Compact Printers offer the perfect solution for individuals and small businesses needing high-quality printing without sacrificing precious space. Whether you’re working from a home office, a dorm room, or need a printer for mobile use, the best compact printers deliver impressive results for documents, photos, and more, all in a space-saving design. These versatile machines use standard A4/Letter-sized paper and provide functionalities similar to larger printers, but in a more convenient and portable form factor. If you require even greater portability and smaller print sizes, you might also explore best portable printers.
To assist you in selecting the ideal compact printer, we’ve rigorously tested and reviewed a variety of models. Our guide highlights the top compact printers for diverse needs, ensuring you find the perfect match for your specific requirements.
Top Compact Printers at a Glance
[
Product shot of Epson WorkForce WF-110, a top-rated compact printer for versatile use](Best Epson Compact Printer: Epson WorkForce WF-110) 1. Epson WorkForce WF-110: Best Epson
This highly practical compact printer excels with both glossy photo paper and standard A4, featuring a rechargeable battery for socket-free operation.
Read more about Epson WorkForce WF-110 ↓
[
Product shot of Canon Pixma TR150, a top-rated compact printer for quality prints](Best Canon Compact Printer: Canon Pixma TR150) 2. Canon TR150: Best Canon
Comparable in size to the Epson, this printer delivers excellent quality on various paper types and is remarkably feature-rich for its compact size. Battery is optional.
Read more about Canon Pixma TR150 ↓
[
Product shot of HP Officejet 250, a versatile all-in-one compact printer](Best All-in-One Compact Printer: HP OfficeJet 250) 3. HP OfficeJet 250: All-in-One
A scaled-down all-in-one, offering full-size printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in a compact design.
Read more about HP OfficeJet 250 ↓
[
Canon PIXMA G620, a top compact printer for photo enthusiasts](Best Compact Photo Printer: Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660) 4. Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660: Best for Photos
Our favorite standard-sized photo printer, utilizing six dye-based inks for exceptional photo reproduction and cost-effective bottled ink.
Read more about Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660 ↓
[
Product shot of Canon PIXMA TR7020 / TS7450, a budget-friendly compact printer option](Best Budget Compact Printer: Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i) 5. Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i: Best Budget
An affordable compact printer suitable for homework and office documents, offering great value for everyday printing needs.
Read more about Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i ↓
Detailed Reviews of the Best Compact Printers
The Best Epson Compact Printer
Editor's Choice Badge
(Image credit: Epson)
1. Epson WorkForce WF-110
The best versatile compact printer with excellent print quality.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Paper type: Plain paper / photo paper
- Print size: A4/Letter
- No of inks: 4 (2 cartridges)
- Connectivity: Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
- Footprint: 31 x 6.1 x 15.5cm / 12.2 x 2.4 x 6.1in
- Weight: 1.6kg / 3.53lb
- Battery: 1 x Li-ion
- Compatibility: iOS/Android/Windows/Mac
- Available colors: Black
Reasons to Buy:
- Excellent print quality for text and graphics
- Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint for easy connectivity
- Includes a rechargeable battery for portability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Inkjet cartridges can be expensive
- Printing speed is somewhat slow
- Photo print quality is not exceptional
The Epson WorkForce WF-110 stands out as our top choice for the best compact printer due to its exceptional versatility and portability. We found this printer incredibly useful, effortlessly handling glossy photo paper as well as standard A4 documents. Its built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery allows for printing without a power outlet, and its Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity options ensure seamless connection to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. AirPrint support makes it an excellent compact printer for MacBooks and iOS devices. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in a standard backpack, making it ideal for professionals and creatives on the go who need to print standard A4 documents.
During our tests, the Epson WorkForce WF-110 was remarkably easy to set up and use. We were particularly impressed with the pigment-based inks, which produced crisp, smudge-resistant black text and vibrant colors for graphics on plain paper. However, while it can print on glossy paper, photo prints are less impressive due to the limitations of pigment inks on glossy media and the four-ink system. The printer’s speed is also slightly slower compared to other compact models, and the inkjet cartridges are relatively costly. Therefore, it might not be the most economical choice for high-volume photo or document printing.
For more in-depth information, read our full Epson WorkForce WF-110W review.
The Best Canon Compact Printer
Recommended Badge
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
2. Canon Pixma TR150
The best compact printer from Canon, offering high-quality output in a small package.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Paper type: Plain paper / photo paper
- Print size: A4/Letter
- No of inks: 4 (2 cartridges)
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi
- Footprint: 32.2 x 18.5 x 6.6cm / 2.6x 7.3 x 12.7in
- Weight: 2.1kg / 4.63lb
- Battery: Optional
- Compatibility: iOS/Android/Windows/Mac
- Available colors: Black
Reasons to Buy:
- Optional battery for mobile printing
- Produces high-quality prints
- Compact size, easily fits in a bag
Reasons to Avoid:
- Battery is sold separately
- No NFC for quick mobile printing
The Canon Pixma TR150 is another excellent compact printer, similar in size to the Epson WF-110 but slightly heavier. It shares a comparable price point and utilizes a pigment-based black ink cartridge and a dye-based tri-color cartridge. In our tests, it delivered impressive color print quality on both plain and photo paper. Connecting to laptops via USB or Wi-Fi was straightforward, and it achieved a respectable print speed of up to nine pages per minute for black and white documents and 5.5 pages per minute for color.
A notable point is that while battery power is available, it’s an optional add-on. Depending on your region, the battery may be available as a bundle or sold separately as the Canon LK-72 battery. Despite this, the Canon Pixma TR150 remains a top contender for those seeking a high-performing compact printer.
For a comprehensive analysis, see our full Canon Pixma TR150 review.
The Best Compact Printer with a Scanner
HP OfficeJet 250 compact all-in-one printer for scanning and copying
(Image credit: HP)
3. HP OfficeJet 250
The best all-in-one compact printer for scanning and copying on the go.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Paper type: Plain paper / photo paper
- Print size: Up to A4/Letter
- No of inks: 4 (2 cartridges)
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Footprint: 38 x 40 x 27cm / 14.97 x 15.8 x 10.6in
- Weight: 2.96kg / 6.51lb without battery
- Battery: 1 x Li-ion
- Compatibility: Windows/Mac
- Available colors: Black
Reasons to Buy:
- Integrated scanner for scanning and copying
- Built-in color screen for easy operation
- Includes a rechargeable battery for portability
Reasons to Avoid:
- Larger than most compact printers
- Photo print quality is average
The HP OfficeJet 250 effectively shrinks down the capabilities of a desktop all-in-one printer into a compact form. It supports full-sized printing on letter-sized plain and glossy photo paper and integrates a color scanner and color screen for convenient photocopying. Like our top pick, it includes a rechargeable battery pack, making it ideal for portable printing and copying tasks.
This printer utilizes a pigment-based black ink cartridge and a tri-color dye-based cartridge. We found this ink combination suitable for color documents, but photo output on glossy paper was not as impressive as dedicated photo printers. Nevertheless, the HP OfficeJet 250 is a valuable tool for users needing scanning and copying functionalities in a compact printer.
The Best Compact Printer for Photos
Canon Pixma G620 / Canon Pixma G650 high quality photo printing compact printers
(Image credit: Matthew Richards/Digital Camera World)
4. Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660
The top compact printer for photo enthusiasts, delivering superior photo print quality.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Paper type: Plain or photo paper
- Print size: Up to A4/US Letter (15x10cm / 13x18cm for glossy photos)
- No of inks: 6 (each separately refillable)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Dimensions: 44.5x34x16.7cm
- Weight: 6.6kg
- Battery: No
- Compatibility: Windows/Mac
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional photo print quality
- Affordable bottled ink system
- Low running costs
Reasons to Avoid:
- Less suitable for document printing
- No touchscreen interface
- Slower for postcard-sized photo prints
The Canon PIXMA G620 (G650 in Europe and G660 in Australia) is a standout cartridge-free MegaTank inkjet printer, featuring high-capacity ink tanks refilled with 60ml ink bottles. This design significantly reduces running costs, making ink refills about an eighth of the price compared to cartridge-based printers. The initial purchase price is also very competitive for a bottle-fed printer.
Featuring six dye-based inks, including CMYK, red, and grey, the PIXMA G620 excels in photo printing, offering a wide color gamut and enhanced monochrome photo quality. The mess-free, keyed ink bottles simplify refills and prevent accidental color mixing. While lacking a color touchscreen, the mono LCD and intuitive button interface make operation easy. It efficiently handles color and mono photocopying thanks to the built-in scanner. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including USB, Wi-Fi, PIXMA Cloud Link, Apple AirPrint, Mopria for Android, and Wireless Direct.
A set of ink bottles can print approximately 3,800 6×4-inch photos, 3,700 mono documents, or 8,000 color documents. Although it lacks a pigment-based black ink, text printing remains sharp. Print speeds are moderate, taking around 47 seconds for a 4×6 photo, but an A4 borderless photo prints in just a couple of minutes in standard quality mode. Color accuracy and tonal range are impressive, and black & white photo printing is also very competent. Overall, the Canon PIXMA G620 offers excellent long-term value as a highly capable and compact photo printer.
Learn more in our Canon PIXMA G620/G650/G660 review.
The Best Budget Compact Printer
Canon Pixma TS7450 affordable compact printer for home use
(Image credit: Matthew Richards/Digital Camera World)
5. Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i
A budget-friendly compact desktop printer ideal for families and home use.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications:
- Paper type: Plain or photo paper
- Print size: Up to A4/US Letter
- No of inks: 4 (2 cartridges)
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 40.3×36.4×20.6cm
- Printer weight: 8.2kg
- Battery: No
- Compatibility: Windows/Mac
Reasons to Buy:
- Fast printing and scanning speeds
- Automatic duplex printing
Reasons to Avoid:
- No touchscreen interface
- Photo quality is only mediocre
The Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i (model names vary by region) is equipped with a basic four-color, two-cartridge ink system, resulting in only fair photo print quality. However, its strengths lie in its affordability and suitability for everyday home printing tasks, particularly text-based documents and homework.
This printer offers double-sided printing at a decent speed and includes USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile setup options. It also supports voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. In our review, we were impressed by its fast, crisp, and detailed monochrome document printing. While photo printing on glossy paper is underwhelming due to the minimal cartridge setup, this also contributes to lower running costs. This makes the Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i a great value compact printer for home users, students, and anyone needing a reliable, budget-friendly printing solution for general use.
Read more in our Canon PIXMA TR7020 / TS7450 review.
Choosing the Right Compact Printer
Selecting the best compact printer hinges on your specific needs. Consider whether you primarily print text documents or require photo printing capabilities. Also, evaluate the level of portability needed. Some compact printers are designed for easy transport, while others prioritize features over extreme compactness.
Decide if you need scanning and copying functionalities. The most compact printers often focus solely on printing, but some reasonably compact all-in-one models are available. Multifunctional devices can be more cost-effective and space-efficient than separate printer, scanner, and copier units.
Most compact printers are inkjet models, though laser options exist. Laser printers are generally bulkier and more expensive upfront but offer faster printing speeds and lower long-term costs per page, making them suitable for businesses with high-volume text document printing needs.
How We Test Compact Printers
Our testing process for compact printers involves assessing print speed and quality for both documents and photos. We use a variety of print jobs, from monochrome A4 documents to full-color photographs, evaluating detail, color accuracy, and speed.
We also analyze running costs by monitoring ink consumption and cartridge replacement expenses to determine long-term value. Build quality and ease of use are also assessed, including menu navigation and connectivity options (USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). For compact printers, size and weight are key factors in our portability evaluation.
Our testing begins with driver installation and print head alignment. We then perform test prints of mono documents, mixed text and graphics color documents, and diverse digital photos, including landscapes, portraits, and black & white images. We also use a custom test chart to evaluate color reproduction, tonal range, detail retention in highlights and shadows, and color gradation.
During testing, we utilize various quality modes and image enhancement features. We measure print speeds for different print sizes and quality settings. Ink costs are calculated based on page yield and average cartridge prices, using manufacturer-branded inks and papers throughout testing.
Learn more about our testing methodology at How we test at Digital Camera World.
FAQs About Compact Printers
What defines a compact printer?
The term “compact printer” refers to printers that use A4/Letter-size paper but are designed to be smaller and more easily transported and stored than traditional desktop printers. They are ideal for users who need to save space or move their printer occasionally.
While size varies, we consider printers up to around 45cm / 17in in width as compact. These printers can be transported in a large bag and are designed for use on desks or shelves. For even smaller, truly mobile printing, explore our guide to the best portable printers, which use smaller paper sizes.
What is an all-in-one printer?
All-in-one printers, also known as multifunctional devices, combine printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in a single unit. Some compact printers offer these all-in-one features. For more options, see our guide to the best all-in-one printers for home offices.
