Finding the perfect small printer for your home can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you’re working from a compact home office, living in an apartment with limited space, or simply prefer a minimalist setup, the right small printer can deliver professional-quality results without dominating your workspace. Modern compact printers have evolved significantly, offering impressive functionality that rivals their larger counterparts while maintaining a footprint that fits comfortably on any desk or shelf.
The right small printer combines versatility, affordability, and ease of use, making it an ideal addition to your home office or personal workspace. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best small printers for home use, helping you find the perfect match for your needs. Check out our comprehensive list and see which model stands out for you!
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Small Printers for Home
- Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Overall Small Printer
- HP Envy 6155e – Best Budget-Friendly Compact Printer
- Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best Small All-in-One for Families
- Brother HL-L2460DW – Best Compact Laser Printer
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 – Best Small Business Printer
- Canon PIXMA iP8720 – Best Small Photo Printer
- HP OfficeJet 250 – Best Portable Printer
- Brother MFC-J1800DW – Best Compact Printer with Built-in Features
- Canon MAXIFY GX4020 – Best Small Tank Printer for High Volume
- Epson Expression Home XP-4205 – Best Wireless Small Printer
- Advice Before Buying
10 Best Small Printers for Home
Crafting the perfect home workspace often comes down to balancing performance and footprint. The 10 small printers below deliver full-featured printing, scanning, and copying – without hogging precious desk real estate.
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 – Best Overall Small Printer
Price Range: $209 – $279 | Size: 14.8 x 13.7 x 9.4 inches
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 stands out as the premier choice for homeowners seeking the perfect balance between compact design and exceptional performance. This all-in-one inkjet supertank model revolutionizes home printing by combining space-efficient engineering with cost-effective operation that traditional cartridge-based printers simply can’t match.
What makes the ET-2800 particularly remarkable for home use is its innovative tank system that eliminates the frustrating and expensive cycle of frequent cartridge replacements. The refillable ink tanks can print thousands of pages before requiring a refill, making it ideal for families, students, or home office workers who need reliable printing without constant maintenance interruptions. The printer’s compact footprint measures just 14.8 x 13.7 x 9.4 inches, allowing it to fit comfortably on most desks, shelves, or dedicated printer stands without overwhelming the space.
The three-in-one functionality provides printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple devices and further maximizing space efficiency. Print quality remains consistently sharp for both text documents and color graphics, with speeds reaching up to 10 pages per minute for black text and 5 pages per minute for color prints. The wireless connectivity options ensure seamless integration with laptops, smartphones, and tablets, making it accessible for every family member regardless of their technical expertise.
2. HP Envy 6155e – Best Budget-Friendly Compact Printer
Price Range: $109 – $150 | Size: 17.5 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches
The HP Envy 6155e proves that exceptional printing capabilities don’t require a substantial financial investment, making it the ideal choice for budget-conscious homeowners who refuse to compromise on quality or functionality. This compact all-in-one printer delivers professional-grade performance while maintaining an affordable price point that appeals to students, young professionals, and families establishing their first home office setup.
The printer’s space-saving design measures approximately 17.5 x 14.5 x 5.5 inches, making it one of the most compact options available while still providing full printing, scanning, and copying functionality. What truly sets the Envy 6155e apart for home use is its HP+ smart printing system, which automatically keeps the printer updated and optimized for peak performance without requiring technical intervention from users.
The wireless capabilities extend beyond basic connectivity, offering mobile printing options that allow users to print directly from smartphones and tablets using the HP Smart app. This feature proves invaluable for busy households where family members need to print documents, photos, or school projects quickly and efficiently. The printer produces sharp text documents and vibrant color prints suitable for everything from homework assignments to family photo printing, with print speeds of up to 10 pages per minute for black and white documents.
3. Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best Small All-in-One for Families
Price Range: $99 – $110 | Size: 16.7 x 11.8 x 8.1 inches
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 excels as the ultimate family-friendly compact printer, combining intuitive operation with versatile functionality that meets the diverse printing needs of modern households. This all-in-one printer understands that families require more than just basic printing capabilities, offering scanning, copying, and faxing functions in a compact package that won’t overwhelm kitchen counters or homework stations.
Family life demands reliability and ease of use, qualities that the TR4720 delivers consistently through its user-friendly interface and dependable performance. The printer’s compact dimensions of 16.7 x 11.8 x 8.1 inches allow it to integrate seamlessly into family spaces without appearing industrial or intrusive. The front-loading paper design eliminates the need for rear clearance, making it perfect for placement in tight spaces or against walls where many families need to position their printer.
The wireless connectivity options cater to modern family dynamics, allowing parents to print work documents while children simultaneously scan homework assignments using different devices. The Canon PRINT app extends functionality to smartphones and tablets, enabling family members to print photos directly from social media or cloud storage services. Print quality remains consistently high for both text documents and color graphics, producing school projects, family photos, and work presentations with equal proficiency.
4. Brother HL-L2460DW – Best Compact Laser Printer
Price Range: $159 – $199 | Size: 14.2 x 14.2 x 7.2 inches
The Brother HL-L2460DW represents the pinnacle of compact laser printing technology, offering the speed, efficiency, and crisp text quality that laser printers are renowned for while maintaining a footprint suitable for home environments. This monochrome laser printer specifically targets users who prioritize text document printing and value the long-term cost benefits and reliability that laser technology provides.
For home users who frequently print text-heavy documents such as contracts, reports, school papers, or business correspondence, the HL-L2460DW delivers unmatched performance in a surprisingly compact form factor. The printer measures just 14.2 x 14.2 x 7.2 inches, making it significantly smaller than traditional laser printers while maintaining the robust build quality Brother is known for. The automatic duplex printing feature reduces paper consumption and creates more professional-looking documents, a feature particularly valuable for home-based businesses or students preparing presentations.
The printer’s impressive speed of up to 36 pages per minute ensures that large printing jobs complete quickly without disrupting household activities. The wireless connectivity allows multiple family members to share the printer efficiently, while the mobile printing capabilities enable printing from smartphones and tablets. The monthly duty cycle of up to 15,000 pages makes it suitable for heavy home use, while the high-yield toner cartridges provide excellent cost-per-page economics that benefit budget-conscious households.
5. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 – Best Small Business Printer
Price Range: $149 – $219 | Size: 16.7 x 22.0 x 12.8 inches
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 bridges the gap between home and professional printing needs, offering business-grade capabilities in a compact design that suits home offices and small businesses operating from residential spaces. This all-in-one inkjet printer understands that modern work-from-home professionals require the same quality and reliability they would expect from office equipment, delivered in a package that respects residential space constraints.
The printer’s professional pedigree shows in its ability to handle high-volume printing tasks while maintaining consistent quality and speed. Measuring 16.7 x 22 x 12.8 inches, it occupies more space than basic home printers but delivers proportionally greater capability and durability. The automatic document feeder accommodates up to 35 sheets, enabling efficient scanning and copying of multi-page documents without manual intervention, a feature that saves significant time for busy professionals.
Print speeds reach up to 25 pages per minute for black documents and 12 pages per minute for color prints, ensuring that urgent business documents complete quickly. The wireless and Ethernet connectivity options provide flexible networking solutions, while the mobile printing capabilities allow printing from laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The printer produces professional-quality documents suitable for client presentations, proposals, and official correspondence, making it ideal for consultants, freelancers, and small business owners operating from home offices.
6. Canon PIXMA iP8720 – Best Small Photo Printer
Price Range: $229 – $289 | Size: 23.0 x 12.8 x 6.3 inches
The Canon PIXMA iP8720 specializes in delivering exceptional photo printing quality while maintaining a compact footprint that suits photography enthusiasts and creative professionals working from home spaces. This dedicated photo printer focuses on producing gallery-quality prints up to 13 x 19 inches, offering capabilities typically found only in much larger, more expensive professional printing equipment.
Photography enthusiasts appreciate the iP8720’s six-color ink system, which produces more accurate color reproduction and smoother gradations than standard four-color printers. The compact design, measuring 23.0 x 12.8 x 6.3 inches, allows it to fit on most desks or dedicated photo workstations without requiring extensive space modifications. The printer’s specialty lies in its ability to handle various paper types and sizes, from standard photo paper to fine art papers, enabling creative professionals to experiment with different media for their projects.
The wireless connectivity integrates seamlessly with cameras, smartphones, and computers, allowing direct printing from various devices without complex setup procedures. Print speeds remain reasonable for photo work, producing a borderless 4 x 6 inch photo in approximately 36 seconds. The precision and color accuracy make it invaluable for photographers who need to evaluate their work in print form or create portfolio pieces, while families can enjoy high-quality photo printing for special occasions and memory preservation.
7. HP OfficeJet 250 – Best Portable Printer
Price Range: $409 – $509 | Size: 14.96 x 7.28 x 2.68 inches (Ultra-Portable)
The HP OfficeJet 250 revolutionizes mobile printing by combining full all-in-one functionality with true portability, making it the perfect solution for professionals who need printing capabilities on the go or in multiple locations throughout their home. This battery-powered printer eliminates the constraints of fixed installation, offering unprecedented flexibility for modern mobile lifestyles.
The printer’s compact dimensions of 14.96 x 7.28 x 2.68 inches and lightweight construction allow it to travel easily between home, office, and remote work locations. The rechargeable battery provides approximately 500 printed pages per charge, ensuring reliable operation even in locations without immediate power access. This capability proves invaluable for professionals who work from various locations within their home, travel frequently, or need backup printing solutions during power outages.
Despite its portable design, the OfficeJet 250 maintains impressive functionality, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities that rival stationary printers. The wireless connectivity works with laptops, smartphones, and tablets, while the compact design doesn’t sacrifice print quality. Documents emerge with sharp text and clear graphics suitable for professional presentations and client communications. The printer serves as an excellent secondary device for established home offices or as a primary solution for minimalist setups and frequent travelers.
8. Brother MFC-J1800DW – Best Compact Printer with Built-in Features
Price Range: $199 – $229 | Size: 15.7 x 13.5 x 6.8 inches
The Brother MFC-J1800DW distinguishes itself through innovative built-in features that maximize efficiency and convenience in compact home printing setups. This all-in-one inkjet printer incorporates thoughtful design elements that address common home printing challenges while maintaining a space-efficient footprint that suits modern living environments.
The printer’s most distinctive feature is its integrated paper guillotine, which allows users to trim documents to precise specifications without requiring separate cutting tools. This built-in functionality proves particularly valuable for craft projects, photo trimming, and creating custom-sized documents, eliminating the need for additional equipment that would consume valuable workspace. The compact design measures approximately 15.7 x 13.5 x 6.8 inches, fitting comfortably on most desks while providing access to the cutting mechanism.
The wireless connectivity supports multiple devices simultaneously, enabling family members to share printing resources efficiently. Print quality remains consistently high for both text documents and color graphics, with speeds reaching up to 17 pages per minute for black documents. The automatic duplex printing feature conserves paper and creates more professional-looking documents, while the 150-sheet paper capacity reduces the frequency of refilling requirements. These built-in conveniences make it particularly suitable for creative households and home-based businesses that value integrated functionality.
9. Canon MAXIFY GX4020 – Best Small Tank Printer for High Volume
Price Range: $499 – $549 | Size: 20.1 x 16.7 x 9.7 inches
The Canon MAXIFY GX4020 addresses the needs of high-volume home printing while maintaining a compact profile suitable for residential spaces. This MegaTank all-in-one printer combines the cost-efficiency of refillable ink tanks with the robust performance required for heavy printing demands, making it ideal for large families, home-based businesses, or individuals with substantial printing needs.
The printer’s tank system holds significantly more ink than traditional cartridge-based printers, enabling printing of thousands of pages before requiring refills. This capability translates to substantial cost savings and reduced maintenance interruptions, particularly valuable for users who print extensively for work, school, or personal projects. The compact dimensions of 20.1 x 16.7 x 9.7 inches provide a reasonable footprint considering the high-capacity functionality it delivers.
Print speeds reach up to 24 pages per minute for black documents and 15.5 pages per minute for color prints, ensuring that large jobs complete efficiently without disrupting household activities. The 250-sheet paper capacity and 35-sheet automatic document feeder minimize manual intervention during extended printing sessions. The wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities integrate seamlessly with modern devices, while the professional print quality suits business documents, presentations, and correspondence. The printer excels in environments where printing volume justifies the initial investment in tank technology.
10. Epson Expression Home XP-4205 – Best Wireless Small Printer
Price Range: $69 – $99 | Size: 15.4 x 13.7 x 5.5 inches
The Epson Expression Home XP-4205 exemplifies modern wireless printing convenience, offering comprehensive connectivity options in a compact package designed specifically for contemporary home environments. This all-in-one printer prioritizes wireless functionality and ease of use, making it ideal for tech-savvy households that value seamless device integration and mobile printing capabilities.
The printer’s wireless capabilities extend beyond basic connectivity, supporting Wi-Fi Direct, which allows direct device connections without requiring a home network. This feature proves particularly useful for guest printing or situations where network access is limited. The compact design measures 15.4 x 13.7 x 5.5 inches, making it one of the most space-efficient options available while maintaining full printing, scanning, and copying functionality.
Smart device integration reaches impressive levels through the Epson Connect suite, which enables printing from smartphones, tablets, and cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. The voice-activated printing compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenience for busy households. Print quality remains consistently high for both text documents and color photos, with individual ink cartridges that allow replacement of only depleted colors, reducing waste and operating costs. The printer’s emphasis on wireless convenience makes it particularly suitable for modern homes where multiple family members need flexible printing access from various devices.
Advice Before Buying
Selecting the right small printer for your home involves balancing space constraints with functionality requirements, and each printer in this comprehensive guide offers unique advantages for different household needs. The key to making the best choice lies in understanding your primary printing requirements, available space, and budget considerations.
For most households seeking an excellent all-around solution, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 provides the optimal combination of compact design, cost-effective operation, and reliable performance. Budget-conscious buyers will find exceptional value in the HP Envy 6155e, while families with diverse printing needs will appreciate the versatility of the Canon PIXMA TR4720.
Professional home office users should consider the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 for business-grade capabilities, while photography enthusiasts will benefit from the specialized color accuracy of the Canon PIXMA iP8720. High-volume users will find the Canon MAXIFY GX4020’s tank system provides excellent long-term value, and mobile professionals will appreciate the unprecedented flexibility of the HP OfficeJet 250.
The compact printer market continues to evolve, with manufacturers increasingly focusing on space-efficient designs that don’t compromise functionality. By carefully considering your specific needs and space requirements, you can select a small printer that enhances your home’s productivity while maintaining the clean, organized environment you desire.
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