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 Printer 2025 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

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
9.9
Chosen by1,116
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1920 reviews

Print Speed
Prints very fast with crisp, high-quality output, outperforming any inkjet printer I've used.
Print Quality
Prints very fast with crisp, high-quality output, outperforming any inkjet printer I've used.
Connectivity Options
Perfect for non-tech savvy users, with easy plug-and-play setup and dependable wired connection.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for small businesses or home offices, thanks to its compact design and multifunction capabilities. It combines printing, scanning, and copying in one unit, making it a space-saver while delivering high-quality monochrome prints. With impressive print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, it’s designed for productivity, which is a key asset for users with high printing demands. The automatic duplexing feature further enhances efficiency by allowing double-sided printing, which can help save on paper costs.

One of the standout features is its flexible connectivity options. Users can connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB, accommodating various setups, and the Brother Mobile Connect app makes it easy to manage printing and scanning from a mobile device.

However, while the printer excels in performance, it's not without its drawbacks. The maximum print resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI is sufficient for monochrome text documents, but it may not satisfy those needing high-resolution images or graphics. Additionally, the printer's weight of 25 pounds could be a consideration for users who require portability.

When it comes to cost-effectiveness, the Brother Genuine toner subscription service provides a hassle-free way to manage toner supplies and can lead to savings of up to 50%. However, users should be aware that replacement toner costs can add up, especially if printing volume is consistently high.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is an excellent multifunction printer for those prioritizing speed and efficiency in monochrome printing. It suits small businesses and home offices well, but individuals looking for high-resolution color printing may need to explore other options.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,116
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1920 reviews

Print Speed
Prints very fast with crisp, high-quality output, outperforming any inkjet printer I've used.
Print Quality
Prints very fast with crisp, high-quality output, outperforming any inkjet printer I've used.
Connectivity Options
Perfect for non-tech savvy users, with easy plug-and-play setup and dependable wired connection.
#2

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Rating
9.8
Print Speed
Print Quality
Duty Cycle

Most important from
1163 reviews

Print Speed
For its price, it offers excellent value, especially with its fast and accurate printing.
Print Quality
Switching from inkjet to laser was a revelation; the print quality is outstanding and much quieter.
Duty Cycle
Despite the challenging setup, the printer performs reliably for everyday monochrome printing needs.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but once connected, it prints flawlessly.

The Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome Laser Printer is a compact and efficient choice for homes and home offices. Its print speed of up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) ensures quick document printing, while the print quality of 1200 x 1200 dpi produces sharp and clear text, making it suitable for everyday black and white document needs. The printer is equipped with a 250-sheet paper tray and a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper, which adds to its versatility in handling various print media sizes up to 8.5 x 14 inches. However, it lacks automatic duplex printing, meaning you will need to manually flip pages for double-sided prints, which can be time-consuming for large print jobs.

Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi and USB, allowing flexibility in connecting multiple devices, and remote management is possible through the Brother Mobile Connect app. This app enables mobile printing and easy tracking of toner usage, which can be very convenient. The cost of consumables is reasonable, especially with the optional Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service that offers savings on Brother Genuine Toner. Nonetheless, toner replacement costs can still add up over time, so it's something to consider.

The printer is lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into small spaces, but its duty cycle limitations mean it is best suited for moderate use rather than high-volume printing. The Brother HL-L2405W is supported by a 1-year limited warranty and customer service options, which provides some peace of mind. This printer is a solid choice for users who need reliable, everyday monochrome printing with good speed and quality, and who value wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities.

Rating
9.8
Print Speed
Print Quality
Duty Cycle

Most important from
1163 reviews

Print Speed
For its price, it offers excellent value, especially with its fast and accurate printing.
Print Quality
Switching from inkjet to laser was a revelation; the print quality is outstanding and much quieter.
Duty Cycle
Despite the challenging setup, the printer performs reliably for everyday monochrome printing needs.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the Wi-Fi can be frustrating, but once connected, it prints flawlessly.
#3

Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output

Rating
9.6
Print Speed
Print Quality
Duty Cycle

Most important from
1691 reviews

Print Speed
Prints quickly and reliably, handling small to medium workloads with ease and consistent quality.
Print Quality
Print quality is sharp and clear, making documents easy to read and professional in appearance.
Duty Cycle
Prints quickly and reliably, handling small to medium workloads with ease and consistent quality.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly straightforward, connecting to wireless networks in under a minute without hassle.
Cost of Consumables
Toner replacement costs are reasonable, but users should be aware of the Brother Refresh program’s page-monitoring and charges beyond the trial, which some find invasive and frustrating.

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a solid choice for home offices and small teams needing reliable black-and-white printing. It delivers fast print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, which helps when you have a lot to print. The print quality is sharp and clear with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, making documents easy to read. This printer supports automatic duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper and save on paper costs.

Its 250-sheet paper tray is convenient for handling a decent volume of pages between refills, and a manual feed slot lets you print envelopes or special paper when needed. Connectivity is versatile, offering wireless dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB options, plus mobile printing via the Brother Mobile Connect app, so you can print from smartphones or tablets easily. The printer is compact and energy-efficient, which is great if space and power use matter to you.

It only prints in black and white, which is typical for monochrome printers but limits use if color printing is required. The initial warm-up time is about 8.5 seconds, so the first page takes a moment longer. The cost of toner is reasonable, though replacement costs should be considered for heavy users. Backed by a one-year warranty and good customer support, this printer balances affordability with dependable performance, making it well-suited for everyday document printing without extra bells and whistles.

Rating
9.6
Print Speed
Print Quality
Duty Cycle

Most important from
1691 reviews

Print Speed
Prints quickly and reliably, handling small to medium workloads with ease and consistent quality.
Print Quality
Print quality is sharp and clear, making documents easy to read and professional in appearance.
Duty Cycle
Prints quickly and reliably, handling small to medium workloads with ease and consistent quality.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly straightforward, connecting to wireless networks in under a minute without hassle.
Cost of Consumables
Toner replacement costs are reasonable, but users should be aware of the Brother Refresh program’s page-monitoring and charges beyond the trial, which some find invasive and frustrating.

Buying Guide for the Best Monochrome Printer

When choosing a monochrome printer, it's important to consider your specific needs and how the printer's features align with them. Monochrome printers are ideal for printing text documents, making them a great choice for home offices, small businesses, or anyone who primarily prints in black and white. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they impact the printer's performance and suitability for your tasks.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and indicates how quickly the printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. Printers with speeds of 20-30 PPM are suitable for home use or small offices, while speeds of 30-50 PPM are better for larger offices with higher printing demands. If you print occasionally, a lower PPM will suffice, but for frequent, high-volume printing, opt for a higher PPM.
Print QualityPrint quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI) and determines the clarity and detail of the printed documents. Higher DPI values result in sharper and more detailed prints. For general text documents, a DPI of 600x600 is usually sufficient. If you need to print detailed graphics or high-quality text, look for printers with 1200x1200 DPI or higher. Consider your typical print jobs to decide the necessary print quality.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without experiencing issues. This is crucial for understanding the printer's durability and suitability for your printing volume. For home use or small offices, a duty cycle of up to 10,000 pages per month is often adequate. For larger offices with heavy printing needs, look for a duty cycle of 20,000 pages or more. Match the duty cycle to your expected monthly print volume to ensure reliability.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect to the printer. Common options include USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. USB is suitable for direct connections to a single computer, while Ethernet is ideal for networked office environments. Wi-Fi allows for wireless printing from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets. Consider your setup and how you prefer to print when choosing connectivity options. For flexibility, a printer with multiple connectivity options is beneficial.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper the printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. This is important if you need to print on different media types or require large print runs without frequent paper refills. Look for printers with multiple paper trays and higher capacity if you print in large volumes. If you need to print on envelopes, labels, or other media, ensure the printer supports these formats. Match the paper handling capabilities to your typical print jobs.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables includes toner cartridges and maintenance kits, which can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. It's important to consider how often you'll need to replace these items and their prices. High-yield toner cartridges may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run. Research the cost and availability of consumables for the printer models you're considering to ensure they fit within your budget and usage patterns.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now