Best Dye Sublimation Photo Printers: Top Picks

Dye sublimation printing is a popular way to make prints of photos and other images that look good and last a long time. In the process, heat and pressure are used to move prints from one surface to another. One of the biggest challenges facing those who want to use a dye sublimation photo printer is finding a device that can produce high-quality prints with a wide range of colors and accurate details. To achieve this, it is essential to find a printer that utilizes the latest technology and has been designed with the needs of professional photographers and artists in mind.

The market is flooded with different brands and models of dye sublimation printers, making it difficult to determine the best fit for your needs. There are numerous aspects to consider, and it becomes nearly hard to test each printer before choosing one. As a team of printing enthusiasts and experts, we have compiled a list of the best dye sublimation photo printers after thorough research and standard testing. Furthermore, a comprehensive buying guide is added to help you gauge crucial factors according to your needs.

Comparison Table

Top 7 Best Dye Sublimation Photo Printers

Here are our top picks for dye sublimation photo printers. Each product is further specified for the purpose it serves best to help you choose the right one according to your needs.

Let’s get straight into reviews without further ado.

1. Canon Selphy CP1300: Editor’s Choice

I’ve been using the Canon Selphy CP1300 for a while now, and I have to say, I am extremely impressed with this compact and portable photo printer. Whether at home or on the go, this printer is my go-to for high-quality, vibrant prints.

The Canon Selphy CP1300’s printing speed is among its best features. It can print one photo per minute, which is incredibly fast for a portable printer. This makes it perfect for special events where I want to print photos for my guests. The speed is so good that I never worry about guests waiting for their photos.

It is also important to highlight the wireless connectivity option. I can connect it to my smartphone, tablet, or computer using Wi-Fi without additional cables. This makes it extremely convenient to use. The Canon PRINT app allows me to print wirelessly using cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.

The prints produced by the Canon Selphy CP1300 have high resolution and are also quite impressive. It has a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi, which is more than enough for high-quality prints of my photos. The prints come out vibrant, with accurate colors, and sharp and crisp. 

Highlighted Features

• Instantly dry photos that are durable and water-resistant.
• The all-in-one form factor for convenience.
• Multiple paper sizes are available, including postcard, L size, card size, and square label.
• Up to 18 sheets of paper can fit in the large paper tray with a cassette for postcard-sized paper.
• Easy connectivity through the Canon print app, USB, or camera memory card.
• Sleek and portable design that offers the option of a battery pack for printing while on the go.
• 3.2 inches LCD screen for easy photo selection, editing, and printing.
• High print resolution of up to 256 levels per color for vibrant and accurate colors.
• The operating temperature is 5-40 degrees Celsius.

2. Liene Photo Printer: Best for Beginners

The Liene Photo printer is the best sublimation printer for its easy-to-use interface. This printer utilizes thermal dye-sublimation technology, making the dyes penetrate the paper deeply. This lets me print my photos with bright colors that will last a long time. Also, the protective layer applied on top of each photo makes them resistant to water, scratches, and fading. So, I can now preserve my precious memories forever without any fear.

The first thing that caught my attention when I got my hands on the Liene photo printer was its user-friendly design which is ideal for beginners. The photo paper aligns easily with the printer, with no more paper jam issues. The Liene App also enables me to monitor the progress of my print and troubleshoot if any issues arise. Moreover, the package comes with 20 sheets of Liene photo paper and a cartridge, making it easy for me to get started.

One of the things that I love about the Liene Photo Printer is its stable and easy connection. Rather than worrying about a complicated and unstable home network, this printer has a built-in WiFi hotspot, which means I can connect directly. It even supports up to 5 devices connected simultaneously, which makes it perfect for group events where everyone wants their photos printed.

Highlighted Features

• Vibrant and high-quality photo prints protected from water, scratch, and fading.
• User-friendly design with no paper jams and a navigation app to solve printing issues step-by-step.
• Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for easy and stable connection, supporting up to 5 devices to connect simultaneously.
• Compatible with various devices, including IOS, Android, laptops, and PC.
• More customization options on Liene App, including frames, filters, and ink and paper level notifications.
• A detailed user manual and operation tutorial video are included for simple setup and troubleshooting.
• A great gift option to keep precious memories with loved ones forever.

3. KODAK Step: Best Compact

The Kodak Step Photo Printer is an amazing device that has completely revolutionized how I print my photos. With its cutting-edge zero-ink technology and compact size, this printer makes printing high-quality, durable, beautifully detailed photos resistant to moisture, rips, tears and smudges easy and affordable.

The Kodak Step Printer’s comprehensive editing package, accessible via the free Kodak App, is another fantastic feature. With this app, I can create collages and customize my snaps. I can also edit photos in my camera roll and send them to the printer for instant printing in less than 60 seconds.

The Kodak Step Printer is also incredibly portable and lightweight. Weighing less than a pound, it’s a palm-sized device perfect for taking with me. Whether I’m decorating a fridge, a laptop, a locker, a scrapbook, or a notebook, this printer makes it easy to create beautiful prints that I can peel and stick everywhere.

Highlighted Features

• Instantly print photos from any iOS or Android device through Bluetooth or NFC connectivity.
• Zero-ink printing eliminates the need for expensive ink cartridges, toners, and ribbons.
• 2″ x 3″ sticky-back paper with dye crystals makes high-quality, affordable prints that withstand dampness, rips, tears, and smudges.
• Full editing tools are available through the free Kodak App, allowing users to add text, borders, stickers, and filters to their photographs.
• Portable, lightweight, and compact design for on-the-go printing and decorating.
• A complete charge of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery within the camera produces 25 prints.
• Available in various colors, making it a great gift idea for anyone who loves to take and print photos.
• Both black-and-white and color pictures can go as fast as one page per minute.

4. HP Sprocket Portable: Best for Quality Output

The HP Sprocket is a must-have for anyone looking to take their photo printing game to the next level. I’ve been experimenting with this printer for a long time and can say that it exceeded my expectations with its high-quality output.

The print quality was one of the first things I noticed about this printer. The photos produced by the HP Sprocket Studio Plus are genuinely stunning, and the best part is that they are made to last. The printer uses tear-resistant, smudge-proof, waterproof paper, meaning the photos will last for years without fading or deteriorating.

The printer’s ability to customize each photo before printing is also impressive. The HP Sprocket app, available for free download, offers a variety of stickers, frames, filters, and more that can be used to add your personal touch to each photo. This is a great way to make your photos truly unique and special.

Highlighted Features

• Instantly print 2”x3” photographs from your smartphone or social media through Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
• With ZINK Zero Ink technology, you no longer have to buy expensive toner or ribbon.
• Glossy, sticky-back picture paper is resistant to water, smudges, and tears, so it will keep your prints looking good for a long time.
• Utilize the free HP App to add filters, frames, stickers, borders, and emojis to your photographs.
• Connect to numerous devices for group printing, and use a personalized LED light to show who is printing.
• Its slim, portable design makes it easy to carry in your backpack, purse, or pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go printing.
• Micro USB charging cable provides up to 35 prints per charge, ensuring you can print as many photos as you want, wherever you want.
• Great for sharing instantly shareable photos at parties, events, or with friends and family.

5. Zink Kodak: Best for Home

The Zink Kodak Mini 2 HD is a game changer for smartphone printing. As someone who has been experimenting with this printer, I can confidently say that it is a must-have for anyone looking for a suitable home printer option.

One feature worth mentioning of this printer is the easy print technology. With its ability to print 2.1 x 3.4” photos directly from an Android or iOS device, there’s no need for cords or buttons, making the printing process straightforward.

Another great feature of the Zink Kodak Mini 2 HD is the wireless convenience. With NFC one-touch for Android, the Kodak app launches, allowing me to print in seconds. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible with iOS/Android, making printing from my mobile devices much easier.

The quality of photos produced by this printer is truly unique. The revolutionary Dye Transfer Method creates attractive, accurate images that dry instantly and remain brilliant for many years. This feature is a game changer as it ensures that my memories will last a lifetime.

Highlighted Features

• Easy print from Android or iOS devices.
• NFC One Touch for Android and Bluetooth for iOS/Android.
• 4 PASS D2T2 Dye Transfer Method for high-quality prints.
• The ink and paper in Kodak MC cartridges are combined for simple maintenance.
• There are increments of 20, 30, or 49 for refills.
• Free companion app with filters, templates, and more.
• Print instantly and save time and money.
• Create personalized photos for scrapbooking or gifting.
• Compact, portable, all-in-one device for convenience.

6. HP Sprocket Studio Plus: Best for Professionals

As someone who values the memories captured in photographs, I was excited to get my hands on the HP Sprocket Studio Plus and see what it could do. After using it for a while, I have to say I am thoroughly impressed with its capabilities. The printer renders photos that meet professional standards.

One of the things that stood out to me most about the HP Sprocket Studio Plus is the quality of the photos it produces. Not only are they crisp and clear, but they are also tear-resistant, smudge-proof, and waterproof. This means that the memories captured in these photos will be preserved for years without fear of them damaging or fading.

Another thing about this printer that caught my eye was how much I could change it. With the ability to add stickers, frames, filters, and more, I made each photo truly unique and reflective of my style. Experimenting with different layouts and designs was also fun to see which ones looked the best.

Highlighted Features

• Long-lasting, high-quality photos on tear-resistant, waterproof paper.
• Customize photos with stickers, frames, filters, and more.
• Instant printing of dry-to-the-touch 4×6” photos from your smartphone.
• Wi-Fi compatibility with user-friendly HP Sprocket app.
• Unique photo features include collages, photobooths, photo IDs, and more.
• Ideal for capturing moments on the go and sharing them with others.
• Compact and easy to use with a sleek, portable design.
• No need for ink cartridges or toners, saving you money and time.

7. Polaroid Hi-Print: Best for Personal Use

This compact and portable photo printer offers a unique and convenient way to print and personalize photos from your mobile device.

One thing that makes the Polaroid Hi-Print stand out is that it can print high-quality prints. This allows me to create personalized stickers, magnets, and more to decorate my space or share with friends and family.

A rechargeable battery also powers the Polaroid Hi-Print. Additionally, the printer is small enough to be taken anywhere you want. This means that I can print photos at home or on the go, making it a great choice for anyone who values the convenience and portability of a photo printer.

Highlighted Features

• Polaroid Hi-Print offers high-quality 2×3″ prints that you can stick anywhere.
• In less than 50 seconds, dye-sub cartridge technology produces brilliant photographs.
• Wireless printing through Bluetooth connection with the Polaroid Hi-Print mobile app for iOS and Android.
• You may edit and customize photo content using the app’s frames, filters, text, and emoticons.
• You can print at home or on the go with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Create personalized prints quickly and easily, perfect for decorating or gifting.
• Enjoy the convenience of printing photos directly from your mobile device.

Conclusion

Dye Sublimation printers can be a great tool to imprint your good memories in photos. Choosing the right printer can be a great source to capture your positive memories in high-quality photo prints. We have presented a list of the best dye sublimation photo printer for the purpose, and each product is chosen carefully. 

For those seeking the best overall dye sublimation photo printer, the Canon Selphy CP1300 is the Editor’s Choice, offering excellent features, portability, and quality prints. The Liene Photo Printer is a great choice for beginners seeking an easy-to-use and affordable option, while the KODAK Step is the best compact printer for those with limited space.

The HP Sprocket Portable is the top choice for those prioritizing quality output, while the Zink Kodak is perfect for home use. Professionals may prefer the HP Sprocket Studio Plus for its advanced features, while the Polaroid Hi-Print is best for personal use.

Ultimately, the choice of dye sublimation photo printer will depend on individual preferences, budget, and intended use. However, with these top options available, users can be assured of quality and reliable prints every time.

Buying Guide

When buying a dye sublimation photo printer, there are a few key factors to ensure you’re getting the best quality and value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you shop for a dye sublimation photo printer:

Print Quality

Print quality is one of the most crucial factors when buying a dye sublimation photo printer. Choose a printer that uses high-quality dye sublimation technology to create brilliant, long-lasting prints resistant to fading, smearing, and water damage.

Connectivity

Look for a printer that can easily connect to your computer or mobile device via USB or Wi-Fi. This will make it easier to move files around and print photos.

Portability

 If you plan to take your printer on the go, look for a lightweight, portable, and rechargeable battery. Portable dye sublimation printers are often smaller and may have built-in batteries, making them ideal for printing photos while on the move.

Printing Speed

Printing speed is another important feature when buying a dye sublimation photo printer. This feature determines how quickly the printer can produce a photo print, which can be especially important if you plan to use the printer for events or other situations where time is of the essence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)