Contents
You may wonder which is the best budget laser printer. The Brother HL-L2405W is the top pick for its fast printing speed of up to 30 pages per minute and wireless connectivity. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w. It prints at 19 pages per minute but lacks multifunction capabilities, which some users may miss.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are the top choices for budget laser printers. Each one has distinct features that cater to different needs.
1. Top Pick
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 a wireless compact monochrome laser printer. It stands out for its fast print speed of up to 30 pages per minute. This printer is perfect for home and home office use. It offers excellent print quality and is compatible with various devices, including Alexa. Compared to other models, the HL-L2405W has superior connectivity options and is easy to set up. One limitation is that it only prints in black and white, which may not suit users needing color prints.
Pros
- Fast print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute
- Wireless connectivity for easy mobile printing
- Compact design saves space in small areas
Cons
- Only prints in black and white
- No scanning or copying functions
- May not suit users needing color prints
Best for: Home and home office users. Not ideal for: Users needing color printing or multifunction capabilities.
The Brother HL-L2405W is a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for efficient printing.
2. Runner-Up
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 is a multifunction laser printer. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in one compact unit. This model is perfect for small businesses that need to manage multiple tasks. It delivers high-quality black and white prints quickly, making it a capable runner-up. Compared to the HL-L2405W, it offers more features, but at a slightly higher cost. Its main limitation is the slower printing speed compared to our top pick, which can be a downside for high-volume printing.
Pros
- Three-in-one functionality: prints, scans, and copies
- Fast print speeds for efficient document handling
- Wireless connectivity for mobile printing
Cons
- Slower print speeds compared to top pick
- Larger footprint may not suit small spaces
- Only monochrome printing limits versatility
Best for: Small businesses needing multifunction capabilities. Not ideal for: Users wanting faster print speeds.
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is great for users needing multifunctionality in a compact printer.
3. Most Versatile
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 single-function laser printer. It offers a decent print speed of up to 19 pages per minute. This model is designed for users who need basic printing without additional features. In comparison to other picks, it is smaller and fits well in tight spaces. However, it lacks scanning and copying functions. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for users who only need to print.
Pros
- Compact design ideal for small spaces
- Prints at speeds up to 19 pages per minute
- Wireless connectivity for printing from mobile devices
Cons
- No multifunction capabilities (scanning or copying)
- Limited paper capacity of 150 sheets
- Slower print speed than top competitors
Best for: Users needing a simple, space-saving printer. Not ideal for: Those requiring scanning or copying features.
The Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w is a straightforward option for basic printing needs.
4. Best Value
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 another compact monochrome laser printer. It features duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper. This can save you money on paper and reduce waste. Compared to other options, it has similar print speeds and quality. It shines in environments where duplex printing is essential. However, it does not offer multifunction capabilities, which could be a deciding factor for some users.
Pros
- Duplex printing saves on paper usage
- Compact design suitable for tight spaces
- Fast print speeds comparable to top models
Cons
- No scanning or copying features
- Monochrome printing only limits functionality
- Less versatile than multifunction printers
Best for: Users wanting to save on paper with duplex printing. Not ideal for: Those needing multifunction capabilities.
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a solid choice for users focused on paper efficiency.
5. Best Premium
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 a wireless multifunction black and white printer. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in a compact design. This model is designed for small teams. It offers fast speeds and easy setup, making it user-friendly. Compared to other models, it provides the same multifunctionality but might take up more space. Its main limitation is that it may be more suited for light users rather than high-volume printing.
Pros
- Multifunction capabilities: print, scan, and copy
- Compact size fits well in small offices
- Fast print speeds of up to 21 pages per minute
Cons
- May not handle high-volume printing well
- Could be larger than other compact models
- Monochrome printing limits color options
Best for: Small teams needing a multifunction printer. Not ideal for: Users requiring heavy-duty printing.
The HP Laserjet MFP M140w is a reliable option for small teams with moderate printing needs.
6. Best Lightweight
The HP DeskJet 2955 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer. This model stands out for its versatility, offering printing, scanning, and copying functions. However, it is not a laser printer and may not be suitable for users looking specifically for a budget laser printer. While it has a good price point, its reliance on ink may lead to higher ongoing costs. Its main limitation is less print speed compared to laser models.
Pros
- All-in-one functionality: print, scan, and copy
- Compact design makes it easy to fit anywhere
- Affordable price compared to laser printers
Cons
- Ink cartridges can be expensive to replace
- Slower print speeds than laser printers
- Not a laser printer, may not meet specific needs
Best for: Users needing an all-in-one color printer. Not ideal for: Those looking for a laser printer specifically.
The HP DeskJet 2955 is versatile but not the right choice for budget laser printer seekers.
7. Best for Daily Use
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 HP LaserJet M207dw is a laser printer focused on office use. It prints black and white documents quickly, reaching speeds of up to 28 pages per minute. This model is designed for small offices and can handle heavier workloads. Compared to other printers, it offers fast duplex printing, making it efficient for multipage documents. However, it may be too large for home use and lacks multifunction features.
Pros
- Fast print speeds up to 28 pages per minute
- Duplex printing for efficient document handling
- Designed for small office environments
Cons
- May be too large for home use
- No scanning or copying functions
- Less versatility than smaller models
Best for: Small offices requiring fast printing. Not ideal for: Home users needing a compact printer.
The HP LaserJet M207dw is efficient for small office use but lacks multifunction capabilities.
8. Best Budget
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 Canon imageCLASS MF273dw is a wireless multifunction laser printer. It stands out with a print speed of 30 pages per minute and an auto document feeder. This model is designed for users who need to print, scan, and copy efficiently. Compared to other multifunction options, it offers competitive speed and features. However, its size may be a drawback for very small spaces.
Pros
- Fast print speeds up to 30 pages per minute
- Includes auto document feeder for convenience
- Multifunction capabilities add versatility
Cons
- Larger size may not fit in all spaces
- Monochrome printing only limits color options
- Potentially higher price than basic models
Best for: Users needing fast multifunction capabilities. Not ideal for: Those looking for a compact, single-function printer.
The Canon imageCLASS MF273dw offers speed and versatility for high-demand users.
Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
The following table summarizes the key specifications of each printer. You’ll find columns for print speed, connectivity options, and multifunction capabilities. If you’re searching for the best budget laser printer, this table helps you compare options quickly.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Top Pick | Brother | $139.99 | Check |
| 2 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | Runner-Up | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
| 3 | Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w | Most Versatile | Canon, Inc | $87.99 | Check |
| 4 | Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Best Value | Brother | $179.99 | Check |
| 5 | HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White Printer | Best Premium | HP Inc. | $139 | Check |
| 6 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Lightweight | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 7 | HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer | Best for Daily Use | HP | $169 | Check |
| 8 | Canon imageCLASS MF273dw | Best Budget | 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
The information in this guide comes from trusted websites and manufacturer specifications. We looked at popular electronics retailers and technology review sites to gather accurate data on each printer.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 laser printers, focusing on features like print speed, wireless options, and functionality. Each printer was selected based on its overall value and suitability for budget-conscious buyers.
What we ruled out and why
We excluded printers that did not meet basic criteria, such as a minimum print speed of 15 pages per minute or those lacking wireless connectivity. any printer with poor user ratings was removed from consideration.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing or lab measurements were conducted. We relied on user reviews and manufacturer data to evaluate each printer’s performance and features. No scoring system was used, ensuring transparency.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated quarterly to ensure the information remains current. We will monitor releases from manufacturers and changes in consumer preferences to keep our recommendations accurate.
What to look for
Print Speed
Print speed is a key factor in choosing a laser printer. It’s measured in pages per minute (PPM). Most budget printers range between 19 to 30 PPM. A faster printer saves you time, especially in busy environments.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity is essential for modern printers. Look for printers that support Wi-Fi and mobile printing. This allows you to print from your smartphone or tablet without needing to be near the printer.
Multifunction Features
Some printers combine printing with scanning and copying. These multifunction printers are versatile and save space. If you need all these functions, consider a model that offers them.
Size and Design
Compact designs fit better in smaller spaces. If you have limited room, choose a printer with a smaller footprint. This can make a big difference in home offices or small businesses.
Cost of Replacement Toner
The cost of replacement toner can add up over time. Consider printers with affordable toner options. Look for printers that use high-yield toner cartridges, as they often provide better value in the long run.
How to Choose Laser Printers
Determine Your Printing Volume
Consider how many pages you print each month. If you print frequently, choose a printer with a higher PPM. If you print occasionally, a slower printer may suffice.
Assess Your Space
Measure the area where you plan to put the printer. Compact models fit in small spaces. Larger models require more desk space, so be sure to choose one that fits.
Evaluate Connectivity Needs
Think about how you will connect to your printer. Wi-Fi and mobile printing are convenient. If you often print from devices, choose a model with excellent wireless options.
Check for Energy Efficiency
Look for printers that have energy-saving features. These can reduce your electricity bill over time. Energy-efficient models may also have eco-friendly toner options.
Consider Warranty and Support
Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty can provide extra confidence. reliable customer support is helpful if problems arise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best budget laser printer?
The Brother HL-L2405W is often considered the best budget laser printer due to its high print speed and wireless capabilities.
Is a laser printer better for text or photos?
Laser printers are generally better for text documents. They produce sharp black-and-white text, while inkjet printers excel at color photos.
Can I use a laser printer for color printing?
Most budget laser printers are monochrome, meaning they print in black and white only. For color, you may need a color laser printer.
How often should I replace the toner?
Toner cartridges typically last between 1,000 to 2,500 pages. It depends on the printer model and your printing habits.
Do laser printers require more maintenance?
Laser printers usually require less maintenance than inkjet printers. They don’t dry out if not used frequently and have fewer moving parts.
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