Best Laser Printers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Laser printers are a go-to for both homes and offices thanks to their speed, efficiency, and sharp text output. Using toner instead of ink, they’re perfect for high-volume printing, delivering crisp black and white documents, though color models are available for vibrant graphics. When picking a laser printer, key factors include print speed, paper capacity, connectivity options, and print resolution, which impacts text and image clarity. For heavy printing, a model with a high-capacity toner cartridge can save on frequent replacements. We spent weeks testing various models to find the best laser printers for every need and budget.

  • Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer

    10

    We recommend the Brother HL-L2460DW for its impressive speed, print quality, and value for home offices and small teams.

    10

    We recommend the Brother HL-L2460DW for its impressive speed, print quality, and value for home offices and small teams.

    Pros

    • Fast printing at 36 pages per minute
    • Automatic duplex printing
    • Wireless and mobile printing options

    Cons

    • Monochrome only
    • Single paper tray
    • Bulky for very small spaces

    We tested the Brother HL-L2460DW and found it to be a solid performer for everyday printing needs. The setup was quick, and we were printing within minutes. Its compact size fit nicely on our desk without taking up too much room.

    The print quality impressed us. Text came out sharp and clear, even on lower quality paper. We printed several long documents and were pleased with the consistent output. The automatic duplex feature saved us time and paper when printing double-sided.

    We loved the wireless connectivity options. Printing from our phones and laptops was a breeze using the Brother Mobile Connect app. The 250-sheet paper tray meant fewer refills for our busy office. While it only prints in black and white, the crisp text was perfect for our documents and reports.

  • Canon MF656Cdw All-in-One Laser Printer

    9.7

    We think this Canon printer is a solid choice for small offices needing a reliable color laser all-in-one.

    9.7

    We think this Canon printer is a solid choice for small offices needing a reliable color laser all-in-one.

    Pros

    • Fast color and black-and-white printing
    • Intuitive 5-inch touchscreen
    • Automatic duplex printing and scanning

    Cons

    • Large footprint
    • Setup can be tricky
    • Occasional paper jams

    The Canon MF656Cdw impressed us with its swift print speeds. We clocked it at 22 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white jobs. This speed boost kept our office humming along during busy periods.

    We found the 5-inch color touchscreen a breeze to use. It made navigating menus and settings a snap, even for our less tech-savvy team members. The screen’s size was just right – big enough to see clearly but not so large it took up too much space.

    The duplex printing and scanning features saved us time and paper. We loved being able to print on both sides automatically. The scanner’s ability to capture both sides of a document in one pass was a nice touch too.

    While we liked its performance, this printer is on the bulky side. Make sure you have enough desk space before buying. We also ran into some hiccups during setup. The process wasn’t as smooth as we hoped, but Canon’s support team helped us out.

    After a few weeks of use, we noticed occasional paper jams. They weren’t frequent, but they did slow us down at times. Despite these minor issues, we think the MF656Cdw is a good fit for small teams needing a versatile laser printer.

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301fdw

    9.5

    We think this versatile all-in-one laser printer is a great choice for small offices needing fast, high-quality color printing and scanning.

    9.5

    We think this versatile all-in-one laser printer is a great choice for small offices needing fast, high-quality color printing and scanning.

    Pros

    • Fast 26 ppm color and black printing
    • Wireless printing from phones and computers
    • Built-in security features

    Cons

    • Large size takes up desk space
    • Higher upfront cost than inkjet printers
    • Only works with HP toner cartridges

    The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301fdw packs a lot of features into one machine. We were impressed by how quickly it churned out both color and black-and-white pages at 26 per minute. The print quality looked sharp and vivid to our eyes, with text that was crisp even at small font sizes.

    Setting up the printer was pretty simple. We connected it to our Wi-Fi network in just a few minutes using the HP app on our phone. After that, we could print wirelessly from our computers and phones with no issues. The app also let us scan documents directly to our devices, which was handy.

    For an office printer, we like that it has built-in security tools to protect sensitive data. The 250-sheet paper tray meant we didn’t have to refill paper often. While it takes up more space than a basic inkjet, we think the speed and quality make it worth it for busy small offices or work-from-home setups that do a lot of printing.

  • Brother DCP-L2640DW Laser Printer

    9.4

    We recommend this versatile laser printer for small offices needing fast, high-quality prints and scans.

    9.4

    We recommend this versatile laser printer for small offices needing fast, high-quality prints and scans.

    Pros

    • Fast 36 ppm printing speed
    • Wireless and wired connectivity options
    • 50-sheet auto document feeder

    Cons

    • Monochrome printing only
    • Relatively large footprint
    • Initial setup can be tricky

    The Brother DCP-L2640DW impressed us with its swift performance. We zipped through a 50-page document in under 90 seconds. The print quality was crisp and clear, perfect for professional reports and invoices.

    We appreciated the flexibility of connection options. Setting up Wi-Fi took a few tries, but once connected, printing from our phones and laptops was a breeze. The Ethernet port came in handy for our wired office network too.

    Scanning multiple pages was a snap thanks to the auto document feeder. We could walk away and let it do its thing. The flatbed scanner worked well for books and oddly-sized items. While it’s not the most compact printer, its all-in-one functionality justified the desk space it occupied.

  • Canon MF465dw Laser Printer

    9.3

    We think this Canon all-in-one laser printer is a solid choice for small offices needing fast, reliable black-and-white printing and scanning.

    9.3

    We think this Canon all-in-one laser printer is a solid choice for small offices needing fast, reliable black-and-white printing and scanning.

    Pros

    • Fast 42 page-per-minute printing
    • Large 250-sheet paper capacity
    • Easy mobile printing options

    Cons

    • Monochrome printing only
    • Somewhat bulky size
    • Setup can be tricky for some users

    When we tested the Canon MF465dw, we were impressed by its speed. It churned out documents quickly at 42 pages per minute. The first page came out in under 5 seconds, which is great when you’re in a hurry.

    We liked the roomy 250-sheet paper tray. It meant we didn’t have to refill paper as often. The printer can hold up to 900 sheets with extra trays, which is handy for busy offices.

    Mobile printing was a breeze. We easily connected our phones using WiFi Direct and printed documents on the go. The 5-inch touchscreen made it simple to change settings and start print jobs.

    The scanner worked well for our needs. We scanned both sides of a document in one pass, saving time. Print quality was crisp and clear for text and simple graphics.

    While it’s not tiny, the MF465dw didn’t take up too much space on our desk. Setup took some time, but Canon’s instructions were clear. We had a few hiccups connecting to our network at first.

    This printer is best for offices that mostly print in black and white. The lack of color printing may be a drawback for some. But if you need fast, high-quality monochrome printing, we think the Canon MF465dw is worth considering.

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

    9.1

    We highly recommend this all-in-one laser printer for small teams needing fast, high-quality color printing and scanning.

    9.1

    We highly recommend this all-in-one laser printer for small teams needing fast, high-quality color printing and scanning.

    Pros

    • Fast color printing at 35 pages per minute
    • Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
    • Built-in security features

    Cons

    • Large footprint may not suit small spaces
    • High upfront cost compared to inkjets
    • Toner replacements can be pricey

    We tested the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw in our office for a week, and it quickly became a team favorite. The print quality is top-notch, with vibrant colors and crisp text. We were impressed by how quickly it churned out both color and black-and-white documents.

    Setting up the printer was a breeze. We connected it to our Wi-Fi network in minutes, and everyone on the team could print from their computers and phones right away. The touchscreen made it easy to navigate settings and start copy or scan jobs.

    One thing to keep in mind is the size. At 16.6 x 17.1 x 15.1 inches, it’s not tiny. But for the features it packs, we think it’s worth the space. The 250-sheet paper tray was enough for our needs, but busier offices might want more capacity.

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw

    9

    We think the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a solid choice for small offices needing fast, high-quality color printing.

    9

    We think the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a solid choice for small offices needing fast, high-quality color printing.

    Pros

    • Fast printing at 26 pages per minute
    • Auto-duplex for easy two-sided printing
    • Strong security features with HP Wolf Pro

    Cons

    • Initial setup can be tricky
    • Starter toner cartridges run out quickly
    • Not ideal for heavy photo printing

    We’ve been using the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw in our office for a few weeks now, and it’s been a workhorse for our daily printing needs. The print quality is crisp and vibrant, bringing our documents to life with rich colors. We’ve noticed it handles text-heavy pages and simple graphics equally well.

    The printer’s speed is a real time-saver. At 26 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white, we don’t find ourselves waiting around for big print jobs anymore. The 250-sheet input tray means we’re not constantly refilling paper, which is a big plus for our busy team.

    We really like the auto-duplex feature for printing on both sides of the page. It’s easy to use and helps us save paper. The wireless connectivity has been mostly reliable, though we did have to reset it once or twice. Setting up the printer took a bit of time, but once it was up and running, it’s been smooth sailing. Just be aware that the starter toner cartridges don’t last long – you’ll want to have replacements on hand.

  • Brother HL-L2400D Compact Laser

    8.7

    We think the Brother HL-L2400D is a solid choice for home offices needing a reliable, no-frills monochrome laser printer.

    8.7

    We think the Brother HL-L2400D is a solid choice for home offices needing a reliable, no-frills monochrome laser printer.

    Pros

    • Fast printing at 32 pages per minute
    • Automatic double-sided printing
    • Compact size fits well in small spaces

    Cons

    • USB connection only, no Wi-Fi
    • Black and white printing only
    • Cable not included

    When we set up the Brother HL-L2400D, we were happy with how easy it was. The printer fits nicely on a desk without taking up too much room. It’s pretty basic, but that’s not always a bad thing.

    We like how quickly it prints. At 32 pages per minute, we didn’t have to wait long for our documents. The 250-sheet paper tray is a nice touch. We didn’t have to refill it as often as some other printers we’ve used.

    The double-sided printing is a feature we really enjoy. It saves paper and time. We found the print quality to be clear and crisp for text documents. It’s not for photos or color graphics, but for everyday black and white printing, it does the job well.

    One thing to note is that it only connects via USB. There’s no Wi-Fi option, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Also, you’ll need to buy a USB cable separately since it’s not in the box.

    We think this printer is best for people who mainly print text documents and don’t need color or wireless printing. It’s simple, fast, and gets the job done without fuss. If you need more features, you might want to look at other options.

  • Canon imageCLASS MF455dw

    8.7

    We think the Canon imageCLASS MF455dw is a top pick for small offices needing a fast, reliable laser printer with extra features.

    8.7

    We think the Canon imageCLASS MF455dw is a top pick for small offices needing a fast, reliable laser printer with extra features.

    Pros

    • Fast printing at 40 pages per minute
    • Large 5-inch color touchscreen
    • Expandable paper capacity

    Cons

    • Bulky size may not suit all spaces
    • Initial cost higher than some competitors
    • Limited to black and white printing

    When we tested the Canon imageCLASS MF455dw, we were impressed by its speed. It churned out documents at a brisk 40 pages per minute, which is great for busy offices. The printer didn’t keep us waiting long, with the first page coming out in just over 5 seconds.

    We liked the big 5-inch color touchscreen. It made it easy to navigate settings and start print jobs. The screen can be set up by an admin to simplify common tasks, which we found helpful for our team.

    The printer’s paper handling is flexible. It comes with a 250-sheet tray, but we were able to add an extra tray to boost capacity to 900 sheets. This meant less time refilling paper for large print jobs.

    We found the print quality crisp and clear for text and graphics. While it’s limited to black and white, the results looked professional. The automatic duplex printing saved us paper and time.

    Setup was a breeze. We connected it to our Wi-Fi network without any hiccups. It also works with mobile devices, which came in handy when printing from phones.

  • HP LaserJet M209dw

    8.6

    We think the HP LaserJet M209dw is a great pick for small teams needing fast, reliable black and white printing.

    8.6

    We think the HP LaserJet M209dw is a great pick for small teams needing fast, reliable black and white printing.

    Pros

    • Quick two-sided printing
    • Easy setup and mobile printing
    • Strong security features

    Cons

    • Monochrome printing only
    • Single paper tray
    • No scanning or copying

    We tested the HP LaserJet M209dw and were impressed by its speed. It churned out 30 single-sided pages per minute, and 19 double-sided pages. This made short work of our big print jobs.

    The printer was a breeze to set up. We had it connected to our Wi-Fi network in minutes. The HP Smart app let us print from our phones and laptops with no fuss. It even helped us troubleshoot when our connection dropped once.

    We liked the compact size of this printer. It fit nicely on our desk without taking up too much room. The print quality was crisp and clear for text and simple graphics. It handled envelopes and labels well too.

    One drawback is that it only prints in black and white. If you need color, you’ll want to look elsewhere. The single paper tray means you can’t keep different paper types loaded. We also missed having scan and copy functions.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a laser printer, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.

Print Speed

Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Higher ppm means faster printing, which is great for busy offices.

Resolution

Resolution affects print quality. Look for at least 600 x 600 dpi for crisp text and images.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections allow for easy networking. USB ports are useful for direct printing.

Paper Handling

Consider the paper tray capacity and whether you need duplex (two-sided) printing.

Toner Costs

Check the price of replacement toner cartridges. This impacts long-term costs.

Size and Weight

Make sure the printer fits your space. Compact models are ideal for small offices or homes.

Here’s a quick reference table for key features:

FeatureWhat to Look For
Print Speed20-40 ppm for most uses
Resolution600 x 600 dpi minimum
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Paper Capacity250+ sheets for offices
Duplex PrintingYes, for paper savings

Remember to balance your needs with your budget. A pricier printer might save money over time with lower per-page costs.

We recommend reading user reviews to get real-world insights on reliability and performance. This can help you make the best choice for your specific situation.