6 Best Monochrome Laser Printers (November 2026)
The best monochrome laser printers include the Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser for small office workflows, the Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP for simple wired multifunction printing, and the HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black for compact wireless multifunction use.
On this page (4 sections)
The best monochrome laser printer for most small offices is the Brother MFC-L2820DW, because it combines printing with copying, scanning, faxing, automatic duplexing and flexible connections. One machine can handle routine paperwork without sending jobs elsewhere.
The Canon MF3010 VP is a simpler wired option for a single workstation. It covers printing, scanning and copying through a direct connection.
The Brother HL-L6210DW suits high-volume office output. As a print-only model, it focuses on speed, larger paper capacity and shared use.
Monochrome laser printers produce black and white pages for forms, reports, invoices and schoolwork. Their value comes from sharp text and efficient handling of standard documents.
Print speed is only part of the decision. Paper capacity, duplexing and connections affect how often you need to intervene.
You also need to choose between print-only and all-in-one models. Print-only keeps the setup narrower, while all-in-one adds scanning and copying in one footprint.
Wireless access helps when several devices share a printer or the machine cannot sit beside one computer. Automatic 2-sided printing also saves time on longer documents.
A larger paper supply reduces refill frequency for regular work. That matters more in an office than in a light-use home setup.
Setup should match the room and workload. A compact model suits a small desk, while a larger office printer needs space for paper and access.
Care and supplies matter before you buy. Toner type, cartridge yield and replacement ordering affect routine running costs.
If you are comparing printer types, start with our home printer buying guide. It explains the main choices across printers and scanners, including features that affect daily setup.
Use that guide to narrow the category first. Then compare these models on functions, speed, connections and paper handling.
For most small offices, the MFC-L2820DW covers the widest set of tasks. The other picks suit a simpler wired setup, a smaller wireless unit or a faster print-only machine for shared output.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for small office workflowsBrother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
Best for compact wireless multifunction useHP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for fast duplex multifunction printingCheck it - 5
Check itBrother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for everyday home printing - 6
Best for high-volume office outputCheck it
The best monochrome laser printers for different needs
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the best overall match for a small office that needs several document functions. The other picks serve narrower needs, from compact wireless printing to high-volume office output.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The products are listed from highest score to lowest score.
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser: Best for small office workflows
- Print, copy, scan and fax
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB
The MFC-L2820DW covers the widest range of everyday office tasks here. Its automatic duplexing, 250-sheet tray and 50-page auto document feeder reduce manual work.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing
- Copy, scan and fax functions
- Flexible wired and wireless connections
Cons
- Heavier and larger than compact print-only models
- More functions than a buyer who only prints may need
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the most complete option in this group. It prints, copies, scans and faxes, so one device can handle routine document work instead of sending those jobs to separate equipment.
Its automatic duplex printing helps reduce page turning for 2-sided documents. The 250-sheet paper tray also means fewer refills than the smaller 150-sheet option in this group, while the 50-page auto document feeder helps with multi-page copy, scan and fax jobs.
The printer supports dual-band wireless at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Ethernet and USB. Its 2.7-inch touchscreen can print from and scan to cloud apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and OneNote.
Brother gives this model a maximum copy speed of 34 pages per minute and a maximum copy resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. The printer measures 15.7 x 16.1 x 12.5 inches and weighs 22.5 lb.
Choose it when your workspace needs printing plus copying, scanning and faxing. If your needs are limited to black and white pages, a print-only model may use less desk space and involve fewer controls.
For a closer look at this type of setup, see our guide to the best monochrome laser printer for home office.
Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP: Best for simple wired multifunction printing
- Print, scan and copy
- 19 pages per minute
- 150-sheet paper capacity
- USB cable included
- 2,300-page toner yield in box
The Canon MF3010 VP keeps the setup focused on wired printing, scanning and copying. Its 150-sheet capacity and included USB cable suit a single-computer workspace.
Pros
- Print, scan and copy functions
- USB cable included
- ID card copy feature
Cons
- Slower than the other multifunction picks
- Wired setup limits placement flexibility
The Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP is a wired multifunction printer for buyers who want printing, scanning and copying from a single computer. It prints at 19 pages per minute, which is slower than the other multifunction models here but still suited to regular document work.
Its 150-sheet paper capacity works well for a personal workstation. The included USB cable supports a direct connection, and the package includes a power cord, user software CD, getting started guide and warranty card.
The Canon can scan in color up to 600 dpi interpolated quality and includes ID card copy. Its maximum black and white copy resolution is listed as 600 dpi by 400 dpi or 600 x 600 dpi.
The MF3010 VP measures 20.25 x 20 x 14.25 inches and weighs 16.8 lb. It works with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux for print-only use, according to its compatibility information.
Choose it when a wired connection and basic multifunction work are enough. Its larger stated dimensions and slower output make it less appealing for buyers who need a compact wireless printer or frequent high-volume printing.
HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black: Best for compact wireless multifunction use
- Print, scan and copy
- Wireless printing
- 21 black and white pages per minute
- ID card copying
- HP Smart app support
The HP M140w is the smallest multifunction option in this group by its stated dimensions. Wireless printing and mobile support make it useful where desk space is limited.
Pros
- Compact dimensions
- Wireless printing
- Print, scan and copy functions
Cons
- No automatic duplexing
- USB 2.0 is the listed hardware interface
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is the compact wireless choice for small teams and tight desks. It prints, scans and copies, with a listed single-sided speed of up to 21 black and white pages per minute.
Its 10.4 x 14.2 x 7.8-inch size is the smallest stated footprint in this roundup. Wireless printing works from mobile devices, PCs and tablets, and HP supports printing from Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android and Chromebook devices.
The HP Smart app supports mobile printing, copying and scanning to the cloud. The printer also copies both sides of ID cards or other small documents onto the same side of one sheet.
The M140w does not provide automatic duplexing. If you regularly print long documents on both sides, the Canon MF273dw or Brother MFC-L2820DW offers a better fit.
Choose the HP for compact wireless multifunction printing. Keep its print-only speed and lack of automatic duplexing in mind if your work includes larger document batches.
Our best monochrome laser all-in-one guide is the next useful comparison if you need scanning and copying as well as printing.
Canon imageCLASS MF273dw: Best for fast duplex multifunction printing
- Wireless print, copy and scan
- 30 pages per minute
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- Auto document feeder
- 5.3-second first print
The MF273dw adds wireless printing and automatic 2-sided output to a fast multifunction design. It fits buyers who want fewer page turns without moving to a fax-equipped model.
Pros
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- 30 pages per minute
- Wireless multifunction design
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the HP M140w
- Fax is not listed among its functions
The Canon imageCLASS MF273dw is the fast duplex multifunction choice for home and small office use. It prints, copies and scans at up to 30 pages per minute, with a first print in about 5.3 seconds.
Its automatic 2-sided printing makes it easier to produce double-sided documents without manually turning pages. That helps with reports and forms where page order matters.
The auto document feeder also helps with multi-page jobs. You can load a stack for copying or scanning instead of feeding pages one by one.
Wireless printing supports more flexible placement around the home or office. It also lets laptops and other compatible devices share the printer without a direct cable to each one.
Canon lists a maximum black and white print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi. That figure relates to the detail the printer can produce on black and white documents.
The machine measures 14.6 x 15.4 x 14.4 inches and weighs 24.7 lb. It is heavier and larger than the compact HP M140w, so desk space should be checked before purchase.
The MF273dw uses Canon 071 or 071 high-capacity toner. It includes a starter cartridge with a 700-page yield, documentation and a power cord.
For daily care, keep the paper tray loaded with the size you use most and check toner levels before larger batches. Clearing the feeder and output area regularly also helps keep multi-page jobs running smoothly.
Choose it when speed and automatic duplexing matter more than fax. If you need a smaller multifunction printer, the HP M140w takes less space, but it does not provide automatic duplexing.
For wireless comparisons, see the best monochrome wireless laser printer guide.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer: Best for everyday home printing
- Print-only design
- 30 pages per minute
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Dual-band wireless
- Manual feed slot
The HL-L2405W is the focused choice for clear black and white pages without scanner or copier hardware. Its 250-sheet tray and wireless connection suit regular home office printing.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Wireless printing
- 250-sheet paper tray
Cons
- Print-only design
- Manual duplexing
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best focused printer for everyday home office pages. It is a print-only model with wireless access, USB connection and a rated speed of up to 30 pages per minute.
Its 250-sheet paper tray reduces refill frequency for regular document work. A manual feed slot also supports envelopes and specialty paper, while dual-band wireless connects it to multiple devices.
Unlike the MFC-L2820DW, this model does not scan, copy or fax. Duplexing is manual, so you need to turn pages yourself when making 2-sided documents.
The printer measures 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 inches and weighs 15.1 lb. Brother lists a maximum black and white print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and supports TN830, TN830XL and TN830XL2PK toner cartridges.
Choose it when you mainly print black and white documents and want a compact wireless device. Select an all-in-one instead if you regularly scan forms or copy identification documents.
The best monochrome laser printer for office use comparison can help if several people will share the printer.
Brother Laser Printer: Best for high-volume office output
- 50 pages per minute
- 520-sheet main tray
- 100-sheet multipurpose tray
- Automatic duplex printing
- Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless
The Brother HL-6210DW is built around speed, paper capacity and shared office printing. It is the best fit here when print-only output matters more than a compact cabinet.
Pros
- Fastest print speed here
- Large paper capacity
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- Print-only design
- Heavier than the compact models
The Brother HL-L6210DW is the high-volume office pick because it combines a 50-page-per-minute speed with a 520-sheet main tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. It is a print-only monochrome laser printer.
Its automatic duplex printing supports longer documents with fewer manual page turns. Built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless allow it to serve wired and wireless office networks, while USB 2.0 provides a local connection.
The printer supports up to 1,660 sheets with optional trays. Brother lists an 18,000-page ultra-high-yield replacement toner option and includes a TN920 cartridge with a 3,000-page yield.
The HL-L6210DW measures 15.3 x 14.7 x 11.4 inches and weighs 29.8 lb. Its maximum black and white print resolution is up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.
Choose it for shared office printing, large document batches and fewer paper refills. Its print-only design and heavier body make it less suitable for a small personal desk where scanning or copying is also needed.
How to choose the right monochrome laser printer
Choose a multifunction printer if you need to scan or copy documents. The Brother MFC-L2820DW adds faxing, while the Canon MF3010 VP, HP M140w and Canon MF273dw focus on print, scan and copy work.
Choose a print-only printer if scanning and copying are not part of your routine. The Brother HL-L2405W is the compact wireless choice, while the Brother HL-L6210DW is built for speed and larger paper supplies.
What print speed should you look for?
A speed around 19 to 21 pages per minute is enough for light personal printing. The Canon MF3010 VP prints at 19 pages per minute, while the HP M140w reaches 21 pages per minute.
For a busier home office, 30 pages per minute gives more room for document batches. The Canon MF273dw and Brother HL-L2405W reach 30 pages per minute, while the Brother HL-L2820DW reaches 34 pages per minute.
The Brother HL-L6210DW is the fastest model here at 50 pages per minute. Its large paper capacity makes it a better office pick than a compact personal printer.
Is automatic duplex printing worth it?
Automatic duplex printing is useful when you often create 2-sided documents. It turns the pages for you, while manual duplexing requires you to handle the paper between sides.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW, Canon MF3010 VP, Canon MF273dw and Brother HL-L6210DW include automatic duplexing in their data. The Brother HL-L2405W uses manual duplexing, and the HP M140w does not provide duplex printing.
How much paper capacity do you need?
A 150-sheet tray is suitable for a personal workstation with moderate printing. The Canon MF3010 VP uses that capacity, while the Brother MFC-L2820DW and Brother HL-L2405W each provide a 250-sheet tray.
Office users who print large batches should look at the Brother HL-L6210DW. Its 520-sheet main tray and 100-sheet multipurpose tray provide more room before the next refill.
A larger tray does not replace checking paper size support. The models here list a maximum media size of 8.5 x 14 inches where that information is provided, so confirm the paper you use before ordering.
Do you need wireless printing?
Wireless printing is useful when several laptops, phones or tablets need access. It also lets you place the printer away from one fixed computer, subject to your workspace and network setup.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW, HP M140w, Canon MF273dw, Brother HL-L2405W and Brother HL-L6210DW include wireless options. The Canon MF3010 VP is the wired choice in this group.
For a small desk, compare the best small monochrome laser printer options before choosing a larger multifunction model.
Brand options for monochrome laser printing
Brand choice can narrow the search, but the right model still depends on functions, connection and workload. Check paper capacity, duplexing and whether scanning or copying is included.
HP is represented here by the compact M140w. It targets small teams and tight desks where wireless printing and a small footprint matter.
The M140w prints, scans and copies at up to 21 pages per minute. It supports mobile printing and the HP Smart app for cloud scanning and phone printing.
Its main trade-off is the lack of automatic duplexing. Longer double-sided documents need manual handling.
Compare more models in our best HP monochrome laser printer guide. It helps if another HP model fits your workload better.
Canon offers the wired MF3010 VP and the wireless MF273dw. They sit at different ends of this list in speed and connection options.
The MF3010 VP suits a single computer with a direct USB connection. It prints at 19 pages per minute and includes print, scan and copy functions.
The MF273dw is faster at up to 30 pages per minute. It adds wireless printing and automatic 2-sided printing for busier home office work.
Our best Canon monochrome laser printer comparison separates simple wired multifunction printing from faster duplex models. Use it when deciding between those two Canon approaches.
Brother covers compact print-only use, small-office multifunction work and high-volume output. That range makes it easier to match the device to the job.
The HL-L2405W is the compact print-only pick for everyday home printing. It has wireless access, a 250-sheet tray and a manual feed slot.
The MFC-L2820DW adds copying, scanning and faxing for small offices. Its automatic duplexing and 50-page auto document feeder reduce manual work.
The HL-L6210DW moves to shared office output at 50 pages per minute. It pairs that speed with a 520-sheet main tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray.
See the best Brother monochrome laser printer guide for that wider range. It helps you compare Brother models side by side before choosing.
If your workflow needs separate paper types, the best monochrome laser printer dual tray guide compares tray layouts. Separate trays reduce swapping between plain paper and specialty stock.
Brand should be the starting point, not the final answer. Functions, connection type, paper handling and desk space still decide which model fits best.
Verdict: which monochrome laser printer should you choose?
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the best monochrome laser printer for most small offices because it combines print, copy, scan and fax functions with automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet tray and flexible connections.
It suits a workspace where documents need to be produced, copied, scanned or sent by fax from one machine. The 50-page auto document feeder helps with multi-page jobs without constant page handling.
Dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB give choice in how devices connect. That flexibility helps when several people use the printer or when it cannot sit beside one computer.
Choose the Canon MF3010 VP for a simple wired workstation. It covers printing, scanning and copying through a direct connection for a single-computer setup.
Choose the HP M140w for compact wireless multifunction printing. Its small size suits tight desks, but it has no automatic duplexing and a lower top speed than the faster picks.
Choose the Canon MF273dw for faster automatic duplex output. It prints, copies and scans at up to 30 pages per minute with wireless access.
Choose the Brother HL-L2405W for everyday print-only use. It is a compact wireless printer for black and white documents, with a 250-sheet tray and manual duplexing.
Choose the Brother HL-L6210DW for shared office workloads. It is the fastest model here at 50 pages per minute, with large paper capacity and automatic duplexing.
For setup, measure the desk first and plan where paper, cables and output pages will go. A larger tray only helps if the printer fits the space where it will be used.
For routine care, keep the correct paper size loaded and check toner before busy periods. That reduces interruptions during larger batches.
For the shortest decision, choose the MFC-L2820DW if you need one printer for many tasks, choose the HL-L2405W if you only print, and choose the HL-L6210DW if speed and paper capacity matter most.
If scanning and copying are essential but fax is not, the MF273dw is the tighter match. If desk space is the main limit, the HP M140w is the smaller multifunction option.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for small office workflows
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for compact wireless multifunction use
HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a monochrome laser printer?
A monochrome laser printer produces black and white documents rather than color pages. It uses toner and laser printing for text, forms and other everyday documents.
Choose a multifunction model if you also need scanning or copying.
A print-only model can make more sense when your main goal is fast document output.
Which monochrome laser printer is best for a small office?
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the strongest small-office choice in this group because it combines print, copy, scan and fax functions with automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet tray and a 50-page auto document feeder.
Choose the Canon MF273dw if you do not need fax.
Is wireless important on a monochrome laser printer?
Wireless printing helps when several devices need access or when the printer cannot sit beside one computer. The Brother MFC-L2820DW, HP M140w, Canon MF273dw, Brother HL-L2405W and Brother HL-L6210DW include wireless options.
A wired printer can still be a good fit for one fixed workstation.
Should you choose a print-only or all-in-one laser printer?
Choose a print-only monochrome laser printer when you only need documents and want a simpler device. Choose an all-in-one model when scanning, copying or faxing would otherwise require separate equipment.
The Brother HL-L2405W is the focused print-only pick, while the MFC-L2820DW covers the most office tasks.
What should you check before buying a monochrome laser printer?
Check the print speed, paper capacity, duplex method, connection type and extra functions first. Also measure the available desk space and confirm whether the model supports your preferred computers or mobile devices.
A faster printer is not automatically better if you need scanning or have limited room.
