Most people have a need to print pictures, documentation or other important files, but the offices that deal with this activity are, as luck would have it, closed or located too far away.
If funds allow, then it would be advisable to think about purchasing office equipment. This means a portable printer, through which you can print documents on paper almost anywhere.
This publication details the distinctive features of the best portable printers for 2021, as well as their technological parameters.
How to choose
When choosing a truly high-quality device for home printing, it is advisable to consider the following criteria as determining:
- place of use (optimally for home - inkjet or CISS);
- output print quality (optimally 1200 or 2400 pixels per inch);
- maximum productivity (the higher this indicator, the better, on average - 15-20 pages per minute);
- the number of colors used to “reproduce” an electronic file on paper (ideally at least 5);
- volume of functional memory (optimally – 512 MB and above).
For a unique systematization of the above data about which device is best suited for printing documents, pictures, photos, etc. at home, it is advisable for a potential user of a good color printer to pay attention to the following list of top models of gadgets in the segment in question.
Portable for laptops
HUAWEI CV80
pros
- Portable
- Battery operation
- Weight 0.2 kg.
- Color print
Minuses
- Print speed 1 photo is 55 seconds
From 7515 ₽
The Huawei CV80 portable photo printer allows you to print your favorite photos and immediately share them with friends via HUAWEI Share or Bluetooth. A bright multi-color image with high detail, safe, environmentally friendly Zero Ink technology, the ability to use Zink photo paper with an adhesive backing - these are the undeniable advantages of this model.
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Epson WorkForce WF-100W
pros
- Weight 1.6 kg.
- Supports Windows, Mac OS, iOS
- Possibility of self-replacement of ink
- Autonomy
Minuses
- Non-removable battery
- High cost of photos
From 21523 ₽
Compared to compact A4 laser printers, devices with piezoelectric inkjet printing consume much less electricity, and some, such as the Epson WorkForce WF-100W, can operate on battery power for a long time. Therefore, the printer can be used both at home and on the road.
Criteria for choosing a portable printer
When purchasing a mobile printing device, you should focus on the following parameters:
- Format – determines the quality of printed information. Requirements for obtaining a high-quality image: from 1,200 DPI, illustrations – from 600 DPI, text content – from 300 DPI;
- Speed – the device’s ability to print a specific number of pages with color or black and white content in a minute. Usually, the latter are printed faster;
- Memory capacity and ability to display information from portable data storage devices (flash drives, micro SD of various formats);
- Chip. The more productive it is, the faster color pictures in large format are printed;
- Interface – sets the ability to connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Allows you to function not only with a laptop or PC, but also with phones, smart devices and tablet PCs;
- Format. There are often mobile devices on the market that can output the maximum print format, which is 10x15 cm (A6). Not so long ago, portable printers designed for printing A4 documents began to be in demand;
- Printing settings set auxiliary page parameters: duplex, no margins, etc.;
- Operating system support. Compatibility of the system with the interface of a smartphone, laptop, tablet PC and other storage device from which the file is being printed.
Also important are the resources of the cartridge, the number of colors, and also the power of the battery. All these parameters make it possible to choose a printer that best suits the needs of the buyer. Do not forget that you need to clearly indicate the method and scope of use of the mobile printer. For example, in some cases you need a capacitive battery, A4 size and the minimum requirements in order to print black and white text.
In such a situation, it is possible to find a device that is much more affordable when compared with color-type alternatives.
The best color laser printers
Economical performance indicators determine the popularity of this technology when choosing office equipment. However, a good color laser printer for home can also be called a rational solution. The initial investment will pay off over time. This technology is distinguished by relatively low consumption of consumables and high quality of the created images.
Ricoh SP C260DNw
The first place in the ranking of color laser printers is ensured by positive reviews from professionals and private owners. This model is designed for intensive use. According to the manufacturer, it is capable of printing up to 30 thousand pages per month. For large jobs, the printer can load up to 750 sheets for automated feeding. Color and black and white printing is performed at a speed of 20 pages per minute. If necessary, labels, mailing envelopes and other media can be used instead of plain paper. The equipment supports wireless communication standards Wi-Fi and AirPrint. It is compatible at the software level with different operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux and Android.
Advantages:
- cheap laser printer with excellent consumer characteristics;
- fast output of the first print (14 s);
- ability to work with thick paper;
- compatible with all standard OS;
- wireless connection to the information network.
Flaws:
- heavy weight (27 kg).
KYOCERA ECOSYS P5026cdw
To successfully solve typical office tasks, it is better to buy a color printer from KYOCERA. The validity of this statement is proven by the characteristics of the ECOSYS P5026cdw. In the official accompanying documentation, the manufacturer reports an estimated print volume of up to 50 thousand pages per month. The first copy comes out after 9.5 (10.5) seconds in black and white (color) version, respectively. Speeds of up to 26 pages per minute provide performance high enough for the needs of the average office.
Advantages:
- scanner function with sending the created file to a specified E-mail address;
- 800 MHz processor provides high speed;
- two-sided printing;
- large drum resource (100 thousand pages);
- reading memory cards;
- good resolution 1200×1200 dpi;
- easy-to-use LCD panel;
- low noise level (47 dB).
Flaws:
- high cost of original consumables.
Xerox VersaLink C400DN
If you need a printer that prints quickly and has greater productivity, you can purchase the VersaLink C400DN. With full-color printing speeds of up to 35 pages per minute, it's easy to create documents and promotional materials in a fraction of the time. The large tray holds up to 1250 sheets of A4 paper. The resource of a fully refilled cartridge is 2500 pages. The printer is capable of printing up to 80 thousand pages per month, so it is quite suitable for equipping medium and large offices.
The device is compatible with all popular operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux). To connect to the network and computer, you can use an Ethernet or USB cable, respectively. The large color display (5 inches) is useful for quickly jumping to the desired item in the settings menu. It displays workflows and diagnostic test results.
Advantages:
- high-speed printing;
- reliability in operation;
- reasonable cost per print;
- the ability to preview materials on a color screen;
- long continuous operation after the trays are fully loaded;
- easy maintenance.
Flaws:
- high power consumption in operating mode (700 W);
- only wired connection to local network (Ethernet).
Which color printer is better to choose?
Most color printers have rich functionality, but this does not mean that you need to overpay for the originality of the model. It is advisable to choose devices for the home based on cost, low operating speed and low-cost maintenance. It is worth paying attention to the dimensions of the device so that its installation is simple and comfortable. For an office, a printer with high resolution quality and good performance that will not slow down the workflow is suitable.
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The best color printer manufacturers
Initially, all printers were bulky, and their functionality was limited to printing texts, but progress did not stand still - and over time, improved options appeared. Manufacturers offer new solutions for designs and multitasking, but among the companies there are leading firms:
1 Epson is a Japanese brand that is a leader in the production of quality printers. Modern models are equipped with a lot of useful additional functions, and special technology allows you to increase their service life without the need for ventilation.
2 Canon is a Japanese multinational corporation that specializes exclusively in the production of printing and optical equipment, so the accuracy of its printers almost never fails consumers. Among the presented models, you can choose the device with optimal characteristics, and the company’s flexible pricing policy allows anyone to become a happy owner of a Canon.
3 HP - the brand is considered a real giant in the printing technology market, and the company’s offerings include a huge number of different models. The quality of color rendering in some devices may be inferior to Canon, but HP ensures stable and long-term operation of the device.
4 KYOCERA – printers are made of reliable high-quality materials, therefore they are designed for long-term operation. Thanks to innovative technologies, the devices cope well with the most complex tasks. The high cost is justified by savings on consumables, which change very rarely due to a good safety margin.
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Handheld mobiles
Kodak Photo Printer Dock
There are two versions of this technique for different mobile operating systems. Model 450 is for Android smartphones, and 480 is for Apple iPhone running iOS. You can buy such a handheld printer for printing photos for $150. You still need to find it in domestic stores, but there are no problems with this abroad. This machine can print 10×15 photos in excellent quality. You can connect your phone via micro USB input, and there is also a slot for a memory card. A decent printer option for iPhone.
Canon SELPHY CP1300
The flagship model from Canon has a more than three-inch touch screen that can be rotated. Equipped with a collage creation function, it uses sublimation printing. Equipped with powerful and reliable batteries for several dozen photographs. Prints photos in size 10x15 with an extension of 300x300 dpi. Connects to portable devices in several ways. This is a wireless Wi-Hi connection, a USB cable, a slot for a memory card.
Brother Pocket Jet 7
Brother Pocket Jet 7 can work with full A4 sheet format. At the same time, its size is just over 25 centimeters. This printer weighs less than 500 grams. It is easy to take with you to school, university or on a business trip. The price for such pleasure is impressive and beyond the means of the average user. Not every schoolchild or student will afford to shell out $1,000 for a mini printer. This option is more suitable for business representatives.
Canon PIXMA iP110
Significantly more expensive ($300) than its competitors, but printing is done with a resolution of 9600×2400 dpi in black and white and color modes in A4 format. Very small cartridge resource of only about two hundred sheets. If you are interested in high-quality photo printing, then this option is what you need. A good car option.
HP Officejet 100 Mobile Printer L411
It uses inkjet printing, is compact in size, can be connected to a mobile phone, and runs on batteries. An excellent travel printer for your car.
Polaroid Zip
The smallest printer in the review is only 12 cm long and just over seven cm wide. The weight is 200 g, and from one battery charge you can print two dozen high-quality photographs. Connects to a smartphone or other portable device via Bluetooth using special applications from the Android Market. This model can be considered as a home option for quick photo printing.
Fujifilm Instax SP-2
One of the fastest devices in this collection. It produces pictures in just 10 seconds, which its competitors cannot boast of. You can print up to hundreds of pictures on one charge. The battery is fully charged in just an hour and a half. You will be pleased with high-quality images using OLED technology. If you download a special application for Fujifilm Instax SP-2, you can make minor adjustments and changes to photos from your smartphone before printing.
Epson WorkForce WF-100W
The dimensions of this representative of the rating are slightly larger than those previously described, but still fit into the frame of compact printers for laptops. “31×15.5×6” cm are quite acceptable dimensions. You can print pictures and text on A4 sheets completely offline. On the body of the device there is a small screen and a control panel. The printer supports a high resolution of 5760×1440 dpi, which is enough for high-quality prints. Uses black and color cartridges, one refill of which is enough for more than 200 sheets. There is a full range of connection interfaces: Wi-Hi, USB. Works with Android and IOS devices through applications.
LG Pocket Photo Smart
Its size is comparable to the size of a regular mobile phone. It will easily fit unnoticed into a jacket pocket or in the hand of an adult. The weight is just over 200 grams, and Bluetooth wireless technology is used for connection. A great option for instantly printing selfie photos.
HP OfficeJet 202
The HP mobile printer measures 36.4 x 18.6 x 6.9 cm, but at the same time weighs more than two kilograms. For comparison, competitors' analogues weigh only 500 grams. The advantages include: fast battery charging in just 90 minutes, printing speed of 9 A4 sheets in one minute, support for double-sided printing, work with high-density photo paper, easy connection to laptops and PCs running Windows or Linux. The main and only disadvantage is the lack of direct communication with mobile devices.
Let's compare the models
| Model | Power consumption, W | B/W printing speed, ppm | First print output time, s | Weight, kg | price, rub. |
| HP Laser 107a | 320 | 20 | 18 | 4.16 | 6320 |
| Samsung Xpress M2020 | 310 | 20 | 8.5 | 3.97 | 6900 |
| Pantum P2207 | — | 22 | 7.8 | 5.1 | 4980 |
| HP LaserJet Pro M15w | 210 | 18 | 8.4 | 3.8 | 8130 |
| Brother HL-L2340DWR | 510 | 30 | 8.5 | 11.6 | 9910 |
| Xerox Phaser 3020BI | 313 | 20 | 8.5 | 4.1 | 7260 |
| Canon i-SENSYS LBP623Cdw | 390 | 21 | 10.4 | 15.5 | 14460 |
| HP Color Laser 150nw | 282 | 18 | 13 | 10.04 | 14990 |
| KYOCERA ECOSYS P5021cdn | 345 | 21 | 11 | 21 | 26100 |
| Brother HL-1110R | 380 | 20 | 10 | 4.5 | 7610 |
| HP LaserJet Pro M304a | 495 | 35 | 6.9 | 8.22 | 11640 |
| Canon i-SENSYS LBP6030B | 870 | 18 | 7.8 | 5 | 8790 |
| Brother HL-L6300DW | 740 | 46 | 7.5 | 13.2 | 30950 |
| Canon i-SENSYS LBP352x | 1650 | 62 | 7 | 26.2 | 65090 |
| KYOCERA ECOSYS P3155dn | 675 | 55 | 4.5 | 16.6 | 33550 |
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The best compact inkjet printers for home
Canon PIXMA TS304
pros
- Printing via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth possible
- Supports cloud services
- Possibility of copying
- 4-color printing
Minuses
- Picture format is limited (10×15 cm)
- Low print speed
From 2764 ₽
The most compact printer at a budget price is suitable for students and schoolchildren. Using this device, you can not only print documents, but also create color photographs, as well as copy drawings via a smartphone and a special application, adjusting them if necessary. It’s just a pity that you won’t be able to print pictures larger than 10x15 cm, since the device only supports this format.
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HP Ink Tank 115
pros
- Price
- Ink set upon purchase
- Economical printing
- Convenient refueling
- Possibility to connect to MAC
Minuses
- No USB cable included
- Poor photo print quality
From 7880 ₽
The HP Ink Tank 115 printer is indispensable when preparing a presentation, report, or simply for printing documents, photographs on matte and glossy paper, images on envelopes and labels. The display shows all information about the operation of the device, including the amount of ink remaining. Containers with dyes are replenished through a special opening.
Epson L120
pros
- Ease of use
- Paint included
- Fast printing
- Pigment ink
- Continuous Ink Supply System
Minuses
- High price
- When not working, the print head dries out
From 7100 ₽
The Epson L120 high-speed color inkjet printer with a continuous ink supply system can rightfully be considered the best choice for working at home or in the office. The connection to the laptop is via a USB cable.
