If you need to print on the go, a portable printer can be a game changer. The HP OfficeJet 250 stands out as the most complete option for most people, offering scanning, copying, and printing in one compact package. This list is for business travelers, remote workers, and anyone who needs reliable printing away from a desk.
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7 Portable Printers We Recommend in 2026
HP OfficeJet 250 leads our picks for 2026. See 7 top portable printers for travelers and remote workers needing reliable on-the-go printing.
T
Technobezz
Senior Editor
Updated February 13, 2026Feb 13, 2026
•6 min read
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At a Glance
| Category | Product | Why We Picked It |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | HP OfficeJet 250 | complete all-in-one with scanning and copying |
| Best value | HP OfficeJet 200 | affordable alternative without scanning |
| Best for photos | Canon PIXMA TR160 | excellent photo quality at reasonable cost |
| Best compact photo printer | HP Sprocket Studio Plus | pocket-sized photo printing |
| Best thermal option | Brother PocketJet PJ883 | reliable thermal printing for receipts |
| Also recommended | Epson WorkForce WF-110 | a reliable, speedy all-rounder for documents |
| Also recommended | Canon SELPHY CP1500 | perfect for printing photos in multiple fun sizes |
How we chose and tested
We evaluated portable printers based on real-world performance, considering print quality, speed, connectivity options, and portability. Each model was assessed for its intended use case, whether that's business documents, photos, or specialized printing needs. We looked at battery life, wireless capabilities, and overall value to determine which printers deliver the best experience for different users.
The best portable printers right now
HP OfficeJet 250 - Best overall
Click to expand
This all-in-one portable printer handles scanning, copying, and printing with impressive speed and quality for its size. It's the most feature-complete option available, making it ideal for business travelers who need full office functionality on the road.
Key highlights
- Wireless printing from iOS, Android, and computers
- Optional rechargeable battery for true portability
- Supports multiple paper sizes with inexpensive tray option
- Easy-to-use control panel with clear display
- Fast photo printing (under a minute for 4x6 prints)
Pros
- Complete all-in-one functionality in portable form
- Excellent wireless connectivity options
- Fast printing speeds for both documents and photos
- Optional battery makes it truly portable
Cons
- Higher price point than basic portable printers
- Battery sold separately adds to cost
- Larger than dedicated photo printers
Who it is for: Business professionals who need scanning, copying, and printing capabilities while traveling or working remotely.
Skip if
You only need basic printing and want the smallest possible device.
Canon PIXMA TR160 - Best for photos
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The Canon PIXMA TR160 delivers excellent photo quality at a reasonable price, making it the go-to choice for photographers and anyone who prioritizes image printing. As the successor to the popular TR150, it maintains the same reliable performance with updated features.
Key highlights
- Excellent photo print quality with vibrant colors
- Wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- Compact design that's easy to transport
- Reasonable ink costs compared to competitors
- Supports multiple paper types including photo paper
Pros
- Outstanding photo quality for a portable printer
- More affordable than premium all-in-one models
- Reliable wireless performance
- Good value for photo-focused users
Cons
- No scanning or copying capabilities
- Monochrome display instead of color LCD
- Limited to printing only
Who it is for: Photographers, creative professionals, and anyone who needs high-quality photo printing on the go.
Skip if
You need scanning or copying functions, or primarily print text documents.
HP OfficeJet 200 - Best value
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The HP OfficeJet 200 offers most of the printing capabilities of its bigger sibling at a lower price, making it an excellent value choice. It's essentially the OfficeJet 250 without the scanner, perfect for those who don't need that functionality.
Key highlights
- Often available at significant discounts
- Same print quality as OfficeJet 250
- Wireless printing from mobile devices
- Compact and portable design
- Uses same ink cartridges as OfficeJet 250
Pros
- More affordable than the OfficeJet 250
- Excellent print quality for the price
- Good wireless connectivity
- Compact and easy to transport
Cons
- No scanning or copying capabilities
- Battery sold separately
- Fewer connectivity options than premium models
Who it is for: Budget-conscious users who need reliable portable printing but don't require scanning.
Skip if
You need all-in-one functionality or frequently print photos.
HP Sprocket Studio Plus - Best compact photo printer
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This pocket-sized photo printer uses dye-sublimation technology to produce 4x6 prints from your smartphone. It's perfect for parties, events, or creating instant photo souvenirs while traveling.
Key highlights
- Dye-sublimation technology with ink cartridges
- Prints 4x6 photos directly from smartphone
- Extremely compact and portable
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless printing
- Special photo paper with adhesive backing
Pros
- Easy to use with smartphone app
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Creates instant photo souvenirs
- Good photo quality for its size
Cons
- Limited to 4x6 photo printing only
- Photo paper can be expensive
- Print quality not as high as inkjet options
- No document printing capability
Who it is for: Social users, party hosts, and travelers who want instant photo prints from their smartphone.
Skip if
You need to print documents or want the highest photo quality available.
Brother PocketJet PJ883 - Best thermal option
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For those who need reliable receipt or label printing in the field, the Brother PocketJet PJ883 offers durable thermal printing in a portable package. It's built for business use in challenging environments.
Key highlights
- Thermal printing requires no ink
- Durable construction for field use
- Long battery life for extended use
- Supports various label and receipt types
- Wireless connectivity options
Pros
- No ink cartridges needed
- Durable and reliable construction
- Excellent for receipts and labels
- Good battery life
Cons
- Limited to thermal printing only
- Not suitable for photos or color documents
- Higher initial cost than some inkjet models
- Specialized paper required
Who it is for: Field service workers, delivery personnel, and businesses needing receipt or label printing on location.
Skip if
You need color printing or photo capabilities.
Also Good
- Epson WorkForce WF-110 - a reliable, speedy all-rounder for documents.
- Canon SELPHY CP1500 - perfect for printing photos in multiple fun sizes.
How to Choose
Consider these factors when selecting a portable printer:
Printing needs: Determine if you need documents, photos, or both. Photo-focused printers excel at images but may not handle documents well, while all-in-one models offer more versatility.
Portability requirements: True portability requires a battery, but this adds cost and weight. Consider how often you'll print away from power outlets versus in hotel rooms or offices.
Connectivity options: Wireless printing from smartphones is essential for most users. Check compatibility with your specific devices and operating systems.
Ongoing costs: Factor in ink or paper costs over time. Some printers have lower upfront costs but higher ongoing expenses for supplies.
Special features: Scanning, copying, automatic document feeders, and special paper handling can justify higher prices for business users.
FAQ
What makes a printer truly portable?
A truly portable printer should be compact enough to carry easily and ideally include or support a rechargeable battery. Most portable printers weigh under 10 pounds and are significantly smaller than desktop models.
Can portable printers handle regular office work?
Yes, many portable printers like the HP OfficeJet 250 can handle standard letter-sized documents, though they may be slower than desktop models. For high-volume printing, desktop printers remain more efficient.
How does wireless printing work with portable printers?
Most portable printers support Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, allowing you to print directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops without needing a network connection. Some also support cloud printing services.
Are portable printers good for photo printing?
Dedicated portable photo printers like the Canon PIXMA TR160 offer excellent photo quality, while all-in-one models provide decent photo printing as a secondary function. For professional photo quality, dedicated photo printers are best.
What about ink costs for portable printers?
Ink costs vary significantly between models. Some use standard cartridges available everywhere, while others require proprietary supplies. Consider the cost per page when comparing options, especially if you print frequently.
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