10 Best Color Photo Printers 2025 in the United States

The Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer offers a compact and user-friendly option for printing high-quality photos at home or on-the-go. Utilizing thermal dye-sublimation technology, it produces vibrant, water-resistant, scratch-proof, and fade-resistant photos. However, the maximum print resolution of 300 x 300 dpi might be lower than some other high-end photo printers, potentially affecting the sharpness of detailed images.

The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 1 page per minute and an initial print time of 59 seconds, making it less ideal for high-volume printing needs. The printer supports Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, allowing easy connection with smartphones and PCs without the need for additional cables or Bluetooth. The Liene App enhances the user experience by offering customizable photo editing options and printing from multiple devices simultaneously.

Paper handling is straightforward with a maximum input capacity of 20 sheets, and the package includes 100 sheets and 3 color cartridges, which is convenient for initial usage. However, the cost of consumables may be higher over time due to the need for proprietary cartridges. The printer's portability and compatibility with different operating systems (Windows, iOS, Mac, Android) make it a versatile choice for personal use, especially for those who enjoy printing photos directly from their smartphones. With a positive user rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, the Liene M100 is a solid option for casual photo printing despite some limitations in print resolution and speed.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a versatile all-in-one color laser printer that's well-suited for office environments, especially those with small teams. It handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing tasks, which can streamline office operations. With print speeds reaching up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color, it offers respectable performance for a bustling office setting. Yet, its maximum print resolution of 600x600 dpi might not fully satisfy those seeking high-quality color photo prints, as higher resolutions are typically desired for detailed images.

The use of TerraJet toner technology suggests enhanced color vividness, which may appeal to businesses needing professional-quality documents. However, the printer's reliance on HP cartridges with original chips means it might be costlier in terms of consumables, as third-party alternatives are likely unusable.

Connectivity is a strong point for this printer, offering Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet options, plus an app for easy mobile printing. The inclusion of HP Wolf Pro Security is a valuable feature for protecting sensitive data, an essential consideration for office devices. Unfortunately, the printer's weight of 37.7 pounds and its large footprint make it less ideal for smaller spaces.

Eco-conscious users will appreciate its sustainable design, certified by Energy Star and EPEAT, though the 250-sheet input tray might require frequent refills in busier environments. The automatic duplex printing and single-pass 2-sided scanning enhance productivity, but the limitation to a 100-sheet output capacity is a drawback. While it's a robust office printer, those focused on high-quality photo printing might want to consider other options with better color accuracy and higher resolutions.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e is a versatile all-in-one color inkjet printer designed for home offices. With a maximum print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, it delivers impressive color accuracy, making it suitable for printing professional-quality documents, reports, and presentations. Its print speed of up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) for color and 20 ppm for black is decent for everyday use, although it may not keep pace with higher-end models for extensive printing tasks.

One of the standout features is the wireless printing capability, which is complemented by HP's reliable dual-band Wi-Fi that helps maintain a stable connection. The printer is also user-friendly, featuring a 2.7-inch touchscreen and the HP app for easy mobile printing, scanning, and copying. The 225-sheet input tray and automatic document feeder enhance productivity by allowing for efficient multi-page tasks.

However, potential users should be aware of the cost implications relating to ink. While the printer includes three months of Instant Ink service, which can save money on consumables, subsequent subscriptions may add up. Additionally, the printer only works with original HP cartridges, which can limit options for cheaper third-party inks. Another consideration is its weight of 17.6 pounds, which may be bulky for some home office setups. Despite these drawbacks, the sustainable design, including the use of recycled materials, is a plus for environmentally conscious consumers.