(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (406 ratings).
Wirecutter's top pick: a good-looking, three-setting camera that makes larger square prints with a classic creamy look. Square film costs more per shot than Mini, it runs on harder-to-find CR2 batteries, and Amazon owners report more blurry or badly exposed shots than with the Mini cameras.
Film cost: Instax Square film: about $1 to $1.20 a print (Wirecutter); about $1.10 for color and $1.60 for black-and-white (PCMag); from $0.99 (TechRadar). Every shot is printed.
Top complaints
- Pricier film and CR2 batteries
Square prints cost about $1 to $1.20 each, more than Mini (Wirecutter). PCMag puts color at about $1.10 a frame. Wirecutter and PCMag both note the CR2 batteries are harder to find and cost more than AAs.
- Blurry, badly exposed or black pictures
Amazon's review summary says many owners report blurry, over- or underexposed, or black pictures, and some say it doesn't work at all.
- Auto flash, tiny viewfinder, few features
Wirecutter says the automatic flash often turned selfie backgrounds black and the viewfinder is very small. PCMag notes it lacks multiple- and long-exposure options and a tripod socket.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
What owners love
- Effortless to use
Wirecutter says it has just three settings (on, off and close-up) and is easy to hand to a kid. PCMag praises the easy one-button operation.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Classic, creamy square prints
Wirecutter calls the prints creamy and filmlike with rich, saturated color, though not perfectly sharp. TechRadar says they deliver the desaturated vintage look you'd expect.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), TechRadar - Handsome, solid build
Wirecutter says it feels solid enough to survive the occasional drop. PCMag praises the attractive design and soft leatherette wrap.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review
- You want the cheapest film per shot (Mini is cheaper)
- You don't want to hunt for CR2 batteries
- You want creative modes like double exposure
- Square, Polaroid-style prints on Instax film
- A stylish party camera anyone can use
- Selfies with a front mirror
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-06-25). Its flaws are the automatic flash, a very small viewfinder, CR2 batteries and only one color (black).
- TechRadar: Listed as the best retro square camera under 'also consider': pricey, but a fantastic party camera almost anyone can use.
- PCMag: Nearly identical inside to the cheaper SQ1, which remains PCMag's pick for square prints, so you pay a premium for the looks.