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 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.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a versatile compact-multifunction printer designed for home offices. It stands out for its innovative cartridge-free printing, thanks to high-capacity ink tanks, which significantly reduce the cost and hassle associated with traditional ink cartridges. The replacement ink bottles can yield up to 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, offering up to 90% savings on ink costs. Additionally, the EcoTank system helps reduce cartridge waste, making it an eco-friendly choice. Its print quality is commendable, with sharp text and vibrant color prints supported by Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology.

The built-in scanner and copier add to its multifunctionality, with a decent resolution for everyday document handling. Connectivity options are robust, featuring Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and support for voice-activated printing, making it easy to print from various devices using the Epson Smart Panel App. However, its print speeds are quite modest at 10 ppm for black and 5 ppm for color, which might be slow for users with high-volume printing needs. The design is compact and suitable for small desks, but the 100-sheet paper capacity might require frequent refilling for heavy users.

The inclusion of features like automatic duplex printing and hands-free voice control are added conveniences. While the initial cost might be higher compared to traditional printers, the long-term savings on ink make it a cost-effective option. The printer also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, which provides extra peace of mind. It is particularly well-suited for users looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, and feature-rich printer for regular home office use. The setup may be slightly challenging for non-tech-savvy users, but the user experience is generally positive.