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Top 7 Best 4X6 Photo Printers On The Market 2023 Review

So, be honest. Who can remember a time when we took our photos on a Kodak Brownie or similar? Extracted the roll of film and rushed down to the chemist or other printing facility. And then waited for up to a week to get our beloved pictures back. No one hour developing service back then, and certainly no such thing as the Best 4×6 Photo Printers.

Times change, of course, and technology develops; pardon the pun. Gone is the exciting wait to view, if we were lucky, some grainy old photos. Now we can do it instantly. No film, no wait, Snap it and print it. We can even edit and add things like borders to the photos.

There are plenty of print options currently on the market 2023, so let’s go through them and find the Best 4 by 6 Photo Printers for your needs…

Top 7 Best 4X6 Photo Printers On The Market 2023 Review

Top 7 Best 4X6 Photo Printers Reviews

  1. Kodak Dock Plus 4×6” Portable Instant Photo Printer – Best Rated 4X6 Photo Printer
  2. Kodak Dock Plus & Bluetooth Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best Kodak 4X6 Photo Printer
  3. HP Sprocket Studio 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best HP 4X6 Photo Printer
  4. Kodak Dock & WiFi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best Mid Range 4X6 Photo Printers
  5. Victure Photo Printer, Print (4 x 6) inch Photos – Best Budget 4X6 Photo Printers
  6. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP90 4×6 Photo Printer – Best Value 4X6 Photo Printer for the Money
  7. Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer – Best Premium 4X6 Photo Printer

1 Kodak Dock Plus 4×6” Portable Instant Photo Printer – Best Rated 4X6 Photo Printer

First stop, a name synonymous with photography. 1888 was the year George Eastman brought out his first effort. They did well until the arrival of Olympus and other Japanese camera makers who just took over in 1936.

Gradually very tough foreign competition brought them to their knees, and they filed for bankruptcy. They re-emerged from that but are now way behind the likes of Nikon, Canon, Ricoh, and others. But they are still able to produce valuable equipment. Let’s find out as we take a look at the Dock Plus 4×6” Portable Instant Photo Printer.

A studio in your hands… 

That is how you could describe this little printer. You can print your photos with just one push of a button. Using 4Pass technology gives you great photos. Photos are printed in layers that are completed with a laminating process. This helps to make them water-resistant and fingerprint-proof. It can be used anywhere and at any time.

You can edit, or resize and even add borders if you wish. This is via the Kodak app that allows you plenty of other editing options. The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

The Build

It is a compact little photo printer measuring 7.87 by 6.77 by 5.71 inches and weighing just 3.5 pounds. Easy to pack away in your suitcase if you want to print photos on a trip or on holiday. There is a pre-installed docking pin with a USB-C connection. It also has a Lightning connector for iOS devices. In the past, this printer used the PictBridge option, but that is now not available. For most, that seems to make printing easier.

It is Bluetooth compatible and offers a stable connection. It prints on glossy photo paper. This printer can appear to be a little temperamental at times, but it is more just understanding how it works.


Kodak Dock Plus 4x6” Portable Instant Photo Printer

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • A compact little printer you can carry around with you.
  • Bluetooth enabled for instant printing from all your devices.

Cons

  • Can be a little temperamental at times.

2 Kodak Dock Plus & Bluetooth Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best Kodak 4X6 Photo Printer

This is an upgraded version of the previous Kodak Dock. It has seen an improvement in some of the features. One thing that you will notice if you are familiar with previous versions is the size.

This printer is a little larger, measuring 8.7 by 8.2 by 6 inches. It is also a little heavier at 4.29 pounds. It doesn’t really alter its portable uses.

Some things remain the same…

This latest model still uses Kodak’s 4Pass technology to print the photos. The process ensures they are water-resistant and finger-proof. This means they should last a long time.

You still have access to the Kodak mobile app. This allows you to print wherever you are. But it also allows you some editing features and to be able to add some other designs to your photos or apply filters. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Bluetooth

They have tried to make the Bluetooth connection more stable and reduced the amount of paper required in the paper tray to 40 sheets. The cartridge prints 40 sheets before it needs replacing.

All you need is your device connected to Bluetooth, and your printing is instant.

Reliability

The previous version did appear to have some reliability problems. It is difficult to judge whether that was because of the way it was being used. There also seem to be similar problems with this model.

That indicates that it may be a user problem rather than a manufacturing failure. But we include that just to allow potential buyers to have the information available if they want to check further. One other point to note is that this printer is not battery-operated.


Kodak Dock Plus & Bluetooth Portable 4x6” Instant Photo Printer

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Decent quality of photos produced instantly.
  • Some editing features via the Kodak app.

Cons

  • No battery, so mains connection only.

3 HP Sprocket Studio 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best HP 4X6 Photo Printer

The HP Sprocket Studio photo printer comes with a good reputation. HP is, after all, a company that knows a lot about printing. They have been building printers, of course, for many years and hold a decent market share in that area.

High-quality prints

This is a printer that will give you instant high-quality 4 by 6-inch prints. Printed on glossy print paper, they have vibrant colors that will last many years without fading. They are water-resistant and smudge-proof.

Printing is easy. Included is an ink cartridge and ten 4 by 6-inch photo paper sheets. Just plug it in and start printing.

The HP sprocket app

You can make your prints more personal using this app, courtesy of its Bluetooth compatibility. This allows you to print directly from your smartphone or other devices. You can use any one of the templates that are provided for cards or albums or even make collages. You can even turn your own artwork into customized stickers.

Pair up your phone with the printer, and you can print from Google photos or your social media.

Optional Battery

This is essentially a mains-operated printer, but you can get an optional portable battery if you wish.

It isn’t the smallest of printers at 6.65 by 10.75 by 2.68 inches and weighing 4.5 pounds. However, it is an excellent product producing great prints and should definitely be considered as one of the Best 4X6 Photo Printers.


HP Sprocket Studio 4x6” Instant Photo Printer

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Produces quality prints instantly.
  • Good Bluetooth connections to the HP app from your phone for editing and printing.

Cons

  • Quite large compared with some.

4 Kodak Dock & WiFi Portable 4×6” Instant Photo Printer – Best Mid Range 4X6 Photo Printers

Back we go again to Kodak for a look at another version of the Kodak Dock. It is quite a bit larger than other versions of this printer, measuring 14 by 19 by 22 inches. The dock itself has a creative design in that it acts as a charger as well as a printer. You can power up some devices while you are printing your pictures.

Easy to Print

To make your photos, you do not need to transfer any files to a memory card or a computer. If you have an Android phone, just plug it into the dock. If you use an iOS device, connect-up with the included lightning charger.

The printer produces high-quality photos using thermal transfer technology. This is designed to stop bleed and prevent fading over time. Besides direct connections, this printer is also compatible with any of your devices using the built-in WiFi.

The Kodak App

You will have access to the Kodak App, which offers filters, templates, and a variety of other editing options. This allows you to personalize and enhance your pictures.

Not a cheap option, and once again, in some cases, there do seem to be some reliability problems.


Kodak Dock & WiFi Portable 4x6” Instant Photo Printer

Our rating:4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)

Pros

  • Has a dock that will charge devices while you print.
  • Access to the Kodal editing app.

Cons

  • Some seem to find operating problems.

5 Victure Photo Printer, Print (4 x 6) inch Photos – Best Budget 4X6 Photo Printers

When you are looking through printers for your 4 by 6-inch photos, you may notice this printer from Victure is a little cheaper than some. It is a budget range model, but there is a reason for the price difference. More on that later.

This printer from Victure gives you the chance to print standard 4 by 6-inch photos in detail with great colors. It uses a technology known as Dye Sublimation Thermal Transfer. This provides a print that is water-resistant and will resist fading.

A Compact build

Are you planning to buy a printer you can carry around with you? If so, then this is not going to take up too much space. Measuring 6.69 by 4.25 by 2.72 inches, without its paper holder, it is small enough to carry with you.

The Connections

You can connect up using Bluetooth to start printing your pictures. The use of Bluetooth is usually quite stable and reliable, which will allow you to print whenever and wherever you are. The printer is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

The Victure App

You can download this app which contains some interesting features. Apart from filters, it will offer you some fun items like stickers and templates for cards.

What is in the box?

As we mentioned earlier, one of the first things you may notice about this printer is that it is a little cheaper than some. The main reason for that is inside the box there is no ink or paper. But you do, of course, get the printer and the cartridge to hold the paper, the power adapter, cord, and the manual. But, unfortunately, no paper or ink has been included.


Victure Photo Printer

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Compact size that is easy to carry around.
  • Get the Victure app to use for editing and creative purposes.

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with any starter paper.

6 Sony Picture Station DPP-FP90 4×6 Photo Printer – Best Value 4X6 Photo Printer for the Money

We don’t need too much of an introduction to Sony. But we don’t often associate them with compact photo printers. Nevertheless, that is what we have here. So, if you are looking for Sony quality and a contender for one of the Best Value for the Money 4X6 Photo Printers you can buy, this could be it.

Vivid colors

This printer will deliver spectacular color prints either direct from your Sony Cyber-shot camera or from flash media. It uses a dye sublimation method devised by Sony that gives over sixteen million color options for each pixel. Two hundred and fifty-six shades for each of the three principal colors.

Quick and easy to use

It will produce 4 by 6-inch prints in about 45 seconds. It features an automatic touching up and image correction facility for your photos. This can remove red eye and any flaws in the image and sharpen the focus if necessary.

Preview screen

There is an LCD screen measuring 3.6 inches by 3 inches that will allow you to preview any pictures before you print.

Extra features

The Sony Bionz image processor includes both face detection and a D-range optimizer. The latter helps to increase the detail in very bright lighting or in any shadows. Face detection helps to bring out more detail in the faces of your subjects.

It will accept input from a variety of formats, including a range of Memory Stick options and Compact Flash media. Please note, though, that this printer does not connect to the internet.

Plenty of editing options

Built-in to this printer are more image editing facilities than you might expect. You can enlarge or reduce and even rotate the photo. There are special effects like having partial color, monochrome, or a fisheye lens effect. You can also place messages over the image as a greeting.

For each print, a protective laminate coating is applied to protect it from fingerprints and fade, and even excess moisture. This keeps your photo in great condition for years. An outstanding little printer is what we expected and what we got. And all at a very attractive price point considering what is inside.


Sony Picture Station DPP-FP90 4x6 Photo Printer

Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • Great built-in features for editing and adjusting the image.
  • Quick and easy to use at an attractive price point.

Cons

  • No internet connection.

7 Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer – Best Premium 4X6 Photo Printer

Now we move over to a well-known name in print circles at all levels. To finish our look at the best 4 x 6-inch photo printers, we take a look at something a little different.

Being able to print instant postcard size photos is a nice thing to be able to do. But what about if there was another option as well. This is what this printer offers. With this printer, you can still print the 4 by 6, but it also gives you an extra option of 5 by 7-inch photos.

A compact design…

At 15.1 x 9.8 x 7.9 inches and weighing 6 pounds, it is a little larger than the other products we have looked at. And probably not what you would consider portable. But for use at home, it still carries a very compact footprint and isn’t going to take up too much space.

The Print

We must make the point that this printer is only for use with Epson cartridges. So avoid options that mention recyclable, replacement, or renewed. They probably won’t work. It will print great 4 by 6 and 5 by 7 photos quickly and without borders as quickly as 36 seconds each. This does depend a little on various issues like the complexity of what is being printed.

The quality is good, and the colors vibrant. And they are water-resistant and won’t smudge or fade quickly. In an album, they will last for many years. You can preview and edit your images with the help of the 2.7-inch color display.

A Wireless solution

Using the built-in WiFi, you can print from a range of devices. This includes Smartphones and Tablets. Plus, it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

What’s in the Box?

Besides the printer, power adapter, and cord, you also get an instruction manual. There is also a starter ink cartridge and five glossy paper sheets for printing your first photos.

A very good printer that offers a bit more if you need it. It isn’t a cheap option, though.


Epson PictureMate PM-400 Wireless Compact Color Photo Printer

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Prints an extra size of photo.
  • Has some good features with WiFi.

Cons

  • Quite expensive.

Best 4X6 Photo Printers Buying Guide

Best 4X6 Photo Printers Guide

Which photo printer is right for you? There are a lot to choose from. Much more than what we have looked at here. Nevertheless, we have covered a decent range of options. Some have specialized features, and others are very basic. So it will depend on what you see as your priorities.

Portability

If you want a printer you can take on holiday or other journeys, it will need to be portable. An obvious thing to say, perhaps. But some don’t fall into that category. Apart from the physical size of the printer, you should consider power. If it’s battery-driven, it makes it more convenient. Otherwise, you are relying on the mains supply. That might not be what you want.

Print Speeds

This may not be an issue for some. They all print pretty quickly, and a few seconds here or there is probably irrelevant. However, look for a speed of around 45 seconds per print. Most printers are not built for endless printing. If, however, you do need to print a lot of images in a short time, speed might be important, as will reliability.

Connections

Best 4X6 Photo Printers Connection

Some come with WiFi, others with Bluetooth, and some have no internet connections at all. What you choose will depend on your requirements.

Quality of the Print

For the majority of casual users, the quality of all the printers we looked at will be acceptable. They produce good quality photos with good color. If, however, you are looking for a professional finish, you will have to spend a bit more.

Which Printers are best for photos?

For more options, check out our Best Printers For Photos Review and our Best Portable Photo Printers Reviews. You may also enjoy our reviews of the Best Printers for Art Prints and the Best Brother Color Laser Printers you can buy in 2023.

And be sure to check out our Best Color Laser Printers Reviews, our Best 3D Printers Under 500 Review, our Best ZINK Printer Reviews, our Best All-in-One Printers Review, our Best Printer For Mac Reviews, and our HP OfficeJet 5255 Printer Review.

What of the Best 4X6 Photo Printers would we choose?

For us, we would like a printer that will give us some editing options and a decent print speed. We don’t need an internet connection so we would pick the…

Sony Picture Station DPP-FP90 4×6 Photo Printer

An excellent photo printer with plenty of good editing options from a company with an esteemed reputation.

Happy printing!

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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