9 Best Portable Black and White Printers (November 2026)

The best portable black and white printers include the Phomemo M08F Inkless Thermal Portable Printer for everyday document travel, the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel for included travel supplies, and the HP OfficeJet 250 Inkjet Mobile Printer for mobile scanning and copying.

On this page (6 sections)

1. The best portable black and white printers for travel and work
2. What type of portable black and white printer should you choose?
3. Is wireless printing enough for a portable printer?
4. What should you check before buying a portable black and white printer?
5. How can you keep portable printer setup simple?
6. Verdict: which portable black and white printer is best?

The best portable black and white printer for most travelers is the Phomemo M08F, a thermal model that supports 8.5 x 11-inch paper without ink, toner or ribbons. The Gloryang is another strong thermal choice, while the HP OfficeJet 250 adds scanning and copying.

Portable printers fall into 3 groups. Thermal models are light and inkless but require thermal paper.

Inkjet models support color and regular supported paper. Laser models are usually faster for desk work, but their size and weight limit how portable they are.

If your main need is printing from a home workspace, compare this list with our guide to the Best Portable Printer For Home Use. Students may also want the more focused Best Portable Printer For Students.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday document travel

   Phomemo M08F Inkless Thermal Portable Printer

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for included travel supplies

   Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for mobile scanning and copying

   HP OfficeJet 250 Inkjet Mobile Printer

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer

   Best for fast home-office documents
   Check it
5. 5

   Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer

   Best for a compact desk
   Check it
6. 6

   Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer

   Best for color on the road
   Check it
7. 7

   HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black

   Best for small-team monochrome work
   Check it
8. 8

   Rongta Thermal Portable Printers Wireless for Travel

   Best for simple thermal printing
   Check it
9. 9

   Phomemo M832D Touchscreen Portable Printer & Case

   Best for flexible thermal paper sizes
   Check it

The best portable black and white printers for travel and work

The best portable black and white printer depends on whether you value the lightest setup, full-size thermal paper, mobile scanning or faster desk printing. We compared the stated functions, paper support, connection methods and weight of these 9 models.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

1

Phomemo M08F Inkless Thermal Portable Printer: Best for everyday document travel

9.7/10Our score

• Inkless thermal printing
• 8.5 x 11-inch maximum media size
• Bluetooth through the Phomemo app
• Carry case included

The M08F is a strong fit for travelers who want full-size monochrome documents without ink or toner. Its carry case and phone app keep the setup focused on mobile printing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• No ink, toner or ribbons
• Bluetooth phone printing
• Carry case included

Cons

• Requires thermal paper
• Computer printing uses USB

The Phomemo M08F is the best overall fit for travelers who mainly print documents from a phone. Its inkless thermal system needs thermal paper instead of ink, toner or ribbons, which removes cartridge handling from the travel setup.

The printer supports a maximum media size of 8.5 x 11 inches and prints black-and-white documents at up to 4.25 pages per minute. Its 715 g weight and included hard carry case make it easier to pack than the desk printers in this roundup.

Phone printing uses Bluetooth through the Phomemo app on iOS and Android. A computer connects by USB, and the PC needs the M08F driver before printing.

The trade-off is paper choice. The M08F supports thermal paper, not regular copy paper, so plan your paper supply before a trip.

It is also print-only, with no scanner or copier.

Choose the M08F for forms, school pages, travel documents and other monochrome files from a phone. For more help with mobile setup, see our guide to the Best Portable Wireless Printers.

2

Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel: Best for included travel supplies

9.7/10Our score

• Inkless thermal printing
• Bluetooth through the Jadens Printer app
• Carry case included
• 3 rolls of Letter thermal paper included

Gloryang gives travelers a portable thermal printer with a case and 3 rolls of Letter thermal paper. It suits buyers who want to start printing documents without carrying ink supplies.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 3 rolls of paper included
• Carry case included
• Supports 8.5 x 11-inch thermal paper

Cons

• Only thermal paper works
• Bluetooth printing requires the app

The Gloryang is a strong alternative for travelers who want thermal printing plus paper and carrying accessories in the package. It includes a portable carry case, a USB charging cable, a manual, a guide card and 3 rolls of Letter thermal paper.

Its inkless thermal system supports a maximum media size of 8.5 x 11 inches. Bluetooth printing works with iOS and Android through the Jadens Printer app, while computer printing requires the printer to be turned on first and the driver to be installed.

The printer supports thermal paper from 2 to 8.5 inches and can use roll or fan-fold paper. That gives it more paper-format flexibility than a printer limited to one sheet size.

Gloryang describes the printer as suitable for documents, contracts, school materials, lists and images. Remember that thermal paper is required, so it won't replace a standard-paper office printer.

Pick it when the included case and 3 rolls matter. The Phomemo M08F is lighter at 715 g, while the Gloryang provides a more generous starter paper package.

3

HP OfficeJet 250 Inkjet Mobile Printer: Best for mobile scanning and copying

9.6/10Our score

• Print, scan and copy
• Wireless mobile printing
• Battery included
• Supports Letter and legal paper

The OfficeJet 250 is the most useful choice when a portable printer also needs to scan and copy. Its inkjet system supports black text, color documents and several paper sizes.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Prints, scans and copies
• Battery included
• Wireless printing without a router

Cons

• Uses ink cartridges
• Heavier than the thermal picks

The HP OfficeJet 250 is the best choice here when portable printing also requires scanning and copying. It is an all-in-one inkjet printer that fits in a car, backpack or briefcase and includes a battery.

Wireless printing works from a laptop, tablet or smartphone without needing a network. HP Auto Wireless Connect helps with setup, and HP Fast Charge can charge the printer within 90 minutes while it is turned off.

The OfficeJet 250 supports Letter, legal, statement, executive, card, photo and envelope sizes. Its black-and-white print speed reaches 20 pages per minute, and its built-in media includes setup black and tricolor HP 62 cartridges.

The 6.5-lb weight is higher than the thermal travel picks, but the extra functions explain the difference. Manual duplexing means double-sided jobs need more attention than automatic duplexing on the Brother DCP-L2640DW.

Choose the HP when you need to print, scan and copy away from a network. If you only need basic printing, an inkless model is simpler.

4

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer: Best for fast home-office documents

9.6/10Our score

• Print, scan and copy
• Automatic duplex printing
• 50-page auto document feeder
• Up to 36 ppm

The DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome multifunction printer for a desk, not a backpack. Its automatic duplexing, feeder and multiple connections suit repeated office document work.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Fast monochrome printing
• Automatic duplexing
• Scanning and copying

Cons

• Weighs 25 lb
• Not designed for travel

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best fit for a small office that wants fast monochrome printing, scanning and copying in one machine. It reaches up to 36 pages per minute, so a stack of reports or forms moves through without long waits at the desk.

It includes a 50-page automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs. That feeder matters when you copy or scan a set of pages, because you can load them once instead of feeding each sheet by hand.

Automatic duplex printing helps with two-sided documents. You save time on double-sided reports and reduce paper use, though you should still check that your files are set to print on both sides.

The printer also offers dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections, so it can serve phones, computers and a wired office setup. Dual-band wireless gives you flexibility if your office network uses either band, while Ethernet gives a stable wired option for a main desk.

Its 250-sheet paper tray reduces refill work during repeated printing. That capacity suits a small team that prints through the day, since you spend less time topping up paper between jobs.

The printer weighs 25 lb, which makes it compact for a desk but not practical for travel. You can move it between rooms or place it on a shared desk, but you should not expect to carry it in a backpack for regular trips.

This model uses Brother TN830 or TN830XL toner. Planning for toner replacement is part of the routine, and the cost will depend on how much you print over time.

Its strengths are speed, document handling and multifunction work, not battery-powered portability. It has no battery in the product data, so it needs a fixed power source where you use it.

Choose it when portable means movable between rooms or suitable for a compact desk. For actual backpack travel, use a thermal or mobile inkjet printer instead.

5

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer: Best for a compact desk

9.5/10Our score

• Monochrome laser printing
• Up to 30 ppm
• 250-sheet paper tray
• Dual-band wireless

The HL-L2405W makes sense when portable means compact enough to move around a home or office. It offers faster desk printing and a 250-sheet tray, but it is not a mobile travel printer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Up to 30 ppm
• 250-sheet tray
• Wireless and USB connections

Cons

• Prints only
• Manual duplexing

The Brother HL-L2405W is the best compact desk printer for buyers who want monochrome laser output without scanning or copying. It prints one-sided documents at up to 30 pages per minute and includes a 250-sheet paper tray.

Dual-band wireless supports multiple devices, while USB provides a local computer connection. The Brother Mobile Connect app can manage the printer and print from mobile devices.

The printer weighs 15.1 lb and measures 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 inches. Those dimensions are manageable for a home office, but the unit is not a substitute for a battery-powered travel printer.

Duplex printing is manual, so you need to turn pages for two-sided work. A manual feed slot supports envelopes and specialty paper, while the main tray handles everyday documents.

Pick the HL-L2405W for fast black-and-white printing at home. If you need scanning and copying, step up to the Brother DCP-L2640DW or HP LaserJet MFP M140w.

6

Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer: Best for color on the road

9.4/10Our score

• Color inkjet printing
• Wireless direct mode
• Prints documents and photos
• 1.44-inch OLED display

The PIXMA TR160 is a better match for travelers who need black text but also want color documents and photos. It uses ink, so it has a different supply routine from the thermal printers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Color and black printing
• Wireless direct mode
• Portable 4.5-lb design

Cons

• Slower black-and-white speed
• Uses ink cartridges

The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the portable choice for buyers who need black text plus color documents or photos. Its 5-color hybrid ink system supports color detail, while the printer remains light enough for a bag or backpack.

It prints documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches. Black-and-white speed reaches 9 pages per minute, and color speed reaches 5.5 pages per minute, so it favors flexibility over high-volume monochrome work.

The Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service support wireless printing from compatible devices. Wireless Direct mode can connect a compatible device without a wireless router.

A 1.44-inch monochrome OLED shows ink levels, printer status and settings. The printer weighs 4.5 lb and uses ink cartridges, which is a different maintenance routine from thermal printing.

Choose the PIXMA TR160 if color matters. For a closer look at mobile photo use, see our guide to the Best Portable Printer For Photos.

7

HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black: Best for small-team monochrome work

9.4/10Our score

• Print, scan and copy
• Up to 21 black-and-white ppm
• Wireless mobile printing
• ID card copying

The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is a small-team printer for a permanent workspace. It handles monochrome printing, scanning and copying in a lighter body than the Brother multifunction model.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Prints, scans and copies
• Wireless mobile printing
• ID card copying

Cons

• No duplex printing
• Not battery-powered

The HP LaserJet MFP M140w suits 1 to 3 people who need a small monochrome printer, scanner and copier for a shared workspace. It prints black-and-white pages at up to 21 pages per minute.

Wireless mobile printing works from phones, tablets and computers, with support for AirPrint, Mopria, Android, Chromebook, Microsoft and Mac devices. The HP Smart app can scan to the cloud and print or copy from a smartphone.

The printer can copy both sides of an ID card onto one side of a sheet. It also has a compact 11.9-lb body, which is lighter than the Brother DCP-L2640DW but still requires a permanent power connection.

There is no duplex printing, so two-sided documents need manual handling. HP also states that the printer is designed to work with cartridges using original HP chips or circuitry.

Pick the M140w for compact multifunction work in a small team. It is not the right type for printing outdoors or from a backpack.

8

Rongta Thermal Portable Printers Wireless for Travel: Best for simple thermal printing

9.2/10Our score

• Inkless thermal printing
• Bluetooth through the RONGTA app
• USB computer connection
• Supports Letter, Legal and A4 thermal paper

Rongta keeps the job simple with inkless monochrome printing for letters, forms, assignments and travel documents. Phone and tablet Bluetooth pairing must happen through the RONGTA app.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Inkless printing
• Letter, Legal and A4 thermal support
• USB computer connection

Cons

• Does not support normal paper
• Chrome is not supported

Rongta is the simplest choice for monochrome thermal printing from a phone, tablet or laptop. Its F11A portable printer uses 203 dpi thermal printing and supports Letter, Legal and A4 thermal paper.

Phone and tablet Bluetooth pairing must happen inside the RONGTA app. For a computer, the printer supports USB and is compatible with Windows 7 through 11 and macOS.

The printer weighs 0.43 kg and supports documents such as forms, letters, assignments, study materials, contracts and travel documents. It doesn't need ink cartridges or ribbons.

Rongta does not support normal paper, and its warm-use guidance says Chrome is not supported. Those limits matter if your files or workflow depend on standard office paper or Chrome-based printing.

Choose Rongta when you want a light, inkless printer with straightforward document output. The Phomemo M08F is a better fit if a carry case and a more defined phone setup matter.

9

Phomemo M832D Touchscreen Portable Printer & Case: Best for flexible thermal paper sizes

8.0/10Our score

• Touchscreen display
• 300 dpi thermal printing
• Supports several thermal paper sizes
• Carry case and 3 rolls included

The M832D suits buyers who want a touchscreen and more thermal paper choices in a portable body. It supports Letter, A4, roll, folded and smaller thermal paper formats.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Touchscreen display
• 300 dpi resolution
• Case and 3 rolls included

Cons

• Black-and-white printing only
• Requires thermal paper

The Phomemo M832D is the most flexible thermal pick for paper sizes and the easiest one here to monitor from the printer itself. Its touchscreen shows battery and connection status and helps identify paper placement.

It supports 8.5 x 11-inch US Letter, A4, 2.08-inch, 3.15-inch and 4.33-inch thermal paper. It can use roll, folded or single-sheet thermal paper, so it fits both full document printing and smaller notes.

The M832D weighs 1.5 lb and includes a carry case, USB-C charging cable, USB Type-C adapter, user manual and 3 rolls of US Letter thermal paper. Its stated 300 dpi resolution is higher than the 203 dpi thermal models in this list.

The printer is black-and-white only and requires thermal paper. Bluetooth works with phones and tablets, while laptops and computers connect through USB-C.

Pick the M832D if touchscreen controls and multiple thermal formats are more useful than the M08F's lighter weight.

What type of portable black and white printer should you choose?

Choose a thermal printer for ink-free travel documents, an inkjet for color and regular supported paper, or a laser printer for faster desk printing. The right choice depends on your paper, power, and workload.

Paper and power should guide the decision before brand or extra features. Travelers printing from a phone need low weight and easy battery use, while desk users need speed and paper capacity.

Thermal printers are the most travel-focused options here. The Phomemo M08F, Gloryang, Rongta, and M832D do not use ink, toner, or ribbons, but they require thermal paper.

That paper rule is the main trade-off. Thermal paper keeps forms, school pages, and travel documents simple to print, but it will not work with regular copy paper.

Carry the right paper before you leave home.

Inkjet printers offer more flexibility for color and photos. The HP OfficeJet 250 also scans and copies, while the Canon PIXMA TR160 focuses on portable color printing.

Inkjet models use cartridges, so plan for ink use and replacement. In return, you get color output and support for regular supported paper sizes that thermal models do not offer.

Laser printers are strongest for repeated monochrome office work. The Brother HL-L2405W prints up to 30 ppm, and the DCP-L2640DW reaches up to 36 ppm with scanning, copying, and automatic duplexing.

Laser models suit a desk because they handle volume well and often come with larger trays. Their size and weight make them poor choices for a bag or car trip.

Think about where you will print most often. A traveler printing a few pages away from home values a light body, while an office user printing all day values speed, trays, and feeder options.

Also consider what each job needs after printing. A print-only model is simpler, but scanning and copying can save time when you need to send or file a paper document later.

Paper type should be your first filter, followed by weight and power. Once those points are clear, the remaining features will usually fall into place more easily.

Is wireless printing enough for a portable printer?

Wireless printing is useful when your phone or tablet is the main source, but the connection method differs by model. The word wireless does not always mean the same setup, so check the exact app and cable rules before you buy.

Check which app is required and whether computers use Bluetooth, USB, or a separate driver. A printer that pairs quickly with a phone may still need a cable or driver download for a laptop.

The Phomemo M08F uses Bluetooth through the Phomemo app. Phone printing goes through that app on iOS and Android, while computer printing uses a USB connection and a driver.

Gloryang uses Bluetooth through the Jadens Printer app. Phone and tablet printing depend on the app, not direct pairing from the phone's general Bluetooth settings.

Rongta requires the RONGTA app for phone and tablet pairing. Set up that pairing at home first, so you are not sorting it out while away.

The Phomemo M832D uses Bluetooth for phones and tablets but USB-C for computers. Bluetooth is not the route for a laptop or computer on that model, so a cable is part of the plan.

The Canon PIXMA TR160 supports the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, Mopria, and Wireless Direct mode. Wireless Direct can help when no router is available, which is useful in a hotel, car, or temporary workspace.

Those options give the Canon more ways to connect, but you still need a compatible device. Check your phone, tablet, or laptop against the supported methods before you rely on it on a trip.

For desk models, wireless is only part of the setup. The Brother and HP printers in this roundup also offer USB or Ethernet in some cases, which can be more stable for shared office use.

A stable connection matters when you print a long document. If the connection drops, you may need to resend the file or waste paper, so a quick test print at home is a sensible habit.

Before buying, confirm that your device works with the required app or connection. Our Best Portable Printer For Beginners guide can help if you want a simpler setup.

What should you check before buying a portable black and white printer?

Check the printer's paper type, maximum paper size, weight, power method, connection method, and required functions. These details separate a genuine travel printer from a compact desk model more clearly than the word portable alone.

Paper type is the first filter. Thermal printers need thermal paper, while inkjet and laser printers use their supported paper systems.

If you need standard copy paper, do not choose a thermal model. That single check can save you from buying a printer that cannot print the pages you actually use.

Next, match the functions to the job. Print-only models are smaller and simpler, while the HP OfficeJet 250, HP LaserJet MFP M140w, and Brother DCP-L2640DW add scanning and copying.

Scanning and copying add real value when you work away from a main office. They also add size and weight, so decide whether you need them every trip or only sometimes.

Then check weight and size. The Rongta weighs 0.43 kg, the M08F weighs 715 g, and the M832D weighs 1.5 lb.

Those weights show how travel-focused the thermal models are. They are easier to carry in a bag, but they still need paper, a cable, or a charged battery where those apply.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW weighs 25 lb, which places it firmly in the compact-desk group. It can sit on a desk or move between rooms, but it is not a practical choice for regular travel.

Power is another key check. Thermal and mobile inkjet models are built for use away from a desk, while laser and many desk multifunction models need a fixed power source.

Also check maximum paper size before you buy. A printer that handles 8.5 x 11-inch pages fits forms and school work, while a smaller limit may not suit full documents.

Connection method should match your main device. If you print from a phone, the required app matters, and if you print from a computer, check for USB, driver, or network needs.

A shortlist based on paper, weight, power, and functions will be easier to compare than a long list of extra claims. Buy for the routine you will use most, not for the trip you may take once.

How can you keep portable printer setup simple?

Keep the correct paper with the printer, install the required app before travel and use the connection method intended for your device. A short setup check can prevent paper and pairing problems away from home.

For thermal models, store the right thermal paper with the printer and remember that regular copy paper won't work. For app-based Bluetooth models, pair inside the brand's app instead of relying on the phone's general Bluetooth menu.

For inkjet models, carry the supported cartridges and check the wireless method before leaving. For laser models, plan for a fixed power source and a stable desk.

The right model is the one whose paper, power and connection routine matches your normal trip. A lighter printer is not useful if it cannot print the paper or file type you need.

Verdict: which portable black and white printer is best?

The Phomemo M08F is the best portable black and white printer for most travelers who need full-size monochrome documents without ink or toner. It supports 8.5 x 11-inch thermal paper, which suits forms, school pages and travel documents.

Choose the Gloryang for its included case and 3 rolls of paper. That package gives you a ready start for trips, though you still need to plan for thermal paper after those rolls run out.

Pick the HP OfficeJet 250 when scanning and copying are part of the trip. Its all-in-one design and battery make it a better fit for mobile work that goes beyond printing alone.

Choose the Canon PIXMA TR160 when color and photos matter. It uses ink cartridges, but it gives you color output that thermal printers cannot provide.

For desk-based monochrome work, the Brother HL-L2405W is a strong print-only choice. It prints up to 30 ppm and includes a 250-sheet tray, which suits regular home office use.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW adds scanning, copying, automatic duplexing and higher speed at up to 36 ppm. It is the better desk option when a small office needs document handling in one machine.

For a lighter multifunction desk printer, consider the HP LaserJet MFP M140w. It prints up to 21 ppm and also scans and copies, in a body that is lighter than the Brother multifunction model.

Your best pick depends on your main use. Travelers should lean toward thermal models for ink-free document printing, while desk users should weigh speed, trays and multifunction work more heavily.

If you need regular paper and color, look at the inkjet options instead of thermal models. If you need fast monochrome volume, a laser model will usually serve you better at a desk.

Keep the paper type in mind at the end. The right printer is the one that prints the pages you need, from the devices you use, in the place where you will actually use it.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday document travel

   Phomemo M08F Inkless Thermal Portable Printer

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for included travel supplies

   Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for mobile scanning and copying

   HP OfficeJet 250 Inkjet Mobile Printer

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best portable black and white printer for travel?

The Phomemo M08F is the best portable black and white printer for many travelers because it prints 8.5 x 11-inch documents with thermal paper and does not need ink, toner or ribbons. It connects to phones through the Phomemo app and includes a carry case.

Choose the HP OfficeJet 250 if scanning and copying matter more than the lightest travel setup.

Are portable thermal printers compatible with regular paper?

No. The Phomemo M08F, Gloryang, Rongta and Phomemo M832D use thermal paper rather than standard copy paper.

Check the supported paper sizes before buying, and keep replacement thermal paper with the printer when you travel.

The HP OfficeJet 250 and Canon PIXMA TR160 are inkjet options for regular supported paper.

Is a portable black and white printer better than a laser printer?

A portable thermal printer is better when you need to print away from a desk and can use thermal paper. A laser printer is better for faster repeated office printing, larger paper trays and regular desk use.

The Brother HL-L2405W and Brother DCP-L2640DW are compact, but their weights make them poor choices for routine travel.

Can a portable printer scan and copy?

Yes, but only some portable or compact models here include those functions. The HP OfficeJet 250 prints, scans and copies in a mobile design, while the HP LaserJet MFP M140w and Brother DCP-L2640DW provide those functions for desk-based work.

Thermal travel picks in this roundup are print-only.

How do I choose a portable black and white printer?

Start with paper type, travel weight and required functions. Choose thermal printing for ink-free monochrome documents, inkjet for color or regular paper, and laser for faster desk printing.

Then check phone and computer connection methods, maximum paper size, duplex support and whether scanning or copying is required.