There’s something magical about instant cameras that smartphones just can’t replicate. You capture a moment, print it out, and either gift it or hoard it in a shoebox. Sure, the image quality won't rival your iPhone, but that's part of the charm - imperfection is the whole vibe. We tested models from popular brands and found a few that stand out, from classic purists to app-connected hybrids.

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo is our top pick for most people. It’s a bit pricey at $234 (though often on sale for $212.80), but it delivers great-looking images and offers serious creative control. If your wallet is feeling less adventurous, the Instax Mini 13 ($93.95) takes solid photos with fewer frills. For retro enthusiasts, the Polaroid Flip ($219.99) nails the vintage aesthetic - but beware, the film will cost you. Meanwhile, Kodak’s Mini Retro 3 might be a smarter buy for budget-conscious shooters, thanks to its cheaper prints.

The Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid camera that borrows its dashing good looks from Fujifilm’s premium X100 line (which costs hundreds more). Its vintage dials and buttons are so stylish they turned heads while I strolled through Los Angeles. The price tag might make you wince, but the flexibility could save you from wasting prints - and your money. You get lens options and effects (retro filters, monochrome, etc.), a 3-inch LCD screen that doubles as a viewfinder, and the ability to preview and select images before printing. You can even trigger shots remotely via the app. Internal storage tops out at 45 images, which is a bit stingy, but you can print from your phone. Plus, it charges via USB-C - a modern touch the Mini 13 lacks.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Instax Mini 13 is your friend. It’s easy to use (twist the lens to power on/off), and it outperforms other budget cameras we tested. It’s an upgrade over the Mini 12, adding a self-timer with 2- and 10-second options. The Mini 41 looks sleeker but skips the self-timer and costs about $23 more. The Mini 13 produces more true-to-life colors than non-Fujifilm rivals, and its physical viewfinder shows remaining shots - useful since each print costs about $1. Low light is a struggle, and the flash is overpowering (you can’t turn it off, and it overexposed several shots). No Bluetooth or creative modes here, so you’re stuck with what you see.

Kodak’s Mini Shot 3 Retro is another budget-friendly alternative, despite its higher upfront cost ($159.99 retail, but often discounted). The film is much cheaper - around $20 for 60 prints - making it a better long-term deal for beginners. It has an LCD screen for previewing, Bluetooth printing from your phone, and a companion app with frames, stickers, filters, and even a beauty mode. The downside: photos can lack sharpness, sometimes have a pink tint, and prints feel flimsier.

For retro fans, the Polaroid Flip is the dream. Its design and flip-up lid evoke vintage classics like the Polaroid 600, and it prints iconic white-framed photos that look authentically Polaroid. It improves on the older Polaroid Now Plus with sharper images (thanks to sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system) and a powerful flash. The Scene Analysis feature warns you about exposure and distance issues, though it’s not always accurate. But the film is pricey ($18.99 for eight sheets), it’s the heaviest camera here, and prints take 15 minutes to develop in the dark. Low-light shots can look dreamy but may not be your thing. If the Flip is too much, the Polaroid Go Gen 3 ($89.99) is a smaller, cheaper alternative with simple point-and-shoot operation, a self-timer, and a selfie mirror - just don’t expect Bluetooth or advanced modes.

Update, August 6: We added the Instax Mini 13 and Polaroid Go Gen 3, made the Instax Mini Evo our top pick, and designated the Kodak Mini Retro and Instax Mini 13 as budget picks.