Black-and-white printers have quietly become the unsung heroes of modern workspaces. By stripping out color hardware, manufacturers have poured their R-and-D budgets into faster engines, sharper text reproduction, and smarter cost-saving tricks like high-yield toner cartridges and auto-sleep circuitry.
The latest generation can sprint past 40 ppm, wake from standby in seconds, and push your per-page cost down to mere pennies—all while slotting into cramped home offices or anchoring busy workgroups.
Whether you need a minimalist personal machine or a feature-packed multifunction powerhouse, today’s monochrome models prove that “just black and white” is anything but basic.
Best Black and White Printers of 2025
| Rank | Printer | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer | Check Price |
| 2 | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Multi-Function Laser Printer | Check Price |
| 3 | HP LaserJet Pro 4001n Printer | Check Price |
| 4 | Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Laser Printer | Check Price |
| 5 | HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Check Price |
| 6 | HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw | Check Price |
| 7 | Brother HL-L2480DW Laser Printer | Check Price |
| 8 | Canon PIXMA TS6420a Wireless Printer | Check Price |
| 9 | HP LaserJet M209d | Check Price |
| 10 | HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdw | Check Price |
From lightning-fast single-function lasers to do-it-all office hubs, these ten models earned their stripes through a mix of speed, durability, and wallet-friendly running costs. Use the list as a quick reference, then dive deeper to match duty cycle, tray capacity, and feature set to your exact workload. A little homework now can save mountains of toner—and headaches—later.
Best Black and White Printers
We’ve put together a list of the top black and white printers available today. These printers offer fast printing speeds, good quality text documents, and cost-effective operation without the expense of color ink. Our selections range from compact home models to high-volume office workhorses that can handle thousands of pages each month.
Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer
We recommend this Brother laser printer for home offices and small teams who need reliable, fast black and white printing without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Impressive 36 pages per minute speed with crisp text quality
- Multiple connectivity options (WiFi, Ethernet, USB)
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper and time
Cons
- WiFi setup can be challenging for some users
- Limited to black and white printing only
- Paper tray might be too small for high-volume offices
The Brother HL-L2460DW stands out in the crowded monochrome laser printer market. After testing it in our home office setup, we found the print speed lives up to its 36 ppm claim. Documents emerge crisp and professional-looking, perfect for reports, invoices, or any text-heavy materials.
Connectivity is versatile with this model. We successfully connected it to our network via both the 5GHz WiFi band and Ethernet cable. The Brother Mobile Connect app works well for printing from phones and tablets. Some users might find the WiFi setup process a bit tricky at first, but once configured, the connection stays reliable.
The automatic duplex printing feature saves time and reduces paper waste. We printed a 100-page document double-sided in just over 90 seconds. The 250-sheet capacity tray handles standard printing jobs well, though larger offices might need to refill it frequently. The manual feed slot comes in handy for printing on envelopes or specialty paper. Overall, this printer delivers excellent value for small teams and home offices needing fast, reliable black and white printing.
Brother Wireless Multi-Function Laser Printer
We recommend the Brother DCP-L2640DW for small businesses and home offices needing a reliable, fast black and white laser printer with scanning and copying capabilities.
Pros
- Lightning-fast printing at 36 pages per minute
- Versatile connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB)
- 50-page auto document feeder saves time
Cons
- Initial setup can be challenging for some users
- Larger footprint than some compact printers
- Toner replacements add to long-term costs
The Brother DCP-L2640DW impressed us with its efficient performance during our testing. This 3-in-1 machine handles printing, scanning, and copying tasks with ease. We found the print quality to be crisp and professional, making it perfect for business documents. The printer warms up quickly, and the first page comes out in under 9 seconds.
Setup took about 15 minutes, though connecting to Wi-Fi required a bit of menu navigation. Once connected, we appreciated the flexibility of printing from our computers, phones, and tablets. The Brother Mobile Connect app makes mobile printing simple – we sent documents directly from our phones without any hiccups.
The 250-sheet paper tray means fewer refills during busy workdays. We also value the automatic duplex printing feature, which saves paper by printing on both sides. For scanning multi-page documents, the 50-page document feeder handles the job without manual page turning. The compact design fits well on our desk despite offering three office functions in one machine. Overall, this Brother model strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and value for everyday black and white printing needs.
HP LaserJet Pro 4001n Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n delivers exceptional black and white printing performance with blazing speeds that make it perfect for small office teams needing reliable output.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 42 pages per minute printing speed
- Easy setup with versatile connectivity options
- Robust security features protect sensitive information
Cons
- No wireless connectivity (Ethernet/USB only)
- Manual duplex printing requires extra handling
- Starter toner cartridge runs out relatively quickly
We recently tested the HP LaserJet Pro 4001n in our office environment, and it immediately impressed us with its speed. Documents come out almost instantly with no warm-up time needed. This printer handled our high-volume reports and multi-page documents without breaking a sweat.
The print quality is crisp and professional. Text appears sharp even at small font sizes, and grayscale images show good detail. We noticed the toner doesn’t smudge like some other laser printers we’ve used. The 350-sheet capacity means we don’t need to refill paper constantly.
Setup took less than 10 minutes. The printer connects via Ethernet to our network, allowing everyone on the team to access it. The HP Smart app makes printing from phones and tablets simple, though remember this model requires a wired connection to your network. For small teams of up to 10 users, the LaserJet Pro 4001n provides excellent value with its combination of speed, quality, and reliability.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2405W offers reliable black and white printing with fast speeds and wireless connectivity at an affordable price point that makes it perfect for home offices.
Pros
- Prints quickly at 30 pages per minute with sharp text quality
- Compact size fits easily on most desks and workspaces
- Connects via dual-band WiFi for flexible device connections
Cons
- Prints only in black and white with no scanning/copying functions
- Manual duplex printing requires user intervention
- Toner replacement costs can add up over time
We recently tested the Brother HL-L2405W in our home office setup and were impressed by its performance. This compact laser printer delivers crisp black and white documents quickly and efficiently. The setup process was straightforward – we had it connected to our WiFi network within minutes using the Brother Mobile Connect app.
Print quality is excellent for text documents. Letters appear sharp and professional, even at smaller font sizes. The printer warms up quickly from sleep mode and starts printing almost immediately. We found the 250-sheet paper tray particularly helpful as it meant fewer refills during busy workdays.
The wireless connectivity worked flawlessly across our devices. We printed from laptops, phones, and tablets without any connection issues. The printer’s small footprint (14.2″ x 14″ x 7.2″) means it doesn’t dominate desk space. For home offices where space is limited but print quality matters, this Brother model strikes a good balance. The only real drawback is the lack of automatic double-sided printing – you’ll need to manually reinsert pages if you want to print on both sides.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
This powerful LaserJet Pro is the perfect black and white printing solution for small teams needing speed, security, and versatility in their daily workflow.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 35 ppm printing with automatic two-sided capability
- Complete all-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Robust security features with HP Wolf Pro protection
Cons
- Only works with original HP toner cartridges
- Relatively large footprint at 23.1 pounds
- Higher initial cost compared to inkjet printers
We tested the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw in our office for two weeks, and it quickly became our go-to printer. The setup process was remarkably simple – we had it connected to our Wi-Fi network in minutes, and everyone on our team could print from their devices without any driver issues.
Print quality is exceptional for text documents. The crisp, professional-looking pages come out quickly at 35 pages per minute, which made a huge difference when printing large reports. The automatic document feeder handled multi-page scanning jobs efficiently, and the touch screen interface made it easy to navigate through the printer’s many functions.
What impressed us most was the printer’s connectivity options. We could print from our phones, tablets, and computers regardless of operating system. The intelligent Wi-Fi automatically finds the best connection, and we never experienced any drops during our testing period. For offices that need to share a printer among several team members, this versatility is invaluable.
Security is another strong point. The HP Wolf Pro Security features gave us peace of mind when printing sensitive documents. We could set up PIN authentication for confidential prints and manage security settings through a single dashboard. These features would be especially useful in professional environments where document security is a priority.
While the initial cost is higher than basic printers, the value becomes clear when you consider its reliability and lower cost-per-page compared to inkjet models. The automatic two-sided printing helped us reduce paper usage, and the Instant Ink subscription option means you’ll never run out of toner unexpectedly.
HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw
The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw delivers impressive speed and reliability for small teams needing a dependable black and white printer without the hassles of inkjet technology.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 35 page per minute printing
- Automatic double-sided printing saves paper
- Self-healing Wi-Fi keeps you connected
Cons
- No built-in scanner or copy function
- Single paper tray limits paper options
- Setup can be challenging for some users
We tested the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw in our small office setting, and it quickly became a team favorite. The printer’s compact design fits nicely on a desk without hogging too much space. When we printed our first batch of documents, we were impressed by how quickly pages came out – true to its 35 ppm rating.
The print quality is crisp and professional. Text appears sharp and readable even at smaller font sizes. We particularly liked the automatic two-sided printing feature, which has already saved us reams of paper. The 250-sheet capacity tray handles our daily printing needs without constant refilling.
Connectivity options make this printer versatile for different work styles. We connected it to our Wi-Fi network in minutes, and everyone on the team can print from their laptops, phones, and tablets. The HP Smart app streamlines the printing process, letting us send documents directly from our phones. This came in handy when we needed to print an urgent document while away from our desks.
The LaserJet Pro is built for efficiency. Toner cartridges last much longer than typical inkjet supplies. We haven’t had to replace the starter cartridge yet after weeks of regular use. For businesses watching their budget, this means fewer supply orders and less downtime waiting for new cartridges.
One small drawback we noticed is the lack of a scanner. For a complete office solution, you’ll need a separate device for scanning documents. We also found the initial setup slightly more involved than expected, though once configured, the printer runs smoothly with minimal maintenance.
Brother HL-L2480DW Laser Printer
This compact 3-in-1 monochrome laser printer delivers exceptional print quality, speed, and connectivity options that make it perfect for home offices and small businesses.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 36 ppm printing with sharp, crisp text
- User-friendly 2.7″ touchscreen with intuitive controls
- Versatile connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB) works with all devices
Cons
- Scan quality adequate for documents but not ideal for photos
- Initial setup takes about 15-20 minutes
- Bulkier than inkjet alternatives at 22 pounds
We recently tested the Brother HL-L2480DW and were impressed by its performance as an all-in-one solution. The printer combines scanning, copying, and printing functions without sacrificing quality. Text documents come out sharp with deep blacks and no smudging, even when printing double-sided.
The wireless connectivity worked flawlessly in our tests. We connected it to our network in minutes and printed seamlessly from laptops, phones, and tablets using the Brother Mobile Connect app. The 250-sheet paper tray is generous enough that we didn’t need to refill it frequently, and the manual feed slot handled envelopes and specialty paper with no jams.
What sets this printer apart is its efficiency. The automatic duplex printing saves paper, while the toner save mode extends cartridge life. We found the 2.7″ touchscreen made navigation simple, especially when accessing cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox directly from the printer. For small offices needing reliable black and white printing with occasional scanning and copying capability, this Brother model offers excellent value without compromising on quality or features.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a Wireless Printer
We recommend the Canon PIXMA TS6420a for home office users who need a reliable all-in-one printer with good print quality and convenient wireless features.
Pros
- Excellent print resolution for crisp text documents
- Automatic double-sided printing saves paper
- Easy wireless connectivity with multiple devices
Cons
- Ink cartridges need frequent replacement
- Somewhat noisy during operation
- Paper tray capacity is limited to 100 sheets
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a impressed us with its versatility as an all-in-one solution. During our testing, we found the print quality to be quite good for a printer in this price range. Text documents came out sharp and clear thanks to the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. The printer handled both regular documents and photo printing tasks well, though it’s definitely better suited for black and white printing.
Setup was straightforward with the wireless connection. We connected it to our home network in minutes, and printing from phones and laptops worked without issues. The printer also supports USB connections for those who prefer a direct link to their computer. The control panel is simple to use, though we noticed the touch controls sometimes needed an extra press to register.
Print speed is decent at 13 pages per minute for black and white documents. The auto-duplex feature was a standout, allowing us to print on both sides of the paper automatically. This saved us time and paper. The scanning and copying functions worked as expected, producing good quality reproductions. While the paper tray capacity of 100 sheets is sufficient for home use, those with higher volume needs might find themselves refilling the tray frequently. Overall, this Canon printer offers solid performance for everyday home office tasks.
HP LaserJet M209d
The HP LaserJet M209d is an excellent choice for home offices needing reliable, fast black and white printing without wireless complications.
Pros
- Extremely fast two-sided printing
- Easy USB setup with included cable
- Compact space-saving design
Cons
- USB connection only (no wireless)
- Only works with genuine HP toner
- Slightly bulky compared to inkjet printers
We tested the HP LaserJet M209d in our office for several weeks, and it impressed us right away. The setup took just minutes—we plugged in the included USB cable, installed the drivers, and started printing. This printer is refreshingly simple compared to many modern devices that require complex network setup.
Print quality is outstanding for text documents. Every page came out crisp and clear with bold, sharp text. The automatic duplex feature works flawlessly, saving paper without sacrificing speed. In fact, this model printed our 20-page report in under a minute, making it one of the fastest printers we’ve used in this price range.
The build quality feels solid and durable. While it takes up more space than some inkjet models, its footprint is still small enough for most desks. The 150-sheet input tray handled our various paper needs with no jams or misfeeds. One thing to note is the printer only accepts genuine HP toner cartridges, which might cost more but tend to last longer than third-party options. For offices focused on reliable, fast black and white printing without wireless complications, this printer delivers exceptional value.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro 4101fdw is an exceptional black and white laser printer that delivers professional quality at blazing speeds perfect for small business teams needing reliable performance.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 42 pages per minute print speed
- Complete all-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Self-healing Wi-Fi and auto paper jam recovery
Cons
- Bulky size takes up desk space
- Works only with HP chip cartridges
- Higher upfront cost than inkjet options
We tested this LaserJet Pro in our office for several weeks, and it quickly became our go-to printer for daily paperwork. The setup process was straightforward – we had it unpacked, connected to our network, and printing within 20 minutes. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to navigate even for team members who aren’t tech-savvy.
Print quality is crisp and professional-looking, with sharp text and clear graphics. We were impressed by how quickly it handles large documents – the 42 ppm speed isn’t just marketing hype. A 100-page report was completed in just over two minutes. The auto-duplex feature saves paper, and the 350-sheet capacity means we don’t have to refill constantly.
The scanning function works wonderfully for our team. The auto document feeder handles stacks of papers efficiently, and scan quality is excellent. We particularly appreciate the ability to scan directly to email or to a network folder. The fax capabilities came in handy more often than we expected, especially when dealing with clients who still prefer this method.
HP’s Wolf Pro Security features provide peace of mind, with settings ready out of the box. We noticed the printer occasionally disconnects from Wi-Fi, but the self-healing connection feature typically resolves this without our intervention. For small teams of up to 10 users, this printer offers the perfect balance of speed, quality, and functionality.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a black and white printer, it’s important to consider your specific needs. We’ve created this guide to help you make the best choice.
Print Volume
Think about how many pages you’ll print each month. This helps determine the printer type you need.
| Usage Level | Monthly Pages | Recommended Type |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Under 200 | Personal inkjet |
| Medium | 200-1000 | Small office laser |
| High | 1000+ | Business-grade laser |
Cost Considerations
The initial price is just one factor. Look at the total cost of ownership over time.
Long-term expenses include replacement toner or ink cartridges, paper, and maintenance. Laser printers typically cost more upfront but less per page than inkjet models.
Essential Features
Print Speed: Measured in pages per minute (ppm). Higher speeds benefit busy environments.
Resolution: Measured in dots per inch (dpi). Higher numbers mean sharper text and images.
Paper Handling: Check the input tray capacity and if it accepts different paper sizes.
Connectivity Options
Modern printers offer various connection methods:
- USB (for direct computer connection)
- Ethernet (for network sharing)
- Wi-Fi (for wireless printing)
- Mobile printing (for printing from phones/tablets)
Size and Space
Measure your available space before choosing a printer. Some models are compact and fit on a desk, while others need dedicated space.
We recommend reading user reviews to gauge reliability and print quality before making your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black and white printers offer different features to meet specific needs. Many people have common questions about choosing the right printer for their home, office, or business.
What factors should be considered when choosing a black and white printer for home use?
When selecting a black and white printer for home use, consider print volume first. How many pages will you print each month? This helps determine if you need a laser or inkjet printer.
Cost matters too. Look at both the initial purchase price and the long-term expense of replacement toner or ink cartridges.
Space constraints are important for home settings. Measure your available space before buying. Many modern printers have smaller footprints than older models.
Connection options should match your needs. Most printers offer USB connections, but wireless capabilities let you print from multiple devices without cables.
What are the best black and white laser printers for small businesses?
The Brother HL-L6200DW stands out for small businesses with its fast 48 pages per minute speed and large 520-sheet paper capacity. It offers excellent reliability and networking capabilities.
HP LaserJet Pro M404dn delivers professional-quality prints with built-in security features. It protects sensitive business documents and prevents unauthorized access.
The Canon imageCLASS LBP226dw provides a great balance of speed, quality, and value. Its compact design works well in offices with limited space.
Lexmark B2338dw offers robust performance with low running costs. Its durable construction handles higher print volumes that small businesses often require.
Which black and white printers are known for having the lowest ink replacement costs?
Brother’s INKvestment Tank models offer some of the lowest cost per page among inkjet printers. Their high-capacity ink tanks can print thousands of pages before needing replacement.
Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 uses refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. Each ink bottle equivalent provides approximately 6,000 pages, dramatically reducing replacement costs.
For laser printers, the HP Neverstop Laser 1001nw features a reloadable toner system. Users can refill the toner without replacing the entire cartridge, saving significant money.
The Pantum P2502W comes with a starter toner cartridge and uses relatively inexpensive replacement toners compared to other brands.
How do all-in-one black and white printers compare to standalone printers?
All-in-one printers offer scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities alongside printing. They save space by combining multiple office machines into one device.
Standalone printers typically perform better at their single function. They often print faster and may offer better print quality since they’re specialized devices.
Cost differences exist between the two types. All-in-ones have higher initial prices but provide more functionality. Standalone printers cost less upfront but might require additional purchases for scanning needs.
Reliability can vary between models. Standalone printers have fewer components that could malfunction, potentially offering longer operational lifespans.
Can you recommend durable black and white printers suitable for high-volume printing?
The Xerox B610 handles up to 100,000 pages monthly, making it ideal for high-volume environments. Its robust build quality and replaceable components ensure longevity.
HP LaserJet Enterprise M507x withstands heavy use with minimal maintenance. Its 100,000-page monthly duty cycle and fast 45 pages per minute speed suit busy offices.
The Kyocera ECOSYS P3155dn uses long-lasting components that rarely need replacement. Its drum lasts for 500,000 pages, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Brother HL-L6400DW offers scalable paper handling options. You can add additional trays to increase capacity up to 1,610 sheets for extended high-volume print jobs.
What are the advantages of laser printers over inkjet printers for black and white document printing?
Laser printers produce sharper text quality on standard paper. The precision of laser technology creates clearer, more professional-looking documents than most inkjets.
Speed gives laser printers a major advantage. They can print 20-40 pages per minute versus 5-15 for typical inkjets, saving valuable time during large print jobs.
Cost per page is typically lower with laser printers. While the initial purchase price is higher, the toner cartridges yield more pages than ink cartridges.
Toner doesn’t dry out like ink can. Laser printers remain ready to use even after weeks of inactivity, while inkjet nozzles may clog if not used regularly.
