Top Compact Printers Ideal for Back-to-School Students

A review of four compact printers highlights options for students needing affordable, desk‑friendly printing. Two models focus on document handling, one all‑in‑one printer is suited for light home‑office work, and a fourth model excels at printing photos.

The Brother WorkSmart 1360 all‑in‑one offers a small footprint, a 150‑sheet tray, a 20‑sheet automatic document feeder, duplex printing, and a 1.8‑inch color display. It connects to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive and other cloud services via the Brother Mobile Connect app, printing up to 16 ppm in black and 9 ppm in colour. Weighing about 17 lb, it fits comfortably on a dorm desk.

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is a lightweight portable printer with wireless connectivity, a five‑colour ink system and borderless photo printing. It includes a 1.44‑inch OLED screen and optional battery (sold separately). While its overall speed is slower than the Brother model, it is easy to carry in a backpack for on‑the‑go printing needs.

These printers address common back‑to‑school scenarios such as printed essays, lease agreements, and photo displays, providing cost‑effective solutions without sacrificing functionality.