Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best for Photos
- 3. Best Lightweight
- 4. Best Budget
- 5. Best Design
- 6. Best Splurge
- 7. Best Compact
- 8. Best for Daily Use
- Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
- How We Reviewed
- What to look for
- How to Choose Laser Printers
- Frequently asked questions
Finding the best laser printer for photos can be tricky. The Brother HL-L2405W is our top pick because it delivers sharp prints at speeds up to 30 pages per minute. For a budget option, the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w offers decent quality but lacks advanced features. Many buyers have to choose between speed and photo quality. This page will help you make an informed choice.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for laser printers that excel at photo printing.
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 looking for the best laser printer for photos. This model offers impressive features, including a print speed of up to 30 pages per minute and wireless connectivity options. Its compact design makes it suitable for both home and home office use. Compared to other models, it excels in delivering sharp and crisp prints for black-and-white documents. However, it does not print in color, limiting its use for photo printing. This printer is perfect for users who prioritize fast printing and compact size.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 30 pages per minute.
- Wireless connectivity for easy mobile printing.
- Compact design fits well in small spaces.
Cons
- Only prints in black and white.
- No advanced photo features like higher color resolution.
Best for: Home users needing fast, reliable printing. Not ideal for: Users who want to print color photos.
An efficient choice for fast, black-and-white printing.
2. Best for Photos
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 designed as a multi-function printer, making it an excellent choice for photo printing and other tasks. This model combines printing, scanning, and copying in one device. It delivers black-and-white prints at impressive speeds while still providing versatility. Compared to the Brother HL-L2405W, this printer adds scanning and copying functionalities, which can be useful for small businesses or home offices. However, the focus on monochrome printing means you may sacrifice color quality in photo outputs. It’s best for those who want a reliable multi-tasking device.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: print, scan, and copy.
- Fast print speeds for quick document handling.
- Compact design saves space.
Cons
- Limited to black-and-white prints only.
- Less suited for high-quality photo printing.
Best for: Small businesses needing versatile printing options. Not ideal for: Users focused solely on color photo printing.
A reliable multi-function printer that excels in productivity.
3. Best Lightweight
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 printer great for small spaces. It offers fast print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute. While designed primarily for black-and-white printing, this printer is still suitable for basic photo printing needs. Compared to other options, it is lightweight and easy to set up. However, it lacks advanced features like wireless connectivity that many users may prefer. This makes it less versatile than some other models in this roundup.
Pros
- Compact design for easy placement.
- Fast print speeds at 19 pages per minute.
- Simple setup process.
Cons
- Limited to monochrome prints only.
- No wireless printing option.
Best for: Users with limited space needing a basic printer. Not ideal for: Those requiring advanced features or color printing.
A compact printer suitable for basic printing tasks.
4. Best Budget
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 stands out with its duplex printing feature, allowing for automatic two-sided printing. This model offers clear, sharp prints at high speeds. Compared to others, its compact design and ease of use make it a great option for home offices or small teams. However, it shares the limitation of being limited to monochrome printing. Users may find that its two-sided printing feature is not as beneficial for photo outputs, as it is not designed primarily for color work.
Pros
- Duplex printing for efficient use of paper.
- Compact and easy to fit in tight spaces.
- High-quality prints at fast speeds.
Cons
- Only prints in black and white.
- Less effective for photo printing tasks.
Best for: Eco-conscious users wanting two-sided printing. Not ideal for: Users focused on color photo printing.
An efficient choice for two-sided printing needs.
5. Best Design
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 versatile printer that offers printing, scanning, and copying all in one device. It is compact and designed for small teams. This model provides fast print speeds and high-quality black-and-white outputs. Compared to the Brother DCP-L2640DW, it has streamlined features, making it easier to set up and use. However, it lacks color printing capability, which limits its effectiveness for photo work. It serves well for everyday office tasks but may not meet the needs of photo enthusiasts.
Pros
- Multi-function capabilities with scanning and copying.
- Compact design suitable for small spaces.
- Fast print speeds for efficiency.
Cons
- Limited to black-and-white printing.
- Not designed for high-quality photo printing.
Best for: Small teams needing a multi-function device. Not ideal for: Users who prioritize color photo printing.
An efficient all-in-one printer for office tasks.
6. Best Splurge
The HP DeskJet 2955 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer suited for home use. While it is not a laser printer, it offers versatility with printing, scanning, and copying. The color printing capability makes it a better choice for those focused on photo outputs. Compared to the other laser printers, its color output is superior for photographs. However, its inkjet technology may lead to slower print speeds. If you need a dedicated photo printer, consider a model designed specifically for that purpose.
Pros
- All-in-one capabilities for printing, copying, and scanning.
- Color printing for vibrant photos.
- Compact and suitable for home use.
Cons
- Not a laser printer.
- Slower print speeds compared to laser options.
Best for: Home users needing a versatile color printer. Not ideal for: Users wanting fast, high-volume printing.
A versatile choice, but not a laser printer.
7. Best Compact
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 high-speed printer perfect for office environments. It offers fast print speeds and duplex printing for two-sided documents. Compared to the Brother HL-L2405W, it has a larger capacity and is designed for more intensive use. However, it is limited to monochrome printing, which makes it less suitable for those wanting to print photos. Users needing high-volume document printing will find it beneficial, but photo enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Fastest printing speeds in its class.
- Duplex printing for efficient document management.
- Designed for high-volume printing.
Cons
- Monochrome printing only.
- Not suitable for photo printing.
Best for: Office use with high-volume needs. Not ideal for: Users looking for color photo printing.
A reliable option for high-volume document printing.
8. Best for Daily Use
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 versatile multi-function printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying. It offers good print speeds and excellent functionality for everyday office tasks. Compared to the Brother DCP-L2640DW, it has more advanced features like an auto document feeder. While it performs well in black-and-white printing, its limitations in color output make it less suitable for photo printing. It’s a great choice for users wanting a reliable, all-in-one solution.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: print, scan, copy.
- Fast print speeds up to 30 pages per minute.
- Auto document feeder for convenience.
Cons
- Limited to monochrome printing.
- Not designed specifically for high-quality photos.
Best for: Users needing a multifunctional office printer. Not ideal for: Those focused on color photo printing.
A solid choice for daily office tasks but less effective for photos.
Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
The comparison table below shows key features of each printer. You can see their print speeds, functions, and best use cases. If you are looking for the best laser printer for photos, check the details in this table to find your match.
| # | 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 for Photos | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
| 3 | Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w | Best Lightweight | Canon, Inc | $87.99 | Check |
| 4 | Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Best Budget | Brother | $179.99 | Check |
| 5 | HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White Printer | Best Design | HP Inc. | $139 | Check |
| 6 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best Splurge | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 7 | HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer | Best Compact | HP | $169 | Check |
| 8 | Canon imageCLASS MF273dw | Best for Daily Use | 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 gathered information from reputable sources, including manufacturer websites and user reviews. This helped us understand the features and performance of each printer.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 laser printers, focusing on those known for photo printing. Our selection included models with high user ratings and essential features for printing quality photos.
What we ruled out and why
Models without wireless connectivity or those that produced low-quality outputs were removed from our list. We also excluded printers known for slow printing speeds.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing was performed for these printers. We relied solely on available data, user feedback, and expert opinions to guide our recommendations.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated every three months to reflect new models and user feedback. This ensures you receive the most up-to-date information.
What to look for
Print Quality
For photo printing, resolution is key. Look for printers that offer at least 600 x 600 dots per inch (dpi). This ensures sharp and detailed prints. Higher resolutions like 1200 x 1200 dpi are even better for capturing finer details in your photos.
Speed
Speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For photo printing, aim for a printer that prints at least 20 ppm. This balance allows you to get your photos printed quickly without sacrificing quality. Less speed can lead to longer waits.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity allows you to print from your mobile devices easily. Look for printers that support Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. This makes printing from smartphones or tablets simple and convenient.
Paper Handling
Consider the printer’s paper capacity and types it can handle. A good printer should have a capacity of at least 150 sheets. It’s also beneficial if it can print on different media types like glossy photo paper.
Multi-function Features
Some printers offer multi-function features like scanning and copying. If you need more than just printing, consider a 3-in-1 printer. However, keep in mind that multi-function printers may sacrifice some print speed and quality.
How to Choose Laser Printers
Focus on Resolution
Choose a printer with a resolution of at least 600 x 600 dpi for decent photo quality. Higher resolutions, like 1200 x 1200 dpi, provide more detail and sharper images. This is important for printing high-quality photos.
Check Print Speed
Aim for a print speed of 20 pages per minute for efficiency. Faster speeds can save you time, especially if you print many photos at once. Balancing speed and photo quality is key.
Wireless Connectivity Matters
Look for printers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. This allows you to print from your phone or tablet without needing any cables. It makes the printing process easier and more flexible.
Consider Paper Capacity
Select a printer with a paper capacity of at least 150 sheets. This means fewer interruptions when printing large batches of photos. Ensure it can handle various paper types, especially glossy photo paper.
Evaluate Multi-function Options
If you also need scanning and copying functions, consider a multi-function printer. These devices combine several tasks in one machine. However, keep in mind that they may not perform as well in printing alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best laser printer for photos?
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best laser printer for photos due to its high print quality and speed.
How do laser printers compare to inkjet printers for photos?
Laser printers usually print faster than inkjets but may not match the color accuracy of inkjets. Choose based on your photo printing needs.
Can I print photos on regular paper with a laser printer?
Yes, you can, but using photo paper will provide better quality prints. Regular paper may not show the details well.
Are color laser printers good for photos?
Color laser printers can print photos, but they may not produce the same vibrancy as inkjet printers. Consider your requirements before choosing.
What is the lifespan of a laser printer?
Laser printers typically last several years with proper maintenance. Regular use and care can extend their lifespan significantly.
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