Finding a compact multifunction printer that blends space-saving design with reliable color or monochrome output can be a game changer for home offices or small teams. The following selections emphasize small footprints, easy setup, and practical features like duplex printing, mobile printing, and compatible cloud workflows. Use this guide to compare capabilities across inkjet and laser models and choose the right balance of cost per page, speed, and versatility for your needs.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Brother | Color inkjet with duplex printing and cloud app support | All-in-One Inkjet |
| Canon PIXMA TR4720 | Canon | Auto Document Feeder and wireless 4-in-1 | All-in-One Inkjet |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Brother | Monochrome laser, fast printing and scanning | All-in-One Laser |
| HP DeskJet 2827e | HP | Color inkjet with smart AI enhancements and Instant Ink trial | All-in-One Inkjet |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw | Canon | Wireless color laser with mobile printing | All-in-One Laser |
Brother Work Smart 1360 MFC-J1360DW Review
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is positioned as a compact, home-office ready inkjet with automatic duplex printing and a 1.8” color display for straightforward navigation. It supports cloud printing and scanning to popular services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, making it convenient for hybrid work environments. A 150-sheet paper tray and a 20-sheet automatic document feeder help maintain workflow efficiency, while speeds reach up to 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in color. This model emphasizes ease of use and integrated cloud connectivity for everyday home office tasks.
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Review
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a 4-in-1 wireless experience with an Auto Document Feeder and built-in fax. It’s designed for home use with straightforward setup and reliable wireless printing. The unit balances compact design with practical features such as mobile printing and efficient energy use, appealing to small households that need a versatile all-in-one device without taking up heavy desk real estate.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact Laser Review
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one designed for small businesses. It features fast print speeds up to 36 ppm, a 50-page auto document feeder for quick batch scanning and copying, and flexible connectivity including built-in wireless and Ethernet. This model focuses on efficiency, reliability, and cost-effective monochrome output for document-heavy workflows.
HP DeskJet 2827e Review
The HP DeskJet 2827e is built for home use with color printing, copying, and scanning. It includes a 60-sheet input tray and smart AI-augmented features to streamline everyday tasks. The model often pairs with a trial Instant Ink subscription, providing a sense of ongoing value for households that print occasionally yet want reliable color output and easy mobile printing integration.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw Review
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw is a wireless color laser all-in-one that targets small teams needing fast color output and robust mobile printing capabilities. It delivers up to 22 pages per minute in color, with convenient wireless connectivity and a mobile-ready workflow. Aimed at higher-output environments, it provides strong color performance and enterprise-friendly reliability in a compact body.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for Compact Multifunction Printers
- Print technology: Inkjet vs. laser. Inkjets typically excel at color and photo quality but may have higher running costs for frequent color printing. Lasers offer faster black-and-white output and often lower cost per page for text-heavy documents.
- Duplex printing: Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and costs over time. Ensure the model supports automatic duplexing for both print and scan (if needed).
- Paper handling: Check input tray capacity, whether there’s an additional rear tray, and support for legal or letter sizes. A larger tray reduces refilling frequency in busy weeks.
- Paper feeder and scanning features: A built-in ADF streamlines multi-page scanning and copying. Look for a sufficient feeder capacity to match your typical document volume.
- Connectivity: Wireless options (Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print compatibility) and Ethernet matter for shared offices. USB connectivity is helpful for direct printing from a computer.
- Display and ease of use: A color display simplifies setup and menu navigation. Consider printers with simple mobile apps and cloud integration for on-the-go tasks.
- Compatibility and cloud support: Ensure compatibility with your preferred cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud) and the printing workflow you use most.
- Maintenance and running costs: Look at cartridge or toner yield, availability of third-party supplies, and whether the manufacturer offers compatible high-capacity options.
- Warranty and support: A longer warranty can reduce downtime for business use. Check for included support resources and service options.
- Size and footprint: If space is at a premium, compare the device’s dimensions and weight to ensure it fits your desk or cabinet without blocking vents or connectivity.
Across these models, users can balance color versatility and print speed with space constraints and workflow requirements. For photo-heavy tasks, inkjet options may provide richer color reproduction, while laser alternatives can deliver quicker monochrome output and steadier maintenance for document-centric environments. Cloud-enabled printing and mobile integration remain strong advantages for modern home offices and small teams seeking seamless productivity.