Buying Guide
The Best Mini Printers for Small Spaces: Our Picks
We looked at 7 mini printers for small spaces side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read7 products evaluated
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A printer marketed as fitting in a drawer or on a tiny desk doesn't always account for the charging dock, power cable, or paper tray extension that add real inches once it's set up for actual use, and that gap between marketing footprint and real footprint matters most in a dorm room or small home office where every inch of surface counts. It's also worth knowing upfront that mini inkless thermal printers trade ink cost for paper cost and limited black-and-white output only, a genuine tradeoff for anyone expecting a small printer to work like a full-size inkjet.
This guide focuses on footprint and everyday desk or drawer storage at home, not travel durability or battery life, since that's covered separately for buyers who need a printer on the move.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Smallest Stored Footprint
NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless, N80 Bluetooth Inkless Thermal Printer
Buyers who want the smallest possible printer to stash in a drawer between uses
Our take Check price for NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless, N80 Bluetooth Inkless Thermal Printer (opens in a new tab)
Best with Included Storage Case
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer, Wireless Thermal Printer with Carry Case
Buyers who want tidy all-in-one storage for the printer and its supplies
Our take Check price for Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer, Wireless Thermal Printer with Carry Case (opens in a new tab)
Smallest True Inkjet
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing, Compact Design
Buyers who want the smallest available true color inkjet printer
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing, Compact Design (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact All-in-One
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier
Small spaces that need scan and copy functions alongside color printing
Our take Check price for HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier (opens in a new tab)
Best with Document Feeder
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer with Auto Document Feeder
Small spaces that need occasional multi-page scanning alongside compact storage
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer with Auto Document Feeder (opens in a new tab)
Most Flexible, Not the Smallest
Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Lightweight Compact Printer with Battery
Buyers who want one printer that works both at home and occasionally on trips
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Lightweight Compact Printer with Battery (opens in a new tab)
Best for Frequent Small-Space Printing
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Ink Supertank Printer
Small home offices that print often in color and want the lowest ongoing cost
Our take Check price for Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Ink Supertank Printer (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Smallest Stored Footprint1 of 7
NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless, N80 Bluetooth Inkless Thermal Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NDYIN N80 has the smallest actual stored footprint in this list, small enough to sit in a desk drawer with its charging cable coiled beside it rather than needing dedicated shelf space.
Best for
- Buyers who want the smallest possible printer to stash in a drawer between uses
Why we like it
It's an inkless thermal printer, meaning it uses heat instead of ink to darken specially coated paper, so it prints black and white only and skips the ink cartridges that take up drawer space on a standard inkjet.
That inkless design is the main tradeoff to understand before buying: no ink to store or replace, but the specialty thermal paper costs more per sheet than plain printer paper and the output fades over time, so it's better suited to notes and labels you don't need to keep long-term. Bluetooth connectivity and broad device compatibility make it simple to pull out of a drawer and use occasionally.
Key dimensions & specs
- Inkless thermal printing
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Supports Letter and A4 thermal paper
- No ink cartridges to store
- Compatible with IOS, Android, laptop
Pros
- Smallest true stored footprint in this list
- Fits easily in a standard desk drawer
- No ink cartridges taking up storage space
- Lowest price at $39.99
Cons
- Black and white output only
- Thermal prints fade over time
- Ongoing thermal paper cost replaces ink cost
Best with Included Storage Case2 of 7
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer, Wireless Thermal Printer with Carry Case on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Gloryang includes a carry case, which doubles as tidy drawer or shelf storage at home even if you never take it anywhere, keeping the printer, its cable, and spare thermal paper rolls together in one compact bundle instead of loose in a drawer.
Best for
- Buyers who want tidy all-in-one storage for the printer and its supplies
Why we like it
Like the NDYIN, it's an inkless thermal printer, so factor in the same black-and-white-only output and fading-over-time tradeoff that comes with skipping ink entirely.
Three rolls of thermal paper are included to start, which is a reasonable stash to keep in the case itself rather than finding separate storage for paper.
No ink cartridges to store separately.
Key dimensions & specs
- Inkless thermal printing
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Includes carry case and 3 paper rolls
- Supports 8.5 x 11 inch thermal paper
- Compact, lightweight body
Pros
- Included case keeps printer and supplies together in storage
- No ink cartridges to store separately
- Starter paper rolls included
- Compact enough for a desk drawer or shelf
Cons
- Black and white output only
- Thermal prints fade over time
- Higher price than the NDYIN for the added case
Smallest True Inkjet3 of 7
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer for Duplex Printing, Compact Design on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TS4320 is the smallest genuine color inkjet in this list, a real advantage for anyone who wants small-space storage without giving up full-color, ink-based printing the way the thermal picks require.
Best for
- Buyers who want the smallest available true color inkjet printer
Why we like it
Its compact design still needs room for the paper tray to extend during use and the ink cartridges stored inside the unit, both of which add real footprint that a marketing photo alone doesn't always convey.
Duplex printing is supported, and the compact body stores well on a shelf or in a low desk cabinet, though it's noticeably larger stored than either thermal printer once you account for the paper tray and cartridge compartment. For buyers who need actual color inkjet output in the smallest available body, this is the pick.
Key dimensions & specs
- Compact color inkjet design
- Duplex printing support
- Flatbed scanner and copier
- Wireless connectivity
- Easy setup
Pros
- Smallest true color inkjet in this list
- Full-color output, unlike the thermal picks
- Duplex printing saves paper
- Includes scan and copy functions
Cons
- Larger stored footprint than the inkless thermal picks
- Cartridges need drawer or shelf space to store
- Paper tray extends outward during use, add that clearance
Best Compact All-in-One4 of 7
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The DeskJet 4355 is a compact all-in-one that adds scan and copy functions to a footprint still small enough for a shelf or a small desk corner, though it's meaningfully larger stored than either thermal mini printer once its cartridge compartment and paper tray are factored in.
Best for
- Small spaces that need scan and copy functions alongside color printing
Why we like it
The power cable and printer body together take up more drawer space than the NDYIN or Gloryang, so it's a better fit for permanent shelf placement than drawer storage.
A 3-month Instant Ink trial is bundled in and converts to paid billing unless canceled. For a small space that still needs full scan, copy, and color print functions rather than just occasional black-and-white output, this is a reasonable compact choice.
Low price for a full-featured AIO.
Key dimensions & specs
- Compact all-in-one design
- Scan and copy functions
- Wireless network printing
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
- HP Smart app support
Pros
- Adds scan and copy in a still-compact body
- Low price for a full-featured AIO
- Wireless setup via HP Smart app
- Reasonable shelf footprint
Cons
- Larger stored footprint than the thermal mini printers
- Instant Ink trial auto-converts unless canceled
- Needs a stable outlet and surface, not drawer-friendly
Best with Document Feeder5 of 7
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer with Auto Document Feeder on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TR4720 fits an auto document feeder into a footprint still reasonable for a small desk, useful if your small space also needs occasional multi-page scanning rather than just printing.
Best for
- Small spaces that need occasional multi-page scanning alongside compact storage
Why we like it
That feeder does add a bit of height compared to a flatbed-only compact printer, worth checking against shelf clearance before buying if vertical space is as tight as horizontal space. Its compact footprint stores well on a low shelf, though like the other inkjet AIOs here it needs more space than the two thermal mini printers once cartridges and the paper tray are accounted for. Built-in fax is included but unlikely to matter for most small-space buyers.
Key dimensions & specs
- Auto document feeder
- Wireless network printing
- Compact footprint
- Built-in fax
- Easy setup
Pros
- Document feeder in a still-compact body
- Low price at $69.00
- Good shelf footprint for a small desk
- Reliable wireless setup
Cons
- Feeder adds height, check shelf clearance
- Larger stored footprint than thermal mini printers
- Fax feature is unnecessary for most small-space buyers
Most Flexible, Not the Smallest6 of 7
Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Lightweight Compact Printer with Battery on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TR160 is built for travel first, and while its lightweight body is compact, its included battery, charging dock, and cable add real stored footprint that a printer without a battery doesn't carry.
Best for
- Buyers who want one printer that works both at home and occasionally on trips
Why we like it
If you want a small printer purely for home desk storage, the TR160's travel-focused features are extra bulk you're paying for without using.
It earns a spot here mainly for buyers who want one printer that works as both a small home printer and a portable one for occasional trips, since it's the only battery-powered true color inkjet in this list. If you never plan to take it anywhere, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 above is a smaller, cheaper way to get true color inkjet output for a small space.
Key dimensions & specs
- Rechargeable battery for cordless printing
- 1.44 inch display
- 50-sheet paper tray
- Lightweight, compact design
- Wireless connectivity
Pros
- True color inkjet output
- Doubles as a travel printer if needed
- Larger paper tray than most compact printers
- Display for status without a phone app
Cons
- Battery and charging dock add stored footprint you may not need
- Highest price in this list
- Cartridges need drawer or shelf space to store
Best for Frequent Small-Space Printing7 of 7
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Ink Supertank Printer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ET-2800 is the largest printer in this list by stored footprint, its refillable ink tanks take up more internal space than a cartridge printer, but it's worth including for small-space buyers who print often enough that low cost per page outweighs the extra shelf space it needs.
Best for
- Small home offices that print often in color and want the lowest ongoing cost
Why we like it
Unlike either mini thermal pick, it delivers full-color inkjet output without needing to restock cartridges regularly.
If your small space mainly needs occasional black-and-white printing, the NDYIN or Gloryang thermal printers save far more shelf space. But for anyone printing photos, color documents, or high volume regularly in a small home office, the EcoTank's larger footprint is a worthwhile tradeoff against lower long-run cost.
Key dimensions & specs
- Cartridge-free refillable ink tanks
- Wireless network printing
- Flatbed scanner and copier
- Included startup ink bottles
- Full color inkjet output
Pros
- Lowest cost per page for frequent color printing
- No cartridge restocking
- Full color inkjet output
- Reliable for high print volume in a small office
Cons
- Largest stored footprint in this list
- Highest price alongside the Canon TR160
- Overkill for occasional black-and-white-only needs
How We Chose These Mini Printers for Small Spaces
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Real stored footprint, not marketing footprint
- Weighed each printer's footprint including the paper tray extension, cartridge compartment, and any charging dock or cable, not just the base unit dimensions shown in listing photos.
- Drawer fit vs shelf fit
- Distinguished printers small enough to store fully inside a drawer between uses from those that need permanent shelf or desk placement due to size or cable requirements.
- Inkless vs inkjet tradeoff clarity
- Rated how clearly the black-and-white-only limitation and paper-cost tradeoff of inkless thermal printers is disclosed against the fuller capability of a compact true inkjet.
- Output fading and archival suitability
- Factored in whether output is a permanent ink-based print or a thermal print that fades over time, since that changes what a mini printer is actually good for.
- Weighed stored footprint, output quality, and ongoing consumable cost against price across the range of price points in this comparison in this list.
What to Look for in a Mini Printer for Small Spaces
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match actual size and capacity to your real need, not the category label alone
Listings for a mini printer often use a size or capacity label ("compact," "large," "heavy-duty") that isn't standardized across brands, so the same label can mean meaningfully different actual dimensions or capacity from one product to the next.
This matters because buying based on the category label rather than the specific listed dimensions or capacity is a common way to end up with something that doesn't actually fit your space or handle your real load.
Check the listing for exact measurements or a stated capacity figure, and compare that directly against your actual space or need, not just the marketing size category.
Verify build material and construction quality from reviews, not just spec-sheet claims
A product description can describe material or construction in flattering terms that don't always hold up under real, sustained use, and the gap between a listing's claimed quality and its actual durability only shows up in how the product performs after weeks or months of real use, not in day-one photos.
This matters more for anything you'll use daily or under real load, less for occasional light use where durability matters less.
Check reviews specifically for mentions of how the mini printer holds up over time, not just unboxing-day impressions, and treat a listing's own quality claims as a starting point to verify, not a guarantee.
Confirm any headline feature actually works as advertised, not just that it's listed
A feature appearing in a product's bullet points doesn't guarantee it performs well in practice, some features are functional but limited, and a few are closer to a marketing checkbox than a useful capability.
This matters directly if a specific feature is the main reason you're choosing this mini printer over a simpler, cheaper alternative, since a feature that underperforms in practice undermines the whole reason for paying more.
Check reviews specifically for real-world experiences with the exact feature that matters most to you, not just whether the feature is listed at all.
Weigh review count alongside rating, not rating alone
This matters more for a purchase you're relying on to perform consistently over time, less for a low-stakes, easily replaceable item.
Check both the star rating and the review count together for any mini printer you're considering, and treat a high rating on a very small review count as a promising but less-proven signal.
Check compatibility and fit with your existing setup before ordering
A mini printer that looks like a straightforward fit in photos can still have a compatibility detail, a connector type, a mounting requirement, a size threshold, that doesn't match your existing setup, and this kind of mismatch is one of the most common and avoidable reasons for a return.
This matters directly if the product needs to physically connect to, mount on, or otherwise integrate with something you already own.
Check the listing's specific compatibility details against your exact existing setup, not just the general product category, before ordering.
How to Choose a Mini Printer for Small Spaces
By Rating Confidence: Highest Rated vs Most Reviewed
NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless vs Epson EcoTank ET
- The lower-priced option in this comparison, worth checking its actual specs and review history against your specific need before assuming it's enough.
- The higher-priced option, worth it if it offers real, checkable headroom in build quality, capacity, or features over the cheaper pick.
Default to NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless unless your specific need calls for the pricier pick's extra headroom.
For a First-Time Buyer Specifically
- Clear, specific dimensions or capacity and a real, established review history, not just marketing language.
- You need real durability and feature depth for regular use, where Epson EcoTank ET's build gives real headroom over the cheaper picks.
- You only need this for light or occasional use, where NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless covers the same job at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the actual difference between this guide and a portable printer guide?
This guide focuses on real stored footprint and everyday desk or drawer storage at home, comparing marketing footprint against actual footprint including cables and paper trays. A portable printer guide focuses on battery life, travel durability, and consumable availability while on a trip, a different set of priorities even though some models overlap.
Will a mini inkless printer really fit in a desk drawer?
The NDYIN N80 and Gloryang Inkless are compact enough to fit inside a standard desk drawer between uses, including their charging cable coiled beside them. Compact inkjet AIOs, even ones marketed as small, generally need dedicated shelf space since the paper tray extends during use and the cartridge compartment adds bulk.
Why do some mini printers only print in black and white?
The inkless thermal printers in this list, the NDYIN and Gloryang, use heat to darken specially coated paper instead of ink, which limits output to black and white. This eliminates ink cartridges and their storage space, but trades away full color and permanent, non-fading output.
Does thermal paper output really fade over time?
Thermal prints darken with heat rather than ink, and that image fades gradually, typically within a year or two depending on storage conditions like heat and light exposure. If you need to keep a printed page long-term, a true inkjet printer is the better choice over a thermal mini printer.
Is the Canon PIXMA TR160 a good pick for home-only use?
It works, but its battery and charging dock add stored footprint you won't use if you never take it anywhere. For home-only small-space use, the Canon PIXMA TS4320 delivers similar true color inkjet output in a smaller, cheaper, non-battery body.
When does a larger printer like the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 make sense for a small space?
If you print in color often enough that cost per page matters, the EcoTank's larger footprint is a worthwhile tradeoff since its refillable tanks lower ongoing ink cost significantly compared to cartridge printers. For occasional or black-and-white-only printing, a smaller thermal or compact inkjet pick saves more space without the cost benefit mattering as much.
Bottom Line
Best overall: NDYIN Portable Printer Wireless, N80 Bluetooth Inkless Thermal Printer — smallest stored footprint pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all mini printers for small spaces on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.