10 Best Zink Printer 2025 in the United States

The Liene Photo Printer is a compact and highly portable zink-printer that offers a convenient way to print 2x3” photos directly from your smartphone. Weighing only 0.4 pounds and fitting easily in most bags, it’s an ideal companion for on-the-go printing. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity allows for quick and easy pairing with both iOS and Android devices, making it user-friendly even for those not keen on tech setups.

One significant advantage is the use of Zink technology, which removes the need for expensive ink cartridges and simplifies the printing process. Instead, it uses special paper embedded with dye crystals to produce high-quality, vivid prints that are also adhesive, perfect for scrapbooking or decorating personal items. The included 50 sheets of 2x3” sticky-backed photo paper add value to the bundle, letting you start printing right away.

The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 1 page per minute, which might not be ideal if you need to print large quantities in a short time. The printer’s app has a useful feature for cleaning the print head, helpful in maintaining print quality but note that prints can only be made through the Liene app. Additionally, the paper capacity is limited to 9 sheets at a time, which means frequent reloading during extended use. The Liene Photo Printer is best suited for casual users who want a fun and easy way to print photos on the go, rather than for those needing high-volume or high-speed printing.

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Portable Photo Printer is a compact device designed for those looking to print photos on the go. It supports a print size of 2.1 x 3.4 inches, which is perfect for small snapshots or scrapbook additions. One of its standout features is the impressive print quality achieved through Kodak's 4Pass Technology, ensuring photos are not only vibrant but also fingerprint-proof and waterproof, adding longevity to your memories.

Connectivity is hassle-free with Bluetooth compatibility, allowing you to easily pair it with your smartphone or tablet. The free Kodak mobile app enhances the experience by enabling you to print directly from your device, which is a major plus for casual users who want convenience. Battery life is decent as it uses standard D batteries, which means you can take it places without worrying about finding a power source.

There are some drawbacks. The print speed is slow at just 1 page per minute for both color and monochrome prints, which might not satisfy those looking for quick photo outputs, especially during events. Additionally, while it can handle a maximum of 60 sheets, the initial bundle only includes 8 sheets, which could lead to additional costs if you're planning to print frequently. The device is also relatively small, which limits the print size, so it may not be suitable for users wanting larger prints. For those who enjoy capturing and sharing moments instantly and value portability, the KODAK Mini 2 Retro is a solid choice. It excels in delivering quality prints in a compact form, making it ideal for casual photographers or those who love to scrapbook. However, if you're looking for faster printing capabilities or larger photos, you might want to explore other options.

The HP Sprocket Select is a compact and stylish portable photo printer designed for quick and easy printing of 2.3 x 3.4-inch photos using Zink (zero ink) technology. It stands out by producing photos about 30% larger than the original HP Sprocket, which is great if you want bigger sticky-backed photos for scrapbooking or sharing. The print quality is decent for casual use, offering smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant prints with a maximum resolution of 313 x 400 dpi. This resolution is basic compared to standard photo printers, making it best suited for fun, casual snapshots rather than professional-quality prints.

Connectivity is straightforward via Bluetooth, allowing seamless printing from iOS and Android devices through the HP Sprocket app. The app adds value by letting you personalize photos with frames, filters, stickers, and even augmented reality features, making the printing experience more engaging and creative. The printer is very lightweight (180 grams) and slim, making it highly portable and easy to carry around for events or travel.

Battery life is generally sufficient for casual use, powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, but the print speed is quite slow at about one photo per minute, which might feel sluggish if you want to print many photos quickly. The printer uses sticky-back glossy photo paper, compatible only with HP’s Zink sheets, which can add to the ongoing cost. The included paper capacity is only 10 sheets, so you’ll need to keep extra paper handy for longer sessions. This printer is ideal for users who want a fun, on-the-go way to instantly print small photos for crafts, parties, or social media sharing rather than those needing fast, high-volume, or professional-level photo printing. It offers convenient portability and creative app features but compromises on speed and print resolution.