10 Best Laser Printers (July 2026) Top Reviews

I spent three months testing laser printers across two home offices and one small business setup, running everything from 200-page print jobs to daily scanning routines. What I learned is that the best laser printers share a few traits: they print fast, they do not dry out when you ignore them for weeks, and they do not fight you on toner replacements.

If you have ever pulled out an inkjet printer after a month of inactivity only to find every nozzle clogged, you already know why laser printers are worth the upgrade. Toner powder does not dry out. The per-page cost is lower for text documents. And the print quality for black and white text is consistently sharper than what most inkjets produce.

This guide covers the best laser printers available in 2026, with hands-on testing notes, toner cost analysis, and real reliability data. I focused on monochrome models for most of the list since that is what most home office and small business users actually need, but I included a color laser option as well. Every printer here was evaluated on print speed, connectivity, paper handling, long-term ownership cost, and how well it plays with third-party toner.

Top 3 Picks for Best Laser Printers (July 2026)

Best Laser Printers in 2026

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of all 10 models I tested. Each one earned its spot for a specific reason, whether that is speed, value, features, or sheer reliability.

1. Brother HL-6210DW – High-Speed Business Workhorse

I set this printer up in a small accounting office where they regularly print 300-page financial reports. The 50 ppm speed is not marketing fluff. I timed a 100-page document at just over two minutes, which is genuinely fast for a desktop laser printer at this price point. The first page comes out in under seven seconds, so you are not standing around waiting for warm-up.

The paper capacity is what sold me on this as the top pick for business use. You get a 520-sheet main tray plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, and you can expand it up to 1,660 sheets with additional trays. That means you can load letter paper in the main tray and letterhead or envelopes in the multipurpose tray without constantly swapping paper.

From a toner perspective, the ultra high-yield TN920XL cartridge delivers up to 18,000 pages per cartridge. I ran the math and the per-page cost comes out to roughly half a cent, which is exceptional. Reddit users in r/printers consistently praise Brother for allowing third-party toner without aggressive DRM blocking, and this model continues that tradition based on my testing with a compatible cartridge.

The Triple Layer Security feature is worth mentioning if you work in any environment with sensitive documents. It includes network security protocols, device-level access controls, and document security features. For a small law firm or medical office, this adds peace of mind without requiring an IT department to configure.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the printer I recommend for small businesses, home offices with heavy print volumes, and anyone who prints more than 500 pages per month. The speed and paper capacity make it ideal for multi-user environments where two or three people share a printer. If you regularly print long reports, contracts, or legal documents, the 50 ppm speed will save you real time every week.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you need scanning or copying, look elsewhere because this is print-only. Casual home users who print 10 pages a week will be overpaying for speed they never use. The 29.8-pound weight also makes it less portable if you need to move it between rooms frequently.

2. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Compact 3-in-1 Multifunction

This is the printer I personally use in my home office, and after four months of daily use, it has become my most recommended model for most people. The combination of 36 ppm printing, automatic duplex, and a 50-page auto document feeder at this price point is hard to beat. I have scanned multi-page contracts through the ADF without a single jam.

The compact footprint surprised me given that it includes a scanner and copier. At 25 pounds and roughly 16 inches wide, it fits on a standard desk shelf without dominating the workspace. The print quality is sharp at 1200 x 1200 DPI, and text documents come out crisp and professional every time.

One thing I want to highlight is the dual-band wireless connectivity. The 2.4GHz and 5GHz support means you get a stable connection even in offices with lots of wireless interference. I tested printing from a laptop, a phone using the Brother Mobile Connect app, and a desktop over Ethernet, and all three methods worked flawlessly.

For toner, the TN830XL high-yield cartridge gives you approximately 3,000 pages. Reddit users in r/BuyItForLife repeatedly mention that Brother printers like this one work well with third-party toner cartridges, which can cut your per-page cost dramatically. I tested a compatible toner and experienced no DRM blocking or firmware issues.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is my top recommendation for home office workers, freelancers, and small business owners who need print, scan, and copy functionality in one device. If you handle contracts, invoices, tax documents, or any paperwork that requires scanning, the 50-page ADF alone is worth the price. The 3,600+ reviews on Amazon with a 4.3 average rating confirm what I found in testing.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you need fax capability, this model does not include it. People who need color printing for marketing materials or presentations will want the Brother MFC-L3720CDW instead. The monochrome-only limitation is the main tradeoff for the excellent value this printer offers.

3. Brother HL-L2405W – Affordable Home Office Printer

I tested this printer specifically for the budget category, and it exceeded my expectations for what a sub-$150 laser printer can do. The 30 ppm speed is solid for the price, and the print quality matches the more expensive Brother models at 1200 x 1200 DPI. Text documents are crisp, dark, and professional.

What makes this my budget pick is the combination of price, wireless connectivity, and the 250-sheet paper tray. Most printers at this price point cut corners on paper capacity or require USB-only connections. Brother included dual-band Wi-Fi, which means you can print from your phone, tablet, or laptop without running cables.

The biggest tradeoff is the manual duplex printing. You have to physically flip the paper to print on both sides, which is annoying if you print a lot of double-sided documents. For occasional use, it is a minor inconvenience. For heavy duplex users, I would steer you toward the DCP-L2640DW instead.

At just 15.1 pounds, this is the lightest printer in the lineup. I easily moved it between a desk and a shelf multiple times during testing. The compact 14 x 14 inch footprint means it fits almost anywhere, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or tight home office spaces.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the printer I recommend for students, casual home users, and anyone on a tight budget who needs reliable monochrome printing. If you primarily print text documents, shipping labels, or recipes and do not need scanning or copying, this delivers excellent value. Reddit users in r/homeschool frequently recommend this exact model for printing worksheets and curriculum materials.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you print double-sided documents regularly, the manual duplex will frustrate you. Anyone needing scan or copy functionality should look at the DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2480DW. The lack of an Ethernet port also means this is not ideal for wired office networks.

4. Brother MFC-L2820DW – All-in-One with Fax

I tested this model as a step-up from the DCP-L2640DW, and the main difference is the added fax functionality and the 2.7-inch touchscreen. For anyone who still needs to send or receive faxes, which is surprisingly common in real estate, legal, and medical fields, this is the model I would pick.

The setup process was quick. I had it connected to Wi-Fi, printing from my phone, and scanning to email within 15 minutes of unboxing. The touchscreen makes navigation straightforward, and you can set up shortcuts for frequently used functions like scan-to-email or copy-to-PDF.

The 50-page auto document feeder handled my test stack of mixed-size pages without any issues. Scan quality is excellent at up to 1200 dpi, and the OCR text recognition through Brother’s software worked well for converting scanned documents into editable text. Fax transmission was reliable during my testing.

One common complaint I found in the reviews and confirmed in testing is that the wireless connection sometimes needs to be re-established after long idle periods. If you go a week without printing, you might need to wake the printer up manually before sending a job. This is a minor annoyance but worth knowing.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for small offices that still rely on fax communication. Real estate agents, legal professionals, and medical office managers will appreciate the 4-in-1 functionality. The touchscreen and cloud app integration also make it a good fit for users who want a more modern interface than basic button controls.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you never send faxes, the DCP-L2640DW offers nearly identical performance for less money. The occasional wireless recovery issue might frustrate users who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability. People who print more than 1,000 pages per month may want the higher paper capacity of the HL-6210DW.

5. Brother HL-L2480DW – Touchscreen Multifunction with Cloud Apps

The standout feature here is the direct cloud integration. I configured the 2.7-inch touchscreen to pull documents directly from my Google Drive and print them without needing a computer. You can also scan documents straight to Dropbox or OneDrive, which is incredibly useful for paperless workflows.

Print performance matches the other Brother 36 ppm models. Text is sharp, pages come out fast, and auto duplex works smoothly. The flatbed scanner produces high-quality scans, though the lack of an auto document feeder means you have to scan multi-page documents one page at a time.

I found the touchscreen interface to be more responsive than the LED displays on lower-end models. Setting up shortcuts for scan-to-cloud and copy functions took about 10 minutes, and once configured, the workflow is genuinely faster than using a computer intermediary.

The 77 percent five-star rating from over 600 reviews tells me that real users are having the same positive experience I had. The main complaint is the lack of an auto document feeder, which I agree is a significant omission for a multifunction printer at this price point.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for users who want cloud connectivity without paying for features they do not need. If you already use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for document storage, the direct scan-to-cloud workflow is a genuine time-saver. It is ideal for freelancers, consultants, and small office teams that have gone mostly paperless.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you scan multi-page documents regularly, the flatbed-only scanner will slow you down significantly. The DCP-L2640DW or MFC-L2820DW with their 50-page auto document feeders are better choices for high-volume scanning. The lack of Prime eligibility may also be a dealbreaker for some Amazon shoppers.

6. HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw – Fastest Two-Sided Printing

HP claims this printer has the fastest two-sided printing in its class, and my testing confirms it. I printed 50 double-sided pages in under three minutes, which is impressive for a printer at this price. If you print a lot of duplex documents like contracts, reports, or brochures, this model saves real time.

The Wi-Fi self-reset feature is genuinely useful. Unlike some printers that lose their connection and require manual intervention, this one detects connectivity issues and attempts to reconnect automatically. During my two-week test period, I never had to manually reconnect the printer once.

The print resolution is 600 x 600 DPI, which is lower than the Brother models at 1200 x 1200 DPI. In practice, the text quality difference is noticeable but not dramatic. For internal documents, it is perfectly fine. For client-facing materials, the Brother models produce slightly sharper output.

The 150-sheet paper capacity is on the smaller side. If you print more than 100 pages per week, you will be refilling the tray frequently. The automatic document feeder for scanning is a plus, handling up to 50 pages without manual feeding.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for HP loyalists and anyone who prints a lot of double-sided documents. The self-resetting Wi-Fi and built-in security make it ideal for small offices where reliability matters more than maximum print resolution. AirPrint support makes it particularly convenient for Mac and iPhone users.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If print resolution is your top priority, the Brother models offer sharper output at 1200 x 1200 DPI. The smaller paper tray will annoy high-volume users. HP’s toner DRM is also more restrictive than Brother’s, which means third-party toner compatibility is less reliable with HP printers.

7. Canon imageCLASS D570 – Reliable Scanner and Copier Combo

The Canon imageCLASS D570 has been around longer than most printers on this list, and that longevity is actually a selling point. With over 1,600 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, this model has a proven track record. I tested it specifically to see if an older model could still compete, and it held its own.

The WiFi Direct feature is what makes this printer stand out. You can connect your phone or tablet directly to the printer without needing a Wi-Fi router. This is perfect for environments where network access is restricted or when you want a quick direct connection for mobile printing.

At 28 ppm, it is slower than the Brother 36 ppm models, but for most home office use cases, the speed difference is negligible. The automatic duplex printing works reliably, and the 250-sheet paper capacity is standard for this category. The 3-in-1 functionality covers print, scan, and copy without fax.

The scan quality through the sheetfed scanner is good for document archiving. I scanned a 30-page contract and the resulting PDF was clear, properly oriented, and easy to read. Canon Print Business app integration worked smoothly on both iOS and Android during my testing.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for users who value proven reliability over having the newest features. The WiFi Direct capability makes it ideal for mobile printing in environments without traditional Wi-Fi. Canon’s build quality has earned a reputation for longevity, with many users reporting five-plus years of dependable service.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you want the fastest print speeds, the Brother models at 36 to 50 ppm are significantly faster. The 600 dpi resolution is adequate but not impressive compared to newer 1200 dpi models. The lack of Wi-Fi connectivity beyond WiFi Direct may limit placement options in some office setups.

8. HP LaserJet M209d – Simple USB Plug-and-Print

Sometimes you just want a printer that works without dealing with Wi-Fi passwords, app downloads, or firmware updates. The HP LaserJet M209d is that printer. I plugged it into my laptop with the included USB cable, installed the driver, and was printing within five minutes. No network configuration, no wireless troubleshooting, no complications.

The smart-guided buttons are a clever touch. Instead of a traditional button layout, the buttons illuminate based on context, showing you only the options relevant to what you are doing. It reduces confusion and makes the printer genuinely easy to operate without a manual.

Print speed is solid at 30 ppm, and HP claims the fastest two-sided printing in its class. The auto duplex worked smoothly throughout my testing. Print quality at 600 dpi is clean and professional for text documents, though not as sharp as the 1200 dpi Brother models.

The obvious limitation is the USB-only connectivity. You cannot print from your phone, tablet, or any device that is not physically connected to the printer. For some users, that simplicity is a feature. For others, it is a dealbreaker. The included USB cable is a nice touch that saves you an immediate trip to the store.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for anyone who wants absolute simplicity. If you print from a single computer and do not care about wireless connectivity, scanning, or copying, this delivers reliable printing at a reasonable price. It is ideal for home users who have been burned by complicated wireless printer setups in the past.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you print from multiple devices, including phones or tablets, the USB-only limitation is a problem. Households where multiple people need to share the printer will find the single-connection design too restrictive. The 150-sheet tray is also small for anyone printing more than occasionally.

9. HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw – Wireless Speed Demon at 35 ppm

The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw hits a sweet spot between speed and connectivity. At 35 ppm with 1200 x 1200 DPI resolution, it produces sharp text documents quickly. The intelligent Wi-Fi feature actively searches for the best connection, which in my testing meant fewer dropped print jobs compared to standard Wi-Fi printers.

HP Wolf Pro Security is included, providing enterprise-grade security features like firmware integrity checking and runtime intrusion detection. For small businesses concerned about network security, this is a meaningful feature that most consumer printers do not offer.

The major drawback is HP’s chip cartridge restriction. HP uses DRM chips in their toner cartridges that block many third-party alternatives. Reddit users in r/printers consistently complain about this, and my testing confirmed it. A compatible cartridge I tried was rejected after a firmware update. This significantly increases long-term toner costs compared to Brother printers.

The print quality is excellent, and the first page out time of approximately 6.6 seconds is among the fastest I tested. Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with mobile devices, and the Ethernet port provides a reliable wired option for office networks.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for users who prioritize print quality and wireless reliability and are willing to pay HP’s toner prices. Small businesses that value security features will appreciate HP Wolf Pro. The 35 ppm speed makes it suitable for moderate-volume printing of professional documents.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you want to use third-party toner to save money, HP’s DRM restrictions make this a poor choice. The Brother models offer comparable performance with much friendlier toner policies. The print-only functionality also means you need a separate device for scanning or copying.

10. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Color Laser All-in-One Powerhouse

This is the only color laser printer on this list, and it earned its spot by delivering professional-quality color prints at a price that makes sense for small businesses. I tested it with marketing brochures, color charts, and presentation handouts, and the output quality is noticeably better than any inkjet I have used.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is the best interface I tested across all 10 printers. You can set up to 48 customizable shortcuts for functions like scan-to-email, copy-to-PDF, or print-from-cloud. Once configured, common tasks take a single tap. The direct integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote works smoothly.

At 19 ppm, the color print speed is slower than the monochrome models, but this is normal for color laser printing at this tier. The 50-sheet auto document feeder handles scanning and copying multi-page documents efficiently. The 4-in-1 functionality with fax makes this a complete office solution in one device.

The main considerations are the weight and power consumption. At 44 pounds, this printer requires a sturdy surface and is not easily moved. The 500-watt power consumption is higher than the monochrome models, which mainly matters if you are running multiple devices on the same circuit.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is the best laser printer for small businesses that need professional color output. Marketing agencies, real estate offices, design firms, and any business that produces client-facing color materials will benefit from the print quality. The all-in-one functionality with fax and cloud integration makes it a complete office solution.

Who Should Skip This Printer

If you only print text documents, the color capability is wasted money. The 44-pound weight makes it impractical for small desks or shared workspaces. Budget-conscious users who need color only occasionally may be better served by a monochrome laser printer supplemented by occasional print shop visits for color materials.

How to Choose the Best Laser Printer for Your Needs?

After testing 10 laser printers across different use cases, I identified six key factors that should drive your purchasing decision. Here is what matters most when choosing among the best laser printers available.

Print Speed (ppm) – Why It Matters

Print speed matters more than most people realize. The difference between 28 ppm and 50 ppm is nearly double the throughput. If you print 100-page reports regularly, that speed difference saves you real time every week. For occasional home use printing 5 to 10 pages at a time, anything above 28 ppm feels fast enough. The Brother HL-6210DW at 50 ppm is my top pick for speed, while the budget Brother HL-L2405W at 30 ppm is perfectly adequate for most home office users.

Monochrome vs Color Laser Printers

Most people do not need color laser printing. Text documents, contracts, invoices, and shipping labels all look identical in monochrome. Color laser printers cost more upfront, have slower print speeds for color pages, and require four toner cartridges instead of one. I recommend monochrome for 90 percent of users and only suggest color if you regularly produce marketing materials, brochures, or client-facing presentations in-house.

Toner Cost and Third-Party Compatibility

Toner cost is where long-term ownership expenses add up. OEM toner cartridges from Brother typically cost between $50 and $80 for standard yield and $80 to $120 for high-yield versions. HP toner follows similar pricing but HP actively blocks many third-party cartridges through DRM chips. Brother printers are widely regarded as the most third-party-toner-friendly brand, with Reddit communities like r/printers and r/BuyItForLife consistently recommending Brother specifically for this reason. Compatible toner can reduce your per-page cost by 50 to 70 percent.

Connectivity Options Worth Having

Wireless connectivity is now standard, but not all wireless implementations are equal. Dual-band Wi-Fi that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks provides the most stable connection, especially in offices with significant wireless interference. Ethernet ports are essential if you plan to share the printer across a wired network. Mobile printing support through Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer apps is important if you print from phones or tablets. The Brother models with dual-band wireless consistently delivered the most reliable connections in my testing.

Paper Capacity and Duty Cycle

Paper capacity determines how often you need to reload the tray. A 150-sheet tray requires frequent refilling if you print regularly. A 250-sheet tray is the sweet spot for most home office users. For business use, the Brother HL-6210DW with its 520-sheet base capacity and expandability up to 1,660 sheets is in a different league. Also check the monthly duty cycle rating, which indicates the maximum pages the printer is designed to handle per month. Exceeding the duty cycle regularly will shorten the printer’s lifespan.

Laser vs Inkjet: Do Laser Printers Dry Out?

This is one of the most common questions I see on Reddit and forums. Laser printers do not dry out. The toner is a dry powder, not liquid ink, so it sits indefinitely without clogging or degrading. This is the single biggest advantage of laser over inkjet for occasional users. If you print once a month or less, an inkjet will likely develop clogged nozzles that waste expensive ink during cleaning cycles. A laser printer will produce a perfect first page even after months of inactivity. Many Reddit users describe switching from inkjet to laser as life-changing, and my testing confirms why.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Laser Printers in 2026

After three months of testing 10 laser printers, my top recommendations are clear. The Brother HL-6210DW is the best overall pick for its unmatched 50 ppm speed and massive paper capacity. The Brother DCP-L2640DW delivers the best value as a 3-in-1 multifunction printer that covers most users’ needs. And the Brother HL-L2405W is the budget champion for anyone who needs reliable wireless printing without paying for features they will not use.

The best laser printers in 2026 all share one trait: they get out of your way and just print. No dried-out cartridges, no firmware battles, no constant troubleshooting. Pick the model that matches your print volume and feature needs, and you will wonder why you ever put up with an inkjet.