REASONS TO BUY
Passable resolution
Multi-photo queue
Adhesive photo paper
REASONS TO AVOID
Magenta color cast
Overall poor quality grayscale
Microbanding
HP Sprocket Review
This mini printer rendered some of the poorest quality photos in the review
Credit: Jason Peters
RELATED: Best Photo Printers
Our Verdict
Unfortunately, the HP Sprocket produced what some might describe as cringe-worthy photos. Despite decent resolution for this size photograph, the color images were cast in magenta and had bleeding along the borders. As for the black and white, let's just say that we would recommend a different mini printer for printing in grayscale. We like the app that controls the printer, as it allows you to print from your phone and stack up multiple photos in the queue.
Editor's Note: We updated this HP Sprocket review on March 28, 2022, with a new take on value and to provide additional suggestions for other high-performing photo printers.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
HP Sprocket | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon | $400 List $399.99 at Amazon | $130 List $139.99 at Amazon | $100 List $79.00 at Amazon | $100 List $89.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This mini printer had some of the worst image outcomes of the class | This printer yields high-quality images at a reasonable price | This convenient printer renders decent 4" x 6" photos with the swipe of your smartphone | Portable, reliable, and fun to use - this printer delivers in nearly every way | This machine may kindle the fun and freedom of instant printing in a vintage format but don't expect high-quality renderings |
| Rating Categories | HP Sprocket | Epson Expression HD... | Canon SELPHY CP1300 | Canon IVY 2 Mini | Fujifilm Instax Min... |
| Color (35%) | |||||
| Black and White (35%) | |||||
| Print Capabilities (15%) | |||||
| Operating Cost (10%) | |||||
| Set up (5%) | |||||
| Specs | HP Sprocket | Epson Expression HD... | Canon SELPHY CP1300 | Canon IVY 2 Mini | Fujifilm Instax Min... |
| Resolution (dots per inch) | 313 x 400 | 5760 x 1440 | 300 x 300 | 313 x 512 | 318 |
| Max photo dimensions | 2" x 3" | 13" x 44" | 4" x 6" | 2" x 3" | 2.4" x 1.8" |
| Cost per print (4" x 6" or mini print) | $0.50 | $0.45 | $0.43 | $0.50 | $0.64 |
| Machine dimensions | 1" x 3.2" x 4.6" | 6.3" x 18.7" x 14.5" | 2.5" x 7.1" x 5.4" | 5" x 3.3" x 1" | 1.3" x 3.5" x 4.9" |
| Printing technology | In paper, thermal-activated dye | Inkjet (Piezo DOD) | Inkjet (Dye- sublimation) | ZINK™ (Zero Ink) | In paper 3-color exposure with OLED |
| Print time per 4" x 6" (or mini print) | 39 seconds | 34 seconds | 51 seconds | 30 | 9 seconds (plus developing time) |
| Color palette (ink cartridges) | N/A | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Gray, Red | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| LCD screen | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Touch Screen | No | No | No | No | No |
| Battery | Yes | No | Yes (sold separately) | Yes | Yes |
| Memory cards supported | N/A | N/A | SD, SDHC, SDXC, miniSD, miniSDHC, microSD microSDHC and microSDXC | No | N/A |
| Ink type | N/A | Dye-based | Dye-based | N/A | N/A |
| Roller paper | No | No | No | No | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | iPad, iPhone and Android tablets, Alexa and smartphones; Ethernet networking, andard Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB, USB Host, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n5, Wi-Fi Direct 5, Ethernet 10/100 |
Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN, 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.11b/g) Memory Card Slot PictBridge (USB) & Wireless PictBridge (Wireless LAN) Hi-Speed USB (Cable not included) USB Flash Memory |
Bluetooth® 5.0 | Bluetooth, USB (charging only) |
| Operating system requirements | Android iOS |
Windows 10 8/8.1/Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit , 64-bit) Mac OS X 10.6.8 — macOS 10.12.x6 |
Windows:12 Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1 Mac:13 Mac OS X v10.10.x - macOS v10.12 (Sierra) Mobile Operating Systems:14 iOS, Android™, Windows 10 Mobile, Amazon Fire devices15 |
Compatible OS iOS®: 12.0 or later Android™: 6.0 or later |
Android iOS |
| Scanner | No | No | No | No | No |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
We were not impressed with this machine. The prints looked abysmal when comparing their photos to desktop models. The Sprocket's test images were unsatisfactory even among mini printers. Suffice it to say, there are better options within this model's price range.
Performance Comparison
Even though it is fun and pocket-sized, the HP Sprocket produces sub-par prints, even from the perspective of comparable mini printers.
Credit: Laura Casner
Likes
We like the mini printer concept. We think that a picture is not a photograph until you print it, and mini printers like this one make that easier than ever. Additionally, we like that you can do some creative edits on your phone before printing.
The intuitive app is the only positive aspect of the HP Sprocket.
Credit: Laura Casner
Another check in the pro column for the HP Sprocket — and mini printers in general — is that it is easy to set-up. The process is as simple as downloading an app onto your phone and connecting to the printer via Bluetooth. That's it.
Dislikes
Simply put, this printer did not fare well in our evaluations. Its color renditions were pretty bad, and the black and white test images came out looking bazaar. Suffice it to say that this machine is not cut out for printing in grayscale.
The color prints have very low definition, but are marginally better than the nondescript black and white prints.
Credit: Laura Casner
Should You Buy the HP Sprocket?
We don't have much positive to say about this printer except that it is a fun and fairly inexpensive way to get pics off your mobile device and into the hands of loved ones. If you're shopping for a mini printer, this review has better devices for about the same price.
What Other Photo Printers Should You Consider?
The HP Sprocket is in the same price range as mini printers rendering much higher quality images, so we do not find it to be a very good value. The Canon IVY 2, a top-notch mini printer, costs less than this model.
—
Nick Miley, Jason Peters and Austin Palmer
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