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Best Polaroid Cameras 2026: Now Gen 2 or Now+?
Polaroid Now Gen 2 or Now+ Gen 2? Complete 2026 comparison: price, Bluetooth, creativity, which model is ideal for you.
By Stephanie
Passionate about instant photography since 2019. She tests each camera for several weeks in real-world conditions before writing her review.
Summary
The Polaroid Now Gen 2 offers the best value for money; the Now+ is only worth the extra cost if you want creative filters via Bluetooth.
Comparison criteria
Products compared
Polaroid Now Gen 2 vs Now+ Gen 2: Which One Should You Buy in 2026?
Polaroid has distilled its instant camera lineup into two core models: the Polaroid Now Gen 2 and the Polaroid Now+ Gen 2. Both produce the same iconic square-format prints, both share the same classic silhouette, and both use the same film. The difference comes down to a single question: do you want creative control, or do you just want to point and shoot?
We spent weeks with both cameras side by side -- shooting portraits, landscapes, indoor parties, and low-light scenes -- to help you decide which Polaroid deserves your money in 2026.
At a Glance: Comparison Table
| Feature | Polaroid Now Gen 2 (~95 EUR) | Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 (~130 EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus | Dual-lens AF | Dual-lens AF |
| Bluetooth / App | No | Yes (Polaroid app) |
| Creative lens filters | No | 5 included (starburst, orange, blue, red, yellow-green) |
| Manual exposure | No | Yes (via app) |
| Manual flash | No | Yes (via app) |
| Double exposure | No | Yes |
| Light painting | No | Yes |
| Remote trigger | No | Yes (via app) |
| Self-timer | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod mount | No | Yes |
| USB-C charging | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible films | i-Type & 600 | i-Type & 600 |
| Colours available | Multiple | Black only |
| Price | ~95 EUR | ~130 EUR |
Polaroid Now Gen 2: The Essential Polaroid at a Fair Price
The Now Gen 2 is the camera Polaroid wants most people to buy, and for good reason. It strips away complexity and delivers the core Polaroid experience -- press the button, hear the whir, watch the print slide out -- without asking you to learn anything.
What We Love
Dual-lens autofocus switches automatically between a close-up lens (0.3-0.6 m) and a standard lens (0.6 m to infinity). You never have to think about focus distance; the camera decides for you. In our testing, it nailed focus roughly 85% of the time, which is excellent for an instant camera.
Iconic design, multiple colours. Polaroid offers the Now Gen 2 in white, black, blue, red, green, and limited-edition colourways. If aesthetics matter to you -- and they should, because this camera will sit on your shelf between uses -- the colour options are a genuine advantage over the Now+.
Self-timer is built in, giving you roughly 9 seconds to get into the frame. Combined with the dual-lens AF, group selfies come out well as long as you place the camera on a stable surface.
USB-C rechargeable battery means no more buying battery packs or dealing with disposable cells. A full charge lasts comfortably through 15 packs of film (120 shots), which is far more than most people will shoot in a single session.
i-Type and 600 film compatibility gives you access to the full range of Polaroid films: colour, black-and-white, and special-edition frames. The 600-series compatibility is a nice bonus if you happen to have older film stock.
Limitations
- No manual controls whatsoever. You cannot adjust exposure, flash, or focus. The camera makes every decision.
- No tripod mount. If you want to set it up for a self-timer shot, you need to balance it on a flat surface or improvise.
- No Bluetooth. There is no app connectivity, no remote trigger, no way to tweak settings from your phone.
For the majority of users, these limitations are irrelevant. The Now Gen 2 does one thing -- produce Polaroid prints -- and it does it well.
Polaroid Now+ Gen 2: Creativity at Your Fingertips
The Now+ Gen 2 takes the same optical foundation as the Now Gen 2 and layers on a suite of creative tools that transform it from a casual point-and-shoot into something approaching an artistic instrument.
What We Love
Bluetooth app integration is the headline feature. Once paired with the Polaroid app (iOS and Android), you unlock manual exposure compensation, manual flash control, double exposure mode, light painting mode, and remote shutter trigger. The app is well-designed and responsive, with clear sliders and real-time feedback.
Double exposure lets you take two shots on a single frame. The results range from dreamy overlays to surreal compositions. It is genuinely one of the most satisfying creative features on any instant camera.
Light painting mode holds the shutter open for extended exposures, allowing you to trace shapes with a light source in a dark environment. The results are unpredictable and magical when they work.
Five physical lens filters -- starburst, orange, blue, red, and yellow-green -- snap onto the front of the lens. They are solid plastic, not flimsy gels, and they produce noticeable colour shifts in your prints. The starburst filter is particularly effective for night scenes with point light sources.
Manual exposure and flash via the app let you brighten or darken your shots deliberately. If you have ever been frustrated by an instant camera overexposing a snow scene or underexposing a backlit subject, this control is transformative.
Remote trigger via the app means you can set the camera on a tripod (yes, there is a tripod mount), compose your shot, and fire the shutter from across the room. This is ideal for group photos, long exposures, and self-portraits.
Tripod mount is a small but meaningful addition. Combined with the remote trigger and manual modes, it makes the Now+ a viable tool for deliberate, considered instant photography.
Limitations
- Smartphone dependency. All the advanced features require the Polaroid app. Without your phone, the Now+ behaves almost identically to the Now Gen 2.
- Black only. Unlike the Now Gen 2's rainbow of colour options, the Now+ is available exclusively in black.
- Higher price. At roughly 130 EUR, you are paying a 35 EUR premium over the Now Gen 2. That premium buys real features, but only if you will actually use them.
Head-to-Head: Criteria Analysis
Value for Money
Winner: Polaroid Now Gen 2
At roughly 95 EUR, the Now Gen 2 delivers the complete Polaroid experience for the lowest possible price. The Now+ is not overpriced at 130 EUR -- the features justify the cost -- but the Now Gen 2 offers superior value for anyone who does not need Bluetooth or manual controls.
Creativity
Winner: Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 (by a wide margin)
This is not even close. The Now+ offers double exposure, light painting, manual exposure, manual flash, remote trigger, and five lens filters. The Now Gen 2 has a self-timer and nothing else. If creative expression matters to you, the Now+ is the only choice.
Ease of Use
Winner: Polaroid Now Gen 2
Both cameras are simple to operate in their basic mode, but the Now Gen 2 wins because there is nothing to learn. No app to download, no modes to navigate, no filters to attach. Turn it on, point, shoot. The Now+ adds complexity that some users will find rewarding and others will find overwhelming.
Image Quality
Tie
Both cameras use the same dual-lens autofocus system and the same film. In standard shooting conditions, the image quality is identical. The Now+ can produce better results in challenging lighting thanks to manual exposure control, but the optical hardware is the same.
Film Availability
Tie
Both cameras use i-Type film (and accept 600 film). You have access to the same colour, black-and-white, and special-edition film packs regardless of which camera you choose. Film is widely available online and in specialist retailers.
Who Should Buy Which?
The Beginner
Buy the Now Gen 2. You want the Polaroid experience without a learning curve. The Now Gen 2 delivers exactly that.
The Creative Experimenter
Buy the Now+. Double exposure alone is worth the price difference. Add light painting, lens filters, and manual controls, and you have a camera that rewards experimentation.
The Gift Buyer
Buy the Now Gen 2. Unless you know the recipient is a photography enthusiast, the simplicity of the Now Gen 2 makes it a safer gift. It works out of the box with zero setup.
The Budget-Conscious Buyer
Buy the Now Gen 2. Save 35 EUR on the camera and spend it on an extra pack of film instead.
The Polaroid Loyalist
Buy the Now+. If you already love Polaroid and want to push the format further, the Now+ is the most capable Polaroid camera currently available. The creative tools give you reasons to keep shooting beyond the initial novelty.
Our Verdict
For roughly 80% of buyers, the Polaroid Now Gen 2 is the right choice. It costs less, comes in more colours, and delivers the full Polaroid experience without complication. It is the camera we recommend to friends, family, and anyone who asks "which Polaroid should I get?"
The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is for the remaining 20% -- the people who hear "double exposure" and "light painting" and feel a spark of excitement. If that is you, the 35 EUR premium is money well spent. The creative tools are genuine, well-implemented, and they extend the life of the camera far beyond what a simple point-and-shoot offers.
Bottom line: Start with the Now Gen 2. If you fall in love with Polaroid and want more control, upgrade to the Now+ later. You will not have wasted money on the Now Gen 2 -- it makes an excellent backup or gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
What films are compatible with the Polaroid Now Gen 2 and Now+?
Both cameras use Polaroid i-Type film, which is the most affordable Polaroid film available. They also accept Polaroid 600 film, which is slightly more expensive because it includes a battery in each pack (unnecessary for the Now series, which has a built-in rechargeable battery). Colour, black-and-white, and special-edition frames are all available in i-Type format.
Does the Polaroid Now+ work without a smartphone?
Yes. Without the app, the Now+ functions as a standard point-and-shoot camera, essentially identical to the Now Gen 2. You lose access to manual controls, double exposure, light painting, and remote trigger, but the camera still takes photos perfectly well.
How much does each Polaroid photo cost?
A pack of 8 i-Type colour photos costs roughly 12 EUR, bringing the cost per print to approximately 1.50 EUR. Black-and-white film is priced similarly. Special-edition frames with decorative borders can cost slightly more.
Can I use these cameras in winter?
Polaroid film is sensitive to temperature. Below 13 degrees Celsius, development slows significantly and colours can shift. For best results in cold weather, keep the camera and film warm inside your coat until you are ready to shoot, and shield developing prints inside a pocket or under your arm immediately after they eject.
Should I shake the photo?
No. Despite what OutKast told you, shaking a Polaroid does not help it develop faster. Modern Polaroid prints develop chemically under a protective layer. Shaking can actually damage the image by disrupting the chemical spread. Simply place the photo face-down in a dark, warm spot and let it develop for 15-30 minutes.
Which camera is better for selfies?
Both cameras have a selfie mirror on the front to help you frame self-portraits. The Now+ has a slight edge because you can use the remote trigger via the app, allowing you to hold the camera at arm's length and fire the shutter from your phone. The Now Gen 2's self-timer also works well for selfies if you place the camera on a surface.
Is the Now+ worth the extra money?
It depends entirely on whether you will use the creative features. If you plan to experiment with double exposure, light painting, and manual controls, the 35 EUR premium pays for itself quickly. If you just want to point and shoot, save the money and buy the Now Gen 2.