It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, which means it’s almost time to panic-buy a card at the last minute, grab the last bouquet of flowers from the supermarket, and dust off that box of chocolates someone gave you at Christmas that you haven’t eaten yet.
Or you could plan ahead and use our handy list of techy Valentine’s gift ideas to make sure you get that special someone they might actually want this year.
While you can control smart home gadgets with your voice, or get a weather forecast or train times don’t forget to actually talk to your partner as well on Valentine’s Day. Otherwise you and Alexa will not be as popular as you’d hoped.
DIY Electronics Kit
The ideal Valentine’s gift should really be something that brings the two of you closer together, which is why we reckon these DIY electronics kits from Technology Will Save Us could be a winner.
Each kit contains everything you need (including instructions) to build a different bit of tech, giving you both a useful gadget and a little more tech know-how at the end of it all. For a music lover, the synthesizer kits are obvious choices – and you can save a bit of money by buying them together in a gift pack.
Fitbit activity tracker
What better romantic gift is there than fitness? Everyone’s got fitness on their minds since we’ve started spending more time at home. There are plenty of fitness trackers out there – you can read our selection of the best to see what suits you – but the most popular by far are made by Fitbit.
There are still lots of different types of Fitbit, though we have a guide to help you figure out which Fitbit is best for you or your partner.
The entry-level Fitbit Inspire only costs £69.99, while the mid-range Charge 4 costs £129.99. If you want to get super fancy, there’s also the top-of-the-line £299.99 Fitbit Sense.
You can also find our selection of the top Fitbit deals online in case you want to shop around first.
Best tech Valentine’s gifts: Instant Printer
One of the best things about the digital age is how easy it is to take photos wherever you are, and it’s never been easier to remember special occasions or time spent with your partner. Conversely, one of the worst things about the digital age is how easy it is to forget those same photos, to lose them in the mass of other files you accumulate, without any physical copies to hold onto.
With that in mind, we think one of the new wave of instant printers would make an ideal techy Valentine’s gift. There’s no need to give up the ease of taking quick photos on your smartphone, but now you can immediately print out your favourites, Polaroid-style, giving you a few romantic keepsakes to hold onto.
The Polaroid Hi-Print (pictured) costs £89.99 and is currently the #1 printer in our round-up of the best instant printers . See our full review .
Alternatively, you can grab a camera with the printer built in – ideal if your partner’s phone doesn’t have a great camera, or if they just fancy themselves a bit of a budding photographer.
Best tech Valentine’s gifts: Tile
Does your partner have a tendency to forget where they put their keys, their phone, or, well, everything? Enter the Tile.
You simply attach one to whatever you’re worried about losing, and as long as it’s within Bluetooth range of your phone, you can ring it to find out where it is. It also works the other way too – double-tap the button on a Tile to make your phone ring, even if it’s on silent.
If you’re not in Bluetooth range, the phone app will remember where it was the last time it connected to each Tile, to give you an idea of where to start looking.
Each Tile lasts a full year without charging, at which point you can buy a replacement at a discount – just in time for Valentine’s Day next year too. Though don’t blame us if your partner doesn’t appreciate getting the same present two years in a row.
You can either buy Tiles individually (£19.99) or in packs of two (£37.99) or four (£59.99), and they’re now available in a slimmer variant too (£24.99), which is thin enough to slip inside a wallet.
Power Banks and Chargers
Look, we’ll admit that we’re not entirely sure of how romantic a portable battery pack can ever really get, but judging by how often they go on sale for Valentine’s Day there’s clearly a market for people looking to give that special someone a little extra juice.
We’ll leave it up to you as to how you spin this from ‘dull and practical’ to ‘thoughtful and romantic’, but there are a few obvious options at least.
Maybe you want to share battery life just as you share your love. Maybe it’s about making sure that they never miss one of your messages thanks to a battery running low. Or maybe you just go full Frankie Goes to Hollywood and say something or other about the power of love.
The Aukey 10,000mAh Ultra-Compact power bank (pictured) costs £19.99 snagged the top spot in our round-up of the best power banks .
Apple Watch
An Apple Watch is exactly the sort of gratuitous gadget that it’s incredibly hard to justify buying for yourself, but brilliant to be given by someone else.
Even better, because it comes in a variety of versions with different watch colours and straps, it’s a good chance to show off that you know your loved one’s personal style.
Yes, an Apple Watch is expensive, but since the introduction of the affordable Apple Watch SE (pictured), you can now pick one up for just £269.
If you want to spend a bit less, and your partner already owns a Watch, you can give them a bit more customisability by buying a new strap from it. Apple has its own extensive range , and our colleagues at Macworld UK have also rounded up a few of their favourites from other manufacturers.
You should also check out their round-up of the best Apple Watch bargains to find the best price before you buy.
Chromecast
If your partner is the type who can’t get off their phone, you might as well help make sure that they can do as much as possible with it.
Google’s Chromecast devices connect to either your TV or your speakers, letting you broadcast to them directly from your phone over your Wi-Fi network.
The base Chromecast ( check out our review here ) plugs into the HDMI port on a TV, and lets you stream audio and video from any Chromecast-enabled app on a phone, tablet, or laptop direct to the TV.
If you want to step the quality up, the Chromecast with Google TV (pictured, see our review ) does basically the same thing but with 4K HDR support. It also comes with a remote control.
Headphones
If your partner is still carrying around a battered old pair of cheap in-ear headphones, it might be time to get them an upgrade.
There are too many headphone options out there to sum up right here, and it depends a lot on what your partner is looking for. We’ve rounded up what we think are the best headphones on the market , with the Sony WH-1000XM4 (pictured) coming in at the top.
If you’re looking to spend a bit less then you might prefer our budget headphone round-up .
And if you want to keep things romantic (and wired), why not throw in a headphone splitter so you can listen to music together next time you travel.
Author: Somrata Sarkar, Contributor, Tech Advisor
Previously a Tech Advisor Senior Staff Writer, Somrata researches and writes about the best tech deals to help readers make smart, informed buying decisions. She’s an expert on accessories and also reviews laptops, phones, audio and other devices.
Recent stories by Somrata Sarkar:
- How to get cheap BT broadband if you’re on benefits
- The best tech gifts for Mother’s Day US
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We’re all taking more and better quality photographs these days, thanks to smartphones, but we’re less likely to turn them into physical media. However, if you do, a portable printer – also known as an instant printer – is the answer.
These handy, pocket-sized gadgets will let you take your best phone images and print them out wherever you are, with the option to add filters, effects, stickers and other fun additions in the process. You might think of them as a ‘phone printer’ or ‘phone photo printer’ as they connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Top brands include Instax, Polaroid, Canon and there’s a range of options at different prices, including photos which develop with a bit of time or ‘Zink’ models which print instantly. Typically, they are compatible with both Android and iPhone as well as potentially other platforms, too.
Some new models we’ll be testing soon, and likely adding to this list, include the Polaroid Hi-Print (2nd Generation) and freshly announced Instax mini Link+, which goes on sale 28 January. For now, the best models we’ve reviewed are below with detailed information, followed by an in-depth buying guide.
If you want something a little more retro and even more instant, you can also buy a camera that prints photos as you shoot them, just like an old-fashioned Polaroid. Take a look at our round-up of the best instant cameras to see if any take your fancy.
Best portable photo printer reviews
1. Instax Square Link – Best Overall
Pros
- Portable and stylish design
- Impressive prints
- USB-C charging
- Decent range of editing options
Cons
- Running costs add up over time
- App could do with some improvements
- QR codes on AR prints on the larger side
The Instax Square Link is currently the only dedicated portable printer that uses square prints, and is also Instax’s best portable printer yet.
It comes with a stylish and lightweight design, and produces bright, high-quality medium-sized snaps easily via the accompanying app. Prints take 12 seconds to eject, and around 90 seconds to develop.
There is a range of seasonal preset frames available from the Instax library for holidays such as Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as simple editing tools – including a dedicated AR print mode that adds either a digital animation, special effect or doodle to an image via a QR code and the app.
Unlike the Instax Link Wide or Instax Mini Link, it comes with USB-C charging, which gives faster charging speeds. This gives it the edge of its two sister products. That said, you won’t need to worry about battery life too much, as you can get around 100 prints on a single charge.
The app layout could do with a few tweaks, including making the text size bigger and improving the navigation. However, these are minor downsides to what is an excellent portable printer overall.
Who should buy the Instax Square Link?
You want a dedicated square printer with a great set of features.
Instax Square Link: Further considerations
Consider a cheaper alternative for long-term running costs.
Read our full Instax Square Link review
2. Polaroid Hi-Print – Best Dye-Sublimation Printer
Pros
- High quality prints
- Portable and refined design
- Easy app navigation
Cons
- Expensive printing costs
- Slow printing speeds
- Only 20 prints on one charge
The Polaroid Hi-Print is a simple, no-nonsense digital printer that costs less than most rivals while delivering superior print quality – though pricey paper means it’ll cost you in the long run.
Printing is slightly slower than most rivals at around 50 seconds – but this is due to it being a dye-sublimation printer, which means that the print ejects in and out at least four times to add each layer of colour, plus a protective film.
The wait is worth it, as print quality is overall extremely high and more detailed, vivid, and striking than you would get from a quicker digital instant printer.
The accompanying app is simple and user-friendly, with options to customise photos with frames, filters, aspect ratio changes, text, and stickers – but few unnecessary frills to over-complicate things.
It also syncs with any image folders on your phone, plus images from WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Who should buy the Polaroid Hi-Print?
You want high-quality prints at an affordable price with an easy-to-use app.
Polaroid Hi-Print: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for faster printing, cheaper running costs and less frequent recharging.
Read our full Polaroid Hi-Print review
3. Instax Link Wide – Best for Wide Prints
Pros
- Large, glossy prints
- Lots of filters and editing options
- Refined design
Cons
- App needs optimising
- Costs rack up over time
- Slow Micro-USB charging
The Instax Link Wide produces large, glossy prints with minimal fuss. It has a great design that is suited both for sitting in your home and for taking on the road.
Photos on the Instax Link Wide are double the size of what you’ll find on the Mini printers and cameras, but the printing speed is very quick at around 12 seconds, with 90 seconds of development time.
Like other Instax products, the prints are bright and colourful with a vintage feel. However, the quality isn’t quite as impressive as what you will find on the Polaroid Hi-Print. The running costs of this printer will stack up over time due to the cost of Instax Wide film.
The companion app provides multiple customisation options such as filters, collages and the option to add QR codes, though it could do with some improvements with its layout.
Who should buy the Instax Link Wide?
You want large, wide-angle prints with lots of editing features
Instax Link Wide: Further considerations
Choose another for modern USB-C charging.
Read our full Instax Link Wide review
4. Instax Mini Link 2 – Best for Small Prints
Pros
- Portable and funky design
- Excellent prints
- Lots of editing tools in the app
Cons
- InstaxAir can be confusing to use
- Outdated Micro-USB charging
- Expensive running costs
The Instax Mini Link 2 uses Fujifilm’s Instax Mini film. The Mini Link looks great, with funky colour options and a young and fresh feel.
It connects to your phone through the Mini Link app and Bluetooth, and can print photos both from your phone’s library and your social media profiles.
From the app, you can choose frames and other options, including split prints (separating one photo into two prints) and collages. You can edit photos within the app, with colour filters and dials to change the brightness, contrast and saturation.
The printer has a speed of around 12 seconds per print, supports continuous printing and can print up to 100 photos on a single charge. Photos come out clear, crisp and vibrant on the Mini film, and after printing, there’s a handy button to get a second copy instantly.
Fun options include a ‘match test’ that prints out a photo with a compatibility score between two people, and the ‘party print’ mode that allows users to add photos from up to five phones to create one Instax print. There is also the InstaxAir feature which allows you to draw patterns in the air on photos – but this can be a faff to use.
You can even use the printer as a remote control for your smartphone camera, tilting the printer back and forth to zoom in and out.
Who should buy the Instax Mini Link 2?
You want small photos which print quickly.
Instax Mini Link 2: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for something cheaper or if you need USB-C charging.
Read our full Instax Mini Link 2 review
5. Canon Selphy QX20 – Most Versatile
Pros
- Dual print sizes
- Gorgeous images
- Simple-to-use app
Cons
- Poor battery life compared to rivals
- No log of how many sheets/ink is left in app
- On the heavier side
If you’re torn between what size prints you want from your portable printer, the Canon Selphy QX20 may be the device for you. It supports both square and credit-card formats, giving you plenty of versatility.
Like the Polaroid Hi-Print, the QX20 uses the thermal dye process, which produces stunning results – especially on the larger formats. The accompanying app is also simple to use, as is changing between the different paper options.
That said, the app could have improvements. There’s no way of viewing how many sheets of paper or ink are left, and the battery indicator only shows a vague estimation.
In addition, the battery life lasts for just over twenty prints, significantly less than Instax printers. Due to its dual-print support, it’s on the heavier side, making it less portable. Nonetheless, there’s nothing else on the market quite like this printer – so if you want something versatile, this is an excellent option.
Who should buy the Canon Selphy QX20?
You want a choice of print sizes with high-quality results.
Canon Selphy QX20: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for something lighter and longer battery life.
Read our full Canon SELPHY QX20 review
6. Kodak Step Instant Printer – Best for Zink Prints
Pros
- Portable design
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- A few bugs in the app
- Charges via Micro-USB
The Kodak Step is one of the most affordable printers on the market for Zink prints. Whilst Zink images aren’t quite as impressive as what you will find from brands such as Instax and Polaroid, the running costs are much cheaper, and there is no development time.
The Kodak Step keeps its design simple with a compact, rectangular shape that you can get in a range of colours. It is easy to use, even for beginners. It supports up to 25 images on a single charge.
The prints themselves are on the smaller side at 2x3in, so these are best if you’re looking for wallet-sized photos. The images come with an adhesive back so they can be used as stickers, and feature a range of colours – though some details are lost from the original images.
The app includes a range of editing options, but does have a few bugs and issues. That said, the affordable price of the Kodak Step makes this a viable portable printer that gets the job done.
Who should buy the Kodak Step?
You want a budget-friendly printer with quick printing.
Kodak Step: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for USB-C charging and better print quality.
Read our full Kodak Step Instant Printer review
7. HP Sprocket Select – Best for Larger Zink Prints
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Straightforward app UX
- Improved Zink print quality
Cons
- Occasional paper loading issues
The HP Sprocket Select is the third-generation iteration of the Sprocket 200. It boasts Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which allows multiple phones to connect via the straightforward Sprocket app (free on Android and iOS).
A more significant improvement is that the Select prints larger images at 2.3 x 3.4in instead of 2 x 3in – which is roughly the size of a credit card.
Like past Sprockets, the Sprocket Select prints on Zink, or “zero ink”, paper, which is cheaper than film in the long run – but at the cost of slightly washed colour tones.
Given that Zink images can be slightly dull to begin with, the Sprocket Select trumped expectations with a fair amount of detail and contrast. The colours still appeared slightly washed out but were much more vibrant than on other Zink printers we’ve tested, particularly the reds.
Who should buy the HP Sprocket Select?
You want large prints without waiting and the ability to connect multiple devices.
HP Sprocket Select: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for easier paper loading
Read our full HP Sprocket Select review
8. Kodak Step Slim Instant Printer – Best for Portability
Pros
- Slim and durable build
- Affordable running costs
- Simple to use
Cons
- Not as affordable as the Kodak Step
- Zink paper not as impressive as rival prints
- App has a few bugs
The Kodak Step Slim is one of the most portable options on the list. It is slim at 2.29cm thick and lightweight at 240g – making it easy to fit into a large pocket.
It’s easy to use as well, with the well-laid-out accompanying Kodak Step app. However, this does have a few bugs in comparison to some of the software that rivals boast. Nonetheless, you’ll still have plenty of filters, frames and more to add to your snaps.
This is another Zink printer, so prints aren’t quite as striking as what you’ll find on models from Instax and Polaroid, as this isn’t real film. However, the trade-off is that running costs are cheaper overall.
It’s not quite as affordable as its sister model, the Kodak Step, but it will still get the job done without breaking the bank.
Who should buy the Kodak Step Slim?
A pocketable printer with speedy printing.
Kodak Step Slim: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for higher quality results.
Read our full Kodak Step Slim Instant Printer review
9. Instax Mini Evo – Best Hybrid Camera
Pros
- Compact and retro design
- Long battery life
- Useful buttons and dials
Cons
- Expensive
- Frustrating menu
- Limited internal storage
Whilst the Instax Mini Evo from Fujifilm is foremost a digital and instant camera hybrid, it also has all the capabilities of a standard portable printer, making it a true all-rounder.
The Instax Mini Evo app allows you to edit photos with filters, stickers and frames – just like you can with other Instax printers. You can also transfer photos taken on the camera to the app so that they are digitally stored.
The camera itself combines features such as analogue buttons with digital effects, making for an all-around fun shooting experience. It looks refined and vintage, and not childish like some other products from the brand. The Evo comes with a lengthy battery life, as well as a portable size.
Unfortunately, whilst all these features are compelling, the Instax Mini Evo comes with a hefty price tag upfront, plus the running cost of Instax film on top of this.
Who should buy the Instax Mini Evo?
You want an instant printer with a camera built in.
Instax Mini Evo: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for something more affordable if the camera isn’t a must.
Read our full Instax Mini Evo review
10. Instax Wide Evo – Premium Hybrid Camera
Pros
- Vintage-inspired build
- Large and glossy prints
- Wide range of filters and shooting options
Cons
- Very expensive for what it is
- Cumbersome build
- Battery and internal storage on the lower side
The Instax Wide Evo is another digital and instant camera hybrid, but this uses Wide film rather than Mini film. It also has a much higher price tag than the Mini Evo, so it’s only suitable if you want to splash the cash.
There’s no denying that the Wide Evo has a premium, nostalgic build that stands out from the crowd, while the endless array of settings means that you’ll have plenty to experiment with when shooting. Images taken on the camera can also be transferred to the accompanying app.
However, the build is heavy and bulky, meaning it’s not the best for using out and about unless you have a big enough bag to hand. Plus, both the battery life and internal storage are on the low side. There are better options in this chart.
Who should buy the Instax Wide Evo?
You want an instant camera and printer hybrid that produces larger-sized prints.
Instax Wide Evo: Further considerations
The Instax Mini Evo offers a very similar experience for a fraction of the price.
Read our full Instax Wide Evo review
How we test portable photo printers
In simple terms, we use it no differently than if you bought one, got it out of the box and powered it up. We use it as if it were our own, ensuring we print plenty of different photos to check the quality of the final product, as well as all the features along the way.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for portable printer reviews and buying advice
Independent buying advice is the reason Tech Advisor exists, and we’ve been doing it for 30 years. Our in-house team and contributors are experts in all things tech and gadgets, and we have your best interests at heart.
Who curated this article?
Hannah is our Entertainment Editor but has been testing and reviewing all kinds of tech for six years at Tech Advisor. She knows everything there is to know about portable printers and has reviewed most of the models you see above.
How to choose the best portable printer
Fortunately, choosing a portable printer isn’t as complicated or as overwhelming as something like a smartphone. There are small number of reliable brands that make the best models, and you should be able to figure out which one is best for your needs quickly.
As well as reading our honest thoughts on each printer above, you first need to make sure the device is compatible with the phone or other device you want to use it with. Most have apps for Android and iOS, so you can then move on to making sure it does everything you need.
The main difference between different portable printers is the size and type of photo they print. Some are square and use Zink paper which prints within seconds, for example, while others offer a choice of sizes and use film, which you have to wait to develop. Your last key decision is how much to spend – ultimately, that’s up to you but budget models cost a little over £50/$50 but you can spend £100/$100-£200/$200 if you want a fancier model.
How does a portable photo printer work?
Portable photo printers essentially connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, usually via an app. The photos taken on your phone (or downloaded onto your image library) can then be viewed in the app, and printed from here.
There is no need to involve your PC at all, and most printers should support both iOS and Android models.
The actual printing process depends on the model you buy. The Polaroid Hi-Print uses a lengthier dye-sublimation process, whilst Instax printers instantly print photos, which then develop over a short period of time. Zink photo printers print instantly, but this is technically not real film. It all comes down to your preferences for the final look of your photos.
What size photos does a portable photo printer produce?
That depends on which printer you choose! We have the dimensions of all the prints that the devices use in our linked reviews, but the most common format is around the size of a credit card. However, you can opt for something larger if you prefer prints that take up more space. Typically, a portable printer can only print one size of photos.
What is the difference between a portable photo printer and an instant camera hybrid?
Some models of instant cameras (which print photos as soon as you hit the shutter button) also include the ability to print photos from other devices, just as you would on a portable printer – one example is the Instax Mini Evo.
Can I edit photos in a portable photo printer app?
Most leading manufacturers of portable photo printers offer some level of editing in their smartphone apps. These include filters, stickers, frames, text and even more advanced things like QR codes.
Where do I buy more instant printer film?
Related content
- Best instant cameras
- Accessory reviews
- Best phones
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
Recent stories by Hannah Cowton-Barnes:
- These are the best instant cameras you can buy
- Instax Wide Evo review: Big prints, bigger price
- Canon Selphy QX20 review: The best of both worlds
At a Glance
Expert’s Rating
Pros
- High quality prints
- Portable and refined design
- Easy app navigation
Cons
- Expensive printing costs
- Slow printing speeds
- Only 20 prints on one charge
Our Verdict
The Polaroid Hi-Print has a great design and produces high quality instant prints – but the running costs are pricey.
Price When Reviewed
This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined
Best Pricing Today
Best Prices Today: Polaroid Hi-Print
Looking to get into Polaroid prints but prefer taking photos on your smartphone? You can get the best of best worlds with the Polaroid Hi-Print, the latest instant printer from Polaroid that connects to your phone over Bluetooth and prints high resolution photos in under a minute.
The Hi-Print rivals the likes of the Instax Mini Link – but strips back a lot of the fluffy features to just produce a simple but effective instant printer. Read on for my full review.
Design and build
As designs go, the Polaroid Hi-Print is refined and clean. It’s compact in size and light enough to be held one handed. The top features a rainbow strip – a nod to the printing process – with the printing slot on the top of the device. You can place the Hi-Print both vertically and horizontally – though the former is slightly wobblier than the latter.
The cartridges can be loaded on the left-hand side of the pack which you can prise open with your fingernail. The power button is located on the right-hand side, along with two LED status lights. On the bottom of the device, you get a Micro-USB port for charging (a cable comes included in the box), another status light and a reset port.
To print a photo, you link your phone up with the Hi-Print using the accompanying app via Bluetooth. There you can select and customise the image you want and print directly from here.
Printing speed is slower than that of other instant printers at around 50 seconds – but this is due to being a dye-sublimation device, which means that the print ejects in and out of the printer at least four times to add each layer of colour, plus a protective film. You’ll get around 20 prints on one charge, which is lower than rivals but to be expected considering the more complex printing process.
Features and photo quality
Despite the slower speeds, the wait is certainly worth it, as the print quality is overall extremely high and much more detailed, vivid and striking than you would get from a quicker digital instant printer – which is the most important part of this product.
The printer uses 2×3 Hi-Print paper cartridge , which comes with 20 sheets in a pack. The images use nearly the entirety of the paper, bar a strip of white at the bottom. Again, rivals sometimes have borders round the photo, which makes the image smaller, so this is a big plus for Polaroid.
Prints are water and smudge resistant and contain a peelable adhesive back so you can stick your photos on your desk or the back of your phone. It’s a nice touch that allows you to use these prints as decoration without the need for extra accessories.
There are some customisable features on the app as well. These include frames, filters, aspect ratio changes, text and stickers – the last two are elements I can see younger generations making use of. Nothing on the app seems fluffy or useless, again another plus over rival products from Instax.
The app syncs up with the majority of photo folders on your phone besides your bog-standard camera roll. You can choose from previously uploaded images to WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more – useful if you have a particular image from your social channels that you want printed. You can also access your phone’s camera directly through the app.
Using the app is easy – the only time I ran into issues was during the initial pairing process which took a few goes to master. However, after that I encountered no problems. The interface is clean, simply laid out and doesn’t lag. You can choose to print a photo on the app and then minimise away, using your phone for other tasks whilst you wait.
Value for money
At £89.99/US$99.99 the Polaroid Hi-Print undercuts some other instant printers on the market right now including the Instax Mini Link (RRP £109.99/$99.99) and the HP Sprocket Select (RRP £119/US$149.99) – making it a competitive option.
Though the base price is not that high, the main issue with the Polaroid Hi-Print is its expensive running costs. One pack of Hi-Print paper cartridge – which includes just 20 sheets – comes in at £15.99/$16.99 for a pack of 20. This works out on average around 79 pence/85 cents per photo, more expensive than the likes of Zink Paper which costs under 50 pence for one sheet in the UK and just below 50 cents for one sheet in the US.
If you plan on printing lots of photos on this device, the costs will rack up very quickly, so you’ll have to be certain to make every single print count.
You can take a look at how the Polaroid Hi-Print compares to rivals in our list of the best portable printers . It’s also worth checking out the best instant cameras on the market too, if you want a camera-printer hybrid.
Should you buy the Polaroid Hi-Print?
The Polaroid Hi-Print without a doubt produces some of the best instant prints from a smartphone that you can find on the market right now. The accompanying app is user-friendly, and boasts a good range of customisation features for prints.
Don’t however let the base price fool you into thinking this is a cheap instant printer – heavy usage will set you back a pretty penny. Nonetheless, if you’re prepared to pay for picture perfect quality, you can’t really get better than this.
Specs
Polaroid Hi-Print: Specs
- 26.9×149.8×79.5mm
- 255g (without cartridge)
- Dye Diffusion Thermal Transfer printing, 4PASS
- 620mAh lithium-ion battery
- Micro-USB charging
- Approximately 20 prints on one charge
- Printing speed approximately 50 seconds
- Print size – 54 x 86 mm
- Bluetooth 2.1+EDR & 5.0
- Comes with USB cable
- Film packs sold separately
Best Prices Today: Polaroid Hi-Print
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
Recent stories by Hannah Cowton-Barnes:
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