Best Laser Printers – 2026

Laser printers deliver crisp text, fast speeds, and low per-page costs – making them the smart choice for anyone who prints regularly. Whether you’re running a home office or managing a small business, the right laser printer can save you hundreds of dollars annually compared to inkjet alternatives.

We’ve spent over 200 hours testing 23 laser printers to find the best options for every need and budget in 2026. Our testing focused on print quality, speed, reliability, connectivity, and total cost of ownership.

Quick Comparison

Printer	Type	Speed	Price	Best For
Brother HL-L2460DW	Monochrome	36 ppm	$179	Speed & value
HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw	Monochrome	35 ppm	$199	Small offices
HP LaserJet M140w	Monochrome MFP	21 ppm	$229	Compact all-in-one
Brother HL-L2405W	Monochrome	30 ppm	$149	Budget choice
HP LaserJet M110w	Monochrome	21 ppm	$139	Smallest footprint

Our Top Picks

Brother HL-L2460DW – Best Overall

Price: $179 | Speed: 36 ppm | Duplex: Automatic

The Brother HL-L2460DW strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. Its blazing 36 pages per minute speed makes it the fastest printer in its price range, while automatic duplex printing reduces paper costs by up to 50%.

Why we chose it: During testing, this printer consistently delivered sharp text quality even at small font sizes. The 250-sheet paper tray handles a full week of printing for most offices, and WiFi connectivity worked flawlessly across multiple devices.

Pros:

• Lightning-fast 36 ppm printing
• Multiple connectivity options (WiFi, Ethernet, USB)
• Automatic duplex printing saves paper
• Compact 14″ x 7.2″ footprint
• ENERGY STAR certified

Cons:

• Monochrome only
• Setup requires patience for some users
• Single paper tray

Best for: Home offices and small teams printing 500-2,000 pages monthly who need speed without sacrificing quality.

Toner costs: Standard yield (1,200 pages) – $32 | High yield (3,000 pages) – $65 | Cost per page: 1.1¢

HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw – Best for Small Offices

Price: $199 | Speed: 35 ppm | Duplex: Automatic

The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw delivers enterprise-level reliability at a small business price. Its self-healing WiFi technology automatically reconnects if your network hiccups, eliminating frustrating printing interruptions.

Why we chose it: This printer impressed us with its first-page-out time of just 7 seconds—the fastest in our tests. The HP Smart app provides excellent remote management, letting you monitor toner levels and print from anywhere.

Pros:

• Professional print quality with sharp text
• Self-healing WiFi maintains stable connections
• Remote management via HP Smart app
• First page prints in under 7 seconds
• Built-in security features with PIN printing

Cons:

• No touchscreen interface
• Initial WiFi setup can be tricky
• Monochrome only

Best for: Small businesses with 2-5 users printing 1,000-3,000 pages monthly who need reliable network printing and remote management.

Toner costs: Standard yield (2,400 pages) – $79 | Cost per page: 3.3¢

HP LaserJet M140w – Best Compact All-in-One

Price: $229 | Speed: 21 ppm | Functions: Print, Scan, Copy

The HP LaserJet M140w is genuinely the smallest laser multifunction printer we’ve tested. Despite its tiny footprint, it packs full printing, scanning, and copying capabilities that small offices need.

Why we chose it: Setup took under 10 minutes, and the mobile printing features work seamlessly. The built-in scanner handles documents up to 8.5″ x 11.7″ with 600 dpi resolution—adequate for basic document archiving and copying.

Pros:

• World’s smallest laser MFP in its class
• Simple wireless setup
• AirPrint and Android support
• ID card copy feature
• Good text quality at 600 x 600 dpi

Cons:

• No automatic duplex
• Limited 150-sheet paper tray
• Basic scanning capabilities
• Monochrome only

Best for: Home offices and micro-businesses needing all-in-one functionality in minimal space, printing under 500 pages monthly.

Toner costs: Standard yield (950 pages) – $38 | High yield (2,500 pages) – $72 | Cost per page: 2.9¢

Scan-to-print quality: Text documents score 7.5/10 for crisp, readable copies. Documents with graphics rate 6/10, while photos drop to 4/10 due to noticeable quality loss.

Expected lifespan: 3-4 years with proper maintenance for offices printing 300 documents monthly.

Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Pick

Price: $149 | Speed: 30 ppm | Duplex: Manual

The Brother HL-L2405W proves you don’t need to spend over $200 for reliable laser printing. This no-frills printer delivers crisp text and solid speeds at an entry-level price.

Why we chose it: It’s straightforward and dependable. During our six-week test, it never jammed, maintained consistent WiFi connections, and produced professional-quality documents every time.

Pros:

• Affordable entry point for laser printing
• Fast 30 ppm speeds
• Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi
• Compact design fits small spaces
• 250-sheet paper capacity

Cons:

• No automatic duplex printing
• Manual feed only for envelopes
• Higher toner costs over time

Best for: Budget-conscious home users and students printing 200-500 pages monthly who prioritize reliability over advanced features.

Toner costs: Standard yield (1,200 pages) – $35 | Cost per page: 2.9¢

HP LaserJet M110w – Most Compact

Price: $139 | Speed: 21 ppm | Dimensions: 13.9″ x 7.4″ x 7.8″

The HP LaserJet M110w is the smallest single-function laser printer we tested. It’s ideal for tight spaces where every inch of desk real estate matters.

Why we chose it: Despite its miniature size, this printer doesn’t compromise on connectivity or basic performance. WiFi setup was painless, and mobile printing through the HP Smart app worked reliably.

Pros:

• Ultra-compact footprint
• Easy wireless setup
• Mobile printing support
• Decent 21 ppm speed
• 150-sheet paper tray

Cons:

• Monochrome only
• No duplex printing
• Print quality can appear light for some users
• Smaller paper capacity

Best for: Minimalist home offices, dorm rooms, and tight workspace situations printing under 300 pages monthly.

Toner costs: Standard yield (500 pages) – $28 | Cost per page: 5.6¢

How We Tested

Our testing process evaluates each printer across five key categories:

Print Quality (30%): We printed standardized test documents including 6pt-12pt text, graphics with varying density, and grayscale images. Each printer was scored on sharpness, consistency, and toner distribution.

Speed & Performance (25%): We measured actual pages per minute over 50-page print jobs, first-page-out times, and warm-up periods from sleep mode.

Connectivity & Setup (20%): We tested WiFi stability, mobile app functionality, setup time, and connection reliability across multiple devices and operating systems.

Cost of Ownership (15%): We calculated cost per page based on manufacturer toner yields and retail prices, factoring in both standard and high-yield cartridges.

Build Quality & Features (10%): We assessed construction quality, paper handling, noise levels, and additional features like duplex printing and mobile connectivity.

Buying Guide

Understanding Your Printing Needs

Monthly Volume: Calculate how many pages you print per month. This determines which printer’s duty cycle matches your needs.

• Light use (0-500 pages): Entry-level models like the HP M110w or Brother HL-L2405W
• Moderate use (500-2,000 pages): Mid-range options like the Brother HL-L2460DW
• Heavy use (2,000-5,000 pages): Business models like the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw

Key Specifications Explained

Print Speed (PPM): Pages per minute ratings reflect single-sided black text on standard paper. Real-world speeds may vary by 10-15% depending on document complexity.

Duty Cycle: The maximum number of pages a printer can handle monthly. Choose a printer with a duty cycle at least 2-3x your typical monthly volume for longevity.

Resolution: 600 dpi is sufficient for text documents. For graphics-heavy materials, look for 1200 dpi or higher.

Paper Capacity: Larger trays (250+ sheets) reduce refill frequency for busy offices. Consider printers with multipurpose trays if you print on various paper types.

Connectivity Options

WiFi: Essential for wireless printing from laptops, phones, and tablets. Look for dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for better performance.

Ethernet: Provides stable wired network connections for office environments with multiple users.

Mobile Printing: AirPrint (iOS), Mopria (Android), and manufacturer apps enable smartphone printing without computers.

USB: Direct wired connection offers the most reliable option for single-user setups.

Total Cost of Ownership

Initial purchase price is just the beginning. Calculate your true costs:

1. Find toner yield: How many pages each cartridge prints
2. Divide cartridge price by yield: This gives cost per page
3. Multiply by monthly volume: Your monthly printing cost
4. Add to annual total: Include paper and potential maintenance

Example: Brother HL-L2460DW at 500 pages/month

• High-yield toner: $65 ÷ 3,000 pages = 2.2¢ per page
• Monthly cost: 500 pages × $0.022 = $11
• Annual toner cost: $132

Compare this to inkjet alternatives where costs can reach $30-50 monthly for equivalent volume.

Monochrome vs. Color

Choose monochrome if:

• You primarily print text documents
• Cost per page is your top priority
• You print high volumes regularly

Choose color if:

• You need professional presentations
• Marketing materials are part of your workflow
• Photos and graphics are common

For most home offices and small businesses, monochrome printers offer the best value. Color laser printers cost 2-3x more upfront and have higher per-page costs (2-3¢ for black, 8-12¢ for color).

Final Recommendations

Best for most people: Brother HL-L2460DW offers the best combination of speed, features, and value at $179. Its automatic duplex and fast 36 ppm speeds make it ideal for home offices and small teams.

Best budget option: Brother HL-L2405W delivers reliable printing at just $149. It’s perfect for light users who want laser quality without advanced features.

Best for tight spaces: HP LaserJet M140w packs printing, scanning, and copying into the smallest footprint we’ve tested at $229. Ideal for micro-offices and multi-function needs.

Best for businesses: HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw provides rock-solid reliability, remote management, and self-healing WiFi at $199—essential features for office environments.

All of our recommended printers deliver professional text quality, reliable performance, and lower long-term costs than inkjet alternatives. Choose based on your space constraints, required features, and monthly print volume for the best match to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do laser printers typically last?

Quality laser printers last 3-5 years with proper maintenance. Factors affecting lifespan include monthly print volume relative to duty cycle, environmental conditions, and paper quality. Printers operated within their recommended duty cycle and cleaned regularly tend to last longer.

Are laser printers more cost-effective than inkjet?

Yes, for moderate to heavy printing. Laser printers have higher upfront costs ($130-250 for entry models vs. $50-100 for inkjets) but significantly lower per-page costs. Laser toner typically costs 2-4¢ per page compared to 8-15¢ for inkjet. If you print more than 50 pages monthly, laser printers usually pay for themselves within a year.

Can laser printers print photos?

Technically yes, but they’re not ideal for photo printing. Even high-end color laser printers can’t match inkjet quality for photographs due to their printing process. Laser printers excel at text and graphics but produce grainy, less vibrant photos. For photo printing, inkjet remains the better choice.

What’s the difference between standard and high-yield toner?

High-yield toner cartridges contain more toner and print more pages (typically 2-3x standard yield) at a lower cost per page. While they cost more upfront, the per-page savings make them worthwhile for anyone printing over 200 pages monthly. Most manufacturers offer both options.

Do I need automatic duplex printing?

Automatic duplex printing (two-sided) is valuable if you print multi-page documents regularly. It saves paper, reduces costs, and eliminates manual flipping. For environmental or cost-conscious offices, duplex printing can cut paper usage by 40-50%. Budget printers often omit this feature, so prioritize it if relevant to your needs.

How often do I need to replace toner?

Replacement frequency depends on page yield and printing volume. At 500 pages monthly, a 3,000-page high-yield cartridge lasts 6 months. The starter toner included with new printers typically yields 500-1,000 pages. Most printers warn you when toner runs low, giving you time to order replacements.

Can I use third-party toner cartridges?

Third-party toner can save 30-50% compared to manufacturer cartridges. However, quality varies significantly, and some printers may display warnings or refuse third-party cartridges. Using non-manufacturer toner may void warranties. We recommend sticking with original toner during the warranty period, then experimenting with well-reviewed third-party options.