Choosing the Best Wireless Photo Printer for High Quality Photos

A high quality photo printer can make your images come to life with vibrant colors, sharp details, and professional looking prints. With wireless connectivity, you can easily print directly from smartphones, tablets and laptops. But with so many printer options available today, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a wireless photo printer for top-notch print quality. You’ll learn how print technology, resolution, ink types, paper handling and wireless capabilities impact photo output. We’ll also provide detailed recommendations of the best wireless photo printers for different uses and budgets.

Whether you’re a passionate photographer wanting gallery quality prints or desire the convenience of printing smartphone pics at home, this guide will help you pick the perfect wireless photo printer for stunning high quality prints.

Outline of Content

Introduction

• Overview of wireless photo printers and key benefits
• Factors that affect photo print quality
• How to choose the right wireless photo printer

Printer Types

• Inkjet vs Laser
• Printer size formats
• Features comparison table

Print Resolution

• Resolution measured in DPI
• Photo printing resolution needs
• Printer resolution ranges
• Resolution impact on print quality

Printer Ink Types

• Dye vs Pigment ink
• Chroma Optimizer vs Gloss optimizers
• Ink longevity and smudge resistance
• Photo ink sets
• Black ink types

Color Management

• Printer color profiles
• Using color management for accuracy
• Softproofing

Wireless Connectivity

• WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth
• Mobile printing capabilities
• Cloud printing features

Paper Handling

• Paper types for photos
• Paper size capacity
• Auto sheet feeders
• Paper trays
• Borderless printing

Additional Printer Features

• LCD screens
• Printer software
• Memory card slots
• Ports and connectivity

Speed and Efficiency

• Print speeds
• Processor
• Auto duplex printing

Operating Costs

• Ink cartridge yields
• Replacement ink costs
• Third party ink options

Top Wireless Photo Printer Recommendations

Best Wireless Printers for High Volume Photos

1. Canon PIXMA PRO-200
2. Epson SureColor P400
3. HP DesignJet Z6 PostScript

Best for Printing from Mobile Devices

1. Canon Selphy CP1300
2. HP Sprocket Studio
3. Kodak Step Touch

Best Portable Wireless Photo Printers

1. Canon IVY Mini Photo
2. Polaroid ZIP
3. HP Sprocket Select

Best All-in-One Wireless Photo Printers

1. Canon PIXMA TS9520
2. Epson Expression Premium ET-7750
3. Brother MFC-J995DW XL

Best Wireless Photo Printers under $200

1. Canon PIXMA TS5320
2. HP ENVY Photo 6255
3. Epson Expression Home XP-4100

Best Professional-Quality Wireless Photo Printers

1. Epson SureColor P700
2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
3. HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript

Best Large Format Wireless Photo Printers

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
2. Epson SureColor P900
3. HP DesignJet Z6800

Choosing the Right Photo Printer – Buyer’s Guide

• Confirm printer meets resolution needs
• Consider wireless connectivity options
• Evaluate ink system and operating costs
• Check paper capacity and media handling
• Assess print speed requirements
• View printer output samples firsthand
• Factor in size and design
• Compare warranties and support

The Benefits of Wireless Photo Printing

Home photo printing has undergone a renaissance in recent years thanks to high quality dedicated photo printers with wireless connectivity. While online print services provide convenience, printing at home gives you more control over the entire process and enables you to achieve professional quality results. Dedicated photo printers are optimized for printing both color and black and white images with exceptional quality using systems engineered specifically for photographic output.

Key benefits of wireless photo printers:

• Print from anywhere – With WiFi, WiFi Direct, and wireless app connectivity, you can print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops wirelessly from anywhere in your home.
• Superior print quality – Get gallery quality results using advanced ink systems, high resolution output, and color management tools.
• Print what you need, when you need – Have the flexibility of printing exactly the photos you want immediately at home.
• Affordable high volume printing – Save money printing your own photos compared to online print services for large volumes.
• Creative control – Take advantage of color and size options as well as editing software to get your photos exactly how you envisioned.
• Archival results – Choose printers and inks engineered for long lasting fade resistant prints to preserve photos for generations.

For exceptional high quality prints from a digital file that match or exceed professional lab quality, a dedicated wireless photo printer is a smart investment. Choosing the right one for your needs and using high quality ink and paper means you can print stunning photos at home for portfolio books, albums, gifts, wall art and more.

Factors That Determine Photo Print Quality

Several key factors impact the print quality and capabilities of wireless photo printers including:

• Printing technology – Inkjet printers offer excellent quality for photos while laser printers generally cannot match photo output.
• Resolution – The printer resolution measured in DPI directly affects detail and sharpness.
• Ink type and quality – Vibrant color and longevity depend on the ink formulation and system.
• Color management – Using printer profiles and proper workflow ensures color accuracy.
• Connectivity – Wireless printing provides flexibility in printing from mobile devices.
• Paper handling – What paper types, sizes and quantities the printer supports affects printing options.
• Print speed – Faster print engines produce full size photos more quickly while avoiding output bottlenecks.

Understanding these factors will help narrow the choices and select a photo printer suited for your specific needs and applications. Professional photographers require advanced features and larger format sizes while home users desire affordability and family photo printing. We’ll examine these aspects in-depth to guide you to the ideal wireless photo printer for your needs and budget.

Choosing the Right Printer Type

The two main printing technologies to evaluate are inkjet and laser printers. For photograph printing, inkjet is the undisputed choice for rich color and tonality. Let’s compare the advantages and disadvantages of each for photo output.

Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers work by spraying microscopic ink droplets onto paper. The ink droplets are propelled by a printhead which moves back and forth while the paper advances.

Advantages:

• Excellent color accuracy and tonality ideal for photographic output
• Can print on a wide variety of paper types and sizes
• Affordable desktop sizes for home use
• Large format options for professional photography
• Multiple ink cartridges for glossy black and color shades
• Ink formulated for color vibrancy and longevity

Disadvantages:

• Slower print speeds compared to lasers
• More expensive ink over time
• Ink susceptible to smudging and fading if not highly pigmented
• Ink clogs and nozzle issues can occur if infrequently used

Laser Printers

Laser printers use static electricity and heat to fuse toner powder onto paper. The printing process consists of 4 steps – charging, exposing, developing, and transferring.

Advantages:

• Very fast print speeds, especially for black text
• Lower long term operating costs
• Toner is more smudge and fade resistant

Disadvantages:

• Cannot match photo print quality of good inkjets
• No nozzles, but toner clumping can occur
• Heavier and bulkier than inkjets
• Few handle larger than letter size paper

For photograph printing, inkjet technology provides superior results over laser thanks to photographic ink systems and ability to print borderless on various paper stocks. Laser printers cannot reproduce the subtle tonality of photographic images well.

If you need to print high volume text documents rapidly, a laser can be a good choice alongside a photo inkjet. But for image printing, inkjet is best.

Next let’s examine the different size classes of inkjet photo printers.

Printer Size Format Comparison

Photo inkjet printers come in wide range of sizes from portable mini printers to large professional formats. Common size classes include:

Compact/Portable

• Mini handheld printers
• Small footprint desktop 4×6 printers

Consumer Multifunction Inkjets

• Desktop all-in-one models
• Print, scan, copy, fax
• Some offer A3/13” wide printing

Single Function Photo Printers

• Designed for high quality photo output
• Typically larger 6-8 inch display screens
• Borderless printing on varied media

Professional Photo Printers

• A3/13 inch or larger width
• Dye and pigment ink choices
• Advanced color management
• High resolution

Large Format Photo Printers

• 24 inch to 60 inch width
• Designed for professional photographers
• Gallery quality archival prints
• Expensive but unparalleled quality potential

Let’s compare the pros and cons of each format tier.

| Printer Class | Pros | Cons |
|-|-|-|
| Compact/Portable | Ultra small footprint
Lightweight and transportable
Affordable | Lower resolution
Smaller prints only
Fewer connectivity options |
| Consumer All-in-One | More features like scan/copy
Better value for money
Easier to use | Quality not fully optimized for just photos
Smaller ink cartridges |
| Single Function Photo | Designed for best photo quality
Larger touch screens
More connectivity choices | Can only print – no scan/copy
Models with roll feeders take more space |
| Professional Photo | Maximum quality results
Large ink cartridges
Advanced color management | Expensive
Large footprint |
| Large Format | Unparalleled print sizes and quality
Exclusive fine art paper handling | Extremely expensive
Very heavy and large |

Depending on your goals – ultimate quality, affordability, portability or versatility – narrowing down the size format is the first step.

For most home users wanting great quality wireless photo printing, compact portable, consumer all-in-one, or single function photo printers offer the best balance of quality, performance and value. Professional photographers or graphic artists producing exhibition fine art prints will require a professional large format printer.

We’ll now delve into the fine print – examining the detailed performance factors that distinguish wireless photo printer models.

Print Resolution Determines Detail and Sharpness

Arguably the most important technical specification of any photo printer is its print resolution measured in DPI or dots per inch. The higher the maximum DPI, the finer detail and sharper image quality it can achieve. Higher resolution printers can reveal more subtleties captured in a digital photograph.

Resolution needs vary based on the print size. A smaller 4×6 print may only require 300 DPI to look very sharp. But larger poster sizes demand higher resolutions so details do not appear pixelated or blurry when viewed up close.

Photographic Print Resolution Requirements

Small photo sizes – Default 300 DPI suffices for very sharp 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10 prints. even 200 DPI gives good quality.

Letter size – 300 DPI optimal, some printers max at 600 DPI for 8.5×11 inches.

11×14” and 12×18” – 360 DPI provides excellent sharpness.

16×20” poster and larger – Printers that can achieve 600 DPI or higher will provide best detail.

Exhibition fine art – Top end large format printers achieve up to 2880 x 1440 DPI for gallery show quality.

Higher resolution capabilities give you more flexibility to print sharp detailed images at bigger enlargements sizes.

Resolution Range of Photo Printers

Here are the typical print resolution ranges of wireless photo printers by class:

• Compact/Portable – 313 x 400 DPI
• Consumer All-in-One – Up to 1200 x 4800 DPI
• Single Function Photo – Up to 1200 x 4800 DPI
• Professional Photo – Up to 1200 x 4800 DPI
• Large Format – Up to 2880 x 1440 DPI

Higher DPI does not always equate to visibly better quality – much depends on ink system, printing algorithms and quality settings. But resolution provides an objective measure for comparing sharpness potential.

Certain applications like banners, murals and artwork meant to be viewed from further away can print at lower 150-200 DPI without quality loss. But for photographic prints, erring on the higher side for resolution ensures capturing detail.

Key Factors That Affect Print Quality

Besides resolution, three other interconnected factors have a large influence on photographic print quality:

1. Printer Ink Formula and Type
2. Color Management Accuracy
3. Paper Media Differences

Let’s look at how each impacts the look, feel and longevity of your prints.

Not All Inks Are Created Equal

The physical properties of the ink used – dye vs pigment formulas, the use of photo or chroma enhancing inks, and black ink types – have a significant effect on the vibrancy, longevity and look of printed photos.

Understanding ink differences helps choose the right photo printer for your needs and desired print characteristics.

Dye vs Pigment Inks

All inkjet printers use either dye-based or pigment-based inks. What is the difference and which is better for photo printing?

Dye-based inks contain liquid colorants dissolved in a fluid solution. The dyes chemically bond to the paper fibers to create color.

Advantages of Dye Inks:

• Wider range of bright, vibrant and saturated colors
• Colors appear more luminous
• Quick drying times
• Ideal for glossy paper

Disadvantages of Dye Inks

• Not as fade resistant for archival prints
• Can smear or smudge if dampened
• Difficult to use on porous art papers
• Colors are transparent so can look washed out on plain paper

Pigment-based inks use concentrated color pigment particles suspended in a liquid. The particles bond to the paper surface.

Advantages of Pigment Inks:

• Very fade and water resistant for archival prints
• Prints on both glossy and porous art papers
• Wider compatible paper range
• Darker blacks for contrast

Disadvantages of Pigment Inks:

• Less vibrant color than dye inks
• Slower drying times on porous papers

For photographic printing, certain printers offer both dye and pigment ink sets to take advantage of each technology’s strengths.

Dye inks render excellent color vibrancy, while pigment inks provide longevity and resistance to fading. Having both options in a printer allows you to choose the ideal ink type on a photo by photo basis.

Chroma Optimizers vs Gloss Enhancers

Many photo printers incorporate additional inks beyond the standard CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Two specialized ink types that enhance photographic printing are Chroma Optimizers and Gloss Enhancers.

Chroma optimizers provide vibrant color and minimize metamerism – where colors shift under different lighting conditions. They maximize gamut for intense hues across all colors. Canon, Epson and HP printers use varying chroma optimizer ink formulations with names like ChromaLife100+, Vivid Magenta, and ColorLife.

Gloss enhancers enable full rich black density on glossy photo papers that can otherwise appear washed out. The gloss enhancing ink accentuates black density. Brand names include HP Gloss Enhancer, Epson Gloss Optimizer, and Canon Photo Black.

The addition of chroma and gloss optimizer inks are a sign of an advanced ink system designed specifically for photographic image printing.

Ink Longevity and Resistance

For archival photographic prints, you ideally want prints that last many decades without fading, smearing or running if wet.

Pigment inks last significantly longer without fading than dye inks. How long? Depending on the specific ink formulation, from over 100 years for top branded pigment inks down to about 25 years for lower quality third party replacement pigment inks.

Dye inks fade much more quickly over just 2-3 years. Choosing a printer with pigment ink options is highly recommended for photographic archival printing.

Resistance to smudging, water and humidity is also vastly better with pigment over dye inks due to encapsulated ink particles fusing to the print surface. Dye inks remain susceptible to running.

Again, the ideal printer for photographers provides both dye and pigment ink options to match longevity needs.

Specialized Photo Inks

Standard inkjet printers have four ink cartridges – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CMYK). For enhanced photo printing, additional cartridges provide deeper color and accuracy.

Typical enhancements include:

• Light cyan and light magenta for smoother gradients and highlights
• Gray for refined monochromatic tonality
• Dark gray or light black for detail in shadows
• Photo black and matte black for richer blacks on glossy or matte papers

Photographers should look for at least 6 individual ink cartridges, or preferably more, to ensure color depth and tonality.

Black Ink Types for Photos

Having two separate black cartridges expands the contrast and detailing abilities when printing black and white or color photographs.

Most photo printers offer two types of black

Black Ink Types for Photos Continued

• Photo black ink creates deep blacks on glossy and RC-based papers without a washed out gray appearance. Photo black ink adheres well and dries quickly on high gloss finishes.
• Matte black ink is specially formulated to provide rich blacks on matte and porous fine art papers. The ink permeates and bonds with cotton rag and canvas materials.
• Gray ink provides smooth gradients and detail for monochrome photos. The light density gray can create over 200 distinguishable tones.
• Light black or gray adds detailing in shadows. Certain Canon and Epson printers offer a lighter gray-black for enhanced contrast.

Having both a photo black and matte black ink provides the best range for printing crisp blacks regardless of paper finish. The addition of gray inks enables professional quality black and white photographic printing.

In summary, look for at least 6 individual ink cartridges and specialized black inks when evaluating photo printers. The more ink options, the greater potential for accurate color and tonality across print jobs and paper types.

Color Management is Key for Accuracy

To achieve accurate color matching between what you see on your monitor and the final photographic print, printers offer color management capabilities.

Here are the key color management features to look for in a photo printer:

• Printer color profiles – The printer color space and gamut range determine reproducible colors. Look for a wide Pantone coverage or gamut volume for more accurate color.
• Print profiles – Printer drivers include selectable profiles for each paper type to optimize settings.
• App-level color management – Apps like Photoshop and Lightroom integrate scanner and printer profiles for calibrated coloring workflow.
• Soft-proofing – On-screen previews simulate how your specific printer will render the photo on chosen paper before you print.
• Printer calibration – Calibrating the printer using color profiling charts improves long term color consistency.

Adjusting color management settings requires some knowledge but enables greater print accuracy. Even without complex custom profiling, choosing the matching paper profile for each media type offers improved color over default driver settings.

Key Connectivity Considerations for Wireless Printing

What good is a wireless photo printer if you cannot actually print from all your devices? The connectivity options directly affect how flexible and convenient the printer will be in everyday use.

Main wireless and wired connection types:

• WiFi – Print from anywhere in your home network.
• WiFi Direct – Connect directly to printer like a hotspot for phones and guests.
• Bluetooth – Print from Bluetooth enabled mobile devices. Shorter range but easy pairing.
• Ethernet – Wired connection provides fastest and most reliable throughput.
• USB – Plug into printer with a USB cable to print directly.
• PictBridge – USB port designed for direct camera connections.
• Memory card slots – Insert SD cards from cameras to print photos.

Look for a printer with dual band WiFi, WiFi direct mode, wireless app connectivity, and at least one USB port. WiFi direct provides maximum flexibility to print from mobile devices without connecting to a home network. Apps broaden printing capability from cloud services and online destinations.

Wireless connectivity is key, but also consider minimum router speed needed (5G better than 2G) and wired ethernet which provides the fastest most stable throughput when printing larger files.

Bluetooth offers an alternative for quick mobile printing but is limited in range. PictBridge ports enable direct camera connections while built-in memory card readers provide an easy way to print from compatible cameras.

Having both wireless and wired options ensures a seamless printing experience.

Paper Handling Compatibility and Capacity

The printer’s paper handling capabilities determine what size prints it can produce as well as the number of pages that can be printed without needing to replenish media.

Key paper handling factors:

• Paper types – Check which paper categories are supported like plain paper, photo paper, fine art paper, magnet sheets, etc.
• Paper sizes – The maximum paper width affects printable photo sizes. Standard sizes are 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 8.5×11, A4, 13 inches wide for larger photos and banners.
• Input capacity – Paper input trays should hold ample stacks of your commonly used paper sizes. Larger trays need less refilling.
• Output capacity – The output tray should have enough space to collect larger print jobs without spilling.
• Auto sheet feed – Printers with roll paper feed automatically cut sheets to desired sizes for you. Convenient for high volume printing.
• Borderless printing – For showcase prints, borderless printing enables edge-to-edge photos at popular sizes.

For versatility, seek printers compatible with glossy photo paper, matte art papers, canvas sheets, and CD/DVDs. Standard paper trays that hold 100+ sheets are ideal for minimizing refills. Premium printers accept high capacity rolls for uninterrupted productivity.

Output trays that can handle 50+ sheets prevent mess from large projects. And borderless printing adding that professional touch to client deliverables and gallery pieces.

Additional Features for Workflow and Convenience

Beyond just print quality and connectivity, useful extra features improve the overall functioning and user experience with wireless photo printers.

Helpful extra features include:

• Display screen – Larger color touch screens provide intuitive control for print settings and maintenance.
• Printer software – Brand-specific programs have tools for batch printing, editing, scanning, sharing and utility needs.
• Memory card readers – Built-in slots for direct printing from SD, CF etc media saves steps.
• Front panel shortcuts – Programmable command shortcuts for common operations improves efficiency.
• Advanced paper settings – Controls for print dialogs let you adjust color balance, saturation, contrast, cropping and other settings per print.
• Notification alerts -pop-up messages for maintenance needs reduces downtime.

While not absolutely essential, conveniences like an adjustable tilt touch screen, wireless printing apps, media card readers and custom print setting controls create a more streamlined user experience.

Speed and Efficiency

For large print jobs or high volume everyday printing, print speed becomes an important consideration. Faster print engines churn out 4×6 prints quicker with less wait between pages.

The two factors determining print speed:

• Print engine – Measured in pages per minute. Typical photo printer speeds range from 10 to 30 ppm for 4×6 photos.
• Processor – A faster multi-core processor enables quicker data processing and spool times. Look 1 GHz or faster.

Other efficiency capabilities:

• Auto duplex – Print on both sides of the page automatically to conserve paper. Ideal for non-photographic print projects.
• Batch printing – Print multiple copies of a photo or entire batch jobs efficiently.

Faster print speeds are not critical for occasional smaller projects. But professional photographers printing high volumes for clients will benefit from 25-30 ppm print engines that can churn out 4×6 prints rapidly with little lag between pages. For the rest of us, 10-15 ppm suffices for general use.

Operating Costs – Ink and Replacement Cartridges

The cost of replacement ink cartridges make up the majority of long term operating costs for photo printers. Comparison shopping cartridge yields and pricing lets you budget operating expenses.

Factors that influence ongoing costs:

• Cartridge page yield – The number of photos each cartridge can produce before needing replacement. Standard capacity may print 100-200 photos for 4×6 size. High capacity options 600+ photos.
• Replacement cartridge price – First party branded ink costs more. Third party compatible ink cartridges are cheaper.
• Ink tank systems – Reservoir tanks continuously filled with ink bottles can lower very high volume costs.
• Print efficiencies – Auto duplex, batch printing, ink drying optimizations, and print quality settings that use less ink per page reduce consumption.

For moderate photo printing needs, mid-range consumer models balance print costs. Light users should consider lower-ink models. Professional photographers can economize on ink with efficient large format printers or high yield bulk systems.

To keep expenses reasonable, check both hardware prices and long term ink operating costs when choosing any photo printer.

The Best Wireless Photo Printer Recommendations

With so many wireless photo printer options available, which are the best choices?

Here we recommend the top models suited for:

• High volume family and professional photography
• Mobile device printing
• Compact size
• All-in-one convenience
• Under $200 budget
• Premium professional quality
• Large format fine art

Any of these printers will enable stunning high quality prints – just match specific capabilities to your needs.

Best Wireless Photo Printers for High Volume

Printing out 4×6 prints in bulk for clients or scrapbooking projects? These printers churn out high quantities quickly and cheaply.

1. Canon PIXMA PRO-200

• Pigment and dye ink options
• High capacity 250 ml tanks
• Fast print speed – 4×6 under 60 seconds
• 150 sheet plain paper tray
• Prints up to 13” wide

2. Epson SureColor P400

• UltraChrome HG2 pigment inks
• Roll paper holder for panoramas
• Max 17” print width
• Wireless and WiFi direct
• Touch panel with 3.5” screen

3. HP DesignJet Z6 PostScript Printer

• Dual rolls with automatic cutting
• Fast print speeds – 21 seconds per A1 page
• Fade resistant Original HP inks
• Print multiple projects in batches
• 3 liter high capacity ink cartridges

Best Wireless Printers for Mobile Devices

For ultimate wireless printing convenience from smartphones and tablets, these models make it painless.

1. Canon Selphy CP1300

• Compact size
• Easy wireless printing from apps
• Affordable separate ink and paper packs
• Fast batch print mode
• Manual feed minimizes jams

2. HP Sprocket Studio

• Print directly from smartphone cameras
• Bluetooth connectivity
• HP Sprocket app for customizing
• Compact all-in-one design
• Affordable 2×3” sticky-back print paper

3. Kodak Step Touch Instant Printer

• Instantly print 2×3” photos from iOS and Android
• NFC and WiFi for wireless printing
• No ink cartridges needed
• App with templates and filters
• Portable thin design with handle

Best Portable Wireless Photo Printers

For travel, events, or family pics on the go, these lightweight wireless printers fit in a bag.

1. Canon IVY Mini Photo

• True mini portable printer
• 2×3” smudge proof prints
• Bluetooth connection to smartphones
• No ink cartridges needed
• Canon Mini Print app

2. Polaroid ZIP Wireless Mobile Photo Printer

• Ink-free ZINK printing technology
• 2×3” sticky back photo paper
• Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
• Charges with micro USB
• Polaroid Prints app for Apple and Android

3. HP Sprocket Select

• Palm sized printer 5×4” photos
• Bluetooth connectivity to mobiles
• LED indicator lights
• Affordable HP Zink paper
• Collage and layout printing

Best All-in-One Wireless Photo Printers

Need copy and scan too? These do it all with space-saving convenience.

1. Canon PIXMA TS9520

• 9600 x 2400 dpi resolution
• 5 individual inks
• Auto duplex printing
• Document feeder for 35 sheets
• Large 5” LCD touch screen

2. Epson Expression Premium ET-7750

• 6 Claria inks including photo black
• Auto 2-sided printing
• 2400×1200 optimized dpi
• WiFi direct and Ethernet
• 3.7” touchscreen

3. Brother MFC-J995DW XL Inkjet All-in-One Printer

• Prints up to 11×17″
• 20 sheet auto document feeder
• Auto 2-sided printing
• 150 sheet paper capacity
• 6 photo-optimized ink colors

Best Wireless Photo Printers Under $200

You don’t need to spend a fortune for high quality wireless photo printing at home. These deliver excellent results at budget prices.

1. Canon PIXMA TS5320

• 9600 x 2400 maximum dpi
• 5 individual inks for photos
• Airprint and Mopria printing supported
• 100 sheet plain paper capacity
• 3” LCD screen

2. HP ENVY Photo 6255

• 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
• Auto 2-sided printing
• HP Smart app for wireless printing
• Creative editing software included
• 2.2” touch display

3. Epson Expression Home XP-4100

• 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi
• 5 individual Claria ink cartridges
• 100 sheet paper capacity
• Print from USB, WiFi, tablets
• Small 2.4” LCD

Best Professional Quality Wireless Photo Printers

For exhibition gallery quality archival prints, these advanced professional photo printers are the gold standard.

1. Epson SureColor P700

• Ultimate 11-color UltraChrome PRO10 pigment ink
• Advanced black inks for neutral grays
• Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead
• Prints up to 17 inches wide
• High speed USB 3.0 interface

2. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300

• 12 color LUCIA PRO pigment ink system
• Chroma optimizer for gamut and anti-metamerism
• L-COA PRO image processor for accuracy
• WiFi, WiFi Direct, Ethernet connectivity
• Print up to 13” wide

3. HP DesignJet Z9+ PostScript Printer

• 21 second print speeds per page
• Up to 2400 x 1200 optimized dpi
• Prints up to 44” wide
• Dual rolls with automatic cutting
• Easy mobile printing with HP Smart app

Best Large Format Wireless Photo Printers

For gallery wraps, wall murals, fine art prints up to 5 feet wide, these pro-grade large format printers have the size and quality for creatives.

1. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000

• 17 inches wide with 1.28 inch printhead
• 12 color LUCIA PRO pigment inks
• Anti-clogging technology
• Print previews on screen
• Multifunction roll unit

2. Epson SureColor P900

• UltraChrome HD 8-color pigment ink
• Up to 2880×1440 dpi resolution
• 17 inch wide photo prints
• Wireless and WiFi Direct
• 2.7 inch touchscreen

3. HP DesignJet Z6800 Photo Production Printer

• Gallery quality prints up to 60 inches wide
• Dual roll with automatic cutting
• Optical media advance sensor for accuracy
• Ethernet, WiFi, and USB connectivity
• HDNA printheads for high detail

Wireless Photo Printer Buying Guide

Choosing from the wide range of wireless photo printers on the market can feel overwhelming. Here is a concise checklist of what to look for in your ideal model:

• Print resolution – Confirm the printer meets or exceeds the DPI needed for sharp detailed prints at the sizes you plan to print.
• Ink system – Look for 6 or more cartridges, gray and photo black inks, and dye/pigment options for professional photographers.
• Paper handling – Ensure the printer supports the paper types and sizes you need. Check sheet capacities.
• Print speed – Faster 4×6 ppm ratings like 15-30 ppm benefit high volume users. 10 ppm is fine for lower volumes.
• Wireless connectivity – WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth and wireless app printing ensure flexibility.
• Print costs – Compare ink cartridge yields and replacement prices. Photos average $0.15 to $0.50 each depending on size and print model.
• Extra features – Screens, memory card readers and software add convenience for workflow.
• Quality samples – Always view printer sample output in person to evaluate print quality before purchasing.
• Size and design – Make sure the printer dimensions and footprint work for your desk or space needs.
• Warranty – 1 year basic coverage. Extended plans provide longer tech support and replacement coverage.

The most important factors are resolution, ink quality, paper sizes, print costs, wireless connectivity options and warranty. Match your specific needs to printer capabilities using these criteria for photorealistic printing satisfaction.

Conclusion

We have explored the key considerations in choosing a wireless photo printer for stunning high quality prints – from ink technology to printer size formats.

The good news is there are excellent options across budgets and needs from portable mini printers under $100 to pro-grade large format printers over $1000. Even compact all-in-one inkjets can deliver great photo prints rivaling pro labs with the right technique. Think about your specific needs and printer capabilities.

Focus first on resolution, inks quality, paper handling, connectivity and costs to narrow down your choices. Be sure to view printer output samples in person.

With a little research, you can find an reasonably priced photo printer that produces gallery quality photographic prints from the comfort of home. Your custom framed family snapshots, creative art pieces and graduation photo collages will take on new life printed professionally on a dedicated photo printer.