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 Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is an all-in-one compact printer that's well-suited for home offices. It excels with high-capacity, cartridge-free ink tanks which drastically reduce the cost and frequency of ink replacements, potentially saving up to 90% on ink costs. The initial ink set can last up to 2 years, minimizing interruptions and reducing waste from used cartridges. This model also delivers impressive print quality thanks to its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, making it suitable for both text documents and color photos.

However, its print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white prints and 5 ppm for color. This might not be ideal for users who need to print large volumes quickly. Additionally, the printer's size and weight make it quite portable for an all-in-one model, but it's still larger compared to single-function compact printers. Connectivity is robust with options for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and hands-free voice-activated printing.

It also supports printing from smart devices via the Epson Smart Panel App and has a unique feature to print directly from emails. This printer includes a high-resolution flatbed scanner and copier, making it versatile for various office tasks. With a limited 2-year warranty and a reliable build, it's a dependable option for small to moderate printing needs in a home office setup. The main drawbacks are its slower print speeds and potentially higher upfront cost compared to traditional inkjet printers.