10 Best Small Color Printer 2026 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 Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a compact all-in-one color printer designed for those who want a reliable printer with low running costs. It offers very high print quality with a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 DPI, ensuring sharp and vibrant prints. The print speed is moderate, producing about 10 black-and-white pages per minute and 5 color pages per minute, which is reasonable for home or small office use but might feel slow for heavy printing tasks. Connectivity options include USB and Wi-Fi, allowing easy wireless printing from smartphones and computers, plus it supports AirPrint for Apple devices.

Paper handling is straightforward with a single tray that holds up to 100 sheets and supports various paper sizes, but it does not offer automatic double-sided printing, so manual flipping is needed for duplex printing. A major advantage is its cartridge-free EcoTank system, which uses refillable ink bottles, making ink replacement cost-effective and reducing waste compared to traditional cartridges. This is ideal for users who print regularly and want to save on ink expenses. The printer also includes scanning and copying functions with decent scan resolution.

Its design is compact and relatively lightweight at 8.8 pounds, fitting well in limited spaces without clutter. However, it lacks advanced features like automatic duplexing and a second paper tray, which might limit versatility for some users. This model suits anyone seeking a budget-friendly, quality color printer with low ink costs and wireless convenience, especially if their printing volume is moderate and they do not require fast or double-sided printing.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact all-in-one color inkjet printer designed to fit well in small home or office spaces. It offers decent print quality with high resolutions (up to 6000 x 1200 dpi on Windows), making text and images sharp and clear for everyday documents and photos. Printing speed is fairly quick for its class, with up to 17 pages per minute in black and 9.5 ppm in color, which should suit typical home or small office use without long waits. It supports automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, which helps save paper and is a nice plus for frequent users.

Connectivity is flexible with USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, including mobile and cloud printing options, so you can print directly from your smartphone or tablet easily. The printer also works with Alexa, allowing voice commands for ink management and reordering, adding convenience. Paper handling is practical with a 150-sheet adjustable tray and a 20-page automatic document feeder, reducing the need for constant refills and enabling quick copying or scanning of multipage documents. The 1.8-inch color display is small but straightforward to navigate.

One potential downside is the ink cost and yield, which is typical for inkjets and should be considered if you print frequently or in large volumes. Also, while the printer is compact, it weighs around 16 pounds, so it’s portable but not ultra-light. This printer is a solid choice for users who want an affordable, space-saving color printer with good speed, solid print quality, and modern connectivity features suitable for home or small office environments.