Do you dream of a printer that fits perfectly on your desk without taking up all the space? Many of us do! We all need to print things sometimes, whether it’s school papers, important documents, or fun photos. But when you look for a printer, they can be big and bulky. It’s hard to find one that’s small but still does a great job. This can be frustrating, and you might end up with a printer that’s too big for your liking or not good enough for your needs.
Choosing the right compact printer can feel like a puzzle. You want something that saves space, but you also need it to be reliable and easy to use. It’s tough to know which features are important and which printers are worth your money. You might worry about getting a tiny printer that’s slow or has poor print quality. This guide is here to help you solve that puzzle!
By reading on, you’ll discover the best compact printers available. We’ll explain what makes a printer truly “compact” and what to look for. You’ll learn about different types of compact printers and which one is best for your home or small office. Get ready to find a printer that makes printing easy and fits right into your life!
Our Top 5 Compact Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Compact Printer Detailed Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
The Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer is a game-changer for anyone who needs to print on the go. This compact printer makes it easy to create high-quality documents and photos wherever you are, fitting effortlessly into your busy lifestyle.
What We Like:
- It’s super light and portable. You can easily slip it into your bag or backpack.
- You get great prints! Documents have sharp text, and photos are colorful and detailed with the 5-Color Hybrid Ink System. It even prints square and borderless pictures.
- Connecting is a breeze. Use the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria Print Service from your phone or tablet. You can also print from the cloud.
- You can connect directly to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi router using Wireless Direct Mode.
- The 1.44” OLED display is easy to read. It shows ink levels and printer status clearly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The paper tray only holds 50 sheets, which might be a bit small for larger print jobs.
- While it’s portable, it does need to be plugged in to operate, so you’ll need access to a power source.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 offers impressive print quality in a portable package. It’s a fantastic option for students, travelers, or anyone who values the convenience of printing anywhere.
2. Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-0hP0b2eL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.5/10
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is an all-in-one wireless inkjet printer that makes printing, copying, and scanning simple. It’s designed for easy use at home, and it even works with Alexa for voice commands. Its bright 4.4-inch OLED screen helps you find the features you need quickly. Setting it up with your phone or computer is a breeze.
What We Like:
- The clear 4.4-inch OLED screen makes it easy to see and select options.
- Setting up the printer with your smartphone or computer is very straightforward.
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to print from any room in your house.
- You can easily print from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- Fun creative printing options are available through the Easy-Photo Print Editor App and Canon Creative Park App.
- It works with Alexa, so you can use voice commands to print.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink cartridge costs can add up over time.
- The print speed might be a bit slower for very large print jobs compared to some other models.
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a user-friendly printer that offers great wireless convenience. It’s a solid choice for families and individuals who need a reliable all-in-one device.
3. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the HP DeskJet 2855e, your new go-to printer for all your home needs. This all-in-one machine handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. It’s designed for everyday tasks like printing school papers, recipes, or important letters. Plus, it comes with a helpful 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink!
What We Like:
- The HP AI feature is amazing! It makes sure your web pages and emails print perfectly, without any wasted paper or weird layouts.
- Printing wirelessly from your phone or computer is super easy with the reliable Wi-Fi.
- The HP Smart app lets you print, scan, and copy from almost any device.
- It’s a compact printer that fits nicely in any room.
- The printer is made with a good amount of recycled plastic and is good for the environment.
- You get a 3-month free trial of HP Instant Ink, so you won’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow, especially for color pages.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges, so you can’t use other brands.
- After the 3-month free trial, you’ll have to pay for the Instant Ink service unless you cancel.
The HP DeskJet 2855e is a smart and simple choice for busy homes. It makes printing everyday documents a breeze.
4. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing
Rating: 8.7/10
The Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer is a fantastic all-in-one option that brings a lot of value to your home or hybrid workspace. It’s designed to be budget-friendly, making it an affordable choice for printing, scanning, and copying. This printer is easy to set up and use, so you can start printing right away. Plus, its compact and stylish white design fits nicely into any room.
What We Like:
- Affordable and versatile for home and hybrid work.
- Crisp, vibrant prints with sharp text and vivid colors.
- Effortless setup and easy to use for printing, scanning, and copying.
- Reliable wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi.
- Automatic 2-sided printing saves time and paper.
- Supports diverse media for various printing needs.
- Compact and stylish design that looks good anywhere.
- Convenient mobile printing from smartphones and tablets.
- EPEAT Silver and ENERGY STAR certified, making it an eco-conscious choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system may require more frequent ink changes for heavy users compared to printers with individual ink cartridges.
- While it handles basic scanning and copying, it doesn’t have an automatic document feeder (ADF), meaning you’ll need to place each page manually for multi-page scans or copies.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 is an excellent choice for anyone needing a cost-efficient and feature-rich printer for everyday tasks. Its ease of use and wireless capabilities make it a convenient addition to any home or small office.
5. Canon TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
The Canon TS202 Inkjet Photo Printer is a compact and capable machine for printing your favorite photos and important documents. Its fine hybrid ink system delivers sharp text and vibrant colors, making your prints look great. This printer is designed for easy use and fits neatly into any workspace.
What We Like:
- It uses a fine hybrid ink system for detailed documents and photos.
- Refilling paper is quick with the dedicated rear paper tray.
- Its compact size means the Pixma TS202 fits almost anywhere.
- It comes with a full set of ink cartridges to get you started right away.
- It’s compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.
What Could Be Improved:
- A USB cable is required for printing, but it is not included in the box.
- The output tray capacity is limited, especially for photo paper.
This printer offers good quality prints for its size and price. It’s a solid choice for casual printing needs.
Finding the Perfect Small Printer: Your Guide
Are you looking for a printer that doesn’t take up a lot of space? A compact printer is a great choice for small homes, dorm rooms, or busy offices. These printers are designed to be small and efficient. Let’s explore what makes a good compact printer.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Footprint
The most important feature is its size. A compact printer should be small enough to fit on a desk or shelf without crowding your space. Look at the dimensions to make sure it fits where you want it.
2. Connectivity Options
How will you connect your printer? Most compact printers offer:
- USB: This is a standard wired connection.
- Wi-Fi: This lets you print wirelessly from computers and mobile devices.
- Bluetooth: Some printers use Bluetooth for direct wireless printing.
Wi-Fi is very handy for printing from multiple devices easily.
3. Print Speed
How fast does it print? Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For a compact printer, a speed of 15-20 ppm is usually good for most home or small office needs.
4. Print Quality
You want clear text and good images. Check reviews for how well the printer handles different types of documents. Resolution, measured in dots per inch (dpi), is also important for sharp prints.
5. Ink or Toner Type
Compact printers can use ink cartridges or toner. Inkjet printers use liquid ink and are good for photos. Laser printers use toner powder and are excellent for sharp text documents. Consider what you print most often.
6. All-in-One Capabilities
Do you need more than just printing? Many compact printers are “all-in-one” or “multifunction.” They can also:
- Scan documents
- Copy documents
- Send faxes
An all-in-one printer saves even more space.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most compact printers are made of durable plastic. Look for a printer that feels sturdy. Cheap plastic can break easily. A good build means your printer will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better:
- High Resolution (dpi): More dpi means sharper images and text.
- Good Ink/Toner System: A system that prevents clogs or smudging leads to better prints.
- Reliable Wi-Fi: A strong wireless connection ensures smooth printing.
What Makes it Worse:
- Low Resolution: Prints can look blurry or pixelated.
- Frequent Paper Jams: This is a common frustration. Look for printers with good paper handling.
- Expensive Ink/Toner: The cost of replacements can add up quickly.
- Slow Printing: Waiting too long for a document can be annoying.
User Experience and Use Cases
A compact printer is perfect for students in dorms who need to print assignments. It’s also great for home offices where space is limited. Families can use them for school projects or occasional documents.
Easy setup and user-friendly controls make a big difference. If the printer is hard to connect or operate, it defeats the purpose of being compact and convenient.
Consider how you’ll use it most. If you print many photos, an inkjet might be better. If you print lots of reports, a laser printer could be more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Printers
Q: What is the main benefit of a compact printer?
A: The main benefit is its small size, which saves valuable desk or shelf space.
Q: Do compact printers print as well as larger ones?
A: Many compact printers offer excellent print quality, often comparable to larger models, especially for everyday tasks.
Q: Are compact printers difficult to set up?
A: Most modern compact printers are designed for easy setup, often with wireless connections that are simple to configure.
Q: Can I print from my phone with a compact printer?
A: Yes, most compact printers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities allow you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Q: How do I choose between an inkjet and a laser compact printer?
A: Inkjet printers are generally better for printing photos, while laser printers excel at producing sharp text documents quickly.
Q: What does “all-in-one” mean for a compact printer?
A: An all-in-one printer can print, scan, and copy documents, often saving you the need for separate devices.
Q: Are compact printers noisy?
A: Noise levels vary by model, but many compact printers are designed to operate relatively quietly.
Q: How often do I need to replace the ink or toner?
A: This depends on how much you print and the type of printer. High-yield cartridges can last longer.
Q: Can I connect a compact printer to multiple computers?
A: Yes, especially if it has Wi-Fi, you can easily connect it to several computers and mobile devices.
Q: What should I do if my compact printer jams?
A: Carefully follow the printer’s instructions to remove the jammed paper. Avoid forcing it, as this can cause damage.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.