Small printers have revolutionized the way we approach mobile printing, offering unprecedented flexibility for users who refuse to be tied to a traditional office setup. Unlike their bulky desktop counterparts, these compact devices are specifically engineered to complement the portable lifestyle that modern laptops enable.
The primary advantage lies in their size-to-functionality ratio. Most small printers measure between 8 to 15 inches in length and weigh less than 5 pounds, making them easy to transport in a laptop bag or backpack. This portability doesn’t come at the expense of print quality, as many models deliver crisp text and vibrant colors that rival larger machines.
Space efficiency represents another compelling reason to choose small printers. In cramped dorm rooms, small apartments, or shared workspaces, every square inch matters. These printers can easily fit on a desk alongside your laptop or be stored in a drawer when not in use, maximizing your available workspace.
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Top 10 Small Printers for Laptop Users
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 small printers for laptops in 2025, based on portability, printer size, connectivity, print quality, and value for money.
1. Canon PIXMA TR160 – The Professional’s Choice
Price Range: $214 – $269
Printer Size: 12.7 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches (W x D x H)
The Canon PIXMA TR150 represents the gold standard for portable printing, combining professional-grade output with exceptional portability. Measuring just 12.7 inches wide and weighing 4.5 pounds, this inkjet printer delivers borderless photos and crisp documents with remarkable consistency.
Its standout feature is the optional battery pack, which provides approximately 330 pages of printing on a single charge. The printer supports both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity, with seamless integration across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms. Print speeds reach 9 pages per minute for black and white documents and 5.5 pages per minute for color prints.
The five-ink system produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it suitable for both business documents and creative projects. Cloud connectivity through Canon’s PRINT app enables direct printing from social media platforms and cloud storage services.
2. Epson WorkForce WF-110 – The Versatile Performer
Price Range: $249 – $329 Printer
Size: 12.2 x 6.3 x 2.4 inches (W x D x H)
Epson’s WorkForce WF-110 excels in versatility, offering both wired and wireless printing options in a compact 12.2 x 6.3 x 2.4-inch package. This inkjet printer weighs just 3.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest full-featured printers available.
The built-in battery delivers up to 100 pages per charge, while the printer’s 50-sheet paper capacity reduces the need for frequent refills. Print speeds of 14 pages per minute for black and white documents make it suitable for moderate-volume printing tasks.
Connectivity options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct, with support for mobile printing through Epson’s iPrint app. The printer handles various paper sizes from 3×5 inches to legal size, providing flexibility for different document types.
3. HP OfficeJet 250 – The All-in-One Solution
Price Range: $409 – $509
Printer Size: 14.96 x 7.28 x 2.68 inches (W x D x H)
The HP OfficeJet 250 stands alone as the only truly portable all-in-one printer, incorporating printing, scanning, and copying functionality in a single device. At 14.96 x 7.28 x 2.68 inches and weighing 6.8 pounds, it’s larger than print-only models but offers unmatched functionality.
The automatic document feeder handles up to 10 sheets, while the flatbed scanner accommodates documents up to 8.5 x 11 inches. Print speeds reach 10 pages per minute for black and white documents, with a 50-sheet input tray supporting various paper sizes.
Battery life extends to approximately 500 pages per charge, making it suitable for extended mobile use. The printer supports USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing through HP’s Smart app, with cloud connectivity for remote printing capabilities.
4. Brother PocketJet PJ-773 – The Thermal Specialist
Price Range: $379 – $400
Printer Size: 10.3 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (W x D x H)
Brother’s PocketJet PJ-773 employs thermal printing technology to deliver exceptional portability without sacrificing print quality. Measuring 10.2 x 2.1 x 1.5 inches and weighing just 1.1 pounds, it’s designed for users who prioritize minimal size and weight.
This monochrome printer produces sharp text and graphics at 300 DPI resolution, ideal for receipts, labels, and business documents. The thermal printing process eliminates the need for ink cartridges, reducing operating costs and maintenance requirements.
Connectivity options include USB and Bluetooth, with support for iOS and Android devices through Brother’s mobile app. The rechargeable battery provides approximately 600 pages of printing per charge, making it perfect for field work and mobile applications.
5. Kodak Mini 2 Retro – The Photo Specialist
Price Range: $99 – $139
Printer Size: 5.1 x 3.4 x 0.9 inches (W x D x H)
The Kodak Mini 2 Retro focuses exclusively on photo printing, delivering 2.1 x 3.4-inch prints with vibrant colors and sharp detail. At 5.1 x 3.4 x 0.9 inches and weighing 0.8 pounds, it’s among the most portable printers available.
Using dye-sublimation technology, this printer produces smudge-proof, water-resistant prints that develop over 10 seconds. The printer connects via Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets, with dedicated apps for iOS and Android providing editing and printing controls.
Each print costs approximately $0.75, including both the cartridge and special paper. The printer handles up to 54 prints per cartridge, making it perfect for instant photo sharing and creative projects.
6. HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer – The Social Media Companion
Price Range: $79 – $99
Printer Size: 3.15 x 4.63 x 0.98 inches (W x D x H)
HP’s Sprocket series transforms smartphones into instant photo printers, producing 2 x 3-inch prints from social media photos and camera rolls. The compact 3.15 x 4.63 x 0.98-inch design weighs just 0.5 pounds, making it incredibly portable.
Zero-ink technology eliminates the need for cartridges, using special paper embedded with dye crystals that activate when heated. Prints feature a sticky back for easy sharing and scrapbooking applications.
Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless printing from iOS and Android devices through HP’s Sprocket app. The built-in battery provides approximately 40 prints per charge, with each print costing around $0.62.
7. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – The Cost-Effective Choice
Price Range: $209 – $279
Printer Size: 14.8 x 13.7 x 9.4 inches (W x D x H)
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 revolutionizes small printer economics through its refillable ink tank system. While slightly larger than dedicated portable models at 14.8 x 13.7 x 9.4 inches, it offers exceptional value for high-volume users.
The supertank system holds enough ink for up to 4,500 black and white pages or 7,500 color pages, dramatically reducing per-page costs. Print speeds reach 10 pages per minute for black and white documents and 5 pages per minute for color prints.
Connectivity includes USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing through Epson’s apps. The printer supports borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches and handles various paper types, including photo paper and cardstock.
8. Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer – The Compact Creative
Price Range: $79 – $99
Printer Size: 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches (W x D x H)
Canon’s IVY Mini delivers instant photo printing in an ultra-compact 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.8-inch package weighing just 0.5 pounds. This battery-powered printer produces 2 x 3-inch prints using Zero-ink technology.
The printer connects via Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets, with Canon’s IVY app providing editing tools and printing controls. Each print features a peel-off adhesive backing for easy sharing and decoration.
Battery life extends to approximately 25 prints per charge, with individual prints costing around $0.68. The printer supports both iOS and Android devices with seamless integration across social media platforms.
9. Polaroid Zip Mobile Printer – The Nostalgic Option
Price Range: $69 – $99
Printer Size: 4.6 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches (W x D x H)
The Polaroid Zip combines modern technology with nostalgic instant photography, producing 2 x 3-inch prints from digital images. At 4.6 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches and weighing 0.5 pounds, it delivers exceptional portability.
Zero-ink technology creates smudge-proof, water-resistant prints in under 60 seconds. The printer connects via Bluetooth and NFC to smartphones and tablets, with Polaroid’s app offering creative editing tools.
The built-in battery provides approximately 25 prints per charge, with each print costing around $0.75. The printer supports both iOS and Android devices with extensive social media integration.
10. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link – The Smartphone Printer
Price Range: $99 – $130
Printer Size: 2.9 x 4.6 x 0.9 inches (W x D x H)
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link bridges the gap between digital and analog photography, producing credit card-sized prints from smartphone images. The compact 4.7 x 3.2 x 1.5-inch design weighs 0.5 pounds for ultimate portability.
The printer uses actual Instax Mini film, creating authentic instant photos with the characteristic Fujifilm look. Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless printing from iOS and Android devices through Fujifilm’s dedicated app.
Each print costs approximately $0.90, including the film cartridge. The rechargeable battery provides approximately 100 prints per charge, making it suitable for extended creative sessions.
Advice Before Buying
Selecting the ideal small printer for your laptop requires balancing portability, functionality, and cost considerations based on your specific needs and usage patterns. For professionals requiring versatile, high-quality printing with maximum portability, the Canon PIXMA TR150 offers the best combination of features and performance.
Students and casual users benefit from the Epson WorkForce WF-110’s balance of affordability and capability, while creative professionals should consider the HP OfficeJet 250 for its unique all-in-one functionality.
Photo enthusiasts will find the Kodak Mini 2 Retro delivers exceptional instant printing quality, while the Brother PocketJet PJ-773 serves specialized thermal printing needs with unmatched reliability.
Consider your primary printing applications, typical volume requirements, and mobility needs when making your final decision. The investment in a quality small printer pays dividends through improved productivity and the freedom to print anywhere your laptop takes you.
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