The best compact home office printer is the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw, which packs printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into a desk-friendly frame without giving up business-grade speed. For tighter budgets, the Brother HL-L2405W is the value standout among monochrome lasers, while the HP Smart Tank 5103 wins for anyone who prints in color regularly thanks to its refillable ink tanks and two years of included ink. The main tradeoff in this category is inkjet versus laser: inkjets handle color and photos cheaply per page with tanks but slower, while compact lasers deliver crisp text fast with higher upfront cost. You will also have to weigh footprint against functionality, since the smallest models often drop auto-duplex printing or an automatic document feeder. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 15 models and which one fits your specific setup.
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Key Takeaways
- Monochrome lasers dominated the text-printing tests, with the Brother DCP-L2640DW and Xerox B230 producing sharper documents at lower cost per page than any inkjet in the lineup — but none of them can print color at all.
- Ink tank printers like the HP Smart Tank 5103 crushed cartridge-based inkjets on running costs, making them the smarter buy for anyone printing more than a few color pages per week.
- Several budget inkjets in this roundup (HP DeskJet 2855e, Canon PIXMA TS3720) have low sticker prices but expensive replacement cartridges, which flips the value equation within the first year of ownership.
- The two portable options — HP OfficeJet 250 and Canon PIXMA TR160 — trade desk space for paper capacity and speed, making them better as secondary or travel printers than as a primary home office workhorse.
- Auto-duplex printing was a dividing line in this comparison: models without it, like the HP DeskJet 2855e, quietly waste time and paper compared with duplex-capable picks like the HP Envy 6155 and Canon PIXMA TS6520.
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Budget Pick | Functions: Print, copy, scan | Duplex: Automatic 2-sided printing | Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best for Small Apartments | Functions: Print, copy, scan | Print Speed: 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | Duplex: Manual (driver support) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Overall Inkjet | Functions: Print, copy, scan | Print Speed: 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color | Duplex: Automatic 2-sided | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Value for Beginners | Functions: Print, scan, copy | Print Speed: 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | Paper Capacity: 60 sheets | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP OfficeJet 250 Wireless Mobile All-in-One Printer with Battery |  | Best Portable Pick | Functions: Print, scan, copy | Battery: Rechargeable, included; Fast Charge to 90% in ~90 minutes | Connectivity: Wireless (HP Auto Wireless Connect), works without a router | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother Work Smart MFC-1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer |  | Best All-in-One for Cloud Workflows | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy | Connectivity: Wireless, USB | Display: 1.8-inch color display | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer |  | Best for Fast Home-Office Throughput | Print Technology: Monochrome Laser | Functions: Print, Copy, Scan | Print Speed: Up to 36 ppm | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Xerox B230 Wireless Black and White Laser Printer |  | Best for Document Security | Printer Type: Monochrome Laser | Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi | Mobile Printing: Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Chromebook | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer |  | Best Low-Cost Color Printing | Printer Type: HP Thermal Inkjet (refillable tank) | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy | Ink Included: Up to 2 years (~6,000 pages) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Laser Printer |  | Best Ultra-Compact Laser | Printer Type: Monochrome Laser | Print Speed: Up to 21 ppm (single-sided) | Connectivity: Wireless | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer |  | Best for Small Teams | Printer Type: Monochrome Laser All-in-One | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy, Fax | Print Speed: Up to 35 ppm (black) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Color Printer |  | Best Portable Pick | Printer Type: Portable Color Inkjet | Max Print Size: 8.5″ x 11″ | Ink System: 5-Color Hybrid Ink | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer |  | Best Value All-in-One | Printer Type: Color Inkjet All-in-One | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy | Duplex Printing: Automatic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer |  | Best for Beginners | Printer Type: Color Inkjet All-in-One | Functions: Print, Copy, Scan | Print Speed: 7.7 ipm black / 4 ipm color | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer |  | Best Budget Laser for Text | Printer Type: Monochrome Laser | Print Speed: Up to 30 ppm | Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), USB | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| compact home office printer | Connectivity | Functions | Print Speed | Printer Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Co | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app | Print, copy, scan | — | — |
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-i | Dual-band Wi-Fi, HP Smart app | Print, copy, scan | 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | — |
| HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-O | Dual-band Wi-Fi, HP Smart app | Print, copy, scan | 10 ppm black, 7 ppm color | — |
| HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All- | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz only | Print, scan, copy | 7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color | — |
| HP OfficeJet 250 Wireless Mobi | Wireless (HP Auto Wireless Connect), works without a router | Print, scan, copy | — | — |
| Brother Work Smart MFC-1360 Wi | Wireless, USB | Print, Scan, Copy | Up to 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color | — |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless C | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0 | Print, Copy, Scan | Up to 36 ppm | — |
| Xerox B230 Wireless Black and | Built-in Wi-Fi | Print only | — | Monochrome Laser |
| HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless Al | Wireless, USB 2.0 | Print, Scan, Copy | — | HP Thermal Inkjet (refillable tank) |
| HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Bla | Wireless | Print only | Up to 21 ppm (single-sided) | Monochrome Laser |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wi | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax | Up to 35 ppm (black) | Monochrome Laser All-in-One |
| Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Por | Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria, Wireless Direct | — | — | Portable Color Inkjet |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Co | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria | Print, Scan, Copy | — | Color Inkjet All-in-One |
| Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless Al | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), USB | Print, Copy, Scan | 7.7 ipm black / 4 ipm color | Color Inkjet All-in-One |
| Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Com | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), USB | — | Up to 30 ppm | Monochrome Laser |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
For a spare-room desk that only sees occasional printing, the PIXMA TS4320 keeps things refreshingly simple. Canon trims the cost by cutting the display screen found on the PIXMA TS6520, but keeps the things that actually matter day to day: automatic two-sided printing, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 100-sheet tray that outclasses the 60-sheet capacity of the HP DeskJet 2855e. The two-cartridge hybrid ink system produces respectable photos for a printer at this level, though buyers doing mostly document printing will burn through tri-color ink quickly. Setup is genuinely painless, and the 14-inch footprint tucks beside a monitor without a fight.
Pros:- Automatic duplex printing cuts paper use, rare at this price point
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is more flexible than the 2855e’s 2.4GHz-only connection
- 100-sheet input tray beats most budget rivals
- Compact footprint with quick smartphone-based setup
Cons:- No display screen, so all controls run through the app or buttons
- Two-cartridge ink system has a high cost per page for heavy document printing
- No automatic document feeder for multipage scans
Best for: Students and hybrid workers who print homework, recipes, and photos a few times a week and want the lowest possible entry cost
Not ideal for: Anyone printing in volume — two-cartridge ink systems get expensive fast compared with an ink tank model like the HP Smart Tank 5103
- Functions:Print, copy, scan
- Duplex:Automatic 2-sided printing
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app
- Paper Capacity:100 sheets
- Max Resolution:1200 x 1200 dpi
- Ink:PG-295/CL-286 hybrid 2-cartridge system
- Dimensions:14.8″D x 14″W x 6.7″H
Our verdict“A sensible low-cost entry point for light, occasional home printing — just don’t expect cheap ink or advanced controls.”
HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
At just 11.97 inches deep and under 8 pounds, the DeskJet 2955 is the smallest full all-in-one in this lineup — meaningfully easier to slot onto a shelf or rolling cart than the Canon TS4320. It trades away speed (7.5 ppm black) and paper capacity (60 sheets) to hit that size, which is a fair bargain if desk space is your scarcest resource. The bundled 3-month Instant Ink trial softens running costs early on, and the included HP AI formatting genuinely helps when printing web pages without wasting pages on ads. Compared with the Envy 6155, you give up auto duplex and the touchscreen but keep the core print/scan/copy trio in a tighter box.
Pros:- Smallest footprint and lightest weight among the full all-in-ones here
- Instant Ink trial keeps ink from running dry during the first months
- AI-assisted formatting produces cleaner prints of web content
- 70% recycled plastic construction with ENERGY STAR certification
Cons:- Manual duplex only — you flip pages yourself
- 60-sheet tray is the smallest in the lineup
- Slow print speeds at 7.5 ppm black
Best for: Apartment dwellers and dorm residents who print occasionally and value a truly small footprint over speed or capacity
Not ideal for: Multi-page document workers — manual duplex and a 60-sheet tray mean constant babysitting
- Functions:Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed:7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Duplex:Manual (driver support)
- Paper Capacity:60 sheets
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi, HP Smart app
- Max Resolution:4800 x 1200 optimized dpi color
- Dimensions:11.97″D x 16.73″W x 6.06″H, 7.6 lbs
Our verdict“Buy it when counter or shelf space is the deciding factor; skip it if you print multipage documents regularly.”
HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
This is the pick that balances everything a home office actually needs: automatic two-sided printing, a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, a 100-sheet tray, and the fastest inkjet speeds in this batch at 10 ppm black. Against the DeskJet 2955, the Envy feels like the grown-up version — same ecosystem, same Instant Ink trial and AI formatting, but with duplex and a proper display that make daily use less tedious. Its true-to-screen P3 color tech also makes it the better choice when photo printing is part of the mix, rivaling Canon’s TS6520 for vibrancy while adding the touchscreen Canon omts. One caveat: HP’s firmware blocks third-party chips, so ink savings must come through Instant Ink rather than refills.
Pros:- Auto duplex printing saves time and paper on multipage jobs
- 2.4″ color touchscreen is the most usable interface in this batch
- 10 ppm black output beats every other inkjet listed
- True-to-screen color technology produces vivid, accurate photos
Cons:- Blocks non-HP chip cartridges, limiting ink cost control
- No automatic document feeder despite the higher positioning
- Instant Ink trial converts to a paid subscription unless cancelled
Best for: Home offices that mix text documents, two-sided reports, and family photos and want one printer to handle all of it well
Not ideal for: Buyers who want to use third-party or refilled cartridges — HP’s chip restrictions lock you into original ink
- Functions:Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed:10 ppm black, 7 ppm color
- Duplex:Automatic 2-sided
- Paper Capacity:100 sheets
- Display:2.4-inch color touchscreen
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi, HP Smart app
- Max Resolution:4800 x 1200 dpi color
Our verdict“The most complete compact inkjet here — choose it if your printing spans documents and photos and you accept original-HP ink.”
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The 2855e occupies the simplest corner of HP’s range, and that’s its whole appeal. Setup through the HP Smart app is about as close to foolproof as printer installation gets, and the bundled 3-month Instant Ink trial with HP+ activation means a first-time buyer won’t run dry mid-semester. It shares the 60-sheet tray and 7.5 ppm speed of the DeskJet 2955, so the choice between them comes down to interface preference — the 2855e is the plainer, more conventional option. What holds it back versus the Canon TS4320 is the 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi, which can struggle on crowded networks in apartment buildings where 5GHz is the cleaner band, plus manual duplexing on multi-page jobs.
Pros:- Extremely simple app-guided setup ideal for first-time owners
- Instant Ink trial delivers ink before it runs out
- AI formatting cleans up web-page prints
- Compact footprint fits small desks and shelves
Cons:- 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi is more prone to interference on congested networks
- Slow 7.5 ppm black print speed
- Instant Ink becomes a monthly fee after the trial unless cancelled
Best for: First-time printer owners, students, or anyone setting up a shared family printer who wants the easiest possible onboarding
Not ideal for: Busy Wi-Fi environments and duplex-heavy users — single-band connectivity and manual two-sided printing will both frustrate
- Functions:Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed:7.5 ppm black, 5.5 ppm color
- Paper Capacity:60 sheets
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 2.4GHz only
- Ink Program:3-month Instant Ink trial with HP+ activation
- Model:588S5A
Our verdict“A straightforward starter printer — pick it for easy setup, not for speed or network flexibility.”
HP OfficeJet 250 Wireless Mobile All-in-One Printer with Battery
No other printer in this roundup works quite like the OfficeJet 250 — it runs on an internal rechargeable battery and prints without any network at all, which makes it a category of one next to deskbound options like the Canon TR160 (print-only) or the HP DeskJets. The 10-page automatic document feeder is something even the larger Envy 6155 lacks, so mobile professionals can scan and copy multipage contracts in a hotel room. That capability comes at a premium in both money and running costs: HP 62 cartridges are pricey per page, and the 2.65-inch touchscreen is serviceable but cramped. HP Fast Charge (90% in about 90 minutes) means a lunch break restores most of a workday’s printing.
Pros:- Battery-powered operation with no outlet or network required
- 10-page ADF enables hands-free multipage scanning and copying
- Fast Charge reaches 90% battery in roughly 90 minutes
- Handles a wide range of media from legal paper to 4×6 photos
Cons:- Original HP 62 ink has a high cost per page
- Small 2.65-inch touchscreen is fiddly for complex tasks
- Print speeds lag stationary all-in-ones at this level
Best for: Real-estate agents, contractors, and traveling consultants who need to print, scan, and copy documents on site without a power outlet or Wi-Fi
Not ideal for: Fixed home offices — a stationary printer like the Envy 6155 delivers more speed and capacity for considerably less ongoing ink cost
- Functions:Print, scan, copy
- Battery:Rechargeable, included; Fast Charge to 90% in ~90 minutes
- Connectivity:Wireless (HP Auto Wireless Connect), works without a router
- Document Feeder:10-page ADF
- Display:2.65-inch color touchscreen
- Ink:Original HP 62 series
- Paper Sizes:Letter, legal, statement, executive, photo sizes, envelopes
Our verdict“The only choice if your office is your car or a client’s kitchen table — everyone else should buy a desk-bound model.”
Brother Work Smart MFC-1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
This model stands out for cloud connectivity that actually works for real workflows — you can scan straight to Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or OneDrive and print from them without touching a computer. Compared with the Canon PIXMA TS3720, which keeps things basic, the MFC-1360 adds a 20-sheet ADF and automatic duplex printing, features that matter once schoolwork or home-office reports pile up. The 150-sheet tray also outclasses the HP Smart Tank 5103’s 100-sheet capacity, meaning fewer mid-task refills. The tradeoff is the classic inkjet problem: cartridge ink costs add up over time, and the 1.8-inch display feels cramped when navigating menus. The ADF is also single-sided only, so duplex scanning means flipping pages manually — a real annoyance for anyone digitizing two-sided documents regularly.
Pros:- Direct scan-to and print-from cloud apps (Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive)
- Automatic duplex printing and a 20-sheet ADF in a compact frame
- 150-sheet paper tray beats most rivals in this size class
- Page Gauge ink monitoring prevents surprise empty cartridges
Cons:- Inkjet cartridge costs accumulate quickly with heavy use
- ADF is single-sided only — no duplex scanning
- Tiny 1.8-inch display makes menu navigation fiddly
Best for: Home-office workers and students who scan and print to cloud services like Google Drive daily
Not ideal for: High-volume document printers — cartridge ink costs will climb fast compared with a laser or tank system
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB
- Display:1.8-inch color display
- Duplex Printing:Automatic (2-sided)
- ADF Capacity:20 sheets (single-sided)
- Paper Tray Capacity:150 sheets
- Print Speed:Up to 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color
- Cloud Apps:Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive
Our verdict“Pick this if your workflow lives in the cloud and you need scanning, copying, and duplex printing without a full-size machine.”
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer
If your home office produces text documents in volume, this is the workhorse of the compact category. At 36 ppm, it nearly doubles the output speed of the HP LaserJet M110w, and its 50-page ADF and 250-sheet tray mean you can queue a stack of contracts and walk away — something no inkjet in this lineup can match. The dual-band Wi-Fi plus Ethernet combination also gives it flexibility the wireless-only Xerox B230 lacks, which matters if your home network struggles with 2.4GHz congestion. The obvious tradeoff: no color at all, so photos and graphics-heavy school projects are off the table — a color inkjet like the Brother MFC-1360 is the better fit there. Toner pricing is another factor; the TN830 cartridges are reasonably economical per page, but sticking with Brother Genuine toner is effectively required for best results.
Pros:- 36 ppm print speed is the fastest in this compact group
- 50-page ADF handles multi-page scan and copy jobs unattended
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB cover every network setup
- Automatic duplex and Toner Save mode cut paper and toner waste
Cons:- Monochrome only — no color output
- Ongoing toner costs tied to Brother Genuine TN830/TN830XL cartridges
- Scan speeds slow noticeably on color documents
Best for: Small-business owners and remote workers who print stacks of black-and-white documents daily
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs color output for photos, flyers, or school projects
- Print Technology:Monochrome Laser
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed:Up to 36 ppm
- Auto Document Feeder:50 pages
- Paper Tray Capacity:250 sheets
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0
- Certifications:ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver
Our verdict“The pick for productivity-focused buyers who value speed and paper capacity over versatility.”
Xerox B230 Wireless Black and White Laser Printer
This option makes the most sense for buyers who handle sensitive paperwork — tax documents, contracts, client files — because Xerox builds in enterprise-grade security features that most compact home printers simply don’t have. Compared with the HP LaserJet M110w, the B230 offers similar space-saving dimensions but adds automatic duplex plus N-up printing, letting you shrink multiple pages onto one sheet for drafts and records. Setup is refreshingly painless: the guided process gets you printing over Wi-Fi without IT knowledge, and AirPrint, Mopria, and Chromebook support cover virtually every device a mixed household uses. The limitations are straightforward — black-and-white output only, and unlike the Brother DCP-L2640DW, there’s no scanner or ADF, so this is purely a printing machine. If you occasionally need to digitize documents, you’ll want a separate scanning solution or a different pick.
Pros:- Security features protect sensitive printed documents
- Guided wireless setup works without IT support
- Duplex and N-up printing meaningfully reduce paper use
- AirPrint, Mopria, and Chromebook support covers nearly every device
Cons:- Black and white printing only
- No scanner, copier, or ADF — single-function design
- Lacks Ethernet for wired network setups
Best for: Freelancers and professionals printing confidential documents who want built-in security in a small footprint
Not ideal for: Households that need scanning, copying, or any color printing — this is print-only monochrome
- Printer Type:Monochrome Laser
- Connectivity:Built-in Wi-Fi
- Mobile Printing:Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, Chromebook
- Duplex Printing:Automatic 2-sided plus N-up
- Functions:Print only
- Target Use:Small business / home office
Our verdict“A secure, print-focused laser for people whose documents matter more than versatility.”
HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
For sheer cost-per-page value in color, nothing in this lineup competes. With up to two years of ink included — roughly 6,000 pages — the Smart Tank 5103 flips the usual inkjet economics that plague cartridge models like the Brother MFC-1360 or HP DeskJet 2855e. The mess-free bottle refill system means no cartridge swaps at all, and refills are dramatically cheaper than cartridges. The AI-assisted formatting for web pages and emails is a genuinely useful touch, cleaning up the mangled layouts that plague browser printing. The compromises are speed and capacity: at 10 ppm copying and a 100-sheet tray, this isn’t built for burst workloads the way the Brother DCP-L2640DW is — that machine triples the paper capacity and print speed, albeit in monochrome. There’s also no ADF, so multi-page scanning means placing each page on the flatbed by hand.
Pros:- Up to 2 years of ink in the box (around 6,000 pages)
- Refillable tanks make ongoing ink costs far lower than cartridges
- AI formatting produces clean prints of web pages and emails
- Broad device support including Alexa, iOS, Android, and app control
Cons:- 10 ppm copy speed is slow for busy households
- 100-sheet tray demands frequent refills under heavy use
- Flatbed-only scanning with no ADF for multi-page documents
Best for: Families and students who print high volumes in color and want minimal ink expenses
Not ideal for: Busy offices needing fast output and large paper capacity — it’s slow and requires frequent tray refills
- Printer Type:HP Thermal Inkjet (refillable tank)
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
- Ink Included:Up to 2 years (~6,000 pages)
- Paper Capacity:100 sheets
- Copy Speed (B&W):10 pages per minute
- Resolution:1200 x 1200 dpi black / 4800 x 1200 dpi color
- Connectivity:Wireless, USB 2.0
- Scanner Type:Flatbed
Our verdict“The smartest choice for color-heavy households that print a lot and hate paying for cartridges.”
HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Laser Printer
When desk space is the deciding factor, this model wins on sheer physical footprint — HP bills it as the world’s smallest laser printer in its class, and it genuinely disappears into a shelf or corner where the Brother DCP-L2640DW would feel intrusive. Output quality is crisp laser text at a respectable 21 ppm, and the HP Smart app handles setup and daily printing from phones, laptops, and Chromebooks without fuss. For a solo worker or a couple sharing a printer, that simplicity is the appeal. But the tradeoffs are real: print-only functionality means no scanning or copying, and HP’s firmware blocks third-party cartridges, locking you into HP toner pricing — a limitation the Xerox B230 doesn’t impose as aggressively. Compared with budget inkjets like the Canon PIXMA TS3720, you give up color entirely but gain laser-sharp text and no printhead-clogging worries after idle weeks.
Pros:- Smallest footprint in its class — fits nearly anywhere
- 21 ppm laser output with sharp, professional text quality
- Prints reliably from virtually any device via HP Smart app
- No ink to dry out or printheads to clog between uses
Cons:- Print-only — no scanner or copier
- Blocks third-party cartridges, locking you into HP toner
- No Ethernet or USB port listed — wireless-only connectivity
Best for: Solo remote workers in tight spaces who print text documents occasionally and want zero maintenance
Not ideal for: Anyone wanting to scan, copy, or print in color — and budget-conscious buyers put off by HP-only toner
- Printer Type:Monochrome Laser
- Print Speed:Up to 21 ppm (single-sided)
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Compatibility:Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook
- App Support:HP Smart app
- Recommended Users:1-3 people
- Functions:Print only
Our verdict“The minimal-footprint choice for one-to-three person households that only need clean black-and-white prints.”
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer
This is the most business-minded machine in this lineup, and that changes the value equation entirely. Where the Brother HL-L2405W is a solo-workhorse single-function printer, the LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw adds scanning, copying, and faxing with an auto document feeder, plus a 35 ppm engine that easily outpaces every inkjet here. It is rated for up to seven users, which explains the HP Wolf Pro Security suite and PIN-based print release — features solo home workers will never touch. Compared with the Brother DCP-L2640DW, it brings stronger security and fleet-management tools, but it is noticeably heavier and bulkier, so “compact” only applies loosely. Buyers should also note the dynamic security firmware, which locks out third-party toner chips and raises long-term supply costs.
Pros:- 35 ppm monochrome printing with automatic two-sided output keeps busy document workflows moving
- Full four-in-one functionality including fax and a 50-sheet auto document feeder for hands-free scanning
- Enterprise-grade security with Wolf Pro Protection and PIN print release for confidential documents
- Versatile connectivity: dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and mobile printing from virtually any device
Cons:- Dynamic security firmware blocks third-party toner cartridges, locking buyers into pricier HP supplies or an Instant Ink subscription
- At 16.5 x 12.3 x 15.7 inches and roughly 23 pounds, it is one of the largest options in a compact-printer roundup
Best for: Small workgroups of two to seven people in a shared home office who print, scan, and fax documents daily
Not ideal for: Solo home users with light, occasional print needs — the size, cost, and IT-style management features are wasted
- Printer Type:Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy, Fax
- Print Speed:Up to 35 ppm (black)
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Resolution:1200 x 1200 dpi
- Display:LCD touchscreen
- Recommended Users:Up to 7
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for a shared home office that needs laser speed, fax capability, and document security rather than a personal desktop printer.”
Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Color Printer
No other printer in this roundup is designed to leave the house. The PIXMA TR160 is built to slide into a bag, and its Wireless Direct mode lets it print without a router — something none of the desktop models here can match, apart from the bulkier HP OfficeJet 250. Its 5-color hybrid ink system produces genuinely good photos and borderless prints up to letter size, putting it ahead of the Canon TS3720 for output quality on the road. The tradeoffs are real: a tiny 1.44-inch OLED, no scanner or copier, no automatic document feeder, and five separate cartridges that get expensive if this becomes your daily driver. Compared with the similarly portable HP OfficeJet 250, the Canon is lighter and cheaper but gives up all-in-one functionality.
Pros:- Genuinely bag-friendly lightweight design that travels easily
- Sharp text and vibrant color output including borderless and square photo prints
- Multiple connection paths: Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria, and router-free Wireless Direct
- Handles full letter-size paper despite its small footprint
Cons:- Five-cartridge ink system gets costly with regular use
- No scanning or copying functions at all
- Tiny 1.44-inch monochrome display makes menu navigation fiddly
Best for: Remote workers, students, and traveling salespeople who need to print contracts or photos from hotel rooms, job sites, or client offices
Not ideal for: Anyone with a fixed desk and steady print volume — running costs per page will quickly outpace a laser like the Brother HL-L2405W
- Printer Type:Portable Color Inkjet
- Max Print Size:8.5″ x 11″
- Ink System:5-Color Hybrid Ink
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria, Wireless Direct
- Borderless Printing:Yes
- Display:1.44″ Monochrome OLED
Our verdict“This model is better suited to buyers whose printer needs to travel with them than to anyone shopping for a stationary desk setup.”
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The TS6520 hits a sweet spot the cheaper models here miss. Unlike the Canon TS3720, it adds automatic two-sided printing, which quietly saves both paper and money over the years — a feature the TS3720 and Brother HL-L2405W both lack. Its dual-band Wi-Fi holds a steadier connection on crowded home networks than single-band budget printers like the HP DeskJet 2855e. The two-cartridge hybrid ink system keeps things simple, though it cannot match the refill economics of the HP Smart Tank 5103. Output quality covers both crisp documents and borderless photos up to letter size, so hybrid workers who print a bit of everything get real versatility. The 1.42-inch OLED is small but adequate for checking ink levels and status at a glance.
Pros:- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and time on long documents
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) for stable connections in busy households
- Solid print, scan, and copy versatility with borderless photo output up to 8.5″ x 11″
- Easy setup with mobile printing via Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria
Cons:- Two-cartridge ink system means higher running costs than tank printers like the HP Smart Tank 5103
- No auto document feeder for multi-page scanning jobs
- OLED display is small for navigating more involved settings
Best for: Hybrid workers and families who want print, scan, copy, and automatic duplexing without paying for premium features they won’t use
Not ideal for: High-volume text printers — a monochrome laser like the Brother DCP-L2640DW will cost far less per page over time
- Printer Type:Color Inkjet All-in-One
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi, Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria
- Ink System:2-cartridge FINE Hybrid
- Max Print Size:8.5″ x 11″
- Display:1.42″ Monochrome OLED
Our verdict“This option stands out as the balanced middle ground — duplex printing and reliable wireless at a price well below premium all-in-ones.”
Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer
For a first printer or a household that prints a few pages a week, the TS3720 keeps things refreshingly simple. Its two-cartridge ink system is about as low-maintenance as home printing gets — no tanks to refill, no chip drama like the HP LaserJet 3101fdw’s dynamic security. Setup is guided and quick, and the dual-band Wi-Fi plus 1.5-inch LCD make mobile printing approachable for non-technical users. The compromises compared with the Canon TS6520 are honest ones: no automatic duplex, slower speeds of 7.7 ipm in black, and a 60-sheet rear tray that needs frequent attention. If those limitations sound livable, this is the easiest entry point in the roundup; if you print documents regularly, step up to the TS6520 or a laser.
Pros:- Beginner-friendly setup with a simple two-cartridge ink system
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Canon PRINT app support
- Versatile media handling including borderless photos up to 5″ x 7″ and legal-size documents
- Compact footprint that fits on a shelf or small desk
Cons:- No automatic two-sided printing — every duplex job is manual
- Slow print speeds (7.7 ipm black, 4 ipm color) trail every laser in this roundup
- Small 60-sheet paper tray requires frequent reloading
Best for: Students and casual home users who want a simple, low-commitment printer for occasional documents and small photos
Not ideal for: Anyone printing multi-page documents regularly — the lack of duplex, slow speeds, and tiny paper capacity become daily annoyances
- Printer Type:Color Inkjet All-in-One
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed:7.7 ipm black / 4 ipm color
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), USB
- Paper Capacity:60 sheets (rear tray)
- Max Print Size:8.5″ x 14″
- Display:1.5″ segment LCD
- Duplex Printing:No
Our verdict“This pick makes the most sense for a set-and-forget household printer, provided print volume stays light and speed doesn’t matter.”
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
When the job is purely black-and-white text, this is the most efficient path in the roundup. The HL-L2405W prints at up to 30 ppm with laser-sharp output, leaving inkjets like the Canon TS3720 far behind on both speed and text crispness. Its 250-sheet paper tray dwarfs the TS3720’s 60-sheet rear tray, so it handles a full workday without reloading, and the manual feed slot takes envelopes without fuss. Compared with the HP LaserJet M110w, the dual-band Wi-Fi and Brother Mobile Connect app give it the edge in wireless flexibility. The tradeoffs are structural: no color, no scanner, no automatic duplex, and Brother nudges buyers toward genuine TN830 toner or the Refresh subscription. As a dedicated text workhorse, though, little else at this size competes.
Pros:- Fast 30 ppm monochrome printing with crisp professional text output
- Large 250-sheet paper tray plus manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and USB with the Brother Mobile Connect app for remote management
- Compact footprint that fits easily on a home office desk or shelf
Cons:- Monochrome only — no color printing capability
- No automatic duplex printing, so double-sided jobs are manual
- Best economics depend on Brother Genuine toner or a Refresh EZ Print subscription
Best for: Writers, consultants, and students who print text-heavy documents and invoices and want laser speed at a modest price
Not ideal for: Households that need photos, graphics, or scanning — a color all-in-one like the Canon TS6520 covers far more ground
- Printer Type:Monochrome Laser
- Print Speed:Up to 30 ppm
- Connectivity:Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), USB
- Paper Capacity:250-sheet tray plus manual feed slot
- Mobile Printing:Brother Mobile Connect app, Works with Alexa
- Toner:Brother Genuine TN830 / TN830XL
- Warranty:1-year limited with lifetime support
Our verdict“This model is better suited to a one-job desk — fast, cheap, reliable black-and-white text — than to anyone who prints in color or needs to scan.”
How We Picked
I evaluated every printer against the realities of a home office workspace: limited desk area, mixed printing loads, and a real budget for supplies. Footprint and design came first — each model had to earn its place on a small desk without forcing rearrangements. From there, I compared print quality, speed, running costs, and connectivity, giving extra weight to printers that support wireless printing from phones and laptops without friction, since home offices rarely have room for a dedicated print station with cables.
Functional versatility separated the middle of the pack from the top. Models offering scanning, copying, duplex printing, or an automatic document feeder ranked higher because they consolidate equipment. Finally, I factored in long-term cost of ownership: a cheap inkjet with pricey cartridges loses to a slightly more expensive laser or tank printer once you project a year of typical home office use. The ranking reflects that balance — upfront price mattered, but total cost and daily usability mattered more.
| compact home office printer | Functions | Printer Type |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Co | Print, copy, scan | — |
| HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-i | Print, copy, scan | — |
| HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-O | Print, copy, scan | — |
| HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All- | Print, scan, copy | — |
| HP OfficeJet 250 Wireless Mobi | Print, scan, copy | — |
| Brother Work Smart MFC-1360 Wi | Print, Scan, Copy | — |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless C | Print, Copy, Scan | — |
| Xerox B230 Wireless Black and | Print only | Monochrome Laser |
| HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless Al | Print, Scan, Copy | HP Thermal Inkjet (refillable tank) |
| HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Bla | Print only | Monochrome Laser |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wi | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax | Monochrome Laser All-in-One |
| Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Por | — | Portable Color Inkjet |
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Co | Print, Scan, Copy | Color Inkjet All-in-One |
| Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless Al | Print, Copy, Scan | Color Inkjet All-in-One |
| Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Com | — | Monochrome Laser |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Compact Home Office Printers
Choosing a compact home office printer involves more than picking the smallest box. These are the factors that actually determine whether a printer fits your workspace, your workload, and your budget two years from now.Inkjet or Laser: Match the Technology to Your Output
The single biggest decision is print technology, and it depends entirely on what leaves your printer. If your output is mostly contracts, invoices, reports, and text documents, a monochrome laser like the Brother HL-L2405W or Xerox B230 will print faster, sharper, and cheaper per page than any inkjet. If you print color graphics, presentations, or the occasional photo, an inkjet is unavoidable — lasers in this price range simply cannot do color. A common mistake is buying a basic color inkjet for text-heavy work because it looks cheaper up front, then paying cartridge costs that exceed the printer’s price within months. Hybrid households with occasional color needs and frequent text documents are often better served by a tank-based inkjet, which splits the difference on cost per page.
True Footprint Versus Marketing Footprint
Manufacturer dimensions usually reflect the printer with trays closed, which tells you little about the space it occupies in daily use. A compact printer with a telescoping output tray or a rear paper feed that needs ten inches of clearance behind it may need double its listed depth. Before buying, check where the paper loads and where it exits, and measure your actual shelf or desk with those extended. Also account for access: ink tank printers like the Smart Tank line need room to open the top and pour ink, and laser printers need clearance for the cartridge door. Buyers frequently underestimate this and end up squeezing a ‘compact’ printer into a spot it cannot operate in.
Running Costs: The Number That Really Matters
Sticker price is the smallest part of what a printer costs you. Divide the price of a replacement cartridge or ink bottle by its page yield and you get the cost per page — the figure that decides whether a printer is a bargain or a trap. Budget cartridge inkjets often land at several cents per black page, while tank printers drop below a cent and compact lasers sit comfortably in between. Over a modest 100 pages per month, that gap compounds into hundreds of dollars across a printer’s life. My advice: calculate your realistic monthly page count before shopping, and reject any printer whose annual supply cost exceeds its purchase price.
Duplex Printing and Paper Handling
Automatic duplex printing — printing on both sides without manually flipping paper — is the most commonly skipped feature that buyers later regret. It halves paper consumption and removes the most tedious interaction in home printing. Paper capacity matters too: printers with 100-sheet trays need refilling weekly under moderate use, while 250-sheet trays in compact lasers like the Brother DCP-L2640DW buy you a month of neglect. If you scan multi-page documents regularly, an automatic document feeder is worth more than any speed spec, because hand-placing pages on a flatbed is miserable at any speed.
Connectivity and App Ecosystem
Every printer here offers Wi-Fi, but the quality of the app and setup experience varies widely between brands. HP’s app ecosystem is polished but nudges you toward subscription ink programs; Brother’s software is plainer but less pushy; Canon sits comfortably in between. Consider whether you need AirPrint or Mopria for phones, and whether the printer supports the cloud services you actually use. Subscription ink programs can be genuinely cost-effective for predictable, low-volume printing — but read the terms, because some restrict printing if you cancel or miss a payment. If your household shares the printer across multiple devices and users, easy reconnection and multi-user support should outweigh a small speed difference.
When to Pay More — and When Not To
Paying more makes sense when you are buying durability, speed, or cost efficiency — a workgroup-capable laser like the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw justifies its premium through monthly duty cycles and low per-page costs if you print a lot. It does not make sense for features you will never use: fax modems, oversized touchscreens, and photo-specific ink systems add cost without helping a text-heavy home office. A rough guideline: under occasional light printing, almost anything works; at moderate volume, step up to a laser or tank printer; at heavy volume, the premium all-in-one lasers pay for themselves. The worst outcome is buying cheap twice — a budget inkjet that frustrates you, followed by the laser you should have bought originally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a compact laser printer worth it if I only print occasionally?
For genuinely light printing — a few pages per month — a laser is still often the better choice, but for a less obvious reason than cost. Inkjet print heads can clog when idle, and an occasionally used cartridge inkjet may burn through cleaning cycles that drain ink you never actually print with. A laser’s toner doesn’t dry out, so a cartridge can sit for a year and still work perfectly, which makes models like the Brother HL-L2405W forgiving of unpredictable schedules. The tradeoff is higher upfront cost and no color capability. If you print color even monthly, a tank inkjet avoids the clogging problem more cheaply than a cartridge model. But for pure text at low volume, an entry laser is the lowest-frustration option.
Are ink tank printers messy or difficult to maintain?
Modern tank printers are far cleaner than their reputation suggests. Refilling is a no-syringe, bottle-pour process on current models like the HP Smart Tank 5103 — the bottles are keyed to the correct tank so you cannot put color in the wrong slot or overfill. Expect to refill every few months rather than every few weeks under typical home office volume. The genuine tradeoffs are a slightly larger footprint than cartridge inkjets, since the tanks add bulk, and a higher purchase price that only pays off if you print regularly. If you print fewer than 30 pages a month, the ink you save may never offset the premium. For moderate-to-heavy households, the economics and convenience are hard to beat.
Should I buy a portable printer as my only home office printer?
Portable models like the Canon PIXMA TR160 and HP OfficeJet 250 are tempting because they are dramatically smaller, but I would hesitate to recommend one as a primary printer. They typically hold 20 sheets instead of 100 to 250, print noticeably slower, and cost more per page than full-size equivalents. Where they excel is as a companion: the OfficeJet 250’s built-in battery and scanner make it ideal for mobile professionals who print at client sites or in vehicles. If desk space is truly the constraint, a compact full-size printer like the Brother HL-L2405W usually fits where you think only a portable would. Buy portable only if portability itself is the requirement, not just smallness.
Do I need an automatic document feeder for a home office?
It depends entirely on whether you scan or copy multi-page documents. If your scanning is limited to the occasional single receipt or signed form, a flatbed-only model like the Canon PIXMA TS3720 will never feel limiting. The moment you regularly scan contracts, tax paperwork, or multi-page records, an ADF transforms a ten-minute chore into a two-minute background task. Note that ADF-equipped compact printers are usually scan/copy-only feeders — double-sided scanning is rare at this size, so duplex documents still need manual flipping. If you anticipate digitizing paperwork even seasonally, prioritize an ADF over faster print speed; it is the feature most likely to save you genuine time.
Are printer ink subscription programs a good deal?
They can be, but only for a specific usage profile. Subscriptions work well when your monthly page count is predictable and low-to-moderate — you pay a flat fee, never buy cartridges, and ink arrives automatically before you run out. The catches: most plans roll unused pages over only partially, some tiers charge overage fees if you exceed your limit, and cancellation terms can affect your ability to use existing cartridges. If your printing is bursty — nothing for two months, then a 200-page project — a tank printer or laser gives you better economics with no monthly commitment. I would also read the fine print on what happens if a payment fails. As a rule, subscriptions favor convenience-seekers with steady habits; ownership models favor erratic or heavy printers.
Conclusion
After comparing all 15 models, the right choice comes down to what your home office actually produces. For the best overall pick, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw handles the widest range of home office work — fast text printing, scanning, copying, and faxing — with the lowest long-term frustration, provided you can live without color. The best value award goes to the Brother HL-L2405W, which delivers reliable monochrome laser printing at a price that undercuts everything with similar running costs. For beginners and light users, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 keeps setup and daily operation simple without overwhelming features you will never touch.
For premium color needs, the HP Smart Tank 5103 is the strongest pick — its refillable tanks and bundled ink make it the cheapest way to print in color over time. Mobile professionals should look at the HP OfficeJet 250 with its built-in battery and scanner, while anyone whose priority is the smallest possible text-printing footprint will be well served by the Xerox B230. Whatever you choose, weigh the cost per page before the price tag — that single calculation separated the smart buys from the traps throughout this entire lineup.
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