In today’s fast-paced world, space is often a premium. Whether you’re working from a cozy home office, a bustling coffee shop, or need to print documents on the go, a bulky, traditional printer simply isn’t practical. This is where the best Small Good Printers come into play. These compact powerhouses deliver high-quality prints of photos, documents, and more, without demanding excessive space. Ideal for small living spaces, mobile professionals, or anyone seeking a clutter-free workspace, a small good printer is a versatile solution. Many offer wireless connectivity to laptops and tablets, and some even feature rechargeable batteries for true portability, freeing you from the constraints of power sockets.
To guide you in finding the perfect match, we’ve rigorously tested and reviewed a wide array of compact printers available. This guide presents our top picks for the best small good printers catering to diverse needs and preferences. These printers utilize standard A4/Letter-sized paper and perform virtually all the functions of their larger counterparts, but in a significantly more space-saving design. If you require even smaller dimensions and specialized paper sizes, you might want to explore our guide to the best portable printers.
Quick Recommendations
Product shot of Epson WorkForce WF-110, a top-rated small good printerBest Epson for Compact Printing1. Epson WorkForce WF-110
This small good printer impressed us with its ability to handle both glossy photo paper and standard A4 with ease. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery enhances its portability, allowing printing without needing a power outlet.
Explore the Epson WorkForce WF-110 in detail ↓
Product shot of Canon Pixma TR150, a highly recommended small good printerBest Canon for Portable Quality2. Canon TR150
Sharing a similar compact size with the Epson, this small good printer delivered excellent print quality on various paper types, including photo paper. It’s packed with features for a printer that easily fits in a backpack. Battery operation is available as an optional accessory.
Discover more about the Canon TR150 ↓
Product shot of HP Officejet 250, a versatile all-in-one small good printerBest All-in-One Small Printer3. HP OfficeJet 250
This scaled-down all-in-one small good printer offers full-size printing on letter-size paper, including photo paper, and integrates a color scanner and copier, adding significant versatility.
Learn more about the HP OfficeJet 250’s features ↓
Canon PIXMA G620, a top choice for photo printing in a small form factorBest Small Photo Printer4. Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660
Our favorite small good printer for photos, this model utilizes six dye-based inks for exceptional photographic reproduction and features a bottled ink system for cost-effective operation.
See why the Canon PIXMA G620 excels in photo printing ↓
Product shot of Canon PIXMA TR7020 / TS7450, the best budget-friendly small good printerBest Budget Small Printer5. Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i
While not optimized for photo printing, this small good printer is an incredibly affordable option for home tasks and office documents, offering excellent value for money in a compact size.
Find out why the Canon PIXMA TR7020 is a great budget choice ↓
Best Small Good Printers: Detailed Reviews
The Best Epson Small Good Printer
Editor's Choice badge for Epson WorkForce WF110 small good printer
(Image credit: Epson)
1. Epson WorkForce WF-110
The best overall small good printer, offering versatility and high-quality prints in a compact design.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Paper Type | Plain paper / photo paper |
Print Size | A4/Letter |
Number 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 on plain paper
- Convenient Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint connectivity
- Includes a rechargeable battery for mobile printing
Reasons to Avoid
- Inkjet cartridges can be expensive
- Printing speed is somewhat slow
- Photo print quality is not ideal
The Epson WorkForce WF-110 stands out as our top choice for the best small good printer due to its exceptional blend of versatility and portability. We found this printer remarkably useful in various scenarios, effortlessly handling glossy photo paper as well as standard A4 documents. Its built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery is a significant advantage, enabling operation without a direct power connection. Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct for seamless integration with laptops, and AirPrint support makes it an excellent small good printer for MacBook users. Its compact size is truly impressive, easily fitting into a standard backpack, making it perfect for professionals on the move who require A4 printing capabilities.
During our tests, setting up and using the WF-110 was straightforward. We were particularly impressed with the pigment-based inks on plain paper, producing smudge-resistant, crisp black text and vibrant colors in graphics. However, while it can print on glossy paper, the photo print quality is less impressive. Pigment inks are generally less suited for glossy media, and the four-ink system is not optimal for achieving highly photorealistic output. The printer’s speed was also slightly slower compared to some other small good printers, and the inkjet cartridges are relatively expensive, making it less suitable for high-volume photo or document printing.
Read our comprehensive Epson WorkForce WF-110W review for a deeper dive.
The Best Canon Small Good Printer
Recommended badge for Canon Pixma TR150 small good printer
(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
2. Canon Pixma TR150
The best Canon small good printer, delivering excellent print quality in a portable package.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Paper Type | Plain paper / photo paper |
Print Size | A4/Letter |
Number 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 power for mobile use
- High-quality prints on various media
- Compact design easily fits in a bag
Reasons to Avoid
- Battery is an optional, extra-cost accessory
- Lacks NFC for quick mobile printing
The Canon Pixma TR150 is another exceptional small good printer, sharing a similar compact footprint with the Epson WF-110, although slightly heavier. Positioned in a similar price range, it utilizes a pigment-based black ink and a dye-based tri-color cartridge system. In our tests, it produced impressive color prints on both plain and photo paper. We found it easy to connect to laptops via USB or Wi-Fi, 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, which is commendable for a portable device.
A notable point is that while battery power is available for the Canon TR150, it’s offered as an optional accessory, not a standard inclusion. Depending on the region, it 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 as a small good printer for those prioritizing print quality and portability.
Explore our in-depth Canon Pixma TR150 review for more information.
The Best Compact Printer with a Scanner: A Versatile Small Good Printer
Product shot of the HP OfficeJet 250, a small good printer with scanning capabilities
(Image credit: HP)
3. HP OfficeJet 250
The best all-in-one small good printer for scanning, copying, and printing in a compact form.
Our Expert Review: (Review link would be here if available in original text)
Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Paper Type | Plain paper / photo paper |
Print Size | Up to A4/Letter |
Number 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 built-in scanner and copier
- Convenient built-in color screen
- Includes a rechargeable battery for portability
Reasons to Avoid
- Larger and bulkier than other compact printers
- Photo print quality is only mediocre
The HP OfficeJet 250 effectively functions as a scaled-down version of a desktop all-in-one printer, making it a highly versatile small good printer. It supports full-sized printing on letter-size plain paper and glossy photo paper and uniquely integrates a color scanner and color screen. This combination enables easy photocopying on the go, adding significant value for users needing more than just printing.
We found it particularly useful for mobile printing and copying tasks, enhanced by its rechargeable battery pack, similar to our top pick, the Epson WF-110. The printer employs a pigment-based black ink cartridge and a tri-color dye-based cartridge (cyan, magenta, and yellow). This ink configuration delivered good results for color documents, but photo output on glossy paper was not its strongest suit. Despite being slightly larger than other small good printers in this guide, the HP OfficeJet 250’s all-in-one capabilities make it a compelling choice for users needing scanning and copying functions in a compact and portable device.
The Best Small Good Printer for Photos: Exceptional Photo Quality
Canon Pixma G620 / Canon Pixma G650, the best small good printer for photo enthusiasts
(Image credit: Matthew Richards/Digital Camera World)
4. Canon PIXMA G620 / G650 / G660
The top small good printer for photo quality, delivering stunning images in a compact and efficient design.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Paper Type | Plain or photo paper |
Print Size | Up to A4/US Letter (15x10cm / 13x18cm for photos) |
Number of Inks | 6 (individually refillable) |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, USB |
Dimensions | 44.5x34x16.7cm |
Weight | 6.6kg |
Battery | No |
Compatibility | Windows/Mac |
Reasons to Buy
- Superb photo print quality with vibrant colors
- Inexpensive to purchase for a bottled ink printer
- Very low running costs due to ink bottles
Reasons to Avoid
- Less ideal for high-volume document printing
- No touchscreen interface for ease of use
- Can be slow for postcard-sized photo prints
The Canon PIXMA G620 (known as G650 in Europe and G660 in Australia) is a standout small good printer, particularly for photo enthusiasts. Like other Canon MegaTank inkjet printers, it’s a cartridge-free system, utilizing high-capacity ink tanks refilled with 60ml ink bottles. From a cost-saving perspective, this system significantly reduces ink costs, estimated to be about one-eighth compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. Despite its advanced ink system, the printer itself remains very affordable compared to many other bottle-fed models, making it an excellent value small good printer.
Its photo-centric design features six dye-based inks, including CMYK, red, and grey, aiming for a wide color gamut and enhanced monochrome photo quality. The keyed, mess-free ink bottles simplify refills, preventing accidental color mixing. Although it lacks a color touchscreen, the mono LCD and intuitive buttons provide straightforward operation. It efficiently handles mono or color copies with its built-in scanner. Connectivity is comprehensive, offering USB and Wi-Fi, including PIXMA Cloud Link for mobile devices, Apple AirPrint, Mopria for Android, and Wireless Direct.
A set of ink bottles is sufficient for approximately 3,800 6×4-inch photos, or around 3,700 mono documents, or 8,000 color documents. While it lacks a pigment-based black ink, mono text remains reasonably crisp. Print speeds are moderate, taking about 47 seconds for a 4×6-inch glossy photo, but an A4 borderless photo prints in just a couple of minutes in standard quality mode. Color accuracy is impressive, tonal range is excellent, and it performs admirably in black and white photo printing. Overall, the Canon PIXMA G620/G650/G660 is a fantastic value small good printer for high-quality photo printing in the long run.
Learn more in our Canon PIXMA G620/G650/G660 review.
The Best Budget Small Good Printer: Affordable and Compact
Canon Pixma TS7450, a budget-friendly small good printer for home use
(Image credit: Matthew Richards/Digital Camera World)
5. Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i
A budget-friendly small good desktop printer ideal for home use and general printing needs.
Our Expert Review:
Specifications
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Paper Type | Plain or photo paper |
Print Size | Up to A4/US Letter |
Number 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 (double-sided) printing
Reasons to Avoid
- No touchscreen interface
- Photo print quality is mediocre
The Canon PIXMA TR7020a / TS7450i (model name varies by region) utilizes a four-color, two-cartridge ink system, and its photo print quality is admittedly average. However, we recommend it as an excellent small good printer due to its suitability for homework and general text-based printing tasks at home.
It offers double-sided printing at a decent speed and provides versatile connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, ensuring easy document submission. It’s also compatible with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. In our review, we were impressed by its mono document printing, which is fast, crisp, and detailed. While the basic cartridge setup results in less impressive photo prints on glossy paper, it contributes to low running costs, making it a highly economical small good printer for students, home-based workers, and families.
Read more in the full Canon PIXMA TR7020 / TS7450 review.
Choosing the Right Small Good Printer for Your Needs
Selecting the best small good printer hinges on your specific requirements. Determine whether your primary need is text document printing or if you also require good photo print quality. Consider the level of portability you need. Some small good printers are incredibly compact and lightweight for easy transport, while others are slightly larger but offer more features.
Decide if you need scanning and copying functionalities. The most compact small good printers often focus solely on printing. However, some reasonably compact all-in-one devices are available. If you require these additional functions, an all-in-one small good printer can be more cost-effective and space-efficient than separate devices.
Most small good printers are inkjet models, but laser printers are also an option. Laser printers tend to be bulkier and pricier upfront, but they offer faster printing speeds, making them better suited for businesses with high-volume text document printing needs. In the long run, laser printers can be more economical due to lower per-page costs.
How We Test Small Good Printers for Performance and Quality
Our testing process for small good printers involves evaluating numerous models to assess their printing speed and quality for both documents and photos. We use a range of print jobs, from monochrome A4 documents to full-color photographs, evaluating detail level, color accuracy, and print speed.
We also analyze running costs – ink consumption rates 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 small good printers specifically, size and weight are crucial factors for portability evaluation.
Testing begins with software driver installation, nozzle checks, and print head alignment. We then perform test prints using 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 accuracy, tonal range, highlight and shadow detail retention, and color gradation smoothness.
During testing, we utilize various quality modes and image enhancement features. Print speeds are measured for different print sizes and quality settings. Ink costs are calculated based on typical page yield versus average manufacturer cartridge/bottle prices. We exclusively use manufacturer-brand inks and papers throughout our testing for consistency and accuracy.
Learn more about our testing methodologies at how we test at Digital Camera World.
FAQs about Small Good Printers
What exactly defines a small good printer?
The term “small good printer” refers to printers that utilize A4/Letter-size paper but are designed to be compact enough for easy transport and storage when not in use.
Our definition includes devices up to approximately 45cm / 17in in width. While not designed for constant mobile use, these printers are portable enough to fit in a large bag for transportation while still producing full letter-size prints. Many offer wireless connectivity and battery options for socket-free operation.
While varying in exact dimensions, these small good printers are designed for desktop or shelf use. For even smaller, truly mobile printing solutions, refer to our guide on the best portable printers which utilize smaller paper formats.
What are the advantages of an all-in-one small good printer?
All-in-one small good printers, also known as multifunctional devices, offer printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in a single compact unit. For a wider selection, see our dedicated guide to the best all-in-one printers for home offices.