8 Best Portable Color Inkjet Printers (November 2026)
The best portable color inkjet printers include the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel for ink-free letter documents, the HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet for home color printing on the go, and the Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer for full-color travel documents.
On this page (5 sections)
The best portable color inkjet printer for full-color letter documents is the Canon PIXMA TR160. It is a print-only model with a 5-color hybrid ink system, wireless connections and a portable 4.5 lb design.
That combination matters because many shoppers use the word portable for very different machines. Some models in this guide are built to travel in a bag and print away from a desk.
Others are compact home printers that can be moved between rooms but still need a fixed power supply.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 fits the first group. It prints documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 in, so it can handle a full letter page rather than only small labels or snapshots.
Its 5-color hybrid ink system supports sharp black text alongside the color inks needed for charts, photos and presentations.
Wireless Direct mode is another practical advantage for travel. A compatible phone, tablet or computer can connect to the printer without a home wireless router.
That helps in a hotel, a client office or a temporary workspace where the local network may be restricted or unavailable.
The Gloryang and Rongta are different kinds of mobile printers. They use thermal paper and no ink, so they can be useful for black-and-white documents but do not produce the full-color inkjet output most shoppers expect.
Thermal printing suits people who mainly need contracts, lists, school materials or simple forms. It avoids ink cartridges and ribbons, and the paper is often sold in rolls.
The trade-off is that output cannot match the color range of an inkjet machine.
The same distinction applies to the Nelko PP01. It produces full-color prints, but only on 2 x 3 in sticky-backed photo paper.
That makes it useful for journals, planners and small crafts, while letter documents need a larger printer.
Choosing the right category should come before comparing speed or features. If color on a letter page is the main need, the Canon PIXMA TR160 is the clearest starting point.
If monochrome thermal output is enough, the inkless models deserve a closer look.
For a basic explanation of the technology, read What Is Inkjet Printer?. If you need a printer that stays at home, compare these picks with our guide to the Best Inkjet Printer For Home Use.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for ink-free letter documentsGloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for home color printing on the goHP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for full-color travel documentsCanon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCanon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Best for mobile home-office tasks - 5
Best for small sticky-backed photosCheck it - 6
Check itEpson WorkForce WF-110 Wireless Color Mobile Portable
Best for mobile business printing - 7
Check itRongta Thermal Portable Printers Wireless for Travel
Best for inkless school and office pages - 8
Check itCanon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer
Best for basic color printing at home
The best portable color inkjet printers for travel and home use
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the strongest fit for full-color mobile documents, while the other picks serve different jobs. The Gloryang and Rongta favor inkless monochrome printing, the Nelko focuses on small photos, and the all-in-one models add scanning and copying.
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel: Best for ink-free letter documents
- Inkless thermal printing
- Supports 8.5 x 11 in thermal paper
- Bluetooth app connection
- Carry case and 3 rolls included
The Gloryang is the lightest-feeling choice for people who want inkless mobile document printing. It uses Gloryang thermal paper, so it is not a full-color inkjet replacement.
Pros
- No ink, toner or ribbons
- Carry case included
- 3 rolls of letter-size thermal paper included
Cons
- Only works with thermal paper
- Not a true full-color printer
The Gloryang is the highest-scoring option for shoppers who value inkless printing and letter-size documents. Its thermal system needs no ink, toner or ribbons, and the package includes a carry case plus 3 rolls of 8.5 x 11 in thermal paper.
The printer connects to iOS and Android devices through Bluetooth and the Jadens Printer app. It can also work with laptops and computers after you turn it on and install the driver.
Its main trade-off is important: thermal printing is not the same as full-color inkjet printing. The printer uses Gloryang thermal paper only, and its output is inkless.
Choose it for travel documents, contracts, school materials and lists when color is not required.
The compact design fits in a backpack or briefcase, and the built-in paper bin helps keep paper contained. It supports roll and fan-fold thermal paper options in several sizes, including letter, A4, 4 in and 2 in formats.
HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet: Best for home color printing on the go
- Print, scan and copy
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- 100-sheet input tray
- 2.4 in color touchscreen
The HP Envy 6155 brings full home-office functions to this group, including scanning, copying and automatic duplex printing. Its 11.2 lb weight makes it less travel-friendly than dedicated mobile printers.
Pros
- Prints, scans and copies
- Automatic duplex printing
- 100-sheet input tray
Cons
- Heavier than dedicated portable models
- Uses original HP cartridge chips or circuitry
The HP Envy 6155 is the best fit when you want color printing, scanning and copying in one home-focused machine. Its 100-sheet input tray and automatic 2-sided printing make it more useful for regular household work than a print-only mobile unit.
The color touchscreen measures 2.4 in, so you can control common tasks from the printer. Wireless printing works through dual-band Wi-Fi, and the HP app supports printing, scanning, copying and faxing from a smartphone.
HP gives this model a color speed of up to 7 pages per minute and a black speed of up to 10 pages per minute. The maximum media size is letter, or 8.5 x 11 in.
At 11.2 lb, it is not the easiest printer to carry between locations. It makes more sense for a home office, dorm room or hybrid-work space where you may occasionally move the printer.
The printer works only with cartridges that use original HP chips or circuitry. Keep that cartridge requirement in mind when planning long-term use.
Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer: Best for full-color travel documents
- Portable print-only design
- 5-color hybrid ink system
- Prints up to 8.5 x 11 in
- Wireless Direct mode
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the clearest match for full-color letter documents away from a desk. It connects through Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint or Mopria, and its 1.44 in OLED display shows status and ink levels.
Pros
- 5-color hybrid ink system
- Wireless Direct mode
- 4.5 lb portable design
Cons
- Print only
- Optional battery is separate
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the best choice for full-color documents from a genuinely portable inkjet printer. It supports documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 in, including borderless prints, and uses a 5-color hybrid ink system.
Wireless printing works through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service. Wireless Direct mode lets a compatible device connect to the printer without a wireless router.
The 1.44 in monochrome OLED display shows ink levels, printer status and settings. The printer weighs 4.5 lb and measures 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 in, making it easier to pack than the all-in-one models.
Canon gives it a black speed of up to 9 pages per minute and a color speed of up to 5.5 pages per minute. It is print only, so you'll need another device for scanning or copying.
An optional battery is available for printing away from a fixed power setup. Check your power plan before travel because the standard product information identifies the battery as optional.
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer: Best for mobile home-office tasks
- Print, scan and copy
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- 1.42 in OLED display
The TS6520 is a compact home printer for people who need color documents, scanning and copying more than they need a battery-powered travel unit. Automatic duplex printing helps reduce paper use.
Pros
- Prints, scans and copies
- Automatic duplex printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
Cons
- 15.4 lb weight limits travel use
- No automatic document feeder
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is best for mobile-friendly home-office work when you need more than printing. It prints, scans and copies, supports automatic 2-sided printing and connects over dual-band Wi-Fi.
Its 1.42 in monochrome OLED display shows printer status and ink levels. Mobile printing works through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service, so you can send jobs from a smartphone or tablet.
The TS6520 prints up to 9 color pages per minute and 14 black pages per minute. It supports documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 in, with or without borders.
The main limitation is portability. At 15.4 lb and 14.8 x 14 x 6.7 in, it is compact for a home printer but too heavy for most regular travel.
It also doesn't include an automatic document feeder.
Choose it when scanning and copying matter more than battery operation. For a simpler explanation of printer parts and the printing process, see How Does An Inkjet Printer Work?.
Nelko PP01 Photo Printer: Best for small sticky-backed photos
- 2 x 3 in color photos
- 600 DPI printing
- Bluetooth phone connection
- Water-resistant and smudge-resistant paper
The Nelko PP01 is a pocket-sized color photo printer for scrapbooks, journals, planners and small favors. It prints on sticky-backed 2 x 3 in photo paper rather than standard letter sheets.
Pros
- Small 2 x 3 in format
- 600 DPI color printing
- Editing app with frames and stickers
Cons
- Works with smartphones only
- Not suitable for letter-size documents
The Nelko PP01 is the right pick for small color photos, labels and scrapbook projects. It prints 2 x 3 in images on sticky-backed photo paper, with water-resistant, smudge-resistant and tear-resistant prints.
The printer weighs 308 g and connects to iOS and Android phones through Bluetooth. Its app lets you add frames, filters, stickers, text, borders and other edits before sending a photo to print.
The PP01 uses advanced inkjet printing at 600 DPI. Each ink cartridge prints up to 80 full-color 2 x 3 photos, and the package includes a cartridge, 20 sheets of photo paper and a USB cable.
This is not a document printer. The maximum media size is 45 x 60 mm for the printable area, and the paper size is 52 x 90 mm.
It suits travel journals, planners, party favors and craft projects rather than contracts or school reports.
The USB charging cable is included, but the adapter is not. Load no more than 10 sheets at once to reduce paper-feed problems.
Epson WorkForce WF-110 Wireless Color Mobile Portable: Best for mobile business printing
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Wi-Fi Direct
- USB and AC charging
- Automatic duplex printing
The Epson WorkForce WF-110 suits business users who print presentations, invoices, contracts and reports from several device types. Its built-in battery and Wi-Fi Direct support mobile work, though its color speed is modest.
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Works with laptops, tablets and smartphones
Cons
- Slower color output
- Uses genuine Epson cartridges
The Epson WorkForce WF-110 is the best fit for business users who need color printing from several mobile devices. It has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, USB and AC charging options.
The printer works with laptops, PCs and smartphones. Wi-Fi Direct allows printing without a home network, which can help when you're working from a meeting room, vehicle or temporary office.
Epson gives it a black speed of 6.7 pages per minute and a color speed of 3.8 pages per minute. That is enough for occasional presentations, invoices, contracts and reports, but it is slower than the Canon TS160 and TS6520 for color work.
Automatic duplex printing helps with two-sided documents. An optional external accessory battery can extend print volume, while the built-in battery handles normal mobile use.
The printer weighs 4.6 lb. It uses genuine Epson cartridges, so factor that requirement into your supply planning before choosing it for frequent travel.
Rongta Thermal Portable Printers Wireless for Travel: Best for inkless school and office pages
- Inkless thermal printing
- 8.5 x 11 in thermal paper support
- Bluetooth app connection
- USB connection for laptops
The Rongta F11A is a compact inkless printer for forms, letters, assignments and travel documents. It prints monochrome output on thermal paper, so it belongs on this list as an alternative to color inkjet printing.
Pros
- No ink cartridges or ribbons
- Supports letter-size thermal paper
- Bluetooth and USB connections
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Requires the RONGTA app for phone pairing
The Rongta F11A is best for inkless monochrome printing on letter-size thermal paper. It uses no ink cartridges or ribbons and supports US Letter, Legal and A4 thermal paper.
The printer connects to Android and iOS phones or tablets through the RONGTA app. For laptops, USB connection supports Windows 7 through 11 and macOS according to the product information.
Its maximum paper size is 8.5 x 11 in, and its print resolution is 203 DPI. The output is monochrome, so this is an alternative for forms, letters, assignments, study materials and travel documents rather than a full-color printer.
Phone pairing requires the RONGTA app. You can't pair the printer directly through the phone or tablet Bluetooth settings, so install and use the app during setup.
The 0.43 kg body is easy to carry, and the 2.28 x 10.55 x 1.18 in dimensions suit a backpack or tote. Use thermal paper only, not regular copy paper.
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer: Best for basic color printing at home
- Print, copy and scan
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- 1.5 in LCD screen
- Two-cartridge hybrid ink system
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a simple all-in-one for basic home printing that can also connect to compatible mobile devices. At 8.7 lb, it is easier to move than larger home printers but is not designed as a battery-powered travel model.
Pros
- Prints, copies and scans
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Supports borderless photos up to 5 x 7 in
Cons
- Single-sided printing only
- Slower color speed than the TS6520
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is the best choice for basic color printing, copying and scanning at home. It connects through dual-band Wi-Fi and supports printing from compatible mobile devices with Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint and Mopria.
Its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system uses pigment black for text and dye-based color ink for photos. The printer produces about 7.7 black images per minute and 4 color images per minute.
The TS3720 has a 1.5 in segment LCD screen and supports single-sided printing only. Its rear paper tray holds up to 60 sheets, and it can print borderless photos up to 5 x 7 in.
At 8.7 lb, it is lighter than the HP Envy 6155 and Canon TS6520. Still, it needs a power connection and is designed as a home printer rather than a battery-powered travel printer.
Choose it for a straightforward setup and basic home tasks. If you're new to inkjet printers, our guide to the Best Inkjet Printer For Beginners explains which features matter first.
How we compared portable color inkjet printer options
We compared paper support, color capability, portability, connections and extra functions against the needs of someone printing away from a desk. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for.
A true portable color inkjet printer needs to produce color output in a useful document or photo size. That puts the Canon PIXMA TR160 and Epson WF-110 ahead for mobile letter documents, while the Nelko PP01 is better for small photos.
Weight and power also change the choice. The Canon TR160 and Epson WF-110 weigh about 4.5 to 4.6 lb, while the HP Envy 6155, Canon TS6520 and Canon TS3720 are better suited to a room or workspace.
Connection type matters during travel. Look for Wireless Direct or Wi-Fi Direct if you may print without a router.
Bluetooth works well for phone-focused printers, but app requirements vary. Check whether pairing happens through the app or through device settings before you buy.
Which portable color printer fits your use?
Choose the Canon PIXMA TR160 if you need full-color letter documents in a compact print-only model. Its 5-color hybrid ink system and Wireless Direct mode make it the most direct match for mobile color printing.
It suits consultants, students and field workers who need a report, handout or photo away from a desk. The 4.5 lb body fits in a bag, and letter size output keeps the result usable for meetings or class.
Plan ahead for power because the battery is optional. A laptop, compact power source or access to a wall outlet should be part of your travel setup.
Choose the Epson WF-110 if a built-in rechargeable battery and Wi-Fi Direct are more important than fast color output. It suits invoices, reports and presentations printed from laptops, phones and tablets.
The battery makes it easier to print in a vehicle, a meeting room or a temporary office. Wi-Fi Direct also helps when a shared network is slow, private or unavailable.
Its color speed is modest, so it is better for occasional business pages than for long print runs. Automatic duplex printing can help with two-sided documents, but genuine Epson cartridges are required.
Choose the Nelko PP01 for 2 x 3 in sticky-backed color photos. It is much smaller than a document printer, but it cannot replace one for letters, contracts or schoolwork.
The PP01 weighs 308 g and connects to iOS and Android phones through Bluetooth. Its app supports frames, filters, stickers and text, which makes it a good fit for scrapbooks, planners and journals.
Each ink cartridge prints up to 80 full-color photos. A USB charging cable is included, while the charging adapter is not, so pack a compatible adapter for travel.
Choose the HP Envy 6155 or Canon TS6520 when scanning and copying matter. They are less portable, yet their all-in-one design is more practical for regular home or hybrid-office use.
The HP model adds a 100-sheet input tray, automatic 2-sided printing and a 2.4 in color touchscreen. It is a stronger choice for homework, household paperwork and borderless photos printed on a regular schedule.
The Canon TS6520 also prints, scans and copies, with automatic 2-sided printing and dual-band Wi-Fi. At 15.4 lb, it should stay in one workspace rather than travel between sites.
The Canon TS3720 is worth considering for basic home tasks. It is lighter than those two all-in-one models, but it prints on one side only and lacks a battery for travel.
The Gloryang and Rongta fit a separate need. They print monochrome documents on thermal paper without ink, which suits simple forms, lists and assignments when color is not required.
How to set up and care for a portable color inkjet printer
Start by checking the supported paper size and connection method before loading a print job. A portable color inkjet printer may use a phone app, Wireless Direct, Wi-Fi Direct, USB or a combination of these options.
Confirm that your device supports the connection you plan to use. Some printers pair through a maker app, while others appear in Apple AirPrint or Mopria Print Service.
Test the connection at home before a trip. A short test page can show whether the paper size, orientation and color settings match the document you need.
Keep paper flat and load only the amount the tray supports. For the Nelko PP01, load no more than 10 sheets of photo paper at one time.
Overloading a small tray can cause misfeeds or jams. Fan the sheets gently and keep the print side facing the direction shown in the manual.
For thermal models, use the required thermal paper rather than standard copy paper. The Gloryang works only with Gloryang thermal paper, and the Rongta also requires thermal paper.
Regular copy paper will not produce the expected result in a thermal printer. Store thermal rolls away from heat and slide them into the printer smoothly so the leading edge feeds straight.
Charge battery-powered models before leaving for a work session. The Epson WF-110 has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with USB and AC charging options.
Check the charge on the display or through the app when that option is available. Carrying the correct cable matters as much as carrying paper, especially when you rely on a phone or laptop for power.
If you choose a printer with an optional battery, confirm what is included and plan a charging method that matches your travel setup. The Canon PIXMA TR160 identifies its battery as optional, so do not assume it is in the box.
Use the printer's app or display to check status and ink levels. The Canon models show status on an OLED display, while the HP model uses a color touchscreen for common tasks.
Replace cartridges before they run empty if you need consistent color. That habit is especially useful for presentations, photos and school projects where a faded page would be hard to fix while traveling.
Clean hands and a dry surface help keep paper and print heads in good condition. Wipe stray dust from the paper path with a soft, dry cloth and avoid touching the shiny side of photo paper.
Carry the printer in its case or a padded compartment when one is supplied. This protects the paper tray, display and connections from knocks during transit.
For a broader explanation of printer choices and features, read What Is A Good Inkjet Printer?.
Verdict: which is the best portable color inkjet printer?
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the best portable color inkjet printer for full-color letter documents, with a 5-color hybrid ink system, Wireless Direct and a 4.5 lb body.
It gives mobile users the output size and color range that smaller photo printers cannot match. Documents, flyers and photos up to 8.5 x 11 in can be printed from compatible devices through Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint or Mopria.
Pick the Epson WF-110 for rechargeable mobile business printing. Its built-in battery, Wi-Fi Direct and automatic duplex printing suit invoices, contracts, reports and presentations produced away from a desk.
Pick the Nelko PP01 for 2 x 3 in photos. At 308 g, it is the easiest model in this guide to carry, and its sticky-backed prints work well for journals, planners and small gifts.
Pick the HP Envy 6155 or Canon TS6520 when scanning and copying matter more than carrying weight. Both are all-in-one models with automatic 2-sided printing, making them better for a home office than for frequent travel.
Pick the Canon TS3720 for a simpler home setup. It prints, copies and scans through dual-band Wi-Fi, but single-sided printing and the lack of a battery limit its use on the road.
Pick Gloryang or Rongta only when inkless thermal printing meets your needs, since neither is a full-color inkjet printer. They are useful for monochrome forms, lists and school materials on thermal paper.
Before you choose, match the printer to the job you do most often. Color letter pages point to the Canon PIXMA TR160, battery-powered business pages point to the Epson WF-110, and small photo prints point to the Nelko PP01.
For a beginner-friendly overview before you choose, read What Is the Best Inkjet Printer for Beginners?.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for ink-free letter documents
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for home color printing on the go
HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for full-color travel documents
Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best portable color inkjet printer?
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the best match for full-color letter documents away from a desk. It has a 5-color hybrid ink system, supports paper up to 8.5 x 11 in and offers wireless printing through Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, Mopria and Wireless Direct mode.
Choose the Epson WF-110 if a built-in rechargeable battery is your first priority.
Can a portable printer print in full color?
Yes. The Canon PIXMA TR160, HP Envy 6155, Canon PIXMA TS6520, Epson WF-110, Canon TS3720 and Nelko PP01 support color output.
The Nelko is limited to 2 x 3 in photos, while the other inkjet models support larger document formats.
Gloryang and Rongta use thermal printing, so they are not full-color inkjet replacements.
What paper does a portable color printer use?
Portable color inkjet printers use paper suited to their supported size and ink system. The Canon PIXMA TR160 and Epson WF-110 support mobile document printing, while the Nelko PP01 uses 2 x 3 in glossy sticky-backed photo paper.
Gloryang and Rongta require thermal paper instead of regular copy paper.
Are portable color printers worth it?
A portable color printer is useful when you need documents away from a fixed desk, such as during travel, field work or off-site meetings. Dedicated models trade speed and paper capacity for a smaller footprint.
If you mainly print at home, an all-in-one such as the HP Envy 6155 or Canon TS6520 gives you scanning and copying as well.
