The best photo printer of 2025 is not one universal model. Choose according to the largest print you need, the look and longevity you expect, how often you print, and whether the machine must also handle documents. This guide compares professional 13-inch and 17-inch pigment printers, versatile home ink-tank models, and a compact dye-sublimation snapshot printer—without claiming firsthand test results that were not recorded.
Short answer: The best photo printer depends on what you actually print. Choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 or Epson SureColor P700 for serious 13-inch photographs and fine-art work; choose the Epson SureColor P900 when you need prints up to 17 inches wide; choose the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 for a more versatile home printer that also handles documents; consider the Canon PIXMA G620 for high-volume 4-by-6-inch printing if you can verify current availability; and choose the Canon SELPHY CP1500 for compact, durable snapshots.
Important qualification: This is a research-based buying guide, not a first-person lab test. No firsthand test logs, measured print times, sample comparisons, ink-cost calculations, or failure-rate records were available for this article. Manufacturer specifications and manufacturer claims are identified as such, and independent testing should not be presented as the writer’s own experience.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →There is no single winner for every household. A printer designed for exhibition-quality 17-inch output is the wrong purchase for someone who only wants occasional 4-by-6-inch snapshots, while a compact dye-sublimation printer cannot replace a large-format pigment inkjet.
Our picks at a glance
| Printer | Best for | Why consider it | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 | Professional 13-inch photographs and fine art | Dedicated professional photo-printer design and pigment-ink workflow | More specialized and potentially more expensive to run than a general home printer |
| Epson SureColor P700 | 13-inch photographic and monochrome work | UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink, dedicated black channels, and professional media handling | Overkill for occasional snapshots and ordinary documents |
| Epson SureColor P900 | Large photographs, posters, and studio work | Up-to-17-inch output with a 10-color professional pigment system | Larger, more specialized, and harder to justify without a need for wide prints |
| Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | Home users printing both photographs and documents | Ink-tank operation and photo/document versatility | Confirm current media support, availability, and ink pricing before buying |
| Canon PIXMA G620 | Frequent 4-by-6-inch photo printing | Six-color MegaTank system and Canon’s claimed high photo yield | Canon’s current retail presentation indicates that availability may be discontinued or variable |
| Canon SELPHY CP1500 | Small, portable snapshots and events | Simple dye-sublimation printing, wireless workflows, and postcard-size output | Not suitable for posters, large prints, or fine-art work |
Best professional 13-inch photo printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 is the most natural fit for photographers who want a dedicated 13-inch professional photo printer and are willing to manage a specialized ink-and-paper workflow. Canon positions the PRO-310 for professional and prosumer photographers, fine-art work, and home use.
#1 Best Overall
- CLEAR AND VIBRANT PRINT QUALITY ― All-in-one inkjet color printer produces sharp text for eye-catching documents and impressive color photos and graphics; Your next print job will be vivid and bright with this photo printer
- PRINTER FOR HOME USE ― Designed to increase your productivity at home, this wireless color printer features a 30 page auto document feeder (ADF), auto 2-sided print, copy, and scan, multiple media feeds, and print quality you can count on
- CREATIVITY MADE EASY ― Epson color printer provides creative versatility, allowing you to print photos and documents on specialty paper¹ and DVDs; You can even print bright and crisp borderless photos up to 8 X 10 in
- SIMPLE FUNCTIONALITY ― Convenient features make printing, scanning, and copying a snap; Use the large, intuitive 4.3 in touchscreen to view, edit and print photos directly from USB or SD card slot²
- CONVENIENT WIRELESS PRINTER ― Ultimate wireless plus ethernet; Easily print photos and documents directly from your tablet or smartphone³; Includes Wi-Fi direct for network-free printing⁴
That positioning matters more than a simplistic “best image quality” label. A professional printer is built around the complete print process: suitable photo and fine-art media, careful color management, print settings, maintenance, and a willingness to spend more time and money than an everyday document printer usually requires.
Consider the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 professional photo printer if your priority is serious 13-inch output rather than the lowest purchase price or the simplest possible snapshot workflow. Match it with exact-model ink and compatible paper; do not assume that any glossy, matte, or fine-art sheet will deliver the same result.
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Think twice if: You mostly print school documents, occasional family pictures, or small snapshots.
Best alternative for 13-inch professional work: Epson SureColor P700
The Epson SureColor P700 is the principal alternative to the PRO-310 for photographers who want professional 13-inch output. Epson’s P700 uses UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink and supports professional media handling. Its documentation also identifies dedicated photo-black and matte-black channels, which is particularly relevant to photographers who print monochrome work or switch between glossy and matte media.
Dedicated black channels are not a guarantee that every black-and-white print will be perfect. Results still depend on the image, paper, viewing conditions, color-management settings, and the selected media profile. However, the design is meaningful for a photographer who treats black-and-white and fine-art printing as a primary workflow rather than an occasional feature.
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The P700 is also a better fit than a compact dye-sublimation model when you need substantial paper choice, larger output, or a desktop color-managed workflow. Its trade-off is the same one found with other professional photo printers: specialized hardware and pigment consumables can be excessive for low-volume casual printing.
Best match: Photographers who want 13-inch pigment-ink printing, dedicated black channels, and professional media support.
Think twice if: You need an inexpensive all-purpose printer or rarely print photographs.
Rank #2
- From America's most trusted printer brand, the HP Envy Photo 7975 is a premium multi-purpose home printer with everything families need to learn, work, and create. Loaded with features to print high-quality photos, homework, office docs and everything else. It's also AI-enabled to intuitively adapt to your workflow, with wireless and security features that keep your multifunction printer up to date and secure.
- PERFECT FOR HOME - The HP Envy Photo 7975 is great for printing documents, high-quality true-to-screen borderless photos, creative projects and more. Print speeds up to 10 pages per minute color, 15 pages per minute black.
- PERFECTLY FORMATTED PRINTS WITH HP AI - Print web pages and emails with precision-no wasted pages or awkward layouts; HP AI easily removes unwanted content, so your prints are just the way you want.
- KEY FEATURES - Print, copy, scan, automatic 2-sided printing, advanced photo features, separate photo tray, auto document feeder, mobile and wireless printing.
- EFFORTLESS PRINTING - Smoothly navigate printing with a large intuitive printer color touchscreen.
Best for large photographs and posters: Epson SureColor P900
If you genuinely need prints up to 17 inches wide, the Epson SureColor P900 is the relevant choice in this group. Epson describes it as a 17-inch printer with a 10-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment-ink system, professional media support, and dedicated photo-black and matte-black channels.
The P900’s advantage is capability, not an automatic promise of better-looking output for every photograph. A 17-inch printer makes sense for exhibition prints, wide wall art, studio work, and photographers who want more flexibility in print dimensions. If your finished work is almost always 8-by-10 or 4-by-6 inches, the additional format is unlikely to justify choosing a larger professional machine.
Before buying, check the exact sheet and roll options, supported media thickness, workspace, operating-system support, and current consumable pricing. Large-format printing also makes paper selection more consequential: a fine-art matte sheet, a semi-gloss photographic sheet, and a glossy sheet are different parts of the output system, not interchangeable accessories.
Best match: Studio photographers, artists, and serious home printers who need 17-inch output.
Think twice if: You do not have a clear need for prints wider than 13 inches.
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Best versatile home photo printer: Epson EcoTank ET-8550
The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is the more sensible direction for a household that wants photographs but also needs to print documents. It is not positioned in the same specialized category as the SureColor P700 or P900. Its appeal is flexibility: one machine for everyday paperwork and home photo printing, with an ink-tank design intended to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement.
Epson’s documentation covers borderless-photo expansion, fit-to-frame behavior, and high-quality photo-print settings. Those settings are worth using deliberately. A borderless image can be cropped or enlarged differently from a photograph printed with a visible margin, so check the preview before committing valuable paper.
Do not make a purchase decision from the phrase “low-cost ink” alone. Real running cost depends on bottle pricing, page size, coverage, cleaning cycles, wasted ink, paper, and how often the printer is used. Verify the current ET-8550 availability, exact media limits, included software, and current ink prices at the time of purchase.
Best match: Families, home offices, and creators who print both documents and photographs.
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- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Seamless Multi-Page Handling - Tackle multi-page documents with ease using the Auto Document Feeder (ADF) for quick scanning and copying
Think twice if: Your sole requirement is exhibition-grade 13- or 17-inch fine-art output.
Best for high-volume 4-by-6-inch photos: Canon PIXMA G620
The Canon PIXMA G620 is a six-color MegaTank photo printer aimed at users who print many small photographs. Canon identifies its GI-23 six-color bottle system and claims a yield of up to 3,800 4-by-6-inch photos. That is a manufacturer claim, not a universal real-world cost or yield result: your coverage, cleaning, paper, print settings, and refill practices can change the outcome.
The G620 can be attractive for albums, family photographs, and regular 4-by-6-inch output when refill frequency matters more than professional large-format features. It is not the strongest fit for someone who needs 13-inch or 17-inch fine-art prints, dedicated professional media handling, or a broad studio workflow.
There is also an availability caveat. Canon’s current shop presentation shows a discontinuation or availability warning, so check stock, seller identity, warranty coverage, and replacement-ink availability before treating the G620 as a current recommendation. A low price on an old listing is not necessarily a bargain if support or supplies are difficult to obtain.
Best match: High-volume small-photo printing when a verified listing and supply chain are available.
Think twice if: You need a current, widely supported model or large-format output.
Best compact snapshot printer: Canon SELPHY CP1500
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is the right answer for a very different job: simple, durable, small-format snapshots. It uses dye-sublimation thermal transfer rather than a conventional inkjet system. It supports postcard-sized 4-by-6-inch prints as well as smaller card and square-label formats, and it offers wireless, USB, and memory-card workflows. An optional battery expands its usefulness for events and locations where portability matters.
Because the CP1500 is designed around small media, it should not be presented as a poster printer or fine-art printer. It is convenient when the output is a physical snapshot to share immediately, place in an album, or use at an event. It is a poor substitute for a pigment printer when you need large photographs, extensive paper choice, or exhibition-style work.
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- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Canon’s stated print-longevity information is based on accelerated testing under controlled conditions. Treat that as a qualified manufacturer result, not an unconditional guarantee for every home, frame, album, paper, light level, or storage environment.
Best match: Casual photographers, families, parties, and portable 4-by-6-inch printing.
Think twice if: You want posters, large wall prints, or fine-art media.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose the right photo printer
1. Start with the largest print you actually need
Maximum print width is the fastest way to narrow the field. The P700 and PRO-310 address 13-inch professional work; the P900 extends to 17-inch output. The ET-8550 and G620 are more practical for versatile home or small-photo printing, while the CP1500 is built around postcard, card, and square-label media.
Do not buy a 17-inch printer because a larger number sounds more future-proof. Wide-format machines take more room and make the cost of paper, ink, maintenance, and failed prints more noticeable. Buy the format your finished work requires.
2. Understand pigment, dye, and dye-sublimation systems
- Pigment ink: The Epson P700 and P900 use UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink. Pigment systems are commonly selected for professional photographic and fine-art workflows, but the final result still depends on paper, profiles, settings, and display conditions.
- Dye ink: The Canon G620 uses six dye-based colors. Dye can be a sensible choice for vivid, everyday photographic output and high-volume small prints, but it is not interchangeable with a professional pigment workflow.
- Dye-sublimation: The SELPHY CP1500 transfers dye thermally onto small dedicated media. It is optimized for convenient snapshots, not large sheets or broad fine-art media compatibility.
“Pigment is always better” is too broad. Choose based on the print size, paper, intended display, color-management expectations, storage, and workflow you will actually use.
3. Treat paper as part of the printer
Paper changes the appearance of color, contrast, texture, reflections, and black density. The P-series documentation covers sheet, roll, and specified thickness handling; the SELPHY requires model-specific paper cassettes and postcard or card media. Use media intended for the exact printer and print size.
For professional models, look for the manufacturer’s paper profiles or ICC profiles for the selected media. A glossy profile cannot be assumed to work correctly for a matte fine-art sheet. For the CP1500, buy the correct dye-sublimation paper-and-cartridge set or compatible cassette rather than generic inkjet paper.
4. Calculate running costs honestly
Do not compare a manufacturer’s yield claim with an online cartridge price and call the result a universal cost per print. A meaningful calculation must specify:
Best Value
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp text and vivid colors
- Effortless Setup & Use - Get started quickly with easy setup for your smartphone or computer, so you can print, scan, and copy without delay
- Reliable Wireless Connectivity - Enjoy stable and consistent connections with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz), ensuring smooth printing from anywhere in your home or office
- Scan & Copy Handling - Utilize the device’s integrated scanner for efficient scanning and copying operations
- the exact printer and ink or dye-sub kit;
- the print size, such as 4-by-6 inches or 13-by-19 inches;
- image coverage and print settings;
- paper cost;
- maintenance, cleaning, and wasted-print assumptions;
- the date and source of prices.
Canon’s “up to 3,800 4-by-6-inch photos” figure for the G620 should therefore be treated as a claimed maximum under stated conditions, not a promise for every household. Before publication or purchase, check current ink, bottle, maintenance-box, paper, and dye-sub media prices for the exact model.
5. Match the workflow to the user
Wireless, USB, memory-card, and mobile options are valuable for casual printing and events. Professional users may care more about desktop software, Ethernet, roll handling, ICC profiles, media thickness, and reliable switching between photo-black and matte-black workflows. A printer can have excellent specifications and still be a poor fit if its setup and maintenance are more involved than you want.
Setup and troubleshooting checklist
- Install the current driver and printer software from the manufacturer’s support site for your operating system.
- Choose the exact paper type in the print dialog; do not leave a fine-art, matte, or glossy job on a generic-paper setting.
- Use the correct color-management path. If the application manages color, configure the printer driver accordingly rather than applying correction twice.
- Preview borderless jobs and check for automatic enlargement or cropping.
- Keep professional media flat, clean, and stored as directed by its manufacturer.
- For bottle or cartridge systems, use the exact ink family specified for the model. Do not assume third-party ink is warranty-neutral or color-compatible without checking the printer manufacturer’s policy.
When Windows cannot find the printer
Start with the manufacturer’s driver, support documentation, cable or Wi-Fi checks, and operating-system troubleshooting. Confirm that the printer and computer are on the same network, restart the printer and router if appropriate, and remove duplicate or stale printer entries before reinstalling the official driver.
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As a secondary Windows troubleshooting option, Outbyte Driver Updater may help identify missing or outdated device drivers, including printer drivers. It is not a color-management tool, does not improve photographic quality, and cannot repair mechanical faults, blocked nozzles, incorrect paper settings, or unsuitable profiles. Manufacturer drivers and support remain the first-line option.
What to verify before ordering
- Current model status, replacement models, and regional availability.
- Retailer identity, warranty coverage, and return terms—especially for the potentially discontinued G620.
- Current ink, bottle, maintenance-supply, paper, and dye-sub kit prices.
- Supported operating systems and current driver availability.
- Maximum sheet size, roll support, media thickness, borderless sizes, and required cassettes.
- Whether the printer fits your workspace and whether you can store its paper properly.
- Whether an authorized seller or approved affiliate listing is being used; seller and price information can change.
Final recommendations
For the best balance of serious 13-inch photographic intent, start by comparing the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and Epson SureColor P700. Choose the P900 only when 17-inch output is an actual requirement. Choose the ET-8550 when documents and photographs must share one home printer. Consider the G620 for frequent small-photo printing only after confirming current stock and support. Choose the SELPHY CP1500 when convenience, portability, and durable 4-by-6-inch snapshots matter more than size or fine-art flexibility.
Before committing to any model, price the complete system—not just the printer. The relevant total includes the correct ink or dye-sub supplies, paper, maintenance, color-management tools if needed, and the time required to manage the workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best 13-inch professional photo printer?
Choose the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 or Epson SureColor P700 for serious 13-inch photographs and fine-art printing. The better choice depends on your preferred software, paper, color-management workflow, availability, and current consumable costs.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Which photo printer is best for posters?
Choose the Epson SureColor P900 when you need prints up to 17 inches wide. Its larger format is useful for exhibition, poster, and studio work, but it does not automatically produce better results for every image.
What is the best photo printer for home use?
The Epson ET-8550 is the most natural fit when you need both photographs and everyday documents. The Canon G620 is worth considering for frequent 4-by-6-inch photos, but its current availability and warranty support should be verified first.
Is the Canon SELPHY CP1500 good for large photos?
The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is the better choice for simple, portable 4-by-6-inch snapshots. It is not suitable for posters, large photographs, or fine-art printing.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: There is no universal best photo printer. The Canon PRO-310 and Epson P700 are the strongest 13-inch professional paths, the Epson P900 is the large-format choice, the ET-8550 is the versatile home option, the G620 is a conditional high-volume 4-by-6-inch option, and the SELPHY CP1500 is best for compact snapshots.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
