Buying a printer isn’t something we think about often. Printers aren’t exactly sexy, like some other electronics. Usually, if we’re considering a new printer, it’s either because we have to (the old one broke), or we discovered all the exciting and cool things modern printers can do. First off, printing nowadays is wireless. Thank goodness, clumsy printer cables and confusing cords with different ends can rest in peace in the past, burned into our memories forever. Instead, today’s tech-savvy printers are mobile-friendly, and printing from phones, tablets, and of course, computers, has never been easier. Check our detailed buying guide below to get up to date on everything you’ll need to know about choosing the right mobile printer for your needs. 

What does a mobile printer do?

The term “mobile printer” can be a little confusing, because it may be unclear whether the printer itself is mobile, and can print outdoors, for example, or if the mobile aspect of the printer simply means that it can print without a printer cable through a wireless connection such as Bluetooth or your local wifi network. The fact is that both of these types of mobile printers are available. It’s safe to say that all mobile printers can print from your phone, computer or tablet without a physical cable. However, some printers still require a good old fashioned plug and power outlet to run, but others do not. Some mobile printers are fully portable and come with an internal battery that must be charged as needed. This type of cordless portable printer is useful for people who need to print in different or unpredictable locations, and they provide the freedom of true cordless, wireless operation.

How much do mobile printers cost?

As you might expect, there is a significant range when it comes to the cost of mobile printers. Mobile printers cost anywhere from around $70 all the way up to nearly $500. Cost depends on several factors, including capabilities, size, inkjet or laser printing, features, and brand. Some mobile printers made for a specific function, such as photo printing, might have limited functionality when it comes to scanning and copying. Printers with a specific focus like this often cost less than full-feature, high capacity printers from a well-established brand name. Also, inkjet printers are usually more affordable than laser printers.

Here are some important points to keep in mind before you make your final decision in a mobile printer purchase:

There are many options in mobile printers out there, and they all have their pros and cons. If you’d like to save some time in research before your make your final purchase decision, take a look below at this list of our top picks for the best mobile printers:

Cordless, Wireless Printing On the Go 

This printer operates on a rechargeable battery, so you can use it away from power outlets. It prints from mobile devices with Wifi or Bluetooth, and prints several paper sizes.

This impressive printer from HP does it all. You can copy, scan, or print right from your mobile device while at home, in the car, outside, or wherever life takes you. Also, you can use the large color touchscreen to control the printer, or use Alexa.

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Mini Size for Photo Printing

This innovative little portable photo printer is cordless and compact. It runs on a rechargeable battery, and can print up to 25 photos on a charge. 

This small portable printer from Kodak is an answer to the problem of forgotten digital photos buried in your phone. It’s a simple concept – print your photos! This printer uses a zero-ink method, using special photo paper with embedded dye crystals to print vibrant, current photos. Also, it fits in the palm of your hand, and weighs less than a pound.

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Simple Wifi Printing 

Canon’s Pixma wireless printer delivers all the features you need in your daily life, including printing, scanning, and copying. This printer is a useful addition to any home. 

This inkjet printer from Canon prints wirelessly and at 17.7” x 12” x 6”, it’s small enough to easily fit where you need it to. It’s a quality all-in-one printer, with scan, copy and print features that are easy to set up and use from your wireless device. You’ll never go back to printer cables again!

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Cartridge Free Refillable Ink Tanks 

You can save up to 90% in ink costs by refilling the ink tanks in this printer instead of buying expensive cartridges. This printer copies, scans, and prints.

This unique wireless Epson printer solves the age-old problem of inkjet printers – frequent and expensive ink cartridge replacement. Instead, with the EcoTank printer, you just refill the ink tanks, and this highly economical method keeps you printing with no hassle and minimal expense. Also, you can control this printer with voice commands. 

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Cartridges Print for Up to 2 Years

This wireless home printer not only copies, scans, prints 2-sided, and has a document feeder, but it also comes with long lasting ink cartridges. 

This Brother printer is called INKvestment for a reason: you save money on cartridges because the included cartridges give you uninterrupted printing for up to two whole years! You can print wirelessly from your mobile devices or computer, yet still enjoy all the features of a traditional home printer, including copying, scanning, and printing, with a 150-sheet paper tray, document feeder, and 2-sided printing.

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