· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 6 min read
Top 4 Best Budget-Friendly Compact Printers for Home Offices 2025 Review
Searching for the best budget-friendly compact printers for your home office? These top picks deliver solid performance without emptying your wallet, making them perfect for small spaces and tight budgets.
Introduction
Let’s be real—setting up a home office can be a headache, especially when you’re trying to find a printer that doesn’t take up half your desk or cost a fortune. I’ve been there, staring at endless options online, wondering which one will actually work without driving me crazy. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through four compact printers that won’t break the bank but still get the job done. Whether you’re printing reports, school projects, or the occasional family photo, these picks are designed to fit snugly into your space while keeping costs low. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which printer suits your needs—whether it’s print quality, speed, or just plain ease of use.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s get into it!
HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
The HP OfficeJet 8015e is a workhorse in a small package. It’s got everything you need—wireless printing, scanning, and copying—all in one tidy device. Setting it up was a breeze, and the HP Smart app made connecting from my phone a cinch. The print quality? Crisp and clean, especially for documents. Photos on plain paper are decent, but don’t expect gallery-level results.
One thing I loved was the large paper tray—it holds plenty of sheets and keeps them dust-free. But, fair warning: the touchscreen can feel a bit sluggish, and the printer sometimes makes noise during maintenance cycles. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re easily annoyed by random beeps and whirs.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wireless printing & scanning | Touchscreen can be slow |
| Sharp print quality for documents | Noisy maintenance cycles |
| Large, dust-free paper tray | Requires Instant Ink subscription |
HP DeskJet 2755e Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
If you’re looking for something compact and affordable, the HP DeskJet 2755e is a solid pick. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease, and the setup is straightforward—especially if you use the HP Smart app. That said, the app can feel a little pushy, nudging you toward HP+ subscriptions and account creation.
Print quality is great for everyday documents, with sharp text and vibrant colors. But if you’re planning to print photos, this isn’t the best choice. The printer itself is quiet and fits nicely in small spaces, though the paper tray can be a bit finicky. On the plus side, it comes with 3 months of Instant Ink, which is a nice perk if you print often.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and affordable | Paper tray can be tricky |
| Includes 3 months of Instant Ink | App pushes for HP+ subscription |
| Easy setup with HP Smart app | Not ideal for photo printing |
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The HP DeskJet 2855e is another great option for small home offices. It’s compact, easy to set up, and comes with 3 months of Instant Ink. Print quality is solid for everyday tasks, though it’s not the best for high-resolution images or heavy workloads.
What really stands out is its size—it’s perfect for tight spaces. Wireless connectivity works like a charm, and the HP Smart app makes printing from your phone a snap. Just keep in mind that the print speed isn’t the fastest, and the color output, while decent, isn’t professional-grade. If you’re printing mostly documents, though, this little guy gets the job done.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and space-saving design | Print speed is slow |
| Easy wireless setup | Color print quality is average |
| Includes 3 months of Instant Ink | Ink costs can add up over time |
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a game-changer if you’re tired of buying ink cartridges. Its cartridge-free design uses refillable ink tanks, which saves you money in the long run. Setup is straightforward, and wireless printing works well with multiple devices.
Print quality is excellent for everyday documents, though photo printing is just okay. The compact design is a big plus, but the small LCD screen can be frustrating to navigate, especially when entering Wi-Fi passwords. Also, it’s a bit noisy during operation, so it might not be the best choice if you need a quiet workspace.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cartridge-free, cost-effective ink | Small, hard-to-read LCD screen |
| Compact and lightweight design | Noisy during operation |
| Good print quality for documents | Higher upfront cost |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s cheaper to run: inkjet or laser printer?
Laser printers usually win for high-volume printing because toner lasts longer and costs less per page. But if you’re printing photos or only need occasional prints, an inkjet might be more budget-friendly upfront.
Which printer is best for office work?
For heavy-duty office work, I’d recommend the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw. It’s fast, reliable, and handles high volumes like a champ. Plus, it’s got all the bells and whistles—scanning, copying, and even faxing.
Inkjet or laser for home office?
It depends on what you’re printing. Inkjets are better for photos and creative projects, while lasers are faster and more cost-effective for text-heavy documents. Think about your needs before deciding.
What’s the difference between wireless and Wi-Fi printers?
Wireless printers can connect via Bluetooth or other methods, while Wi-Fi printers specifically connect to your Wi-Fi network. Most modern wireless printers use Wi-Fi, so it’s usually the same thing.
Are laser printers being phased out?
Nope! Laser printers are still going strong, especially in offices. They’re faster and more efficient for high-volume printing, so they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Which printer is the most economical?
For most people, inkjets are cheaper upfront, but lasers save you money in the long run if you print a lot. It really depends on how much you print and what you’re printing.
Final Thoughts
After testing these printers, here’s the breakdown:
- Best for Ink Savings: The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a winner if you want to cut down on ink costs over time.
- Best for Wireless Convenience: The HP DeskJet 2755e is super easy to set up and works great with mobile devices.
- Best for Small Spaces: The HP DeskJet 2855e is compact and reliable, perfect for tiny desks.
- Best for Subscription Ink: The HP OfficeJet 8015e is ideal if you like the convenience of automatic ink delivery.
Each of these printers has its strengths, so think about what matters most to you—whether it’s cost, space, or ease of use—and pick the one that fits your needs.
