10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

The HP DeskJet 2827e is a compact, all-in-one inkjet printer designed primarily for home use, handling basic printing, scanning, and copying tasks. It offers decent print quality with up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for black-and-white and 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints on select photo papers, which is good for everyday documents and occasional color projects. The print speed is modest, at 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5.5 ppm for color, suitable if you don’t need large volumes quickly but might feel slow for heavier tasks. Connectivity is strong for this size, with wireless Wi-Fi, USB, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and direct wireless printing, making it convenient to print from smartphones, laptops, or tablets.

It includes a 60-sheet input tray, which is enough for light to moderate use but will require frequent refills in busier settings. The printer uses dye-based ink cartridges, which deliver good color vibrancy but may run out faster compared to toner-based printers, plus it only supports genuine HP cartridges, which could add to ongoing costs. Its compact design and lightweight (around 7.6 pounds) make it easy to place anywhere in the home, and it features an easy-to-use LED control panel. Additional perks include three months of free instant ink subscription and sustainability credentials like recycled plastic parts and energy certifications.

A limitation to consider is that duplex printing is only manual, meaning you have to flip pages yourself to print on both sides, and the print speed and paper capacity limit its use mostly to casual or home office users rather than heavy workloads. This makes the HP DeskJet 2827e a reliable, user-friendly compact printer ideal for home users who want simple wireless printing and decent image quality without needing fast or high-volume output.

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 Canon PIXMA TR160 is a lightweight and truly portable printer, making it a great choice if you need printing on the go. Its compact size fits easily into bags, which is a big plus for anyone frequently traveling or moving between locations. It prints sharp black text and vibrant color photos using a 5-color hybrid ink system, which means your prints will generally look detailed and colorful, including borderless options up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The print speed is moderate — about 9 pages per minute for black-and-white and 5.5 pages per minute in color — so it’s suitable for light to medium tasks but not heavy office use. Connectivity is very user-friendly with wireless options like the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and even wireless direct mode, so you can print without needing a router, which adds flexibility.

The 50-sheet paper tray supports various common paper sizes, including photo and legal size, enough for casual use but may require frequent refills for bulk printing. The printer uses ink cartridges, typical for portable printers, which are good for quality but might mean ink replacement costs add up over time. A small 1.44” OLED display helps you keep track of ink levels and printer status easily. While it’s not the fastest or highest capacity printer, its blend of portability, print quality, and ease of wireless use makes the PIXMA TR160 a solid pick for students, travelers, or home users who want a reliable compact printer without extra bulk.