Best Compact Printer 2026: Space-Saving Printers for Small Spaces
Tiny printers that deliver full-sized performance. Perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, and cramped desks.
Quick Answer: Best Compact Printer for 2026
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is our top pick - measuring just 14.8 x 10.0 inches, it's one of the smallest ink tank printers with incredibly low running costs. For students on a budget, the Canon PIXMA TS3520 offers excellent value in a compact package.
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Living in a small apartment or dorm room doesn't mean you have to sacrifice printing capability. The best compact printers in 2026 pack full-featured performance into footprints smaller than a sheet of paper, fitting easily on cluttered desks, narrow shelves, or even in a closet when not in use.
We've measured dozens of printers and found options under 15 inches wide that still deliver wireless printing, scanning, copying, and impressive print quality. Whether you're a college student printing essays, a remote worker in a studio apartment, or just someone who hates bulky office equipment, there's a perfect compact printer for you.
Size matters: We define "compact" as printers under 15 inches wide and under 10 inches deep when closed. These dimensions let them fit on most desks without dominating your workspace.
Why Choose a Compact Printer?
Advantages
- + Fits on small desks and shelves
- + Easy to store in closets when not in use
- + Lighter weight for moving apartments
- + Less visual clutter in living spaces
- + Often quieter operation
- + Lower power consumption
Considerations
- - Smaller paper trays (50-100 sheets)
- - May not have auto document feeder
- - Some lack duplex printing
- - Limited to letter/A4 paper sizes
- - Lower monthly duty cycles
- - Fewer connectivity options
Our Top 5 Compact Printers for 2026
1. Epson EcoTank ET-2800
The most economical compact printer with refillable ink tanks that save thousands on ink costs.
Why We Love It:
- + Ultra-low ink costs ($0.003/page)
- + Compact ink tank design
- + 2 years of ink included
- + Wireless & WiFi Direct
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 10.0 x 7.2"
- Weight: 10.1 lbs
- Print Speed: 10.5 ppm
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
2. Canon PIXMA TS3520
Affordable all-in-one that's perfect for students on a tight budget.
Pros:
- + Under $70 price point
- + Compact and lightweight
- + Wireless smartphone printing
- + Good photo quality
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.5 x 5.7"
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
- Print Speed: 7.7 ppm
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
3. Canon PIXMA G3270 MegaTank
High-yield ink tank system with 6,000+ pages per fill - ideal for heavy printing needs.
Pros:
- + 6,000 black / 7,700 color pages
- + Extremely low cost per page
- + Wireless connectivity
- + Borderless photo printing
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.7 x 14.1 x 6.5"
- Weight: 14.1 lbs
- Print Speed: 10.8 ppm
- Functions: Print, Copy, Scan
4. Brother HL-L2480DW
Compact monochrome laser with fast printing and auto-duplex for text-heavy users.
Pros:
- + 36 ppm print speed
- + Automatic duplex
- + Toner won't dry out
- + Low cost per page
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 14.2 x 14.0 x 7.2"
- Weight: 15.9 lbs
- Print Speed: 36 ppm
- Functions: Print only
5. Epson WorkForce WF-110
Ultra-portable battery-powered printer that fits in a backpack - print anywhere.
Pros:
- + Built-in battery
- + Only 3.5 lbs
- + WiFi Direct printing
- + Fits in laptop bag
Key Specs:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 6.1 x 2.4"
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Print Speed: 6.7 ppm
- Functions: Print only
Size Comparison Chart
| Printer | Dimensions (W x D) | Weight | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson WF-110 | 12.2" x 6.1" | 3.5 lbs | Portable | $249 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2800 | 14.8" x 10.0" | 10.1 lbs | Ink Tank | $199 |
| Brother HL-L2480DW | 14.2" x 14.0" | 15.9 lbs | Laser | $179 |
| Canon PIXMA G3270 | 14.7" x 14.1" | 14.1 lbs | Ink Tank | $229 |
| Canon PIXMA TS3520 | 16.9" x 12.5" | 8.5 lbs | Inkjet | $69 |
Best Compact Printers for Dorms & Students
College students have unique printing needs: limited space, tight budgets, and inconsistent printing volume (nothing for weeks, then 50 pages before a deadline). Here's what to prioritize:
Best for Essays
Brother HL-L2480DW
Fast laser printing, toner won't dry out between semesters, auto-duplex saves paper.
Best Value
Canon PIXMA TS3520
Under $70, compact design, prints from smartphone, perfect for occasional use.
Best Long-Term
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Higher upfront cost, but 2 years of ink included. Pays off over 4 years of college.
Dorm tip: Laser printers are better for students who print sporadically. Inkjet cartridges can dry out if unused for weeks, but toner stays ready indefinitely. Consider the Brother HL-L2480DW if your printing is inconsistent.
Best Compact Printers for Apartments
Living in a small apartment means every square inch counts. These printers deliver full functionality while fitting on narrow shelves or in closets:
Space-Saving Setup Tips
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1.
Vertical Storage: The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 can be stored vertically (with paper tray folded) to save horizontal desk space.
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2.
Closet Printing: Set up your printer on a closet shelf and use WiFi printing from your phone or laptop when needed.
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3.
Mobile Carts: Place compact printers on rolling carts that can be tucked away when not in use.
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4.
Under-Desk Mount: Some compact printers can be mounted under desks using printer shelves.
For apartment dwellers who print frequently, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers the best combination of compact size and low running costs. The included ink lasts 2 years, so you won't be constantly buying expensive cartridges.
Ultra-Portable Options
Need to print on the go? These ultra-compact printers fit in backpacks and briefcases:
Epson WorkForce WF-110
- Size: 12.2" x 6.1" x 2.4" - fits in laptop bags
- Weight: Just 3.5 lbs with battery
- Battery Life: Up to 100 pages per charge
- Connectivity: WiFi Direct, USB, Mobile Apps
- Best For: Real estate agents, contractors, traveling professionals
Compact Printer Buying Guide
1. Measure Your Space First
Before buying, measure the space where your printer will live. Remember that printers need clearance behind them for paper paths and room in front for output trays. Add 2-3 inches to each dimension for operational space.
2. Consider Ink vs. Laser
Ink tank printers (EcoTank, MegaTank) have lower running costs but larger footprints than basic inkjets. Laser printers are faster and toner won't dry out, but they're heavier. For occasional printing, traditional inkjets are most compact but have higher ink costs.
3. Wireless Is Essential
In small spaces, you don't want cables running across rooms. All our picks support wireless printing from phones, tablets, and computers. This also lets you hide the printer in a closet or on a shelf away from your main workspace.
4. Think About Paper Capacity
Compact printers typically hold 50-100 sheets. If you print frequently, you'll refill often. Consider a model with at least 100-sheet capacity to reduce interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest all-in-one printer?
The Canon PIXMA TS3520 is one of the smallest all-in-one printers at 16.9 x 12.5 x 5.7 inches. For an ink tank model, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 measures 14.8 x 10.0 x 7.2 inches with print, copy, and scan functions.
Are compact printers good for students?
Yes! Compact printers are ideal for students in dorms or small apartments. Look for ink tank models like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for low running costs, or the Brother HL-L2480DW for fast, reliable laser printing that won't dry out between semesters.
Do small printers print slower than large ones?
Not necessarily. Compact laser printers like the Brother HL-L2480DW print at 36 ppm, matching many larger office printers. However, portable battery-powered printers are slower at around 5-7 ppm due to power constraints.
Can compact printers handle photo printing?
Yes, inkjet compact printers like the Canon PIXMA G3270 and Epson EcoTank ET-2800 produce excellent photo quality on glossy paper. Laser printers are not suitable for photo printing.
What's the best compact printer for a home office?
For a home office, we recommend the Epson EcoTank ET-2850, which adds auto-duplex and higher capacity to the ET-2800 while remaining compact. If you print mostly text, the Brother HL-L2480DW offers faster speeds and lower per-page costs.
Ready to Save Space with a Compact Printer?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 delivers full functionality in a footprint smaller than a sheet of paper.
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