10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact printer for home use, especially for those who frequently print documents and photos. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system that utilizes high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This means you can save a significant amount on replacement ink—up to 90%—and the included ink can last for up to 2 years, making it a real money-saver for families or individuals who print regularly.

Print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, which delivers sharp text and vibrant color prints on various paper types. Additionally, the built-in scanner and copier enhance its functionality, making it versatile for everyday tasks like scanning receipts or copying documents.

In terms of connectivity, the ET-2800 offers both wired and wireless options, allowing you to print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer with ease. Its compact design (weighing just 8.8 pounds) adds to its appeal, as it won’t take up too much space in your home office or study.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed could be a concern for those who need faster output, as it only reaches up to 10 pages per minute for monochrome prints and 5 pages per minute for color. This may not be ideal for busy environments where quick printing is necessary. Also, while the zero cartridge waste is environmentally friendly, the initial investment for an EcoTank printer can be higher compared to traditional printers, even though it pays off in the long run.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly well-suited for home users looking for an economical, reliable, and multifunctional compact printer. It balances high print quality and cost savings with some limitations in print speed, making it a practical option for everyday printing needs.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact and versatile printer that fits well in small spaces, making it ideal for home offices or small businesses. Weighing only 16.4 pounds, it offers a range of features without taking up too much room. Its print quality is quite good, with a maximum color resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi for Windows users. Print speeds are decent, with up to 17 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 9.5 ppm for color prints.

This printer supports various connectivity options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect to multiple devices such as smartphones, PCs, and laptops. The Brother Mobile Connect App simplifies operations like printing, copying, and scanning directly from your mobile device. It also boasts duplex printing capabilities, which can save paper by printing on both sides, and an automatic document feeder that can hold up to 20 pages for quick scanning or copying. The printer has a 150-sheet adjustable paper tray, which means fewer refills.

However, the initial page print time of 6.9 seconds might feel slow for some users. It uses inkjet technology, which is generally suitable for high-quality color prints but can be more expensive over time compared to laser printers due to the cost of ink cartridges. The ink replenishment options like Amazon Dash Replenishment can help manage these costs. Additional features include network-ready capabilities and borderless printing, which are great for creative projects. While not the fastest or cheapest in terms of long-term ink costs, the Brother MFC-J1010DW offers a good balance of features and compact size, making it a solid choice for those needing a reliable all-in-one printer for small spaces.

The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer is a versatile and compact printer ideal for users who need a reliable, portable printing solution. With a maximum print speed of 20 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white and 19 ppm for color, it delivers decent performance for its size. The print quality, driven by HP's inkjet technology, ensures crisp and vibrant prints suitable for both documents and photos. Connectivity options are robust, featuring both wired and wireless capabilities, including Bluetooth Smart technology and Wi-Fi Direct, making it easy to print from various devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The inclusion of the HP ePrint app further enhances mobile printing convenience.

One of its standout features is its portability; weighing only 6.51 pounds and with a compact design, it is easy to carry in a car or backpack. The built-in long-lasting battery can be quickly charged within 90 minutes, adding to its convenience for on-the-go use. Additional features like the 2.65-inch color touchscreen, a 10-page automatic document feeder, and support for a range of paper sizes (from envelopes to photo paper) add to its functionality. However, it lacks duplex (double-sided) printing, which could be a drawback for users needing this feature frequently.

Additionally, while it supports a variety of media sizes, the output sheet capacity of 50 sheets may be limiting for high-volume print jobs. The HP OfficeJet 250 uses HP 62 ink cartridges, including high-yield options, but replacing these cartridges can be costly over time. This printer is an excellent choice for professionals or students who need a compact, portable printer with strong mobile connectivity and decent print performance, though it may not be ideal for high-volume or duplex printing needs.