10 Best Small Color Printer 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a versatile small color printer, ideal for basic home use. One of its most significant strengths is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This not only saves up to 90% on replacement ink costs but also reduces cartridge waste, making it an eco-friendly option. With the capability to print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color, the printer promises long intervals between refills, reducing frequent maintenance hassles.

The print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology, which ensures sharp text and vibrant color graphics on various paper types. Additionally, it includes a built-in scanner and copier, and a color display for straightforward navigation. The printer's connectivity options are robust, supporting both wired and wireless connections, and mobile printing capabilities add further convenience.

However, the print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color, which might not suffice for users with high-volume printing needs. The lack of automatic duplex printing means manual intervention is necessary for double-sided prints, which could be inconvenient. Designed with a compact footprint, it fits comfortably in small spaces but has a limited paper handling capacity of 100 sheets, which might require frequent reloading during heavy usage. While the initial cost may be higher compared to traditional cartridge printers, the long-term savings on ink and the environmental benefits make it a worthwhile investment for eco-conscious users seeking reliable, everyday printing.

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e All-in-One Printer is designed for small to medium businesses needing professional-quality color prints. It offers a solid print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi for color and 1200 x 1200 dpi for black and white, ensuring crisp and detailed documents. With print speeds of up to 18 ppm for color and 22 ppm for black and white, it handles typical office tasks efficiently. The printer supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, giving multiple options for easy setup and use across various devices, including smartphones and PCs.

It comes with a 250-sheet input tray and automatic duplex printing, which saves time and paper, a handy feature for business environments. The cost and yield of the Instant Ink subscription service could be economical for users who print frequently, but it requires ongoing fees and works only with official HP cartridges. At 20.5 pounds and compact dimensions, it's relatively easy to fit into a small office space. The user-friendly 2.7-inch touchscreen interface simplifies navigation, while the sustainable design features over 40% recycled plastic.

However, the requirement to use only HP chips for cartridges might be restrictive for some users. The printer is also well-protected with HP Wolf Pro Security, adding a layer of cybersecurity. While the printer has a lot of strengths for business use, the ongoing ink subscription cost and the exclusive cartridge compatibility might be considerations for potential buyers.