Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best Splurge
- 3. Best for Small Spaces
- 4. Best for Daily Use
- 5. Best Compact
- 6. Best Value
- 7. Best Design
- 8. Best Lightweight
- Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- How to Choose Laser Printers
- What to look for
- Frequently asked questions
Finding the best black and white laser printer can be tough. The Brother HL-L2405W is our top pick for its speed of 30 pages per minute and wireless capabilities. If you’re looking to save, the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w is a solid choice, but it only offers print functions. The key choice is between having multi-functionality, like scanning and copying with the DCP-L2640DW, or a simpler option that saves space.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are the best picks in the black and white laser printer category.
1. Best Overall
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with…
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(5) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
The Brother HL-L2405W is an excellent choice for anyone needing the best black and white laser printer. It prints at an impressive speed of 30 pages per minute. This model also features wireless connectivity, making it easy to print from various devices. Compared to other options like the Brother DCP-L2640DW, it is simpler without the extra scanning and copying functions. However, it may not suit users who need multi-function capabilities. Overall, it remains a strong contender for home offices and casual use.
Pros
- Print speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
- Wireless connectivity for easy access from multiple devices.
- Compact and lightweight design fits in small spaces.
Cons
- Limited to printing only, no scanning or copying functions.
- May not be ideal for larger teams with high volume needs.
Best for: Home offices and casual printing. Not ideal for: Users needing scanning or copying features.
A reliable option for efficient home printing.
2. Best Splurge
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
The Brother DCP-L2640DW stands out for its multi-function capabilities. This model combines printing, scanning, and copying all in one device. With a print speed of 27 pages per minute, it balances efficiency and versatility. While the Brother HL-L2405W is a simpler model, the DCP-L2640DW is better for small businesses or home offices that require multiple functions. The only downside is that it takes up more space than simpler models, which might not fit small work areas.
Pros
- Multi-functionality: prints, scans, and copies.
- Fast print speed of 27 pages per minute.
- Duplex printing saves paper by printing on both sides.
Cons
- Larger footprint may not fit in small spaces.
- More expensive than single-function models.
Best for: Small businesses and home offices needing multiple functions. Not ideal for: Very small spaces.
Versatile and efficient for small teams.
3. Best for Small Spaces
Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w – Monochrome Single-Function Wireless Compact Wireless Laser Printer, 1 Year Limited Warranty, 19 PPM, White – Print Only
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
- PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
- TONER: Uses Canon Genuine Toner 125 (1,600 page yield).
- PEACE OF MIND: 1 year limited warranty.
The Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w is a compact and efficient single-function printer. It prints at a speed of 19 pages per minute, which is suitable for basic home needs. While it lacks scanning and copying features, its wireless capabilities make it easy to use from different devices. Compared to other models, it is smaller and takes up less space, making it a good choice for tight areas. However, it may not suit those who need more than just printing.
Pros
- Compact design fits in limited spaces.
- Wireless printing from compatible devices.
- Energy-efficient operation.
Cons
- Only prints, lacks scanning and copying features.
- Lower print speed compared to other models.
Best for: Small spaces and basic printing needs. Not ideal for: Users needing multi-function capabilities.
Simple and space-saving for basic printing tasks.
4. Best for Daily Use
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1),…
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(5) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
The Brother HL-L2460DW is designed for both home offices and small teams. It features fast printing at 30 pages per minute and duplex printing, allowing automatic double-sided printing. Compared to the Brother HL-L2405W, it offers additional flexibility with duplexing. Its compact design maintains space efficiency while providing sturdy performance. A potential limitation is that, like other models, it may not support high-volume printing in larger environments, making it less ideal for larger offices or businesses.
Pros
- Fast printing speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
- Includes duplex printing for efficient paper use.
- Compact design suitable for small spaces.
Cons
- May struggle with very high volume demands.
- Still lacks multi-function features compared to other picks.
Best for: Home offices and small teams needing duplex printing. Not ideal for: High-volume printing situations.
Efficient and user-friendly for home and office use.
5. Best Compact
HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White Printer, Print, scan, Copy, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams
- FROM AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing, scanning and copying professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD’S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing, scanning, and copying that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
- EASILY COPY ID CARDS AND MORE – Copy both sides of ID cards or other small-size documents onto the same side of one sheet of paper
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
- HP SMART APP – Eliminate steps in repetitive tasks, scan to the cloud and print or copy from your smartphone using HP Smart app
- This printer is intended to work only with cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry and will block cartridges using non-HP chips or circuitry. Periodic firmware updates will maintain the effectiveness of these measures.
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is designed for small teams that need to print, scan, and copy. It offers fast speeds of up to 21 pages per minute, making it effective for office environments. While it is compact, it is slightly larger than some simpler models, such as the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w. Users should note that it may not be suitable for very high-volume printing. However, for small teams, it provides excellent versatility in a limited space.
Pros
- Multi-functionality: print, scan, and copy.
- Fast speed of up to 21 pages per minute.
- Compact size fits easily in small offices.
Cons
- May not handle larger print volumes effectively.
- Slightly larger footprint than single-function models.
Best for: Small teams needing multifunction capabilities. Not ideal for: High-volume printing requirements.
Versatile and effective for team environments.
6. Best Value
The HP LaserJet M207dw is a strong choice for offices requiring fast and reliable printing. It prints up to 28 pages per minute, making it one of the quicker options here. This printer also includes duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides automatically. When compared to the Brother models, it is slightly faster but doesn’t offer additional features like scanning. It may not be ideal for very small spaces due to its size.
Pros
- Fast printing speed of up to 28 pages per minute.
- Duplex printing for efficient paper use.
- Designed for small to medium offices.
Cons
- Does not include scanning or copying functions.
- Larger size may not fit in compact spaces.
Best for: Offices needing fast, reliable printing. Not ideal for: Users needing multiple functions.
Quick and efficient for busy offices.
7. Best Design
HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer, Black and White, Duplex, Best-for-Office
- FROM AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for offices printing black & white brochures, business documents and presentations. Perfect for 1-5 people
- FASTEST TWO-SIDED PRINTING IN ITS CLASS – Up to 28 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided. Quickly finish multipage print projects with the fastest in-class two-sided printing speed
- DUAL-BAND WI-FI WITH SELF-RESET – Automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues
- STRONG SECURITY – Built-in security features help protect your printer from potential attacks
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Ethernet included. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more.
The Canon imageCLASS MF273dw is a multifunction printer offering printing, scanning, and copying. With a print speed of 30 pages per minute, it balances speed and functionality. Unlike simpler models, this device is more suitable for small teams or home offices needing all-in-one capabilities. However, its size might be a drawback for very limited spaces. Overall, it is an excellent choice for those needing diverse functionality in printing.
Pros
- Multifunction capabilities: print, scan, and copy.
- Fast printing speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
- Auto document feeder for quick scanning.
Cons
- Larger footprint may not fit tight spaces.
- Higher price point for multifunction features.
Best for: Small teams needing multiple functions. Not ideal for: Extremely compact work areas.
A strong all-in-one solution for diverse printing needs.
8. Best Lightweight
Canon imageCLASS MF273dw – Monochrome Wireless Laser Printer, Multifunction With Scanner, Copier, Auto Document Feeder, With 1 Year Limited Warranty, 30 PPM,…
- Wireless 3-in-1: Print | Copy | Scan
- Print up to 30 Pages Per Minute (BW, Letter)
- First Print Out in Approximately 5.3 Seconds (Letter)
- Auto 2-sided Printing
- Uses Toner 071 / 071 High-Capacity Toner
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is compact and lightweight, making it one of the best lightweight options. It is ideal for small teams needing to print documents quickly. The printer offers a print speed of up to 21 pages per minute, which is efficient for everyday tasks. Compared to bulkier models, this printer saves space. However, it may not be the best choice for heavy printing needs, as its focus is on ease of use.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Fast print speeds of up to 21 pages per minute.
- Easy setup for quick use.
Cons
- Limited to basic printing; no scanning or copying.
- Less suited for high-volume printing.
Best for: Users needing a lightweight, space-saving option. Not ideal for: Heavy printing tasks.
Compact and efficient for everyday printing tasks.
Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
This comparison table breaks down key features and specs for each printer. You can see speed, connectivity, and functions. If you want the best black and white laser printer, focus on the first few rows.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Best Overall | Brother | $139.99 | Check |
| 2 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | Best Splurge | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
| 3 | Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w | Best for Small Spaces | Canon, Inc | $87.99 | Check |
| 4 | Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Best for Daily Use | Brother | $179.99 | Check |
| 5 | HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White Printer | Best Compact | HP Inc. | $139 | Check |
| 6 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Value | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 7 | HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer | Best Design | HP | $169 | Check |
| 8 | Canon imageCLASS MF273dw | Best Lightweight | Canon | $215.99 | Check |
| 9 | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One… | — | HP | $439 | Check |
| 10 | HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer | — | HP Inc. | 0 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We sourced information from trusted websites like manufacturer specifications and customer reviews. Each printer’s details were carefully collected to ensure accuracy. We looked at over 15 models to find the best options.
How we built this shortlist
Our shortlist includes printers suited for various needs. We evaluated speed, connectivity, and functionality. Each printer was compared based on its ability to handle different printing tasks.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded printers that had low customer ratings or limited features. Any model that did not have wireless printing or high speed was not considered. This helped narrow the list to the best performers.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing was conducted for these printers. We relied on online reviews and ratings instead of personal experiences or lab measurements. Scores were not created, ensuring a straightforward approach.
How often this page is updated
We plan to update this page regularly, at least every six months. New models and changes in customer feedback will be considered. This ensures that you have the most current information.
How to Choose Laser Printers
Print Speed
When choosing a black and white laser printer, look for a speed of at least 19 pages per minute (ppm). This ensures efficiency, especially if you print large documents. Faster models can reach up to 30 ppm, making them suitable for busy offices.
Connectivity Options
Consider printers with wireless connectivity. This allows you to print from mobile devices or laptops without cables. Look for models that support both Wi-Fi and mobile printing applications for more flexibility.
Functionality
Decide if you need a multi-function printer. Some models can print, copy, and scan. If you only need to print, a single-function printer may be a better fit and often more compact.
Paper Capacity
Check the paper capacity of the printer. A model that holds at least 150 sheets is ideal for home or small office use. Larger capacities mean fewer interruptions for refilling paper.
Size and Design
Assess the size of the printer relative to your workspace. Compact models are better for small areas. Look for designs that fit your office decor while still being functional.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is essential when selecting a black and white laser printer. Look for models that offer sharp text and clear images. A printer with a higher resolution will provide better quality prints, especially for documents with fine details.
Cost of Consumables
Consider the cost of toner cartridges and other consumables. Some printers may have a lower upfront price but higher running costs. Look for printers that use high-capacity toner cartridges for more cost-effective printing.
Durability and Build Quality
The durability of a printer can impact your long-term satisfaction. Check reviews for any common issues with build quality. A well-built printer will last longer and perform reliably over time.
Customer Support
Look into the customer support offered by the manufacturer. Good support can be a lifesaver if you encounter issues. Check online reviews to see how other users rate their experiences with customer service.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important, especially for office environments. Look for printers that are ENERGY STAR certified. These models use less power, which can help reduce electricity costs and your carbon footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best black and white laser printer for home use?
The Brother HL-L2405W is a great choice for home use. It is compact and offers wireless printing, making it easy to connect your devices.
Are laser printers good for photos?
Laser printers are not ideal for photos as they are designed for text and documents. For high-quality photo prints, consider an inkjet printer.
How fast can a black and white laser printer print?
Print speeds vary, but many models print between 19 to 30 pages per minute. Higher speeds are better for busy work environments.
Do I need a multi-function printer?
If you need to copy and scan as well as print, a multi-function printer is a good choice. If you only need to print, a single-function printer may be enough.
How often do I need to replace toner?
Toner replacement depends on usage. Most cartridges last for several hundred pages. Regularly check the toner level to avoid running out during printing.
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