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 Envy 6155e is a versatile all-in-one inkjet printer designed primarily for home users who want quality color prints, scanning, and copying in a compact package. It delivers sharp print quality up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white, making it suitable for documents and vibrant photos. Print speeds are moderate, with up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 7 ppm in color—enough for daily home tasks but not ideal for heavy printing. Its wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi ensures reliable and easy mobile or computer printing, complemented by a user-friendly 2.4-inch color touchscreen and HP’s smartphone app, which makes operation straightforward. Paper handling includes a 100-sheet input tray and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, supporting double-sided printing, which adds convenience and saves paper.

The printer uses HP ink cartridges with color and black inks; an included 3-month Instant Ink trial helps reduce the hassle of running out of ink. At about 11 pounds and compact dimensions, it fits well on a desk without taking much space. Some points to consider are that this printer requires genuine HP cartridges, which may be more expensive, and the print speed is not very fast if you need large volume printing. Also, while it offers borderless photo printing, it’s mainly geared towards casual photo printing rather than professional photo quality.

This model’s sustainability focus, with recycled materials and forest-friendly programs, is a nice bonus for eco-conscious users. In summary, the HP Envy 6155e represents a solid choice for home users needing a reliable, easy-to-use, and compact printer that handles everyday documents and occasional photo prints well, though it is less suited for high-volume or professional photo printing.