10 Best Portable Printers 2025 in the United States

This portable printer is designed with travel and on-the-go use in mind. It’s lightweight (just 1.5 pounds) and compact, making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase. It uses thermal printing technology, so it doesn’t require ink or toner, which saves you from buying cartridges and dealing with clogs. The printer supports various paper sizes up to standard letter (8.5" x 11") and A4, which is great for printing documents, contracts, invoices, or boarding passes wherever you are.

Its print quality is decent at 300 DPI, producing clear black-and-white prints, but it doesn’t print in color. The print speed is moderate, at about 7 pages per minute, which suits basic document needs but may feel slow if you need to print large volumes quickly. Connectivity is flexible with Bluetooth for mobile devices and USB-C for laptops or desktops, though connecting to computers requires installing drivers first. The built-in 2600mAh battery can print approximately 160 pages per charge, offering good battery life for travel or fieldwork.

One limitation is that it only prints on special thermal paper, not regular paper, so you’ll need to keep thermal rolls handy. This printer is ideal for business travelers, mobile professionals, or anyone needing quick black-and-white prints away from a traditional office setup, but it’s less suitable if you require color prints or high-volume, fast printing.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is an appealing choice for anyone seeking a basic home printer that combines functionality and cost-effectiveness. One of its standout features is the cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges, leading to significant savings on replacement ink – up to 90% compared to regular cartridges. This means you can print a massive number of pages (up to 4,500 in black and 7,500 in color) before needing a refill, which is perfect for families or small home offices that print regularly.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 excels with its Micro Piezo technology, producing sharp text and vibrant color photos across various paper types. Additionally, it functions as an all-in-one device with scanning and copying capabilities, making it versatile for everyday tasks.

There are some drawbacks to consider. While the print speed is decent, it’s not the fastest in its class, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and 5 for color. For users who need high-volume printing quickly, this might be a limitation. Furthermore, the manual duplex printing means you will need to flip the paper manually for double-sided prints, which can be less convenient. Size-wise, the ET-2800 is relatively compact for a multi-function printer, weighing in at 8.8 pounds, making it manageable for home use. Its connectivity options are good, with both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing for mobile printing from various devices. The two-year warranty also adds a layer of reliability, reassuring users of its durability.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is well-suited for home environments, especially for those who prioritize cost-effective printing without compromising on quality. It may not be the best fit for heavy-duty users needing faster prints or high-volume duplexing, but it certainly meets the needs of casual users looking for an all-in-one solution.

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is a lightweight and truly portable printer that fits easily into a bag, making it a great choice for those who need printing on the go. It delivers good print quality with its 5-Color Hybrid Ink System, enabling sharp black text and vibrant color photos up to letter size (8.5” x 11”). While its print speed is modest—up to 9 pages per minute for black-and-white and 5.5 ppm for color—it’s typical for portable inkjet printers and suitable for occasional document or photo printing.

Connectivity is a strong point here, offering wireless printing through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and a Wireless Direct Mode that lets you print without a router, which is handy when traveling. The 50-sheet paper tray is decent for a portable device, supporting various paper sizes including borderless photo prints and standard letter or legal documents. The 1.44” OLED display makes it easy to check ink levels and settings without complicated menus.

Weighing just over 7 pounds and measuring about 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches, it’s compact but not ultra-light, so it’s best for users prioritizing print quality and connectivity over extreme portability. Ink availability should be reliable given Canon’s widespread support, but replacement cartridges might add to ongoing costs. This printer is well suited for users seeking flexible, quality printing while traveling or working in different locations, without needing super-fast output or battery-powered freedom.