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 Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact and versatile printer that fits well in small spaces, making it ideal for home offices or small businesses. Weighing only 16.4 pounds, it offers a range of features without taking up too much room. Its print quality is quite good, with a maximum color resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi for Windows users. Print speeds are decent, with up to 17 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 9.5 ppm for color prints.

This printer supports various connectivity options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect to multiple devices such as smartphones, PCs, and laptops. The Brother Mobile Connect App simplifies operations like printing, copying, and scanning directly from your mobile device. It also boasts duplex printing capabilities, which can save paper by printing on both sides, and an automatic document feeder that can hold up to 20 pages for quick scanning or copying. The printer has a 150-sheet adjustable paper tray, which means fewer refills.

However, the initial page print time of 6.9 seconds might feel slow for some users. It uses inkjet technology, which is generally suitable for high-quality color prints but can be more expensive over time compared to laser printers due to the cost of ink cartridges. The ink replenishment options like Amazon Dash Replenishment can help manage these costs. Additional features include network-ready capabilities and borderless printing, which are great for creative projects. While not the fastest or cheapest in terms of long-term ink costs, the Brother MFC-J1010DW offers a good balance of features and compact size, making it a solid choice for those needing a reliable all-in-one printer for small spaces.

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.