10 Best Compact Printers

The Canon SELPHY CP1500 is a compact photo printer designed for those who want quick, high-quality prints without the bulk of a traditional printer. It uses dye-sublimation technology, which produces vibrant, long-lasting photos resistant to water, scratches, and fingerprints—great for scrapbooks or photo albums. You can expect postcard-sized photos in about 41 seconds, which is reasonably fast for a portable photo printer. The print resolution is 300 dpi, providing clear and sharp images, though it’s not suitable for very detailed or professional photo enlargements.

Connectivity options include USB-C, Wi-Fi, and SD card slots, making it easy to print directly from smartphones, tablets, or laptops. The included SELPHY app adds fun features like filters and stickers, which is ideal for casual users who enjoy personalising their prints. Paper handling is straightforward but limited; it only prints one sheet at a time and supports various small photo sizes, which is perfect for creative projects but not for bulk printing. Weighing just 850 grams and measuring roughly 18 x 13 x 6 cm, it’s truly portable and fits nicely in small spaces, making it convenient for parties or travel.

On the downside, the print speed for black and white images is quite slow, and it doesn’t support double-sided printing. Also, it’s tailored mostly for photo printing, so it won't replace a regular document printer. Those seeking a stylish, easy-to-use printer that produces durable, vibrant photos on the go will find the SELPHY CP1500 to be a strong choice. However, if faster printing or more versatility is needed, other options might be more suitable.

The Kodak Mini 2 Retro is a small, lightweight portable photo printer ideal for quickly printing 2.1x3.4 inch photos on the go. It uses 4PASS inkjet technology to print photos in multiple color layers with a laminated finish, making the prints fingerprint-proof and waterproof, which helps preserve memories. Users can choose between bordered photos for writing notes or borderless ones for a larger picture look.

Connectivity is simple via Bluetooth, allowing direct printing from your smartphone using Kodak’s app, which offers fun editing features like filters and frames. The print speed is relatively slow, producing about one photo per minute, and the resolution is standard at 300 dpi, resulting in decent but not highly detailed photos. The printer can handle up to 60 sheets at once, making it suitable for casual use rather than heavy printing.

Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around, perfect for parties or trips. As a budget-friendly option for instant home photo printing, the slow speed and limited print size make it best suited for casual photo enthusiasts rather than those requiring large or fast prints.

The HP DeskJet 2820e is a compact all-in-one inkjet printer designed mainly for basic home printing tasks like recipes, labels, and schoolwork. It supports printing, scanning, and copying, making it a versatile choice for everyday use. The print speed is moderate, with up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and white and 5.5 pages per minute in color, which is sufficient for casual users but may feel slow for heavier printing needs. Print resolution is decent, producing sharp color prints thanks to its high dpi, which is good for photos and documents needing clear detail.

Connectivity is a strong point, offering wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing easy printing from smartphones and other devices without cables. The included HP print app simplifies setup and use, helping even beginners get started quickly. Paper handling is basic with a 50-sheet capacity and support for standard A4 size and labels, suitable for light workloads but not high-volume tasks. The printer is fairly compact and lightweight for portability around the home, though not pocket-sized.

A valuable feature is the 3 months of free Instant Ink, a subscription service that delivers ink before you run out, potentially saving money and hassle. The printer is also made with recycled plastic, showing some eco-friendly design. However, it lacks duplex (double-sided) printing, which could be a drawback if you want to reduce paper use. This printer is well-suited for users seeking an easy-to-use, wireless, compact device for light home duties, delivering solid print quality and convenience but not intended for fast, high-volume, or professional printing needs.