Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Editor’s Choice
- 2. Best for College Students
- 3. Best for Small Spaces
- 4. Best Design
- 5. Best Compact
- 6. Best for Daily Use
- 7. Best Heavy-Duty
- 8. Best Lightweight
- Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
- How to Choose Laser Printers
- How We Reviewed
- Frequently asked questions
- What to look for
Choosing the best laser printer for college students can be tough. The Brother HL-L2405W is the top pick. It prints at speeds up to 30 pages per minute and offers wireless printing. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w, which is smaller in size and fits well in tight spaces. You give up some speed and features to save money.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for the best laser printer for college students, focusing on performance and convenience.
1. Editor’s Choice
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 compact monochrome laser printer designed for home and small office use. Its standout feature is its speed, printing up to 30 pages per minute. This makes it a great choice for busy students needing fast printouts for assignments and notes. Compared to other models, it offers reliable performance without taking up too much space, making it ideal for college dorms. One limitation is that it only prints in black and white, which may not suit those who need color printing for projects or presentations.
Pros
- Prints up to 30 pages per minute.
- Wireless printing from mobile devices.
- Compact design fits small spaces.
Cons
- Limited to black and white printing.
- No scanning or copying functions.
Best for: Students needing fast, high-quality prints. Not ideal for: Those requiring color printing or multifunction capabilities.
A reliable choice for students who prioritize speed and print quality.
2. Best for College Students
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 versatile monochrome printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying features. This 3-in-1 functionality is perfect for students who need to handle various tasks. It prints at a speed of up to 30 pages per minute, similar to the top pick, making it efficient for busy workloads. However, it is slightly larger than the HL-L2405W, which could be a consideration for students with limited desk space. A limitation is its focus on black and white, which may not be sufficient for projects requiring color.
Pros
- Print, scan, and copy in one machine.
- Fast print speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
- Wireless connectivity for easy printing.
Cons
- Larger size may not fit all spaces.
- Only prints in black and white.
Best for: Students needing a multi-function printer. Not ideal for: Those who require color printing.
Great for students looking for a multifunctional printer that handles various tasks.
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 laser printer that focuses solely on printing. It produces prints at a speed of 19 pages per minute, which is suitable for students who need to print quickly. The printer’s compact design makes it an excellent choice for small living spaces. However, it lacks scanning and copying features, which may not fulfill all needs for college projects or presentations. This limitation makes it less versatile compared to other options.
Pros
- Compact design saves space.
- Prints at 19 pages per minute.
- Wireless connectivity for mobile devices.
Cons
- No scanning or copying functions.
- Limited to black and white printing.
Best for: Students with limited space needing a straightforward printing solution. Not ideal for: Those requiring multifunction capabilities.
An excellent choice for students seeking a compact printer with essential features.
4. Best Design
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 a monochrome laser printer that offers duplex printing, which allows for automatic double-sided printing. Its print speed is up to 30 pages per minute, making it efficient for students. This model is slightly larger but offers excellent print quality. It competes well with the other Brother models but has a higher price due to its duplex feature. The main limitation is that it does not have color printing, which may not suit all students.
Pros
- Duplex printing for saving paper.
- Prints at 30 pages per minute.
- Compact size for easy placement.
Cons
- Does not print in color.
- Slightly larger than other compact models.
Best for: Students needing efficient duplex printing. Not ideal for: Those requiring color options.
A strong option for students who value double-sided printing efficiency.
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 combines printing, scanning, and copying in one compact device. It is designed for small teams and prints efficiently, at speeds of up to 21 pages per minute. The compact design makes it convenient for small spaces, fitting well in dorm rooms or study areas. One limitation is that it may not handle heavy printing tasks, as it is meant for smaller workloads, which could be an issue for students with high-volume printing needs.
Pros
- 3-in-1 multifunction capabilities.
- Compact and easy to fit in small spaces.
- Prints at 21 pages per minute.
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy printing tasks.
- Limited color printing options.
Best for: Students needing an all-in-one device for various tasks. Not ideal for: Those with high-volume printing requirements.
A practical choice for students requiring a multifunction printer in a small space.
6. Best for Daily Use
The HP LaserJet M207dw is a monochrome printer designed for office use, but it can also work for college students. It prints quickly, at 28 pages per minute, which is beneficial for assignments. Its duplex printing feature saves paper by automatically printing on both sides. While it offers good performance, it is bulkier than other options. This may limit its placement in smaller dorm rooms, making it less ideal for students with limited space.
Pros
- Fast print speed of 28 pages per minute.
- Duplex printing for efficiency.
- Good for document-heavy tasks.
Cons
- Bulkier design may not fit in tight spaces.
- Limited to black and white printing.
Best for: Students needing fast print speeds for multiple documents. Not ideal for: Those with tight space constraints.
An efficient option for students handling high-volume printing tasks.
7. Best Heavy-Duty
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 wireless multifunction printer that handles printing, scanning, and copying. It can print up to 30 pages per minute and includes an auto document feeder. This feature is ideal for students who need to manage multiple pages quickly. While it offers great versatility, it is slightly larger, which may not suit all dorm rooms. Its size could be a limitation for those needing a more compact unit.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality for versatility.
- Auto document feeder for efficiency.
- Prints at 30 pages per minute.
Cons
- Larger size may not fit all spaces.
- Limited to monochrome printing.
Best for: Students needing a multifunction printer with a fast print speed. Not ideal for: Those in very small living spaces.
A versatile choice for students seeking a multifunction printer with added features.
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 DeskJet 2955 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer, not a laser printer. It offers scanning and copying features but lacks the speed and efficiency of laser printers. It is more suitable for home use rather than college settings. The main limitation is that it is not designed for high-volume printing, making it less ideal for fast-paced college life.
Pros
- All-in-one function including scanner and copier.
- Compact design suitable for home use.
- Easy setup for quick use.
Cons
- Not suitable for high-volume printing.
- Slower print speeds compared to laser printers.
Best for: Home users needing basic printing functions. Not ideal for: College students with demanding printing needs.
Not recommended for student use due to limited performance and slower speeds.
Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
The table below shows our comparison of the best laser printer for college students. The columns list key features, such as speed and function. Check the rows that show which printer fits your needs best.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Editor's Choice | Brother | $139.99 | Check |
| 2 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome… | Best for College Students | 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 Design | 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 for Daily Use | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 7 | HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer | Best Heavy-Duty | 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 to Choose Laser Printers
Print Speed
Look for a printer that has a speed of at least 19 pages per minute. This ensures you can quickly print notes and assignments without waiting too long.
Connectivity Options
Choose a printer with wireless capabilities. This allows you to print from your laptop or phone, which is very convenient for college life.
Size and Space
Select a compact printer if you have limited space in your dorm or apartment. A size around 14 x 14 inches is manageable for most desks.
Multi-Functionality
Consider a multi-function printer if you need to copy or scan documents. These printers save space and add functionality for various tasks.
Print Quality
Look for a printer that offers sharp, clear prints. Aim for at least 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) for the best quality in your documents.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from manufacturer websites, user reviews, and technology review sites. This helps us provide reliable information on features and performance.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 laser printer models for college students. We focused on affordability, print speed, and connectivity options to create our list.
What we ruled out and why
Models that lacked wireless printing or had slow speeds were not included. Printers with poor customer reviews also did not make the cut.
What we did not do
We did not test the printers personally or take lab measurements. All findings are based on existing data and user feedback.
How often this page is updated
We plan to update this page every six months. This ensures we include the latest models and information for college students.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best laser printer for college students?
The best laser printer for college students is the Brother HL-L2405W. It offers fast printing and wireless features, great for busy students.
Do I need a multi-function printer?
If you need to print, scan, and copy, a multi-function printer is helpful. It saves space and provides more options.
How fast should a printer be for students?
Aim for a printer speed of at least 19 pages per minute. This helps you print assignments quickly.
What is the best size for a dorm printer?
Look for a compact printer. Sizes around 14 x 14 inches fit well in small dorm rooms.
Are wireless printers better for college students?
Wireless printers are more convenient. You can print from your laptop or phone without needing to be connected by a cable.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is essential for college students. Look for a printer that offers at least 600 x 600 dpi. This ensures your documents are clear and easy to read, which is important for presentations and reports.
Speed
Faster printers save you time when printing long assignments. Aim for a speed of 19 pages per minute at minimum. Some models print even faster, which can be helpful during busy times.
Connectivity Features
Wireless connectivity allows you to print from anywhere in your room. Check for mobile printing options, like printing from a smartphone. This flexibility makes life easier for students.
Size
Compact printers fit better in small living spaces, such as dorms. A size around 14 x 14 inches is usually manageable. This helps you optimize your workspace.
Multi-Function Capabilities
Multi-function printers can copy and scan in addition to printing. This is especially useful for students needing to handle various tasks. Choose a model that fits your needs.
Shopping around? We have 46 more laser printer guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ENERGY STAR computer specs ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
- NIST cybersecurity guidance NIST
About the author
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