PICK
Kodak Step Printer Review
An honest look at the Kodak Step Printer: a pocket-sized photo printer that delivers vibrant 2x3 inch prints with zero ink. We break down who it's for, who should skip it, and how it stacks up against rivals.
ProductPickly is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The Kodak Step Printer is a fun, portable photo printer that excels at producing vivid, wallet-sized prints from your phone. It's incredibly easy to use, with a compact design that slips into a pocket. The print quality is excellent for its class, thanks to ZINK technology that requires no ink cartridges. However, it's limited to 2x3 inch prints, so it's not for those needing larger photos. If you love instant physical memories and prioritize convenience over size, this is a top pick.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- No ink cartridges needed, uses ZINK paper
- Compact and lightweight, fits in a pocket
- Bluetooth connectivity with a user-friendly app
- Vibrant, smudge-proof prints with a peel-and-stick backing
- Fast printing, about 50 seconds per photo
- Limited to 2x3 inch prints, no larger sizes
- Battery life is moderate, around 20 prints per charge
- App can be finicky with older phones
- Requires Kodak ZINK paper, which can be pricey over time
The Kodak Step Printer is a pocket-sized photo printer that has become a favorite for instant photo lovers. It uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, meaning no cartridges to replace, just special paper that develops the image as it prints. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We'll cover who it's for, how it performs, and how it stacks up against rivals like the HP Sprocket and Canon Ivy.
Design and Build: Compact and Durable
The Kodak Step Printer is designed for portability. It measures just 3.0 x 4.7 x 0.9 inches and weighs about half a pound, making it easy to slip into a purse, backpack, or even a large pocket. The build feels solid, with a matte plastic finish that resists fingerprints. The top has a simple button to eject paper, and the side houses a micro-USB charging port and a small LED indicator.
One standout design feature is the peel-and-stick backing on each print. This makes it perfect for scrapbooking, decorating your laptop, or sticking photos in a journal. The paper feeds from a small slot, and the printer pulls it through automatically. There's no paper tray to fumble with, just a simple insertion slot.
Performance: Print Quality and Speed
Print quality is impressive for a pocket printer. The resolution is 314 x 400 dpi, which might sound low, but for a 2x3 inch print, it produces sharp details and vibrant colors. ZINK paper has a glossy finish that makes colors pop. In our analysis of user reviews, most people are delighted with the saturation and clarity, though some note a slight warm tint. The app includes editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance, so you can fine-tune each print.
Speed is reasonable: each print takes about 50 seconds from start to finish. That's on par with competitors. The printer can hold up to 10 sheets of paper at a time, so you can queue multiple prints. The battery lasts for about 20 prints on a full charge, which is typical for this category. Charging time is around 90 minutes.
Ease of Use: Simple Setup and App
Setting up the Kodak Step Printer is straightforward. You download the Kodak Step Prints app (available for iOS and Android), pair the printer via Bluetooth, and you're ready. The app is intuitive, allowing you to choose photos from your gallery, add filters, frames, and text, and then print. It also supports multiple prints per sheet, which is handy for creating sticker sheets.
The printer itself has minimal controls: a power button and an eject button. The app handles everything else. Some users have reported connectivity issues with older Android phones, but firmware updates have resolved most of these. Overall, it's a user-friendly experience that even tech novices can master.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the benefits of ZINK technology is that there is no ink to clean or maintain. The printer's internal components stay clean because no liquid ink is used. The only maintenance is keeping the paper slot free of dust and ensuring the paper is stored properly to avoid moisture damage. If you notice streaks, it's usually due to dusty rollers, which you can gently clean with a dry cotton swab. But in general, this printer is low-maintenance.
Common Buyer Complaints
While the Kodak Step Printer has a high satisfaction rate, there are some recurring complaints. The most common is battery life: 20 prints per charge may not be enough for a full event. Some users wish it had a larger battery. Another complaint is the ongoing cost of ZINK paper, which can add up if you print frequently. Also, the app's editing features are limited compared to full photo editors, but they're sufficient for quick edits. Finally, a few users have experienced paper jams, usually caused by inserting paper incorrectly. Following the instructions carefully minimizes this.
Comparing to Alternatives: HP Sprocket and Canon Ivy
The Kodak Step Printer faces stiff competition from the HP Sprocket and Canon Ivy. All three use ZINK paper and print 2x3 inch photos. The HP Sprocket has a similar design but offers a more playful aesthetic with customizable skins. The Canon Ivy is also similar but has a slightly different app interface. In terms of print quality, the Kodak Step often edges out the Sprocket in color accuracy, while the Ivy is known for slightly better detail. Battery life is comparable across all three. The Kodak Step's main advantage is its robust build and the peel-and-stick backing, which the others also have. Ultimately, the choice comes down to brand preference and app usability.
Value for Money
At its price point, the Kodak Step Printer offers good value for casual users who want instant prints. The lack of ink cartridges is a long-term cost saver, but you'll need to buy ZINK paper packs regularly. Each pack of 20 sheets costs around $10, so per print is about 50 cents. Compare that to instant film cameras, which cost about $1 per shot. For those who print occasionally, the cost is manageable. For heavy users, it might be worth considering a larger printer, but for on-the-go fun, this is a solid investment.
Final Verdict
The Kodak Step Printer is a delightful gadget for anyone who loves tangible memories. It's portable, easy to use, and produces high-quality prints that are perfect for sharing. While it has limitations like small print size and moderate battery life, these are expected in this category. If you're looking for a fun way to print photos from your phone, the Kodak Step Printer is a top choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kodak Step Printer require ink?
No, it uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. The color crystals are embedded in the paper itself, so you only need to buy ZINK paper packs. This eliminates the hassle of replacing cartridges.
How long does the battery last?
On a full charge, you can expect around 20 prints. That's typical for pocket printers. Charging takes about 90 minutes via the included micro-USB cable.
Can I print from any phone?
The Kodak Step Printer works with both iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. The free Kodak Step Prints app is required. It's compatible with most modern smartphones, but older models might experience connection issues.
What is the print quality like?
Prints are vibrant and sharp for their size, with good color saturation. They are smudge-proof and water-resistant. Some users note slight color shifts (a bit warm), but the app offers editing tools to adjust.
How does it compare to the HP Sprocket?
Both use ZINK paper and print 2x3 inch photos. The Kodak Step tends to have better color accuracy and a more durable build, while the HP Sprocket has a more playful design and a slightly larger community. Battery life is similar. The Kodak app offers more editing features.
Specs that matter
| Print Technology | ZINK Zero Ink |
| Print Resolution | 314 x 400 dpi |
| Print Size | 2 x 3 inches (with peel-and-stick backing) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | Rechargeable, up to 20 prints per charge |
| Dimensions | 3.0 x 4.7 x 0.9 inches |
| Weight | 0.55 lbs |
You love capturing memories on the go and want instant, shareable prints. It's perfect for parties, travel, scrapbooking, or giving friends a physical keepsake. If you value portability and zero-ink convenience, this is for you.
You need larger prints for framing or professional use. The 2x3 inch size is too small for wall art. Also, if you print frequently, the ongoing cost of ZINK paper might be a concern.
Questions before you buy
Does the Kodak Step Printer require ink?
No, it uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology. The color crystals are embedded in the paper itself, so you only need to buy ZINK paper packs. This eliminates the hassle of replacing cartridges.
How long does the battery last?
On a full charge, you can expect around 20 prints. That's typical for pocket printers. Charging takes about 90 minutes via the included micro-USB cable.
Can I print from any phone?
The Kodak Step Printer works with both iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth. The free Kodak Step Prints app is required. It's compatible with most modern smartphones, but older models might experience connection issues.
What is the print quality like?
Prints are vibrant and sharp for their size, with good color saturation. They are smudge-proof and water-resistant. Some users note slight color shifts (a bit warm), but the app offers editing tools to adjust.
How does it compare to the HP Sprocket?
Both use ZINK paper and print 2x3 inch photos. The Kodak Step tends to have better color accuracy and a more durable build, while the HP Sprocket has a more playful design and a slightly larger community. Battery life is similar. The Kodak app offers more editing features.
