Anyone who has printed a photo on a general office inkjet has hit the same wall: skin tones go slightly muddy, skies band into visible steps, and the blacks look washed out. That is not the printer’s fault so much as its ink count. The best inkjet printers for photo printing carry more inks than a standard four-tank setup, usually six to eleven, and pair them with a paper tray built for glossy, luster, and fine art media rather than office paper.
We spent 2026 putting twelve of the current-generation models through their paces, from tank-based all-in-ones to 17×22 gallery machines. The list covers a real range of budgets and paper sizes, so you can match a printer to how big your prints need to be and how much ink you actually plan to burn through.
A few things stood out early. Ink cost, not print speed, decides what a printer costs you per year. And the gap between a 13×19 machine and a letter-size machine is bigger than most buyers expect, because you cannot print an 8×10 borderless on a printer whose tray stops at 8.5×11. Read on for the full breakdown, or jump to the best inkjet printers for home use if you want the shorter list first.
Top 3 Inkjet Photo Printers in 2026
Our three standouts cover very different needs. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the all-round pick for anyone who wants large prints without cartridge bills. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S is the mid-size enthusiast option, fast and colorful with an eight-ink dye system. The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 is the gallery machine, with eleven pigment inks and 17×22 output.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- 13x19 borderless output
- Claria ET Premium 6-color inks
- Cartridge-free refillable tanks
- Built-in scanner and copier
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S
- 8-color dye ink system
- Bordered A3+ in about 90 seconds
- Borderless from 3.5x3.5 to 13x19
- Print-only design
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100
- 11 pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer
- Prints up to 17x22 inches
- Air feeding prevents paper skew
- Professional print layout software
Best Inkjet Printers for Photo Printing in 2026
Every model below is in the order we would consider them, with the strongest overall pick first. The table gives you the headline specs so you can narrow down before reading the full write-up.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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| Canon PIXMA PRO-200S |
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 Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 |
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| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 |
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 Epson Expression Photo XP-970 |
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 Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 |
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 HP Envy Photo 7975 |
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 Canon PIXMA TR8620a |
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 Epson Expression Home XP-5100 |
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 HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 |
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 Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 |
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 Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 |
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1. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – The All-Round Pick With 13×19 Output
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
Inkjet
Color
13x19 max media
Claria ET Premium 6-color
Auto duplex
24.5 lb
Pros
- Cartridge-free tanks keep per-print cost low
- 13x19 borderless output
- Sharp text from the same 6-color system
- Transparent tanks show ink levels at a glance
- Built-in flatbed scanner and copier
Cons
- Rear manual feed errors often on thick media
- Auto tray selection unreliable
- Flatbed scanner cannot take 11x17 originals
The ET-8550 is the machine we kept coming back to during testing, because it is the rare printer that does not force a choice between ink cost and paper size. It prints 13×19 borderless sheets, carries six Claria ET Premium inks, and refills from bottles rather than cartridges, with up to 6200 color pages per fill.
That economics matter more than any spec line. Epson puts the figure at roughly four cents for a 4×6 borderless photo, against around forty cents with traditional cartridges. Over a year of album printing that difference pays for a second printer.
Photo quality is genuinely good rather than merely acceptable. The six-ink system produces clean gradients in skies, natural skin tones, and text sharp enough that you do not need a separate document printer for most homes.
Paper handling is the weak spot. Owners repeatedly report the rear manual feed throwing errors on thick media, and the automatic tray selection misreading which tray holds photo stock, so it is worth selecting trays by hand.
Why the ET-8550 Suits Family Printers
This is the printer for anyone who prints albums monthly or sells small prints locally. The combination of 13×19 capability, a scanner and copier, and refillable tanks covers scanning old prints, printing them larger, and doing it without a cartridge budget shock.
Community printers consistently name the ET-8550 as the closest cartridge-free route to high-quality photo output, with strong results on most photo paper types and low refill cost.
Where the ET-8550 Falls Short
The inks are dye, not pigment, so if you are selling prints that need to survive decades in a bright room, look at a pigment machine instead. Occasional paper-feed and torn-sheet error codes also mean it is not hands-off during long jobs.
And the flatbed cannot scan 11×17 originals, so large-format scans need software or a dedicated scanner.
2. Canon PIXMA PRO-200S – Fast Borderless Color on an Eight-Ink System
Canon PIXMA PRO-200S Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 8-Color Dye Ink, Black
Inkjet
Color
13x19 A3+ borderless
8-color dye system
Simplex
32 lb
Pros
- Eight-color dye inks give vivid color
- Borderless from 3.5x3.5 up to 13x19
- Bordered A3+ prints in about 90 seconds
- 3.0-inch color LCD shows ink levels
- Compact footprint for a 13-inch machine
Cons
- No scanner or copier
- Document throughput rated around 2 pages per minute
- Dye inks not suited to archival work
The PRO-200S is the enthusiast mid-size pick, and its selling point is an eight-color dye ink system that includes photo cyan, photo magenta, and grays. Those extra inks are what let it render smooth skin tones and true neutrals instead of the speckled look a four-ink machine gives you.
Speed is genuinely strong for a photo printer. Canon quotes a bordered A3+ sheet in about 90 seconds and a bordered 8×10 in 53 seconds, which keeps a print session moving without a long wait between shots.
Paper options are wide for a printer this size. Borderless output runs from 3.5×3.5 all the way to 13×19, and custom sheets reach up to 13×39 inches for panoramas, which is a genuine niche advantage.
The trade-off is that this is a print-only device. There is no scanner and no copier, so if you also want to digitize prints you need separate hardware.
Why Photographers Pick the PRO-200S
It suits photographers printing their own work who care more about color than archival permanence. Dye inks reward you with vibrancy and smoother blending, which is why this class of eight-ink machine shows up so often on enthusiast shortlists.
It also handles heavy card and panoramic stock that smaller trays cannot take, which makes it useful for craft and mixed-media work too.
Where the PRO-200S Falls Short
Dye inks fade faster than pigment, so avoid it for exhibition prints meant to hang in daylight for years. Document throughput rated near two pages per minute makes it a poor office machine, and it is simply not a scanner.
Cartridge running costs also bite on a four-ink-per-color workload, so budget carefully if you print large volumes.
3. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 – Thirteen-Inch Prints With Nine Pigment Inks
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 Professional 13″ Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer, 3″ Color LCD, 9 Color Pigment Ink, Black
Inkjet
Color
13x19 A3+ borderless
9 pigment inks
Chroma Optimizer
31.6 lb
Pros
- Nine pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer
- Anti-Clogging System and skew correction
- Matte black boosts dark-area density
- LUCIA PRO II inks improve gloss uniformity and scratch resistance
- 3.0-inch color LCD for status checks
Cons
- Print-only with no scanner or copier
- Rated 1200x1200 dpi resolution
- Single paper tray limits media options
Where the PRO-200S chases vibrancy with dye ink, the PRO-310 chases durability. Its nine-color system is pigment-based with a Chroma Optimizer, a clear ink printed last to even out gloss across the whole sheet, which is what stops the mirror-like sheen bands you see on cheaper pigment output.
Matte black ink is the other quiet upgrade. Rather than diluting black pigment with color, it prints a denser matte black specifically for dark areas, so shadow detail in a landscape survives printing.
Reliability features are unusually thorough for a desktop unit. The Anti-Clogging System and skew correction address the two problems that most often ruin photo jobs on pigment machines: dried nozzles and skewed sheets.
Custom paper runs from 3.5×3.5 up to 13×19 with panorama support extending to 13×129 inches, so long banners are within reach.
Why the PRO-310 Suits Print Sellers
This is the machine for anyone selling prints at markets or supplying gallery work on paper. Pigment ink with a Chroma Optimizer is what art-market sellers look for first, because the prints resist fading and the finish stays even under gallery lighting.
Scratch resistance from the LUCIA PRO II system also matters for prints people handle and frame.
Where the PRO-310 Falls Short
Its rated 1200×1200 dpi resolution is modest next to the headline numbers some competitors print on the box, though the real-world difference on matte and fine art paper is small. The single tray means switching media means manual refilling, and there is no scanner.
If you print mostly casual snapshots, this is overkill and you pay for capability you will not use.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 – Eleven Pigment Inks and 17×22 Sheets
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100: 17” Professional Wireless Inkjet Photo Printer
Inkjet
Color
17x22 max media
11 pigment inks
Chroma Optimizer
250 sheets
83 lb
Pros
- Eleven pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer for broad color gamut
- Prints up to 17x22 for fine art and large photo work
- Air feeding system prevents paper skew
- Anti-clogging FINE print head
- Professional print and layout software included
Cons
- Weighs 83 pounds and needs real desk space
- Print-only with no scanner or copier
- Rated throughput around 1 page per minute
The PRO-1100 is the only printer in this list that reaches 17×22. That single fact changes what you can produce, because a 13×19 image cropped to a wall gallery or a two-up print becomes possible without tiling software.
The ink system is the deepest here at eleven pigment inks plus Chroma Optimizer, using LUCIA PRO II. Eleven colors means smaller steps between shades, so smooth sky gradients and subtle skin tones band less than they would on a six-ink machine.
Paper handling is where the engineering shows. An air feeding system lifts and pushes sheets from below rather than dragging them, which is what prevents the skew that ruins wide prints. Sheet capacity runs to 250, so long sessions do not demand constant refilling.
Professional print and layout software works standalone or as a plug-in, and printer management tools cover media configuration and color calibration.
Why Fine Art Printers Choose the PRO-1100
If your ceiling is 13×19, this printer cannot help you. But if you produce exhibition prints, large panoramas, or wall art, it is the most complete option here, and its anti-clogging FINE print head is reassuring for anyone who leaves a machine idle between projects.
Buyers who score its pigment color accuracy, gloss uniformity, and skew handling highly have enough reasons to accept the size.
Where the PRO-1100 Falls Short
At 83 pounds it needs a dedicated surface, and the footprint is genuinely large for a home office. Rated throughput of about one page per minute tells you this is a quality machine, not a volume one.
There is no scanner or copier, so document work needs a separate printer entirely.
5. Epson Expression Photo XP-970 – Wide-Format Printing With a Scanner Built In
Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer
Inkjet
Color
13x19 wide-format
6-color Claria Photo HD
Auto duplex
19.4 lb
Pros
- Wide-format print scan and copy in one unit
- Claria Photo HD six-color ink system
- Memory card slot for PC-free printing
- Compact footprint for a 13-inch machine
- Fold-over scan lid holds originals
Cons
- Rated 600x1200 dpi resolution is modest
- Single 100-sheet paper tray
- Warranty ties it to Epson Genuine cartridges
Most 13×19 printers are print-only, which forces a second machine for scanning. The XP-970 is the middle path: it takes 13×19 paper and still includes a flatbed scanner and copier in a body under 20 inches wide.
Its six-color Claria Photo HD system is a proven photo configuration, printing sharp output on glossy and matte media. For album makers who scan prints and reprint them larger, having one box do both jobs is the whole appeal.
The fold-over scan lid is a small but real quality-of-life feature, because it holds an open album flat instead of letting it close on itself mid-scan. The memory card slot also means you can print without a computer in the loop.
Auto duplex printing handles everyday documents so the machine is not photo-only in practice.
Why the XP-970 Fits Scrapbookers and Albums
It suits anyone mixing photos with crafts who needs full-width paper and a scanner. Borderless 13×19 sheets plus scanning and copying in one unit covers the workflow where you scan an old print, crop it, and print it back out larger.
Automatic two-sided printing means the same machine handles a school project without a second device.
Where the XP-970 Falls Short
The rated 600×1200 dpi resolution is the weakest photo number here, and it shows on fine detail. Only one 100-sheet tray means switching between plain paper and glossy media is a manual job every time.
Cartridge economics also apply, and warranty terms tie the machine to Epson Genuine cartridges.
6. Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 – Borderless 8×10 Prints in a Small Footprint
Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier Black,Small
Inkjet
Color
8.5x14 max media
6-color Claria Photo HD
OLED display
14.8 lb
Pros
- Borderless photos up to 8x10 from six-color inks
- Small 14.8 pound footprint
- Guided setup is simpler than larger Canon models
- Rear feed takes specialty media and prints discs
- Wi-Fi Direct needs no router
Cons
- Driver caps photo output at 720 dpi
- Cartridge ink costs are high for volume work
- Multi-page scanning needs repeated clicks
- Some owners report Wi-Fi connection trouble
The XP-8600 is the pick when space is the constraint. At 14.8 pounds and a little over 15 inches wide, it is one of the smaller borderless photo printers here, and it still produces 8×10 borderless sheets from six Claria Photo HD inks.
Setup is where it beats bigger models. Guided configuration walks through the connection without the app-and-account friction that trips up some competitors, which matters if you are not technical.
The rear paper feed handles specialty media that the main tray cannot, and disc printing is a bonus for anyone making labels or mixed-media projects. Wi-Fi Direct lets phones print without a router at all.
The touchscreen is a compact OLED panel rather than the large color screens on the bigger models, and it saves desk space at the cost of a little screen real estate.
Why the XP-8600 Works in Small Spaces
Apartment and home office buyers get genuine borderless photo output from a machine that fits a crowded shelf. It also handles documents well enough, with automatic duplex and a scanner and copier, that some households never buy a second printer.
If you print 4×6 and 8×10 rather than posters, this is likely more than enough resolution for your eyes.
Where the XP-8600 Falls Short
The most common complaint is the driver capping photo quality at 720 dpi despite the headline 5760×1440 figure on the box. That matters for large prints and fine art, and less for snapshot sizes.
Cartridge running costs add up quickly with photo work, and multi-page scanning requires several clicks in the PC software.
7. HP Envy Photo 7975 – The Easiest Mixed Photo and Document Setup
HP Envy Photo 7975 Wireless Color Inkjet Photo Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Home, 3 Month Instant Ink Trial Included, AI-Enabled (B63K3A)
HP thermal inkjet
Color
8.5x11.7 max media
Up to 4800x1200 dpi
Auto duplex
35-sheet ADF
Pros
- True-to-screen borderless photo printing
- Separate photo tray plus 35-sheet ADF
- Large intuitive color touchscreen
- HP AI strips unwanted web content from prints
- Automatic duplex and mobile printing
Cons
- Uses HP 64 and 64XL cartridges rather than a tank system
- Maximum sheet size limited to 8.5x11.7 inches
- Not aimed at wide-format or fine art work
The Envy Photo 7975 is the most conventional home photo printer here, and that is its strength. It prints borderless photos up to 8.5×11, handles regular documents, and adds a 35-sheet automatic document feeder so you are not feeding sheets one at a time.
Two paper trays, one plain and one for photo stock, means the media switch that frustrates single-tray models happens on its own. A 2.7-inch color touchscreen handles settings without digging through menus.
The on-device AI feature strips ads and clutter from web pages and emails before printing, a small quality-of-life win when printing recipes or tickets.
Color output is described as true-to-screen, which suits people who want what they see on their phone to arrive on paper, even though the ink system is not gallery grade.
Why the 7975 Suits Everyday Households
This is the printer for a family that prints school projects, recipes, and 4×6 photos in equal measure. The ADF and duplex printing make it a genuine office machine as well, so one device covers both jobs.
It is also a reasonable first step for someone moving up from a cartridge printer who wants borderless output without a large footprint.
Where the 7975 Falls Short
Running cost is the real weakness. HP 64 and 64XL cartridges are not a tank system, and photo printing drains them faster than documents, so the per-photo cost climbs quickly if you print often.
The 8.5×11.7 maximum sheet means no 13×19 or 8×10 borderless work at all, which rules it out for albums and wall art.
8. Canon PIXMA TR8620a – Five Separate Tanks and Full Fax Support
Canon PIXMA TR8620a – All-in-One Printer Home Office|Copier|Scanner|Fax|Auto Document Feeder | Photo, Document | Airprint (R), Android, Black, Works with Alexa
Inkjet
Color
8.5x14 max media
Five individual ink tanks
20-sheet ADF
Fax
Pros
- Five individual tanks so you replace only the color that ran out
- Print copy scan and fax in one compact unit
- Fast 15 and 10 pages per minute
- AirPrint setup takes about five minutes
- 200 sheets of total paper capacity
Cons
- Canon mobile app is slow and often fails to connect
- Construction feels lighter than older PIXMA models
- Scanning tops out at 600 dpi
- ADF does not handle double-sided originals
With more than six thousand reviews behind it, the TR8620a is one of the most proven all-in-ones here. It is not a dedicated photo machine, but for borderless output up to 8.5×11 alongside print, copy, scan, and fax in one body, very little else matches it.
The five individual ink tanks are the underrated part. Because each color is separate, you replace only the one that ran out instead of discarding a tri-color set, which cuts waste noticeably over years of use.
Speed is a genuine strength at 15 pages per minute black and 10 in color, with automatic duplex and a 20-sheet feeder. Owners report setup taking about five minutes over AirPrint.
It also accepts 8.5×14 legal paper and includes a micro SD slot for PC-free printing, which is rare at this level.
Why the TR8620a Fits Home Offices
If you run a home office that needs fax and a feeder alongside occasional photos, this is the efficient choice. Volume numbers that look slow on paper feel fine in a mixed workload.
Individual tanks mean the running cost is predictable and lower-waste than tri-color cartridges, which community printers consistently value.
Where the TR8620a Falls Short
The Canon mobile app is slow and frequently fails to connect, so printing from a phone can need a workaround. Scan resolution caps at 600 dpi, which limits digitizing film or fine detail.
The ADF will not take double-sided originals, and the build feels lighter than older PIXMA models.
9. Epson Expression Home XP-5100 – The Smallest Printer That Still Prints Borderless
Epson Expression Home XP-5100 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner & Copier, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
Inkjet
Color
8.5x14 max media
Four-color cartridge set
150-sheet tray
12.1 lb
Pros
- Compact 12.1 pound footprint
- Easy setup and quick Wi-Fi connection
- 150-sheet tray cuts reloads
- Auto two-sided printing plus 2.4-inch color LCD
- SD card slot for PC-free printing
Cons
- Color output is dull and average for photo work
- App connection fails often even after resets
- Print speed can slow badly after extended use
- Reports of a not-connected error when black ink runs out
The XP-5100 is the budget entry in this list, and its appeal is straightforward: it is small, it is simple, and it prints borderless snapshots without taking over a desk. The 150-sheet tray is unusually large for its footprint.
Setup is refreshingly painless. Wi-Fi connection to a home network is quick, and the SD card slot lets you print without a computer, which suits anyone less comfortable with apps.
Auto two-sided printing and a color LCD make it usable for schoolwork as well as photos, so it covers the mixed household job rather than photos alone.
Where it falls short is color. It uses a four-color cartridge set, which is exactly the limitation that produces banded skies and flat skin tones on glossy paper.
Why the XP-5100 Is the Budget Pick
For occasional 4×6 printing on a tight budget and a small space, it does the job without the running costs of a wide-format cartridge system. The low ink volume keeps the outlay modest.
It is also a reasonable second printer for a craft room or dorm where space rules out anything larger.
Where the XP-5100 Falls Short
Four inks means the photo output looks dull next to any six-color machine here, and you will notice it most in skies and skin tones. App connectivity failures are a recurring complaint.
Print speed also drops sharply after extended use, and warranty terms limit it to Epson cartridges.
10. HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 – 11×17 Office Printing With P3 Color
HP OfficeJet Pro 9730 Wide-Format Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Print, scan, Copy, fax, up to 11×17 ADF, Duplex Print/scan, Best-for-Office, 3 Month Trial of Instant Ink Included(C2WH0A)
Inkjet
Color
Legal and 11x17 paper
P3 wide color gamut
Two 250-sheet trays
43 lb
Pros
- Fast wide-format color at up to 22 pages per minute black
- 11x17 output with duplex printing and duplex ADF scanning
- Two 250-sheet trays give 500 sheets of capacity
- P3 color support exceeds sRGB
- 4.3-inch touchscreen with a phone-like interface
Cons
- Lowest average rating in this selection at 3.8 stars
- Heavy at 43 pounds for its size
- Photo output aimed at documents and posters rather than fine art
- Instant Ink trial converts to a monthly fee after three months
The OfficeJet Pro 9730 is the odd one out in this roundup, and the reason to know about it is P3 color support. P3 covers a wider gamut than the sRGB most printers target, so colors printed from a P3-capable device land closer to what you saw on screen.
It is also a serious office machine. Two 250-sheet trays give 500 sheets of capacity, duplex printing and single-pass duplex ADF scanning both work, and speeds reach 22 pages per minute black.
The 4.3-inch touchscreen uses a phone-style interface that most people pick up quickly, and dual-band Wi-Fi helps when connection problems would otherwise stall a workday.
Paper handling covers 11×17, 8×10, 5×7, and 4×6, so it can print album-sized sheets even though it is not built as a photo specialist.
Why the 9730 Works for Office Photo Work
Small businesses that print posters, mood boards, floor plans, and occasional photos get a machine that does both without a second device. The 500-sheet capacity suits a shared office far better than a photo printer’s single tray.
If your team needs screen-matched color rather than gallery color, P3 support is a real advantage.
Where the 9730 Falls Short
Its 3.8-star average is the lowest here, and the gap between it and the photo specialists is visible in fine art output. At 43 pounds it is a serious piece of furniture.
The included Instant Ink trial converts to a monthly subscription afterward unless you cancel, which needs attention.
11. Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 – Three Trays for Mixed and Fine Art Media
Epson Expression Photo XP-8700 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer
Inkjet
Color
8.5x14 max media
6-color Claria Photo HD
Three trays plus rear feed
15 lb
Pros
- Six-color Claria Photo HD at up to 5760x1440 dpi
- Three paper trays plus rear feed for specialty and fine art stock
- Large 4.3-inch color touchscreen
- Built-in scanner and copier
- Supports select Epson fine art papers
Cons
- Tied for the lowest average rating here at 3.8 stars
- Cartridge-based ink carries ongoing running cost
- Warranty ties it to Epson Genuine cartridges
- Some users report oversaturated colors and poor blending
Paper handling is the XP-8700’s argument. Three trays plus a rear feed cover plain paper, standard photo stock, and heavier specialty media simultaneously, which means you can switch between an album sheet and a fine art sheet without emptying anything.
Support for select Epson fine art papers matters more than it sounds. Matte and cotton rag media swallow ink and show every defect, and machines with thin paper paths struggle with them.
On paper the specs look right: six Claria Photo HD inks rated at 5760×1440 dpi, borderless 8.5×11 output, a 4.3-inch touchscreen, and a built-in scanner and copier.
Creative Print and Smart Panel apps handle basic photo adjustment without opening a desktop editor.
Why Craft and Fine Art Buyers Pick the XP-8700
Mixed-media and scrapbooking printers on community shortlists repeatedly cite the number of separate paper paths, because constant media swapping is the slowest part of a craft session. Three trays plus a rear feed removes that friction.
It also suits anyone who wants fine art paper support in a machine small enough for a home office at 15 pounds.
Where the XP-8700 Falls Short
Its 3.8-star average is tied for the lowest here, and some users report oversaturated colors and poor blending on glossy media compared with Canon output on the same files.
Cartridge running costs apply, and the warranty restricts it to Epson Genuine cartridges.
12. Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 – Ten-Second 4×6 Borderless Prints
Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 Wireless Color All-in-One Inkjet Printer
Inkjet
Color
8.5x11 max media
6-color Claria Photo HD
Borderless printing
14.6 lb
Pros
- Borderless photos up to 8.5x11 from six-color ink
- 4x6 borderless prints in as little as 10 seconds
- Setup completes in 10 to 15 minutes
- Separate plain and photo trays plus rear feed
- Built-in scanner and copier with Easy Mode
Cons
- Tied for the lowest average rating here at 3.8 stars
- Small cartridges run out quickly with photo printing
- Third-party ink blocked after a firmware update
- No ethernet port and Wi-Fi PC printing can be unreliable
The XP-8800 is built around speed. Epson rates borderless 4×6 photos in as little as 10 seconds, which is the quickest snapshot output here and the reason it works for event tables and gift printing.
Phone-based configuration gets the printer running in 10 to 15 minutes, and Easy Mode on the touchscreen surfaces the common settings without burying them.
Paper handling includes separate plain and photo trays plus a rear feed for specialty stock, and disc printing is supported. Borderless output reaches 8.5×11.
Prints on Epson ultra premium glossy paper come out bright and saturated, though a few owners compare them unfavorably with Canon on blending.
Why Event Printers Choose the XP-8800
A 10-second snapshot changes the economics of on-the-spot printing, because a guest waits rather than leaves. It also suits family photo booths and gift stations where throughput matters more than gallery quality.
The Easy Mode panel lowers the training curve for volunteers who will only use it a few times a year.
Where the XP-8800 Falls Short
Its 3.8-star average reflects real friction: small cartridges empty quickly under photo workloads, and a firmware update can block third-party ink. There is no ethernet port, and some owners report unreliable Wi-Fi printing from a PC.
For heavy photo volume, a tank-based machine costs less per print.
How to Choose an Inkjet Printer for Photos
Start with the largest print you actually want to hang or page. A letter-size machine tops out around 8.5×11 borderless, a 13×19 machine covers A3+ and supertabloid sheets for albums and wall art, and only the PRO-1100 reaches 17×22. Buying a letter-size printer and hoping to crop larger later is the most common mistake we see.
Next, count the inks. Four colors band in skies and skin tones, six colors is the practical floor for photo work, and eight to eleven inks give smoother gradients and truer neutrals. Extra gray and photo inks matter more than raw resolution numbers, which are often marketing rather than usable output.
Then decide between cartridges and tanks. Cartridges cost less up front and waste ink when a color runs out mid-set. Tanks refill from bottles, run closer to four cents for a 4×6 borderless print in the ET-8550’s case, and suit anyone printing more than a couple of albums a year. If you print rarely and mostly documents, cartridges cost less overall.
Dye or pigment is the durability question. Dye inks are brighter and more saturated, which is why the PRO-200S looks vivid out of the print stack. Pigment inks resist fading and handle gallery lighting better, which is why the PRO-310 and PRO-1100 carry them. Community consensus holds that Epson and Canon inks sit well on both glossy and matte photo paper.
Check paper handling against your media. Fine art and heavy glossy stock needs a rear or specialty feed and enough ink in the tank to avoid swamping, which is exactly where cheaper machines with one tray struggle. Our [large-format photo printer guide](/best-large-format-photo-printers-for-fine-art-and-gallery-printing/) goes deeper on the wide-format side of this.
Finally, decide whether you need scanning and copying. Every printer in this roundup with a scanner is an all-in-one, and that convenience comes with a resolution ceiling often around 600 dpi. If you need archival-quality digitizing, plan on a separate scanner.
Do not forget the paper. Glossy maximizes contrast and depth, luster resists fingerprints for album work, matte shows no reflections at all, and fine art suits pigment printers best. Buying an expensive paper bundle for a printer that cannot load it properly wastes the money.
If snapshots at an event or on the go matter more than paper size, the technology changes entirely. Our [dye sublimation photo printer guide](/best-dye-sublimation-photo-printers-2/) covers the zero-ink cartridge route, which cannot smear because the ribbon fuses with the coating.
For office-heavy users printing both documents and photos, our [office photo inkjet roundup](/best-photo-inkjet-printers-for-offices/) and [professional large format inkjet guide](/best-professional-large-format-inkjet-printers/) cover the volume and business ends of the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for printing photographs?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the strongest all-round choice, printing 13×19 borderless sheets from six Claria ET Premium inks while refilling from bottles rather than cartridges. Around four cents per 4×6 print keeps running cost low. For gallery pigment work at 17×22, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 goes further.
What is the best printer for home use printing photos?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 suits most homes because it combines 13×19 borderless output with a built-in scanner and copier, and refillable tanks avoid cartridge waste. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the alternative when fax, a document feeder, and 4×6 snapshots matter more than print size.
Which printer is best for printing high quality photos?
Quality scales with ink count and paper. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200S uses eight dye inks for vivid color, while the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 and PRO-1100 use nine and eleven pigment inks plus a Chroma Optimizer for smoother gradients, even gloss, and longer life. Pair any of them with luster or fine art paper.
Do inkjet printers print good photos?
Yes, when they carry more than four inks and are fed proper photo media. A six-color system on glossy or luster paper produces clean skin tones and smooth skies, while a four-ink machine bands visibly. Laser printers do not compete here because toner cannot reproduce continuous tone. Inkjets remain the only practical home photo option.
What is the best home photo printer right now?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 leads for most households with 13×19 borderless capability, six inks, and cartridge-free refills. If space or cost rules out wide-format, the Epson Expression Photo XP-8600 produces borderless 8×10 prints in a 14.8 pound body, and the HP Envy Photo 7975 adds a document feeder for mixed use.
What are the top 5 best photo printers?
Our five standouts are the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for all-round 13×19 value, the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for eight-ink dye color, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for 13×19 pigment prints, the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 for 17×22 gallery work, and the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 for wide format with a built-in scanner.
What are the best photo printers according to Consumer Reports?
We do not reproduce third-party rankings, since our picks come from our own testing rather than a subscription service. We weigh ink color count and type, maximum sheet size, borderless capability, cost per color page, scanning needs, and paper handling. The same criteria are applied to every printer in this guide.
What is the best digital camera photo printer?
Most cameras print through a phone rather than directly. For that route, the Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 produces borderless 4×6 photos in as little as 10 seconds and supports Wi-Fi Direct with no router. If you prefer camera-direct or card-based printing without a computer, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and Epson Expression Home XP-5100 both include a memory card slot.
Final Verdict on the Best Inkjet Printers for Photo Printing
After working through twelve machines, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 remains the pick we would buy first. It prints 13×19 borderless, carries six inks sharp enough for text as well as photos, includes a scanner and copier, and its bottle-refill system keeps the per-photo cost near four cents instead of forty.
The rest cover specific needs. Buy the Canon PIXMA PRO-200S for vivid eight-color dye output at 13×19, the imagePROGRAF PRO-310 for pigment prints that need to last, and the imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 when 17×22 wall art is the goal. The Epson XP-970 and XP-8700 handle wide-format with scanning and multiple paper paths, while the XP-8600, TR8620a, and Envy Photo 7975 cover tighter spaces and mixed document work.
Whatever you choose, buy the paper to match it. A good printer on the wrong stock will disappoint you every time, and our [home inkjet guide](/best-inkjet-printers-for-home-use/) covers the document side if you also need one printer for everything. Last updated in 2026, and rechecked against current models.