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.

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is a lightweight and truly portable printer, making it a great choice if you need printing on the go. Its compact size fits easily into bags, which is a big plus for anyone frequently traveling or moving between locations. It prints sharp black text and vibrant color photos using a 5-color hybrid ink system, which means your prints will generally look detailed and colorful, including borderless options up to 8.5 x 11 inches. The print speed is moderate — about 9 pages per minute for black-and-white and 5.5 pages per minute in color — so it’s suitable for light to medium tasks but not heavy office use. Connectivity is very user-friendly with wireless options like the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and even wireless direct mode, so you can print without needing a router, which adds flexibility.

This portable thermal printer is well-suited for anyone needing light, on-the-go printing — like business travelers, mobile workers, or students. It’s very compact and lightweight (just 1.5 lbs), making it easy to carry in a backpack or briefcase. The printer uses thermal technology, so it doesn’t require ink or toner, which reduces running costs and eliminates ink smudges or clogs. It prints in monochrome at a decent quality of 300 DPI, which is sharp enough for documents, receipts, contracts, or boarding passes, but it doesn’t support color printing.