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10 Best Portable Thermal Printers 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel, Wireless Thermal Printer Supports 8.5 x 11 Inch Thermal Paper, Bluetooth Machine Includes Carry Case and 3 Rolls of Paper Kit, Black

The Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer is designed for users who need a lightweight and portable printing solution, particularly suited for travel, work, or school settings. One of its standout features is the inkless printing capability, which saves money and eliminates the hassle of replacing ink or toner, making it cost-effective for frequent use. With a compact design, weighing just 1.75 pounds and only 1.7 inches thick, it's easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in bags. The printer also supports a decent print speed of up to 35 pages per minute, which is efficient for quick document printing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Connectivity Options
Paper Size and Type

Most important from
1573 reviews

Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly, providing a more reliable connection than traditional Wi-Fi.
Paper Size and Type
The printer supports US letter size (8.5 x 11 inches) and comes with three rolls of thermal paper, making it ready to use right out of the box.
#2
10.0 score

Phomemo Inkless Portable Printer for Travel - Wireless Thermal Printer Compatible with Phone & Laptop, Bluetooth Printers Supports 8.5" X 11" Letter Thermal Paper, Come with Carry Case

The Phomemo Inkless Portable Printer stands out in the portable thermal printer category, making it a solid choice for those who need on-the-go printing capabilities. One of its biggest strengths is its compact design, weighing only 1.5 pounds and measuring just 1.5 inches thick, which makes it very easy to carry in a bag or briefcase. This printer utilizes thermal technology, eliminating the need for ink, toner, or ribbons, which not only reduces ongoing costs but also minimizes maintenance issues typically associated with ink printers. Each sheet of thermal paper is affordable, costing around $0.12, making it economical for frequent use. The print speed is decent at 4.2 pages per minute, suitable for personal and small business needs, although it may not meet the high-volume requirements of larger operations.

Rating
10.0
Print Speed
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2984 reviews

Print Speed
The printing process is quick, but the noise level might be bothersome for some users.
Print Resolution
The print quality is satisfactory for a thermal printer, suitable for quick notes and documents.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward, especially if you already use the Phomemo app, making the Bluetooth connection seamless.
Paper Size and Type
Limited to company’s thermal paper or other compatible thermal paper, not suitable for thicker papers or cardstocks.
#3
9.7 score

Portable Printer Wireless for Travel,Bluetooth Thermal Support 8.5inches X 11inches US Letter &Legal, A4&A5 Thermal Paper, Inkless Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop for Office Car Home

This portable thermal printer stands out for its lightweight design, weighing only 2 pounds and easily fitting into a bag, making it highly convenient for travel. It supports a range of thermal paper sizes, including US Letter, Legal, A4, and A5, providing versatility for different printing needs. The high-definition printing technology ensures clear print quality, with a maximum resolution of 1200-2400 dpi, which is impressive for a portable printer.

Rating
9.7
Print Resolution
Connectivity Options
Battery Life

Most important from
1061 reviews

Print Resolution
Prints come out crisp and clean, impressive for such a compact device.
Connectivity Options
Setting up this portable thermal printer is a breeze, and it connects seamlessly to mobile devices.
Battery Life
Long-lasting battery life is a lifesaver for extended use without frequent recharging.
Paper Size and Type
Supports a variety of paper sizes, reducing the hassle of finding compatible paper.

Top 10 Best Portable Thermal Printers 2025 in the United States

Portable Printer Wireless for Travel,Bluetooth Thermal Support 8.5inches X 11inches US Letter &Legal, A4&A5 Thermal Paper, Inkless Compatible with iOS, Android & Laptop for Office Car Home

Print Speed: 1 page per minute
Print Resolution: 1200-2400 dpi
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, USB-C
Battery Life: 4200mAh, 600 sheets per charge
Paper Size and Type: US Letter, Legal, A4, A5
Durability and Build Quality: adequate
Compatibility with Operating Systems: iOS, Android, laptops

Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer, Print from Compatible iOS & Android Devices, Sticky-Back Prints, Blush Pink

Print Speed: 1 minute per color print
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0
Battery Life: adequate for casual use
Paper Size and Type: 2x3 inches, Glossy photo paper
Durability and Build Quality: decent build quality
Compatibility with Operating Systems: iOS, Android

Brother PocketJet 8 PJ-862 Mobile Direct Thermal Printer - Monochrome - Portable - Label Print - USB - USB Host - Bluetooth

Print Speed: 13.5 pages per minute
Print Resolution: 200dpi
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, USB, USB Type-C
Battery Life: up to 600 pages per charge
Paper Size and Type: 8.5 x 11 inches
Compatibility with Operating Systems: Windows, MacOS, Linux
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Buying Guide for the Best Portable Thermal Printers

When choosing a portable thermal printer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. Portable thermal printers are great for on-the-go printing needs, such as printing receipts, labels, or tickets. They are compact, lightweight, and do not require ink or toner, making them convenient and cost-effective. To find the best fit for you, focus on the key specifications that will impact your user experience and match your requirements.
Print SpeedPrint speed refers to how quickly the printer can produce printed material, usually measured in millimeters per second (mm/s). This is important because it affects how long you will have to wait for your documents to be printed. If you need to print a high volume of documents quickly, look for a printer with a higher print speed (e.g., 100 mm/s or more). For occasional or low-volume printing, a lower print speed (e.g., 50-80 mm/s) may be sufficient.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed output. Higher resolution means better print quality. If you need to print detailed graphics or high-quality text, look for a printer with a higher DPI (e.g., 300 DPI or more). For basic text and simple graphics, a lower DPI (e.g., 200 DPI) may be adequate.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options refer to how the printer connects to other devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. Common options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are ideal for wireless printing and offer more flexibility, especially if you need to print from multiple devices. USB connections are reliable and straightforward but may limit mobility. Choose the connectivity option that best fits your usage scenario.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the printer can operate on a single charge. This is crucial for portable printers, as it affects how long you can use the printer without needing to recharge. If you plan to use the printer extensively throughout the day, look for a model with a longer battery life (e.g., 8-10 hours or more). For occasional use, a shorter battery life (e.g., 4-6 hours) may be sufficient.
Paper Size and TypePaper size and type refer to the dimensions and material of the paper the printer can handle. Common sizes include 2-inch and 3-inch wide paper rolls. Some printers can handle specialized paper types, such as adhesive labels or thicker receipt paper. Consider what you will be printing and choose a printer that supports the appropriate paper size and type for your needs.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are important for ensuring the printer can withstand the rigors of portable use. Look for printers with robust construction, such as those with rugged casings or water-resistant features. If you will be using the printer in harsh environments or on the go frequently, prioritize models known for their durability and reliability.
Compatibility with Operating SystemsCompatibility with operating systems refers to whether the printer can work with the devices you plan to use, such as iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS. Ensure the printer is compatible with your device's operating system to avoid connectivity issues. Check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm compatibility before making a purchase.

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