10 Best Color Photo Printers 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a solid choice for those wanting an affordable color photo printer with low running costs. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free refillable ink tank system, which significantly reduces ink expenses compared to traditional cartridges. The printer delivers a high print resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi, helping produce sharp and vibrant photos. Color accuracy is generally good for home or casual photo printing, thanks to Epson's ink technology, though it may not satisfy professional photo enthusiasts seeking perfect color matching.

In terms of speed, it prints color photos at about 5 pages per minute, which is modest and fine for occasional photo tasks but not the fastest for heavy use. Paper handling is straightforward with a single tray supporting common photo sizes like 4x6 and 5x7 inches, as well as standard documents up to legal size. However, it lacks duplex (double-sided) printing, which is less crucial for photos but worth noting. Connectivity options include both USB and Wi-Fi, making wireless printing easy from smartphones or computers through apps and AirPrint. The included 65 mL ink bottles come with the printer, offering a good starting print volume before needing refills.

The printer is more beginner-friendly than professional-grade. It doesn't offer advanced photo editing or color calibration features, and its print speed may not satisfy users needing quick batch photo printing. The scanner and copier functions add versatility but are basic in quality. This model is best suited for home users or small offices looking for cost-effective, decent-quality color photo printing with easy connectivity and low ink costs, but it is less ideal for professional photographers or high-volume photo printing needs.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a robust all-in-one color photo printer designed for those who value high-quality prints without the hassle of traditional ink cartridges. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system that uses high-capacity ink bottles, significantly reducing printing costs. The ability to print vivid, borderless photos up to 13" x 19" makes it ideal for photographers and creatives who want to showcase their work.

Print resolution and color accuracy are high, thanks to the Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, ensuring your photos look sharp and vibrant. With a print speed of up to 12 pages per minute in color and 16 pages per minute in monochrome, it's reasonably fast for an inkjet printer. The EcoTank system also promises to save users up to 80% in ink costs, making it a financially savvy choice for frequent printing.

However, the printer does come with some drawbacks. Weighing in at 24.5 pounds, it may be less portable and more cumbersome for those with limited space. While the two-year limited warranty offers some peace of mind, users should be aware that using non-genuine Epson ink could void this warranty and potentially affect print quality. Furthermore, while wireless connectivity options are convenient, they can sometimes lead to connectivity issues depending on the home network setup.

In terms of usability, the intuitive 4.3-inch touchscreen and support for mobile printing through the Epson Smart Panel app makes operating the printer straightforward, but some users may find the initial setup process a bit challenging. The printer also supports a variety of media types, which is a plus, but handling thicker materials requires careful attention.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 serves as a strong option for photographers and hobbyists seeking high-quality color prints with lower long-term costs, though it may not suit those looking for a lightweight, ultra-portable printer.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e is a solid choice for home and small office users who want quality color printing without too much fuss. It offers good print resolution, up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color, which helps produce sharp and vibrant photos and documents. Its dye-based inks deliver accurate and lively colors, making it suitable for business documents, flyers, and casual photo printing. Print speeds are decent—up to 10 pages per minute in color and 20 ppm for black and white—which is quite good for an inkjet printer in this category.

This printer supports automatic double-sided printing and has a 225-sheet input tray, which means you can handle bigger jobs without constantly refilling paper. The auto document feeder (ADF) is handy for scanning or copying multi-page documents efficiently. Connectivity options are broad: Wi-Fi (with dual-band for better reliability), Ethernet, USB, and wireless direct printing. Plus, the HP app makes printing from a smartphone straightforward. One notable feature is the inclusion of 3 to 6 months of HP Instant Ink service, which can simplify ink replacement by delivering cartridges to your door, although after the trial, there’s a monthly fee to consider. The printer only works with HP cartridges that have chips, which might limit cheaper third-party options and could raise ink costs over time.

The touchscreen interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the printer’s design includes recycled plastics, which is a plus for environmentally conscious users. However, photo print quality may not match specialized photo printers, especially for professional photo enthusiasts who need the highest color precision. This printer is well-suited for users who want a versatile color inkjet printer with good speed, decent photo quality, and convenient wireless features, though the ongoing ink cost and limited cartridge compatibility are worth keeping in mind.