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 HP Envy 6155e is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed primarily for home users who want quality color prints, scanning, and copying in a compact package. It delivers sharp print quality up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white, making it suitable for documents and vibrant photos. Print speeds are moderate, with up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 7 ppm in color—enough for daily home tasks but not ideal for heavy printing. Its wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi ensures reliable and easy mobile or computer printing, complemented by a user-friendly 2.4-inch color touchscreen and HP’s smartphone app, which makes operation straightforward. Paper handling includes a 100-sheet input tray and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, supporting double-sided printing, which adds convenience and saves paper.

The printer uses HP ink cartridges with color and black inks; an included 3-month Instant Ink trial helps reduce the hassle of running out of ink. At about 11 pounds and compact dimensions, it fits well on a desk without taking much space. Some points to consider are that this printer requires genuine HP cartridges, which may be more expensive, and the print speed is not very fast if you need large volume printing. Also, while it offers borderless photo printing, it’s mainly geared towards casual photo printing rather than professional photo quality.

This model’s sustainability focus, with recycled materials and forest-friendly programs, is a nice bonus for eco-conscious users. In summary, the HP Envy 6155e represents a solid choice for home users needing a reliable, easy-to-use, and compact printer that handles everyday documents and occasional photo prints well, though it is less suited for high-volume or professional photo printing.

This portable thermal printer is well-suited for anyone needing light, on-the-go printing — like business travelers, mobile workers, or students. It’s very compact and lightweight (just 1.5 lbs), making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase. The printer uses thermal technology, so it doesn’t require ink or toner, which reduces running costs and eliminates ink smudges or clogs. It prints in monochrome at a decent quality of 300 DPI, which is sharp enough for documents, receipts, contracts, or boarding passes, but it doesn’t support color printing.

The print speed is modest at about 7 pages per minute, so it is best for small jobs rather than large volume printing. Connectivity is flexible with Bluetooth for phones and tablets, plus USB-C for laptops, though laptops need a driver installed first. Paper handling is versatile, supporting multiple thermal paper sizes including standard US Letter and A4, which is a nice feature for various printing needs. However, it only prints on special thermal paper, not regular sheets, which might limit usage scenarios.

It lacks advanced features like duplex printing or scanning, and it only prints in black and white. This printer is a smart choice if you prioritize portability, easy wireless printing, and low maintenance without ink, but it is not intended to replace a full office printer for high-speed or color tasks.