Best Photo Printer
The 10 best photo printers for 2026, ranked by photo quality, color accuracy, and value.
How This List Was Built
Photo printers are about color gamut and longevity; we compared documented ink systems (dye vs pigment), maximum print size, and cost per photo across the dedicated photo tier.
What Drives the Ranking
Color gamut
More ink colors capture subtler gradations — the core of photo quality.
Print longevity
Pigment inks last decades; dye inks fade faster.
Cost per photo
Large-format photo printing is expensive; ink systems decide.
Why #Canon PIXMA Pro-200 Took the Top Spot
The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 wins because its dye-based 8-ink system delivers gorgeous prints up to 13x19 at $599 — the best entry into serious photo printing. The Epson SureColor P700 at $799 uses pigment inks for gallery longevity; the Canon TR8620 at $179 is the casual photo all-in-one. If your photos will hang on walls for decades, pigment (Epson) wins; for vibrant hobby prints, the Pro-200.
When the ranking flips: The P700 overtakes the Pro-200 for selling photographers who need archival pigment prints.
When the Ranking Changes
- Entry photo printing — pick Canon PIXMA Pro-200 8-ink dye quality at $599.
- Archival pigment — pick Epson SureColor P700 Gallery longevity at $799.
- Casual photos — pick Canon PIXMA TR8620 All-in-one at $179.
What We Left Out
- Snapshot printers were excluded from the dedicated tier.
- Printers without A3+ or 13-inch support were excluded.
How This Was Researched
This ranking is based on a structured review of official product documentation, published specifications, current pricing, and feature analysis — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. We do not claim hands-on testing that did not happen.
Based on official product documentation as of June 2026.
Top 10 Picks
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Best photo printer overall.
- 8-color
- Wide format
- Gallery quality
- Premium
- Expensive
Epson SureColor P700
Premium 8-color photo printer.
- 8-color
- Wide format
- Premium
- Gallery quality
- Very expensive
Canon PIXMA TR8620
Best all-in-one photo printer.
- Photo quality
- All-in-one
- WiFi
- Compact
- Ink cost
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Wide-format photo printer.
- Wide format
- 6-color
- Premium
- Expensive
Canon PIXMA iP8720
Budget wide-format photo printer.
- Wide format
- 6-color
- Affordable
- No scanner
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
Refillable photo printer.
- Refillable
- 6-color
- Photo quality
- Low cost per page
- Very expensive upfront
Canon SELPHY CP1300
Best portable photo printer.
- Portable
- 4x6 prints
- WiFi
- Compact
- Small prints only
HP Envy Photo 7855
All-in-one photo printer.
- Photo quality
- All-in-one
- WiFi
- Ink cost
Epson PictureMate PM-400
Portable 4x6 photo printer.
- Portable
- 4x6 prints
- Compact
- Small prints only
Canon PIXMA TS8320
All-in-one photo printer.
- Photo quality
- All-in-one
- WiFi
- Compact
- Ink cost
Comparison Table
| # | Name | Brand | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon PIXMA Pro-200 | Canon | $599 | 4.8/5
★★★★★ | Best photo printer overall. |
| 2 | Epson SureColor P700 | Epson | $799 | 4.8/5
★★★★★ | Premium 8-color photo printer. |
| 3 | Canon PIXMA TR8620 | Canon | $179 | 4.5/5
★★★★★ | Best all-in-one photo printer. |
| 4 | Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | Epson | $349 | 4.6/5
★★★★★ | Wide-format photo printer. |
| 5 | Canon PIXMA iP8720 | Canon | $299 | 4.5/5
★★★★★ | Budget wide-format photo printer. |
| 6 | Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | Epson | $649 | 4.6/5
★★★★★ | Refillable photo printer. |
| 7 | Canon SELPHY CP1300 | Canon | $129 | 4.5/5
★★★★★ | Best portable photo printer. |
| 8 | HP Envy Photo 7855 | HP | $199 | 4.3/5
★★★★☆ | All-in-one photo printer. |
| 9 | Epson PictureMate PM-400 | Epson | $199 | 4.3/5
★★★★☆ | Portable 4x6 photo printer. |
| 10 | Canon PIXMA TS8320 | Canon | $149 | 4.3/5
★★★★☆ | All-in-one photo printer. |
Pros & Cons Summary
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
Epson SureColor P700
Canon PIXMA TR8620
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Canon PIXMA iP8720
Epson EcoTank ET-8550
Canon SELPHY CP1300
HP Envy Photo 7855
Epson PictureMate PM-400
Canon PIXMA TS8320
FAQ
What is the best photo printer?
The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 at $599 is the best photo printer for gallery quality. For budget, the Canon PIXMA TR8620 at $179 is excellent.
Inkjet or dye-sublimation for photos?
Inkjet (Canon PIXMA Pro-200) is best for large format. Dye-sublimation (Canon SELPHY CP1300) is best for 4x6 prints with no ink smearing.
How many colors do I need for photo printing?
6-8 colors produce gallery-quality prints. The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 has 8 colors, and Epson Expression Photo HD has 6 colors.
Which photo printer has the cheapest ink?
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 has refillable ink tanks, lowering cost per page. It is expensive upfront but saves money long-term.
Which photo printer is portable?
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 at $129 is the best portable photo printer. It produces 4x6 prints and has WiFi.
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