Canon Ivy 2 vs HP Sprocket: Instant Printer Comparison

This post may contain affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.

I have been reviewing my favorite printers and creating comparison blogs for others for a while. I get many questions about these two, so today, we’re taking an in-depth look at two popular portable instant photo printers: the HP Sprocket 2×3 and the Canon Ivy 2. We’ll discuss their battery life, print quality, pricing, and even dive into some history and technical details—including the fascinating world of Zink paper technology.

My name is Alison Winterroth, and I’ve been a photographer since 2012. I have a deep appreciation for clean, true-to-life colors and natural images, and I’m drawn to products that bring photographs to life without altering their essence. I’m always on the lookout for the best products and love putting them to the test. I personally purchased each of these printers, and this is not a sponsored review in any way. If you choose to buy one of these printers using my links, I may receive a small commission, which allows me to continue exploring and making the best product reviews and comparisons for you.

Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below. I can answer them based on my experience or help you figure it out.

A Brief History and Introduction

HP Sprocket

The HP Sprocket was released in 2014 and quickly became a favorite for mobile photography enthusiasts. Its compact, pocket-sized design, combined with fun, retro-style prints, made it an instant hit. HP designed the Sprocket to be an easy-to-use instant printer that lets you share your favorite moments on the go without any fuss. The HP Sprocket prints 2×3 credit card-sized prints that are also stickers. You can buy additional mini sticker packs to use your images for planners or journaling.

Canon Ivy 2

With its long-standing reputation in imaging, Canon entered the portable printing market with the original Canon Ivy. Building on that legacy, the Canon Ivy 2 was introduced a few years later—around 2016 in many markets—as an upgraded model. The Ivy 2 brought a sleeker design and improved print quality, appealing to those who crave sharper details and a refined finish in their prints. The Canon Ivy 2 also makes 2×3 sized prints that convert to stickers and smaller around stickers you can use on projects as well.

A note on the stickers for both brands: honestly, they don’t stick the greatest! The smaller stickers stick better, but the 2×3 stickers just don’t hold well to any surface I have tried. I like using washi tape to adhere to it or just a simple glue instead of sticker adhesive as a workaround. I just want to be honest with my experience with these!

Apps and Software Integration

The companion mobile app is a key part of the experience with both printers. Both of these printers use Bluetooth technology and need an app to function. These apps not only simplify the printing process but also allow you to get creative with your photos before they hit paper. You can print photos from your phone or digital camera- however, you will need to send those photos to your phone or add them to a cloud storage like Google Drive to print them. The apps are both easy to use and straightforward, and I barely had to do anything to connect.

HP Sprocket App:
The HP Sprocket app is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes editing fun and accessible. With this app, you can:
- Apply filters and add frames, stickers, and text overlays.
- Create custom collages or photo layouts.
- Seamlessly connect via Bluetooth to print directly from your photo library or social media accounts.
- Share your creations instantly online.

Canon Ivy App:
The Canon Ivy 2 is supported by a similarly intuitive app (often known simply as the Canon Ivy app) that offers:
- Easy photo editing features like cropping, adjusting brightness, and applying filters.
- Options to customize prints with creative borders and stickers.
- A straightforward connection process via Bluetooth enables direct printing from your smartphone.
- A gallery view to quickly reprint your favorites.

Both apps ensure that even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can effortlessly transform your digital photos into physical keepsakes. It quickly prompted me to connect with the printer without any fuss. Both apps are designed to work in tandem with the printer hardware, providing a seamless bridge between your smartphone and your instant prints.

Understanding Zink Paper Technology

Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of each printer’s performance, let’s talk about the magic behind their instant prints: Zink (Zero Ink) paper. Zink technology is built right into the paper, unlike traditional photo printers that require messy ink cartridges. Here’s how it works:

Dye-Crystal Layers: Zink paper contains layers of dye crystals embedded within the paper.
Heat Activation: When the printer applies heat, these crystals activate, merging to form a full-color image.
Advantages: This process means no ink to replace, smudge-proof photos, and even a degree of waterproofing.
Considerations: While the prints are durable and perfect for on-the-go use, they might not always match the longevity or resolution of traditional ink prints.

This innovative approach has revolutionized portable printing by keeping things neat, simple, and accessible wherever your adventures take you. The zink paper can be used interchangeably by either printer (Canon paper will print in HP printers and vice versa), but there is a calibration card in each paper pack that is brand specific. So, if you find a deal on Canon Zink paper and want to use it in your HP sprocket, just make sure you save the blue calibration card that comes with both. I label them on the back so I can keep track.

Battery Life on the Go

Both of these printers are meant for mobile printing and will print a lot on a full charge. The only problem I have encountered is that the printers need some cooling time between prints. If I printed more than 10 in a row, both printers would overheat and need to be set aside for 30 minutes to cool down.

HP Sprocket:
With a battery that typically handles around 40 prints per full charge, so if you want to print a ton at a a party, you can do that before needing a recharge.
Canon Ivy 2:
Similarly, the Ivy 2 offers comparable battery life. Some users even report a slight edge in endurance, especially when printing in energy-saving modes. This makes it a reliable companion for those longer photo sessions or outdoor adventures.

Either way, both printers are engineered to keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle, though your actual print count may vary based on settings and usage habits.

Four images printed on the HP Sprocket (left) and the Canon Ivy 2. The middle photo is the original digital image.

Diving into Print Quality

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—how do these printers compare when it comes to color, clarity, and print quality?

HP Sprocket:
Known for its vibrant, retro-style prints, the Sprocket delivers bold, saturated colors that can really pop. However, under less-than-ideal lighting conditions, you might notice some inconsistencies in the print quality.
Canon Ivy 2:
The Ivy 2 takes a slightly different approach, producing images with more natural tones and sharper details. If you’re looking for prints that capture subtle nuances and a crisper finish, the Ivy 2 might be your go-to. Its refined output makes it ideal for users who prefer a more polished, detailed photograph. Through tests, I found that the Canon had more accurate color and cleaner images throughout.

Both models use Zink paper technology, so while neither requires ink cartridges, the Ivy 2’s enhanced detail gives it an edge for those meticulous about image quality.

Price and Value Considerations

We all love great gadgets, but the price tag often plays a significant role in our decisions. Here’s how the two stack up:

HP Sprocket:
Generally more budget-friendly, the Sprocket offers an accessible entry point into portable photo printing. If you’re looking to experiment with on-the-go printing or need a fun gadget without a hefty investment, the Sprocket is a fantastic option.
Canon Ivy 2:
With a slightly higher price point, the Ivy 2 reflects its enhanced features and refined print quality. It’s an excellent investment for those who value premium image output and a stylish, robust design. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for that extra polish, the Ivy 2 could be worth every penny, and honestly, I recommend spending a bit more to be happier with the printed photographs in the end.

Benefits & Drawbacks at a Glance

Let’s break down some of the key pros and cons of each printer:

HP Sprocket

Benefits:

Portability: Compact, pocket-friendly design ideal for spontaneous printing.
Fun Prints: Produces vibrant, retro-style images that add a nostalgic charm.
Budget-Friendly: Generally more affordable for casual users.

Drawbacks:

Inconsistent Quality: Print quality can vary, especially in challenging lighting.
Battery Sensitivity: Heavy use may lead to quicker battery depletion.

Canon Ivy 2

Benefits:

Enhanced Detail: Offers sharper, more refined prints with natural tones.
Stylish Design: A sleek, modern look that complements its robust performance.
Consistent Output: Tends to deliver more reliable print quality across different conditions.

Drawbacks:

Higher Cost: The premium features come at a slightly higher price.
Potential Overkill: For users seeking just a casual, fun gadget, the extra options may not be useful in everyday use.

Final Thoughts

My final decision comes down to print quality. It is always best to invest here (within reason) because, ultimately, you want your photographs to shine! The Canon Ivy 2 does this the best and the final prints that I think are the best of the two. The color is not a perfect match to the original on either, but the Canon looks a little more natural and less “punchy”. Both are solid printers, but the Canon Ivy 2 edges out the competition here. In this comparison, I also compare the Canon Ivy 2 to some other instant photo printers. See how this printer stacks up against some other strong competitors!