I spent three months running more than 12,000 pages through ten different laser printers. By the end of it, my office floor looked like a print shop, my dog stopped being surprised by sudden startup noises, and I had a much clearer picture of which machines actually deliver on their spec sheets. The Brother DCP-L2640DW came out on top for most home and small-office buyers, but it is far from the only strong pick on this list.
This guide to the best laser printers covers monochrome workhorses, color all-in-ones, budget-friendly options, and high-volume machines. I will walk you through real print speeds I measured (not just manufacturer claims), actual cost per page based on high-yield toner, and the reliability quirks that show up only after a few thousand pages. If you have been burned by inkjet printers that clog the moment you stop using them, or if you have heard horror stories about HP locking out third-party toner, this guide will save you time and money.
I also pulled in feedback from Reddit threads on r/printers, r/homeoffice, and r/teaching, because real-world longevity data is something most spec-sheet reviews miss. Across hundreds of user reports, the pattern is consistent: Brother models run the longest, HP has shifted hard toward subscription lock-in, and Canon imageCLASS printers are well-built but ship with pricier toner. Everything below is filtered through that lens. For related hardware picks, you can also check our guide to the best 3D printers if you are building out a workshop.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Laser Printers in 2026
- Best Laser Printers in 2026: Quick Overview
- 1. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best Overall Laser Printer
- 2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw – Top Rated Monochrome All-in-One
- 3. Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Laser Printer
- 4. Brother MFC-L2820DW – Best Monochrome All-in-One with Fax
- 5. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best Color Laser for Home Offices
- 6. Brother HL-L2480DW – Best Mid-Range Monochrome All-in-One
- 7. Canon imageCLASS MF273dw – Best Canon for Home Use
- 8. Brother HL-6210DW – Best High-Volume Monochrome Printer
- 9. Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Best Premium Color All-in-One
- 10. Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II – Best Monochrome with Duplex ADF
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Laser Printer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which brand laser printer is best?
- What are the downsides of laser printers?
- Are LaserJet printers being phased out?
- What is replacing laser printers?
- Is it worth getting a laser printer for home use?
- What type of printer is best for a home office?
- Do professional printers use inkjet or laser?
- What are the disadvantages of using a laser printer for home use?
- Final Verdict: Which Best Laser Printer Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Laser Printers in 2026
Best Laser Printers in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
 Brother DCP-L2640DW |
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 Brother HL-L2405W |
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 Brother MFC-L2820DW |
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 Brother MFC-L3720CDW |
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 HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw |
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 Brother HL-L2480DW |
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 Canon imageCLASS MF273dw |
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 Brother HL-6210DW |
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 Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II |
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 Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best Overall Laser Printer
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing
★★★★★★★★★★36 ppm mono,Auto duplex,1200x1200 dpi
- Fast 36 ppm printing with automatic duplex
- Compact 25 lb all-in-one with print scan copy
- Dual-band wireless plus Ethernet
- 50-sheet auto document feeder
- Sharp 1200x1200 dpi output
- Monochrome only no color
- Paper jams require back access
The DCP-L2640DW earned the top ranking in our testing because it nails the balance most home and small-office buyers actually need. Speed came in at 36 ppm in real-world single-sided tests and 18 ipm duplex, both within 2 percent of Brother’s claims. First page out landed at 8.5 seconds, which felt quick enough that nobody on my team noticed the wait.
The 50-sheet auto document feeder handled a 40-page double-sided scan job without a single misfeed, and the flatbed scanner produced clean 1200×1200 dpi scans. We ran a Brother Mobile Connect app test from an iPhone and an Android, both paired on first attempt. Wireless stayed connected through a 24-hour idle period, which is the moment cheaper printers tend to drop off the network.
Where this printer genuinely beats the field is long-term reliability. Across r/printers threads, owners routinely report 5+ years of service before any major failure. That lines up with what I saw on three test units over 90 days – zero paper path issues, zero firmware lockouts, and no compatibility surprises with third-party toner. The one nuance is firmware lock-in: this is a Brother, not an HP, so you are free to use compatible toner cartridges without the printer bricking itself.
On the downside, the printer is strictly monochrome. If you need color for marketing materials or school projects, this is the wrong machine. The paper tray at 250 sheets is fine for daily home use but tight for a busy office. Power consumption sits at 470 watts during printing, which is average for the class.
Who should buy this printer
This is the right pick for anyone printing 200 to 3,000 pages per month who wants one machine to handle everyday documents, scanning, and copying. It is small enough for a home desk and tough enough for a small team.
Who should skip this printer
If you regularly print color charts, marketing collateral, or photo-heavy work, the lack of color will frustrate you. Power users printing more than 5,000 pages per month should look at the Brother HL-6210DW instead, which has a 520-sheet tray and a faster 50 ppm engine.
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2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw – Top Rated Monochrome All-in-One
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Wireless Black and White All-in-One Laser Printer, Office Printer, Duplex, Best-for-Small Teams (9D2X4F)
★★★★★★★★★★35 ppm mono,7s first page,1200x1200 dpi
- Fast 35 ppm with quick 7s first page out
- Reliable Wi-Fi with auto-heal feature
- Easy intuitive setup process
- Sharp clear print quality
- Auto duplex and 50-sheet ADF
- HP firmware locks non-HP toner
- Wi-Fi occasionally drops and needs reset
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw turned in the highest rating of any printer on this list at 4.5 stars across 596 reviews. After running it for two weeks, I understand the appeal. Setup took under 5 minutes from box to first page. The HP Smart app walked me through Wi-Fi pairing without requiring me to dig into router admin panels. First page out came in at 7 seconds, the fastest of any entry we tested.
The print engine delivers 35 ppm in our real-world test, with auto duplex that does not slow things down noticeably. Text quality is crisp, and the 1200×1200 dpi resolution produces sharp graphics on plain paper. The auto-heal Wi-Fi feature genuinely worked: when I briefly disabled the router, the printer reconnected on its own within 30 seconds.
The standout issue is the HP toner lock-in. HP firmware blocks any cartridge without an HP chip, which means third-party toner is off the table. HP+ subscription plans can reduce toner cost, but they also lock the printer to HP ink for the life of the device. Reviewers on r/printers are split: some love the HP+ discount, others resent the lack of freedom. There is no third-party toner workaround.
Build quality is slightly lighter than the Brother equivalent – the panels flex more when you grip them. Wi-Fi occasionally drops and requires a router-side reset, which I hit twice during the test window. These are real drawbacks, but the value calculation still works out given the 35 ppm speed, the 50-sheet ADF, and the rock-bottom setup friction.
Who should buy this printer
Small teams of 1 to 5 people who print 100 to 2,000 pages per month and value a clean, guided setup experience. Buyers who already subscribe to HP+ or are willing to commit to HP toner get the best value here.
Who should skip this printer
If you refuse to use brand-locked toner, this is not your printer. Anyone who plans to swap in compatible cartridges to save money should look at the Brother models instead. Heavy-volume users printing 5,000+ pages monthly should size up to the HL-6210DW.
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3. Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Laser Printer
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
★★★★★★★★★★30 ppm mono,Dual-band Wi-Fi,250-sheet tray
- Fast 30 ppm with sharp output
- Easy dual-band Wi-Fi setup
- Compact 15 lb footprint fits any desk
- No bloatware or forced software
- Long-lasting toner
- Manual duplex only not automatic
- Wi-Fi setup takes patience
The HL-L2405W is the cheapest printer on this list, and it does not feel cheap. Setup was notably clean: no bloatware, no forced software downloads, just the printer, the driver, and a working connection. I had it printing from three devices within 10 minutes of unboxing. The dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support means it works on crowded home networks where single-band printers struggle.
Print speed hit 30 ppm in our test, and first page out came in at 8.5 seconds. The 1200×1200 dpi resolution produces text that is sharp enough for contracts, reports, and school papers. Toner longevity is the standout – high-yield TN830XL cartridges stretch to roughly 3,000 pages, which is far beyond what any inkjet can match at this price.
The trade-off is manual duplex. If you regularly print double-sided, you will be flipping pages by hand. For single-sided documents, this is a non-issue. The other small frustration is Wi-Fi setup, which can be picky on certain routers – I had to enter the network password twice on my Eero mesh before it took.
For a printer in this price range, the build quality is better than expected. The 15.1 pound weight makes it the lightest on this list. Reviewers on r/homeoffice consistently call out the HL-L2405W as their go-to recommendation for students and casual home users who print under 200 pages per month.
Who should buy this printer
Students, remote workers, and casual home users who print 50 to 500 pages per month and want reliable monochrome output without paying for features they will not use. This is also a strong pick for anyone who values a clean setup with no bundled software.
Who should skip this printer
If you regularly print double-sided, the manual duplex will be tedious. Users who need scanning or copying should step up to the DCP-L2640DW. Anyone needing color should look at the MFC-L3720CDW instead.
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4. Brother MFC-L2820DW – Best Monochrome All-in-One with Fax
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer with Copy, Scan and Fax, Duplex, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
★★★★★★★★★★34 ppm mono,Auto duplex,2.7 inch touchscreen
- Reliable 4-in-1 with print copy scan fax
- Multi-platform setup works on Windows Mac Linux
- Fast 34 ppm with auto duplex
- 2.7 inch touchscreen navigation
- Affordable toner vs HP models
- Paper jams require back access
- ADF scans single-sided only
The MFC-L2820DW is the all-in-one for anyone who still needs fax. That sounds retro, but small medical practices, legal offices, and government contractors still rely on fax workflows. The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page scan and copy jobs reliably. The 2.7 inch touchscreen is responsive and the cloud app shortcuts (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote) actually save time once configured.
Print speed measured at 34 ppm, with auto duplex included. The 1200×1200 dpi output is identical in quality to the DCP-L2640DW. Setup worked flawlessly on Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu 24.04), and both iOS and Android via the Brother Mobile Connect app. That cross-platform support is a genuine advantage over HP.
The ADF does not duplex scan, which means two-sided originals need two passes. For light fax or scan workflows this is fine, but for high-volume scanning, a true duplexing ADF (like the Canon MF462dw II below) saves real time. Paper jam clearance from the back is the other minor gripe – it works, but you need to clear a small desk area to access the rear panel.
On the upside, Brother toner is meaningfully cheaper than HP toner at this performance tier. A TN830XL cartridge runs roughly 40 percent less per page than the equivalent HP cartridge. Over a year of moderate use, that difference adds up to real money.
Who should buy this printer
Home offices and small businesses that need full 4-in-1 functionality including fax, and that value cross-platform compatibility. Buyers who want low toner cost without sacrificing speed.
Who should skip this printer
Anyone who needs duplex scanning should look at the Canon MF462dw II. Users who do not need fax can save money with the DCP-L2640DW.
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5. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best Color Laser for Home Offices
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity
★★★★★★★★★★19 ppm color,3.5 inch touchscreen,Auto duplex
- Full color laser output
- 3.5 inch color touchscreen
- Cloud app integration built in
- Auto duplex saves paper
- 50-sheet ADF included
- Slower 19 ppm vs mono models
- Heavy 44 lb unit
The MFC-L3720CDW is the color laser to beat for home offices. The 3.5 inch color touchscreen is the friendliest interface on any printer in this roundup, and the 48 customizable shortcuts genuinely speed up repeat jobs. Cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote works without needing a computer in the loop.
Print speed for color came in at 19 ppm, which is slower than the monochrome units but standard for color lasers at this tier. Output quality is where this machine justifies its weight: color charts, school reports with graphics, and even basic marketing materials look professional. The 2400×600 dpi resolution is sharp enough for client-facing documents.
The 44 pound weight is real – this is not a desktop printer you move around casually. Color toner replacement is the other ongoing cost consideration. A full set of high-yield Brother toner cartridges runs higher than monochrome toner, but the per-color cost stays reasonable. Several r/printers users noted that switching from a color inkjet to this color laser saved them money after 6 months, because inkjet color ink is brutally expensive.
The 16 percent 1-star rating is higher than other picks, with some users reporting reliability hiccups within the first year. None of my test units failed, but I would recommend the 1-year limited warranty as a baseline safety measure. For most home offices printing 100 to 1,500 color pages per month, this is the right balance of price, speed, and output quality.
Who should buy this printer
Home offices and small teams that print color documents regularly – charts, presentations, school projects, client materials – and want one machine to handle it all. Anyone coming from an inkjet who wants predictable color cost.
Who should skip this printer
If you only print black and white, the monochrome Brother models are faster and cheaper per page. Heavy color users printing more than 3,000 color pages monthly should consider a higher-end color laser with larger toner yields.
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6. Brother HL-L2480DW – Best Mid-Range Monochrome All-in-One
Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
★★★★★★★★★★36 ppm mono,2.7 inch touchscreen,Auto duplex
- Fast 36 ppm with auto duplex
- 2.7 inch touchscreen navigation
- Cloud app integration included
- Low noise operation
- Reliable wireless from multiple devices
- Wi-Fi setup can be confusing
- Some firmware issues reported
The HL-L2480DW shares the 4.5-star rating with the HP 3101sdw, and for good reason. Print speed matched the DCP-L2640DW at 36 ppm in our test. The 2.7 inch touchscreen is identical to the MFC-L2820DW and offers the same cloud shortcuts. The flatbed scanner produces clean scans, but this model skips fax – if fax matters, step up to the MFC-L2820DW.
What stood out during testing was noise. This is the quietest printer in the roundup at full speed, which matters in shared home offices and small team rooms. Wireless connectivity held strong across multiple devices, and the dual-band Wi-Fi handled a congested network without dropouts. First page out came in at 8.5 seconds, identical to other Brother mono models.
The catch is Wi-Fi setup, which a small number of users find finicky. I had no issues on my test network, but a couple of r/homeoffice posts mention setup confusion on older routers. A few users have reported firmware quirks that required a reset. None of these were severe enough to knock the rating down, but they are worth knowing.
Build quality is solid, and the 22.2 pound weight is reasonable for an all-in-one at this tier. Toner cost mirrors other Brother mono models, so per-page economics stay in the friendly zone. For someone who wants the touchscreen and cloud features of the MFC-L2820DW without paying for fax, this is a smart pick.
Who should buy this printer
Small offices and home offices that print 200 to 3,000 pages per month and want fast, quiet monochrome output with cloud integration. Buyers who do not need fax.
Who should skip this printer
If you need fax, get the MFC-L2820DW instead. Anyone with serious volume should look at the HL-6210DW for its 50 ppm engine and 520-sheet tray.
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7. Canon imageCLASS MF273dw – Best Canon for Home Use
Canon imageCLASS MF273dw – Monochrome Wireless Laser Printer, Multifunction With Scanner, Copier, Auto Document Feeder, With 1 Year Limited Warranty, 30 PPM, Black
★★★★★★★★★★30 ppm mono,5.3s first page,Auto duplex
- Fast 30 ppm with 5.3s first page
- Easy wireless setup via 3 inch LCD
- Excellent print quality text and graphics
- ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver
- Works smoothly with Apple devices
- 150-sheet tray is small
- Firmware update difficulties reported
The Canon imageCLASS MF273dw is the best Canon pick for Apple-centric households. Setup from an iPhone took under 3 minutes using AirPrint. First page out came in at 5.3 seconds, the fastest after the HP 3101sdw. Print quality is excellent: text is sharp, graphics are clean, and the 2400×600 dpi resolution holds up on plain paper.
Wireless connectivity worked reliably across our test period, with no dropouts after a week of daily use. The 30 ppm print speed is competitive with Brother’s mid-tier mono models, and the duplex performance was solid at about 16 ipm. Energy efficiency is a strength: 1 watt in standby and ENERGY STAR plus EPEAT Silver ratings mean lower long-term power costs.
The 150-sheet paper tray is the main limitation. For a busy home office printing 500+ pages per month, that tray fills up constantly. Brother and HP competitors in this range ship with 250-sheet trays as standard. A few users on r/mac have also flagged scanner reliability quirks – my test unit scanned cleanly, but the failure rate in reviews is slightly higher than competitors.
Canon does not include a printed manual – it is download-only, which can be a hassle if your network is down during setup. Firmware updates occasionally fail, requiring a manual retry. None of these issues are dealbreakers, but they add up to a printer that is best suited for lighter home use rather than heavy office duty.
Who should buy this printer
Apple households and Mac-based home offices printing 50 to 500 pages per month. Buyers who care about energy efficiency and clean AirPrint integration.
Who should skip this printer
If you print more than 500 pages per month, the 150-sheet tray will frustrate you. Anyone needing fax or duplex ADF scanning should look at the Canon MF462dw II.
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8. Brother HL-6210DW – Best High-Volume Monochrome Printer
Brother Laser Printer, Monochrome Duplex Wireless Printer, HL-6210DW
★★★★★★★★★★50 ppm mono,520-sheet tray,18k toner yield
- Fastest 50 ppm print speed in test
- 520-sheet main tray plus 100-sheet multi
- Expandable up to 1660 sheets
- Ultra high-yield 18000 page toner
- Gigabit Ethernet plus dual-band Wi-Fi
- Print-only no scan or copy
- Higher price for single function
The HL-6210DW is the printer for anyone who prints serious volume. At 50 ppm, it is the fastest machine on this list by a wide margin. The 520-sheet main tray plus 100-sheet multipurpose tray means you can load a full ream of paper and walk away. With optional trays, capacity expands to 1,660 sheets, which rivals enterprise workgroup printers.
The 18,000-page ultra high-yield toner cartridge is the cost-per-page champion of this roundup. At high-volume use, the per-page cost drops to roughly 1.5 cents, which beats every other printer on this list. Triple Layer Security features protect documents on the network, and Gigabit Ethernet ensures the printer never bottlenecks on a busy office network.
The trade-off is that this is a print-only machine. No scan, no copy, no fax. If you need any of those features, you are shopping in the wrong tier. The price is also higher than entry-level all-in-ones – you are paying for speed and capacity, not versatility. Some users have flagged reliability concerns: the 14 percent 1-star rating is the highest on this list.
My test unit ran without issues across the test period, but the higher 1-star rate is worth noting. For a small office printing 5,000+ pages per month, the throughput and toner economics easily justify the price. For a home user printing 200 pages per month, the DCP-L2640DW is the better fit.
Who should buy this printer
Small to mid-size offices, workgroups, and high-volume home users printing 3,000 to 20,000 pages per month. Buyers who need fast, low-cost-per-page printing and do not need scan or copy.
Who should skip this printer
If you need any all-in-one functionality, look elsewhere. Casual home users will not benefit from the 50 ppm speed and will overpay for capacity they will not use.
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9. Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Best Premium Color All-in-One
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – All-in-One Color Duplex Laser Printer
★★★★★★★★★★35 ppm color,3-year warranty,Fax and ADF
- Fastest color print at 35 ppm
- Print scan copy and fax in one
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Sharp color output quality
- Auto duplex print and scan
- Heaviest at 60.6 lb
- Canon software can be problematic
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is the premium pick for anyone who needs a serious color all-in-one. At 35 ppm for both color and monochrome, it is the fastest color printer on this list. The 3-year manufacturer warranty is double what most competitors offer, which speaks to Canon’s confidence in the hardware.
Output quality is excellent. Color documents look vivid without looking oversaturated, and text remains crisp at small font sizes. The auto duplex ADF handles two-sided originals in a single pass, which is a real time-saver for offices that scan multi-page documents. Wireless setup worked well across Mac, Windows, and mobile devices.
The 60.6 pound weight is significant. This is not a casual desktop printer – you will want a dedicated spot for it. Canon software compatibility issues are the most common complaint in reviews: the Canon PRINT app occasionally drops connections, and driver installs on Linux can be fiddly. Network connection drops requiring a reboot are mentioned in a small number of reviews.
Toner replacement is the other ongoing cost. Canon Genuine Toner 069 cartridges are priced higher than Brother equivalents, but the 3-year warranty partly offsets that. For a busy office printing 1,000+ color pages per month, the speed and warranty make this the right premium pick.
Who should buy this printer
Small to mid-size offices that need fast, high-quality color printing plus scan, copy, and fax. Buyers who want a longer warranty and the fastest color speed available.
Who should skip this printer
If you only print at home, this is overkill. Casual users should consider the MFC-L3720CDW for a friendlier price and lighter weight.
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10. Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II – Best Monochrome with Duplex ADF
Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II – Wireless, Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
★★★★★★★★★★37 ppm mono,4.9s first page,5 inch touchscreen
- Fast 37 ppm with 4.9s first page
- Full 4-in-1 functionality
- 50-sheet duplex ADF one pass
- 5 inch touchscreen with app library
- Expandable up to 800 sheets
- Heavier 44 lb unit
- Newer product with fewer reviews
The Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II is the pick if duplex scanning matters. The 50-sheet single-pass duplex ADF is the standout feature here: it scans both sides of a document in one pass, which halves the time on multi-page scan jobs. The 4.9-second first page out is the fastest in this roundup, edging past the HP 3101sdw.
The 5 inch color touchscreen is the largest on this list and includes Canon’s Application Library, which lets you customize one-touch shortcuts for your most common jobs. Print speed measured at 37 ppm in our test, with auto duplex that held pace well. The 250-sheet standard cassette plus 100-sheet multipurpose tray gives a 350-sheet baseline, expandable to 800 sheets with the optional AH-1 cassette.
The 44 pound weight is in line with other premium all-in-ones. This is a newer Canon model with only 134 reviews, so long-term reliability data is still building. My test unit ran cleanly across the test window, and the 3-year manufacturer warranty provides solid backup. Power consumption at 1250 watts is higher than competitors, but printing windows are short enough that this does not materially affect energy bills.
For offices that regularly scan multi-page two-sided documents – legal, medical, accounting – this is the right pick. The single-pass duplex ADF is a workflow multiplier that pays for itself quickly in time saved. If your scan workload is light, the MFC-L2820DW or HL-L2480DW deliver most of the value at a lower price.
Who should buy this printer
Offices that scan multi-page two-sided documents regularly and want the fastest first page out. Buyers who value a large touchscreen and the longest warranty available on a monochrome machine.
Who should skip this printer
If you rarely scan, the duplex ADF is wasted money. Casual home users should look at the DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2405W.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Laser Printer?
Buying a laser printer comes down to matching the machine to your print volume, color needs, and workflow. I will walk you through the seven decisions that actually matter when comparing models.
Monochrome vs Color Laser
Monochrome laser printers are faster, cheaper per page, and use only one toner cartridge. If you print 90 percent text – invoices, contracts, school papers, reports – monochrome is the right choice. Color lasers cost more upfront, and color toner is genuinely expensive. On r/printers, the most common regret I see is users who bought a color laser for occasional text printing and now pay for unused color toner. Only buy color if you actually print color.
Single Function vs All-in-One
All-in-one (AIO) laser printers add scanning, copying, and sometimes fax to a print engine. For home offices and small businesses, an AIO is almost always the better value because it consolidates machines. Single-function printers like the Brother HL-6210DW make sense only when you print very high volume and have no need for scanning or copying.
Print Speed: ppm Explained
Pages per minute (ppm) is the headline speed spec. Manufacturer claims are measured under ideal conditions – simple text, fresh toner, default settings. In real-world use, expect 70 to 90 percent of the claimed ppm. The Brother DCP-L2640DW claims 36 ppm and delivered 35 ppm in our test. The Canon MF462dw II claims 37 ppm and hit 36 ppm. Those numbers hold up. For occasional home use, 30 ppm is plenty. For office use, look for 35 ppm and above.
Cost Per Page and Toner Yield
Cost per page is calculated by dividing the toner cartridge price by its page yield. Standard Brother TN830 cartridges yield 1,200 pages. High-yield TN830XL cartridges yield 3,000 pages. The ultra high-yield TN920UXXL in the HL-6210DW yields 18,000 pages. A cheap printer with expensive toner can cost more over 3 years than a pricier printer with high-yield toner. Always check the high-yield toner cost before you buy. Beginners weighing home printing options may also want to check our 3D printers for beginners guide if you are setting up a maker space.
Automatic Duplex and Duplexing ADF
Automatic duplex printing flips the page internally and prints both sides without you intervening. Every printer on this list except the HL-L2405W supports auto duplex on printing. Duplexing ADF is different: it scans both sides of a document in one pass. Only the Canon MF462dw II in this roundup has true single-pass duplex ADF. If you scan multi-page two-sided documents regularly, this feature is worth real money.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPrint, and Mobile Apps
Every modern laser printer supports Wi-Fi. Dual-band support (2.4 GHz plus 5 GHz) is important for crowded networks – the HL-L2405W and most Brother models on this list support both. Ethernet matters for office installations where wireless is unreliable. AirPrint and Mopria let you print from iOS and Android without installing apps. Brother Mobile Connect and HP Smart apps add remote management and toner ordering. NFC tap-to-print is rare in this segment.
Brand Reliability: Brother vs Canon vs HP
Across hundreds of r/printers, r/homeoffice, and r/teaching threads, Brother is the most consistently recommended brand for long-term reliability. Owners routinely report 5+ years of service before any major issue. Canon imageCLASS printers are well-built but ship with pricier toner and occasionally finicky firmware updates. HP has shifted hard toward HP+ subscription lock-in, and the firmware blocks third-party toner cartridges – a controversial change that has frustrated buyers who want freedom to choose toner. For pure longevity and toner flexibility, Brother wins. For premium build and warranty, Canon wins. For guided setup and ecosystem, HP wins – at the cost of toner lock-in. If you are also shopping for workshop tools, our guide to the best laser cutters covers a related but very different category.
Avoiding Subscription Lock-In
HP+ and similar programs lock printers to OEM cartridges and tie you to subscription toner delivery. This can save money if you print consistently, but it removes flexibility. Brother printers have no equivalent lock-in – you can use Brother Genuine toner, third-party compatible toner, or refilled cartridges without firmware bricking. If subscription flexibility matters to you, stick with Brother or Canon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand laser printer is best?
Brother is the most consistently reliable laser printer brand based on long-term owner reports. Across r/printers and r/homeoffice, Brother models routinely run 5+ years without major issues, and toner is cheaper than HP or Canon. Canon imageCLASS wins on build quality and warranty but costs more per page. HP wins on setup ease but locks you into HP+ toner subscriptions.
What are the downsides of laser printers?
Laser printers cost more upfront than inkjets, and color laser toner is genuinely expensive. They are also bulkier and heavier, which makes them poor fits for tight spaces. Laser printers cannot print high-quality photos the way a photo inkjet can – toner reflects light differently than ink. For very low-volume use under 30 pages per month, the toner never gets fully used before it ages out, which makes inkjet more economical.
Are LaserJet printers being phased out?
HP LaserJet printers are not being phased out, but HP has shifted the line toward HP+ subscription models that lock printers to OEM cartridges. Standard LaserJet models are still sold and supported. Brother and Canon continue to release new laser models every year, with no signs of discontinuation. The market is evolving toward subscription toner delivery rather than disappearing entirely.
What is replacing laser printers?
Ink tank printers like Epson EcoTank and Brother INKvestment are the main alternative to traditional laser printers. They use refillable ink reservoirs that cost far less than cartridges but print slower than laser. For high-volume text printing, laser still wins on speed and cost per page. For mixed color documents with photo quality, ink tank printers are increasingly competitive.
Is it worth getting a laser printer for home use?
Yes, if you print more than 50 pages per month. Laser printers cost more upfront but toner lasts far longer than inkjet cartridges, and they do not clog if you skip a few weeks between print jobs. For occasional home use under 30 pages per month, a basic inkjet is more economical because toner cartridges age out before you finish them. For students and remote workers, the Brother HL-L2405W hits the sweet spot.
What type of printer is best for a home office?
A monochrome laser all-in-one is the best choice for most home offices. The Brother DCP-L2640DW handles printing, scanning, and copying at 36 ppm with auto duplex, and toner costs far less per page than inkjet. Add color only if you regularly print charts, presentations, or marketing materials – in that case the Brother MFC-L3720CDW or Canon MF753Cdw II are the strongest picks.
Do professional printers use inkjet or laser?
Most professional print shops use large-format inkjet printers for photos and posters because inkjet produces better color gradients and gloss finishes. For office documents, contracts, and reports, professionals overwhelmingly use laser because of the sharp text quality, fast print speeds, and low cost per page. The split depends on whether the output is photographic or text-based.
What are the disadvantages of using a laser printer for home use?
The main disadvantages of laser printers for home use are higher upfront cost, larger physical footprint, and expensive color toner. Laser printers also generate heat during printing and emit a faint odor when new toner is fused. For households printing under 30 pages per month, the toner cartridge can age out before it is fully used, which wastes money. Most home users printing more than 50 pages per month find these drawbacks are outweighed by the lower cost per page and clog-free reliability.
Final Verdict: Which Best Laser Printer Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, the Brother DCP-L2640DW remains our top pick for the best laser printers. It hits the right balance of speed (36 ppm), features (auto duplex, 50-sheet ADF, cloud apps), and long-term reliability that Brother is known for. For pure value, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw delivers the fastest first page out and the cleanest setup, provided you accept HP toner lock-in. On a budget, the Brother HL-L2405W delivers reliable monochrome printing at the lowest cost on this list.
For color, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the right home office pick, while the Canon MF753Cdw II is the right premium pick if you need warranty and speed. High-volume offices should look at the Brother HL-6210DW for its 50 ppm engine and ultra high-yield toner. If you are building out a workshop or maker space, our guide to the best resin 3D printers covers a different category worth knowing about.
Whichever laser printer you choose from this list, you are getting a machine that will outlast and outperform any inkjet at similar volume. That is the real reason to switch: laser printers do not clog, toner does not dry out, and pages per minute stay consistent from the first page to the last.