Best Photo Printer in 2026: A Buyer's Guide

Regular inkjets can't match the color depth and detail a dedicated photo printer produces. Here's what to look for if you actually want prints worth framing, not just documents that happen to have color on them.

Look for More Ink Colors

Prices and stock change often. The links below go to Amazon listings for each model; as an Amazon Associate, Castle Ink earns from qualifying purchases.

Dedicated photo printers typically use 6 or more ink colors, versus the standard 4 (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) in most home inkjets. Extra colors mean smoother gradients and more accurate skin tones. Models like the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 (check price on Amazon) and Epson SureColor P700 (check price on Amazon) use even more color channels for gallery-quality output. RTINGS' 2026 photo printer rankings break down how each model handles color accuracy in testing.

Consider Your Print Size

Compact "instant" style photo printers handle small 4x6 prints for everyday snapshots, while larger-format photo printers, like the Epson SureColor P700 or P900 (check price on Amazon), can output prints up to 13 or 17 inches wide for wall art or portfolios.

Don't Forget Photo Paper

Even the best photo printer needs proper glossy or matte photo paper to look its best. Cheap plain paper will make prints look dull no matter how good the printer is.

Once you've settled on a printer, our compatible Epson and Canon ink cartridges cover most popular photo printer models at a fraction of OEM pricing.