7 Best Brother Monochrome Laser Printers (November 2026)
The best Brother monochrome laser printers include the HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw for small teams needing HP security, the Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner for small-business document workflows, and the Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser (best compact brother all-in-one).
On this page (5 sections)
The best Brother monochrome laser printer for most small offices is the Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner, because it combines 36 ppm output, automatic duplex printing, a 50-page feeder and single-pass two-sided scanning. Choose the HL-L2405W for simple home printing, the MFC-L2820DW for a compact all-in-one, or the MFC-L5915DW for high-volume work.
Brother's range covers simple print-only machines and larger office units with scanning, copying, paper expansion and network sharing. The right choice depends on how often you print, whether you handle two-sided originals, and how much desk space you have.
If you are comparing laser types before choosing a brand, our guide to the best monochrome laser printer explains the main trade-offs. You can also use the printers and scanners complete buying guide to compare connection types, document handling and upkeep.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for small-business document workflowsBrother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best compact Brother all-in-oneBrother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBrother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for simple home-office printing - 5
Check itBrother MFC-L5710DW Business Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer
Best for busy offices with duplex scanning - 6
Check itBrother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner
Best for high-speed all-in-one workgroups - 7
Best for high-volume print-only workCheck it
Which Brother monochrome laser printer is best for each use?
The best match depends on the work you need the printer to do. The HL-L2405W handles basic home printing, the MFC-L2820DW adds office functions in a compact body, and the larger MFC models are built around shared workgroup use.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of someone shopping for a Brother monochrome laser printer. We checked print speed, duplex handling, document functions, feeder capacity, paper capacity and connection options.
For a home office, compare this list with our guide to the best monochrome laser printer for home office. If wireless access is your priority, see the best monochrome wireless laser printer roundup.
| Product | Best for | Print speed | Functions | Duplex | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw | small teams needing HP security | Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute | Print, scan, copy and fax | Automatic | 9.7 |
| Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner | small-business document workflows | 36 pages per minute | Print, copy and scan | 9.4 | |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser | compact Brother all-in-one | Up to 34 pages per minute in specs | Print, copy, scan and fax | Automatic | 9.3 |
| Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | simple home-office printing | Up to 30 pages per minute | Print only | Manual | 8.7 |
| Brother MFC-L5710DW Business Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer | busy offices with duplex scanning | Up to 48 pages per minute | Print, scan and copy | 8.4 | |
| Brother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner | high-speed all-in-one workgroups | Up to 50 pages per minute | Print, scan and copy | 8.2 | |
| Brother Laser Printer | high-volume print-only work | Up to 50 pages per minute | Print only | 8.0 |
HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw: Best for small teams needing HP security
- All-in-one printing, scanning, copying and fax
- Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth
This HP all-in-one suits small teams that need fast black-and-white printing, scanning, copying and faxing. Its automatic duplex system and wireless connection reduce routine steps.
Pros
- 35 ppm black-and-white speed
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth
Cons
- Not a Brother model
- Uses cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw is the one non-Brother model in this group, and it earns the highest score because it combines fast output with a broad set of office functions. It prints, scans, copies and faxes, with black-and-white output up to 35 pages per minute.
Automatic two-sided printing and an automatic document feeder help with routine document work. The machine is designed for teams of up to 7 people, so it makes more sense for a shared small office than for occasional personal printing.
Connection choices include intelligent Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth. HP also lists wireless printing from mobile devices, PCs and tablets, with support for Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android and Chromebook devices.
HP includes Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings. The printer uses cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry, which is an important supply detail to check before you choose it.
Choose this model if you want the strongest overall mix of speed, document functions and small-team features. If you want a Brother black-and-white printer specifically, start with the MFC-L2900DW or MFC-L2820DW below.
Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner: Best for small-business document workflows
- 36 ppm monochrome output
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Single-pass two-sided scanning
- 3.5 in touchscreen
This Brother all-in-one is a strong fit for small businesses processing multi-page documents. Its 50-page feeder, duplex printing and single-pass two-sided scanning focus on office workflow.
Pros
- 36 ppm output
- 50-page feeder
- 3.5 in touchscreen
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the compact Brother models
- Best suited to buyers who need scanning and copying
The Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner is the strongest Brother choice for a small business that handles multi-page documents. It prints at up to 36 pages per minute and includes copy and scan functions.
Its 50-page automatic document feeder supports larger batches, while single-pass two-sided scanning handles both sides of a page in one pass. Automatic duplex printing also helps when you produce two-sided reports or forms.
The 3.5 in touchscreen gives direct access to printing, scanning and cloud functions. Connection options include dual-band wireless at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, Ethernet and USB.
Brother includes a starter black toner cartridge rated at 700 pages and a DR830 drum unit rated at 15,000 pages. Those included supplies give you a clear starting point, but future running needs depend on how much you print.
Pick this Brother monochrome laser printer if scanning and copying are central to your work. For a smaller footprint, the MFC-L2820DW gives you similar core functions in a compact design.
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser: Best compact Brother all-in-one
- Print, copy, scan and fax
- Up to 36 ppm output
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB
The MFC-L2820DW packs four office functions into a compact Brother printer. It fits small offices that need document handling, wireless access and automatic duplex printing without moving to a business-size machine.
Pros
- Compact all-in-one design
- Automatic duplex printing
- 2.7 in touchscreen
Cons
- Not the fastest Brother business model here
- The title and specifications give different print-speed figures
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the best compact Brother all-in-one here. It handles printing, copying, scanning and faxing, with automatic duplex printing and a 50-page automatic document feeder.
The title gives print speeds up to 36 ppm, while the specifications give 34 pages per minute. Treat it as a mid-speed office model and compare the exact figure that matters to your workload before ordering.
Dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB support flexible setup. Its 2.7 in touchscreen can access cloud apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and OneNote, while the Brother Mobile Connect app supports remote printing and scanning.
The 250-sheet paper tray reduces refill frequency for regular office work. The compact 15.7 x 16.1 x 12.5 in dimensions make it easier to place on a desk than the larger business models.
Choose the MFC-L2820DW when you need four functions in a smaller package. Buyers who only print should consider the HL-L2405W, while larger offices may prefer the faster MFC-L5710DW.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer: Best for simple home-office printing
- Print-only design
- Up to 30 ppm output
- Dual-band wireless
- 250-sheet paper tray
The HL-L2405W is the straightforward pick for black-and-white printing at home or in a small home office. Its 250-sheet tray and wireless connection suit regular documents, while manual duplex keeps the design simple.
Pros
- Small 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 in footprint
- Wireless printing
- 250-sheet tray
Cons
- Print only
- Manual duplex
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best choice when you want a simple wireless Brother laser printer for home or home-office documents. Compare wireless Brother laser printers for more options.
It is print-only, produces up to 30 pages per minute, and connects through dual-band wireless or USB.
A 250-sheet paper tray suits regular document printing, while the manual feed slot supports envelopes and specialty paper. Because duplexing is manual, you will need to turn pages yourself when you want two-sided output.
The compact 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 in body is the smallest footprint in this roundup. That makes it easier to place on a home-office desk, shelf or other limited work area.
The printer works with Brother Genuine TN830 and TN830XL toner. It also includes a drum unit and toner cartridges, so the basic setup has the main consumables needed to begin printing.
Pick this model if you do not need scanning, copying or faxing. If those functions matter, move up to the MFC-L2820DW.
Brother MFC-L5710DW Business Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer: Best for busy offices with duplex scanning
- Up to 48 ppm printing and copying
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Two-sided scanning up to 60 ipm
- Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless
The MFC-L5710DW targets busy offices that need fast printing, copying and two-sided scanning. Its 250-sheet tray, 100-sheet multipurpose tray and network connections support shared workgroups.
Pros
- 48 ppm output
- 60 ipm two-sided scanning
- Expandable paper capacity
Cons
- 36 lb machine
- Larger footprint than compact models
The Brother MFC-L5710DW is built for busy offices that need fast printing and two-sided scanning. It reaches up to 48 pages per minute for printing and copying, with a 50-page feeder that scans both sides at up to 60 images per minute.
Its 250-sheet paper tray handles standard office work, while the 100-sheet multipurpose tray supports custom media or envelopes. Optional trays can expand total paper capacity to 1,390 sheets.
Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless make it suitable for shared wired or wireless networks. The touchscreen can send scans to cloud services, email, SharePoint and an SSH server.
Brother includes a 3,000-page toner cartridge, and the printer uses the TN920 toner family. Its 18.1 x 16.4 x 17.6 in dimensions and 36 lb weight require a stable, planned location.
Choose this model for a workgroup that needs fast output and duplex scanning. For faster 50 ppm output with a larger feeder, consider the MFC-L5915DW.
Brother Professional Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner: Best for high-speed all-in-one workgroups
- Up to 50 ppm monochrome printing
- 70-page auto document feeder
- Single-pass two-sided scanning
- Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless
This Brother all-in-one fits workgroups that value speed and larger document batches. The 70-page feeder and 50 ppm output reduce handling during large print, copy and scan jobs.
Pros
- 50 ppm output
- 70-page feeder
- Automatic print, copy and scan duplexing
Cons
- 38.3 lb machine
- 18.6 x 19.5 x 19.1 in dimensions
The Brother MFC-L5915DW is the high-speed all-in-one pick for larger document batches. It prints and copies at up to 50 pages per minute, and its 70-page automatic document feeder supports single-pass two-sided scanning up to 56 images per minute.
A large document glass supports documents up to legal size. Automatic duplex printing, copying and scanning give the machine a strong role in shared office workflows.
The printer includes Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless networking. It also supports mobile-device printing, so staff can send documents from laptops, PCs, smartphones and tablets.
Brother lists TN920UXXL and TN760 as compatible cartridges. The printer includes a 3,000-page toner cartridge, but its 18.6 x 19.5 x 19.1 in dimensions and 38.3 lb weight make it a poor fit for a small desk.
Pick it when speed and feeder capacity matter more than compact size. If you do not need scanning or copying, the HL-6210DW offers the same 50 ppm speed in a print-only design.
Brother Laser Printer: Best for high-volume print-only work
- Up to 50 ppm output
- 520-sheet main tray
- 100-sheet multipurpose tray
- Automatic duplex and wireless networking
The HL-6210DW is the print-only choice for offices that need speed and paper capacity. Its 520-sheet main tray, 100-sheet multipurpose tray and automatic duplex printing reduce routine interruptions.
Pros
- 50 ppm output
- Large 620-sheet standard capacity
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- No scan, copy or fax functions
- Optional trays are needed for expansion to 1,660 sheets
The Brother HL-6210DW is the best print-only option for a high-volume office. It reaches up to 50 pages per minute, includes automatic duplex printing, and provides a 520-sheet main tray plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray.
That 620-sheet standard paper capacity reduces refill work during busy periods. Optional trays can expand total capacity to 1,660 sheets, which gives the printer room to grow with a larger office.
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless support shared networks. The printer also supports mobile-device printing and includes advanced Triple Layer Security features for network, device and document protection.
The model uses Brother Genuine TN920UXXL toner, with an 18,000-page replacement option. It includes a 3,000-page toner cartridge and a DR920 drum unit rated at 45,000 pages.
Choose the HL-6210DW if you need fast black-and-white printing but do not need a scanner or copier. For office document capture, choose the MFC-L5915DW instead.
How do Brother monochrome laser printers compare for speed?
The fastest models here are the Brother MFC-L5915DW and HL-6210DW at up to 50 pages per minute. The MFC-L5710DW reaches 48 ppm, while the compact MFC-L2820DW, MFC-L2900DW and HP model sit around 34 to 36 ppm.
That gap matters most in a shared office where several people queue jobs through the day. A 50 ppm machine can clear a long report before a slower model finishes the same run, and the difference adds up when copies and scans follow.
Print speed matters most when several people share one printer or when you regularly produce long documents. For occasional home printing, a 30 ppm model can already feel quick because the total job time also depends on page preparation and warm-up.
Warm-up time deserves a quick check too, since the first page sometimes takes longer than the rated speed suggests. If you print short files between other tasks, that first page wait may shape daily use more than the top speed figure.
For a small home office with light use, 30 ppm from the HL-L2405W is usually enough for letters, forms and reports. You will notice the speed most during a busy morning when several short jobs arrive close together.
If you need an office model with a network connection, compare this roundup with the best monochrome laser printer for office use. For color charts, presentations or marketing pages, a guide to the best color laser printer for small business is a better next step.
A practical check is to time your own typical job, such as a ten page document, and then ask whether a faster model would save real minutes each week. If the answer is no, a compact model may suit you better than a large business unit.
Speed should sit beside paper capacity and duplex handling when you compare two close options. A fast printer with a small tray may still need frequent refills, while a slightly slower model with more paper on board can keep work moving with less interruption.
Should you choose print-only or all-in-one?
Choose a print-only Brother model when your work is mostly digital documents and black-and-white pages. Choose an all-in-one when you need to scan, copy or fax without adding separate equipment.
The HL-L2405W and HL-6210DW are print-only choices. The MFC-L2820DW, MFC-L5710DW and MFC-L5915DW add document functions, while the Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner focuses on print, copy and scan work.
Think about where your paper starts each day, because many jobs begin as digital files and only become paper at the last step. If you rarely handle incoming paper, a print-only machine keeps the setup simple and leaves more desk space free.
An all-in-one suits a different routine, where signed forms, invoices and reference pages arrive on paper and need to go back into email or cloud storage. Scanning at the printer saves a separate trip to another device and keeps the workflow in one place.
An automatic document feeder is useful when you process several pages at once. A larger feeder, such as the 70-page unit on the MFC-L5915DW, helps when your batches are bigger.
Feeder size also affects how much attention a scan job needs from you. With a smaller feeder, you may need to reload partway through a long set, while a larger feeder lets you load once and return when the job is done.
Copying is the other daily test, since a machine that scans well may still slow you down if copying feels clumsy. Check whether you copy single pages or full sets, and match the feeder and glass to that habit.
Fax matters less for many buyers now, but the MFC-L2820DW includes it for offices that still send forms to customers or suppliers. If fax is part of your routine, confirm the phone line plan before you order, and keep the cord and setup guide in a safe place.
For home use, a print-only model such as the HL-L2405W keeps costs and space down when scanning is rare. For a small office that handles paper in and out each day, an all-in-one such as the MFC-L2820DW earns its place more easily.
Care is simpler when you match the machine to the task, since unused features still need cleaning, updates and occasional checks. A focused tool used every day is easier to keep ready than a machine loaded with functions you seldom touch.
What should you check before setting up a Brother laser printer?
Check the printer's dimensions, paper path, power location and network plan before you unpack it. Leave enough room to open trays, load paper and access the manual feed slot.
Measure the desk or cabinet first, including depth, because trays and feeders extend the footprint when they are open. A printer that fits on paper may still block drawers or crowd the wall behind it once it is in use.
Keep the paper path clear on both sides so sheets can enter and leave without bending or catching. Store spare paper nearby in a dry place, and avoid stacking boxes where you need to pull a tray forward.
For wireless setup, place the printer where your network signal is reliable. Wired Ethernet may suit a shared office better when the printer has a fixed location.
Wireless setup suits a home office or a printer that may move between rooms, since no cable run is needed. Test the signal by sending a short job from your usual laptop or phone before you settle the final spot.
Wired Ethernet suits a shared office where the printer stays in one place and several people rely on it all day. A fixed cable can reduce dropouts and make the address easier for the whole team to find.
Use the toner family named for the model, and keep the drum and toner details together for future supply orders. Enable automatic duplex printing when two-sided documents fit your workflow, and use manual duplex only when you are comfortable turning pages.
Write down the toner and drum names on a card near the printer, so reorders are quick when a message appears. Keep toner upright in a cool, dry place and avoid shaking the cartridge before you fit it.
Turn on sleep settings where your routine allows, and keep the machine dust free with a soft dry cloth. Clean the scanner glass gently when copies start to show marks, and follow the maker guidance for each part.
If you need a printer with automatic two-sided handling, our guide to the best duplex laser printer compares more options.
Which Brother monochrome laser printer should you buy?
Choose the Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner if your small business needs 36 ppm output, a 50-page feeder and two-sided scanning. Choose the MFC-L2820DW if you want a compact all-in-one, or the HL-L2405W for straightforward wireless printing at home.
For a busy office, choose the MFC-L5710DW for 48 ppm output and duplex scanning. Choose the MFC-L5915DW when a 70-page feeder and 50 ppm speed matter most, or the HL-6210DW when you only need high-volume printing.
Start with the jobs you do every week, not the jobs you hope to do one day. List how many pages you print, copy and scan, and note whether most of that work is one sided or two sided.
For a small business with mixed paper work, the Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner covers print, copy and scan in one unit. Its 50-page feeder and two-sided scanning suit reports, forms and reference sets that arrive as paper.
Choose the MFC-L2820DW if desk space is tight and you still need copy, scan and fax. Its compact body fits a small office more easily than the larger business models, and automatic duplex printing helps with longer documents.
Choose the HL-L2405W when home printing is simple and mostly digital. It has no scanner or copier, so it suits letters, forms and reports that start on a screen and only need a paper copy.
For a busy office, the MFC-L5710DW adds speed and two-sided scanning for shared use. Its trays and network options suit a team that prints through the day and needs scans sent on without delay.
Choose the MFC-L5915DW when batches are large and speed matters at every step. The 70-page feeder helps with long sets, while 50 ppm output keeps print and copy queues moving.
Choose the HL-6210DW when you only need printing but need it in high volume. Its large paper capacity and 50 ppm speed suit offices that scan elsewhere and care mainly about fast, steady output.
The best Brother monochrome laser printer is the one that matches your document functions, paper volume, connection needs and available space. Check those four points before choosing a model.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for small-business document workflows
Brother Professional Laser Printer with Scanner
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best compact Brother all-in-one
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Brother monochrome laser printer for a home office?
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best fit when you only need black-and-white printing. It offers wireless connections, a 250-sheet tray and output up to 30 pages per minute.
Choose the Brother MFC-L2820DW instead if you also need copying, scanning and faxing.
Which Brother monochrome laser printer has the highest speed?
The Brother MFC-L5915DW and Brother HL-6210DW reach up to 50 pages per minute. The MFC-L5915DW adds print, copy and scan functions, while the HL-6210DW is print-only.
Both are better suited to busy offices than occasional home printing.
Do Brother monochrome laser printers print in color?
No. The Brother models in this roundup are monochrome printers, so they produce black-and-white output.
That makes them suitable for reports, forms, invoices and other text-heavy documents.
Choose a color laser printer if your workflow needs color graphics or images.
Is automatic duplex printing useful on a Brother laser printer?
Yes. Automatic duplex printing lets the printer handle both sides of a document without you turning pages by hand.
It can reduce paper use and is useful for reports, forms and longer documents.
The HL-L2405W uses manual duplex, while the all-in-one and business models here offer automatic duplex printing.
What should you check before buying a Brother monochrome laser printer?
Check whether you need print-only output or an all-in-one with scanning and copying, then compare speed, paper capacity, duplex handling and connection options. Measure the available space before choosing a business model.
For more details, use our home printer buying guide.
