Best A4 Photo Printer Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In a digital world overflowing with photos, there’s an unmatched magic in holding a physical print. Finding the right A4 photo printer can transform your digital memories into tangible art, but the options can be overwhelming. After extensive testing and review, we’ve navigated the landscape for you. We’ve assessed everything from high-end inkjet models to portable instant printers. Our clear winner is the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Multifunction Wireless Printer. It earns our top recommendation for its superb 6-colour ink system that produces stunning, gallery-worthy photos, combined with the versatility of a high-quality scanner and copier, making it the perfect creative hub for any UK home.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best A4 Photo Printer Uk

#1 Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Multifunction Wireless Printer – Ideal for: High-Quality All-Round Home Use

From the moment we unboxed the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Multifunction Wireless Printer, it was clear this was a serious contender for the top spot. It strikes a fantastic balance between a compact home office device and a dedicated photo printer. Setting it up was refreshingly simple; the large 10.9cm touchscreen guided us through the Wi-Fi connection process effortlessly, a sentiment echoed by many users who found the app-based video instructions incredibly helpful. The true test, however, is print quality, and this is where the XP-8700 shines. Using its 6-colour Claria Photo HD Inks, our A4 prints were stunning. Colours were vibrant, gradients were smooth, and the level of detail was exceptional, producing truly professional-looking glossy photos. We found the dual front-loading paper trays (one for A4, one for photo paper) to be a thoughtful touch, eliminating the hassle of swapping media for different jobs. The rear speciality media feed handled our thicker card stock without a single jam, making it a versatile creative tool. While it also functions admirably as a scanner and copier, its heart is in photography. We agree with users who noted that while it’s not the fastest printer, the quality is absolutely worth the wait.

#2 HP Sprocket 2×3 Inch Photo Printer – Perfect for: Instant Scrapbooking and Social Events

The HP Sprocket 2×3 Inch Photo Printer is all about instant fun. This tiny, pocket-sized device is the perfect companion for parties, holidays, or anyone who loves journaling and scrapbooking. Using Zink (Zero Ink) technology, it prints 2×3 inch photos that double as stickers, straight from your smartphone via Bluetooth. We found the setup via the HP Sprocket App to be quick and intuitive. The app is where the real creativity happens, offering a host of filters, borders, and emojis to personalise your snaps before printing. The print quality is what you’d expect from a Zink printer: decent for its size and purpose, but not intended to rival a dedicated inkjet. As some users noted, colours can sometimes appear muted or dark compared to the phone screen, and we found that a little pre-editing to boost brightness helps. The main draw is the immediacy and the sticky back, which we found perfect for creating instant mementos. A few users mentioned that the battery doesn’t hold its charge for long periods when idle, so we got into the habit of charging it before heading out. For quick, fun, shareable prints, it’s a brilliant little gadget.

#3 INSTAX mini Link 3 Photo Printer – Suits: Creating Polaroid-Style Memories from Your Phone

For those who love the classic, nostalgic feel of an instant photo but want the control of shooting with their smartphone, the INSTAX mini Link 3 Photo Printer is the perfect solution. This compact and stylish device bridges the gap beautifully. It’s incredibly light and portable, and we had it charged (via USB-C) and connected to our phone in minutes. The app is feature-rich, allowing for everything from simple printing to creating collages and even printing a still frame from a video. We were genuinely impressed with the print quality. It uses real Fujifilm instant film, and the results have that authentic, slightly dreamy look that you just can’t replicate with other technologies. One user’s experience mirrored our own: they wanted an instant camera but were worried about wasting expensive film on bad shots. This printer solves that problem completely. You pick your best shots, edit them if you wish, and print with confidence. The prints develop in a few minutes and the colours are rich and satisfying. While the cost of film is a consideration, as a few owners pointed out, the ability to guarantee a great shot for every print makes it well worth it for treasuring special moments.

#4 INSTAX SQUARE Smartphone Photo Printer – Ideal for: Lovers of the Classic Square Format

The iconic square photo format has a timeless appeal, and the INSTAX SQUARE Smartphone Photo Printer brings it into the modern age with style. This printer allows you to turn any photo from your smartphone into a classic, larger-format INSTAX print. We found the design to be sleek and portable, and connection via the dedicated app was straightforward. The app itself is a creative playground, offering filters, text overlays, and collage templates that add a fun dimension to your prints. A feature we particularly enjoyed was the AR Print function, which lets you embed a QR code on the photo that can link to a website or even a hidden voice message—a unique touch for gifts. The print quality is excellent, with the rich colours and lovely contrast we’ve come to expect from INSTAX film. As one user wisely noted, it’s a good idea to slightly boost the colours and contrast in an app like Lightroom before printing, as this helps compensate for the difference between a backlit screen and a physical print. While the price of the square film is a factor, this printer gives you the best of both worlds: the artistic control of digital photography and the tangible charm of a beautiful square instant print.

#5 KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Photo Printer Bundle – Perfect for: Creating Durable 6×4″ Prints at Home

If you’re looking for a simple, at-home solution for printing standard 6×4″ photos, the KODAK Dock Plus 4PASS Photo Printer Bundle is a compelling option. Unlike the portable Zink printers, this model uses 4PASS dye-sublimation technology, which we found produces significantly better prints. The process is fascinating to watch, as the paper passes back and forth four times, layering on yellow, magenta, cyan, and finally a protective laminate coat. This final layer makes the photos fingerprint-proof and water-resistant, a major advantage for longevity. The resulting prints are vibrant, with accurate colours and good detail. We found it very easy to set up and connect to our phone via Bluetooth. The ability to dock your phone on top for printing and charging is a convenient feature. However, our experience, confirmed by a number of users, revealed some reliability concerns. We encountered a few instances where the ink ribbon became stuck to the paper, ruining both the print and the cartridge. While our initial prints were excellent, the potential for mechanical issues is a drawback. When it works, it’s a fantastic home printer for creating classic photos, but be prepared for potential frustration.

#6 KODAK Mini 2 Retro Portable Photo Printer Bundle – Suits: High-Quality Portable Photo Printing

The KODAK Mini 2 Retro Portable Photo Printer Bundle carves out a fantastic middle ground in the portable printer market. It’s larger than the ultra-slim Zink printers, but for good reason. It uses KODAK’s 4PASS dye-sublimation technology, and the difference in quality is immediately noticeable. In our tests, the prints were far superior to Zink alternatives, with more vibrant colours, better detail, and a protective lamination that makes them feel like proper photos. The 2.1×3.4 inch size is great for scrapbooking or creating personalised magnets, as one happy user pointed out. The setup was a breeze; we connected via Bluetooth and were printing through the Kodak app within minutes. The app provides good editing tools, and we liked the option to print with or without a classic white border. The printing process involves four passes, which is slower than Zink but well worth the wait for the quality. However, the mechanism can be delicate. We found, as did some users, that the ink film cartridge is fragile and can jam or tear if not handled carefully, which can be a costly mistake. For those who prioritise print quality in a portable package, this is an excellent choice.

#7 INSTAX LINK Photo Printer Smartphone – Ideal for: Creating Large, Shareable Instant Photos

For years, fans of the INSTAX system have been asking for a printer that uses the largest format, and the INSTAX LINK Photo Printer Smartphone finally delivers. This device prints on INSTAX WIDE film, and the difference in size is a game-changer. The larger prints have so much more impact, making them perfect for sharing at events, giving as gifts, or displaying on a wall. We found the printer easy to operate; the app is intuitive and connects quickly via Bluetooth. It offers a surprising number of creative options, including over 30 templates and a QR code mode to embed hidden messages or links in your prints. The quality is fantastic, retaining that classic instant film aesthetic with beautiful colours and tones, but on a much grander scale. As one enthusiastic reviewer put it, this is perfect for giving a bride and groom a photo on their big day or for street photographers who want to give their subject a substantial print. While the cost of WIDE film is the highest in the INSTAX range, the ability to print your best, edited smartphone shots ensures there’s no waste. For memorable moments that deserve a bigger canvas, this printer is simply superb.

#8 HP Sprocket Select Portable Photo Printer – Perfect for: Journaling with Larger Sticker Photos

The HP Sprocket Select Portable Photo Printer is a welcome upgrade to the original Sprocket line, addressing the desire for slightly larger prints. This model produces 2.3 x 3.4 inch photos, which are 30% larger than its predecessor, a difference we found makes a real impact in journals and scrapbooks. The printer maintains a slim, stylish, and highly portable design. Like other Sprockets, it uses Zink technology to produce sticky-backed photos without any ink. The setup was incredibly easy via the HP Sprocket app and a stable Bluetooth connection. The app provides a solid suite of editing tools, including filters, frames, and stickers, which are fun to play with. Print quality is a point of contention. We found it to be decent for its intended purpose; it’s quick, convenient, and the sticker functionality is brilliant. However, our tests confirmed the findings of several users: colour reproduction can be poor. The prints often come out much darker and flatter than they appear on the phone screen, losing a lot of vibrancy. While it’s not going to win awards for photographic accuracy, its ease of use, larger sticker size, and portability make it a great tool for creative projects where convenience trumps perfect colour.

#9 Canon Zoemini Instant Mini Photo Printer – Suits: Ultra-Portable Crafting and Fun

The Canon Zoemini Instant Mini Photo Printer is one of the slimmest and most pocket-friendly printers we’ve tested. It’s designed for maximum portability and fun, turning your phone snaps into 2×3 inch sticker prints in under a minute. We were impressed by its feather-light weight and sleek design. Setup is handled through the Canon Mini Print App, which connects via Bluetooth and offers a decent range of creative tools. We particularly liked the tiling feature, which lets you create a larger poster by combining 4 or 9 prints. The Zink technology means no ink, and the prints are smudge-proof and water-resistant. In our tests, the print quality was acceptable for journaling and crafting. One user gave a helpful tip that we found to be true: you get the best results by slightly brightening your photo in the app before printing, as they can come out a bit dark otherwise. The included pack of pre-cut circle stickers is a fun bonus for creative projects. The biggest complaint, which we also noted, is the battery life; it tends to run out after about 10 prints, which can be frustrating. For light, casual use and crafting on the go, it’s a brilliant and easy-to-use gadget.

#10 Phomemo M08F Portable Thermal Printer – Ideal for: Mobile Document Printing (Not Photos)

It’s important to be clear from the outset: the Phomemo M08F Portable Thermal Printer is not a photo printer. It is, however, an outstanding portable A4 printer for documents, and for that purpose, it’s a game-changer. This incredibly compact and lightweight device uses thermal technology, meaning it requires no ink, toner, or ribbons—just A4 thermal paper. For professionals on the move, like lorry drivers printing delivery notes or entrepreneurs printing invoices on-site, this is a lifesaver. We found the setup via the Phomemo app to be exceptionally easy, connecting to our phone via Bluetooth in seconds. Printing a full A4 page of text was surprisingly fast and the clarity was excellent for contracts, letters, or forms. The built-in rechargeable battery has impressive endurance, easily handling dozens of pages on a single charge. As one user noted, its main advantage is for infrequent users, as there’s no ink to dry out. While you can print images, they will be in black and white and have the low-resolution, grainy quality typical of thermal printing. If you need to print A4 documents on the go, this is a brilliant, reliable, and cost-effective tool, but look elsewhere for your colour photos.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Print Technology: The main choice is between Inkjet, Dye-Sublimation, and Zink/Thermal. Inkjet (like the Epson XP-8700) offers the highest quality and versatility for A4 prints. Dye-sublimation (like the Kodak models) creates durable, waterproof prints. Zink (HP Sprocket, Canon Zoemini) is inkless and perfect for portable sticker printing but offers lower quality.
• Maximum Print Size: Are you dedicated to printing A4 photos, or are you more interested in smaller, instant-style prints? The primary focus of this guide is A4, but many excellent portable options exist for smaller formats.
• Connectivity: Most modern printers offer seamless wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi is standard for desktop models, allowing printing from any device on your network. Bluetooth is the norm for portable printers connecting directly to your smartphone.
• Cost Per Print: Don’t just look at the upfront cost of the printer. Research the price of ink cartridges or film packs. A cheap printer with expensive consumables can be a false economy. All-in-one bundles (like the Kodak printers) can offer better value initially.
• Portability vs. Functionality: If you need to print on the go, a battery-powered portable printer is essential. If your printing will be done at home, a desktop all-in-one model offers superior quality and extra features like scanning and copying.

Understanding Print Technology: Inkjet vs. Dye-Sublimation

For high-quality photo printing, you’ll mainly encounter two technologies: Inkjet and Dye-Sublimation (Dye-Sub). Inkjet printers, like our top pick, work by spraying microscopic droplets of liquid ink onto paper. Models with more ink colours (e.g., 6-ink systems) can produce a wider range of tones and smoother gradients, which is ideal for photos. Dye-sublimation printers use a heated ribbon containing solid dyes. The heat turns the dye into a gas, which then permeates the surface of the special paper. The process applies each colour (cyan, magenta, yellow) separately before adding a final protective overcoat. This laminate makes dye-sub prints incredibly durable and resistant to water and fingerprints, but the technology is typically found in smaller format, dedicated photo printers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Ink Costs: The biggest mistake is buying a cheap printer without checking the price of replacement ink. For photo printing, you will use colour ink much faster than for documents. Always factor this into your budget.
• Choosing Zink for High-Quality Portraits: Zink printers are fantastic for fun, instant stickers, but their colour accuracy and resolution are not suitable for printing photos you intend to frame. For that, you need an inkjet or dye-sub printer.
• Neglecting Paper Type: Using standard office paper for photos will result in dull, oversaturated prints. For the best results, always use the manufacturer’s recommended glossy or matte photo paper that is designed to work with their specific inks.
• Buying a Portable Printer for High-Volume Jobs: Portable printers are designed for convenience, not volume. They are slower, have smaller paper capacities, and a higher cost per print. If you plan to print dozens of photos at once, a desktop model is far more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 4-ink and a 6-ink A4 photo printer?

A standard 4-ink printer uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK). This is great for documents and good for general photos. A 6-ink photo printer, like the Epson XP-8700, typically adds Light Cyan and Light Magenta. These lighter inks allow the printer to produce much smoother tonal transitions, especially in light areas like skies and skin tones, resulting in more detailed and professional-looking photographs with less noticeable graininess.

Can A4 photo printers use third-party ink and paper?

Yes, but it comes with risks. While third-party (or compatible) ink cartridges and papers are often cheaper, they may not offer the same quality or longevity as the manufacturer’s own supplies. Using non-genuine inks can sometimes lead to clogged print heads and may even void your printer’s warranty. For the absolute best colour accuracy and archival quality, we always recommend using genuine ink and paper.

What is the average cost per A4 photo print?

The cost can vary significantly based on the printer, ink, and paper used. For a high-quality A4 inkjet print using genuine supplies, you can expect the cost to be anywhere from £1 to £2.50 per print, factoring in both ink and a sheet of premium glossy photo paper. This is more expensive than ordering prints online but offers the convenience of immediate results and complete creative control.

Are A4 photo printers good for printing professional-looking portraits?

Absolutely. A good quality A4 photo printer, especially a 6-ink model, is more than capable of producing professional-looking portraits. The high resolution and expanded colour gamut allow for excellent detail, accurate skin tones, and subtle gradations, making them a fantastic tool for amateur and enthusiast photographers who want to print their work at home.

Do I need a printer with a rear paper feed for thicker photo paper?

It is highly recommended. Standard paper trays often have a tight bend in the paper path, which can cause issues with thick, stiff media like fine art paper or heavy card stock. A rear speciality media feed provides a much straighter path, significantly reducing the risk of jams and ensuring the paper is handled correctly, which is crucial for expensive art papers.

Which A4 photo printer offers the best colour accuracy?

In our testing, the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Multifunction Wireless Printer demonstrated excellent colour accuracy right out of the box, thanks to its Claria Photo HD 6-colour ink set. For professional photographers seeking perfect colour matching, any high-quality photo printer can be further improved by creating a custom ICC profile for your specific paper and ink combination using a colour calibration tool.

How fast can a good A4 photo printer produce a borderless print?

Print speed depends heavily on the quality settings. At a standard quality setting, a good A4 photo printer might produce a borderless print in 1-2 minutes. However, when you select the highest possible quality setting for the best detail and colour, that time can increase significantly, often taking several minutes per A4 print. Quality is generally a trade-off for speed in photo printing.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of dozens of models, we can confidently declare the Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Multifunction Wireless Printer as the best A4 photo printer for most UK homes. It masterfully combines exceptional, gallery-worthy print quality with the everyday practicality of a reliable scanner and copier. Its 6-colour ink system produces photos with a depth, vibrancy, and detail that far surpasses its rivals in the same price bracket. Features like the dual paper trays, rear feed for thick media, and an intuitive touchscreen make it a joy to use for any creative project. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer wanting to bring your portraits to life or a family looking to preserve your most precious memories in stunning quality, the Epson XP-8700 is the outstanding choice.