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The best laser printers in 2026 depend on what you print: the Brother HL-L2460DW is the strongest budget monochrome print-only choice, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is the better home-office all-in-one, and the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw is a leading color multifunction option. Heavy users should consider the Brother MFC-L5915DW or a larger color workgroup model.
Prices and availability in this guide are U.S. observations checked on August 18, 2026, so treat them as dated reference points rather than permanent retail prices. The recommendations separate monochrome, color, print-only, multifunction, home-office, and workgroup printers instead of pretending that one model is best for every buyer.
Key takeaways
- The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact monochrome printer with automatic duplex printing, a 250-sheet tray, and a manufacturer-rated speed of up to 36 pages per minute.
- The Brother MFC-L2820DW adds printing, scanning, copying, faxing, and a 50-page ADF, but it does not automatically duplex-scan or duplex-copy.
- The Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw is RTINGS’ current upper-midrange color laser recommendation, while the Canon MF753Cdw II is the stronger speed-focused option for a larger office.
- The Brother MFC-L5915DW is designed for heavier monochrome workloads and advertises speeds up to 50 ppm with an ultra-high-yield toner option.
- Advertised duty cycle is a maximum, not a sensible monthly target; recommended monthly volume, toner yield, drum cost, and paper handling matter more for ownership.
- Color laser printers are excellent for sharp documents and business graphics but are usually a poor choice for buyers who regularly print high-quality photographs.
Best laser printers at a glance
These are use-case recommendations, not one combined ranking. RTINGS bases its recommendations on factors including testing, price, reader feedback, and availability, while Consumer Reports combines test results with survey information; those methods should not be treated as a single score.
| Printer | Best for | Type and functions | Advertised speed | Duplex and ADF | Reference price | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Budget black-and-white printing | Monochrome print-only | Up to 36 ppm | Automatic duplex printing; no ADF | $179.99, U.S., checked Aug. 18, 2026 | No scanning or copying |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Most home offices | Monochrome print, scan, copy, fax | Up to 34 ppm | Automatic duplex printing; 50-page ADF; no duplex scanning | $279.99, U.S., checked Aug. 18, 2026 | Black-and-white only |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw | Upper-midrange color documents | Color multifunction | See manufacturer specification | Verify the exact duplex-scan configuration before buying | Check current price | Higher consumable complexity than monochrome |
| Brother MFC-L5915DW | High-volume monochrome offices | Monochrome multifunction workgroup printer | Up to 50 ppm | Business-oriented paper handling; verify scanning workflow | Check current price | Too large and expensive for light home use |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II | Speed-focused color offices | Color print, scan, copy, fax | 26.5 ppm tested on five-page text; 19.21 ppm on mixed PDF | Fast scanning and copying; check duplex details | Approximately $702 in testing; prior sale around $499 | About 48.5 lb and large |
| Brother MFC-L8930CDW | Heavy color workgroups | Color multifunction | Verify current specification | Duplex scanning is a key differentiator | Check current price | Substantial size and cost |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw | Buyers who prefer HP | Color multifunction | Verify current specification | Verify the exact ADF and duplex features | $529 reference price in Consumer Reports’ 2026 guide | Compare HP toner costs before buying |
For current availability and category context, compare the RTINGS laser-printer recommendations with the manufacturer pages linked in each model section. Product availability can change when a model is discontinued or replaced.
#1 Best Overall
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
Which laser printer is best for most people?
The best choice for most home-office buyers is the Brother MFC-L2820DW if scanning and copying are regular tasks; the Brother HL-L2460DW is the better value if the buyer only needs black-and-white printing. The Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw is the more appropriate starting point when color documents are essential.
RTINGS currently names the Canon MF665Cdw its best upper-midrange color laser printer and the Brother MFC-L2820DW its best midrange monochrome laser model. RTINGS separately recommends the Brother HL-L2460DW or related variants as cheaper print-only monochrome choices. These are category-specific testing recommendations, not proof that every buyer will prefer those printers.
Consumer Reports’ 2026 buying guide gives particularly strong scores among color laser all-in-ones to the Canon MF753Cdw, Brother MFC-L3765CDW, Brother MFC-L3780CDW, and Brother MFC-L8900CDW, and lists the Brother DCP-L2640DW and MFC-L2820DW prominently among monochrome all-in-ones. Consumer Reports’ results combine testing and survey methodology, so they should remain a separate source rather than being merged with RTINGS’ rankings.
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How should you choose a laser printer?
Choose in this order: monochrome or color, print-only or multifunction, actual monthly volume, document workflow, total consumable cost, connectivity, physical fit, security, and then purchase price. A printer with a lower headline price or higher ppm rating can still be the wrong choice if it lacks an ADF, uses expensive cartridges, or does not fit the workspace.
1. Do you need monochrome or color?
Choose a monochrome laser printer when more than 90% of your output is black text, including invoices, manuscripts, forms, shipping labels, school papers, and legal documents. Monochrome models normally cost less to buy and maintain because they use one toner color and have a simpler consumables path.
Choose color when charts, presentations, diagrams, highlighted documents, marketing material, or occasional color copies matter. Color laser ownership normally involves four toner cartridges and may also involve imaging units, transfer belts, or other replaceable components. A color laser can produce attractive business graphics without being a good photographic printer.
2. Do you need a print-only model or an all-in-one?
A print-only printer is smaller, cheaper, and simpler. An all-in-one adds scanning and copying, and some models add faxing. An automatic document feeder, or ADF, matters when you scan or copy multi-page documents; a flatbed alone is slow for contracts, receipts, tax paperwork, or school packets.
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Duplex functions need precise checking. Automatic duplex printing means the printer can print both sides. Automatic duplex copying means it can copy both sides without manual intervention. Automatic duplex scanning means the scanner can digitize both sides of an original. Those features are not interchangeable.
3. How many pages will you print each month?
Use your expected monthly volume, not the maximum monthly duty cycle, to size a printer. Compare three separate specifications:
- Advertised print speed: usually a manufacturer-rated pages-per-minute figure under standardized conditions.
- Recommended monthly volume: a more useful indication of the workload the manufacturer expects the printer to handle routinely.
- Maximum monthly duty cycle: an upper limit that should not be treated as a normal operating target.
For example, Brother lists the HL-L2460DW at up to 36 ppm, a recommended monthly print volume of up to 2,500 pages, and a maximum monthly duty cycle of up to 35,000 pages. The Brother MFC-L2820DW product specifications list up to 34 ppm, a recommended monthly volume up to 2,500 pages, and a maximum duty cycle up to 35,000 pages.
For offices printing hundreds or thousands of monochrome pages monthly, the Brother MFC-L5915DW is a more sensible class of machine than a compact home printer. Brother positions the MFC-L5915DW for busy offices and workgroups, with speeds up to 50 ppm and a TN920UXXL ultra-high-yield toner option.
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Buyers who digitize receipts, contracts, tax documents, or two-sided paperwork should prioritize ADF capacity and duplex scanning over headline print speed. Buyers who scan only an occasional single page may save money by pairing a print-only laser printer with a phone-scanning app or separate document scanner.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW has a 50-page ADF, automatic duplex printing, and print/copy speeds up to 34 ppm. The Brother MFC-L2820DW does not perform automatic duplex scanning or automatic duplex copying, so a user scanning double-sided originals must turn pages manually. The Brother MFC-L2820DW specifications are the appropriate place to verify the current feature list.
Which laser printer should you buy?
Brother HL-L2460DW: best budget monochrome print-only printer
Best for: homes, students, and small offices that primarily print black text and do not need a scanner.
The Brother HL-L2460DW is the clearest choice for a buyer who wants an affordable, compact, networked monochrome printer with automatic duplexing. Brother listed the U.S. price at $179.99 when checked on August 18, 2026. The printer has a 250-sheet input tray, a manufacturer-rated speed of up to 36 ppm, dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, and Brother Mobile Connect.
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- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
The official Brother HL-L2460DW specifications list approximate dimensions of 14.0 × 14.2 × 7.2 inches and a weight of about 15.6 pounds. Brother lists support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS, although operating-system support is version-sensitive. Brother’s page specifically notes that macOS printing uses AirPrint and that Mac printer drivers are not provided.
The main limitation is functional rather than print-related: the HL-L2460DW cannot scan, copy, or fax. The printer also ships with a starter toner cartridge rated at approximately 700 pages and uses a separate DR830 drum rated at approximately 15,000 pages. Toner yield varies with page coverage, graphics, paper, and print settings.
Buy it if: you need reliable black text, automatic two-sided printing, wireless connectivity, and a compact footprint.
Skip it if: you need scanning, copying, color, or a built-in ADF.
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Brother MFC-L2820DW: best monochrome all-in-one for most home offices
Best for: home offices and small businesses that need routine black-and-white printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the better home-office recommendation when a printer must also handle paperwork. Brother listed the U.S. price at $279.99 when checked on August 18, 2026. The model prints, scans, copies, and faxes; includes a 50-page ADF and 250-sheet paper tray; supports automatic duplex printing; and provides Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria, cloud integration, and mobile scanning features.
Brother lists print and copy speeds up to 34 ppm and a 2.7-inch color touchscreen. The MFC-L2820DW product page lists approximate dimensions of 16.1 × 15.7 × 12.5 inches and a weight of about 25.5 pounds, making the MFC-L2820DW considerably less desk-friendly than the HL-L2460DW.
The MFC-L2820DW has automatic duplex printing but no automatic duplex scanning and no automatic duplex copying. That distinction makes the MFC-L2820DW a strong general home-office document machine, but not the right choice for an office that routinely digitizes two-sided originals.
The MFC-L2820DW uses TN830 or TN830XL toner and a separate DR830 drum. The included starter toner is approximately 700 pages, while the drum is approximately 15,000 pages. Buyers should compare replacement toner and drum prices before calculating long-term value rather than judging the printer by its purchase price alone.
Buy it if: you need an ADF and copying but do not need color or duplex scanning.
Skip it if: you print color presentations, scan many double-sided documents, or have very limited desk space.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw: best upper-midrange color laser all-in-one
Best for: home offices and small businesses that need color documents, scanning, copying, and a more capable workflow than a basic monochrome printer.
RTINGS currently identifies the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw as its best upper-midrange color laser printer, citing strong tested print quality, very quick speeds, and a relatively small footprint for its class. The recommendation is tied to RTINGS’ testing and category definition; it is not a claim that the MF665Cdw is the cheapest color printer to operate, the best photo printer, or the ideal heavy-duty workgroup machine.
The RTINGS laser-printer guide is the strongest supplied source for this category recommendation. Check Canon’s current product information and live price before purchase because the dossier does not provide a verified August 18, 2026 price for the MF665Cdw.
Buy it if: color charts, presentations, and business documents matter and you want a relatively compact multifunction design.
Rank #3
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
- PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
Skip it if: your output is almost entirely black text, you print photographs regularly, or your office needs high-volume workgroup paper handling.
Brother MFC-L5915DW: best high-volume monochrome workgroup candidate
Best for: small businesses and workgroups printing hundreds or thousands of monochrome pages each month.
The Brother MFC-L5915DW belongs in a business office rather than on a casual home-user shortlist. Brother positions the model for busy offices and workgroups and advertises speeds up to 50 ppm. Business-oriented paper handling, security features, and the TN920UXXL ultra-high-yield toner option can matter more to a shared office than a low purchase price.
See the Brother MFC-L5915DW product page for current pricing, configuration, and consumable information. The supplied research does not provide a verified August 18, 2026 price, so the article does not invent one.
Buy it if: throughput, high-yield toner, business paper handling, and network or security administration are priorities.
Skip it if: you print only a few dozen pages monthly or need a small, inexpensive household printer.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II: best speed-focused color multifunction printer
Best for: small offices that value fast printing, copying, and scanning more than compactness.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is a large four-in-one color machine with especially strong workflow-speed results. Tom’s Guide measured 26.5 ppm on a five-page text document and 19.21 ppm on a six-page mixed PDF. Those independent figures show why manufacturer ppm claims and real-world mixed-document performance should be kept separate.
Tom’s Guide also reported fast black-and-white and color copying, fast scanning, and a responsive touchscreen. The Tom’s Guide MF753Cdw II review reported a weight of approximately 48.5 pounds, dimensions of approximately 18.2 × 16.8 × 17 inches, and a retail price around $702 at the time of testing. The review also noted that the printer had previously fallen to approximately $499 during sales, so those figures are historical price signals, not current guarantees.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallAdditional input capacity was reported at approximately $250 in testing. Measure the furniture before buying: the printer needs room not only for its footprint but also for paper-tray extensions, scanner-lid movement, doors, cables, and ventilation.
Buy it if: several users share the printer and mixed-document speed is worth the size and cost.
Skip it if: you have a small desk, low monthly volume, or a photo-first workflow.
Brother MFC-L8930CDW: best high-volume color workgroup candidate
Best for: offices that share a color multifunction printer and need heavier-duty document handling.
RTINGS lists the Brother MFC-L8930CDW as its top all-in-one printer pick and describes it as a color laser model suited to heavy print loads. Duplex scanning is an important differentiator to investigate when comparing the MFC-L8930CDW with the Brother MFC-L2820DW, Canon MF665Cdw, and Canon MF753Cdw II.
The RTINGS all-in-one recommendations provide the supplied category evidence. The model is a business-class option with a substantially larger footprint and higher likely acquisition cost than home-office printers. Verify the current model page, configuration, availability, and price through Brother’s color laser all-in-one listing.
Rank #4
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Buy it if: shared color printing, high volume, and duplex document scanning are central requirements.
Skip it if: you need the smallest or least expensive printer for occasional household use.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw: an HP ecosystem alternative
Best for: buyers who prefer HP’s software, support, interface, or retailer ecosystem and want a mainstream color multifunction printer.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is worth comparing rather than automatically ranking above Canon and Brother. Consumer Reports’ 2026 buying guide lists a $529 reference price and an overall score of 65. The reference price is not a guaranteed current retail price, and HP toner costs should be compared before purchase.
Consult the official HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw page for current specifications, availability, and pricing. The model makes the most sense when HP’s ecosystem is itself a buying priority or when a current promotion materially changes its value.
How fast are laser printers in real use?
Advertised ppm figures are usually based on idealized single-sided documents and may not represent first-page time, color output, duplex output, mixed graphics, wireless processing, large PDFs, scanning, copying, or warm-up time.
RTINGS measured the Brother MFC-L2820DW at 33 ppm in testing, close to Brother’s 34-ppm claim. Tom’s Guide measured the Canon MF753Cdw II at 26.5 ppm for a five-page text document and 19.21 ppm for a six-page mixed PDF. A fast printer can therefore be a different proposition for short jobs, complex PDFs, and two-sided office workflows than its specification-sheet ppm suggests.
What does a laser printer really cost to own?
The purchase price is only the first part of laser-printer ownership. Compare the toner cartridge price, ISO-rated cartridge yield, starter-cartridge yield, replacement drum price, color-cartridge costs, imaging components, paper capacity, and any subscription or authentication terms.
Use ISO-rated yields where available, but treat yields as estimates. Actual output varies with page coverage, graphics, paper, duplexing, and print settings. A first-year estimate should be separated from steady-state ownership:
- Start with the printer purchase price.
- Subtract or separately identify the value of included starter toner.
- Estimate pages printed during the first year.
- Calculate replacement toner needed from stated yield.
- Add a drum or imaging-component replacement only if the expected volume makes replacement likely.
- For color, include all four toner colors and any separate imaging components.
The HL-L2460DW and MFC-L2820DW each include starter toner rated at approximately 700 pages and use a DR830 drum rated at approximately 15,000 pages. Separate toner and drum replacement can reduce waste or lower long-term cost in some usage patterns, but the buyer must include both consumables in the calculation.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Consumer Reports’ 2026 guide includes annual maintenance and ink-use figures for tested models. Those annual estimates should not be converted into a universal cost-per-page number because the assumptions behind annual page volume, coverage, cartridge pricing, and replacement timing matter.
Do laser printers require a toner subscription?
No, a laser printer does not universally require a toner subscription, but an optional program can impose model-specific ownership conditions. Brother product pages advertise the optional Refresh EZ Print Subscription. The supplied terms state that subscription cartridges can be deactivated after cancellation and must be replaced for printing to continue.
That condition applies to subscription cartridges and does not mean every Brother printer requires enrollment. Buyers who prefer conventional ownership should compare standard TN830, TN830XL, DR830, or other model-compatible supplies and read the exact current program terms before enrolling.
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Common connection options include Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, manufacturer mobile apps, network scanning, and cloud services. Compatibility is version-sensitive, so check the manufacturer’s current support page for the exact operating system and workflow.
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The Brother HL-L2460DW lists Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS support, along with Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, and Brother Mobile Connect. The Brother MFC-L2820DW lists Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility, AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, cloud-service integration, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, and USB.
Best Value
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
macOS support can differ from Windows support. For example, Brother specifically notes that HL-L2460DW Mac printing uses AirPrint and that Mac printer drivers are not provided. For an office, Ethernet is often the most predictable connection. Wi-Fi Direct is useful when a device needs to connect directly to the printer without joining the same conventional network.
What should you do when wireless setup fails?
- Confirm that the printer and phone or computer are on the same network rather than a guest network.
- Check whether guest-network isolation prevents device discovery.
- Try the manufacturer’s current app and update printer firmware if an update is available.
- Temporarily test without a VPN, which can interfere with local-device discovery.
- Check router security settings and whether the printer supports the selected wireless band.
- Use Ethernet for a fixed office installation or Wi-Fi Direct for a direct device connection.
A printer can also appear offline when it is asleep, has changed IP addresses, or is waiting for a paper or toner action. Wireless capability does not guarantee effortless network administration.
How much space does a laser printer need?
Measure more than the printer’s listed footprint. Leave room for rear clearance, tray extensions, the scanner lid, toner and paper doors, power and network cables, and the weight-bearing capacity of the furniture.
| Model | Approximate dimensions | Approximate weight | Practical implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2460DW | 14.0 × 14.2 × 7.2 inches | 15.6 lb | One of the more desk-friendly choices |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | 16.1 × 15.7 × 12.5 inches | 25.5 lb | Needs a deeper, stronger surface for the scanner and ADF |
| Canon MF753Cdw II | 18.2 × 16.8 × 17 inches | 48.5 lb | Better suited to a sturdy stand or office surface than a small desk |
The dimensions and weight for the Brother models come from Brother’s HL-L2460DW page and Brother’s MFC-L2820DW page. The Canon figures come from Tom’s Guide’s MF753Cdw II review.
Are laser printers good for photographs?
Laser printers are good for sharp text, charts, diagrams, and business graphics, but a good photo inkjet or tank printer is usually better for regular photographic printing. Color laser output can look attractive and consistent on suitable media, yet toner-based color is generally less saturated and less nuanced than photo-focused inkjet output.
TechRadar’s testing of the Brother MFC-L8970CDW found crisp, consistent monochrome and color documents and surprisingly realistic photographs, while also noting that the toner looked less vivid than HP’s in comparison. That is a useful middle position: a color laser can handle occasional photos, but the ability to print a photo is not the same as being the best photo printer.
Check glossy-media compatibility before buying. Laser printers use heat during fusing, so not every glossy or specialty sheet designed for inkjet printers is appropriate for a laser printer.
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| Priority | Usually better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp black text | Laser | Strong fit for forms, manuscripts, invoices, and office documents |
| Frequent high-volume documents | Laser | Fast multi-page workflows and toner-based consumables |
| Long periods unused | Laser | Toner does not dry like liquid ink, although dust, humidity, drums, fusers, and mechanical wear can still cause problems |
| Automatic two-sided documents | Often laser | Many laser models offer duplex printing; verify duplex scanning separately |
| Regular photographs | Inkjet or tank | Better photo color range and glossy-media support |
| Very low color cost at high volume | Ink tank or carefully selected inkjet | Running cost depends on yields, coverage, paper, and the exact model |
| Occasional black documents | Either | Choose based on color needs, purchase price, maintenance, and convenience |
Laser printers generally avoid the liquid-ink printhead-drying concern associated with inkjets during long idle periods, but “toner never dries out” does not mean a laser printer is maintenance-free. Dust, paper debris, humidity, worn mechanical parts, aging drums, and fuser problems can still affect output.
Common laser-printer buying mistakes
- Buying for maximum duty cycle: maximum monthly duty cycle is an upper limit, not a recommended workload.
- Assuming duplex means everything is automatic: verify duplex printing, duplex copying, and duplex scanning separately.
- Ignoring the starter cartridge: a starter cartridge rated at approximately 700 pages can make a low-priced printer’s first-year cost look better than its steady-state cost.
- Comparing only toner prices: include cartridge yields, drums, imaging units, transfer belts, and all color cartridges where applicable.
- Expecting color laser photos to match inkjet photos: color lasers are document specialists, not necessarily photo specialists.
- Putting a 50-pound color multifunction printer on a small shelf: measure footprint, clearance, and furniture capacity first.
- Assuming brand reputation proves reliability: use model-specific testing and survey evidence instead of general brand assumptions.
- Assuming a subscription is mandatory: distinguish optional enrollment from standard printer operation, then read the cancellation terms for the exact cartridge program.
- Assuming old reviews describe current availability: verify that the model remains available and supported before buying.
Which printer should you choose?
Choose the Brother HL-L2460DW if you need only black text, automatic duplex printing, and wireless or wired networking. Choose the Brother MFC-L2820DW if you need black-and-white scanning and copying with an ADF. Choose the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw if you need an upper-midrange color multifunction printer. Choose the Brother MFC-L5915DW for heavy monochrome office throughput, or compare the Canon MF753Cdw II and Brother MFC-L8930CDW when a shared office needs faster or heavier color workflows.
If regular photographs are more important than document speed and crisp office text, investigate a good inkjet or ink-tank printer instead. The right technology matters more than selecting a model from a generic list of “best printers.”
Last checked: August 18, 2026 for U.S. prices and availability observations. Specifications, operating-system support, consumables, subscription terms, and availability can change; confirm the current manufacturer page before purchase.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are laser printers cheaper than inkjet printers?
Laser printers are not universally cheaper than inkjet printers. Monochrome laser printers can offer a simple ownership model for frequent black-text printing, but total cost depends on toner yield, drum replacement, starter-cartridge capacity, paper, and actual monthly volume; color laser costs must include multiple toner cartridges and possible imaging components.
Are laser printers good for occasional use?
Laser printers can be a good choice for occasional document printing because toner does not dry like liquid ink. Laser printers can still develop problems from dust, humidity, paper debris, mechanical wear, aging drums, or fusers, so occasional use does not eliminate maintenance concerns.
What is the difference between duplex printing and duplex scanning?
Duplex printing produces text on both sides of a sheet, while duplex scanning digitizes both sides of a two-sided original. A printer such as the Brother MFC-L2820DW can automatically duplex-print but does not automatically duplex-scan or duplex-copy.
Can a laser printer print from an iPhone?
Many current laser printers support iPhone printing through Apple AirPrint or a manufacturer mobile app. The Brother HL-L2460DW and MFC-L2820DW list AirPrint, and wireless discovery requires the iPhone and printer to be connected appropriately; check the current model support page for the exact iOS version and setup method.
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Toner life depends on the cartridge’s rated yield, page coverage, graphics, paper, duplexing, and print settings. The Brother HL-L2460DW and MFC-L2820DW each include starter toner rated at approximately 700 pages, while each uses a DR830 drum rated at approximately 15,000 pages.
The Bottom Line
The best laser printer is the one that matches the workflow: Brother HL-L2460DW for affordable black-and-white printing, Brother MFC-L2820DW for a monochrome home-office all-in-one, Canon MF665Cdw for upper-midrange color, Brother MFC-L5915DW for heavy monochrome work, and Canon MF753Cdw II or Brother MFC-L8930CDW for larger color offices. Choose an inkjet or tank printer when regular photo printing is the priority.
Quick Recap
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