Portable printers are incredibly useful devices in today’s fast-paced world. Imagine needing to print important documents directly from your car, a coffee shop, or while traveling. The best portable printers make this not only possible but also remarkably easy and affordable. In fact, there’s a certain convenience and even enjoyment in having printing capabilities at your fingertips, wherever you are.
At amazingprint.net, our content creation team rigorously tests and reviews portable printers from leading brands every year. We’re dedicated to identifying the top performers – those printers that offer exceptional performance, outstanding value, or are perfectly compact for effortless portability. We keep a close eye on the market to bring you the best recommendations.
For most users, the HP OfficeJet 250 often stands out as a top choice. It delivers near-full-printer functionality and value in a truly portable design. However, if you’re specifically looking for a high-quality portable photo printer without breaking the bank, the Canon Pixma TR150 is our best value recommendation.
Continue reading to explore our comprehensive list of top-rated portable printers. We provide detailed reviews and testing insights to help you make a well-informed decision when purchasing your ideal portable printing solution.
Quick Recommendations: Top Portable Printers at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of our top recommended portable printers:
HP OfficeJet 250
1. HP OfficeJet 250: Best Overall
The HP OfficeJet 250 excels as the best overall portable printer due to its speed and versatility. It offers fast copying, scanning, and printing capabilities on the go. The color touchscreen enhances usability, and while it’s a premium option, we believe its features justify the investment.
Canon Pixma TR150
2. Canon Pixma TR150: Best Value
If budget is a key consideration, the Canon Pixma TR150 is an excellent portable printer that provides exceptional value. Priced at $200 or less, it’s compact enough for a backpack yet delivers impressive photo and document prints.
Epson WorkForce EC-C110
3. Epson WorkForce EC-C110: Best for Business
The Epson WorkForce EC-C110 is frequently recommended for business professionals needing a portable printing solution. Designed for business printing demands, it offers a lower cost per printed page compared to other portable printers in its class.
Learn More About Business Printing
Brother PocketJet 773
4. Brother PocketJet 773: Most Portable
For ultimate portability, the Brother PocketJet 773 is unmatched. It’s the smallest and lightest portable printer we tested. Utilizing thermal paper eliminates the need for ink cartridges, further enhancing its travel-friendly design.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Portable Printers Available
The Best Overall Portable Printer
HP OfficeJet 250
HP OfficeJet 250 (Image credit: HP)
1. HP OfficeJet 250: The Top Performer for Mobile Printing
The HP OfficeJet 250 stands out as the best overall portable printer, maximizing your productivity on the go. It delivers rapid copying and scanning alongside impressive print speeds and consistently high image quality. While it represents a higher investment, the comprehensive features and robust performance in a compact form factor make it a worthwhile choice. The prominent 2.6-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation, making it user-friendly even in mobile environments.
Key Specifications:
- Printer Type: Inkjet
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
- Display: 2.6-inch Color Touchscreen
- Ink System: Two Cartridges (Black & Tri-color)
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
- Cost Per Page (Black): 9 cents (Standard), 6.7 cents (High-yield)
- Cost Per Page (Color): 23 cents (Standard), 17.3 cents (High-yield)
- Travel Dimensions (W x D x H): 15 x 7.8 x 3.6 inches
- Travel Weight (with Battery): 6.7 pounds
- Battery Life: Approximately 225 pages
Advantages:
- Automatic Document Feeder: Streamlines multi-page copying and scanning.
- Fast Printing, Scanning, and Copying: Boosts on-the-go efficiency.
- High-Yield Cartridge Option: Reduces color printing costs over time.
Drawbacks:
- Battery Life: Could offer longer operation per charge.
- Size and Weight: While portable, it’s on the larger and heavier side compared to ultra-portable options.
The integrated 10-page automatic document feeder (ADF) is a unique and valuable feature, making the OfficeJet 250 the only portable printer we tested with copy and scan functionality. Although it lacks a flatbed scanner and uses a paper-through design, which introduced slight concerns about document straightness and potential photo damage due to the 60-degree paper path bend, the convenience of mobile scanning and copying is undeniable.
In our performance tests, the OfficeJet 250 exhibited impressive speed. It printed text documents from a PC at 9 pages per minute (ppm) and maintained a respectable 7 ppm on battery power. It also swiftly printed our six-page PDF document containing text and color graphics in just 1 minute and 57 seconds, outperforming the average of 2 minutes and 27 seconds. Photo printing was equally rapid; a 4×6 inch glossy photo printed in a mere 37.6 seconds at default settings and just under 50 seconds at high quality, significantly faster than competitors like the HP Tango X. iPhone printing was also exceptionally quick, producing a photo print in 42.9 seconds.
Copy and scan speeds were equally impressive. A color copy took only 19.5 seconds, compared to the desktop inkjet average of 28.7 seconds, and a black-and-white copy was completed in 13.1 seconds versus the 16-second desktop average. A 600 dpi color scan to JPEG was done in 1 minute and 21 seconds, and a 300 dpi black-and-white scan to PDF in 20.1 seconds, surpassing typical desktop model speeds.
Importantly, speed didn’t compromise quality. Photo prints were exceptionally high-quality with rich, saturated colors, smooth tonal transitions, and fine detail. Text documents were sharp and crisp, and graphics on plain paper were equally appealing. Scanned documents were accurate, with only minor sharpness reduction on text edges. Photo scans also maintained accurate colors and detail.
While the HP OfficeJet 250 offers mobile and cloud printing, we encountered some inconsistencies with the HP Smart iPhone app and cloud printing from Box. However, these were minor compared to the overall robust performance.
Ink costs are moderate for text printing at 9 cents per page. Color printing with standard cartridges is expensive at 23 cents per page, but high-yield cartridges reduce this to 17.3 cents. While still slightly higher than the Canon iP110 with standard cartridges, HP’s Instant Ink subscription service can offer further cost savings.
The Best Value Portable Printer
Canon Pixma TR150
(Image credit: Canon)
2. Canon Pixma TR150: Exceptional Portable Printing Without the Premium Price
The Canon Pixma TR150 stands out as the best value portable printer, offering a compelling combination of compact design, excellent print quality, and affordability. This inkjet printer is easily portable in a backpack yet delivers impressive document and photo prints. Featuring a two-cartridge ink system, the Pixma TR150 is a versatile choice for text documents, graphics, and glossy photos. While it lacks copy and scan functions, its attractive price point around $199 makes it highly accessible.
Read our Expert Canon Pixma TR150 Review
Key Specifications:
- Printer Type: Inkjet
- Functions: Print
- Display: 1.4-inch Monochrome OLED Display
- Ink System: Two Cartridges (Black & Tri-color)
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
- Cost Per Page (Black): 7.5 cents
- Cost Per Page (Color): 14.8 cents
- Travel Dimensions (W x D x H): 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches
- Travel Weight (with Battery): 5.1 pounds
- Battery Life: Approximately 330 pages
Advantages:
- Low Ink Costs: Economical printing for both black and color documents.
- Attractive Photo Prints: Delivers high-quality photos for a portable printer.
- Optional Battery Pack: Enhances portability for printing away from power outlets.
Drawbacks:
- Display: Small monochrome OLED display can be less intuitive than color touchscreens.
The Pixma TR150 is truly designed for portability. An optional battery enhances its mobile capabilities, but even without it, its compact size and light weight make it incredibly travel-friendly. Weighing just 4.5 pounds (5.1 pounds with the battery), it’s lighter than the HP OfficeJet 250 and focuses solely on printing for maximum portability.
Closed, the Pixma TR150 measures a mere 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches. It expands to accommodate a 50-sheet paper tray, a basic control panel, and comprehensive connectivity options, excluding a card slot.
Print speeds are commendable, producing a five-page document in 38.7 seconds, or 7.8 ppm.
Beyond its portability, the Pixma TR150 excels in photo printing speed and quality for a portable model, delivering excellent color accuracy and detail. It supports larger photo prints and includes features like optional battery support and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls. However, its strengths lie in its exceptional photo quality and low ink costs, making it a top value choice in the portable printer market.
The Best Portable Printer for Business Use
Epson WorkForce EC-C110
Epson WorkForce EC-C110 (Image credit: Epson)
3. Epson WorkForce EC-C110: Designed for Mobile Business Printing
The Epson WorkForce EC-C110 is tailored for business professionals seeking a portable printing solution. As part of the WorkForce business-focused line, this printer is often recommended by business equipment resellers as a top-rated portable printer for business needs. Among battery-equipped portable inkjet printers, it is the lightest, weighing only 3.5 pounds.
Key Specifications:
- Printer Type: Inkjet
- Functions: Print
- Display: 1.4-inch Color LCD
- Ink System: Two Cartridges (Black & Tri-color)
- Connectivity: Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct
- Cost Per Page (Black): 8.8 cents
- Cost Per Page (Color): 17.8 cents
- Travel Dimensions (W x D x H): 12.2 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches
- Travel Weight (with Battery): 3.5 pounds
- Battery Life: Approximately 100 black-and-white pages / 50 color pages
Advantages:
- High Image Quality: Produces sharp text and vibrant color graphics suitable for business documents.
- Color LCD Display: Simplifies printer operation and settings adjustments.
- Below Average Color Cost Per Page: Offers cost-effective color printing compared to some competitors.
Drawbacks:
- Short Battery Life: Battery capacity is limited compared to other models.
- Slower Print Speeds: Print speeds are below average, especially on battery power.
- Slow Photo Printing from iOS: Photo printing from iPhones can be particularly slow.
The EC-C110 features a unique design where lifting the lid and leaning it back forms the 20-sheet input tray. This reveals a small 1.4-inch color LCD and control buttons for navigation. Prints are output through a front slot. The LCD and buttons facilitate settings changes and Wi-Fi configuration, but paper size confirmation is required every time paper is loaded.
Print speeds were slower than average. Text printing reached 5.8 ppm, below the 6.9 ppm average. Battery operation significantly reduced text printing speed to 3.4 ppm. Our six-page PDF of mixed text and color graphics took 3 minutes and 16 seconds (1.8 ppm), slower than any other inkjet in the comparison group and below the 2.4 ppm average.
Photo printing from a PC via USB at default settings took 1 minute and 11 seconds, increasing to 3 minutes and 59 seconds at high resolution. Wi-Fi Direct printing from an iPhone at high quality was exceptionally slow, taking over 5 minutes for a single photo and almost 7 minutes for subsequent prints.
Despite slower speeds, print quality was consistently high. Text was sharp and dark, though letter edges showed slight roughness upon close inspection. Color graphics appeared natural and detailed, and glossy photos were very attractive.
Running costs are favorable, with estimated costs per page of 8.8 cents for text and 17.8 cents for color, lower than the portable printer average.
We encountered a minor issue printing 4×6 inch photos from a Windows 10 PC, resolved by manually setting the default paper size in Windows printing preferences. Wi-Fi Direct connection drops occurred when printing from an iPhone but were resolved by resetting the connection. Cloud printing via the Epson iOS app also caused some text reflow issues with .doc files from Box.
Overall, the Epson WorkForce EC-C110 provides below-average running costs, Wi-Fi Direct, and a color LCD, but its limited battery life and slower print speeds may restrict its appeal for users prioritizing speed and extended battery operation.
Find Epson Coupon Codes for Potential Savings
The Most Portable Printer for Ultimate Mobility
Brother PocketJet 773
Brother PocketJet 773 (Image credit: Brother)
4. Brother PocketJet 773: Unrivaled Portability for Printing Anywhere
The Brother PocketJet 773 is designed for users who prioritize extreme portability above all else. It is the smallest and lightest printer in our review, making it the top-rated portable printer for true mobility. As a direct thermal printer, it prints exclusively in black and white on specialized thermal paper, eliminating ink cartridges entirely. It is not designed for photo printing.
Key Specifications:
- Printer Type: Direct Thermal
- Functions: Print
- Display: None
- Ink System: N/A (Uses Thermal Paper)
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
- Cost Per Page (Black): 10.3 cents (with continuous roll paper)
- Travel Dimensions (W x D x H): 10 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches
- Travel Weight (with Battery): 1.1 pounds
- Battery Life: Approximately 600 pages
Advantages:
- Compact and Rugged Design: Extremely small, lightweight, and built for demanding environments.
- Continuous Paper Roll Support: Compatible with roll paper for longer, uninterrupted printing.
- Wide Range of Accessories: Includes vehicle mounts, rugged cases, and car power adapters for versatile mobile use.
Drawbacks:
- Black and White Printing Only: Limited to monochrome printing with basic graphics capabilities.
- Slow Print Speeds: Print speeds are slower than mobile inkjet printers.
- Thermal Paper Cost: Specialized thermal paper can be more expensive than standard paper.
Built for demanding mobile environments like police patrol cars, the PocketJet 773 supports roll paper, fan-folded paper, and individual sheets. A variety of accessories, including rugged cases and vehicle power adapters, further enhance its mobile utility.
Text documents printed from a PC exhibited dark, sharp letterforms, though some text appeared slightly uneven, reminiscent of dot-matrix printing. Text quality was also lower in iPhone-printed documents. Graphics, converted to black and white, showed pixelation, banding, and flat black shadows. Occasional crooked or misaligned pages were observed, possibly due to rapid page feeding.
The PocketJet 773 printed slower than mobile inkjet printers. It was the slowest in our five-page text document test (1 minute 2 seconds) and the six-page mixed text and graphics PDF test (3 minutes 46 seconds), even though the PDF was printed in black and white while inkjets printed in color.
Mobile printing with the PocketJet 773 comes at a premium. The battery is an additional $123.99, and the printer is often sold separately from the necessary power cable or battery.
Paper costs are also higher. Specialized thermal paper costs approximately 14 cents per sheet for 100 sheets, but using a 600-sheet continuous roll reduces costs to 10.3 cents per page. Fan-folded paper offers similar costs at 9.5 cents per page. In contrast, desktop inkjet printers average 7.7 cents per text page with standard cartridges and 5.9 cents with high-yield cartridges.
Despite its higher price and running costs, the Brother PocketJet 773 is an excellent choice if you require an ultra-compact, rugged printer for essential document generation on the go, without concerns about ink cartridges.
Choosing the Right Top Rated Portable Printer for Your Needs
Selecting the best portable printer depends on your specific requirements. Consider these key factors:
Printing Needs: Do you require color printing or photo printing? All printers reviewed are inkjet models except the Brother PocketJet 773 (thermal, black and white only). The HP OfficeJet 250 is the only model with an automatic document feeder for copying and scanning.
Portability: Size and weight are crucial. The Brother PocketJet 773 is the most compact and lightest, while the HP models are larger and heavier but offer more features.
Battery: Most models offer optional batteries for cordless operation, sold separately. Consider battery life and car charging options if you frequently print on the move.
Functions: Most portable printers are single-function (print only). The HP OfficeJet 250 is unique in offering integrated scanning and copying via an ADF. Smartphone app-based “copying” and “scanning” are available with some models but generally offer subpar results.
Price Range: Portable printers range from around $200 to nearly $500 with accessories like batteries. Balance features and budget to find the best fit.
Our Portable Printer Testing Methodology
We rigorously test portable printers to simulate everyday use and benchmark performance against desktop models. Our testing includes:
Print Speed Tests: We measure print speeds for text documents and mixed text/graphics PDFs using a Windows 10 laptop, comparing results to desktop inkjet averages.
Photo Speed Tests: We time 4×6 inch glossy photo prints, excluding the Brother PocketJet 773 due to its lack of photo paper support.
Portability Assessment: We evaluate wireless setup ease, Wi-Fi Direct performance, and battery operation, noting performance differences compared to wired and outlet-powered printing.
For a detailed overview of our testing process, refer to our How We Test guide.
Written by Alex Wawro
Alex Wawro is a veteran journalist with over a decade of experience covering technology, gaming, and entertainment. He leads the computing department at Tom’s Guide, overseeing printer coverage and reviews.
