10 Best Compact Printers

The Epson EcoTank ET-2861 is a compact inkjet printer that excels in low-cost, high-volume printing thanks to its refillable ink tanks. It uses an ink tank system rather than cartridges, which means you can print a lot more pages (up to 4,500 black and white, 7,500 color) before needing a refill. This is great if you want to save money on ink over time, with the added convenience of easy refills and clear ink level indicators. The printer offers sharp print resolutions (up to 1200 dpi for black and 5760 x 1440 dpi for color), making it suitable for everyday documents and photos with good detail. Print speeds are decent for a home or small office printer—up to 33 pages per minute in black and 15 in color—so it won’t slow you down too much.

Connectivity is wireless only (Wi-Fi), allowing easy printing from laptops or smartphones, especially using the Epson Smart Panel app that lets you print, scan, and copy directly from your mobile device. The printer supports a 100-sheet paper tray with A4-sized paper, and it also handles envelopes and glossy photo paper, adding to its versatility. Its size and 3.9 kg weight mean it fits comfortably on a desk or small workspace, making it quite portable for a printer with these features.

However, it does not support wired connections like USB or Ethernet, which might limit options in some setups. While it can print double-sided automatically, the color print speed is slower compared to black-and-white. This model suits those who prioritize low ongoing ink costs, wireless convenience, and decent quality prints for home or small office use without needing heavy professional photo printing or very fast color output.

The Epson EcoTank ET-18100 is a solid choice for those who want a compact printer capable of high-quality photo printing with low running costs. It uses ink tank technology, which means you refill large ink tanks with affordable bottles instead of replacing cartridges, saving money over time. The printer handles various media types, including A3+ paper, CDs, DVDs, and PVC ID cards, making it versatile for creative projects or home office use. Its print resolution is excellent, especially for color photos, providing sharp and vibrant results.

You can expect decent print speeds of about 8 pages per minute for both black and color prints, which is reasonable for its photo-quality focus but slower than some basic text printers. Connectivity is straightforward with wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and Ethernet options, allowing easy printing from smartphones, tablets, or laptops via the Epson Smart Panel app. Paper handling is convenient with a 250-sheet capacity and automatic double-sided printing, reducing paper waste.

Although the printer is described as compact, it weighs about 8 kilograms and measures 50cm deep, so it requires a dedicated space rather than being ultra-portable. It suits users who prioritize photo quality and cost savings over speed and extreme portability. Users seeking a printer mainly for occasional text documents or very fast printing might find it a bit slow and bulky, but for those who print many photos or specialty media and want to keep ink costs low, the ET-18100 is a dependable and flexible option.

The Zebra GK420d is a compact direct thermal printer designed primarily for label printing. It uses direct thermal technology, which means it doesn't require ink or ribbons, making it low maintenance and easy to use. It prints labels up to 4 inches wide at a decent speed of up to 5 inches per second, which is suitable for most small to medium label printing tasks. The print resolution of 203 dpi is standard for thermal printers, providing clear and sharp text or barcodes but not ideal for high-detail graphics or photos.

Connectivity options include USB, serial, and parallel ports, but it lacks an Ethernet connection, so it might not be the best fit if you need network printing out of the box. The open design allows for easy media loading, which helps reduce downtime. Paper handling supports up to 100 labels at a time, which is adequate for moderate workloads but may require frequent refilling in busier environments.

In terms of portability, the printer is relatively small and lightweight, making it suitable for desktop use or mobile setups where space is limited. However, it is not battery-powered, so it needs a power outlet to operate. The printer comes with a one-year warranty and essential accessories, including cables and manuals. This printer is a good fit for businesses or users who need a reliable, straightforward label printer without the complexity or cost of thermal transfer printers. It’s ideal for shipping labels, barcode printing, and other monochrome label applications. The main drawbacks are the lack of network connectivity and limited print resolution, which may not suit users requiring high-speed networked printing or very fine print quality.