For over a year now, I’ve been using the Polaroid Hi-Print for journaling, and it’s safe to say this little device has made quite the impression. As my first mini portable printer, I went into this journey with high hopes and a touch of scepticism. While I’ve seen friends use other printers like the HP Sprocket, the Polaroid Hi-Print offered its unique mix of pros and quirks. Let’s dive into the details and see if it’s a fit for your journaling adventures!

First Impressions and Price

I won’t lie, the Polaroid Hi-Print and its paper refills are pricey. Expect to pay around $129.99 USD (or $189.98 CAD, $219.95 AUD) for the printer, and $16.99 USD (or $24.99 CAD, $29.00 AUD) for a pack of 20 papers. While this might sting your wallet, the print and paper quality make up for it. The glossy, sticker-backed paper feels luxurious, and the colour accuracy is surprisingly high for such a small device. If you’re a quality-over-quantity type, this printer is worth considering.

Design and Build

Aesthetic lovers, rejoice! The Polaroid Hi-Print is sleek, modern, and satisfying to hold. It’s a bit heavier than other portable printers, which makes it feel more substantial—but still compact enough to toss into a bag. Bonus points for looking absolutely adorable on your desk or in your bag. :)

Printing Process

The Hi-Print uses a dye-sublimation process, meaning it prints each layer of colour separately. This creates stunning results and means the paper moves in and out of the printer multiple times. While watching the colours build is fun, it’s also where things can go wrong. Faulty paper cartridges have caused jams for me, including one catastrophic incident that required a replacement. Be careful when inserting cartridges and ensure they’re loaded correctly to avoid a similar headache!

User-Friendliness

Setting the Hi-Print up is extremely easy. You need to download the Polaroid Hi-Print app, connect the printer via Bluetooth, pop in a cartridge, and you’re good to go. The app’s intuitive interface makes printing photos straight from your phone super simple—it literally took less than 5 or so minutes to set up (I made a TikTok about this here!). I often use the Instagram Layout app to create collages, and the Hi-Print handles them amazingly. The sticker-backed paper is perfect for journaling, and I’ve even used prints as gifts for friends and family and they’ve enjoyed them very much!

Battery Life

While the printer’s battery isn’t groundbreaking, it’s decent for light use. A full charge lasts for about 10 to 15 prints, so don’t expect marathon sessions without recharging. Since I mostly use it at my desk, this hasn’t been a dealbreaker for me, but it’s still annoying if you forget to recharge it regularly!

Environmental Impact

Here’s the biggest downside: the Polaroid Hi-Print isn’t the most eco-friendly option. Each cartridge holds only 10 prints and is made of plastic, leading to a significant amount of waste. If sustainability is a priority for you, this might be a sticking point.

Polaroid Hi-Print Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

Despite its quirks, I’ve loved using the Polaroid Hi-Print this past year. It’s made my journals so much more fun, and it’s so nice to flip through them and see actual photos based on whatever entries I was writing at the time. For journaling enthusiasts and those who value high-quality, vibrant prints, it’s an excellent choice (in my opinion!). However, the price and environmental considerations might give some pause. I’d rate it a solid 8.5/10 overall.

If you’re exploring other options, check out alternatives like the HP Sprocket or Canon Ivy, which might offer similar features at a lower cost or with a more eco-friendly approach. But if you want something that’ll make your journaling pop, the Polaroid Hi-Print is a strong contender!

What are your thoughts? Have you tried the Polaroid Hi-Print or other portable printers? Let me know your faves—and let’s keep those journaling pages looking fabulous!

Polaroid Hi-Print Review: Is This Portable Printer Worth It?