Photo All-in-One Printers: 5 Models and What to Know

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Photo all-in-one printers combine printing with scanning and copying, and some also include faxing; five widely available examples are the Canon PIXMA G620, Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500, Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550, Canon PIXMA TS9521C, and HP Envy Inspire 7955e. The right choice depends on print quality, photo size, ink costs, speed, and whether you need features such as refillable tanks or an automatic document feeder.

What a photo all-in-one printer does

An all-in-one printer (also called a multifunction printer) handles more than one task from a single device. In this category, photo printing is a priority, but the machine can also scan and copy documents or photographs. Fax capability is model-specific, not something to assume from the phrase “all-in-one.”

Photo printers generally use multiple ink colors to reproduce a wider range of tones than basic four-color office printers. Many print on glossy, luster, or matte photo paper as well as plain paper. A flatbed scanner is useful for photographs and books; an automatic document feeder (ADF) can save time when scanning or copying several sheets, but it usually cannot handle delicate photo prints as gently as the flatbed.

Five models to compare

Canon PIXMA G620: A refillable-ink-tank model designed with photo printing in mind. Its six-color ink system is intended to support photo output, while its print, scan, and copy functions cover common home tasks. Check its paper handling and connectivity against your needs before buying; it is not a substitute for a high-volume office machine with an ADF.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500: A six-color tank printer aimed at photo printing and general home use. It can print, scan, and copy, and supports a range of media. Its refillable tanks can make frequent printing more economical than relying on small cartridges, although the upfront price and actual savings depend on use and ink costs.
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550: A wider-format relative of the ET-8500, with support for prints up to 13 by 19 inches. That larger output is useful for posters and creative projects, but requires suitable paper, storage space, and a budget for larger sheets. Confirm the maximum size for the specific media and border settings you plan to use.
Canon PIXMA TS9521C: A home inkjet that combines print, scan, and copy functions with support for larger-than-letter paper. It can suit mixed projects such as photos, crafts, and documents. Its cartridge-based ink system means ongoing ink cost deserves attention if you print often.
HP Envy Inspire 7955e: A home all-in-one intended for everyday documents and photo printing, with scanning and copying. It is a practical option when document features matter alongside occasional photos. Review current regional specifications, included supplies, and any app or account requirements before purchase.

Model names and features can vary by country, and manufacturers may update or discontinue products. Verify the exact model’s current specifications, especially maximum paper size, ADF availability, wireless features, and whether ink or subscription terms apply.

How to choose the right one

Start with what you print and how often. A person making a few 4-by-6-inch prints each month may value a compact, reasonably priced machine more than a large-format tank printer. Someone printing albums, school projects, or many photos may care more about ink cost per print and media flexibility.

Print size: Check the largest supported sheet size and whether borderless printing is available at that size. “Wide format” is not the same as printing on every paper type or size.
Ink design: Cartridge printers can have a lower purchase price, while refillable-tank machines are often intended for higher print volumes. Compare replacement ink prices and yields for your region, and remember that published yields are estimates based on defined test conditions.
Scanning needs: Look for a flatbed for photos and books. If you regularly process multipage documents, check for an ADF and whether it supports duplex scanning.
Connectivity and workflow: Confirm support for your computer or phone, your home Wi-Fi setup, and the photo apps or memory-card workflow you actually use.
Space and noise: Measure the printer with trays open, not just its closed dimensions. Allow room for paper and access to ink tanks or cartridges.

Photo quality, paper, and print settings

Good results depend on the printer, the image file, the paper, and the settings working together. A high-resolution image cannot compensate for unsuitable paper or a low-quality draft setting. For glossy prints, choose photo paper made for inkjet printers and select the matching paper type in the print dialog. The wrong media setting can cause poor color, slow drying, or excessive ink use.

Resolution figures in product listings do not provide a complete, apples-to-apples measure of photo quality. Color accuracy, smooth gradients, fine detail, and consistency matter too. If color matching is important, use the printer’s recommended driver and media settings; a screen and a print can still look different because displays emit light while paper reflects it.

Let prints dry as directed by the paper or printer maker, and handle them by the edges. Store photographs away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. These steps help, but no home print should be assumed to have a particular archival life unless the manufacturer specifies conditions and supporting test information.

Costs and common ownership issues

The purchase price is only part of the cost. Budget for ink, photo paper, and occasional maintenance. Tank printers can reduce ink costs for people who print regularly, but they may not be the cheapest choice for someone who prints only a handful of photos a year. Compare the cost of supplies for the print sizes and volume you expect, rather than relying on a single advertised cost-per-page figure.

Infrequent use can lead to dried ink or clogged nozzles, particularly with inkjet printers. Run the printer’s built-in nozzle check or maintenance routine when output shows missing lines or uneven color, and avoid repeated cleaning cycles unless needed because they consume ink. Keep the printer powered and maintained as its manual recommends. If a wireless printer disappears, check that the printer and device are on the same network, restart the relevant devices, and confirm that the printer is not showing an error before reinstalling software.

Photo printer versus other options

A photo all-in-one makes sense when you want to print at home and also scan or copy. A dedicated photo printer may be smaller or optimized for a particular print size, but it will not replace a scanner. For occasional prints, a local photo lab or online print service may be more convenient and can offer sizes or finishes a home printer does not. Compare the total cost, turnaround, delivery, and how much control you want over paper and color.

Do not confuse “photo printer” with a machine that prints only photographs. The five examples above are multifunction inkjets, but their document speed, paper capacity, and scanning features differ. Read the full specification sheet rather than choosing from the product label alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an all-in-one printer and a photo printer?
An all-in-one printer adds tasks such as scanning and copying to printing. A photo printer describes a printer’s emphasis or capabilities for photo output; it may or may not scan or copy.

Are ink-tank printers better for photos?
Not automatically. Tank systems can suit frequent printing by reducing the need for small cartridges, but photo quality depends on the model, ink system, paper, and settings. Compare sample output and running costs for your use.

Can these printers print 8-by-10 photos?
Many home photo-capable inkjets support common sizes such as 8 by 10 inches, but the supported size and borderless options vary. Check the exact model’s paper specifications before buying.

Do all-in-one printers include an automatic document feeder?
No. Some rely on a flatbed scanner, while others add an ADF. Check whether the feeder is included and whether it supports the document sizes and duplex scanning you need.

How often should I print to prevent clogged nozzles?
There is no universal interval; it depends on the printer, ink, environment, and manufacturer guidance. Follow the manual’s maintenance recommendations and use a nozzle check if prints develop gaps or streaks.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.