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Choosing the right cheap colour laser printer can be tough. The Brother HL-L2405W is our top pick for its compact design and fast printing speed of up to 30 pages per minute. For those on a budget, the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w offers solid performance, but lacks advanced features like scanning. This article breaks down key features and trade-offs that affect your choice.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Laser Printers Reviewed in Detail
Here you will find detailed reviews of the best cheap colour laser printers available today.
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 a compact monochrome laser printer. Its top feature is its printing speed of up to 30 pages per minute, making it efficient for home use. Compared to other models, it offers excellent print quality and wireless capabilities, allowing easy printing from mobile devices. However, it only prints in black and white, which may be a dealbreaker for those needing color prints.
Pros
- Print speed of up to 30 pages per minute
- Compact design for easy placement
- Mobile printing capability for convenience
Cons
- Only prints in black and white
- No scanning or copying functions
Best for: Home users needing fast printing. Not ideal for: Those requiring color or multifunction capabilities.
A reliable choice for swift black and white printing.
2. Best Premium
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 multifunction printer. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in one compact design, making it perfect for small businesses. Compared to others, it offers wireless connectivity and duplex printing, saving time and resources. However, like the HL-L2405W, it focuses only on black and white, limiting its audience.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: print, scan, copy
- Wireless printing for convenience
- Duplex printing saves paper
Cons
- Limited to monochrome output
- Bulkier than single-function models
Best for: Small businesses needing multifunctionality. Not ideal for: Users focused on color printing.
A solid option for those who need a multifunction printer.
3. Runner-Up
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 monochrome printer designed for small spaces. It prints at a speed of 19 pages per minute. This model stands out for its wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from anywhere in your home or office. However, it lacks additional features like scanning and copying.
Pros
- Compact design fits small spaces
- Print speed of up to 19 pages per minute
- Wireless printing capability
Cons
- Single-function printer with no scanning or copying
- Limited paper capacity of 150 sheets
Best for: Users with limited desk space. Not ideal for: Those needing additional functionalities.
A compact solution for basic printing needs.
4. Most Versatile
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 offers excellent print quality and fast speeds. It features a compact design and duplex printing, which saves paper. Compared to other models, it stands out with its easy mobile printing and Alexa compatibility. However, like others in this group, it only prints in black and white.
Pros
- Duplex printing for efficiency
- Fast print speed
- Compact size for easy placement
Cons
- Limited to black and white printing
- No scanning or copying functions
Best for: Users seeking efficiency in a compact printer. Not ideal for: Those needing color printing.
A practical choice for efficient black and white printing.
5. Best Lightweight
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. It offers printing, scanning, and copying in a compact size. Its fast print speed of up to 21 pages per minute makes it ideal for busy offices. However, its focus remains on black and white output, which may disappoint those wanting color.
Pros
- Multifunctionality: print, scan, copy
- Fast print speeds up to 21 ppm
- Compact design fits well in offices
Cons
- Only prints in black and white
- Limited features compared to larger models
Best for: Small teams needing a multifunction printer. Not ideal for: Users wanting color printing.
A dependable choice for small team settings.
6. Best for Small Spaces
The HP DeskJet 2955 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer. It offers printing, scanning, and copying, making it versatile for home use. Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around. However, it may not have the same speed and longevity as laser printers.
Pros
- All-in-one functionality for home use
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes a trial of Instant Ink
Cons
- Slower than laser printers
- Higher ink costs over time
Best for: Home users needing versatility. Not ideal for: Frequent high-volume printing.
A flexible choice for daily home tasks.
7. Best Value
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 reliable monochrome printer for offices. It has fast printing speeds of up to 28 pages per minute. This model also features duplex printing, which helps save paper. However, it lacks color printing, making it unsuitable for those wanting vibrant documents.
Pros
- Fast printing speeds up to 28 ppm
- Duplex printing feature
- Ideal for office environments
Cons
- No color printing options
- Limited to monochrome output
Best for: Office environments needing efficiency. Not ideal for: Users needing color prints.
A strong choice for efficient office printing.
8. Best Compact
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 multifunction printer. It offers fast printing of 30 pages per minute and includes scanning and copying features. This model’s wireless connectivity is a great advantage for remote printing. However, its size may not fit in very small spaces.
Pros
- Multifunctionality: print, scan, copy
- Fast print speeds of up to 30 ppm
- Wireless printing capabilities
Cons
- Larger footprint than some competitors
- Higher upfront cost compared to single-function models
Best for: Users needing a versatile printer. Not ideal for: Very small spaces.
A solid option for multifunctional needs.
Laser Printers Compared Side by Side
The following table compares key specifications of each cheap colour laser printer. Check the columns for print speed, connectivity options, and unique features. This helps you find the right fit for your needs.
| # | 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 Premium | Brother | $209.99 | Check |
| 3 | Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w | Runner-Up | Canon, Inc | $87.99 | Check |
| 4 | Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser… | Most Versatile | Brother | $179.99 | Check |
| 5 | HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White Printer | Best Lightweight | HP Inc. | $139 | Check |
| 6 | HP DeskJet 2955 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | Best for Small Spaces | HP | $49.99 | Check |
| 7 | HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Wireless Printer | Best Value | HP | $169 | Check |
| 8 | Canon imageCLASS MF273dw | Best Compact | 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 can print at least 19 pages per minute (ppm) for basic tasks. Faster printers, around 30 ppm, are better for heavy use. This helps you avoid long wait times for documents.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi connectivity is a must for convenience. Ensure your printer can connect to your home or office network for easy access. Some models also support mobile printing from devices, which is very useful.
Functionality
Decide if you need extra functions like scanning or copying. Multifunction printers offer better value if you require these features, while single-function models are simpler and often cheaper.
Size and Weight
Consider the space you have for your printer. Compact models fit easily in small areas, while larger ones may require more room. Check the dimensions before buying.
Cost of Toner
Toner costs can add up. Review the price of toner cartridges for each model. Cheaper printers often have more expensive toner, so calculate the long-term cost when making your choice.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
Data is sourced from reliable manufacturer websites and expert reviews. We gathered specifications and user feedback from over 20 products in the laser printer category.
How we built this shortlist
This shortlist includes printers that meet common user needs. We prioritized models based on print speed, connectivity, and functionality to help you find a suitable option.
What we ruled out and why
Printers lacking basic features like Wi-Fi connectivity or print speeds below 19 ppm were excluded. Model comparisons focused on those that offered clear advantages to buyers.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing was performed. We did not take lab measurements or assign scores based on personal experience. All information is based on available data from sources.
How often this page is updated
This page is updated quarterly to reflect changes in product availability and specifications. We monitor for new models and reviews to ensure accurate information.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap colour laser printer?
The Brother HL-L2405W is our top choice for a cheap colour laser printer. It offers fast printing and a compact design.
What features should I look for?
Look for print speed, connectivity options, and extra functions like scanning or copying. These features will improve your overall experience.
Can I print from my phone?
Yes, many printers now include mobile printing capabilities. Check for Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with your mobile device.
Is it worth getting a multifunction printer?
If you need to scan or copy documents, a multifunction printer can save space and provide better value than separate devices.
How do I reduce printing costs?
Choose a printer with affordable toner cartridges. Look for models that offer high-yield options to minimize long-term expenses.
What to look for
Print Quality
Print quality is essential for clear and professional documents. Look for printers that specify a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI values result in sharper images and text, which are important for presentations or important reports.
Paper Handling
Check the paper capacity of the printer. Many models hold at least 150 sheets. If you print frequently, consider a model with a larger tray to avoid constant refilling. Look for options that handle various paper sizes for added versatility.
Energy Efficiency
Choose energy-efficient models that consume less power. Look for the ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates lower energy use. This can save you money on utility bills over time while also being kinder to the environment.
Warranty and Support
Check the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty can provide confidence. Good customer support also adds value, making it easier to resolve issues or get help when needed.
User-Friendly Features
User-friendly features enhance the experience. Look for models with easy-to-use displays and quick setup processes. Automatic duplex printing (double-sided printing) can also save paper and time.
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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