10 Best Compact Printers 2025 in the UK

The HP DeskJet 2810e is a compact and versatile all-in-one printer ideal for basic home printing needs. It features thermal print technology and offers a modest print speed of 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white prints and 5.5 ppm for color prints. While these speeds may not be the fastest in the market, they are sufficient for occasional home use, such as printing return labels or recipes. The print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi ensures good quality for both black and white and color prints.

Connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless printing, which is convenient for home environments. The printer's paper handling capacity includes a 60-sheet input and flatbed scanner, suitable for light home use. Its compact size and lightweight design, weighing only 3.42 kg, make it easy to place in any home office or living space. Included in the package are HP 305 setup black and tri-color cartridges, and the printer is made with 60% recycled plastic, highlighting its environmental considerations.

A notable feature is the 3-month free trial of HP's Instant Ink service, which can be a cost-effective solution for managing ink supplies. The HP DeskJet 2810e may not be suitable for high-volume printing due to its slower print speeds and limited paper handling capacity. Additionally, the absence of advanced features such as dual-sided printing or a larger paper tray may be limiting for some users. In summary, the HP DeskJet 2810e is a reliable and easy-to-use printer for basic home printing tasks, with strengths in portability, environmental sustainability, and wireless connectivity, but it may not meet the needs of users requiring higher print speeds or more advanced features.

The HP Envy 6120e is an all-in-one compact printer well-suited for home use, offering a variety of features that enhance convenience and functionality. Its most notable strength is its wireless connectivity, boasting a dual-band, self-healing Wi-Fi that provides a reliable connection, which is ideal for households with multiple devices. The printer is easy to set up via the HP app, making it accessible for users who prefer straightforward operations. With a maximum color print resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI and the ability to print borderless photos, it excels in producing vibrant, high-quality images directly from your screen.

In terms of print speed, the Envy 6120e is relatively modest, delivering up to 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 7 pages per minute for color, which might be a bit slow for more demanding printing tasks. The auto-duplex feature is a plus for saving paper, but the 100-sheet input capacity could require frequent refilling for heavy users. The compact design and weight at 5.13 kg make it portable, yet could be slightly bulky if you’re looking for something extremely small.

The printer's touch screen is intuitive, supporting seamless navigation through its functions. Nevertheless, it only supports basic paper media types and sizes up to A4, which could limit versatility for users needing to print on diverse media. It's a good choice for those needing a basic, reliable printer for everyday tasks like printing photos or documents from smartphones or laptops. The HP Envy 6120e stands out with its wireless features and quality photo printing but may not satisfy heavy print volume requirements due to its speed and paper handling limitations.

The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 stands out in the compact printer category with its innovative ink tank system, eliminating the hassle of frequent cartridge replacements. This makes it an economical choice for home and small office users, significantly reducing printing costs by up to 90%. It includes enough ink to last up to three years for average usage, which is impressive.

The printer boasts a decent print speed of up to 33 pages per minute in monochrome and 20 pages per minute in colour, catering well to those who need efficient document handling. With a maximum print resolution offering high-quality outputs, this printer is suitable for both text and photo printing. Connectivity is versatile with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet options, allowing seamless integration with various devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Its compact design enhances its portability and space efficiency, suitable for smaller spaces. It incorporates modern features like a 6.1 cm colour touchscreen and automatic double-sided printing, coupled with a 30-page document feeder, enabling easy multitasking. However, its weight of 6.7 kilograms might be a drawback for those seeking ultra-lightweight portability. The print technology, based on inkjet, may not match the speed and energy efficiency of more expensive laser printers. Additionally, the printer's initial cost might be higher than traditional models, although it's offset by long-term savings on ink. Users who prioritize sustainability will appreciate its heat-free technology, reducing energy consumption. The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is ideal for users who prioritize low running costs, easy connectivity, and multifunctional capabilities, while the size, weight, and initial price might be considerations for others.