Compact printers have improved dramatically in the last few years. Today you can get reliable wireless printing, acceptable photo quality, or fast laser output from a unit that fits under a monitor or inside a cabinet. The five picks below represent the most consistently well-reviewed compact printers available in 2026, covering the main categories: budget inkjet, laser, photo, all-in-one, and portable.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 4155e | Budget all-in-one | 4.4/5 |
| Brother HL-L2395DW | Laser with scanner | 4.6/5 |
| Canon PIXMA iP8720 | Photo printing | 4.5/5 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-3850 | High-volume color | 4.7/5 |
| Canon PIXMA TR150 | Portable printing | 4.5/5 |
HP DeskJet 4155e - Best Budget Compact All-in-One
The HP DeskJet 4155e offers print, scan, copy, and wireless connectivity in a body measuring 17.3 x 11.7 x 5.8 inches. The HP Smart app supports iOS, Android, and desktop setup. AirPrint and Wi-Fi Direct are both available. The scanner lid is flatbed with no document feeder, adequate for single pages and school documents. Print speed is 8.5 pages per minute for black. The HP+ program (requiring an HP account) unlocks an extended warranty and Instant Ink compatibility. Standard cartridges are HP 67 series. For a household printing under 100 pages a month, this covers the basics at a price that does not require much deliberation.
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Brother HL-L2395DW - Best Compact Laser with Scanner
The Brother HL-L2395DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one with a 15-page per minute print speed and an automatic document feeder that holds 35 sheets. The body measures 16.1 x 15.8 x 9.3 inches, larger than the HP above but still desk-friendly. Duplex printing is automatic. The scanner supports USB, Wi-Fi, and can scan directly to a computer, USB drive, or email. Brother’s toner cartridges use a drum-and-cartridge system: the drum lasts around 12,000 pages, the toner cartridge around 3,000. Long-term running costs are low. For a small business or busy home office that needs speed and document handling without color, this is a dependable option.
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Canon PIXMA iP8720 - Best Compact Photo Printer
The Canon PIXMA iP8720 uses a six-ink system (including photo black, gray, and cyan) to produce gallery-quality prints up to 13 x 19 inches. The body is wider than typical home inkjets at 23.4 inches to accommodate the large format, but depth is only 12.8 inches. Wireless printing via AirPrint and the Canon PRINT app is standard. For standard 4 x 6 inch prints, output quality matches dedicated photo labs. The printer is document-capable too, though its real strength is photos. Ink cartridges are individual per color so you only replace the color that runs out. No scanner or copier function. If photo printing is the primary use case, this Canon is the compact standout.
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Epson EcoTank ET-3850 - Best Compact High-Volume Color
The Epson EcoTank ET-3850 is the all-in-one version of the tank-based inkjet lineup, adding a 30-sheet automatic document feeder and a flatbed scanner to the refillable tank system. The body measures 14.8 x 13.7 x 8.5 inches. The included ink covers up to 14,000 black pages and 11,200 color pages. Print speed is 15.5 pages per minute for black. Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa and Google Assistant) enables hands-free printing commands. For any household or small office that prints frequently in both black and color, the EcoTank format removes the frustration of cartridge replacements and reduces long-term costs significantly compared to standard inkjets.
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Canon PIXMA TR150 - Best Compact Portable Printer
The Canon PIXMA TR150 weighs 2.1 pounds and measures 12.8 x 7.2 x 2.3 inches, making it small enough for a laptop bag. An optional battery accessory enables printing without a power outlet. Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and the Canon PRINT app cover wireless connections. Print speed is 9 pages per minute for black. Output quality is solid for a portable device, suitable for contracts, invoices, and correspondence. The paper tray holds 50 sheets. For freelancers, sales professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable printer on the road, the TR150 is the most capable compact portable option currently available without moving to specialty label printers.
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How to Choose a Compact Printer
Identify your primary use case before comparing specs. Photo printing requires an inkjet with multiple ink channels. Fast text printing is better served by a laser. If you scan frequently, prioritize a model with an automatic document feeder over a flatbed-only scanner. Check dimensions against your available desk space before purchasing. Budget buyers should note that a low purchase price sometimes means high ink costs per page; calculate cost-per-page based on the printer’s listed page yield divided by cartridge price. Wireless setup quality varies: read recent user reviews for setup complaints before committing.
For more home office essentials, see our guide to best compact desks and best wireless keyboards. For how we evaluate products, visit our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a compact inkjet and a compact laser printer?+
Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto paper and excel at color and photo printing. Laser printers use toner powder fused by heat and are faster, more consistent for text, and lower cost per page for monochrome jobs. Inkjets can clog if left idle for weeks. Lasers never clog but cost more upfront. For mixed use, an inkjet is versatile. For text-heavy printing, laser saves money over time.
Can a compact printer handle cardstock or labels?+
Most compact printers support paper up to 90 lb (cardstock weight) through the manual feed slot if one is present. Check the spec sheet for media weight range before buying. Very few compact home printers support thick cardstock through the automatic tray. For label sheets, nearly all inkjets and lasers handle standard Avery-style sheets without issues. Photo paper works on inkjets only.