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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
The real cost of a compact inkjet printer isn’t the machine — it’s the ink you’ll feed it for years. That’s why this guide cuts through the spec sheets to focus on what actually matters for a small desk, a dorm room, or a home office: print speed, paper handling, and whether the cartridges will drain your wallet. Every pick here earns its place on footprint and real-world owner feedback, not just marketing promises.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We’ve ranked the most reliable, space-saving models and highlighted which ones handle photos, duplex printing, and high-volume jobs best to help you find the ideal compact inkjet printer for your space and printing habits.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Compact Inkjet Printer
Choosing a small printer is about matching the machine to your weekly printing load. A student printing a few pages a week has different needs than a home office that runs through a ream of paper a month.
Match the ink system to your volume
The biggest fork in the road is cartridge versus tank. Cartridge printers are cheaper upfront but cost more per page over time. Tank printers use refillable bottles that last much longer, making them the smarter pick if you print regularly.
Check the paper tray and duplex printing
A small tray means more refills. Look for a tray that holds at least 50 sheets for light use, or 100 to 150 sheets if you print often. Automatic duplex printing lets the printer flip pages on its own for two-sided copies, which cuts paper use roughly in half — manual duplex means you flip the pages yourself.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (Black) | Duplex (2-sided) | Paper Tray | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TR4720★ Best Overall | All-around home office with fax | — | Automatic | — | Amazon |
| Brother 1410Best Value | Small office needing speed | 16 ppm | Automatic | 150-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120Top Performer | Fast but affordable printing | 14 ppm | Automatic | — | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155 | Family photos and homework | 10 ppm | Automatic | 100-sheet | Amazon |
| Epson XP-8800 | Serious photo printing | 10 ppm | Automatic | — | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | High-volume home printing | 15 ppm | Automatic | — | Amazon |
| Brother 1365 | Budget-friendly ink refills | 16 ppm | Automatic | 150-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR160 | Travel and tiny spaces | 9 ppm | Simplex (one-sided) | 50-sheet | Amazon |
| HP DeskJet 2855e | Basic budget home printing | 7.5 ppm | Manual | 60-sheet | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 200+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The rare compact that packs fax, scan, copy, and print into one tidy black box.
This is the Swiss Army knife of small printers — it handles printing, copying, scanning, and built-in fax, which is a rarity in a machine this size. It uses PG-275 black and CL-276 color cartridges, and the automatic duplex printing flips pages for two-sided documents without you lifting a finger.
Buyers report it works great for pictures and documents, from remote work to a therapy business. Setup is straightforward through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, and the LCD display keeps ink levels and status easy to check. The 4800 x 1200 dpi color copy resolution means detailed prints for home use.
It’s a versatile choice for anyone who needs more than just printing. The built-in fax is a bonus for a home office, and the compact footprint fits on a small desk without dominating the space.
Why It Wins
- True 4-in-1 includes fax, scan, and copy for one compact unit
- Automatic 2-sided printing saves paper without manual flipping
- Owners call it easy to set up and good value for a home office
Consider This
- Some owners mention cartridge costs can add up over time
- No touchscreen — you navigate via the LCD and buttons
Reach for this if: you want a single small machine that prints, copies, scans, and faxes from one desk.
Think twice if: you print in high volume and want the lowest per-page ink cost.
2. Brother Work Smart 1410
The fastest black-and-white sprinter here, hitting 16 pages per minute without breaking a sweat.
You’ll get your documents faster with this Brother model, which prints 16 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color—the fastest in this guide. Its 150-sheet paper tray is the largest here, so you won’t be refilling it constantly in a busy home office or small business.
The clear 2.7″ color touchscreen makes cloud printing easy — you can print from Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive directly from the display. The 20-sheet automatic document feeder handles multi-page scans or copies hands-free, and the automatic duplex printing saves paper.
The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage the printer and monitor ink from your phone. Buyers praise the sharp, smudge-free output and the easy app-based setup, though a few note the proprietary ink cartridges can be a hassle to source.
Speed demon: the fastest black-and-white printing in this lineup at 16 ppm, with a 150-sheet tray to match.
Fair warning: some customers note wireless hiccups after a few months, and true startup time depends on your network.
Best for: a home office or student that prints regularly and wants quick results without a big footprint.
skip it if: you rarely print and just need a cheap occasional machine.
3. Canon PIXMA TR7120
A compact all-rounder that prints at 14 ppm black and keeps connections steady on dual-band Wi-Fi.
This one is the speed-and-value star of the Canon lineup, printing 14 pages per minute in black and 9 in color — noticeably quicker than budget rivals like the HP DeskJet at 7.5 and 5.5 ppm. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) gives you a more stable connection than single-band printers, which owners confirm with praise for reliable wireless printing.
The 1.42″ monochrome OLED display keeps ink levels and status visible at a glance, and the automatic document feeder handles multi-page jobs. Automatic 2-sided printing saves paper, and the 2-cartridge hybrid ink system delivers sharp text and vivid colors for documents and photos up to 8.5″ x 11″.
The thing everyone raves about is print quality — it’s the most-praised aspect here, with owners calling the output sharp and clear for a home machine. You can print from your phone via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria, and even use voice commands with Amazon Alexa.
The Highlights
- Dual-band Wi-Fi keeps connections stable from anywhere in the home
- Automatic duplex and ADF speed up multi-page work
- Compact footprint plus OLED display for easy status checks
The Trade-Off
- Owners note the paper tray runs small for heavier use
- Some report high ink consumption per page
Pick this if: you want fast home printing with rock-solid wireless and sharp output without spending premium money.
Look elsewhere if: you print hundreds of pages a month — the cartridge costs will bite.
4. HP Envy 6155
A family-friendly machine with a 2.4″ touchscreen and true-to-screen color for photos and homework.
This HP is built for households that print a mix of homework, documents, and borderless photos. It prints up to 10 pages per minute in black and 7 in color, and the auto 2-sided printing helps you save paper without any manual flipping. The 100-sheet input tray is the most generous in this mid-range group.
The standout feature is the 2.4″ color touchscreen — HP’s most intuitive control panel — which makes navigating menus and checking status far easier than button-only rivals. HP’s dual-band Wi-Fi automatically detects and fixes connection issues, and the HP app lets you print, scan, or copy from your smartphone. The P3 technology is designed to make colors look as vibrant as they do on your screen.
Buyers consistently praise the easy setup — it’s the most-mentioned plus. The printer is also made with at least 60% recycled plastic content, which is a nice sustainability touch. Just note it’s designed to work only with original HP cartridges and will block third-party ink.
Easy does it: setup wins the most praise here, and the touchscreen makes daily use genuinely simple for the whole family.
Keep in mind: a few owners hit software connection drops, and the 10 ppm black speed trails the faster Brother models above.
Grab this for: a family that wants photos and documents with an easy touchscreen and reliable dual-band wireless.
Consider another if: you need the fastest print speeds or want to use third-party ink to save money.
5. Epson Expression Photo XP-8800
The lab-quality pick for photo lovers — a 6-color system that delivers a 4″ x 6″ print in 10 seconds.
If photos are the whole point, this Epson is in a league of its own. The 6-color Claria Photo HD ink system produces astoundingly detailed borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″, with a 4″ x 6″ photo ready in as fast as 10 seconds. The color depth of 48-bit input gives smooth gradients and accurate skin tones.
It has separate trays for plain paper and photo paper, plus a rear feed for specialty media. The flush 4.3″ color touchscreen includes an Easy Mode for enhanced visibility, and the built-in flatbed scanner delivers crisp scans and copies. You can print wirelessly from your laptop, phone, or tablet, and use Wi-Fi Direct for router-free printing.
Reviewers point out the output is “crisp” and praise the quiet, fast operation and smooth duplex printing (automatic two-sided printing). The catch is the ink—replacement cartridges aren’t cheap, and some shoppers say the included starter cartridges are quite small. Also, this printer connects only via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (a common wireless band) with no Ethernet port, so it won’t work on a 5GHz-only network.
The Payoff
- 6-color ink system delivers true lab-quality photo prints
- Separate paper trays for plain and photo stock
- Fast 10-second 4″ x 6″ borderless prints
The Cost
- Replacement ink is pricey, especially full-size cartridges
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only and no Ethernet port for wired networks
Choose this if: you print photos regularly and want rich, gallery-worthy color on a compact footprint.
Steer clear if: photo quality isn’t your priority and you just want cheap everyday document printing.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-2980
The ink-economy king — a cartridge-free tank that prints up to 6,600 black pages before refilling.
This is the printer for anyone tired of buying cartridges. The EcoTank system replaces them with supersized refillable tanks and EcoFit bottles, and the box includes enough ink to print up to 6,600 pages in black and 5,500 in color — roughly three years of typical home printing. Each replacement ink bottle set is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges.
It prints up to 15 pages per minute in black and 8 in color, with automatic 2-sided printing and borderless photo capability. The Epson Smart Panel app lets you print and scan from your smartphone, and the compact 13.7″ deep footprint fits neatly on a desk or shelf.
Owners who made the switch from cartridge printers are delighted — the printer quality is the top-praised aspect, and setup earns strong marks too. It’s a great all-in-one for family use, delivering good color quality quietly and affordably. The main caveat from a few buyers is that the small screen can be finicky, and some experience Wi-Fi drops.
Zero cartridge hassle: the tank refill system means you’ll buy ink bottles, not cartridges, and refill in seconds.
The honest caveat: a handful of buyers report Wi-Fi disconnects and note the screen is on the small side.
Worth it for: households that print regularly and want to slash per-page ink costs dramatically.
Not for you if: you print only a few pages a month and don’t want the higher upfront cost of a tank system.
7. Brother INKvestment 1365
A speedster with a 1,200-page starter black cartridge that cuts how often you swap ink.
Brother’s INKvestment approach means the box includes a 1,200-page yield black cartridge and a 500-page cartridge for each color — cyan, yellow, and magenta — so you’re not buying ink on day one. The printer hits up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color, with automatic duplex printing for paper savings.
The 1.8″ color display keeps operation clear, and the 150-sheet paper tray handles a busy home office load. The 20-page automatic document feeder scans or copies multi-page stacks without manual effort. You can connect via Wi-Fi, USB, or Wi-Fi Direct, which lets you print even without a router.
Owners like the compact size and easy-to-use controls, and the sharp text output earns praise. The Brother Mobile Connect app gives you onscreen navigation from your phone and ink monitoring. A few owners mention the setup process is less intuitive than some rivals, but once running, it’s quiet and reliable.
What Stands Out
- Starter ink lasts a long time — a 1,200-page black cartridge included
- Fast 16 ppm black speed with a roomy 150-sheet tray
- Wi-Fi Direct enables router-free printing
What to Expect
- Setup isn’t the most intuitive, per some owners
- A few report higher-than-expected ink consumption
Take this if: you want Brother speed plus a big starter ink supply in a compact all-in-one.
Pass on it if: you prefer the absolute lowest per-page cost of a tank system like the EcoTank.
8. Canon PIXMA TR160
A featherweight 4.5-pound printer that slips into a backpack for printing on the go.
You can take this printer anywhere—it’s the most portable in this guide, weighing just 4.5 pounds and measuring a slim 12.7″ deep, 7.3″ wide, and 2.6″ tall. It fits into a bag with room to spare, so it’s ideal for travel, a tiny home, or a cramped desk where every inch counts. Note that it’s print-only, so you’ll need a separate scanner for copying or scanning.
Despite the small size, it uses a 5-color hybrid ink system that delivers sharp black text and vibrant color for prints up to 8.5″ x 11″, including square and borderless options. The 50-sheet paper tray is surprisingly generous for a portable, and the 1.44″ OLED display keeps ink levels and settings easy to check.
It connects via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria, and Wireless Direct mode lets you print even without a router. Owners in tiny homes and on the road love the easy portability and print quality. The main limitation is that it’s print-only — there’s no scanner or copier — and it powers down when not actively used.
Bag-friendly: at 4.5 pounds and 2.6″ thick, this is the one you’ll actually carry with you.
Know the limit: it’s print-only — no scanning or copying — and it shuts off when idle for a while.
Perfect if: you travel, live in a tiny space, or need a printer that’s genuinely easy to pack up.
Look for more if: you need scanning and copying from the same machine.
9. HP DeskJet 2855e
The no-frills budget pick that handles to-do lists, letters, and recipes without the premium price tag.
If your printing is light — a few lists, letters, and financial documents a week — this HP keeps things simple and affordable. It prints up to 7.5 pages per minute in black and 5.5 in color, so it’s not the fastest, but it’s fine for occasional home use. The 60-sheet input tray handles a reasonable stack of paper.
It’s a full all-in-one with print, copy, and scan, plus a 3-month Instant Ink trial so you can try the delivery service before paying. The HP app makes it easy to print from your phone, PC, or tablet, and HP’s AI helps strip unwanted content from web pages so you don’t waste paper.
Buyers who’ve had good experiences call the setup quick — around 10 to 15 minutes — with excellent print and scan quality and reliable Wi-Fi from phones and laptops. Some customers note the HP software can be troublesome, with connection drops and a required account, so tech-savvy patience helps. It’s only 2.4GHz capable, which matters for newer networks.
The Upside
- Low-cost entry point for basic home printing needs
- Compact all-in-one with print, copy, and scan
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included for delivery convenience
The Downside
- HP software and account requirements frustrate some owners
- Manual duplex means you flip pages yourself for 2-sided
Choose this if: you want the lowest-cost way to print a few pages a week from your phone.
pass on it if: you print often and want speed, duplex, or lower long-term ink costs.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed (Pages Per Minute)
This tells you how many pages a printer can output in one minute of continuous printing. A 16 ppm black speed is great for a busy home office, while 7.5 ppm is fine for light use. Remember — real-world speeds are often slower than the rated maximum, especially for color and photos.
Ink System: Cartridge vs. Tank
Cartridge printers use replaceable ink cartridges (like the Canon TR4720’s PG-275 and CL-276). Tank printers like the Epson EcoTank use refillable bottles that print thousands of pages before needing a refill, which slashes your long-term cost per page if you print regularly.
FAQ
Will a compact inkjet printer fit on a small desk or shelf?
What is automatic duplex printing and why does it matter?
Is a cartridge or tank printer better for the long run?
Can I print from my smartphone with these printers?
How fast can a compact inkjet printer actually print?
What does the paper tray capacity mean for daily use?
Is it better to get a printer with an automatic document feeder?
What should I check before buying a printer for photos?
Do I need a printer with fax capability?
What if my Wi-Fi network is 5GHz only?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the winner for a compact inkjet printer is the Canon PIXMA TR4720 because it packs fax, scan, copy, and automatic duplex into a true all-in-one for a home office. If you want the fastest printing with a roomy tray, grab the Brother Work Smart 1410 at 16 ppm. And for the lowest ink costs over time, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 prints up to 6,600 black pages on the included ink bottles.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.