10 Best Photo Printers For Photographers 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a versatile all-in-one photo printer well-suited for photographers who need high-quality prints. One of its standout features is its cartridge-free printing system using Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, which delivers vibrant and accurate colors. The printer supports a variety of media types and sizes, including borderless prints up to 8.5" x 11" and specialty media like cardstock and CDs/DVDs, making it highly flexible for creative projects.

The print speed is quite efficient, with the ability to produce a 4" x 6" photo in as little as 15 seconds, which is great for busy environments. Additionally, the printer offers significant cost savings with low-cost replacement ink bottles that can last up to two years and save up to 80% compared to traditional ink cartridges. The EcoTank system also reduces cartridge waste, which is environmentally friendly. Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and support for mobile devices through the Epson Smart Panel app, which makes it easy to print, scan, and manage tasks from a smartphone or tablet.

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen and voice-activated printing add to the user-friendly experience. However, the printer's relatively large size and weight (24.5 pounds) may be a consideration for those with limited space. The maximum print speed for color is 12 ppm, which might be slower than some high-end models, but it is generally sufficient for most photo printing needs. The initial cost of the printer may be higher than cartridge-based alternatives, but the long-term savings on ink and the convenience of not frequently changing cartridges can offset this. With a strong balance of quality, cost-efficiency, and versatility, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a compelling option for photographers looking for a reliable and cost-effective photo printer.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile photo printer designed specifically for photographers and creative enthusiasts. One of its standout strengths is its cartridge-free printing system. This feature allows for vibrant and sharp prints thanks to Epson's Claria ET Premium 6-color inks. The ability to print borderless photos up to 13" x 19" makes it an excellent choice for larger projects, appealing to those looking to create professional-quality prints from the comfort of their home. Printing speed is respectable too, with 4" x 6" photos taking just 15 seconds and color documents printing at 12 pages per minute.

The printer also excels in cost efficiency, boasting significant savings on ink; it promises to save up to 80% on replacement ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. Each set of ink bottles can provide enough ink to print up to 6,200 pages, making it a great long-term investment for avid photographers.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Its weight of 24.5 pounds makes it somewhat bulky, so it may not be the best fit for small workspaces. Additionally, while the wireless connectivity and mobile printing features are convenient, users may experience occasional connectivity issues, which can be frustrating when working on urgent projects. Also, the printer relies heavily on genuine Epson ink to maintain optimal performance, meaning that using third-party inks could void the warranty.

The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is a high-end photo printer designed with professional photographers in mind. Its standout feature is the 11-color pigment-based ink system with a Chroma Optimizer, which delivers rich color accuracy and gloss uniformity, making prints look vibrant and lifelike. The LUCIA PRO II inks enhance color depth and clarity, especially in darker areas, which is important for detailed art and photo prints. With a maximum print resolution of up to 4800 x 2400 dpi, it produces sharp, detailed images on a variety of media sizes up to 17 x 22 inches, suitable for large format photo prints.

Connectivity options include USB and Wi-Fi, allowing for flexible setup in studios or home offices. Paper handling is solid, featuring an air feeding system to prevent paper jams or skewing, and it supports multiple paper sizes including popular photo dimensions and larger formats. The print speed is quite slow at about 1 page per minute, which means it’s best suited for quality over quantity rather than high-volume printing. The printer is also quite heavy and large, so it requires a dedicated space. While it lacks duplex printing, this is less critical for photo printing.

Its professional print and layout software helps photographers manage color calibration and print workflow with precision. This printer excels at producing museum-quality, color-accurate photo prints with excellent detail and durability, making it a great choice for photographers who prioritize print quality and color fidelity over speed and portability.