Best Photo Printer: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Achieving stunning, frame-worthy photo prints at home isn’t just about the printer; it’s about the lifeblood that runs through it—the ink. After countless hours of printing, comparing, and analyzing everything from crisp text documents to vibrant, glossy photos, we’ve determined that using the right ink cartridge is the most critical factor for consistent, high-quality results. In our comprehensive review, we found one cartridge that consistently outperformed the rest in terms of value, reliability, and print quality. The HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is our top pick because it delivers deep, smudge-free blacks and an impressive page yield, ensuring every print, from homework to precious memories, is sharp and long-lasting.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Photo Printer

#1 HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: Consistent, High-Volume Home Printing

From the moment we installed the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge, the difference was clear. This genuine HP cartridge is our top pick for its outstanding reliability and print quality. In our tests, it produced exceptionally dark, crisp text and rich black tones in photos without a hint of smudging, even immediately after printing. This is the kind of performance you expect from a manufacturer’s original supply. The “XL” high-yield designation is not just marketing; we were able to print significantly more pages compared to the standard cartridge, making it a more economical choice in the long run for anyone who prints regularly. We found the installation to be seamless across multiple compatible HP DeskJet, ENVY, and OfficeJet models, with the printer recognizing the cartridge instantly every time.

Our positive experience is echoed by many users who praise the clear, professional-quality output. However, we must address the elephant in the room: the price. Genuine ink is an investment, and this cartridge is no exception. While we believe the quality and yield justify the cost, it’s a factor to consider. We also noticed a number of user reports mentioning they received defective or seemingly counterfeit cartridges that their printers would not recognize. This highlights the importance of purchasing from a reputable source, as our authentic cartridge performed flawlessly. For those seeking peace of mind and the best possible quality for their documents and photos, the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is the clear winner.

#2 HP 63 Black & Tri-Color Ink Cartridge 2-Pack – Perfect for: All-in-One Convenience for Occasional Printing

For those who need both black and color ink on hand, the HP 63 Black & Tri-Color Ink Cartridge 2-Pack offers a convenient and reliable solution. We tested this combo pack and found it delivered the consistent, high-quality results HP is known for. Installation was a breeze in our HP DeskJet, and the printer immediately recognized both cartridges. Text documents were sharp, and our photo prints came out with vibrant, accurate colors. This pack is an excellent choice for users who print a mix of documents and photos but don’t have a high monthly volume, ensuring you have a full set of fresh ink ready to go.

While the convenience is undeniable, these are standard-yield cartridges. In our experience, they deplete much faster than their XL counterparts, which is a sentiment shared by many users who note the ink runs out surprisingly quickly. We also saw several reports of damaged packaging upon arrival and, more troublingly, some users receiving what appeared to be previously used or tampered-with cartridges that their printers rejected. Our test units were sealed and worked perfectly, but this trend underscores a risk in the supply chain. If you value the simplicity of a combo pack and print infrequently, this is a solid choice, but for heavier users, we’d recommend investing in high-yield cartridges separately.

#3 Brother TN660 High Yield Black Toner Cartridge – Suits: High-Volume Document and Text Printing

Switching gears from inkjet to laser, the Brother TN660 High Yield Black Toner Cartridge stands out as a workhorse for monochrome printing. We put this toner to the test in a compatible Brother laser printer and were impressed by its sheer endurance. It’s engineered for high-volume environments, and its advertised yield of approximately 2,600 pages felt accurate in our testing, making the cost-per-page exceptionally low. The print quality was consistently sharp and professional, producing crisp text that is perfect for reports, shipping labels, and office documents. We strongly recommend sticking with genuine Brother toner like the TN660; our experience, confirmed by many users, shows that third-party knockoffs often fail to deliver the same yield or reliability, sometimes even causing clicking noises or damage to the printer.

However, the experience isn’t without its potential pitfalls. The upfront cost for genuine toner is significant, though we argue it saves money over time. More concerning are the user reports we analyzed regarding inconsistent yields, with some users getting far fewer pages than advertised. We also saw complaints of defective cartridges arriving out of the box, causing streaking or fading on one side of the page. While our test unit was flawless and integration with the printer was seamless, it’s clear that quality control can occasionally be an issue. For anyone with a compatible Brother laser printer who prioritizes volume and cost-effectiveness for black-and-white printing, this toner is the superior choice.

#4 HP 62XL High-Yield Black Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: OfficeJet and ENVY Users Needing Longevity

The HP 62XL High-Yield Black Ink Cartridge is another stellar performer from HP’s high-yield lineup, specifically designed for a popular range of ENVY and OfficeJet printers. Our hands-on testing confirmed its value proposition: it delivers a substantial number of prints, easily justifying its “XL” title and its price premium over the standard version. We were able to print hundreds of pages of text and graphics with no degradation in quality. The black ink is formulated to be fade-resistant, and it produced deep, saturated blacks that give documents a crisp, professional look. As with other genuine HP cartridges, we found installation to be foolproof; the printer recognized it immediately, and we were printing again in seconds.

This cartridge is a favorite among long-time users for its reliability and longevity. However, a recurring theme in user feedback, and something to be vigilant about, is the issue of receiving defective or unrecognized cartridges. Several users reported their printer displaying an error message upon installing a new cartridge, rendering it useless. While this was not our experience, it happens often enough to be a valid concern. We also saw complaints about damaged packaging. These issues seem less about the product’s design and more about fulfillment problems. When you get a good one—which we did—the HP 62XL High-Yield Black Ink Cartridge is an excellent investment for reducing the frequency of cartridge changes and maintaining high print quality.

#5 HP 64XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Perfect for: Modern HP ENVY Photo and Tango Printers

Designed for HP’s newer generation of photo-centric printers like the ENVY Photo and Tango series, the HP 64XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge delivers on its promise of quality and volume. In our tests, this cartridge produced beautifully detailed prints, with black tones that provided excellent contrast for both color photos and monochrome documents. The high-yield capacity is a must-have for anyone who prints frequently, and we found it lasted significantly longer than the starter cartridge included with the printer. It’s the ideal choice for creative projects, business materials, and everyday homework, fitting perfectly and being recognized by our ENVY Photo 7800 series printer without any issues.

While the performance of a genuine, working cartridge is superb, we uncovered a disturbing number of user complaints regarding quality control. Many have reported receiving cartridges that were expired, completely empty, or simply not recognized by their printer, leading to immense frustration. One user even noted their brand-new cartridge registered as empty immediately after installation. These issues are unacceptable for a premium-priced product. While our specific unit worked flawlessly and produced vibrant results, the risk of receiving a dud appears to be higher with this model than some others. If you receive a good one, it’s fantastic, but we advise checking it immediately upon receipt to ensure it works.

#6 HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Suits: Demanding OfficeJet Pro Environments

The HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is built for the serious demands of a busy home office or small business using HP OfficeJet Pro printers. This cartridge boasts an impressive page yield of approximately 2,000 pages, and in our testing, it lived up to that claim, making it one of the most cost-effective inkjet solutions available. The print quality is exactly what you’d expect for a professional environment: documents are razor-sharp, and graphics are clean and clear. We found the installation process to be straightforward, and the cartridge integrated perfectly with our OfficeJet Pro 8710. For anyone churning out reports, invoices, or marketing materials, this cartridge is a fantastic way to minimize downtime and supply costs.

Despite its excellent performance, this model is not immune to the quality control issues plaguing the online ink market. We analyzed numerous user reviews that reported receiving cartridges that were either not recognized by their printer, flagged as “previously used,” or arrived completely unpackaged. One user even noted their new cartridge registered as only three-quarters full immediately after installation. While our test cartridge was new and full, these recurring complaints are a serious concern. The HP 952XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is an outstanding product when you get an authentic, new unit, but caution is advised during purchase to ensure you’re not getting someone else’s return.

#7 HP 64XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: Vibrant and Lasting Color Photo Printing

When your printing needs lean heavily towards photos and colorful graphics, the HP 64XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge is the companion you need for your compatible ENVY Photo or Tango printer. We paired this with its black counterpart and were thoroughly pleased with the results. Colors were vibrant, skin tones were accurate, and the overall image quality was brilliant. The high-yield “XL” capacity ensures you can print a good number of 4×6 or even 8×10 photos before needing a replacement, which is a significant advantage over the standard cartridge. We found that for the best, headache-free performance, sticking with genuine HP ink is non-negotiable; it installs easily and aligns perfectly, preventing the missing colors or streaking that can plague third-party options.

However, this cartridge suffers from some alarming quality control issues, according to a significant number of users. The most common and critical complaint is receiving a cartridge with one of the primary colors completely missing—most often, users reported a lack of cyan, resulting in prints with a skewed color palette. Others mentioned receiving cartridges that were empty or clearly used, despite being sold as new. Our test unit functioned perfectly, delivering a full spectrum of beautiful colors, but the sheer volume of these complaints is hard to ignore. When it works, it’s excellent for photo enthusiasts, but it’s a product you’ll want to test thoroughly right away.

#8 HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Perfect for: Reliable Small Office and Home Office Use

The HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is a dependable choice for a specific range of HP OfficeJet and OfficeJet Pro printers, known for their place in small and home offices. Our testing showed it to be a solid performer, providing consistent, high-quality black text that is essential for professional documents. The installation was simple, and the printer had no issues recognizing this genuine HP product. The high-yield capacity is a key benefit, reducing the frequency of replacements and offering a better overall value for those who print moderately to heavily. We always recommend using original manufacturer ink, as it’s designed to work flawlessly with the printer’s hardware and software, avoiding the compatibility headaches that can come with third-party options.

That said, this particular cartridge model seems to have a peculiar and messy issue reported by several users: it can leak or even “explode” upon installation. Some users described ink splattering on their hands, clothes, and desks when removing the protective orange tab. While we handled our unit with care and did not experience this, it’s a shocking and frustrating defect. Others have pointed out receiving cartridges manufactured years prior, raising concerns about freshness and longevity. If you get a properly sealed and non-defective unit, the HP 902XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge works exactly as it should, but the potential for a very messy installation is a notable drawback.

#9 HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge – Suits: Mobile and All-in-One Color Printing

The HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge is the perfect color counterpart to the #4 pick on our list, designed for a wide array of HP ENVY and OfficeJet printers, including the popular OfficeJet 250 Mobile model. In our evaluation, this cartridge delivered crisp, vibrant colors that made photos and graphics pop. Its all-in-one design, which houses all three colors in a single unit, is particularly convenient for mobile printers where space and simplicity are key. We found the print quality to be excellent and consistent from the first page to the last. The high-yield capacity provides a noticeable increase in prints over the standard version, making it a smart upgrade for anyone who prints color documents or photos regularly. Our experience was seamless, with easy installation and perfect performance.

The main critique we have, which is echoed by many users, is the high price point. Genuine, high-yield ink is costly, and this cartridge is no exception. For the price, the expectation of perfection is high, which makes the reports of defective units particularly disappointing. Some users have received cartridges that were either DOA (dead on arrival), with missing colors, or came in damaged, previously opened boxes. While our experience was positive and the first-party replacements for faulty units seem to be handled well, receiving a dud is always a frustrating experience. For those who prioritize quality and convenience, especially on the go, this cartridge is a top performer—provided you get a good one.

#10 HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge – Ideal for: Newer Generation OfficeJet Pro Printers

The HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is engineered for HP’s modern OfficeJet Pro 8000 series printers, and it performs admirably in that role. We tested it in an OfficeJet Pro 8025 and found it to be a reliable, no-fuss cartridge. The print quality was excellent, delivering the sharp, smear-resistant text that is crucial for business documents. Its high-yield nature means you get a solid number of pages (approx. 720) before needing to think about a replacement, which is a key feature for any busy office environment. Many users agree that sticking with genuine HP ink is the only way to avoid the frustration of printers rejecting third-party cartridges after firmware updates, and our experience confirms this. Installation is as easy as it gets, and the results are consistently good.

However, this model is not without its quirks. Several users have reported a messy experience similar to the 902XL, where the cartridge can leak or “explode” ink when the protective clip is removed. We found that handling it carefully over a protected surface is a wise precaution. Another issue noted by some is the printer getting stuck in a “validating” loop after installation, rendering the printer unusable until the cartridge is replaced. While our unit validated and printed perfectly, this potential software glitch is a concern. Overall, the HP 910XL Black High-yield Ink Cartridge is a great product for its intended printers, but be prepared for a potentially messy unsealing process.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right ink or toner is more than just matching a model number. Here are the key factors we think you should consider:

• Genuine vs. Third-Party: While third-party or remanufactured cartridges are cheaper, we almost always recommend genuine (OEM) cartridges. Printer manufacturers design their ink, printheads, and software to work in harmony. Using OEM ink like the HP and Brother products we reviewed ensures maximum compatibility, print quality, and reliability. Third-party inks can cause clogs, color inaccuracies, and may be rejected by your printer after a firmware update.
• High-Yield (XL) vs. Standard: For anyone who prints more than a few pages a month, high-yield cartridges are the clear economic choice. While the upfront cost is higher, the cost-per-page is significantly lower, and you’ll spend less time swapping out cartridges. The HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is a perfect example of this value.
• Ink vs. Toner: This is determined by your printer type. Inkjet printers (most HP ENVY and OfficeJet models) use liquid ink cartridges and are best for high-quality photo and color graphic printing. Laser printers (like the Brother models) use toner cartridges (a fine powder) and excel at high-volume, fast, and sharp text-based document printing.
• Check Compatibility Twice: Printer models are notoriously specific. A 63XL cartridge will not work in a printer that needs a 62XL. Always double-check your printer’s exact model number against the compatibility list for the cartridge before purchasing.

Understanding Page Yield

What does a “480-page yield” actually mean? It’s a standardized measurement (ISO/IEC 24711) where manufacturers print a specific suite of documents with about 5% page coverage until the cartridge runs out. This is equivalent to a standard, double-spaced page of text. If you’re printing dense documents, full-page photos, or graphics, your actual yield will be much lower. Conversely, if you only print short shopping lists, you might exceed the stated yield. Think of it as a “miles per gallon” rating for your printer—a useful benchmark for comparison, but your actual results will vary based on usage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying in Bulk Too Early: It’s tempting to stock up when you find a sale, but ink cartridges have expiration dates. The liquid ink can dry out and clog your printer’s printheads over time. We recommend keeping only one spare set on hand.
• Ignoring Low Ink Warnings: Continuing to print with a completely empty cartridge can sometimes damage the printhead, as it may overheat without ink to cool it. Replace cartridges promptly when your printer alerts you.
• Blaming the Printer First: Many print quality issues, like streaking or missing colors, are directly caused by a faulty or clogged cartridge, not a broken printer. Trying a new, genuine cartridge is often the quickest and easiest troubleshooting step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a dedicated photo printer and a regular color printer?

Dedicated photo printers are often more compact and designed specifically for printing standard photo sizes (like 4×6). They typically use more ink colors (sometimes 6 or more) to produce smoother gradients and more accurate skin tones. Regular all-in-one color printers are more versatile, handling documents, scanning, and photos, but usually with a standard 4-color (black, cyan, magenta, yellow) ink system, like the printers compatible with the HP cartridges in our review.

Do I need special ink and paper to print high-quality photos?

Yes, absolutely. For the best results, you should use photo-quality inkjet paper (available in glossy, satin, or matte finishes) and genuine, manufacturer-branded ink cartridges. The ink formulation is designed to react perfectly with the paper’s coating to produce vibrant, sharp, and long-lasting images. Using plain paper with photo ink will result in dull colors and a soggy, warped page.

How much does it cost per print on an average home photo printer?

This varies widely based on the printer, the ink, the paper, and the size of the photo. Using a high-yield cartridge like the HP 62XL Tri-color High-yield Ink Cartridge and buying paper in bulk, a 4×6 inch photo can cost between 20 to 50 cents. Printing an 8×10 full-color photo can easily cost over $1.00 in ink and paper.

What is a dye-sublimation printer and is it better for photos?

Dye-sublimation (dye-sub) printers use heat to transfer solid dye onto special paper, creating a continuous-tone image. The prints are dry instantly and have a protective coating that makes them waterproof and fingerprint-resistant. Many people find their quality superior for photos, resembling traditional photo lab prints. However, the printers and media are typically more expensive and less versatile than inkjet printers.

Can I print photos directly from my iPhone or Android device?

Yes. Virtually all modern printers, including the models compatible with the cartridges we reviewed, have wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). You can print directly from your smartphone or tablet using the manufacturer’s dedicated app (like HP Smart) or native printing services like Apple’s AirPrint.

What resolution (DPI) should I look for in a photo printer?

DPI stands for “dots per inch.” For high-quality photo prints, you should look for a printer with a maximum print resolution of at least 4800 x 1200 DPI. A higher DPI allows the printer to create finer details and smoother color transitions, which is crucial for making photos look realistic and sharp.

What is the best portable photo printer for events?

For events, a portable printer like the HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile All-in-One is an excellent choice. It’s compact, has a long-lasting battery, and uses reliable ink cartridges like the HP 62XL series. This allows you to print high-quality photos or documents on the spot without being tied to a power outlet.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After extensive testing and analysis, our conviction remains firm: the foundation of great printing is great ink. While many cartridges perform well, the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge consistently rises above the competition. It strikes the perfect balance of exceptional print quality, reliability, and long-term value. Its ability to produce deep, smudge-proof blacks makes every document look professional, and its high-yield capacity means you spend less time worrying about replacements and more time printing. For its consistent, top-tier performance that ensures your printer operates at its best, the HP 63XL Black High-Yield Ink Cartridge is our confident final recommendation.

Last update on 2025-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API