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10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,261
Print Quality (DPI)
Ink or Toner Type
Size and Portability

Most important from
12807 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is excellent, producing sharp text and vivid, smudge-free photos that are easy to modify for different paper types.
Ink or Toner Type
The ink tank system is a game-changer, providing long-lasting ink that significantly reduces the need for frequent replacements and cuts down on plastic waste.
Size and Portability
Its compact and lightweight design saves desk space and makes it easy to move, a significant upgrade from bulkier models.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,261
Print Quality (DPI)
Ink or Toner Type
Size and Portability

Most important from
12807 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is excellent, producing sharp text and vivid, smudge-free photos that are easy to modify for different paper types.
Ink or Toner Type
The ink tank system is a game-changer, providing long-lasting ink that significantly reduces the need for frequent replacements and cuts down on plastic waste.
Size and Portability
Its compact and lightweight design saves desk space and makes it easy to move, a significant upgrade from bulkier models.
#2

HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, 6 month Instant Ink trial included

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
10349 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
The print quality is very good with sharp text and true colors.
Print Speed (PPM)
The printer's fast printing speed is impressive, making it efficient for quick jobs.
Connectivity Options
Setup is simple and the printer connects easily to both phone and laptop.
Paper Handling
The closed paper tray design is appreciated for keeping paper clean and dust-free.
Ink or Toner Type
Instant Ink subscription can be a better deal than buying generic ink, though committing to it feels a bit restrictive.
Size and Portability
The printer is large and heavy, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Additional Features
The HP Smart app is easy to use and offers a nice set of functions.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a strong contender for anyone seeking a compact printer suitable for small businesses or home offices. One of its key advantages is the high-quality color printing, with a resolution that ensures professional-looking documents. It boasts fast print speeds of up to 18 pages per minute for black and 10 pages per minute for color, making it efficient for those who need quick results.

Connectivity options are versatile, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi and support for mobile printing through the HP Smart App. This allows users to print, scan, and copy from their smartphones easily, catering to those who appreciate remote access to their printer. The automatic document feeder and two-sided printing also enhance its functionality, streamlining tasks like scanning multi-page documents.

Another noteworthy strength is the six months of Instant Ink included, which can save users money on ink replenishments. The subscription model offers convenience by delivering ink when needed, although it does come with a monthly fee after the initial period. Additionally, the printer has security features like basic encryption and password protection, ensuring sensitive documents remain safe. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The printer's weight of 18 pounds may be a bit cumbersome for those looking for ultra-portability. Moreover, it only works with Original HP cartridges, which can limit options and increase costs if you prefer third-party alternatives. The reliance on internet connectivity and HP accounts for some advanced features might also be a hassle for users who prefer straightforward devices.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e is an excellent choice for those needing a reliable, versatile, and efficient printer, especially in a busy office setting. Just be mindful of the ink subscription plan and the need for original cartridges, which may not suit everyone's preferences.

Rating
9.6
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
10349 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
The print quality is very good with sharp text and true colors.
Print Speed (PPM)
The printer's fast printing speed is impressive, making it efficient for quick jobs.
Connectivity Options
Setup is simple and the printer connects easily to both phone and laptop.
Paper Handling
The closed paper tray design is appreciated for keeping paper clean and dust-free.
Ink or Toner Type
Instant Ink subscription can be a better deal than buying generic ink, though committing to it feels a bit restrictive.
Size and Portability
The printer is large and heavy, which might be inconvenient for some users.
Additional Features
The HP Smart app is easy to use and offers a nice set of functions.
#3

Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1419 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Printing delivers sharp, clear text with smooth paper handling, suitable for regular document needs.
Print Speed (PPM)
Print speed and quality meet expectations for a compact monochrome laser printer in a home or small office setting.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and quick, with wireless communication working smoothly right out of the box.

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that fits well in home offices or small teams needing reliable black-and-white printing. It delivers sharp text quality with a 1200 x 1200 DPI resolution, making documents crisp and easy to read. Printing is fast, up to 36 pages per minute, which is impressive for this size and helps save time on bulk jobs. Connectivity options are strong with built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, allowing printing from various devices including smartphones via the Brother Mobile Connect app, adding useful flexibility for remote or mobile printing.

The 250-sheet paper tray is generous for a compact machine and supports envelopes and specialty papers through a manual feed slot, which is handy if you occasionally need to print different formats. The automatic duplex (double-sided) printing feature helps reduce paper use and adds convenience. It uses monochrome laser toner cartridges, which generally last longer and cost less over time compared to ink, making it economical for frequent printing.

While it focuses solely on black-and-white printing with no color options, making it unsuitable for users needing color documents or photos, the printer is moderately sized and weighs about 15.6 pounds—compact but not ultra-light or very portable for frequent moving. It only supports print functions without scanning or copying, so it’s best suited for users who already have other devices for those tasks. This Brother printer is a strong choice if you want a fast, efficient, wireless monochrome printer with solid paper handling and convenient duplex printing, especially in small office or home settings, but less ideal if you require color printing, multifunction capabilities, or ultra-portability.

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (DPI)
Print Speed (PPM)
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1419 reviews

Print Quality (DPI)
Printing delivers sharp, clear text with smooth paper handling, suitable for regular document needs.
Print Speed (PPM)
Print speed and quality meet expectations for a compact monochrome laser printer in a home or small office setting.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and quick, with wireless communication working smoothly right out of the box.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Printers

When choosing a compact printer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how the printer's features align with them. Compact printers are designed to save space while still providing essential printing functions. They are ideal for small offices, home use, or for those who need a portable printing solution. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they impact the printer's performance and suitability for your needs.
Print Quality (DPI)Print quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI). This spec indicates how detailed and sharp the printed output will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general document printing, a DPI of 300-600 is usually sufficient. If you need to print high-quality photos or detailed graphics, look for a printer with a DPI of 1200 or higher. Consider what you will be printing most often to determine the right DPI for you.
Print Speed (PPM)Print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly the printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. For occasional home use, a speed of 5-10 PPM may be adequate. For more frequent or office use, look for a printer with a speed of 15-20 PPM or higher. Assess your typical printing volume to choose the right print speed.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. USB connections are reliable for direct connections to a single computer. Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is convenient for home or office use. Bluetooth is useful for printing from mobile devices. Consider how you plan to connect to the printer and choose one with the appropriate connectivity options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper the printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of the paper tray. Compact printers typically handle standard letter and legal sizes, but some can also print on envelopes, labels, and photo paper. The paper tray capacity affects how often you need to refill it. For occasional use, a smaller tray (50-100 sheets) may be sufficient. For more frequent use, look for a larger capacity (150 sheets or more). Think about the types of documents you will print and how often you want to refill the tray.
Ink or Toner TypeCompact printers can use either inkjet or laser technology. Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are generally better for high-quality color prints and photos. Laser printers use toner and are typically faster and more cost-effective for high-volume black-and-white printing. Consider whether you need color printing and the volume of printing you expect to do. Choose an inkjet printer for high-quality color prints or a laser printer for efficient black-and-white document printing.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of a compact printer are crucial if you have limited space or need to move the printer frequently. Compact printers are designed to be smaller and lighter than standard printers. Check the dimensions and weight to ensure it fits your space and is easy to transport if needed. If you need a printer for travel or to move between locations, look for one that is particularly lightweight and has a compact design.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of your compact printer. These may include scanning and copying capabilities, duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper), and mobile printing support (such as AirPrint or Google Cloud Print). Consider which additional features are important for your needs. For example, if you need to scan documents, a printer with an integrated scanner will be useful. If you want to save paper, look for a model with duplex printing.

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