5 Compact Multifunction Printers Worth

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching compact office equipment for TheTestedHub, focusing on how real-world owner feedback aligns with manufacturer claims. For this guide, I analyzed dozens of user reviews from major retailers, studied official spec sheets, and compared the feature sets of every compact multifunction printer currently available. My goal was to identify which models genuinely balance a small footprint with reliable print, scan, and copy performance without making you compromise on speed or cost.

I do not accept free products or sponsorships from printer manufacturers. Every recommendation here is based on my independent assessment of what matters most to someone buying a compact multifunction printer in 2026: physical size, print quality, ongoing ink or toner costs, connectivity options, and ease of setup. I prioritize printers that have a strong track record of owner satisfaction and avoid models that generate frequent service calls or complaints about clogged print heads or connectivity drops.

How we researched

To evaluate these compact multifunction printers, I established a set of criteria that reflect the real needs of home and home office users. The most important factor was physical footprint: a printer under 15 inches wide that can sit on a desk or shelf without dominating the space. I also weighed print speed for black-and-white documents, the presence of an automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs, and whether duplex printing is automatic or manual. Connectivity was another key factor, looking for reliable wireless support, AirPrint compatibility, and a companion app that actually works without frustration.

For each product, I read through hundreds of owner reviews to identify common praise and recurring complaints. I cross-referenced the manufacturer’s stated features with what buyers actually experienced after months of use. I also considered the long-term cost of ownership, factoring in page yields for ink or toner cartridges versus refillable tank systems. If a printer had a known weak point, such as slow photo print speeds or a finicky paper tray, I made sure to note it. The final picks represent the best balance of size, capability, and value in their respective categories.

Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best Budget Home Printer

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the most affordable fully capable multifunction printer on this list, and it earns its spot by packing print, scan, copy, and fax functions into a chassis that is under 14 inches wide. That makes it one of the most genuinely compact options available for anyone who needs a basic all-in-one but has limited desk space. Wireless connectivity is standard, and the printer supports Apple AirPrint and the Canon Print app, so you can send jobs from a smartphone or tablet without plugging in a cable.

Print speeds reach 8.8 pages per minute for black-and-white documents, which is modest compared to faster office models but perfectly adequate for light home use. The scanner is a flatbed design, so there is no automatic document feeder; you will need to manually place each page for multi-page copying or scanning. That is a real limitation if you regularly handle stacks of documents, but for occasional use it is a fair trade-off for the low price and small size.

One honest limitation worth noting is that the ink cartridges are small and can run out quickly if you print frequently, which drives up the per-page cost over time. This printer is best suited for someone who prints a few pages per week, not for high-volume document work. The build quality feels lightweight, but that is expected at this price point. If you need a no-frills machine that covers the basics without taking up much space, the TR4720 gets the job done.

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e – Best for Home Office Productivity

The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is designed for home office users who print regularly and want faster speeds and smarter features than a basic consumer inkjet. Print speeds reach 22 pages per minute for black documents, which is a significant step up from budget models, and automatic two-sided printing (duplex) is standard. The 35-sheet automatic document feeder makes multi-page scanning and copying practical without manually feeding each page, which saves time during busy workdays.

Wireless connectivity is robust, with support for Wi-Fi Direct, Apple AirPrint, and the HP Smart app for mobile printing and scanning. The printer also includes HP+ subscription features, though you should be aware that HP+ requires an internet connection and a subscription to unlock some advanced functions. The print quality for both text and color graphics is very good for an inkjet, making it suitable for client-facing documents and presentations.

A real limitation is that the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e can be picky about paper types and occasionally jams with thicker media. Additionally, the HP+ subscription model may feel restrictive if you prefer to buy ink on your own schedule. The printer itself is not the smallest on this list, but it is still compact enough for a desk. For anyone who needs speed, duplexing, and an ADF in a single device, this is a strong choice.

Brother MFC-L2750DW – Best Laser Multifunction Printer

For offices focused on black-and-white document printing at high volume, the Brother MFC-L2750DW is the most practical compact laser multifunction printer available. Print speeds reach 36 pages per minute, which is very fast for a device in this size class, and the 50-sheet automatic document feeder handles stack scanning efficiently. Duplex printing and scanning are both automatic, so you can produce double-sided documents without any manual flipping.

The toner cartridge yields up to 3,000 pages on a standard cartridge and up to 4,500 pages on the high-yield replacement, which keeps the cost per page very low over time. Wireless connectivity is built in, and the printer supports AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Brother iPrint&Scan app. The control panel includes a small display and physical buttons, which some users prefer over touchscreens for reliability.

One honest limitation is that this printer only prints in black and white; there is no color capability at all. That is a deliberate trade-off for speed and low cost, but it means you will need a separate device for color photos or graphics. The footprint is slightly larger than the inkjet models, but it is still compact for a laser all-in-one. If your primary need is fast, reliable black-and-white printing with scanning and copying, the MFC-L2750DW is the best option.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best for Low Running Costs

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 eliminates cartridges entirely in favor of refillable ink tanks that come pre-filled with enough ink for up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages. This dramatically reduces the ongoing cost of printing compared to cartridge-based systems, making it ideal for households or small offices that print frequently. The compact body is under 15 inches wide, and the printer supports wireless printing from smartphones and computers.

Print quality is solid for text and decent for color documents, though photo prints are not as vibrant as what you would get from a dedicated photo printer. The scanner is a flatbed design with no automatic document feeder, so multi-page jobs require manual page placement. Setup involves filling the ink tanks from the included bottles, which is straightforward but takes a few minutes longer than installing a cartridge.

A real limitation is that the print speed is slower than many cartridge-based inkjets, especially for color documents. The ET-2800 is not designed for speed; it is designed for economy. If you need fast output for a busy office, this may feel frustrating. However, for anyone who wants to print hundreds of pages per month without worrying about buying new cartridges every few weeks, the EcoTank system is a game-changer. The low running cost is the main reason to choose this printer.

Canon PIXMA TR8620a – Best for Photos and Documents

The Canon PIXMA TR8620a bridges the gap between photo printer and document workhorse better than most compact multifunction printers. Six individual ink tanks produce lab-quality photo prints up to 4×6 inches without a color cast or banding, making it a great choice for home users who want to print family snapshots and school projects. Document print speeds are solid at 15 pages per minute for black-and-white output, which is respectable for an all-in-one in this class.

The 35-sheet automatic document feeder and auto-duplex printing cover office tasks efficiently, and the printer includes a fax function for those who still need it. Wireless connectivity is comprehensive, with support for AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Canon PRINT app. The front-facing paper tray and rear specialty feed tray let you switch between plain paper and photo paper without reloading.

One honest limitation is that the ink cartridges are relatively small, so you may find yourself replacing them more often than with a tank system. The cost per page for color ink is higher than the EcoTank, so heavy photo printing can get expensive. The printer is also a bit taller than some competitors due to the six-ink system. If you want one device that handles both vivid photos and everyday documents well, the TR8620a is the best balanced choice.

What to look for

• Physical footprint: Measure your desk space before buying. A compact printer should be under 15 inches wide and not too deep or tall. Check the product dimensions against your available area.
• Print speed and volume: Faster speeds matter for busy home offices. Look for at least 15 ppm for black-and-white if you print regularly. For light use, 8 ppm is acceptable.
• Automatic document feeder (ADF): If you scan or copy multi-page documents, an ADF is essential. Models without one require you to place each page manually on the flatbed.
• Duplex printing: Automatic double-sided printing saves paper and looks professional. Some budget printers only offer manual duplex, which means flipping pages yourself.
• Running costs: Cartridge-based printers can be cheap upfront but expensive over time. Refillable tank systems like the EcoTank offer much lower cost per page. Check page yields for ink or toner.
• Connectivity: Wireless printing, AirPrint support, and a reliable companion app are important for modern workflows. Avoid printers that require a cable for every job.
• Photo quality: If you print photos, look for models with multiple ink tanks or dedicated photo inks. Standard CMYK printers may produce banding or dull colors on glossy paper.

The verdict

Choosing the right compact multifunction printer comes down to matching the machine to your specific needs and budget. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the best pick if you want the lowest upfront cost and the smallest footprint for occasional use. The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e is the productivity champion for home offices that need speed and an ADF. The Brother MFC-L2750DW is the clear winner for anyone who prints black-and-white documents at high volume and wants laser reliability. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the most economical choice for frequent color printing thanks to its refillable tanks. And the Canon PIXMA TR8620a is the best all-rounder if you need both strong photo prints and solid document handling. Each of these five printers delivers on its promise without taking up too much space on your desk.