Comparison and Review of Three HP Sprocket Photo Printers

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HP Sprocket has been leading the instant-printer market for years, and I really wanted to see how their portable photo printer lineup stacks up against each other. So I decided to test the prints against one another to help you choose which is right for you. 


A quick note about me and why I do these reviews: I have been a professional photographer since 2012 and love bright, accurate colors. I am picky about quality and got tired of seeing reviews that were not actually tested by the reviewer, used only stock photos of the product, and didn’t actually compare anything to anything else. So I decided to make my own. I test every product myself and spend hours (and my own money) compiling the info in this post. 


If this post helps you make a purchase decision, I would love it if you used one of the links here. They allow me to earn a small commission (at no cost to you), which helps me keep this site ad-free and create more reviews like this!


Today, we are putting three popular models head-to-head: the HP Sprocket Portable 2×3, the HP Sprocket 3×4, and the HP Sprocket Studio Plus. We will discuss their print sizes, printing technologies, overall quality, and portability to help you find your perfect match.

1. HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer (2” x 3”)

If portability is your number one priority, this is the printer for you. Designed to be roughly the size of a smartphone, the original Sprocket is made to go wherever you go. 


 Print Size: 2” x 3” You can print these with borders or directly to the edges of the print


The Way it Prints: It uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. Instead of ink cartridges, the printer uses heat to activate color crystals embedded directly inside the special HP ZINK paper.


Print Quality:  ZINK prints are fun, vibrant, and instantly dry. Because the paper has a peel-and-stick back, they are perfect for journaling, decorating laptops, or creating scrapbooks. However, because it doesn’t use traditional ink, the color accuracy and sharpness are slightly lower than professional lab prints.


 I will (always) be completely honest- ZINK technology has never been my favorite for small prints. On any of the printers I have reviewed (HP Sprocket, Polaroid, Kodak, Liene, etc.), the ZINK color is not quite what I would like. They are fun and useful for collages, art projects, and journaling, but not the best option for color accuracy.


Size & Portability: Highly portable printers. They slip easily into a pocket or small purse and run on a rechargeable battery.


My verdict: This printer won’t win any awards for color, but it’s a great size and reliable. 

2. HP Sprocket 3×4 Instant Photo Printer

Did you love the idea of the 2×3 Sprocket but wish the photos were just a bit bigger and the color more accurate? The HP Sprocket 3×4 was built to bridge that gap. 


Print Size:  3.5” x 4.25” (often referred to in the 3×4 category)
The Way it Prints: Like its smaller sibling, this model also uses ZINK technology. No ink cartridges required—just load the paper and print.


Print Quality:  The larger canvas gives your photos more room to breathe, and the quality of the ZINK printing improves with size. The details are easier to see, and the prints still feature that fantastic sticky backing. If you want a ZINK printer- this is the size to get!


Size & Portability:  While noticeably larger and heavier than the 2×3 model, it is still battery-operated and portable enough to toss into a backpack or tote bag. 

3. HP Sprocket Studio Plus

If you want traditional, frame-worthy photos, the Studio Plus steps away from the novelty of ZINK and moves into professional-grade printing territory. 

 Print Size:  4” x 6” (Standard photo size)

 The Way it Prints:  This printer uses  Dye-Sublimation technology. It requires both a paper tray and a ribbon cartridge. The printer passes the paper back and forth, layering yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes, finishing with a clear protective overcoat. It does not use liquid ink, so you never have to clean printheads or waste ink like with traditional printers. The ink refills come with the specific photo paper that you need for printing, so if you run out of ink, you are out of paper, and vice versa.

 Print Quality:  Exceptional. The Studio Plus produces lab-quality, high-resolution photos with stunning color accuracy. The final prints are smudge-proof, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. They don’t have sticky backs, but they are perfect for framing or traditional photo albums.

Size & Portability:  This is a tabletop printer. It is significantly larger than the other two and requires a power outlet to operate, so it’s meant to live on your desk or kitchen counter rather than in your bag.

The App

The HP Sprocket app controls each printer. The app allows you to print photos with borders, stickers, text, create collages, and more. You can choose photos from your camera roll or Facebook and add Instagram-style filters or edit your photos inside the app. In the app, you can easily switch between printers, and they are easy to connect and set up.

The Verdict

Choose the Sprocket Portable 2×3  if you want the ultimate travel companion for instantly printing and sharing sticky-backed memories with friends on the go.
Pick the Sprocket 3×4 if you love the convenience of ZINK and sticky-backed paper but want photos large enough to appreciate the finer details.
Decide on the Sprocket Studio Plus if print quality is your top priority. If you want to print traditional 4×6 photos at home that look exactly like they came from a professional photo lab (and you don’t mind keeping the printer plugged in), this is the clear winner.


No matter which model you choose, the HP Sprocket app makes it incredibly easy to customize your photos with borders, stickers, and filters before hitting print. Happy printing!


Additionally, if you would like to see a YouTube video about the HP Studio Plus and see how it prints, you can see that here.