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Although digital copies are popular these days, it’s safe to say that printers aren’t going anywhere—especially laser printers. In a nutshell, laser printers can produce fast, high-quality prints in seconds with the click of a button. They’re well suited for high-volume printing needs whether that’s at an office, library, or school and can be placed in areas with high foot traffic for easy accessibility.
As someone who likes to have paper copies of documents, I always find myself using a printer and I didn’t always know what to look for when shopping for one. To make the overwhelming process a bit easier, I’ve rounded up the best laser printers you’ll want to check out for your printing needs.
This laser printer will bring your documents to life right before your eyes. You’ll notice high-quality color from the brand's original HP toner chargers and effortless printing from a mobile device with the HP Smart app. With a touch-screen display, it’s easy to navigate settings and select the right options without hassle. Not only does it offer automatic double-sided printing, but also can be set with customizable shortcuts so you can get everything printed in a jiffy. Plus, it has enhanced security features to keep your information safe with real time threat detection and software validation.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Wireless Laser Printer has fast-print speeds and advanced security features to make printing in color a breeze.
This wireless printer is a simple, yet effective option for your at-home printing needs whether that’s for medical forms or tax documents. At 30 pages per minute, you can get documents from your computer or phone into your hands in minutes. At a little over 12 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver around if you can’t decide where to put it and small enough to fit on most office desks and in table corners. Keep in mind that it has a one-year limited warranty so if anything goes wrong, then you can rest assured it can be fixed upon initial use.
The HP LaserJet M209dw Printer offers basic printing options for at-home use and is easy to move around with its lightweight design and long power cord.
Although some of the best laser printers can be expensive, not all of them are. With a price tag just under $130, this monochrome laser printer can print, scan, and copy all in one. Using direct Wi-Fi connection, you can print documents from your computer or mobile device in minutes—up to 28 pages per minute. Although it doesn’t have a touch screen panel, the buttons are intuitive and clear so you can navigate the settings with ease.
The Canon Image Class D570 Monochrome Laser Printer is a budget-friendly pick for those who want a no-frills option that gets the job done whether that’s printing, copying, or scanning.
If you don’t plan on printing in color very often, then a black and white laser printer is the way to go. This Xerox printer is a safe bet for individuals or teams who prioritize efficiency and convenience with its quick print speeds (up to 36 pages per minute) and simple installation. For added benefit, it has features like automatic double-sided printing that can help save paper and minimize damage to the environment.
The Xerox B230/DNI Monochrome Printer comes equipped with a pre-installed ink cartridge to speed up the process, and extensive safety features to protect data and information.
Whether you work from home or in an office, a wireless printer is the way to go for ease and convenience. This printer can connect with built-in dual band wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, or via a USB so there’s no shortage of options when it comes to connectivity. You’ll notice its large printer tray (can hold up to 250 sheets) and touch-friendly screen which can be used to connect to devices and cloud-based applications for printing.
The Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer offers an easy way to print documents whether that’s via wireless connectivity or a USB cable.
All-in-one printers provide you the opportunity to print, copy, and scan all from one device. This laser printer can print up to 34 pages per minute and has a large paper tray that can hold up to 250 sheets at a time so you can print, copy, and scan without the need for constant refills. Plus, its touch-screen can help assist the scan process by allowing users to scan documents to cloud-based applications.
The Brother Wireless MFC-L2820DW XL Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer can print items both in color and monochrome and aid in copying and scanning without the need for separate machines.
A compact printer is a good idea for those individuals who need a small device to suit their printing needs whether that’s at home or in their cubicle. In terms of functionality, it can print up to 3,000 pages per month and is Energy-Star certified so you can feel good about how you’re printing.
The Brother Compact Digital Color Printer is ideal for those small spaces where you don’t want a bulky device taking up a lot of space while still remaining highly functional.
Treat yourself to this multifunction color laser printer that not only has the ability to print, but can also copy and scan with its flatbed scan glass. You’ll find a manual feed slot for paper so you can print according to your needs including envelopes, cardstock, and other forms. Not only is it convenient with its different features, but you can get up to 25 printed pages per minute. For added ease, you can print from mobile devices using its wireless connection whether that’s pictures or information from your notes app.
The Brother HL-L3290CDW Wireless Laser All-In-One Color Printer allows users to print, scan, and copy in seconds with its flatbed scan glass and wireless connectivity.
The best laser printers for the office are those that can be set to fit the needs of many people at once. This business-grade printer from Brother does just that and more with its built-in scanning glass, customizable shortcuts, and easy Wi-Fi connectivity options. It’s great for school offices or other workplaces where multiple people need to print a variety of documents with its up to 1,300 sheet capacity (with additional paper trays) which means less replacements throughout the day. Plus, there are added security features to protect documents while in transit to ensure information stays private and confidential.
With its large paper holder and fast print speed, the Brother Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer can get the job done without disrupting the peace.
You may have noticed that there are a few mainstream printer brands and Brother has some of the best laser printers on the market. This digital color printer can print on different types of paper from cardstock and envelopes to standard copy paper and can be adjusted for legal documents as well. Aside from producing high-quality color, this printer can be wirelessly connected for easy use in addition to a traditional USB.
The Brother HL-L3210CW Compact Digital Color Printer can suit various printing needs with its optimal wireless connection and easy set up.
To find the best laser printers, I researched different brands on the market and analyzed several based on expert recommendations, user experience, and customer reviews. My list includes different laser printers available at a wide variety of price points and sizes with different functions and modes.
Whether you need to print 20 pages per day or 2,000, you’ll want to ensure your laser printer has the capacity to do that. First off, take into consideration the maximum pages per minute. Most printers can reach anywhere between 20 to 35 pages per minute which makes it great for high-volume needs whether at a school or an office. Next, think about the paper tray. How many pieces of paper can it hold at once? If the answer is 250 or more, then it’s a great option since it won’t need as many refills.
Laser printers are available in both monochrome or color. Monochrome printers are best suited for your standard documents—think tax forms, waivers, letters, etc. On the other hand, color printers are better for basic images and graphics that can be accentuated by vibrant hues. Keep in mind that colored ink is usually more expensive so you’ll want to factor that into your budget.
Printers have a plethora of features depending on the brand and model. For example, on some printers you’ll notice touch-screen interfaces and voice command capabilities which is suitable for those tech nerds looking for added ease and convenience. Other printers are a bit more basic with standard buttons and copy/print modes. In general, most laser printers these days are made to hold a large volume of paper, print at a quick speed, and copy, fax, and scan all with one device.
After investing money in a laser printer, you’ll want to maintain it for optimal efficiency and longevity. On the surface, wipe it down with a no-lint towel and some rubbing alcohol to get rid of any dirt or dust that might have accumulated.
In terms of the printer itself, try not to leave it plugged in. When you’re not using it, unplug it from the wall, but only after powering it down first. This process will allow for the cartridges to stay pigmented and last longer. If you notice your cartridges are running low, then you’ll want to replace them quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute as this will add extra strain onto your printer and its parts, which can damage it quicker.
These days, you’ll want to find a laser printer that has wireless connectivity so you can print from places both far and near. Some laser printers have the ability to connect with mobile phones via an app so you don’t even have to go through the hassle of using a computer. Some models allow for USB connectivity so if that’s preferred, then you’ll have another way to print. You’ll want to check with each printer model to see what type of connectivity options they offer and pick one that best suits your needs.
There are two different types of laser printers: monochrome and color. “Monochrome laser printers are best suited for tasks like printing reports, tax documents, and other day to day office needs,” says Nick Lucido, Communications Specialist at HP. “Color laser printers are optimal for those who need to create vibrant documents like marketing outlines and sales tools.”
Additionally, there are multifunction laser printers that help tackle a range of office tasks from printing and copying to scanning and faxing, with different versions offering different combinations of features.
There is no one specific brand that is the best for laser printers, however, you’ll want to find one that best suits your needs. For example, HP printers are designed for individuals looking for a higher-tech printing experience with options like voice control and touch-screen displays. On the other hand, Brother and Canon boast more intuitive designs and have faster print speeds which is best suited for busy environments like offices or libraries.
While laser printers are great for large volume printing needs, Lucido notes they’re not designed for producing high-quality, gallery-worthy photos or color prints. “Photographers, designers, and others who require precise color printing should consider an inkjet printer,” he adds.
Laser printers are a worthwhile alternative to standard inkjet printers and provide sustainability and cost-saving benefits. With minimal ink cartridge replacement needs and economical toner powder, total cost of ownership for lasers is usually lower than owning an inkjet. “Additionally, laser printers typically offer significantly faster printing speeds compared to inkjets, making them particularly appealing for those with high-volume printing requirements, saving money and time around big printing jobs,” says Lucido.
The average lifespan of a laser printer varies based on its design and usage. Lucido says, “Each printer is tailored to a specific customer segment with recommended monthly page volumes ensuring efficient operation and longevity.” That said, many laser printers generally last between three to five years at most.
Many brands have programs where you can recycle an old printer. For example, HP’s Planet Partners program allows printer owners to recycle their devices through a local retailer or HP recycling partner in an effort to prevent sending printers and cartridges to landfills.
Additionally, many cities have special instructions on how to properly dispose of electronic waste. You’ll want to check with your local sanitation website for more information.
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