The Best Laser Printer

Laser printers deliver fast, crisp text and economical per-page costs, making them a staple in offices and home workspaces.

Whether you need a compact monochrome model or a feature-rich color multifunction device, choosing the right one requires weighing speed, connectivity, and long-term expenses. For a broader overview of office equipment, visit our Computers & Office category.

At BestProducts, we combine expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published specifications to evaluate each model against consistent criteria. Our top picks are scored on a 0, 10 BP Score, helping you quickly identify the best laser printer for your needs.

Below, you will find our curated list of the leading options available in 2026.

Best Laser Printer Buying Guide

Print Speed and Monthly Volume

Print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm), directly impacts productivity. Most modern laser printers offer 20, 40 ppm for black‑and‑white output.

If your office handles high‑volume printing, look for a model with a recommended monthly duty cycle of at least 2,000 pages. Our best printer for high volume printing guide can help you identify heavy‑duty options.

Duplex (automatic two‑sided printing) is a valuable feature for saving paper and reducing bulk. Many models in our list include duplex as standard, but some budget units require manual flipping.

If you print multi‑page documents regularly, a printer with automatic duplex will streamline your workflow.

Connectivity and Mobile Support

Wireless connectivity via Wi‑Fi is now standard on most laser printers, allowing easy placement anywhere in the office. Look for support for Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or the printer’s own mobile app for direct printing from smartphones and tablets.

Ethernet is still valuable for stable wired connections in larger offices. Some models also offer Wi‑Fi Direct for peer‑to‑peer printing without a network.

Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant is a growing convenience. Several Brother models in our selection include a trial of the Refresh Subscription service, which automatically reorders toner when levels run low.

For teams that need scanning and copying, a laser printer scanner copier combination saves space.

Monochrome vs. Color Laser Printers

Monochrome laser printers are ideal for text‑heavy documents, receipts, and black‑and‑white graphics. They offer the lowest cost per page and are typically faster and more reliable than color lasers.

If your work rarely requires color, a monochrome model from Brother or Canon will serve you well. Consider a dedicated monochrome multifunction laser printer for added scanning and copying capabilities.

Color laser printers add the ability to print charts, presentations, and marketing materials in full color. However, they have higher initial purchase costs and more expensive toner cartridges.

For small teams or offices that need occasional color output, a color laser like the Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw provides a good balance of quality and cost.

Multifunction vs. Single‑Function Printers

Multifunction printers (MFPs) combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into one device. They save desk space and are cost‑effective for offices that need all three functions.

Models with an automatic document feeder (ADF) can scan or copy multi‑page documents unattended. Single‑function printers are simpler and often cheaper, making them a good choice if you already have a separate scanner.

For a comprehensive look at all‑in‑one devices, see our best multifunction printer for every workspace article.

Consider your workflow: if you frequently scan or copy, an MFP with a duplex ADF is a worthwhile investment. The Brother DCP‑L2640DW and Canon imageCLASS MF273dw are excellent multifunction options that earned high BP Scores for their reliability and feature set.

Cost Per Page and Toner Management

The true cost of a laser printer includes toner replacement and maintenance. High‑yield toner cartridges offer a lower cost per page than standard ones. Before purchasing, check the page yield and price of replacement cartridges.

Some manufacturers offer subscription services that deliver toner automatically, which can simplify budgeting. For a detailed breakdown, see our dedicated guide to best printer cost per page.

Why You Should Trust Us

BestProducts is an independent review site. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each product is assessed against a consistent set of criteria and assigned a BP Score on a 0, 10 scale. This methodology ensures our recommendations are unbiased and transparent. Our affiliate partnerships do not influence our scores or editorial content.

Final Thoughts

After analyzing the top laser printers on the market, we have awarded the following titles based on performance, features, and value. For small business owners, we also have a dedicated multifunction printer guide.

• Best Overall: Brother HL‑L2405W, This compact monochrome printer delivers exceptional speed and wireless connectivity at a competitive price, earning the highest BP Score in our lineup.
• Best Multifunction: Brother DCP‑L2640DW, Combining printing, scanning, and copying with duplex, this all‑in‑one matches the top BP Score while adding versatility.
• Best Color Laser: Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw, A reliable color laser printer with duplex and fast output, ideal for occasional color documents.
• Best for Small Teams: HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw, This HP multifunction printer offers robust build quality and advanced security features for collaborative workspaces.
• Best Budget Pick: Brother HL‑L2460DW, A dependable monochrome printer with duplex at an attractive price point, perfect for home offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?

Laser printers use toner powder and heat to fuse text onto paper, producing sharp, smudge‑resistant output. They are faster and have a lower cost per page for black‑and‑white documents.

Inkjet printers use liquid ink and excel at photo printing and color graphics. For high‑volume text printing, a laser printer is usually more economical.

Is a color laser printer worth the extra cost?

If your work involves printing charts, presentations, or marketing materials in color, a color laser printer can be a good investment. However, toner costs are higher and print speeds may be slower than monochrome models.

Evaluate your monthly color page volume to decide if the premium is justified.

How do I choose the best laser printer for my home office?

Consider your primary use: if you print mostly text documents, a monochrome multifunction printer with duplex saves space and money. For occasional scanning, a model with an ADF is helpful. Wireless connectivity and mobile support are essential for flexible placement.

Our best laser printer for home use guide offers more tailored advice.

What does duplex printing mean?

Duplex printing automatically prints on both sides of a sheet of paper. It reduces paper usage by half and makes multi‑page documents more compact. Most modern laser printers offer automatic duplex, but some budget models require manual flipping.

If you scan double‑sided documents, a double sided scanner can be a useful companion.

Can I use a laser printer for scanning photos?

Laser printers are not ideal for photo scanning; for digitizing photos, a dedicated printer for scanning photos is recommended. The scanner component in a multifunction laser printer is designed for documents, not high‑resolution photo capture.

How can I calculate the cost per page of a laser printer?

Divide the price of a toner cartridge by its page yield to get the cost per page. Include the drum unit cost if it is separate. High‑yield cartridges typically offer lower per‑page costs.

For a detailed comparison, refer to our printer cost per page guide (linked above).

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