The Best Black and White Inkjet Printer

Whether you run a busy home office or simply need crisp, professional-looking documents, a dedicated black and white printer can save time and money.

While color models are popular for photos and graphics, monochrome printing often delivers sharper text at a lower cost per page.

In this guide, we’ve researched the top black and white inkjet printers on the market, evaluating specifications, expert reviews, and verified buyer feedback to help you find the right model for your workspace.

Our picks range from compact single-function units to feature-packed all-in-ones.

At BestProducts, our team of researchers analyzes each printer’s print speed, connectivity, total cost of ownership, and user satisfaction. We then score each product on our 0, 10 BP Score using a consistent methodology.

Below, you’ll find our top-rated models along with a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Best Black and White Inkjet Printer Buying Guide

Print Speed and Volume

Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). For a busy home office, look for at least 20 ppm. Higher volume tiers (e.g., 30+ ppm) are better suited for small teams.

Monochrome laser printers often lead in speed, but modern inkjet models can keep pace for moderate use.

If you print hundreds of pages weekly, choose a printer with a high monthly duty cycle and a large paper tray to avoid constant refills.

For more on compact high-speed options, see our roundup of best small laser printers for compact workspaces.

Print Quality and Resolution

Most printers offer at least 600 x 600 dpi, sufficient for clear text. For sharp graphics and detailed forms, 1200 x 1200 dpi or higher is beneficial. Inkjet printers can produce smooth blacks and fine lines, though laser printers often have better edge definition.

Look for models with advanced toner or ink formulations for smudge-resistant output. If you also occasionally need color, check our guide to best color printer for every need.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB are standard. Many printers now support Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth for easy mobile printing via AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer apps. Look for a printer with a dedicated mobile app for scanning and cloud printing.

If you travel frequently, a portable model might suit you, see our best mobile printer for iPhone picks.

Cost Per Page and Yield

Total cost of ownership includes the purchase price plus replacement toner or ink cartridges. Monochrome laser printers generally offer the lowest cost per page, often under 3 cents.

Inkjet models can be higher, but some manufacturers offer subscription services (e.g., HP Instant Ink) that reduce costs. Check the page yield of standard and high-capacity cartridges.

For more on label printing, see our best home printer for product labels article.

Size and Footprint

If desk space is limited, consider a compact printer with a small footprint. Many modern models are less than 15 inches wide. Some all-in-ones have foldable trays to save space. For truly portable options, see our best portable phone printer for every need.

Additional Features for Productivity

Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time. An integrated scanner and copy function turns the printer into a multifunction device. An automatic document feeder (ADF) is essential for multi-page scanning. Touchscreen controls simplify operation.

For a dedicated scanner guide, check best scanner for every workspace. If you need a combined color printer and scanner, see best color printer and scanner for every workspace.

Why You Should Trust Us

BestProducts has been providing independent, research-based product recommendations since 2016. Our team of editors and researchers evaluates each product against a standard set of criteria, including specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data.

We score every model on our 0, 10 BP Score, ensuring consistent comparison across categories. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Our editorial team is independent and does not accept compensation from manufacturers for favorable reviews. For more about our methodology, explore the Computers & Office category.

Final Thoughts

After thorough evaluation, here are our top picks for black and white printing in 2026. For a broader look, explore our best multifunction color printer guide.

• Best Overall: Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer, With a stellar BP Score of 9.9/10, this Brother model offers exceptional print quality, fast speed, and low running costs, making it the top choice for high-volume monochrome printing.
• Best Inkjet All-in-One: Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer, Scoring 9.8/10, this versatile all-in-one provides excellent black-and-white text alongside color capabilities, ideal for home offices that print occasionally in color.
• Best Budget Laser: Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w, At 9.8/10, this compact, single-function laser printer delivers reliable monochrome output at an affordable price point, perfect for budget-conscious users.
• Best for High Speed: HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw, With 9.7/10, this printer boasts rapid print speeds and robust security features, suitable for a small office environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best black and white inkjet printer for home use?

For typical home use, a compact all-in-one like the Canon PIXMA TR7120 strikes a good balance between black-and-white text quality, scan/copy functions, and occasional color printing.

If you strictly need monochrome, a laser model such as the Brother HL-L2405W is more cost-effective per page.

Are inkjet printers good for black and white printing?

Yes, modern inkjet printers with pigment-based black ink can produce sharp, water-resistant text. However, for very high-volume black-and-white printing, laser printers typically have lower operating costs and faster speeds.

How do I choose between a laser and inkjet printer for black and white?

If you print primarily text documents in high volume (hundreds of pages per month), a laser printer is usually more economical. For mixed printing, including photos, labels, or occasional color, an inkjet all-in-one offers more flexibility.

Consider your monthly page volume and whether you need color at all.

What does BP Score mean?

The BP Score is BestProducts’ proprietary rating from 0 to 10, based on a composite of specifications, expert consensus, and verified buyer feedback. It provides an at-a-glance comparison of overall quality and value. For details, see our best printer for every home and office guide.

Do I need a monochrome printer if I have a color printer?

Many users find a dedicated black-and-white printer reduces cost per page and saves color ink for when it’s needed. If your color printer uses expensive cartridges, adding a budget monochrome model can lower overall printing expenses.

Which black and white printer has the lowest cost per page?

Among our picks, the Brother HL-L2405W and Canon LBP6030w offer among the lowest running costs, often under 3 cents per page with high-yield cartridges. Compare yields before purchase. For shipping label printing, a dedicated USPS shipping label printer may be even more efficient.

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