal Printer](/static/images/products/portable-printers-images/PRT Inkless Portable Thermal Printer (Bluetooth, up to 8.5"x11").png)
Pros
- Ink‑free thermal printing means no cartridges or messy toner
- Lightweight (about 1.5 lb) with built‑in 2600 mAh battery for true portability
- Prints documents up to US Letter or A4 size at 300 dpi
- Bluetooth for iOS/Android and USB for Windows/Mac; supports multiple file formats
- Adjustable guides allow different paper widths including sticky labels
Cons
- Only prints in black and white (thermal paper)
- Thermal paper can fade over time and curls if left rolled
- Photo quality is lower than dye‑sublimation or inkjet printers
- Replacement thermal paper can be expensive
Unique Features & Insights
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Pros
- Five‑cartridge ink system with dedicated photo black produces vibrant photos
- Flatbed and 20‑sheet ADF provide scanning, copying and faxing capabilities
- Automatic duplex printing for two‑sided documents
- Large touchscreen and support for AirPrint, Mopria and Canon’s PRINT app
- Excellent photo quality and versatile paper sizes up to legal (8.5×14 inches)
Cons
- Lower page yield; cartridges need frequent replacement
- No duplex scanning (ADF is single‑sided)
- Much larger and heavier than truly portable printers
Unique Features & Insights
Final Comparison Table
Choosing the right portable printer depends on what you plan to print. HPRT’s CP4100 is ideal for photo lovers who want lab‑quality prints on the go. PRT’s inkless thermal model is the best option for students and professionals needing letter‑sized documents anywhere. Canon’s PIXMA TR8620a offers an all‑in‑one solution for home offices where photo quality and scanning functions matter more than portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper sizes do these printers handle?
The HPRT CP4100 prints 4×6‑inch photos only. The PRT thermal printer handles multiple paper widths up to standard US Letter (8.5×11 inches) or A4. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a prints documents up to legal size (8.5×14 inches) and supports duplex printing.
Do I need ink or toner for these printers?
The HPRT CP4100 uses dye‑sublimation ribbon and paper sets. The PRT thermal printer is ink‑free—it uses special thermal paper that darkens when heated. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a uses replaceable ink cartridges.
Can I print wirelessly from my phone?
Yes. All three printers support wireless printing. HPRT and Canon connect over Wi‑Fi, while the PRT thermal model uses Bluetooth for iOS/Android and USB for computers.
Are dye‑sublimation photos water‑resistant?
Yes. Dye‑sublimation prints from the HPRT CP4100 are laminated during printing, making them resistant to water, fingerprints and fading.
Which printer is most portable?
The PRT thermal printer is the lightest and includes a built‑in battery, making it ideal for printing documents or notes anywhere. The HPRT CP4100 is compact but needs an outlet or power bank. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a full‑size inkjet designed for home office use rather than travel.