Comparison Summary
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the strongest general-purpose choice because it combines print, copy, scan, automatic duplex printing, a 100-sheet cassette, a 100-sheet rear tray, and dual-band Wi-Fi in a relatively compact body. The Brother MFC-J1360DW is a better fit for repeated home-office workflows because its 20-sheet ADF and 150-sheet tray reduce handling, although it is heavier.
Buying Guide
Sizing and Capacity
Compare the working footprint, not just the closed dimensions. Paper trays, output pages, scanner lids, and ADFs need clearance, and a printer with a small body can still require substantial space when loaded. The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the most compact standard-paper choice at 12.7 by 7.3 by 2.6 inches and 4.5 pounds, but it has only a 50-sheet tray and is print-only. The HP OfficeJet 250 also supports mobile use and up to 50 sheets, while adding scanning and copying.
For a fixed desk, capacity becomes more important. The Brother HL-L2405W has a 250-sheet tray for black-and-white batches. The Brother MFC-J1360DW offers a 150-sheet tray and a 20-sheet ADF, while the Canon PIXMA TS7720 uses a 100-sheet cassette plus a 100-sheet rear tray. These models are better choices when frequent reloading would be more irritating than carrying weight. A 100-sheet or larger tray is still not a promise of uninterrupted printing if documents, envelopes, or specialty media are loaded in different ways.
Feature Tradeoffs
Printer type should follow the job. Cartridge inkjets such as the Canon PIXMA TS7720, Canon PIXMA TS6520, Canon PIXMA TR4720, and HP Envy 6555 are versatile for color documents and occasional photos. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 trades a simpler refill process for high listed page yields and included ink, making it the better match for regular color printing rather than very occasional use.
Laser models are more focused. The Brother HL-L2405W is the strongest fit for faster black-and-white batches and larger paper capacity, while the HP LaserJet M110w takes less space and suits basic text printing. Neither provides color, scanning, or copying. Portable models make a different trade: the Canon PIXMA TR160 is lighter and smaller but print-only with an optional battery, while the HP OfficeJet 250 includes battery-powered mobility and adds scanning and copying.
All-in-one features should be separated carefully. Automatic duplex printing means the printer can handle two-sided output; it does not establish that the scanner can scan both sides automatically. If multi-page scanning is central, the Brother MFC-J1360DW and HP Envy 6555 are more relevant because their listings identify ADFs.
Best For, Avoid If
| Profile |
Recommended Product |
Why It Fits |
Avoid If |
| Families and home users wanting one compact color printer for documents, photos, copying, and scanning. |
Canon PIXMA TS7720 |
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 combines print, copy, scan, automatic duplexing, two paper feeds, and dual-band Wi-Fi. |
You need a battery-powered printer, an ADF for multi-page originals, or the smallest possible carrying size. |
| Home-office users who regularly scan or copy multi-page documents. |
Brother MFC-J1360DW Work Smart 1360 |
The Brother MFC-J1360DW has a 20-sheet ADF, automatic duplex printing, a 150-sheet tray, and listed speeds up to 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color. |
You need a lightweight travel printer or primarily want black-and-white laser output. |
| Households printing color documents often enough to value refillable ink tanks. |
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 |
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 lists high black and color yields and includes up to two years of ink in the box. |
You print only occasionally, need an ADF, or expect faster batch output and automatic duplexing. |
| Traveling professionals, students, and field workers who need standard-paper printing in a small bag. |
Canon PIXMA TR160 |
The Canon PIXMA TR160 weighs 4.5 pounds, has a narrow 2.6-inch closed height, and supports wireless direct printing. |
You need scanning or copying, a large paper tray, or battery operation without buying an optional battery pack. |
| Home offices printing mostly black-and-white documents in repeated batches. |
Brother HL-L2405W |
The Brother HL-L2405W lists up to 30 ppm, a 250-sheet tray, manual feed, dual-band wireless, and mobile printing. |
You need color, photos, scanning, copying, or faxing. |
Key Specs to Compare
• Working size: check the closed dimensions, tray clearance, scanner-lid clearance, and whether the printer will remain loaded on the shelf.
• Output type: choose color inkjet for mixed documents and photos, ink tank for regular color volume, or monochrome laser for primarily black text.
• Functions: decide whether print-only is enough or whether copying, scanning, faxing, duplex printing, or an ADF is required.
• Paper handling: compare tray capacity and feed options. The Canon PIXMA TS7720 has a 100-sheet cassette and 100-sheet rear tray; the Brother HL-L2405W has a 250-sheet tray and manual feed slot.
• Connectivity: verify the required app, operating system, Wi-Fi method, USB option, AirPrint or Mopria support, and whether wireless direct printing is needed. The Canon PIXMA TR160 supports wireless direct mode, while the HP OfficeJet 250 lists Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy.
• Portability: distinguish low weight from true battery operation. The TR160 needs an optional battery, while the OfficeJet 250 includes one according to its product listing.
Setup and Handling Considerations
Place a compact printer where the paper path, output area, and scanner lid can open without hitting a wall or shelf above it. Portable models should be closed and secured before carrying, and buyers should confirm whether the battery is included rather than assuming that a small body is battery-powered.
Wireless setup also varies by device. A phone, Chromebook, Mac, or Windows PC may use a companion app, operating-system printing service, direct wireless connection, or a home network. The Canon PIXMA TR160 lists Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and wireless direct mode. The Brother models emphasize mobile apps and wireless networking, while the HP models use HP app-based workflows. Confirm the connection method that matches the devices already in the household.
For document-heavy work, load the tray before beginning a batch and use an ADF when available. The Brother MFC-J1360DW has a 20-sheet ADF, the HP Envy 6555 has a 35-sheet ADF, and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 includes an ADF. A portable printer such as the TR160 is better handled as a one-off or small-batch tool.
Maintenance and Longevity
Ownership depends heavily on the supply system. Cartridge inkjets can suit occasional color printing, while the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed around refillable tanks and lists high yields from its included bottles. Epson recommends genuine ink to support print quality and performance, and non-genuine ink may not be covered under the limited warranty.
Laser printers are a practical alternative for households that mostly print black text or may leave the printer unused for long periods. The Brother HL-L2405W and HP LaserJet M110w avoid color-ink requirements, but toner and cartridge compatibility still matter. The HP LaserJet M110w is listed as requiring cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry, so buyers should account for that restriction before choosing it.
For inkjet models, use the printer’s own status tools to monitor ink and follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance. The Brother MFC-J1360DW includes Page Gauge for monitoring ink usage, while the Canon and HP models provide on-device or app-based status information. A longer warranty can improve support confidence, but it does not guarantee a particular service life.
Reliability Signals
Look for concrete support and compatibility information rather than treating a claimed print speed as a reliability test. Useful signals include a clearly identified model number, supported mobile platforms, stable connection options, supply compatibility, warranty coverage, and an input method that matches the intended workload.
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 lists 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, which can be useful in homes where dual-band compatibility matters. The Brother HL-L2405W lists dual-band wireless and USB, giving it more than one connection path. The HP OfficeJet 250 adds Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy for mobile use. These details help reduce compatibility surprises, but wireless performance still depends on the user’s network, device, and setup.
Warranty terms also vary. Most selected models list one-year coverage, while the Canon PIXMA TS6520 lists a three-year manufacturer warranty in its product information. Treat that as a support-policy difference, not proof that the printer will outperform another model.
How to Compare Reviews
When reading feedback for a specific model, separate comments by use case. For the Canon PIXMA TR160 and HP OfficeJet 250, prioritize reports about carrying, battery operation, Letter-size handling, and wireless setup away from a router. For the Canon PIXMA TS7720 and Brother MFC-J1360DW, look for comments about tray loading, duplex jobs, scanning, and whether the footprint works on the intended desk.
Check that a comment names the exact model rather than a similar printer in the same product family. Give more weight to repeated observations about the same workflow than to isolated complaints, and distinguish an app or network issue from a printing-function issue. Also verify whether a review refers to AC power or battery power for portable models, because the HP OfficeJet 250 has different listed speeds in those conditions.
Finally, do not treat automatic duplex printing as proof of automatic two-sided scanning. Look specifically for the ADF and scanner behavior if your work involves multi-page forms or two-sided originals.
Common Mistakes
• Buying the smallest printer without checking whether it scans, copies, or runs on a battery. The Canon PIXMA TR160 is exceptionally portable, but it is print-only and its battery is optional.
• Assuming every wireless printer works the same way. Check the app, operating system, Wi-Fi band, direct-print mode, and whether USB is available.
• Confusing automatic duplex printing with duplex scanning or copying. An ADF and scanner specification must be verified separately.
• Ignoring the working footprint. A printer may fit on a shelf when closed but need more room once paper trays, output pages, or a scanner lid are open.
• Choosing a cartridge inkjet for sustained color volume without comparing an ink-tank alternative. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is designed for refillable ink and high listed yields.
• Choosing a monochrome laser when color photos, color schoolwork, scanning, or copying are required. The Brother HL-L2405W and HP LaserJet M110w are focused on black-and-white printing.
• Forgetting ongoing service conditions. The HP Envy 6555 includes a limited Instant Ink trial, and the HP LaserJet M110w lists a requirement for cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which selected printer is smallest for standard Letter printing?
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the most space-focused option, measuring 12.7 by 7.3 by 2.6 inches and weighing 4.5 pounds. It is print-only, and its optional battery is not included.
Which compact printer is best for scanning and copying while traveling?
The HP OfficeJet 250 is the clearest fit because it combines printing, scanning, and copying with a battery included in the product listing. It is larger than the Canon PIXMA TR160 and has lower listed speeds when running on battery.
Should I choose an ink tank or a laser printer?
Choose the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 when regular color printing and high listed ink yields are the priority. Choose the Brother HL-L2405W or HP LaserJet M110w when you mainly print black text and do not need color or all-in-one functions.
Does automatic duplex printing mean the printer can scan both sides automatically?
No. Automatic duplex printing refers to two-sided output. Two-sided scanning or copying requires separate scanner and ADF capabilities, so check those specifications directly.
Is a portable printer always battery-powered?
No. The Canon PIXMA TR160 is highly portable but requires an optional LK-72 battery pack for untethered printing. The HP OfficeJet 250 is the stronger choice when battery-powered scanning, copying, and printing are required together.
Final Recommendation
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is the best overall small wireless printer for most home users because it balances compact desktop size with print, copy, scan, automatic duplex printing, two paper feeds, and dual-band Wi-Fi. Choose the Brother MFC-J1360DW instead if your priority is repeated multi-page home-office work: its ADF and larger 150-sheet tray are more useful than the Canon’s smaller footprint. For frequent color printing with refillable ink, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is the better ownership fit, while the Canon PIXMA TR160 is preferable when portability matters most.