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10 Best Monochrome Printer 2026 in the United States

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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
10.0
Chosen by1,333
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3537 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
10.0
Chosen by1,333
Print Speed
Print Quality
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3537 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 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
7.9
Print Quality
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3659 reviews

Print Quality
Delivers exceptionally clear laser printing with crisp text and sharp lines, making documents easy to read without smudging or fading.
Print Speed
A reliable wireless printer that connects smoothly to Wi-Fi and prints quickly and dependably from multiple devices.
Connectivity Options
Supports both wired and wireless connections, with easy network configuration including static IP setup accessible via any browser.
Cost of Consumables
The toner cartridges have incredible longevity, never drying out and supporting hundreds of pages, which saves money over time.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact and efficient monochrome laser printer designed mainly for small businesses or home office use. It prints up to 36 black-and-white pages per minute, which helps when handling a large volume of documents. The print quality is good for text documents, offering a sharp 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, so your prints look clear and professional. Automatic duplex printing saves paper by printing on both sides without extra effort.

This model includes handy copy and scan features, plus a 50-page automatic document feeder that makes scanning or copying multiple pages much easier and faster. Connectivity is flexible with options for wireless dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, allowing printing from laptops, smartphones, or tablets without hassle. The Brother Mobile Connect app further simplifies printing and monitoring toner usage remotely.

Paper handling is straightforward, with a single 250-sheet tray supporting standard sizes up to legal (8.5 x 14 inches). This capacity is decent for everyday office tasks but may require frequent refills in very high-volume environments. The printer supports plain paper and envelopes. It uses Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner cartridges. The Refresh EZ Print Subscription service helps manage toner replacements conveniently and can offer savings, although replacement toner cost is something to consider compared to some other brands. The printer is ENERGY STAR certified, indicating energy efficiency. While print speed and connectivity are strong points, the single paper tray and 1-year limited warranty might not suit businesses needing heavy-duty printing or longer-term peace of mind. The renewed (refurbished) status may also be a factor for some buyers. This Brother printer is a solid choice for those needing a reliable, fast monochrome printer with scanning and copying for a small office or home workspace, especially when wireless printing convenience is important. It balances performance and ease of use but might not fit very high-volume or specialized printing needs.

Rating
7.9
Print Quality
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3659 reviews

Print Quality
Delivers exceptionally clear laser printing with crisp text and sharp lines, making documents easy to read without smudging or fading.
Print Speed
A reliable wireless printer that connects smoothly to Wi-Fi and prints quickly and dependably from multiple devices.
Connectivity Options
Supports both wired and wireless connections, with easy network configuration including static IP setup accessible via any browser.
Cost of Consumables
The toner cartridges have incredible longevity, never drying out and supporting hundreds of pages, which saves money over time.
#3

KYOCERA ECOSYS MA5500ifx All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer, 57 ppm

Rating
7.9
Print Speed
Duty Cycle
Connectivity Options

Most important from
8 reviews

Print Speed
Its fast printing speed and scanning capabilities handle office tasks efficiently without delays.
Duty Cycle
The ECOSYS technology delivers cost-effective consumables and supports high-volume printing with a generous paper capacity.
Connectivity Options
The lack of built-in WiFi limits flexibility, requiring wired connections or optional add-ons for wireless use.
Cost of Consumables
The ECOSYS technology delivers cost-effective consumables and supports high-volume printing with a generous paper capacity.

The KYOCERA ECOSYS MA5500ifx is a reliable all-in-one monochrome laser printer designed for busy office environments that need fast and consistent black-and-white printing. It offers a strong print speed of up to 57 pages per minute, which is excellent for handling large volumes quickly. The print quality is sharp with a fine resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, ideal for clear text and detailed documents. It supports duplex (double-sided) printing, helping to save paper. The printer has a solid duty cycle, suitable for high workloads, and a generous 600-sheet input capacity, so you won’t be refilling paper too often.

Connectivity options include Ethernet for stable wired networks, plus USB and SDHC support, giving some flexibility but no wireless printing. A bright 7-inch touchscreen control panel makes navigating the functions easy. One notable advantage is KYOCERA's ECOSYS technology, which typically means lower running costs and longer-lasting components compared to standard cartridges, making consumables more economical over time.

The printer is quite large and heavy, so it’s best suited for offices with enough space. It also doesn’t support color prints, which limits it strictly to black-and-white tasks. This model fits well for offices needing a fast, durable, and cost-effective monochrome printer with scanning, copying, and fax capabilities, especially where a wired network setup is preferred.

Rating
7.9
Print Speed
Duty Cycle
Connectivity Options

Most important from
8 reviews

Print Speed
Its fast printing speed and scanning capabilities handle office tasks efficiently without delays.
Duty Cycle
The ECOSYS technology delivers cost-effective consumables and supports high-volume printing with a generous paper capacity.
Connectivity Options
The lack of built-in WiFi limits flexibility, requiring wired connections or optional add-ons for wireless use.
Cost of Consumables
The ECOSYS technology delivers cost-effective consumables and supports high-volume printing with a generous paper capacity.

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.

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