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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Buying Guide

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:

Enables voice-activated printing

This ultra-portable lightweight printer makes printing effortless and fast with a printing speed of 6.7 ISO ppm bk / 3.8 ISO ppm clr. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery means printing can be done anywhere, with various charging options.  

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Scan, copy and print wirelessly with this machine

This portable printer features a 2.65-inch touch screen, allowing you to easily choose the function you need. The 50-sheet capacity means you do not have to constantly feed paper, and with the free HP ePrint app, you can print from anywhere, anytime. 

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Half the size of a standard phone

This black-and-white thermal printer is perfect for printing photos, notes and to-do lists from your mobile device. Connection is super simple with the free app, which features hundreds of customisation options. 

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Perfect compatibility with the latest iOS version

This portable printer offers great quality printing and can easily be set up to print from any mobile device over a network with wireless 802.11b/g capability. It also features the option to print directly from selected cloud storage services. 

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No cables or buttons necessary

With the Kodak Photo Printer app, this portable printer works flawlessly, connecting with your mobile device to print great photos anywhere. The detailed prints dry instantly, so they will not smudge or get damaged when on the go. 

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