10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

The HP DeskJet 2827e is a compact, all-in-one inkjet printer designed primarily for home use, handling basic printing, scanning, and copying tasks. It offers decent print quality with up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for black-and-white and 4800 x 1200 dpi for color prints on select photo papers, which is good for everyday documents and occasional color projects. The print speed is modest, at 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and 5.5 ppm for color, suitable if you don’t need large volumes quickly but might feel slow for heavier tasks. Connectivity is strong for this size, with wireless Wi-Fi, USB, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and direct wireless printing, making it convenient to print from smartphones, laptops, or tablets.

It includes a 60-sheet input tray, which is enough for light to moderate use but will require frequent refills in busier settings. The printer uses dye-based ink cartridges, which deliver good color vibrancy but may run out faster compared to toner-based printers, plus it only supports genuine HP cartridges, which could add to ongoing costs. Its compact design and lightweight (around 7.6 pounds) make it easy to place anywhere in the home, and it features an easy-to-use LED control panel. Additional perks include three months of free instant ink subscription and sustainability credentials like recycled plastic parts and energy certifications.

A limitation to consider is that duplex printing is only manual, meaning you have to flip pages yourself to print on both sides, and the print speed and paper capacity limit its use mostly to casual or home office users rather than heavy workloads. This makes the HP DeskJet 2827e a reliable, user-friendly compact printer ideal for home users who want simple wireless printing and decent image quality without needing fast or high-volume output.

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.

The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One Portable Printer is a versatile and compact printer ideal for users who need a reliable, portable printing solution. With a maximum print speed of 20 pages per minute (ppm) for black-and-white and 19 ppm for color, it delivers decent performance for its size. The print quality, driven by HP's inkjet technology, ensures crisp and vibrant prints suitable for both documents and photos. Connectivity options are robust, featuring both wired and wireless capabilities, including Bluetooth Smart technology and Wi-Fi Direct, making it easy to print from various devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The inclusion of the HP ePrint app further enhances mobile printing convenience.

One of its standout features is its portability; weighing only 6.51 pounds and with a compact design, it is easy to carry in a car or backpack. The built-in long-lasting battery can be quickly charged within 90 minutes, adding to its convenience for on-the-go use. Additional features like the 2.65-inch color touchscreen, a 10-page automatic document feeder, and support for a range of paper sizes (from envelopes to photo paper) add to its functionality. However, it lacks duplex (double-sided) printing, which could be a drawback for users needing this feature frequently.

Additionally, while it supports a variety of media sizes, the output sheet capacity of 50 sheets may be limiting for high-volume print jobs. The HP OfficeJet 250 uses HP 62 ink cartridges, including high-yield options, but replacing these cartridges can be costly over time. This printer is an excellent choice for professionals or students who need a compact, portable printer with strong mobile connectivity and decent print performance, though it may not be ideal for high-volume or duplex printing needs.