We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Monochrome Laser Printers 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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 offices needing a reliable monochrome laser printer that also copies and scans. It prints at a fast speed of 40 pages per minute, which is suitable for medium to busy workgroups. The print quality is sharp with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, ensuring clear text and detailed documents. Paper handling is flexible with two trays holding up to 1,200 sheets standard, expandable to 4,700 sheets with options, and it supports various paper sizes up to 11 x 17 inches, including tabloid and ledger formats. Auto duplex (double-sided printing) is a useful feature to reduce paper use.

Connectivity is mainly via Ethernet, which is common in office networks, but it lacks USB or wireless options that some modern users might expect. Being a certified refurbished unit, it comes cleaned and tested, backed by a 30-day parts warranty, which can offer peace of mind but may be limited compared to new models. This printer’s automatic document feeder and multifunction capabilities add convenience.

Users wanting wireless printing or a longer warranty might want to explore alternatives. The Ricoh Aficio MP 4055 fits well for offices prioritizing speed, print quality, and paper versatility at a potentially lower price point through refurbishment, while accepting some trade-offs in connectivity and warranty length.

#2

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
3669 reviews

Print Speed
It offers fast and quiet printing, with the benefit of a wired connection that minimizes network issues.
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high, delivering crisp documents that surpass the performance of inkjet printers.
Connectivity Options
The printer integrates seamlessly with Wi-Fi, ensuring smooth communication and operation without any issues.
Operating Costs
Toner replacement is reasonably priced, and the printer's toner lasts a long time, making it cost-effective.
Additional Features
The printer handles multiple tasks efficiently, including scanning and copying, with features like double-sided ID copying.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a reliable monochrome laser printer designed with small businesses in mind. Its standout feature is the impressive print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, making it a great choice for environments where fast printing is essential. The additional capabilities of scanning and copying add versatility, reflected in its 3-in-1 functionality that saves space and enhances productivity. Furthermore, the automatic document feeder can accommodate up to 50 pages, streamlining multi-page tasks.

In terms of connectivity, this printer offers multiple options including dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections, making it easy to integrate into various office setups. The Brother Mobile Connect app enhances user experience by allowing management and printing directly from mobile devices. This is particularly useful for those who need to handle tasks on the go.

Some users might find the initial setup and wireless configuration a bit tricky, especially if they're not very tech-savvy. Additionally, while the print quality is generally good for black and white documents, it may not meet the expectations for high-quality graphics or images. The operating costs, while reasonable, can add up if toner is not managed properly, although the Refresh EZ Print Subscription service offers a way to save on toner costs over time. The printer's compact design and weight of 25 pounds allow it to fit comfortably in smaller workspaces, yet it does have a relatively limited input capacity of 250 sheets, which might require frequent refills in a busy office.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is an excellent option for small businesses needing efficient, high-speed monochrome printing, but users should be aware of its limitations in print quality for images and the need for some technical savvy during setup.

Rating
9.4
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3669 reviews

Print Speed
It offers fast and quiet printing, with the benefit of a wired connection that minimizes network issues.
Print Quality
Print quality is consistently high, delivering crisp documents that surpass the performance of inkjet printers.
Connectivity Options
The printer integrates seamlessly with Wi-Fi, ensuring smooth communication and operation without any issues.
Operating Costs
Toner replacement is reasonably priced, and the printer's toner lasts a long time, making it cost-effective.
Additional Features
The printer handles multiple tasks efficiently, including scanning and copying, with features like double-sided ID copying.
#3

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

Rating
8.8
Print Quality
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3659 reviews

Print Quality
Delivers exceptionally clear black and white printing with crisp text and sharp lines, perfect for reading detailed documents without smudging or fading.
Print Speed
Offers great value for home and small office use, combining fast printing speeds with automatic duplex printing and straightforward paper handling.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and connecting to Wi-Fi is seamless, enabling smooth printing from multiple devices without connection issues.
Paper Handling
Offers great value for home and small office use, combining fast printing speeds with automatic duplex printing and straightforward paper handling.
Operating Costs
Toner cartridges have excellent longevity and won't dry out like traditional inkjet cartridges, making it a cost-effective, 'set it and forget it' solution.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for small businesses or home offices needing a reliable monochrome laser printer that also scans and copies. It prints quickly at up to 36 pages per minute, which helps when you have many documents to handle. The print quality is sharp enough for everyday black and white documents, with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. Duplex (double-sided) printing is automatic, saving you time and paper. Paper handling is straightforward with a 250-sheet tray and a 50-page automatic document feeder, making multi-page scanning and copying easier.

Connectivity is flexible: it supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, Ethernet, and USB connection, so you can connect multiple devices or print from mobile phones using the Brother Mobile Connect app. This app also helps manage supplies and toner usage remotely. Speaking of toner, it uses genuine Brother TN830 or TN830XL cartridges, and there’s a toner subscription option that can save money and avoid running out.

The printer is fairly compact for its capabilities but weighs 25 pounds, so it’s best placed in a fixed spot. Operating costs can be reasonable if you use the subscription service, but toner replacement might be on the pricier side without it. It is a dependable printer for black and white document needs, but if you require color printing or very high-resolution images, this model will not meet those needs. The inclusion of scanning and copying functions adds value, making it a versatile all-in-one device. It does not have multiple paper trays, so handling diverse media types or large volumes may require frequent refills.

Rating
8.8
Print Quality
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3659 reviews

Print Quality
Delivers exceptionally clear black and white printing with crisp text and sharp lines, perfect for reading detailed documents without smudging or fading.
Print Speed
Offers great value for home and small office use, combining fast printing speeds with automatic duplex printing and straightforward paper handling.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and connecting to Wi-Fi is seamless, enabling smooth printing from multiple devices without connection issues.
Paper Handling
Offers great value for home and small office use, combining fast printing speeds with automatic duplex printing and straightforward paper handling.
Operating Costs
Toner cartridges have excellent longevity and won't dry out like traditional inkjet cartridges, making it a cost-effective, 'set it and forget it' solution.

Buying Guide for the Best Monochrome Laser Printers

Choosing the right monochrome laser printer involves understanding your specific needs and matching them with the printer's features. Monochrome laser printers are ideal for high-volume text printing, offering speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. To make an informed decision, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents regularly. Printers with speeds of 20-30 PPM are suitable for home or small office use, while speeds of 30-50 PPM are better for medium-sized offices. For large offices or high-demand environments, look for printers with speeds above 50 PPM. Consider your typical print volume and choose a speed that ensures efficiency without unnecessary waiting.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed text and images. Higher DPI values result in sharper and more detailed prints. For standard text documents, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. If you need higher quality for detailed graphics or professional documents, look for printers with 1200 x 1200 DPI or higher. Assess the nature of your printing tasks to decide the level of print quality you need.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without experiencing wear and tear. This is crucial for ensuring the printer's longevity and reliability. For home use or small offices, a duty cycle of up to 10,000 pages per month is typically adequate. Medium-sized offices might need a duty cycle of 10,000 to 50,000 pages, while large offices should look for printers with a duty cycle exceeding 50,000 pages. Estimate your monthly print volume to choose a printer that can handle your workload.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. USB connections are straightforward for single-user setups, while Ethernet is ideal for wired network environments. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, which is convenient for shared office spaces. Consider your workspace setup and the devices you will be printing from to select the appropriate connectivity options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling capabilities include the types and sizes of paper the printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its input and output trays. This is important for ensuring the printer meets your specific printing needs. Standard printers handle letter and legal-sized paper, but if you need to print on envelopes, labels, or other media, check for compatibility. Input tray capacities range from 100 to 500 sheets or more; larger capacities reduce the frequency of refilling. Evaluate the types of documents you print and choose a printer with suitable paper handling features.
Operating CostsOperating costs include the price of toner cartridges and the printer's efficiency in using them. This is important for managing long-term expenses. Some printers have high-capacity toner cartridges that reduce the cost per page, while others may have lower upfront costs but higher ongoing expenses. Look for printers with efficient toner usage and consider the availability and cost of replacement cartridges. Calculate the cost per page and factor in your print volume to determine the most cost-effective option.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as duplex printing (automatic double-sided printing), mobile printing capabilities, and security features can enhance the functionality and convenience of the printer. Duplex printing saves paper and is environmentally friendly, while mobile printing allows for easy printing from smartphones and tablets. Security features are important for protecting sensitive information in a business environment. Consider which additional features will benefit your workflow and choose a printer that offers those enhancements.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now