Small printers are not as big and bulky as regular ones. They are more compact and can be carried around easily. Small printers also have a lesser printing capacity than regular ones. However, small printers are cheaper and faster to print documents when compared to regular printers.
One advantage of small printers is that they can be placed on any surface without taking up too much space. They are perfect for people who have limited space in their homes or offices. Small printers are also very easy to use and maintain.
Types: Laser, Thermal, And Inkjet Printers
There are three main types of small printers by technology:
- Laser Printers
Laser printers use a light beam to produce prints. A laser beam is used to draw the image on a drum, which is then transferred to the paper. A laser printer is usuallt faster than inkjet printers and has a higher printing quality. However, they are more expensive than inkjet printers.
- Thermal Printers
Thermal printers use heat to produce prints. A thermal head is used to print the image on еhermal paper. This type of printer is very fast and has a high printing quality. However, they are more expensive than both inkjet and laser printers.
- Inkjet Printers
An inkjet printer uses liquid ink to produce prints. The ink is sprayed onto the paper through tiny nozzles. Inkjet printers are the most common type of small printer. They are very affordable and easy to use. It operates by sprinkling microscopic ink drops onto the page at a rate determined by the DPI.
How to Choose a Small Printer
When searching for great mini printers, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Quality
Print quality is one of the most crucial factors to take into account when purchasing any kind of printer, thus we carefully examined the output from each device. We advise comparing the print resolutions of the printers you are considering because you won't likely be comparing example papers side by side in person. Print resolution is a fair measure of how much information a printer can reproduce in images. The resolution improves as the numbers increase. You might have to make resolution and mobility trade-offs to locate anything within your pricing range because smaller, higher-resolution printers are typically more expensive.
- Mobility
In general, a mobile printer should be as light as possible. However, we looked for models that strike a mix between quality and features while still being small. Check the dimensions of a mobile printer as you consider purchasing to ensure that it will fit in the bag or backpack that you generally use for carrying your belongings.
- Output requirements
Pay attention to the printer's regular output requirements, particularly the monthly duty cycle, or the manufacturer's recommended maximum number of pages to print each month. Make sure the duty cycle meets your needs because printing more frequently than this can damage the machine and hasten its demise.
- Connectivity
Especially given that so much data is saved digitally, printers with connectivity to a range of online storage and cloud systems are increasingly valuable. Make sure your printer is compatible with the cloud storage option you select.
- Battery
Battery life is another crucial factor to take into account. Find out how many pages or days you can print before the battery needs to be recharged. The general portability of the printer is impacted if the battery needs to be plugged in frequently.
Best Small Printer: Our List
After describing what it takes to choose a small printer, we offer our suggestions for the best options on the market that will save you time and money in the long run.
Budget-Friendly: HP OfficeJet Mobile 200
The HP OfficeJet 250 All-in-One, which is our pick for the finest portable printer on the market, has a smaller sibling called the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile. The HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile stands out from the competition since it is a mobile printer with a built-in battery that can be used wherever you are.
The HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile enables wireless printing from your laptop, as you would expect from a mobile compact printer, and it also has a cable connection in case you want to use it like a conventional printer with your home computer. The incredible print quality of the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile, which even rivals certain full-size printers, is what makes it stand out. Additionally, it prints pages rather quickly and is silent.
The absence of a scanner is the biggest concession you must make in exchange for this mobility, but given the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile's diminutive size and lightweight, we would have been surprised if they had managed to fit one within. Overall, this small printer is just great.
Pros:
- Outstanding print quality.
- Less expensive than other our top picks.
- An extended battery life.
Cons:
- Cannot copy or scan.
- Not the smallest or lightest model tested.
Top All In One Printer: HP OfficeJet 250
It shouldn't be a surprise that the HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 continues to occupy the top spot in our list of the best portable printers. This printer not only prints pages and photographs of good quality practically error-free, but it also includes all the extra capabilities you'd expect on a full-size printer, including a superb scanner that enables you to scan and copy documents while on the road.
Even though it weighs a little bit more than we'd want for a portable printer, you can still get excellent print quality no matter where you are because of the built-in battery pack. If you need to use the HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 in a busy office setting or, at a push, a coffee shop, you won't disturb anyone because it prints quickly—between 7-8 pages per minute—and is much quieter than the typical printer. All of that is printed at a 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, which is good for a printer this size.
The HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 may be connected to through USB, WiFi, or Bluetooth, and it can be used with almost any device thanks to special HP mobile software. This is our top pick for a tiny printer because you really couldn't ask for much more.
Pros:
- Outstanding performance.
- Enormous paper tray.
- Copies, scans, and prints.
Cons:
- Pricier than competitors.
- For a little printer, it's heavy.
Ultimate Print Quality: WorkForce WF110 Epson printer
The Epson WorkForce WF-110W is a very useful small printer that is lighter than Canon's Pixma TP150 and has a rechargeable Li-ion battery built in. It can handle glossy photo paper as readily as plain paper.
It is a simple printer to set up and use, generating prints that are extremely detailed and look amazing. It can connect by Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct (albeit doing so a little slower than other printers on this list). But keep in mind that its inkjet cartridges are a little on the pricey side; consider this before choosing because this is the kind of expense that will add up over time.
Pros:
- Excellent print quality.
- Direct Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Includes a battery.
Cons:
- High-priced inkjet cartridges.
- A bit sluggish.
Compact Pick: Canon Pixma TR150
The Canon Pixma TR150 tiny printer fits a lot of technology into a device that can fit inside a typical backpack while producing five-ink prints of exceptional quality on plain or picture paper.
This inkjet printer connects effortlessly to your laptop or another device through USB or Wi-Fi, and it can print up to nine pages per minute in black and white—not bad at all for a portable device (and 5.5 pages per minute in color)! There is no need to cut corners or save money to get high-quality prints from your laptop because it is also reasonably priced.
One thing to keep in mind is that while this printer can operate on batteries, which is appealing for traveling, it does not equip with a rechargeable power supply by default. The TR150 battery and kit are available in some locations, whereas the Canon LK-72 battery is sold separately in other locations.
Pros:
- Battery power is optional.
- Excellent prints.
- Accommodates a bag.
Cons:
- The battery is an add-on extra.
- No NFC.
Easiest To Use: The Canon Selphy CP1300
The Canon Selphy CP1300 is the ideal midpoint between some of the ultra-compact photo printers on this list and a standard small desktop printer. The CP1300, which is intended to be portable, wouldn't seem out of place in a home office either. It works best for images because the printing size is 148x100 (postcard size) or lower, although the output will be larger than that of the Sprocket, Instax, and other similar printers.
Making a collage couldn't be easier thanks to the printer's variety of sizes and flip-up digital display on the top that makes keeping track of your photos more effective. Additionally, Canon guarantees "lab quality outcomes," so if you still frequently travel to get your images developed, this could end up saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Pros:
- Simple to assemble and use.
- Bigger prints than other specialty compact photo printers.
Cons:
- The size is somewhat bulky.
Great Value: Canon's Selphy Square QX10 camera
The Canon SELPHY Square QX10, our top pick for the best tiny printer, is more of a toy than a serious piece of equipment, producing adorable Polaroid-style photos using dye sublimation technology. Additionally, you can add custom frames, text, and more to your images using the SELPHY app, and the printer is portable.
Before the ink cartridge got jammed during testing, we were impressed with the print quality when compared to the output from other Zinc printers. If you want to put the photos in a scrapbook or anything similar, the paper also has an optional sticky back.
Pros:
- Good value.
- Portable and compact.
- Results from dye sublimation are marginally superior to Zinc.
- Great quality photo printing.
Cons:
- Reduced DPI.
- Only applicable to photographs.
Portable Champion: PocketJet PJ763
With a built-in power source, the Brother PocketJet PJ763MFI is a completely compact printer that enables printing wherever you are. We've eaten sandwiches bigger than this printer, which weighs just 1.25 pounds and measures 10.04 by 2.17 by 1.18 inches. This makes it the perfect option for contractors who frequently need to travel and meet with clients face-to-face. No matter where you are, you may use this printer to print an invoice or a receipt.
Because it is a thermal printer, the size and portability are further reduced because there is no need for ink refills. The drawback of this gadget is that it can only print monochromatic papers. Nevertheless, you receive clear printouts, and the PocketJet PJ763MFI's battery can print 600 pages after a full charge.
Additionally, you must purchase special thermal printer paper for this device, which dramatically raises the price per page when compared to printers that use more standard ink. However, these limitations are the price you pay for a portable printer, and if that's what you need, this is the finest option available.
Pros:
- Extremely light.
- Sharp and tidy text is printed.
- Prints 600 pages on an optional battery pack's charge.
Cons:
- Decreased print resolution.
- Just black and white prints.
- More difficult to find thermal paper.
Small And Versatile: Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Printer from Kodak
The resolution of the images printed with this choice from KODAK, like other little Bluetooth printers, won't be something to write home about, but for a little bit of fun, while you're out and about, you can't go wrong. Print up several customized stickers, remove the paper's backing and place them all around your room or other possessions.
The app allows you to edit photos, and it's simple to print them via Bluetooth from your mobile devices. But compared to other portable printers, the battery life is inadequate, so make sure you're completely charged before leaving the house! The KODAK Step exhorts us to print our images rather than store them secretly in photo reels. They unfortunately only function over Bluetooth from a mobile device and cannot be used with PCs or laptops.
Pros:
- A small size.
- Can additionally print stickers.
- Cheaper than HP Sprocket and Instax Link in price.
Cons:
- Mainly applicable to photographs.
- Only 25 photographs can be printed on one charge.
Top Commercial Pick: The Fujifilm ASK300
The Fujifilm ASK 300 is a good printer option if you're an event photographer needing to distribute a big number of prints on-site. You can get prints up to 8x6 inches in size utilizing dye sublimation printing, which produces high-quality photographic prints using ribbon cartridges.
It weighs 12 kg, which makes it substantially heavier than the other printers on this list, but it has a rather compact footprint (45 by 27 cm), so it won't take up much room.
It is a wonderfully portable option, and it can produce high-quality 4x6 prints in 12 seconds, provided you have your transportation. Its ink packs may seem pricey, but one pack will give you over 800 prints for $120/£130 (approximately), thus the value is quite good.
Pros:
- Professionals' best dye-sub printer.
- A reasonable degree of compactness.
- Massive prints (up to 8x6 inch).
Cons:
- Heavy.
- Costly to run and purchase.
Efficient And Affordable: HP DeskJet 3755
Although the HP DeskJet 3755 doesn't fully identify as a compact printer, its small size and absurdly low price speak for themselves. Technically, we're stretching the definition of a tiny printer with this one. With a price of only $89.99, this is without a doubt the best compact printer under $100 we've seen.
If you're looking for a compact, inexpensive printer to fit into your apartment or office setup without taking up too much space, this is the one. It's not portable, there isn't a built-in battery, and at 5.5 lbs, you wouldn't want to be hauling it about with you either.
Even better, it has an integrated scanner and copier that you use to copy and scan documents because it isn't big enough to have a flatbed scanner. If we're being completely honest, the print quality is just OK, and there may be a few print errors, but when you consider how reasonably priced the HP DeskJet 3755 is, we still think it's a terrific gadget.
Pros:
- A large paper tray reduces the need for refills.
- Less expensive than others.
Cons:
- Zero battery.
- Not portable.
Adjustable And Light: The HP Envy 6020e
We suggest the HP Envy 6020e if you're searching for a small, affordable home printer that the whole family can use. It features automatic two-sided printing, mobile, and wireless printing, color printing, copying, and scanning capabilities. When you enroll, you receive a free six-month subscription to Instant Ink, which entitles you to print up to 700 pages every month. Therefore, this is a fantastic deal for a family that will probably use it frequently. The printing speed, which ranges from seven to ten pages per minute, is a drawback.
Pros:
- Print, scan, and copy.
- Good value.
- Simple to set up.
Cons:
- Not the speediest.
Top Wireless Pick: WORKFORCE WF-3820 from EPSON
The Epson Workforce 3820 is the perfect printer for working remotely or while on the go as long as you don't need to scan or copy any documents.
The dependable Epson Workforce is compact enough to be kept by your side for immediate use, so it doesn't matter if you need to print a boarding card at the last minute from the airport lounge or if you discover your client's office is without a printer.
As long as there is a Wi-Fi connection, you can print wirelessly. You can also use the USB vehicle adaptor to charge the battery in time for your next appointment.
For voice control, it also functions with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Excellent printed quality is guaranteed by the respectably high DPI, and the LCD panel makes setup simple and keeps an eye on ink levels.
Pros:
- Tiny and light.
- Powerful wireless technology.
- Portable battery.
- Compatible with Google Home and Alexa.
Cons:
- Not capable of photocopying or scanning.
Small Business Find: Epson WF-110
The Epson WF-110 is the ideal portable printer for business professionals that need to print high-quality documents while on the go. The Epson WF-110 offers a fantastic blend of outstanding print quality and mobility with a beautiful yet dignified appearance that fits in both a professional work setting and it does on your desk at home.
The Epson WF-110's print quality is so excellent that it even markets itself as a picture printer. It can print 6 x 4 borderless photos, which is a feature that very few small printers can do. You can purchase additional external batteries for larger assignments, but the rechargeable lithium-ion battery should last for about 100 printed pages.
Due to the Epson WF-110's simple controls and LED display, you won't need to fiddle with intricate settings to print a last-minute document for a meeting or keep customers waiting while you print an invoice. This printer is ideal for those who operate their businesses on the go.
Pros:
- Integrated battery for quick charging.
- Several possibilities for connecting.
Cons:
- Sluggish print rate.
Fast And Efficient: Kyocera Ecosys P3155dn
It's not necessary to have massive business printers. Here is our top pick if you run a busy office because there are some really capable laser printers available that won't take up much room. The Kyocera Ecosys P3155dn can print 55 pages in a minute in black and white, each one being clear, sharp, and precise. It's a fantastic option if you need to print big papers because it has a maximum capacity of 2,600 sheets. And although this is a substantial expenditure overall, the price per page ends up being relatively reasonable.
Pros:
- A large number of sheets.
- Printing is speedy.
- Affordable per sheet.
Cons:
- Premium cost.
- Not at all transportable.
Hottest For Smart Devices: HP Tango X
One of the greatest little printers is the HP Tango X, which is often hailed as an excellent product. The $199.99 printer is a compact, stylish desktop item that is ideal for an office setting, even though it may not be an entirely faultless machine.
The HP Tango X is a fantastic clever printer in terms of smart features. When used in conjunction with compatible smart home setups, voice control printing is additionally offered in addition to wireless printing.
Even though scanning isn't a hardware feature, you can still scan and print. However, to scan documents, you must take a photo and send it using the HP Smart App control app.
Pros:
- Smart features and settings.
- Voice-activated printing.
- Petite and chic.
Cons:
- Not a scanner.
Best To Carry With You: HP Spotlight Instant Photo Printer
The HP Sprocket is one of the best mini portable printers for your photos, allowing you to materialize those Instagram and Facebook snaps that have only ever existed online until now. The HP Sprocket isn't marketed toward the professional photography market, but for taking on day trips or family vacations, it's perfect.
Connect the HP Sprocket app to your Facebook account or pair the device with your phone through Bluetooth for simple, on-the-go printouts. The Sprocket also comes in four gorgeous colors: black noir, blush pink (shown), lilac, and luna pearl (white).
Pros:
- Small and lightweight enough to carry around.
- Connects to Bluetooth and your social media accounts.
- Pictures can be changed.
Cons:
- Not suitable for large print jobs.
- Limited to printing only photographs.
- DPI isn't very good.
Best Small Printer: Our Conclusions
Small printers are becoming more and more popular due to their low cost, easy portability, and high print quality. There are three main types of small printers: inkjet, laser, and thermal. Inkjet printers are the most common type of small printer because they are affordable and easy to use. Laser printers are faster than inkjet printers and have a higher printing quality. Thermal printers are very fast and have a high printing quality. However, they are more expensive than both inkjet and laser printers. When choosing a small printer, it is important to consider the following factors: print resolution, mobility, output requirements, connectivity, and battery life.
The HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile is a small printer that stands out from the competition due to its incredible print quality. Additionally, it prints pages quickly and is silent. The absence of a scanner is the biggest concession you must make in exchange for this mobility, but given the HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile's diminutive size and lightweight, we would have been surprised if they had managed to fit one within.
The HP OfficeJet All-in-One 250 is one of the best portable printers because it prints pages and photographs quickly, has a superb scanner that enables you to scan and copy documents while on the road, and can be used with almost any device. Even though it weighs a little bit more than we'd want for a portable printer, you can still get excellent print quality no matter where you are because of the built-in battery pack.
The Epson WorkForce WF-110W is a small, lightweight printer that can handle glossy photo paper as well as normal A4 paper. It is simple to set up and use, with prints that are extremely detailed and look amazing.
If you want a compact printer that's easy to use and doesn't require extra batteries, then the Canon Selphy CP1300 is your best option.
The Canon SELPHY Square QX10 is the best tiny printer because it produces adorable Polaroid-style photos with dye sublimation technology. Additionally, you can add custom frames, text, and more to your images using the SELPHY app, making it a very versatile option. The ink cartridge didn’t jam during testing, and we were impressed with the print quality when compared to other Zinc printers.
The Brother PocketJet PJ763MFI is a thermal printer that is perfect for contractors who need to travel frequently and meet with clients face-to-face. This printer is very compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It has a built-in power source and can print 600 pages after a full charge.
The Epson Workforce is a great printer for working remotely or on the go, as long as you don't need to scan or copy any documents. The dependable and compact printer is perfect for use in a hurry, with Wi-Fi capabilities and voice control with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Excellent printed quality is guaranteed by the respectably high DPI, and the LCD panel makes setup simple and keeps an eye on ink levels.
If you're looking for a good printer for your smartphone, the HP Tango X is definitely worth considering.
