10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone needing a compact printer for home use, especially for those who frequently print documents and photos. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system that utilizes high-capacity ink tanks instead of traditional cartridges. This means you can save a significant amount on replacement ink—up to 90%—and the included ink can last for up to 2 years, making it a real money-saver for families or individuals who print regularly.

Print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology, which delivers sharp text and vibrant color prints on various paper types. Additionally, the built-in scanner and copier enhance its functionality, making it versatile for everyday tasks like scanning receipts or copying documents.

In terms of connectivity, the ET-2800 offers both wired and wireless options, allowing you to print from your smartphone, tablet, or computer with ease. Its compact design (weighing just 8.8 pounds) adds to its appeal, as it won’t take up too much space in your home office or study.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The print speed could be a concern for those who need faster output, as it only reaches up to 10 pages per minute for monochrome prints and 5 pages per minute for color. This may not be ideal for busy environments where quick printing is necessary. Also, while the zero cartridge waste is environmentally friendly, the initial investment for an EcoTank printer can be higher compared to traditional printers, even though it pays off in the long run.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly well-suited for home users looking for an economical, reliable, and multifunctional compact printer. It balances high print quality and cost savings with some limitations in print speed, making it a practical option for everyday printing needs.

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a solid choice for home offices and small teams needing a reliable, compact monochrome laser printer. Its print quality is quite good with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, ensuring clear and crisp documents. The print speed is impressive at up to 36 pages per minute, which is great for handling high-volume tasks efficiently. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect to various devices. The mobile printing feature through the Brother Mobile Connect App is a handy addition, allowing you to print directly from smartphones and tablets.

The 250-sheet paper tray capacity is quite generous for a compact printer, reducing the frequency of paper refills. It also supports duplex printing, which saves paper and adds convenience. However, the HL-L2460DW is monochrome only, so it won't suit those needing color printing. Its size and weight, while compact for a laser printer, may still be a bit bulky for very tight spaces or for those needing a truly portable option. The initial print time of 8.5 seconds is decent but not the fastest out there.

The toner replacement can be managed efficiently with Brother's subscription service, but it does tie you to their branded supplies. On the downside, this model only prints and lacks scanning or copying functions, which might limit its versatility for some users. In summary, if you need a dependable, fast, and efficient monochrome printer for a small office or home use, the Brother HL-L2460DW is a strong contender, provided you do not require color printing or multifunction capabilities.

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.