A compact laser printer delivers sharp text output and a low per-page running cost without requiring the desk space of a full-size office printer. The five picks below are selected for their footprint, wireless reliability, print speed, and toner availability, covering print-only models for users who do not need scan or copy functions in a single device.
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet M110we | ~$130 | Smallest footprint mono | 4.5/5 |
| Brother HL-L2350DW | ~$120 | Fast budget mono | 4.6/5 |
| Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw | ~$150 | Reliable mono with duplex | 4.6/5 |
| Brother HL-L3220CW | ~$200 | Entry color laser | 4.5/5 |
| HP LaserJet Pro M255dw | ~$280 | Faster color mono | 4.7/5 |
HP LaserJet M110we - Best Smallest Footprint Monochrome
The HP LaserJet M110we has a footprint of roughly 13.8 by 8.9 inches, making it the most physically compact option in this category from a major brand. Print speed is 21 pages per minute. Paper capacity is 150 sheets, which is modest but sufficient for home use. USB-C and wireless connections are standard; HP’s Smart app handles mobile printing without installing desktop drivers on most systems. The M110we is part of HP’s “e” lineup, which ties toner ordering to the HP+ subscription service, something worth reading the terms on before purchase. For users who genuinely need the smallest possible printer for a crowded desk, this is the current benchmark.
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Brother HL-L2350DW - Best Fast Budget Monochrome
The Brother HL-L2350DW prints at 32 pages per minute, which is fast for a printer in the sub-$130 range. Automatic duplex printing is standard. The 250-sheet tray reduces refill frequency for moderate-volume users. Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connections are all included. Toner cartridges come in standard (1,200-page) and high-yield (3,000-page) versions, and Brother’s cartridges are widely stocked at office supply stores and online. The footprint is about 14 by 14 inches. No touchscreen panel, just a small LED status display and physical buttons, which makes operation straightforward. For straightforward home or home office document printing with a reliable supply chain for consumables, this is a consistently top-rated option.
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Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw - Best Reliable Mono with Duplex
The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw balances a compact 14 by 12 inch footprint with automatic duplex printing and a quiet operation mode that reduces noise during sensitive times. Print speed is 30 pages per minute. Wireless and USB connections are standard, and AirPrint plus Mopria support covers mobile printing without additional apps. The drum and toner cartridge are a combined unit, which simplifies replacement at the cost of a slightly higher per-replacement cost compared to separate drum and toner systems. A 250-sheet input tray handles standard home volumes. Canon’s reputation for consistent print quality at 600 dpi makes this a reliable long-term choice for users who print documents regularly.
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Brother HL-L3220CW - Best Entry Color Laser
The Brother HL-L3220CW is the most affordable color laser printer in this roundup at around $200. Color print speed is 19 pages per minute. Individual color toner cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) are each replaced separately, reducing ongoing costs. Wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connections are included; there is no Ethernet port, so wired network printing is not available on this model. Paper capacity is 250 sheets. The footprint is about 16 by 16 inches. For households or very small offices that need occasional color output for presentations, flyers, or charts, this model offers color laser quality at a lower entry price than most alternatives. Monochrome output is sharp and competitive with dedicated mono-only models.
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HP LaserJet Pro M255dw - Best Faster Color Output
The HP LaserJet Pro M255dw prints color at 22 pages per minute and includes a 2.7-inch color touchscreen for direct printer-side control of settings and job management. The 250-sheet tray is standard. Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, and USB connections are all included, which the HL-L3220CW above lacks. Automatic duplex printing saves paper on double-sided documents. HP toner cartridges come in standard and high-yield options with yields up to 2,100 pages for the black cartridge. The footprint is roughly 16 by 16 inches. This is the stronger pick for home office users who print color documents at moderate volume and want Ethernet for a shared office network without paying for a full multifunction device.
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How to Choose a Compact Laser Printer
Decide whether you need monochrome only or color. Color lasers cost more upfront and per page, but the per-page cost is still lower than most inkjet color printing. Check the paper tray capacity against your typical print volume: a 150-sheet tray means more frequent refills than a 250-sheet tray. Verify connectivity matches your setup: Wi-Fi Direct is important for tablet and phone printing, Ethernet is important for shared network printing. Look at the total cost of ownership including toner: high-yield cartridges lower the cost per page significantly. Finally, confirm driver support for your operating system before purchasing, especially for older or less common operating systems.
For more on home office printing, see our guide to best compact laser printer all-in-ones and best compact desks. For how we evaluate products, visit our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest compact laser printer available in 2026?+
The HP LaserJet M110we is among the smallest monochrome laser printers currently available, with a footprint under 14 by 9 inches and a height under 8 inches. It is designed specifically for desks with minimal surface area and handles standard home printing volumes without requiring a dedicated printer stand.
How often do I need to replace toner in a compact laser printer?+
Toner yield depends on the cartridge and your print volume. Standard cartridges typically yield 700 to 1,500 pages. High-yield cartridges for the same printers often yield 2,500 to 3,000 pages. At 100 pages per month, a high-yield cartridge can last over two years. Laser toner does not dry out during periods of infrequent use, which is a significant advantage over inkjet ink.