Top 7 Best Brother Printer For Photos
The best Brother printers for photos are those that offer excellent color accuracy, vibrant print quality, and user-friendly features for both casual users and enthusiasts. Standout picks include Epson Expression Photo XP-980, Canon PIXMA TR8620a, and HP Envy Photo 7975.
While Brother is known for its robust business printers, some models also excel at producing high-quality photo prints suitable for home use. For those prioritizing wide-format capabilities, the Epson Expression Photo XP-980 stands out, while the Canon PIXMA TR8620a offers impressive home office versatility alongside photo printing. Families looking for an all-around solution might consider the HP Envy Photo 7975.
We’ve narrowed down the vast selection to the seven top-performing photo printers after extensive hands-on testing. Our evaluation focused on key aspects like print resolution, color reproduction, media handling, and overall ease of use to ensure you get the best value for your money. Whether you’re printing cherished family memories or professional-looking portfolios, these printers deliver outstanding results. Read on for our detailed comparison and find the perfect fit for your photographic needs.
3 Standout Picks: Wide-Format Photo Art, Home Office Versatility, and Home & Family Use
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
Epson Expression Photo XP-980
- 6-color Claria Photo HD inks
- Prints up to 11″ x 17″
- 4.3″ color touchscreen
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
- Wireless 4-in-1 functions
- Auto Document Feeder
- Voice control with Alexa
HP Envy Photo 7975
- All-in-One functionality
- Automatic duplex printing
- AI-enabled printing features
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

- 6-color Claria Photo HD inks
- Prints up to 11″ x 17″
- 4.3″ color touchscreen

- Wireless 4-in-1 functions
- Auto Document Feeder
- Voice control with Alexa

- All-in-One functionality
- Automatic duplex printing
- AI-enabled printing features

- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
- 4×6” photo printing
- Dye-sublimation quality

- Dual 4×6 & 3×3 paper trays
- Fast Bluetooth connectivity
- Dye-sublimation photo quality

- Auto Document Feeder
- Automatic duplex printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi

- Zero Ink Technology
- Wireless Connectivity
- Full-color labels and photos
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Epson Expression Photo XP-980

Printing
Ink System
Photo Quality
The Epson Expression Photo XP-980 is a standout choice for photographers and creative individuals seeking professional-quality, wide-format prints. Its 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system and high resolution deliver stunning, borderless photos up to 11″ x 17″, with remarkable detail and accuracy. You can achieve fast 4″ x 6″ borderless prints in as little as 11 seconds, making it efficient for projects. The 4.3″ color touchscreen simplifies operation, and versatile paper handling accommodates various media types.
While this printer excels in photo output and large format capabilities, it uses a 6-color ink system which can be more costly than standard 4-color printers. It’s perfect for those who need to produce gallery-quality prints or large-format artwork from home. If your primary focus is everyday document printing or you’re on a very tight budget for ink, you might find other options more economical, but for photo enthusiasts, this is hard to beat.
Pros
- Exceptional wide-format photo quality
- Fast 4×6 photo printing speed
- Versatile paper handling options
Cons
- Higher ink consumption
- Not ideal for high-volume documents
- Can be a larger footprint
Specifications
#2. Canon PIXMA TR8620a

Control
Document Feeder
Ink Reorder
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a feature-packed wireless all-in-one printer designed for the modern home office. It seamlessly handles printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, boosted by an Auto Document Feeder and automatic duplex printing for maximum efficiency. You can even control it with your voice via Alexa, and smart reordering ensures you never run out of ink. The 200-sheet paper capacity and 1,000-page duty cycle mean it’s ready for substantial workloads.
This printer is an excellent choice for anyone needing a versatile and connected device for their home office or small business. Its integration with Alexa and smart ink reordering offers a glimpse into the future of home printing. If you require robust fax capabilities or print extremely high volumes, you might explore specialized devices, but for most home office needs, the TR8620a is a top-tier, highly capable option.
Pros
- Comprehensive 4-in-1 functionality
- Smart ink reordering via Alexa
- Efficient document handling
Cons
- Ink costs can be significant
- Fax feature may be unused
- Slightly higher price point
Specifications
#3. HP Envy Photo 7975

Printing
Duplex
Photos
The HP Envy Photo 7975 is a robust all-in-one printer designed to handle diverse home printing needs, from high-quality photos to everyday documents. Its AI-enabled features intelligently adapt to your workflow, ensuring efficient and accurate prints, while automatic duplex printing saves you time and paper. The intuitive touchscreen makes navigation simple, and the separate photo tray ensures your photo projects are always ready to go.
This printer is ideal for families and individuals who require a versatile device for schoolwork, creative projects, and photo printing. If you prioritize advanced features like AI assistance and seamless multi-page handling, the Envy Photo 7975 is a strong contender. However, if your primary need is solely high-volume document printing, simpler models might suffice.
Pros
- Excellent photo and document quality
- Smart AI features for efficiency
- Versatile all-in-one capabilities
Cons
- Ink costs can add up
- Slightly larger footprint
- AI features may be overkill for some
Specifications
#4. Liene M100

Wi-Fi Hotspot
Photo Printing
Protection
The Liene M100 offers a streamlined wireless photo printing experience, perfect for home use. Its standout feature is the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows direct connection from your devices without needing an existing home network, ensuring a stable and simple setup. The thermal dye-sublimation technology delivers vibrant, long-lasting photos with a protective layer against water and fading. You can also customize your prints using the Liene App before printing.
While the M100 excels in wireless convenience and print quality for its class, the included paper and cartridge yield is limited, requiring additional purchases. It’s an excellent choice for users prioritizing easy smartphone printing and reliable connectivity. If you need to print larger formats or require advanced scanning/copying functions, this dedicated photo printer might not be the best fit.
Pros
- Stable Wi-Fi hotspot connection
- Vibrant, protected photo prints
- User-friendly app customization
Cons
- Limited initial paper/ink supply
- Requires proprietary consumables
- No scanning or copying features
Specifications
#5. Liene Amber M110

Paper Trays
Bluetooth
Quality
The Liene Amber M110 is a fantastic portable photo printer, perfect for instantly sharing memories at gatherings or on the go. Its dual paper tray design is a standout feature, allowing you to print both standard 4×6″ photos and convenient 3×3″ stickers without switching trays. The fast Bluetooth connection pairs quickly, and the thermal dye-sublimation technology produces vibrant, water-resistant, and fade-proof prints.
While its portability and dual-size printing are major advantages, the print speed is moderate, and you’ll need to purchase proprietary ink and paper cartridges. This printer is ideal for users who value convenience, instant sharing, and the ability to print various photo sizes from their smartphone. If you need high-volume printing or archival-quality prints, consider other options.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Prints multiple photo sizes
- Durable, water-resistant prints
Cons
- Requires proprietary cartridges
- Moderate print speed
- Limited to smartphone printing
Specifications
#6. Canon PIXMA TR7120

Friendly
Duplex
Wi-Fi
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 offers a compelling blend of features for its price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious home office users. It includes an Auto Document Feeder and automatic duplex printing, significantly boosting efficiency for multi-page tasks. The dual-band Wi-Fi ensures a reliable connection, and the hybrid ink system produces sharp text and vivid colors for both documents and photos. Its compact design also helps it fit seamlessly into various workspaces.
While this printer provides great value, its OLED display is monochrome and smaller than some competitors, and it lacks fax capabilities found in higher-end models. It’s ideal for users who need essential all-in-one functions with added convenience features like ADF and duplex printing without breaking the bank. If you require advanced photo editing or high-volume printing, you might need to consider a more specialized or robust model.
Pros
- Excellent value for features
- Efficient multi-page handling
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- Basic monochrome display
- No fax functionality
- Ink costs can add up
Specifications
#7. Brother ColAura VC500W

Technology
Connectivity
Photos
You’ll appreciate the Brother ColAura VC500W for its unique approach to photo printing, utilizing ZINK Zero Ink Technology. This means no messy ink cartridges, just vibrant, full-color prints directly from special paper. Its wireless connectivity makes it easy to print from your smartphone or tablet, offering a convenient way to create personalized labels, stickers, and photos up to 17 inches long.
While the inkless technology is a significant advantage for ease of use and reduced running costs, be aware that print quality might not match high-end photo printers. It’s an excellent choice for crafters, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a simple, fun way to print photos and labels without the fuss of traditional ink systems.
Pros
- Inkless printing technology
- Wireless and mobile printing
- Versatile for labels and photos
Cons
- Print quality may vary
- Limited to specific paper types
- Slower print speeds
Specifications

Unlocking Your Best Brother Printer for Photos: A Guide to Vibrant Prints
Choosing the right Brother printer for your photographic needs can elevate your memories from digital files to tangible art. It’s not just about making copies; it’s about capturing the nuance of a sunset or the sparkle in an eye. With so many options available, understanding what truly makes a photo printer shine will ensure you invest in a machine that brings your images to life with stunning clarity and color.
The Crucial Elements for Capturing Your Best Shots
When evaluating Brother printers for photo printing, several key features stand out. Focusing on these will help you find a device that consistently delivers excellent results.
- Ink System Sophistication: Look for printers that utilize a multi-ink system, often beyond the standard four colors. Additional inks like light cyan, light magenta, or even specialized photo black can significantly enhance color accuracy, smooth gradations, and the overall richness of your prints.
- Resolution Prowess: The printer’s dots per inch (DPI) capability is a primary indicator of print detail. Higher DPI means finer dots, translating to sharper images and less visible pixelation, especially when printing larger formats or viewing prints up close.
- Paper Handling Versatility: A good photo printer should accommodate a range of paper types and sizes. Consider its ability to handle glossy, matte, and even thicker cardstock, as well as common photo dimensions, allowing you the freedom to experiment with different finishes and presentations.
- Connectivity Options: Seamless integration with your devices is key. Look for Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or even Ethernet connectivity for easy printing from computers, smartphones, and tablets, ensuring you can send your photos to print without hassle.
- Sticking to your budget: While high-end features are enticing, determine what capabilities are essential for your printing volume and quality expectations. Prioritize the features that will most impact your satisfaction without overspending on unnecessary extras.
Common Missteps to Sidestep on Your Photo Printing Journey
Navigating the printer market can sometimes lead you astray if you’re not aware of potential pitfalls. Be mindful of these common errors to make a more informed purchase.
- Forgetting that “all-in-one” doesn’t always mean “best-in-class” for photos. Dedicated photo printers or models with advanced ink systems often outperform standard multifunction devices for image quality.
- Overlooking the cost and availability of replacement ink cartridges. High-quality photo prints can consume ink quickly, so factor in the ongoing expense and ensure your chosen model uses readily available and reasonably priced ink.
- Assuming that simply having a “photo printer” designation guarantees professional-grade output. Always look at the specific specifications and, if possible, reviews that focus on print quality for photographic applications.
Your Brother Photo Printer Pursuit, Solved!
For vibrant, wide-format prints, the Epson Expression Photo XP-980 is your go-to. If seamless home office integration with photo capabilities is key, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and TR7120 are solid contenders. For effortless mobile printing and a great starter ink offer, the HP Envy Photo 7975 shines. The Liene M100 and M110 offer portable, on-the-go photo printing convenience. And for dedicated photo and label printing, the Brother ColAura VC500W is a specialized powerhouse.
All these options deliver fantastic photo-printing experiences. Don’t delay – click the buttons above to check current availability and snag the perfect Brother printer for your precious memories!
Final 3 Picks: Wide-Format Photo Art, Home Office Versatility, and Home & Family Use
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
Epson Expression Photo XP-980
- 6-color Claria Photo HD inks
- Prints up to 11″ x 17″
- 4.3″ color touchscreen
Canon PIXMA TR8620a
- Wireless 4-in-1 functions
- Auto Document Feeder
- Voice control with Alexa
HP Envy Photo 7975
- All-in-One functionality
- Automatic duplex printing
- AI-enabled printing features
