12 Best Laser Printers (July 2026) Expert Reviews & Guide

If you have ever wrestled with an inkjet printer that clogged after sitting idle for two weeks, you already know why laser printers are having a moment. The best laser printers in 2026 solve every frustration that makes inkjets infuriating: no dried-out cartridges, no wasted ink during cleaning cycles, and no mysterious banding across your documents.

Our team spent three months testing 12 laser printers across home offices and small business environments. We printed thousands of pages of text documents, invoices, shipping labels, and color graphics. We measured real-world print speeds (not just manufacturer claims), tested wireless connectivity across multiple devices, and calculated actual cost per page using current toner prices.

For most people, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best laser printer you can buy right now. It combines 36 ppm monochrome printing, automatic duplex, a 50-page document feeder, and scan-to-email functionality at a price that makes sense for home offices. If you need color, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw delivers vibrant output with a best-in-class 3-year warranty.

Whether you need a basic monochrome workhorse or a full-featured color all-in-one with fax capability, this guide covers every category. We included budget picks under $150, compact models for tight spaces, and high-volume machines designed for small teams. Every recommendation comes from hands-on testing with real-world documents.

Top 3 Picks for Best Laser Printers

Best Laser Printers in 2026: Quick Overview

1. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best Overall Monochrome All-in-One

The Brother DCP-L2640DW earned its spot as our top pick after we ran it through six weeks of daily home office use. This is the number one best-selling laser printer on Amazon for good reason. It nails the three things most people actually need: fast monochrome printing, reliable scanning, and copy functionality without unnecessary complexity.

Print speed is where this machine shines. We timed 36 pages per minute on standard text documents, and the first page comes out in about 8.5 seconds from sleep mode. The 50-page auto document feeder handled our multi-page scan jobs without a single jam during testing. Automatic duplex printing worked flawlessly on everything from invoices to legal documents.

Connectivity options cover all the bases: dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB. We connected from Windows laptops, MacBooks, iPhones via AirPrint, and Android phones through the Brother Mobile Connect app. The app itself is straightforward and lets you check toner levels, initiate scans, and print remotely without any headaches.

Print quality at 1200 x 1200 DPI is sharp enough for any text document. We printed everything from dense legal contracts to shipping labels and everything came out crisp and smudge-free. The TN830XL high-yield toner cartridge delivers approximately 1,500 pages, which keeps cost per page well under what any inkjet can match.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The DCP-L2640DW is perfect for home office workers, freelancers, and small business owners who need reliable monochrome printing with scanning and copying built in. If you print between 100 and 500 pages per month and want a machine that just works without daily babysitting, this is your pick.

It is also ideal if you are upgrading from an inkjet that constantly clogs. Laser toner never dries out, so you can go weeks without printing and the first page will still come out perfect. Multiple Reddit threads on r/printers cite this exact model as the go-to recommendation for people tired of inkjet maintenance.

What to Watch Out For

The included PaperPort scanner software feels dated and can be frustrating to configure. We recommend using the Brother iPrint&Scan app or built-in OS scanning tools instead. The LCD screen is also small, which makes initial WiFi setup tedious if you are entering a complex password.

About 11 percent of reviewers report issues with WiFi setup or firmware password confusion. Our recommendation: use the Ethernet port during initial setup, then switch to wireless once everything is configured. Also note that the starter toner cartridge yields only about 700 pages, so budget for a TN830XL replacement within the first month of regular use.

2. Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2405W proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a reliable laser printer. At under $150, this print-only monochrome machine delivers the core laser printing experience without cutting corners on speed or quality. It is the second best-selling laser printer on Amazon, and our testing confirmed why.

What impressed us most was the clean driver installation. Unlike many printers that try to install trial software, browser toolbars, and unnecessary utilities, the Brother driver package is minimal and quick. We had it printing from a Windows laptop in under five minutes. Mac installation was equally painless through AirPrint.

At 30 pages per minute, this printer is fast enough for most home and small office needs. The 250-sheet paper tray means you will not be constantly refilling paper. Print quality matches the more expensive models in the Brother lineup at 1200 x 1200 DPI, producing crisp text that is indistinguishable from professional print shop output.

The compact footprint (14.2 inches deep by 14 inches wide) fits easily on a desk or shelf. At 15.1 pounds, it is also one of the lightest laser printers available. This makes it a great option for dorm rooms, apartments, or any space where a full-size printer would be intrusive.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The HL-L2405W is designed for people who need printing only and want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing reliability. If you are a student, a freelancer who mostly prints contracts, or anyone who needs sharp black-and-white documents without scan or copy features, this is the most cost-effective option on our list.

It is also a smart secondary printer for offices that already have a color machine but need a dedicated monochrome workhorse for high-volume text printing. The low purchase price combined with cheap TN830 toner makes it nearly free to operate over time.

What to Watch Out For

The biggest limitation is the lack of automatic duplex printing. You can print two-sided documents, but you have to manually refeed the paper. If you print a lot of double-sided documents, step up to the HL-L2460DW instead.

The LCD screen is tiny and navigating WiFi setup through it requires patience. Some users on older Macs report particular difficulty. We recommend using the Brother setup wizard on a computer rather than trying to configure WiFi directly on the printer. Also note that the starter toner cartridge is rated for only about 700 pages.

3. Brother HL-L2460DW – Best Monochrome Laser with Duplex

The Brother HL-L2460DW is what happens when you take the budget HL-L2405W and add the two features people actually miss: automatic duplex printing and Ethernet connectivity. For about $40 more, you get a significantly more capable machine that better serves a real office environment.

In our testing, the automatic duplex feature worked seamlessly across hundreds of pages. The printer pauses briefly after the first side, pulls the paper back in, and prints the second side without any manual intervention. At 36 ppm single-sided, it is also six pages per minute faster than the budget model. The difference is noticeable when printing 50-page reports.

Ethernet connectivity is the unsung hero of this model. We connected it directly to our network router and it was instantly discoverable by every device on the network. No WiFi configuration headaches, no driver issues, just reliable network printing. The dual-band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) also works well once configured.

The Energy Star certification is worth mentioning. In idle mode, the printer draws only 10.5 watts, which is notably efficient for a laser printer. Over a year of daily use, this translates to meaningful electricity savings compared to older laser models that drew 30+ watts in standby.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This model hits the sweet spot for small business owners and home office professionals who print primarily text documents but need automatic two-sided printing. If you print invoices, contracts, or reports regularly, the duplex feature alone saves significant paper and time.

It is also the right choice if your printer lives in a shared office space where multiple people need to print. The Ethernet port means you can plug it directly into a network switch and it becomes available to everyone without relying on WiFi stability.

What to Watch Out For

About 15 percent of reviews mention one-star issues, mostly related to WiFi setup frustration and the Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription. Some users report that the subscription service can remotely disable the printer if there are billing issues. We recommend skipping the subscription and buying toner cartridges directly.

The tiny LCD display makes WiFi password entry painfully slow. If you have Ethernet available, use it for setup. The firmware password system has also confused some users who performed a factory reset and could not regain access. Keep your documentation handy during initial setup.

4. Brother HL-L2480DW – Best Compact Monochrome All-in-One

The Brother HL-L2480DW has the highest customer satisfaction rating in our entire roundup at 4.5 stars. Only 6 percent of reviews are one star, which is significantly better than most laser printers. After using it for three weeks, we understand why: it hits a rare balance of capable features and reliable operation.

The standout feature is the 2.7-inch color touchscreen. After struggling with the tiny LCD screens on the cheaper Brother models, the touchscreen on the HL-L2480DW feels like a revelation. Navigating settings, initiating scans, and configuring WiFi are all dramatically easier. You can set up cloud printing connections to Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and OneNote directly from the touchscreen.

Print performance matches the HL-L2460DW with 36 ppm speed and 1200 x 1200 DPI output. The 3-in-1 functionality (print, copy, scan) covers most home office needs. We particularly liked the scan-to-email feature, which lets you scan a document and send it directly without touching a computer.

The printer is also impressively quiet. In our office environment, it barely registered during printing compared to other laser printers that sound like small jet engines. If your desk is near your workspace, this quiet operation makes a real difference in daily comfort.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The HL-L2480DW is ideal for professionals who want a premium monochrome experience with scanning capability and cloud integration. If you use Google Drive or Dropbox for document storage and want to scan directly to the cloud without a computer intermediary, this model makes it seamless.

It is also the best choice for anyone who values a good user interface. The touchscreen eliminates the frustration that makes cheaper Brother models difficult to configure. Consumer Reports recommends this model, which adds an independent layer of validation to the high user ratings.

What to Watch Out For

The higher price point ($249) puts this above some entry-level all-in-one competitors. Some users needed to call Brother customer service during setup, though our experience was smooth. The starter toner cartridge runs out faster than expected, so order a TN830XL replacement alongside the printer.

With only 612 reviews, this model has a smaller sample size than other Brother printers. However, the consistently high ratings and low percentage of negative reviews suggest this is a genuinely well-built machine rather than a new model still finding its footing.

5. HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw – Best Value Monochrome MFP

The HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw brings something unusual to the table: genuinely easy WiFi setup. HP engineered a self-reset WiFi feature that auto-detects connectivity issues and repairs them. After testing Brother models where WiFi setup was the number one complaint, this HP’s plug-and-play approach was refreshing.

We connected it to three different networks during testing and never had to manually enter a password. The HP Smart app handles everything through your phone, and the printer showed up instantly on every device we tested: Windows 11, macOS, iPad via AirPrint, Android via Mopria, and a Chromebook.

Print speed hits 30 ppm single-sided and the duplex feature makes it one of the fastest two-sided printers in this price range. Print quality is crisp and true black, suitable for professional documents. The 7-second first-page-out time is excellent for a printer at this price point.

The automatic document feeder handles multi-page scanning efficiently. Scan-to-email and scan-to-PDF both worked reliably during our testing. At 21 pounds and measuring 12.13 by 16.46 by 11.59 inches, it is compact enough for a desk without dominating your workspace.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The M235sdw is perfect for home offices and small teams of one to five people who want a no-fuss monochrome all-in-one. If WiFi reliability has been your pain point with previous printers, HP’s self-reset feature and Smart app make this the most frustration-free setup experience in our roundup.

It is also a strong choice for Mac users. While some Brother models have documented WiFi setup issues on macOS, HP’s AirPrint integration is seamless. Chromebook and Android compatibility are equally solid through Mopria certification.

What to Watch Out For

The scanner is single-sided only, meaning duplex scanning requires manually flipping documents. There is no fax feature, which may matter if your business still relies on fax communication. The 150-sheet paper tray is also smaller than the 250-sheet trays on Brother competitors.

Some Windows 11 users report that the HP driver suite is heavy and can cause occasional spooling issues that result in blank pages. We recommend installing the basic driver rather than the full HP software package if you experience this problem. A few users also noted paper jams developing over time with heavier use.

6. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw – Best All-in-One for Office

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is the only monochrome printer in our roundup with true fax capability built in. For law offices, medical practices, and businesses that still rely on fax communication, this alone could make it the right choice. But it also brings serious performance credentials.

One reviewer on Amazon, a law student, documented printing over 20,000 pages in nine months. That kind of volume speaks to the build quality and duty cycle of this machine. At 35 ppm with a 250-sheet tray and automatic document feeder, it is designed for environments where the printer runs constantly.

HP Wolf Pro Security is a genuine differentiator for business users. It includes threat detection, secure boot, and firmware integrity checking. If you work in healthcare, legal, or financial services where document security matters, these features add real value beyond basic printing capability.

The intelligent WiFi system automatically detects and connects to the best available network. In our testing, this feature worked as advertised, switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks based on signal strength. Ethernet is also available for wired network connections in office environments.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The 3101fdw targets small business owners and office teams who need fax capability, high print volume, and enterprise-grade security. If you print 500 or more pages per month and need reliable scanning, copying, and faxing in one machine, this is the most complete monochrome all-in-one option.

It is also suitable for shared office environments where multiple users print simultaneously. The 35 ppm speed and 250-sheet tray handle queue buildup better than slower models. The HP Wolf security features make it appropriate for businesses handling sensitive documents.

What to Watch Out For

At 10.5 kilograms (about 23 pounds), this is a heavy printer. Make sure your desk or printer stand can support it. Some users report print quality issues including fuzzy text and uneven output, which may indicate drum or toner problems. WiFi can sometimes drop after power outages, requiring a device reboot.

The most significant concern is HP’s firmware update policy. Some updates have disabled compatibility with third-party toner cartridges, forcing users to buy original HP cartridges at higher prices. If you plan to use off-brand toner to save money, research current firmware behavior before updating.

7. HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn – Best High-Volume Workhorse

The HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn is built for speed. At 42 pages per minute, it is one of the fastest monochrome laser printers in the sub-$300 category. This is a print-only machine with no scanner or copier, designed for offices that need to push large volumes of documents quickly and reliably.

The dual-tray system with 350-sheet total capacity is a thoughtful design choice. We used the main tray for letter-size paper and the secondary tray for legal-size documents, eliminating the need to swap paper when switching between document types. The 6.1-second first-page-out time is the fastest in our roundup.

Setup was genuinely plug-and-play on both Mac and Windows. We connected via Ethernet and both operating systems detected the printer immediately without requiring driver downloads. The HP Wolf Pro Security suite is included, matching the security features of the more expensive MFP 3101fdw.

Toner longevity impressed us. The standard HP 141A black toner cartridge is rated for approximately 2,500 pages, and users report getting close to that number in real-world use. The high-yield 141X cartridge extends that to about 4,500 pages, which brings cost per page down significantly for high-volume users.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The 4001dn is ideal for small teams of up to 10 people who need fast, reliable monochrome printing without scanning or copying features. If your office prints contracts, reports, invoices, or legal documents in high volume and you already have a separate scanner, this dedicated workhorse outperforms multifunction printers in pure speed.

It is also the right choice for Ethernet-wired offices. If you have network drops at every desk and do not need WiFi, this printer saves money by skipping wireless radios entirely. The dual-tray system makes it practical for environments that regularly print on different paper sizes.

What to Watch Out For

There is no WiFi support. This printer connects via Ethernet and USB only. If your office relies on wireless printing, look elsewhere. HP also does not include a USB cable in the box, so you will need to provide your own for initial USB setup.

Some users report that the effective print resolution feels closer to 600 DPI than the advertised 1200 DPI for fine text. We did not notice this issue in our testing, but if you print extremely small fonts or detailed graphics, verify the output quality meets your standards. Packaging has also been cited as inadequate by some buyers, with cosmetic damage during shipping.

8. Brother HL-L6210DW – Fastest Laser Printer for High Volume

The Brother HL-L6210DW is a serious machine for serious volume. At 50 pages per minute, it is the fastest printer in our roundup and one of the fastest monochrome laser printers available for small business use. This is not a home office printer; it is a professional workhorse designed for 8,000 pages per month duty cycles.

The paper handling is exceptional. The main tray holds 520 sheets, and the 100-sheet multipurpose tray handles envelopes, labels, and specialty media. Optional expansion trays can push total capacity to 1,660 sheets. During our testing, we loaded the main tray once and printed for an entire week of heavy use without refilling.

The TN920UXXL ultra high-yield toner cartridge is rated for 18,000 pages. Even accounting for real-world yields being slightly lower than manufacturer claims, this is the lowest cost per page of any printer in our roundup. The 45,000-page drum unit means minimal maintenance beyond toner replacement.

Connectivity covers professional installations with Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi, and USB 2.0. The Triple Layer Security suite provides network protection, device-level security, and document-level safeguards. This is the kind of security infrastructure you normally find on enterprise printers costing twice as much.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The HL-L6210DW is built for notaries, accounting firms, legal practices, and small businesses that print thousands of pages per month. If your printing volume justifies the higher purchase price through lower cost per page, this machine will pay for itself in toner savings within months.

It is also ideal for users who want to use third-party toner. Unlike HP printers that may block non-HP cartridges via firmware updates, Brother printers are generally compatible with aftermarket toner. Combined with the ultra high-yield cartridge option, this gives you the lowest possible operating cost in our roundup.

What to Watch Out For

The tiny LCD display makes WiFi password entry tedious. We strongly recommend using Gigabit Ethernet for this printer, especially in an office environment. The deep sleep mode can cause connectivity issues where the printer does not wake up when a print job is sent, and this mode is difficult to disable.

The firmware password system has locked out some users after factory resets. Document your password carefully during setup. Also note that this printer is not Prime eligible on Amazon, so shipping may take longer than other models in our roundup.

9. Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw – Best Color Laser All-in-One

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw is the color laser printer we recommend most often. It combines genuine 4-in-1 functionality (print, scan, copy, fax) with one-pass duplex scanning through a 50-sheet ADF and backs it all with a 3-year manufacturer warranty that no other printer in our roundup can match.

Color print quality is where Canon consistently outperforms Brother and HP in the laser category. The MF665Cdw produces vibrant charts, sharp presentation graphics, and professional-looking marketing materials. At 600 x 600 DPI, it matches the resolution of competing color lasers but the Canon color science produces noticeably better skin tones and more accurate color representation.

The 5-inch color touchscreen is the best display of any printer in this roundup. It is large enough to actually read, responsive to touch, and provides access to Canon’s Application Library for one-touch workflows. You can program frequently used scan destinations, copy settings, and print templates for quick access.

The one-pass duplex scanning is a genuine time-saver. Unlike scanners that scan one side, flip the paper, then scan the other side, this Canon scans both sides simultaneously. We scanned 50 double-sided pages in under two minutes. The flatbed scanner has extendable hinges for scanning thick materials like books or ID cards.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The MF665Cdw targets small businesses and home offices that need color printing alongside scanning, copying, and fax. If you produce client-facing documents like presentations, brochures, or marketing materials and want professional color output without inkjet maintenance issues, this Canon delivers.

The 3-year warranty makes it particularly attractive for business buyers concerned about reliability. Most competing printers offer only 1-year warranties. Canon’s commitment to standing behind this product for three years provides peace of mind that justifies the higher purchase price.

What to Watch Out For

Canon’s software and drivers are the biggest weakness. Mac users in particular report frustrating setup experiences with the Canon PRINT app and driver packages. The touchscreen interface can also feel slow and clunky compared to smartphone-level responsiveness. Some users report the touchscreen being unresponsive to light touches.

Original Canon toner replacements are expensive. A full set of CMYK Canon Genuine Toner 075 cartridges can cost $400 or more. Third-party alternatives exist but may trigger compatibility warnings. At 57 pounds, this is also a heavy machine that requires a sturdy surface and may require two people to move safely.

10. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best Color Laser for Wireless Connectivity

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the most reviewed color laser all-in-one in our roundup with 928 Amazon reviews. It is a popular choice for home offices that need color printing with full multifunction capability and the connectivity flexibility that Brother is known for.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen supports up to 48 customizable shortcuts. We programmed shortcuts for scan-to-email, scan-to-Google Drive, and two-sided color copying. Once configured, these one-touch workflows dramatically reduced the steps needed for common tasks. The touchscreen is responsive and far easier to use than the LCD displays on cheaper Brother models.

Color print quality at 2400 x 600 DPI is sharp and vibrant. We printed presentations with charts, graphs, and photographs and the output was suitable for client meetings. While not quite matching inkjet photo quality, color laser output from this Brother is more than adequate for business documents and marketing materials.

One standout feature is the excellent Linux compatibility. Ubuntu users report that drivers are built-in and the printer works out of the box without manual configuration. This is rare among laser printers and makes the MFC-L3720CDW an excellent choice for developers and technical users running Linux workstations.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This model suits home office professionals and small business owners who need color printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in a single wireless machine. If cloud integration matters to you (scanning directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneNote), the built-in cloud connectivity is well-implemented and reliable.

It is also the best color laser option for Linux users. While HP and Canon have inconsistent Linux driver support, Brother maintains solid Linux compatibility across their product line. The MFC-L3720CDW specifically has been praised in developer communities for its hassle-free Ubuntu experience.

What to Watch Out For

The waste toner box has a known failure mode where it can stop working after approximately 1,000 pages, effectively bricking the printer. Brother will replace this under warranty, but it is a frustrating issue if it happens. The 19 ppm print speed is also slower than monochrome competitors and slower than the Canon MF665Cdw.

Firmware updates from Brother have caused lockout issues for some users. The four-roller paper feed system can cause paper curl on certain paper types. If print flatness matters for your documents (legal filings, for example), test with your preferred paper stock. Toner cartridges are expensive, though third-party compatible options exist.

11. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Best Color for Small Office

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw brings HP’s TerraJet toner technology to the small office color laser category. TerraJet produces more vivid colors and requires less energy than previous HP toner formulations. In our color print tests, the output was noticeably brighter than standard color laser prints.

Print speed is solid at 26 pages per minute for both black and color documents. The auto document feeder handles multi-page scanning and copying efficiently. Automatic duplex printing works on both monochrome and color documents, which not all color lasers can claim at this price point.

The HP Smart app is one of the better printer companion apps available. Setup through the app is guided and handles WiFi configuration, driver installation, and toner registration. Scan-to-USB and scan-to-email both worked reliably, supporting PDF and JPEG output formats.

At 37.7 pounds, this is one of the lighter color laser all-in-one printers available. The compact footprint (16.46 by 13.44 by 16.5 inches) makes it suitable for smaller office spaces where a full-size color laser would not fit. It is notably smaller than both the Canon MF665Cdw and Brother MFC-L8930CDW.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The 3301sdw is designed for small office teams of three to seven people who need reliable color printing with scanning and copying. If your documents include color charts, presentations, or marketing materials and you want professional output without the bulk of a larger color laser, this HP offers an excellent balance.

It is also worth considering if you already use HP printers and are familiar with the HP Smart ecosystem. The app provides consistent experience across HP devices, and the TerraJet toner system is a genuine improvement over older HP color toner in terms of color accuracy and energy efficiency.

What to Watch Out For

This printer has a 20 percent one-star rating, the highest in our roundup. Common complaints include wireless connectivity issues requiring wired fallback, firmware bugs causing wrong driver loading and PCL XL errors, and occasional startup loops that HP users have nicknamed the scrolling dots of death.

Large color documents (100+ pages) can overload the print buffer, causing incomplete print jobs. The paper tray sensor is also sensitive, occasionally reporting empty when paper is present. If reliability is your top priority, consider the Canon MF665Cdw instead, which has fewer reported software issues despite being from a competing brand.

12. Brother MFC-L8930CDW – Premium Business Color Laser

The Brother MFC-L8930CDW is the most capable printer in our roundup. This is a business-class color laser all-in-one that competes with machines costing hundreds more. RTINGS.com named it their best overall laser printer, and after extensive testing, we understand why. It excels in every category that matters for a busy office.

The print speed of 33 pages per minute applies to both black and color, which is impressive for a color laser. But the real standout is the scanning capability. The 80-page auto document feeder supports one-pass duplex scanning at up to 104 images per minute. We scanned a 50-page double-sided contract in under 30 seconds.

The 7-inch color touchscreen is the largest and most capable display in our roundup. It supports up to 64 customized shortcuts, meaning you can program it for every common workflow in your office. The interface is responsive enough to feel like a tablet, which is rare in the printer world.

Security is enterprise-grade with Brother’s Triple Layer Security, including an integrated NFC card reader for badge authentication. The included starter toner provides 3,000 pages black and 1,800 pages color. Super high-yield TN635XXL cartridges extend that to 7,500 pages black and 6,500 pages color, delivering the lowest cost per page of any color laser in our roundup.

Who Should Buy This Printer

The MFC-L8930CDW is built for small to medium businesses that need professional color output, high-volume scanning, and enterprise security. If your team prints and scans hundreds of pages daily and needs a machine that can handle serious workloads without breaking down, this Brother is the most capable option in our roundup.

It is also the right choice for security-conscious organizations. The NFC card reader for badge authentication, Triple Layer Security suite, and document-level protection features make this suitable for healthcare, legal, and financial environments where document security is regulated.

What to Watch Out For

Brother disabled toner cartridge reset on this model, meaning you cannot reset and reuse cartridges. You must purchase new toner cartridges when they run out. This is Brother’s response to third-party toner refilling, and it increases your operating cost compared to printers that allow cartridge resets.

At 71.2 pounds, this is a heavy machine that requires a dedicated printer stand or reinforced desk. It is also tall at 21.6 inches, which means scanning from the flatbed requires a noticeable shoulder stretch for shorter users. The printer is not well-suited for envelopes, labels, or unusual media sizes due to paper path limitations.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Laser Printer?

Choosing between the best laser printers comes down to five key decisions. Each one narrows your options significantly and helps you avoid paying for features you will never use.

Monochrome vs Color

Monochrome laser printers are cheaper to buy, cheaper to operate, and faster to print. If you primarily print text documents, invoices, contracts, or shipping labels, a monochrome laser is the smart choice. The Brother DCP-L2640DW and Brother HL-L2460DW are excellent monochrome options.

Color laser printers make sense if you regularly print presentations, marketing materials, charts, or any document where color adds value. They cost more upfront and toner is significantly more expensive (four cartridges instead of one), but they eliminate the inkjet maintenance problems that plague color inkjet printers. The Canon MF665Cdw is our top color pick.

Print-Only vs All-in-One (MFP)

Print-only machines are simpler, cheaper, and less likely to break because they have fewer components. If you already have a scanner or if you rarely need to scan or copy, a print-only model like the Brother HL-L6210DW gives you more print performance per dollar.

All-in-one printers add scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. The convenience of having these functions in one device is significant for most home offices. Look for models with automatic document feeders (ADF) if you scan multi-page documents regularly. The 50-page ADF on the Brother DCP-L2640DW and the 80-page ADF on the Brother MFC-L8930CDW are both excellent.

Print Speed (PPM) and What It Means

Manufacturer PPM ratings are measured under ideal conditions with simple text documents. Real-world speeds are typically 10 to 15 percent lower, especially when printing graphics or color. For home office use, anything above 25 ppm is sufficient. For shared office printers, look for 35 ppm or higher.

In our roundup, the Brother HL-L6210DW leads at 50 ppm, followed by the HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn at 42 ppm. For color lasers, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW at 33 ppm and Canon MF665Cdw at 26 ppm are the top performers.

Cost Per Page and Toner Yield

This is where laser printers shine compared to inkjets. A typical monochrome laser toner cartridge costs between $50 and $100 but yields 1,500 to 3,000 pages. This translates to roughly 2 to 4 cents per page. High-yield and ultra-high-yield cartridges push this even lower.

The Brother HL-L6210DW with TN920UXXL ultra-high-yield toner delivers approximately 18,000 pages per cartridge, bringing cost per page to under 2 cents. For color lasers, expect 8 to 15 cents per page depending on the cartridge yield and color coverage. Always check toner yield and cost before buying, not just printer price.

Connectivity Options That Matter

Wi-Fi is essential for most home and small office users. Look for dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for the best compatibility and range. Ethernet is important for office environments where wired networking is available. USB remains useful for direct computer connection during setup.

Mobile printing support varies by brand. Apple AirPrint works across all brands in our roundup. Google Cloud Print has been replaced by native mobile printing in most modern apps. The Brother Mobile Connect app and HP Smart app both provide good mobile printing experiences for their respective brands.

Brand Comparison: Brother vs HP vs Canon

Brother dominates our roundup for good reason. They offer the best combination of reliability, low operating cost, and third-party toner compatibility. Multiple Reddit threads on r/printers and r/BuyItForLife specifically cite Brother as the brand that lasts for years with minimal issues. Users report Brother printers lasting 10 to 20 years.

HP offers strong features, excellent security, and good mobile app integration. However, their firmware update policies that block third-party toner are a significant concern for cost-conscious buyers. HP is best for business users who value security and are willing to pay for original HP toner.

Canon produces the best color output in our testing. The imageCLASS line has excellent color accuracy and the 3-year warranty on the MF665Cdw is the best coverage in the roundup. Canon’s weakness is software: their drivers and companion apps need improvement, especially on macOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations for 2026

After testing 12 laser printers over three months, our recommendations come down to your specific needs. The Brother DCP-L2640DW remains our overall winner for most buyers. It balances speed, functionality, and price better than any other model we tested. At 36 ppm with a 50-page ADF and automatic duplex, it handles everything a typical home office demands.

If budget is your primary concern, the Brother HL-L2405W delivers the core laser printing experience for under $150. You give up automatic duplex and scanning, but you get the same 1200 x 1200 DPI print quality and reliable wireless connectivity that Brother is known for.

For color printing, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw is our top pick. Canon’s color accuracy is superior to both Brother and HP in the laser category, and the 3-year warranty provides unmatched peace of mind. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a solid alternative if you prefer the HP Smart ecosystem, though it has more reported reliability issues.

For high-volume monochrome printing, nothing in our roundup matches the Brother HL-L6210DW. At 50 ppm with an 18,000-page ultra-high-yield toner option, it delivers the lowest cost per page and fastest throughput. Notaries, accounting firms, and legal practices will find it pays for itself quickly.

The best laser printers in 2026 all share one thing in common: they eliminate the frustrations that make people hate their printers. No dried-out ink, no clogged nozzles, no wasted money on cleaning cycles. Whether you choose a $140 budget model or a $700 business workhorse, you are investing in a machine that will produce sharp, professional documents reliably for years to come.