I love having one of the best iPhone printers with me, especially at events like parties or weddings. These fantastic little gadgets let you print photos directly from your phone, no matter where you are. You can print pictures you’ve just snapped, images downloaded from your camera, or even fun memes and photos you’ve found online!
Owning one of these printers essentially turns my iPhone into a modern instant camera. This allows me to give people a tangible keepsake of a special moment, something much more personal than just sending a digital photo that might get lost in their phone’s photo library.
While there are many excellent portable printers available, not all are perfectly compatible with iOS. So, I’ve put together a list of the best iPhone printers you can buy right now.
James Artaius
Having developed a passion for traditional photo printing during my photography apprenticeship a decade ago, I was thrilled to discover iPhone photo printers. I regularly use my iPhone to print both single photos and entire albums, and my camera room even has a dedicated shelf just for these printers!
The Quick List of Top iPhone Mobile Photo Printers
Canon Selphy QX20 printer on white background – Best quality iPhone mobile photo printerBest QualityCanon Selphy Square QX20
For exceptional image quality, the Selphy is my top recommendation. Its dye-sublimation printing process delivers outstanding results, offering both square and rectangular print options, and it prints quickly. However, it is a pricier option with a higher cost per print. Read more below
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 printer in Ash White – Best mini prints from iPhoneBest Mini PrintsInstax Mini Link 2
This printer sparked my love for phone printing! It uses Instax Mini film, producing authentic credit card-sized photos reminiscent of instant cameras. It’s pocket-sized and budget-friendly. Read more below
Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Printer – Best wide format iPhone photo printerBest Wide PrintsInstax Link Wide
If you want to print larger, landscape-oriented photos, the Link Wide is ideal. Like its smaller counterpart, it uses Instax film, but in the larger Instax Wide format, perfect for images that deserve a bigger display. Read more below
Instax Mini Evo against a white background ejecting a photograph of two young people – Best hybrid iPhone printer and cameraBest Hybrid PrinterFujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
For an iPhone printer that also works as an instant camera, the Instax Mini Evo is my top choice. This stylish, retro camera can take Instax Mini photos and connect to your iPhone to print images from your phone. Read more below
Canon Ivy 2 printers side by side in white and rose gold, both printing a picture of a woman by a swimming pool – Best portable iPhone printer for travelBest for TravelFor a small, convenient, and affordable printer to take on your travels, the Canon Ivy 2 (or Zoemini 2 outside the USA) is perfect. While the ZINK prints aren’t exceptional, the printer is simple to use, inexpensive to operate, and weighs only 177g, making it incredibly portable. Read more below
Kodak Mini 2 Retro portable printer – Best retro style iPhone photo printerBest RetroKodak Mini 2 Retro
This Kodak printer delivers high-quality mini prints using dye-sublimation technology. The yellow version’s retro Kodak design is particularly appealing. Read more below
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Kodak Step Slim printer – Best budget iPhone photo printerBest BudgetKodak Step Slim
For decent prints at a price that won’t break the bank, the Kodak Step Slim Instant Printer is a great option. It uses Zink (Zero Ink) printing, which is more basic but still provides acceptable and affordable quality. Read more below
Polaroid Lab – Best iPhone printer for Polaroid photosBest for PolaroidsPolaroid Lab
The innovative Polaroid Lab turns your iPhone photos into genuine Polaroids. It scans images from your phone screen and uses authentic photochemistry for a true analog print. Read more below
Top Pick for Best Quality iPhone Mobile Photo Printer
Canon Selphy QX20 mobile photo printer in white
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
1. Canon Selphy Square QX20
Best overall iPhone photo printer for quality
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 16.0 and later
- Connection: Wi-Fi
- Paper type: Canon sticker paper (dye sub)
- Approximate paper cost: $16.99 / £16.99 for 20 sheets (about 84c / 84p per print)
- Print size: 2.1 x 3.4 inches (5.33 x 8.63cm)
- Image size: 2.7 x 2.7 inches (6.85 x 6.85cm) or 2.1 x 3.4 inches (5.33 x 8.63cm)
- Weight: 455g (without ribbon or paper)
- Colors: White, red, or dark gray
Reasons to Buy:
- Prints square and 3:2 images
- Lightweight and portable for a dye-sub printer
- USB-C connection for modern convenience
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Bluetooth or NFC connectivity
- Prints are relatively expensive compared to Zink options
The Canon Selphy QX10 was previously my go-to recommendation for an iPhone printer due to its excellent balance of quality and portability. Its successor, the Canon Selphy QX20, a dye-sub pocket printer, maintains all the strengths of the previous model while adding enhanced features and versatility.
While the QX10 was limited to square photos with white borders, the QX20 now offers borderless printing in both square and 3:2 formats, giving you more creative freedom. Another significant improvement is the upgrade to USB-C, replacing the older micro USB of the QX10, for faster charging and data transfer.
The dye-sublimation technology continues to deliver vibrant and punchy colors in prints that are ready in under a minute. These prints are also smudge-proof and water-resistant, ensuring they last longer than your digital photos stored on your iPhone. The lightweight design makes the Selphy QX20 ideal for parties, travel, and everyday outings.
Read our comprehensive Canon Selphy QX20 review for an in-depth look.
Sample images from the Canon Selphy Square printer showcasing print quality from an iPhone mobile photo printer
Sample prints from the Canon Selphy printer (Image credit: Digital Camera World)
Best iPhone Mobile Photo Printer for Mini Prints
Instax logo
(Image credit: James Artaius)
2. Instax Mini Link 2
Top iPhone printer for fun, credit card-sized photos
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 10.0 and later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Instax Mini Film
- Approximate paper cost: £14.05 / $15 for 20 sheets (about 70p / 75c per print)
- Print size: 2.1 × 3.4 inch / 54 × 86mm
- Image size: 1.8 × 2.4 inch / 62x46mm
- Weight: 209g
- Colors: Dark Denim, Dusky Pink, and Ash White
Reasons to Buy:
- Light and highly portable
- Fast print speeds
- Fun range of creative printing options in the app
Reasons to Avoid:
- Small print size might not be for everyone
- Print costs can add up over time
Do you love the idea of printing tiny, adorable photos? The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 produces prints that are just 1.8 in × 2.4 in (62 x 46mm). It connects wirelessly to your iPhone via Bluetooth, allowing you to print photos directly from your device’s gallery, images taken within the Instax app, or even directly from your Facebook and Instagram accounts. It also supports printing from compatible Fujifilm cameras and even your Nintendo Switch.
The Instax Mini Link 2 prints sharp 320dpi images in just about 12 seconds. The accompanying app is packed with features that let you add borders, filters, text, and fun AR effects to your photos. You can even combine multiple images into unique collages. This printer is all about fun and creativity, making it an excellent choice for teens, young adults, and anyone who loves playful, instant prints.
Read our full Instax Mini Link 2 review for more details.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 review showcasing sample mini prints from iPhone mobile photo printer
Sample prints from the Instax Mini Link 2 (Image credit: Beth Nicholls / DCW)
Best iPhone Mobile Photo Printer for Big Prints
The Fujifilm Instax Link WIDE smartphone printer – showcasing wide format printing from iPhone
(Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
3. Instax Link Wide
Best iPhone printer for larger, wide-format instant photos
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 10.0 or later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Instax Wide Film
- Approximate paper cost: £14.05 / $15 for 20 sheets (about 70p / 75c per print)
- Image size: 1.8 × 2.4 inch / 62x46mm
- Print size: 2.1 × 3.4 inch / 54 × 86mm
- Weight: 225g
- Colors available: Black/gold, white, or blush
Reasons to Buy:
- Prints on Instax Wide film for larger photos
- Quick 12-second print time
- Lightweight and portable for its size
Reasons to Avoid:
- App lacks advanced editing tools
- Micro USB charging, not USB-C
Similar to the Mini Link 2, the Link Wide prints on real Instax film, but this time using Instax Wide film, which I like to call the “large format of instant film”! These larger photos are perfect when you have images that deserve to be seen in a bigger format, with the wide aspect ratio being particularly well-suited for landscapes and group portraits.
Because it prints on Instax film, the print quality isn’t “conventional” in the digital sense. Each photo has that distinctive and, in my opinion, charming analog aesthetic, as if taken with a classic instant camera. You’ll either love this unique look or prefer a cleaner digital print. If you lean towards the latter and want “better” print quality, a dye-sub printer like the Canon Selphy might be a better fit.
The Link Wide app offers smart features like QR code integration and basic image editing, and it also indicates the remaining prints. Photos develop quickly, but the app sometimes enforces unwanted cropping. The printer charges via micro USB, which is less convenient than the newer USB-C standard.
Read our full Instax Link Wide review for a detailed analysis.
Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Review showcasing sample wide prints from iPhone mobile photo printer
Sample images from Instax Link Wide printer (Image credit: Beth Nicholls)
Best Hybrid iPhone Mobile Photo Printer and Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review – hybrid iPhone printer and instant camera
(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)
4. Instax Mini Evo
The ultimate iPhone printer that doubles as a stylish instant camera
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 12.0 or later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Instax Mini Film
- Approximate paper cost: £14.05 / $15 for 20 sheets (about 70p / 75c per print)
- Image size: 1.8 × 2.4 inch / 62x46mm
- Print size: 2.1 × 3.4 inch / 54 × 86mm
- Weight: 285g
- Colors available: Silver & black, Silver & brown
Reasons to Buy:
- Combines a printer and an instant camera in one device
- Prints on classic Instax film
- Attractive retro design
Reasons to Avoid:
- iPhone camera likely offers superior image quality
- Prints on the smaller Instax Mini film format
- Battery life could be better
Why choose just a printer when you can have a printer that’s also a fantastic instant camera? The Mini Evo offers the best of both worlds, acting as an iPhone printer (again, using real Instax Mini film) and a capable Instax camera.
It surpasses my previous favorite hybrid, the Instax Mini LiPlay, with its updated retro aesthetic, complete with a charming film lever that you physically use to print your photos. This makes it a wonderfully tactile piece of technology. Featuring numerous creative options with ten digital lens effects and ten film effects, a built-in flash, and photo editing capabilities before printing, it excels as both a printer and a camera.
However, the appeal of a hybrid device might be limited for some, especially since your iPhone likely has a much better camera than the Mini Evo’s 4.9MP, 28mm f/2.0 lens. It also has limited internal storage for only about 45 images, requiring a microSD card for expanded storage.
Still, if you want to print photos from your iPhone and love the instant photography experience, the Mini Evo is incredibly fun to use and a guaranteed hit at parties!
For larger prints, consider the newer Instax Wide Evo, which offers a supersized version of this hybrid digital instant camera.
Read our full Instax Mini Evo review for an in-depth perspective.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo review showcasing a sample print from this hybrid iPhone mobile photo printer
Sample print from Instax Mini Evo (Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)
Best iPhone Mobile Photo Printer for Travel
Canon Ivy 2 / Zoemini 2 Mini Photo Printer – compact iPhone printer for travel
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
5. Canon Ivy 2
The most portable mini printer for travel and vacations
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 11.2 or later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Canon ZINK
- Approximate paper cost: $12 / £10 for 20 sheets (about 60c / 50p per print)
- Image size: 2 x 3 inches (5.08 x 7.62cm)
- Print size: 2 x 3 inches (5.08 x 7.62cm)
- Weight: 177g
- Colors available: Rose gold, navy, or pearl white
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Fun and simple to use
- Completely self-contained, no ink cartridges needed
Reasons to Avoid:
- Exclusively works with the Canon app
- Print quality is only mediocre compared to dye-sub
- Small print size
This incredibly small and light printer is known as the Canon Ivy 2 in the USA and the Canon Zoemini 2 in the UK and Europe. Regardless of the name, it’s a remarkably portable iPhone printer that produces decent Zink prints on 2 x 3-inch paper, slightly smaller than a credit card, connecting to your phone via Bluetooth. It’s straightforward but effective.
In our review, we praised the Ivy 2’s stylish design and user-friendly operation, from paper loading to app-based printing controls. ZINK printing is generally considered the least impressive compared to dye-sublimation and inkjet in terms of quality, but the Ivy 2 delivers acceptable results – good for casual use, if not exceptional. It’s an excellent choice for casual fun and especially for travel, where you need a lightweight, no-fuss printer.
Read our full Canon Ivy 2 review for a deeper dive.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
Sample prints from Canon Ivy 2 / Zoemini 2
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
Best Retro Style iPhone Mobile Photo Printer
Kodak Mini 2 Retro printer in yellow – retro style iPhone printer
Kodak Mini 2 Retro with sample images (Image credit: Chris George/Digital Camera World)
6. Kodak Mini 2 Retro
A stylish mini dye-sub printer with a vintage vibe
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 8.0 and later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Kodak Cartridge Printer Paper & Dye sublimation cartridge
- Approximate paper cost: £24 / $24 for 60 sheets (about 40p / 740c per print)
- Print size: 2.1 x 3.4in / 5.33 x 8.63cm
- Weight: 245g
- Colors: Yellow, black, or white
Reasons to Buy:
- Multiple connectivity options including social media
- Low running costs per print
- Rechargeable battery for portability
- Excellent image quality from dye-sublimation
Reasons to Avoid:
- Each print takes approximately one minute
If ease of use is a priority, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro is an excellent choice. Its user-friendly iOS app simplifies printing photos from your iPhone and is compatible with iPhones running iOS 8.0 and later. The Mini 2 Retro is available in stylish yellow, white, or black designs – I especially love the yellow for its nostalgic Kodak feel.
The printer connects seamlessly to your iPhone via Bluetooth, offering reliable performance without Wi-Fi or NFC options. In our testing, Bluetooth connectivity was stable and produced borderless miniature photos (after removing the white leader).
Using dye-sublimation printing, the Mini 2 Retro creates vibrant, detailed prints with strong colors. It also supports printing directly from social media platforms. The all-in-one ink-and-paper cartridges simplify operation compared to printers with separate consumables.
Unlike some dye-sub printers, the Mini 2 Retro includes enough ink/paper cartridges for your first 68 prints, making it a great value purchase when considering the initial cost.
See our full Kodak Mini 2 Retro review for more information.
Best Budget iPhone Mobile Photo Printer
Kodak Step Slim printer with sample prints – budget friendly iPhone printer
Kodak Step Slim with sample prints (Image credit: Tom May)
7. Kodak Step Slim Instant Printer
The best affordable iPhone printer for budget-conscious users
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iOS 13.0 and later
- Connection: Bluetooth
- Paper type: Kodak Zink
- Approximate paper cost: £12.99 / $12.99 for 30 sheets (about 43p / 43c per print)
- Print size: 2 x 3 inch / 5.08 x 7.62cm
- Image size: 2 x 3 inch / 5.08 x 7.62cm
- Weight: 8.4 oz / 240g (without paper)
- Colors: White
Reasons to Buy:
- Very low purchase price
- Inexpensive running costs
- Versatile printing options via the app
Reasons to Avoid:
- Print quality isn’t as high as dye-sub options
- Only available in white color
The Kodak Step Slim printer is the most affordable conventional iPhone printer on our list, but it still performs admirably. If you need to print photos from your iPhone without spending a lot, this is an excellent option.
You can easily connect it to your iPhone via Bluetooth and use the Kodak Step Prints app to edit your photos before printing. In our tests, prints were produced in about 40-50 seconds each. The Zink paper integrates the ink, resulting in very low running costs.
While the print quality isn’t the best compared to other printers on this list, it’s still quite acceptable for casual, fun prints. We noticed that prints can appear slightly dark, but increasing the brightness and contrast in your images before printing can significantly improve the results. For its price, the Kodak Step Slim offers exceptional value.
See our full Kodak Step Slim review for a deeper analysis.
Best iPhone Mobile Photo Printer for Polaroid Style Prints
Polaroid Lab – iPhone printer for classic Polaroid photos
(Image credit: James Artaius)
8. Polaroid Lab
The best iPhone printer for creating authentic Polaroid photos
Our expert review:
Specifications:
- iPhone compatibility: iPhone 7 and above, iOS 16.3.1 (minimum 4.7-inch screen)
- Connection: Screen-based scanning
- Paper type: Polaroid 600 film, Polaroid i-Type film
- Approximate paper cost: £18 / $20 for 8 prints (about £2.25 / $2.50 per print)
- Print size: 5.8 x 8.6cm
- Image size: 3.11 x 3.02 inch / 7.89 x 7.68cm (photo area) 4.23 x 3.48 inch / 10.75 x 8.85 cm (total area)
- Weight: 204g
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique photochemical printing process
- Excellent depth and richness in blacks
- Interesting Augmented Reality (AR) features in the app
Reasons to Avoid:
- Requires iPhone 7 or newer with at least 4.7-inch screen
- White balance and color consistency can be unpredictable
- Fine details can sometimes be lost
The Polaroid Lab is a unique and fascinating option. Unlike Instax Link printers that use Instax film and digital printing, the Polaroid Lab utilizes genuine Polaroid film and a very different process.
Instead of digitally printing your image, the Polaroid Lab uses a macro lens to essentially “scan” your iPhone screen. It then uses authentic photochemical processes to expose and develop your shot, resulting in a truly unique analog Polaroid print that develops over about 15 minutes.
This unique process has its quirks. Some images, especially monochrome or high-contrast color photos, look absolutely stunning with rich blacks and a classic Polaroid feel. However, color reproduction can be inconsistent, and large areas of white may sometimes show color fringing. This is part of the charm of instant film!
If you love the idea of printing on instant film but prioritize image quality, Instax printers offer more consistent results. However, if you’re drawn to the authentic Polaroid look and process, the Lab provides a fun and experimental way to bring your digital photos into the analog world.
Read my full Polaroid Lab review for a detailed analysis and more insights.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
Sample print from the Polaroid Lab (alongside original digital images)
(Image credit: Doodyone)
(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
How to Choose the Best iPhone Mobile Photo Printer
When choosing the best iPhone printer for your needs, consider a few key factors. For me, the two most important considerations are portability and print quality. Do you need a printer that you can easily carry around for on-the-go printing, or will it primarily stay in your home or office?
Smaller, more compact options like the Instax Mini Link 2 are ideal for travel and events. Bulkier models, such as the Canon Selphy Square QX20 and Polaroid Lab, are better suited for home or office use due to their size and weight.
Canon Selphy QX10 printer with cartridge door open – showing dye-sub printing mechanism of iPhone printer
Dye sub printers use cartridge refills that contain both the paper and the ribbon used to create the prints (Image credit: Digital Camera World)
The second crucial question is print quality. If you want the highest possible print quality, look for a dye-sublimation (dye-sub) printer like the Canon Selphy Square or Kodak Mini 2. Dye-sub printers generally offer richer colors and more detailed prints.
Alternatively, Instax Link and Polaroid Lab printers use instant film, which provides a unique, analog aesthetic. Zink (Zero Ink) printers, like the Kodak Step, offer a more basic print quality, similar to a color photocopy, but are very convenient and cost-effective.
Other important factors to consider include battery life, charging method (USB-C is more convenient), connection reliability (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), and ease of use of the printer and its app.
Instax Link printers: Instax Mini Link, Instax Square Link and Instax Link Wide – comparing different Instax iPhone printers
(Image credit: James Artaius)
FAQs about iPhone Mobile Photo Printers
What print sizes do iPhone printers offer?
iPhone printers use various paper sizes and printing technologies, ranging from small Zink prints to larger Instax Wide formats. Some printers produce prints where the overall paper size is larger than the actual image size, creating a white border. Here’s a size comparison for the printers in our guide:
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Types of iPhone printer | Film | Overall size | Image size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Selphy | 53.3 x 86.3mm | 53.3 x 86.3mm | Dye sublimation | |
| Instax Mini | 54 x 85mm | 46 x 62mm | Instant film | |
| Instax Square | 86 x 72mm | 62 x 62mm | Instant film | |
| Instax Wide | 108 x 85mm | 99 x 62mm | Instant film | |
| Zink | 50.8 x 76.2mm | 50.8 x 76.2mm | Zink | |
| Kodak 4Pass | 53.3 x 86.3mm | 53.3 x 86.3mm | Dye sublimation | |
| Polaroid | 88 x 107mm | 79 x 79mm | Instant film |
Can you print directly from your iPhone to a printer?
Yes, absolutely! Many of the best photo printers allow you to connect your phone to a local Wi-Fi network for printing, but this process can be cumbersome, and traditional printers aren’t designed for portability.
The best iPhone printers are specifically designed for mobile use, utilizing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and dedicated apps for seamless communication with your iPhone. They are also much more compact, with many fitting easily into a pocket or bag for ultimate portability.
Does Apple manufacture an iPhone printer?
No, Apple does not currently offer a dedicated iPhone printer. However, all the printers in this guide are fully compatible with iPhones and work flawlessly within the Apple ecosystem. In terms of design aesthetics, the minimalist Instax Link series arguably has the most “Apple-like” look and feel.
You might also be interested in exploring our guides to the best iPhone microphones, the best iPhone chargers, and the best lenses for iPhones.
