10 Best Portable Photo Printer For Kids 2025 in the United States

The Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a compact and lightweight device ideal for kids or anyone wanting easy, on-the-go photo printing. It uses ZINK technology, so there’s no need to worry about messy ink or cartridges, which makes it very convenient and safe for children. The 2x3-inch sticky-backed photos are fun to peel and stick, adding a playful element to printing. The print quality is good for casual use, with 300 dpi resolution delivering vibrant colors, although it’s not comparable to high-end photo printers.

It connects easily via Bluetooth to iOS or Android smartphones, and the free Kodak app offers a simple editing suite with filters, stickers, and other fun customization tools, which is great for creative kids. On the downside, print speed is quite slow—about one photo per minute—which might test the patience of younger users if printing many pictures at once. Battery life allows for about 25 prints per charge, which is decent but might require recharging during longer outings.

The device is very portable due to its small size and light weight, making it easy for kids to carry around. Safety-wise, the lack of ink and the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery are suitable for family use, but adult supervision is recommended when charging. This printer excels in fun, ease of use, and portability, making it a good pick for kids who want a simple way to print and personalize their photos, but it may not be the best choice if speed or large volume printing is a priority.

The Liene M100 is a portable 4x6 photo printer that stands out for its vibrant, high-quality prints thanks to thermal dye sublimation technology. This means your kids' photos will be colorful, glossy, and durable against water, scratches, and fading, which is great for preserving memories. It's designed to be very user-friendly with a minimalist, compact design and a dedicated app that lets you customize photos easily, adding filters or borders — perfect for kids to experiment with.

Connectivity is a breeze since it creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. You simply connect your smartphone or tablet directly to the printer without needing extra cables or internet, and it supports up to five devices at once, so sharing between family or friends is simple. This printer prints about one photo per minute, which might test the patience of younger children wanting instant results. Also, it relies on a power adapter rather than a battery, so it's less convenient if you want true cordless portability for outings.

The printer includes a good amount of photo paper and cartridges to get started, and sealed cartridges help keep dust out and reduce mess, making it safer for kids to handle. If you want a portable printer primarily for home use or casual photo sharing with kids, this model delivers excellent print quality and easy operation. However, if battery-powered mobility and faster printing are musts, you might want to consider other options.

The Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer is a compact and lightweight device, weighing only 145 grams, making it very easy for kids to carry and use anywhere. It prints 2x3 inch photos that come with a peel-and-stick backing, which is fun for kids to decorate their belongings. Thanks to ZINK technology, it doesn’t require ink cartridges, so there’s less mess and fuss—great for younger users. The print quality is improved in this version, offering better color tones and sharper images, meaning your kids’ photos will look bright and clear.

Connecting the printer to smartphones or tablets is straightforward using Bluetooth 5.0, and the Canon Mini Print App makes printing and customizing photos simple, even for those not tech-savvy. The initial print takes about 50 seconds, which is slightly slow compared to some other printers, but understandable given its size and portable nature. The battery is rechargeable via USB-C and lasts well enough for casual use, although heavy printing sessions might require recharging.

The printer uses safe materials and a low power rating, making it suitable for kids with supervision. However, the small paper capacity (about 10 sheets) means it’s best for occasional printing rather than large batches. While it doesn’t offer dual-sided printing practically for photos and the print speed is modest, the Ivy 2 Mini stands out for its portability, ease of use, and mess-free operation. It’s ideal for kids or families looking for a fun, simple way to print and share colorful photos on the go, without worrying about ink replacements or complicated setups.