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 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.

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.