10 Best Compact Multifunction Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a compact multifunction printer designed for home users who want an efficient and cost-effective printing solution. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-capacity ink tanks that can save users up to 90% on replacement costs compared to traditional ink cartridges. This can be especially beneficial for families or individuals who print frequently, as it provides enough ink to print thousands of pages before needing a refill.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 delivers sharp text and vibrant color images thanks to its Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. This means you can expect impressive results for both documents and photos, making it suitable for a variety of printing tasks. Additionally, the inclusion of a built-in scanner and copier adds to its versatility, allowing users to handle documents without needing a separate machine.

Despite these strengths, the ET-2800 does have some drawbacks. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color. This may not meet the needs of users who require fast printing, particularly in a busy home office environment. Also, it lacks features like automatic duplex printing, meaning users must manually flip pages for double-sided printing. The printer’s design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces, but the manual duplexing could be a hassle for those who print a lot on both sides of the paper. Connectivity options are solid, with both wired and wireless capabilities, but advanced users might miss additional features like NFC or Bluetooth.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a suitable choice for cost-conscious home users seeking a reliable, all-in-one printer with good print quality. However, individuals who prioritize speed or automatic features may want to consider exploring other models.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw stands out as a robust option for small office environments, offering a combination of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. One of its major strengths is the impressive print speed, delivering up to 35 pages per minute for color documents, which can significantly enhance productivity. The print quality is also commendable, with a maximum resolution of 607 x 600 dots per inch, ensuring that documents have sharp details and vibrant colors.

This model excels in connectivity with intelligent Wi-Fi that searches for the best connection, alongside options for USB and Ethernet. The ability to print wirelessly from mobile devices adds ease and convenience, making it user-friendly for small teams. Additionally, it features automatic duplex printing and a 300-sheet input capacity, which is beneficial for handling larger print jobs without frequent reloading.

The printer does have some drawbacks. Its weight of 45 pounds makes it less portable compared to other compact models, which could be a consideration if space is limited. The power consumption of 585 watts is relatively high, potentially leading to increased energy costs. While HP's security features, such as HP Wolf Pro Security, provide peace of mind for data protection, the printer's cost and the ongoing expense of toner cartridges may be higher than some users anticipate. The scanner resolution and capabilities, while adequate for most purposes, may not satisfy those looking for higher resolution scans for detailed documents or images.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact multifunction monochrome laser printer designed for small businesses. It combines printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into a single device. Its standout features include high print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, which makes it ideal for busy environments that require quick document production.

The printer also boasts efficient scanning with speeds up to 23.6/7.9 images per minute for black/color documents and includes a 50-page automatic document feeder to streamline multi-page tasks. Its maximum print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dots per inch ensures sharp and professional-looking prints, suitable for business documents and reports. Connectivity options are robust, with built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB interfaces, allowing flexible and secure connections to various devices. The Brother Mobile Connect app further enhances usability by enabling printing and scanning directly from mobile devices.

This printer supports automatic duplex printing, which saves time and reduces paper usage. Its compact design, measuring 15.7 x 16.1 x 12.5 inches and weighing 25 pounds, fits well in small office spaces. On the downside, the Brother DCP-L2640DW only prints in black and white, which may be a limitation for those needing color prints. Additionally, while the printer includes a good range of features, the scanner resolution of 300 x 300 dpi might not be sufficient for all professional scanning needs. The printer also requires Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner cartridges, which may add to the operating cost. However, the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service can help manage toner supplies and costs effectively.

In summary, the Brother DCP-L2640DW suits small businesses looking for a reliable, fast, and feature-rich monochrome printer with scanning and copying functions, provided that color printing is not a critical requirement.