Last Updated: Jun 5, 2023 @ 6:22 pm.

Need to take a stapler on the road? Or in a backpack? A mini stapler is the best solution. To find the best one, we tried out 9 models from different brands. Here are the ones that made the cut.

FYI: We've been reviewing and rating products for the home, families and parents since 1994. To keep it real, we don't take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported! So we thank you for taking the time to read this article.


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Best Budget-Friendly

Great for backpacks
Less than 5" long, this stout but sturdy stapler is perfect for small jobs (less than 12 pages—more like 5-8 in the real world). Includes 1000 staples.
$7.37

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Best Budget-Friendly: Swingline Mini Stapler Tiny Tot

A mini-stapler has to be easy to use and fit in a backpack or bag. Swingline’s Mini Stapler Tiny Tot (so cute!) hits all the right notes—at a price that is easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Includes 1000 staples. 

• 12 sheet capacity. In reality, it is less than that in our real world tests—we’d say 5-8 pages, depending on the paper weight.

• Easy to use.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Occasionally jams.

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Best For Bigger Projects

Compact, sturdy and lightweight
Loved this palm-sized mini stapler—yes it is bigger than other mini models . . . but it can staple two dozen pages. That's great for heavier use.
$13.07

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Best For Bigger Projects: Bostitch Office Heavy Duty 40 Sheet Stapler

Most mini staplers are for just a few pages—even those that claim they can staple 12 pages really can only do 5-8 pages in the real world.

What if you need a mini-stapler but need to actually staple 12 pages? We’d recommend Bostitch’s Office Heavy Duty 40 Sheet Stapler.

What We Liked

• Compact.

• Sturdy. We liked the non-skid rubber base.

• Can be stored horizontally or vertically.

• Staples are flatter than others.

• 40 sheet capacity. Ok, in reality it is more like 25 page maximum . . . but that is much more than other mini staples!

What Needs Work

• Must use Bostitch’s own brand of staples. It doesn’t work well if you use other brands.

• No staples included.

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Best For Students

Super cute—and it works well!
This two-pack includes 800 standard staples . . . at a price that is easy on the wallet. Bright colors are easy to see at the bottom of a backpack. Great for travel.
$9.45

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Best For Students: PraxxisPro Mini Staplers

We have to admit—these mini staplers are darn cute. We like this two-pack for students—they are easy to pop in a bag or backpack. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Great for travel.

• Good value—two-pack at a decent price.

• Bright colors: easy to see in a backpack.

• Can handle up to 18 sheets at once.

• Includes 800 staples.

What Needs Work

• Occasionally jams.

• Not for heavy-duty use. If you need a more robust model for bigger projects, we’d recommend the Bostitch model discussed earlier.

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Best For Salespeople

Great for road warriors
Excellent mini-stapler that can staple 20 pages together, yet is super compact. Includes 210 mini staples. Easy to load.
$7.34

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Best For Salespeople: Bostitch Office Mini Stapler

If you are a traveling salesperson, you probably need to staple a few pages together . . . but don’t have much room in your travel bag. We’d suggest Bostitch’s Office Mini Stapler for this use—good performance at a decent value.

What We Liked

• Easy to load.

• Includes 210 mini staples!

• Also functions as a staple remover.

• Also good for students, vehicles, school bags and more.

• Handles about 20 sheets of paper.

What Needs Work

• Works best if you have a flat surface (table) to staple on. Not as effective to staple free-style in the air!

• Occasionally jams.

• Have to push down rather hard to staple. Hence, this might not be best for smaller kiddos for school use.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!

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