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10 Best Black And White Printers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ricoh Aficio MP 5054 Tabloid/Ledger-Size Black and White Laser Multifunction Copier - 50ppm, Print, Scan, Copy, Network, Auto Duplex, 4 Trays, Stand (Renewed)

The Ricoh Aficio MP 5054 is a solid choice for those who need a high-speed, black-and-white laser printer with multifunction capabilities such as copying and scanning. It impresses with a fast print speed of up to 50 pages per minute, making it suitable for busy offices or users with heavy printing demands. The print quality is sharp, thanks to a high resolution of up to 1200 dpi, ensuring clear text and detailed copies.

Paper handling is another strong point, with four trays standard and a large capacity of up to 4,700 sheets when expanded. This flexibility allows handling various paper sizes including tabloid (11 x 17 inches), which is less common in typical office printers. Connectivity is reliable through Ethernet, supporting network printing for multiple users, though it lacks wireless options, which might be a downside if you prefer wireless printing convenience. The printer supports automatic duplex (double-sided) printing, helping save paper and reduce costs.

As a renewed model, it comes refurbished with a 90-day limited warranty and includes about 30% toner to start, but keep in mind the cost and availability of compatible toner cartridges like the TONERLITE 3JF-05300 when budgeting. The printer is robust for medium to large office needs, and the initial setup and maintenance might be more suited for users comfortable with office equipment or with access to technical support. If you prioritize speed, paper capacity, and sharp black-and-white output in a wired network environment, this Ricoh model can be a dependable option.

#2

Used Ricoh Aficio MP 4055 Tabloid/Ledger-Size Monochrome Laser Multifunction Copier - 40ppm, Copy, Print, Scan, Auto Duplex, Network, 1200x1200 DPI, 2 Trays, Stand (Certified Refurbished)

The Ricoh Aficio MP 4055 is a solid choice for businesses needing a fast and reliable black-and-white printer and copier. It offers a good print speed of up to 40 pages per minute, which helps keep up with busy office demands. The print quality is clear and sharp thanks to a high resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, making documents easy to read and professional-looking. This model supports automatic duplex printing (double-sided), which saves paper and is convenient for creating multi-page documents.

Paper handling is one of its strong points, with a standard capacity of 1,200 sheets that can expand up to 4,700 sheets with optional trays. It also supports various paper sizes including tabloid (11"x17"), which is larger than standard letter size—useful for spreadsheets or posters. Connectivity is straightforward through Ethernet, allowing multiple devices on a network to print and scan easily, though it lacks USB or wireless options, which might limit flexibility in some setups.

As a certified refurbished unit, it comes tested and cleaned, ensuring reliable performance, but it includes used consumables and a limited 30-day parts warranty, so budgeting for replacement toner is important. This Ricoh model is well-suited for medium to large offices that need fast, high-quality monochrome printing, scanning, and copying with large paper capacity and network connectivity. It’s less ideal for small offices or those needing wireless printing or color output.

#3

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Rating
9.4
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3570 reviews

Print Speed
Prints are fast and quiet, with the original cartridge lasting for years.
Print Quality
Print quality is significantly better than any ink printer, with crisp and clear documents every time.
Connectivity Options
The wired connection option is a lifesaver for those who find wireless setups challenging.
Cost of Consumables
Toner replacement is reasonably priced, especially when bought in multipacks.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a versatile monochrome laser printer designed primarily for small businesses and home offices that need efficient printing, scanning, and copying in one compact device. It impresses with a fast print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which can significantly boost productivity, especially for users with high-volume printing needs. The automatic document feeder allows for multi-page scanning and copying, which is a time-saver for busy environments.

In terms of connectivity, the printer offers a range of options including wireless, Ethernet, and USB, making it adaptable to various networking setups. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds convenience, enabling users to print and manage the printer from their mobile devices.

Print quality is solid, with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, ensuring sharp text and clear graphics for documents. The printer also supports automatic duplexing, which can help save paper and reduce costs over time. There are a few drawbacks to consider. The initial cost may be a bit high for some users, and while the cost of consumables is competitive, users will need to keep an eye on toner usage. The printer is also relatively heavy at 25 pounds, which may be a concern for those who need to move it frequently. Additionally, while it excels at black-and-white printing, those who occasionally require color prints might find it lacking since it’s strictly monochrome.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is an excellent choice for small businesses and home office users who focus on black-and-white printing and need a reliable, multifunction device that can handle a variety of tasks efficiently.

Rating
9.4
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3570 reviews

Print Speed
Prints are fast and quiet, with the original cartridge lasting for years.
Print Quality
Print quality is significantly better than any ink printer, with crisp and clear documents every time.
Connectivity Options
The wired connection option is a lifesaver for those who find wireless setups challenging.
Cost of Consumables
Toner replacement is reasonably priced, especially when bought in multipacks.

Buying Guide for the Best Black And White Printers

When choosing a black-and-white printer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how the printer will be used. Whether you need it for home, office, or professional use, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. This spec is important because it affects productivity, especially in environments where large volumes of printing are required. For home use or small offices, a printer with a speed of 20-30 PPM is usually sufficient. For larger offices or professional settings, look for printers with speeds of 40 PPM or higher. Consider your typical printing volume to determine the right speed for you.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed documents. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general document printing, a DPI of 600x600 is usually adequate. If you need to print detailed graphics or high-quality text, look for printers with 1200x1200 DPI or higher. Assess the type of documents you will be printing most often to choose the appropriate print quality.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without experiencing wear and tear. This spec is crucial for understanding the printer's durability and suitability for your printing needs. For home use, a duty cycle of up to 5,000 pages per month is typically sufficient. For small to medium offices, look for a duty cycle of 10,000 to 50,000 pages per month. For large offices or heavy use, consider printers with a duty cycle of 100,000 pages or more. Match the duty cycle to your expected monthly printing volume.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect to and use the printer. Common options include USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing capabilities. USB connections are straightforward and reliable for single-user setups. Ethernet is ideal for networked office environments. Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is convenient for both home and office use. Mobile printing capabilities enable printing directly from smartphones and tablets. Consider how you will be using the printer and choose the connectivity options that best suit your needs.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. This spec is important for ensuring the printer can handle your specific printing tasks. For standard document printing, a printer with a 250-sheet input tray and support for letter and legal sizes is usually sufficient. If you need to print on different media types or larger volumes, look for printers with multiple trays, higher capacities, and support for various paper sizes and types. Think about the types of documents you will be printing and choose a printer with appropriate paper handling capabilities.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes the price of toner cartridges and other replaceable parts. This spec is important because it affects the overall cost of ownership. Toner cartridges can vary significantly in price and yield (number of pages printed per cartridge). Look for printers with high-yield cartridges if you print frequently, as they can reduce the cost per page. Additionally, consider the availability and cost of other consumables like drum units and maintenance kits. Evaluate your printing volume and budget to choose a printer with affordable consumables.

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