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If you want a single machine that scans, copies, and produces high-quality photo prints, choosing the right all-in-one printer for photos matters. Prints with poor color, banding, or inconsistent paper handling waste time and supplies and frustrate every photo project. This guide examines seven shortlisted all-in-one printers that are well-suited to photo printing and related tasks. We focused on machines that deliver predictable color, fine detail, and practical features for home studios and casual photographers. Below you will find concise product summaries and a clear explanation of the evaluation criteria used to pick these top options.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Canon PIXMA TR8620a | ![]() |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 | ![]() |
| Best Value The sweet spot between price and what you get | HP Envy 6155 All-in-One Printer | ![]() |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW | ![]() |
| Top Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | HP ENVY Photo 7855 | ![]() |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | Canon PIXMA TR4720 | ![]() |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | ![]() |
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Printer Connectivity Type | wireless |
| Number of Trays | 2 |
| Duplex | Automatic |
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a compact wireless inkjet all-in-one built for everyday home-office use and occasional photo printing. It handles printing, copying, scanning and faxing, and includes a 20-sheet auto document feeder for multi-page scans or copies. Photo output benefits from the printer's 4800 x 1200 dpi maximum resolution and five individual ink tanks, which help produce sharper color and more efficient ink replacement for the color channels. Duplex printing and a two-tray paper system make handling documents and borderless 8.5 x 11 photos straightforward, while touchscreen controls and mobile wireless connectivity simplify printing from phones and tablets. Page speeds are modest at around 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, so it is better suited to mixed document and photo tasks rather than high-volume office runs. Expect typical inkjet costs and occasional maintenance when printing many photos, and the rear feed and cassette mix adds flexibility but requires occasional paper switching for photo media. For balanced photo and document needs this model delivers good image quality and useful office features in a compact package.
Best for: Buyers who want one compact machine that balances document and photo duties for a home office and value good photo resolution alongside convenient scanning and duplex features.
Less Ideal for: Users who need very high monthly page volumes or the lowest long-term cost per page should consider larger-format or high-yield alternatives.
- High maximum print resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) for detailed photo prints
- Five individual ink tanks allow selective color replacement and better color control
- 20-sheet auto document feeder speeds multi-page scanning and copying
- Automatic duplex printing and dual paper trays for mixed document/photo workflows
- Print speeds are moderate, not ideal for large-volume printing
- Inkjet operating costs can be high with frequent photo printing
Verdict: A versatile home-office all-in-one that delivers high-resolution photo prints and useful office features in a compact package.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum Media Size | 13 x 19 inch |
| Color Pages per Minute | 12 pages_per_minute |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 16 pages_per_minute |
| Print Resolution | 1440 dots_per_inch (color) |
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a wide-format inkjet all-in-one built for photographers and creative hobbyists who need borderless 13 x 19 inch prints and low running costs. It uses a 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system and high-accuracy MicroPiezo printhead to deliver high-resolution color and black-and-white prints suitable for photo labs and studio proofs. The refillable ink-tank design and included high-yield bottles drastically reduce how often you replace consumables and lower cost per 4 x 6 photo compared with cartridge printers. The unit also scans and copies, supports mobile control via apps, and offers auto duplex and USB connectivity for straightforward workflows. Practical limits are its relatively large footprint and moderate page speeds—12 ppm color and 16 ppm black-and-white—so it is better suited to photo production than fast office document printing. Expect strong print quality and long runs between ink changes, but plan for dedicated space and occasional firmware or driver updates to maintain color accuracy.
Best for: Photographers, home studio creators, and hobbyists who prioritize print quality, wide-format capability, and low long-term ink costs over compact size or maximum document throughput.
Less Ideal for: Users who need a compact, portable printer or those whose priority is very fast, high-volume office document printing.
- Cartridge-free EcoTank system cuts running costs and reduces cartridge waste
- Six-color ink set and high-resolution printhead produce lab-quality, borderless 13 x 19 inch photos
- Includes scanner and copy functions for photo scanning and duplication
- Supports mobile app control and automatic duplex printing for convenience
- Large physical footprint requires dedicated space
- Print speed is moderate, so large document stacks print slower than office-focused models
Verdict: Choose the ET-8550 if you want wide-format, lab-quality photo printing with very low ongoing ink costs.
HP Envy 6155 All-in-One Printer
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Color Pages per Minute | 7 pages_per_minute |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 10 pages_per_minute |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Wi-Fi |
The HP Envy 6155 is a compact home inkjet all-in-one designed for everyday color documents and borderless photos. It prints, scans and copies, offers automatic two-sided printing, and connects via dual-band Wi-Fi or USB with mobile printing through the HP app. A 2.4" color touchscreen and AI-assisted formatting in the app make printing web pages and photos easier and help avoid wasted pages. Print speeds are modest at up to 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, and the printer ships with setup cartridges that yield only a few dozen pages, so expect to replace ink relatively soon or enroll in HP Instant Ink. The Envy produces high-resolution color output (up to 4800 x 1200 dpi) suitable for casual photo prints and has a 100-sheet input capacity for small print runs. It is compact and energy efficient but not intended for heavy photo-production workloads or high monthly page volumes.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a compact, easy-to-use all-in-one for occasional high-quality color documents and borderless photos and who value mobile printing and touch navigation.
Less Ideal for: People who need high-volume photo production, heavy monthly page counts, or the lowest long-term ink cost without a subscription should consider more robust photo printers or business-class models.
- All-in-one functions: print, scan, copy with automatic duplexing.
- High maximum color print resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for detailed photo prints.
- Wireless dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing via the HP app for easy home use.
- 100-sheet input tray and compact footprint fit typical household workflows.
- Included setup cartridges have low yield so ongoing ink costs can be high without a subscription.
- Print speeds are modest compared with faster photo-capable printers.
Verdict: A compact, user-friendly all-in-one that delivers good photo-capable color output for home users who want easy wireless and mobile printing.
Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 150 |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
The Brother Work Smart MFC-J1360DW is a budget-minded multifunction inkjet aimed at home and small home-office use that handles everyday color documents and casual photo printing. It offers wireless and USB connectivity, a 20-sheet single-sided automatic document feeder for quick multi-page scans or copies, and automatic duplexing for two-sided printing. Print quality is respectable for text and vibrant color graphics thanks to its high nominal resolution, and the companion Brother Mobile Connect app and cloud printing support make mobile workflows straightforward. Practical benefits include a 150-sheet tray for less frequent reloading and Page Gauge ink monitoring to avoid surprises. Important limitations for photo-focused buyers are the small ADF and modest photo print speed and yield expectations with standard starter inks, so it is better for occasional snapshots and proof prints than high-volume photo work or professional labs. The compact footprint and low entry cost make it a sensible choice when you want decent color prints without investing in larger photo-centric printers.
Best for: Shoppers who want an affordable, compact all-in-one that can handle everyday color prints, home documents, and occasional photos while keeping initial cost low.
Less Ideal for: Serious photography enthusiasts or anyone who needs lab-quality photo prints, high monthly photo volume, or the lowest per-photo cost.
- Wireless and USB connectivity with mobile and cloud printing support
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper for two-sided documents
- 20-sheet ADF plus flatbed scanner enables simple multi-page copying and scanning
- 150-sheet paper tray reduces how often you need to refill
- Designed for occasional photo printing rather than high-volume or professional photo output
- Starter ink yields are limited, so ongoing ink costs can add up for frequent color use
Verdict: A low-cost, compact all-in-one that delivers solid color prints and basic photo capability for budget-minded home users.
HP ENVY Photo 7855
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 125 |
The HP ENVY Photo 7855 is an inkjet all-in-one aimed at home photo enthusiasts who want easy mobile and cloud printing alongside scanning and copying. It has a dedicated photo tray and supports borderless prints, plus high optical resolution up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for detailed color output. The printer connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet or USB and works with the HP Smart app for printing from social media, cloud services, or a mobile device; it also supports Alexa control. Practical features include an auto document feeder, automatic duplex printing, a separate photo tray for quick photo jobs, and compatibility with HP Instant Ink for lower running costs. Drawbacks are typical for consumer photo AIOs: actual photo quality depends on paper and inks, and the printer uses HP dynamic security which restricts use to original HP cartridges. For someone who values straightforward photo printing, scanning, and everyday document tasks in a single machine, the ENVY Photo 7855 is a capable option.
Best for: Home photographers who want a single machine for printing high-resolution photos, scanning and everyday documents while prioritizing dependable, app-driven wireless printing.
Less Ideal for: People who need a commercial photo lab level printer or who prefer unrestricted third-party cartridge use should consider alternative solutions.
- High maximum print resolution (4800 x 1200 dpi) for detailed color and photo prints
- Multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB for flexible setup
- Dedicated photo tray and borderless printing tailored to photo output
- Automatic duplexing and an auto document feeder for efficient everyday document handling
- Requires original HP cartridges due to dynamic security restrictions
- Actual photo quality and cost per print depend on paper choice and ongoing ink subscription
Verdict: Choose the ENVY Photo 7855 if you want a reliable, app-friendly all-in-one that makes high-resolution home photo printing and everyday office tasks easy.
Canon PIXMA TR4720
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 4800 x 1200 dots_per_inch |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 8.8 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 4.4 |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a compact 4-in-1 inkjet aimed at home and small-office use that handles everyday documents and borderless photos up to letter size. It prints via Wi‑Fi or USB, supports mobile printing through the Canon Print app, and includes an auto document feeder for multi-page scanning and faxing. The hybrid ink system and 4800 x 1200 maximum resolution help produce sharp black text and reasonably vibrant color photos, and the front 100-sheet tray plus automatic two-sided printing make it convenient for routine tasks. Photo turnaround is modest at about 65 seconds for a 4×6 borderless print and color document speed is slower than black text, so it is better for occasional photo prints than high-volume photo jobs. Setup and cartridge replacement are straightforward, but the printer is not designed for heavy duty or professional photo production and color prints may lack the depth and longevity of dye- and pigment-specialized photo printers. For buyers wanting a simple, space-saving all-in-one that can also print family photos, the TR4720 covers the basics without a complex workflow.
Best for: Buyers who value a small, reliable multifunction printer that also produces occasional borderless photo prints and want reassurance from a well-known brand and straightforward, proven features.
Less Ideal for: Users who need fast, high-volume photo printing or professional-quality archival photo output should consider a dedicated photo printer instead.
- All-in-one functions: print, copy, scan and fax in one compact unit.
- Automatic duplex printing and a 100-sheet front tray reduce manual handling and save paper.
- Hybrid ink system and 4800 x 1200 resolution for relatively sharp text and decent borderless photo prints.
- Auto document feeder speeds multi-page scanning and copying tasks.
- Mobile printing support via Canon Print app and Wi‑Fi connectivity for easy smartphone printing.
- Color photo and document print speeds are relatively slow compared with dedicated photo printers.
- Not intended for high-volume or professional photo production; color depth and longevity are limited compared with specialized photo printers.
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-use all-in-one that reliably handles everyday documents and occasional borderless photos for home users who want simple, familiar performance.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
| Printer Type | Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 10 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 5 |
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a home-focused all-in-one that replaces cartridges with high-capacity refillable ink tanks for long stretches between refills. It prints, scans and copies, offers wireless and USB connectivity, and supports hands-free voice printing for simple mobile workflows. Photo and document output benefit from Epson's PrecisionCore Micro Piezo heat-free technology and a high optical resolution, so photos and color graphics look good on glossy and plain papers; borderless 4×6 and 5×7 sizes are supported. Practical perks include a color LCD for setup, a flatbed scanner for photos, and very low ongoing ink costs since each bottle set equals many cartridge replacements. Limits to be aware of are modest photo print speeds and simplex-only printing, and it lacks advanced photo features like dedicated photo paper trays or an automatic document feeder. For typical home photo printing and everyday documents it balances image quality, low running cost, and straightforward setup, but pros who need faster duplex photo workflows or high-volume office features may want a different class of machine.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize low ongoing ink costs, reliable cartridge-free operation, and straightforward wireless photo and document printing for home use.
Less Ideal for: Photographers or small businesses that need fast duplex photo printing, an automatic document feeder, or advanced paper handling should consider more feature-rich photo printers.
- Cartridge-free EcoTank system with high-capacity refillable ink tanks reduces frequency of ink replacement
- Good print resolution suitable for home photos and color documents
- Wireless and USB connectivity plus mobile and voice printing for easy setup and mobile workflows
- Flatbed scanner supports photo scanning and copying
- Included ink yields a large number of prints, lowering long-term ink cost
- No automatic duplex printing; copies and duplex jobs must be manual
- Not equipped with an automatic document feeder for multi-page scan/copy tasks
- Basic paper handling and tray capacity compared with higher-end photo-centric models
Verdict: Choose the ET-2800 if you want dependable cartridge-free photo and document printing at home with very low ongoing ink costs.
Choosing the Right All-in-One Printer for Photos: Key Factors to Consider
Color Management and Ink System
Accurate color reproduction is the core requirement for photo printing. Look for printers that offer a wider color gamut, multiple ink channels, or separate photo black and gray cartridges. These features help reproduce subtle tones and reduce posterization in skies and skin tones.
Also verify whether the printer supports ICC profiles and manual color controls in its driver or companion software. The ability to select or load specific profiles and make fine color adjustments matters when you need consistent results across different paper types.
Print Resolution and Fine Detail
Resolution and droplet size influence how much fine detail and smooth gradients a printer can reproduce. Higher nominal DPI and smaller droplet sizes yield crisper edges and less noticeable banding on subtle tonal transitions.
Consider the types of images you print most often. Landscapes and high-detail portraits benefit from higher resolution and multi-pass printing modes, while casual snapshots can look fine with more modest specifications.
Supported Paper Types and Sizes
Photo projects use a variety of media: glossy, luster, matte, and fine-art heavyweight papers. Confirm that the printer accepts the paper weights you plan to use and has a straight or rear feed for heavier sheets to avoid curling and jamming.
Check for support of common photo sizes, including 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, and borderless options. If you intend to print panoramic or irregular sizes, ensure the printer's maximum printable width and manual-feed capability match those needs.
Connectivity and File Workflow
A streamlined workflow reduces errors and speeds production. Look for USB and wired network connections for stable transfers and Wi-Fi or direct mobile printing for convenience. Robust driver support and compatibility with common photo editing software are important for accurate previews and color management.
Consider built-in card readers or front-panel memory access if you regularly print straight from a camera memory card. Cloud or mobile printing features are useful, but they should not replace reliable local-printing options for color-critical work.
Print Speed and Duty Cycle
Print speed affects how quickly you can finish a batch of photos. Faster machines reduce waiting time for large jobs, but high-speed modes sometimes reduce color depth or quality. Review the printer's rated photo speeds and whether it offers quality-priority modes for slower, better-looking output.
Duty cycle indicates how much monthly use the machine can handle before increased maintenance risk. For frequent photo printing, choose a model with a higher recommended monthly duty cycle to avoid premature wear.
Maintenance, Longevity, and Consumables
Photo printing can consume ink quickly, especially with multi-cartridge systems and pigment inks. Check how cartridges are sized and whether the printer uses individual color cartridges or combined multi-color packs. Individual cartridges let you replace only the depleted color and can lower long-term cost.
Also assess the printer's maintenance routines: are head cleanings easy to initiate, and can users perform nozzle checks and alignment quickly? Consider how accessible replacement parts and service information are when planning for long-term use.
Preparing Images for Best Photo Prints
Optimizing images before printing makes a bigger difference than picking the highest DPI setting. Calibrate your monitor, edit in a color-managed workflow, and save copies with the correct resolution for the target print size. Resize images to the printer's native resolution where possible to avoid unnecessary resampling.
Use the printer driver's color management settings wisely. If you use ICC profiles and soft-proofing in your editor, disable driver color adjustments to avoid double correction. For casual prints, built-in automatic color correction can be convenient, but for critical work, manual control produces more predictable results.
- Calibrate your monitor with a hardware calibrator for consistent color
- Soft-proof using the paper profile to preview out-of-gamut colors
- Export images at the right pixel dimensions and 300 PPI for most photo sizes
Choosing Paper for the Look You Want
Paper choice changes the character of a print more than nearly any other single variable. Gloss papers deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, luster or satin offers a balance between gloss and texture, and matte or fine-art papers provide a more tactile, gallery-style finish. Consider archival ratings if longevity is important.
Match the paper surface to the subject and final display. Portraits often benefit from satin finishes that reduce glare, while landscapes can pop on glossy or luster media. Always print test strips on the chosen paper to confirm how colors and contrast translate off-screen.
- Use manufacturer or third-party ICC profiles for each paper type
- Print small test batches to verify tone and saturation
- Consider weight and stiffness for framing and handling
Setting Up Your Workspace and Printer
A stable, dust-free workspace helps reduce dust spots and handling issues. Position the printer on a level surface with enough clearance for paper trays and a small staging area for finished prints. Keep inks and spare paper stored in a cool, dry place to maintain performance.
Run the manufacturer's initial alignment and nozzle checks before printing critical images. Create a simple routine for head cleanings and alignments that fits your printing volume so maintenance does not interrupt a large batch job.
- Allow prints to dry face-up on a flat surface away from direct sunlight
- Handle prints with clean hands or white cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints
- Keep replacement cartridges and spare paper on hand for uninterrupted runs
Common Troubleshooting for Photo Prints
If you see banding, inconsistent color, or streaks, start with a nozzle check and head cleaning. Repeated cleanings may indicate a larger issue, such as clogged nozzles from infrequent use. Run alignment routines if edges appear soft or out of register.
Color shifts often stem from incorrect color management or using the wrong paper profile. Confirm that the correct ICC profile is selected and that any automatic color correction in the driver is disabled when you rely on editor-managed color. For persistent issues, check that the correct paper type and media weight settings are selected in the driver.
- Perform nozzle checks and run head maintenance if print defects appear
- Verify driver settings and paper profile when colors look incorrect
- Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning cycles for long-term head health
Archiving and Scanning Photos
All-in-one printers with capable scanners let you digitize old prints and negatives. For archival work, scan at higher resolution and use non-destructive file formats to retain detail. Clean the scanner glass before each job to avoid dust lines and artifacts.
When scanning for print reproduction, capture scans at sufficient resolution to allow for reasonable enlargements while maintaining image quality. Save master files with embedded color profiles and retain originals so you can reprint with consistent results.
- Scan at 300 to 600 PPI for most print reproduction needs
- Store master scans as TIFF or high-quality JPEG with embedded color profiles
- Use dust and scratch removal tools sparingly to preserve detail
How We Chose the Best All-in-One Printer for Photos
We narrowed the field to all-in-one printers that are specifically capable of producing photographic prints rather than basic document output. Our selection prioritized devices with proven color management features, such as wide color gamut inks or pigment/dye combinations, and those that support common photo paper sizes and weights. Print quality tests and sample galleries were an important filter, along with resolution and droplet-size specifications that affect fine detail and gradations. Practical workflow factors were weighed heavily. We examined connectivity options for quick file transfer, ease of driver installation, and built-in scanning quality for archiving negatives or prints. Paper handling and capacity were evaluated for real-world photo projects, including the availability of dedicated photo trays and manual feed paths for heavier media. Longevity and maintenance considerations were included: ease of replacing cartridges, nozzle-check procedures, and how consumable costs scale with photo printing. We excluded single-function printers and compact snapshot-only devices whose photo output is limited to small formats. Printers without any user-accessible color management or that lack support for common photo media were also filtered out. The resulting picks balance color fidelity, print speed, media flexibility, and ongoing usability for people who want reliable photo prints at home.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
Can an all-in-one printer match lab-quality photo prints?
Often, modern all-in-one printers can produce prints that approach lab quality for small and medium sizes, especially when using proper paper and color management. Results depend on the printer's ink system, paper choice, and your editing workflow.
How do I know which paper profile to use?
Paper profiles are provided by paper manufacturers or created through profiling tools. Match the profile to the exact paper type, finish, and printer model settings. If you do not have a profile, test prints help determine the closest built-in setting.
How frequently should I run maintenance to avoid clogged print heads?
Frequency depends on usage. For regular photo printing, run a nozzle check and light cleaning weekly or before critical jobs. Infrequent use increases the need for routine maintenance to prevent clogging.
Is borderless printing always the best option for photos?
Borderless prints remove margins for a clean look but can slightly reduce sharpness at the edges and use more ink. For framing or archival work, a small white border can help with handling and matting.
Will pigment inks last longer than dye inks for photos?
Pigment inks generally offer better resistance to fading and can be more durable for display, while dye inks often provide more saturated colors and smoother blends. Longevity depends on the ink formulation and paper used.
Final Verdict
When selecting an all-in-one printer for photos, prioritize color management, paper handling, and the ink system because these determine final print quality and ongoing operating cost. Balance print speed against the quality modes you will use most, and choose a machine with maintenance routines you can follow easily. With the right paper, profiles, and setup, an all-in-one can reliably produce high-quality photo prints for home display and keepsakes.







