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10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

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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

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.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
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

Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer

The Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Portable Printer is a compact and portable option ideal for those who need to print on the go, such as business travelers or home office users with limited space. Weighing just 4.5 pounds and with dimensions of 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches, it is highly portable and easy to carry. Despite its small size, it offers impressive print quality with a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI, producing sharp text and vibrant images for documents up to 8.5 x 14 inches, including borderless prints.

The print speed is relatively slow, with 9 pages per minute (PPM) for monochrome and 5.5 PPM for color prints, which might not be suitable for high-volume printing needs. The printer provides versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB, allowing for seamless printing from smartphones, PCs, and laptops. The 1.44-inch OLED display makes it easy to check ink levels and customize settings, while the anti-theft lock enhances security.

The printer uses inkjet technology with individual ink tanks, which can be more cost-effective and produce higher-quality prints than toner. It accommodates various paper sizes and types, but the 50-sheet input capacity and lack of duplex (double-sided) printing may limit its functionality for more extensive printing tasks. Additionally, it supports app and voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The Canon PIXMA TR150 is a solid choice for those prioritizing portability and print quality with basic connectivity needs, although it may not be the best option for users requiring fast print speeds or extensive paper handling capabilities.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality (DPI)
The print quality is very good in both black and color, and the compact size is perfect for a small, cluttered home office.
Print Speed (PPM)
The print speed is amazing, much faster than expected, especially when compared to older models.
Connectivity Options
The ability to print wirelessly without being plugged in is a standout feature, though the battery is sold separately and needs to be charged before use.
Size and Portability
For those with limited space, like full-time RVers, the printer's compact size and good print quality make it an excellent choice.
#3

Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – Easy, Everyday Home Printing, Black

The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a compact, cartridge-free printer that offers substantial savings on ink and reduces waste. Its high-capacity ink tanks can print up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, making it very economical for frequent use. The print quality is impressive, with a resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi, delivering sharp text and vivid color graphics. However, the print speed is relatively slow, with 10 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5 ppm for color prints, which might be a consideration if you need to print large volumes quickly.

The ET-2400 also includes a built-in scanner and copier, adding to its versatility for home or small office use. Connectivity options are modern, featuring Wi-Fi and USB, and it supports hands-free, voice-activated printing and mobile printing via the Epson Smart Panel app. The printer's size and weight (8.6 pounds) make it portable and suitable for small spaces. However, it lacks automatic duplex printing, which means you'll need to manually turn pages to print on both sides.

It's also worth noting that using non-genuine Epson ink can void the warranty and potentially damage the printer. The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is an excellent choice for those looking for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly printing solution, particularly if high print volume and portability are priorities, but may not be ideal for those needing fast print speeds or automatic duplex printing.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Print Quality (DPI)
Print quality is very nice, with sharp text and vivid colors.
Print Speed (PPM)
Prints documents quickly and with great quality, defying the typical trade-off between speed and quality in inkjet printers.
Connectivity Options
Relatively easy to install, with wireless connectivity for both computer and cell phone.
Ink or Toner Type
Ink tanks are easy to fill and monitor, providing substantial savings on ink.
Size and Portability
This printer is compact and fits nicely in small spaces.
Additional Features
It's a great value for its price, offering many features found in more expensive models.

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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