Key Takeaways
- Speed is a major differentiator; models like the Brother MFC-L5915DW excel at high-volume throughput.
- Color printing options, such as the Brother HL-L8430CDW, come with higher upfront costs but reduce reliance on external color printers.
- All-in-one features like scanning, copying, and fax are standard in top picks, but may add complexity or cost for small teams.
- Security features are increasingly important—choose models like the Brother MFC-L8930CDW if data protection is a priority.
- Running costs, especially toner yield and cost per page, significantly impact long-term value and should influence your choice.
More Details on Our Top Picks
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Best-for-Office (3G628F)
This HP LaserJet Pro model excels as the most complete solution for small office teams, supporting printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with speeds up to 35 ppm. Its auto duplex and auto document feeder streamline workflows, making it ideal for up to 7 users managing frequent document tasks. Superior connectivity options—including wireless, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and compatibility with multiple devices—ensure flexible setup. When compared to the Brother DCP-L2640DW, this HP offers more integrated security features, like HP Wolf Pro Security, but the tradeoff is a higher price and slightly larger footprint. Its high-speed performance and security focus make it the best pick for offices needing reliable multi-function capabilities without sacrificing data protection.
Pros:- Supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device
- Auto duplex and auto document feeder for efficiency
- Strong security features with HP Wolf Pro Security
- Fast print speeds up to 35 ppm
Cons:- Larger footprint may be difficult to fit in small desks
- Higher initial cost compared to simpler models
- Firmware updates may occasionally require attention
Best for: Small business teams that need a secure, all-in-one device with fast output and flexible connectivity.
Not ideal for: Solo entrepreneurs or home users with minimal printing needs, as its features and size may be unnecessary.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Maximum Paper Size:Letter
- Print Speed:35 ppm
- Maximum Copies Per Run:5000
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, Bluetooth
- Item Weight:10.5 Kilograms
Bottom line: Ideal for small offices that require a comprehensive, secure, and fast all-in-one laser printer.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
This Brother model makes a strong case as the most cost-effective choice for high-volume monochrome printing and scanning, delivering up to 36 ppm and a 50-page auto document feeder. Its compact design suits small spaces, yet it offers a 250-sheet paper tray to reduce refill frequency, making it perfect for small businesses looking to minimize operational costs. Unlike the HP 3101fdw, it lacks fax capability, which might matter for some offices. The inclusion of a mobile app for printing and scanning offers flexibility, though it doesn’t have the advanced security features of the HP or the color capabilities of the MFC-L8930CDW. This pick is best for budget-conscious offices prioritizing speed and volume over multifunction security.
Pros:- High-speed printing up to 36 ppm
- Affordable with included subscription trial for toner
- Compact footprint suitable for small offices
- Supports mobile printing and scanning
Cons:- No fax functionality included
- Limited to monochrome output
- Basic security features compared to premium models
Best for: Small businesses focused on high-volume black-and-white printing with limited need for fax or color features.
Not ideal for: Offices requiring faxing or color printing, or those needing advanced security or scanning to cloud services.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Maximum Paper Size:8.5 x 14 inches
- Print Speed:36 ppm
- Auto Document Feeder:50 pages
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
- Item Weight:25 Pounds
Bottom line: Best for small offices that need reliable high-volume black-and-white printing on a budget.
Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Duplex Print, Scan, Copy, Low-Cost Printing, and Advanced Security Features
Compared to the monochrome Brother DCP-L2640DW, this MFC-L8930CDW provides the advantage of color printing, with high-quality output at 1200 dpi and fast speeds up to 33 ppm. Its 80-page auto document feeder and legal-size glass enable efficient high-volume scanning and copying, making it suitable for creative or marketing offices that require color documents. While it offers advanced security features similar to the HP 3101fdw, its color capabilities make it less ideal for strictly text-heavy tasks. This model’s larger size and higher cost are tradeoffs for offices that need vibrant color output with security and volume in one device.
Pros:- Supports color and black & white printing at 1200 dpi
- Fast speeds up to 33 ppm
- High-capacity auto document feeder
- Advanced security and cloud scanning capabilities
Cons:- Larger and heavier than monochrome models
- Higher initial purchase price
- Color toner cartridges can be more costly
Best for: Offices needing reliable color printing, high-speed scanning, and robust security features.
Not ideal for: Small, budget-conscious teams or those with primarily monochrome needs without a focus on color output.
- Printer Type:Color Laser
- Maximum Paper Size:Legal (8.5 x 14 inches)
- Print Speed:33 ppm
- Copy Resolution:2400 x 600 dpi
- Auto Document Feeder:80 pages
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
Bottom line: Perfect for offices that need vibrant color output, fast document handling, and enterprise-level security.
Brother MFC-L5915DW Business Monochrome Laser All-in-One with Duplex, High-Speed 50 ppm, Wireless, Security
Building on the success of previous Brother models, the MFC-L5915DW turns in an impressive 50 ppm in black & white, making it the fastest in this roundup. Its 70-page auto document feeder and expandable paper capacity up to over 1100 sheets address high-volume demands with reliability. It offers a 5-inch touchscreen for quick navigation and supports secure printing with advanced security features. While it lacks color output, its speed and large capacity make it the ideal choice for busy offices focused on monochrome documents. Compared to the Brother DCP-L2640DW, this model supports more extensive network security and higher volume, though it comes with a heavier weight and higher cost.
Pros:- High-speed printing up to 50 ppm
- Large capacity with over 1100 sheets possible
- Advanced security features and secure print
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
Cons:- No color printing capabilities
- Heavier and more expensive than smaller models
- Initial setup may be complex for some users
Best for: High-volume monochrome offices needing fast throughput and strong security features.
Not ideal for: Offices that require color printing or minimal volume needs; the size and cost may be overkill.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Maximum Paper Size:Legal (8.5 x 14 inches)
- Print Speed:50 ppm
- Auto Document Feeder:70 pages
- Maximum Paper Capacity:Over 1100 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
Bottom line: Ideal for high-demand offices focused on rapid monochrome output and enterprise-grade security.
Brother HL-6210DW Professional Laser Printer with High-Speed 50 ppm Output, Advanced Security Features, and Wireless Networking for Business, Monochrome Printing with Duplex Capability
This Brother HL-6210DW stands out for its exceptional speed—up to 50 ppm—and substantial paper handling, with a 520-sheet capacity and optional trays for even larger workloads. Its duplex automatic printing and scanning make it a favorite for demanding workgroups that need continuous, high-volume monochrome output. Unlike the other models in the roundup, it emphasizes durability and extended operational capacity, making it suitable for large offices or print farms. Its security features and wireless networking also ensure safe, flexible operation. The tradeoff is its size and weight, which may limit placement options, and its higher price point reflects its heavy-duty performance.
Pros:- High-speed output of 50 ppm
- Massive paper capacity with expandable trays
- Robust security features
- Wireless and wired connectivity options
Cons:- Very large and heavy, requiring ample space
- Higher cost compared to standard models
- Lacks color printing features
Best for: Large offices or print facilities requiring fast, high-capacity monochrome printing with security and network flexibility.
Not ideal for: Small businesses with limited space or those needing color printing capabilities.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Maximum Paper Size:Legal
- Print Speed:50 ppm
- Maximum Paper Capacity:Over 1500 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
Bottom line: Best suited for high-volume, secure monochrome printing in large enterprise environments.
HP Laserjet Pro MFP 4101fdw Wireless Black & White All-in-One Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Best-for-Office (2Z619F)
This HP model stands out for its blazing fast speeds of up to 42 pages per minute and its impressive print quality, especially for small teams that need professional-looking black and white documents. Unlike the Brother HL-L8430CDW, which prioritizes cost savings and security, the HP offers a more streamlined setup with wireless connectivity and a user-friendly touchscreen, making it easier to integrate into busy office environments. The multifunction capabilities—scanning, copying, faxing—are seamless, and the automatic duplexer significantly reduces paper use. However, its large footprint and higher initial cost may be a drawback for smaller or space-constrained offices. The use of original HP cartridges ensures consistent quality but adds to ongoing expenses. This pick makes the most sense for small businesses that need reliable, fast, all-in-one printing with minimal fuss, even if they must compromise on size or budget.
Pros:- Exceptional print speeds of up to 42 ppm for high-volume tasks
- All-in-one functionality including scanning, copying, and faxing
- Intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies operation
Cons:- Sizeable footprint requiring dedicated space
- Higher upfront investment compared to simpler models
Best for: Small business teams that prioritize speed, reliability, and multifunctionality in a single device.
Not ideal for: Home offices with limited space or budget-conscious startups that need a more affordable or compact solution.
- Print Speed:Up to 42 pages per minute
- Print Resolution:1200 x 1200 dpi
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, USB
- Automatic Duplexing:Yes
- Maximum Paper Capacity:350 sheets
- Scanner Type:Flatbed, Sheetfed
- Printer Weight:33 pounds
- Display:Color Touchscreen
Bottom line: Ideal for small offices needing a fast, versatile, and secure all-in-one printer that handles high-volume output with ease.
Brother HL-L8430CDW Business Color Laser Printer with Low-Cost Printing and Wireless Networking
This Brother model excels in delivering vibrant color and sharp black output at a competitive price point, making it well-suited for offices that need quality color printing without high ongoing costs. Compared to the HP Laserjet Pro 4101fdw, which emphasizes speed and multifunctionality, the Brother focuses on cost efficiency and expandable paper capacity, supporting up to 1,340 sheets with optional trays. Its built-in security features are advanced, including an NFC badge reader, which appeals to security-conscious businesses. The 33 ppm speed is solid, but it’s slightly slower than the HP, which might matter for extremely high-volume environments. The included standard toner cartridges are high-yield, lowering operational costs, but the initial purchase is less expensive than the HP, making it more accessible for smaller budgets. This printer makes the most sense for growing SMBs that need dependable color output and expandable capacity, even if they don’t require the fastest speeds or all-in-one features.
Pros:- Vivid color output with maximum 2400 x 600 dpi resolution
- Low-cost printing with included high-yield toner cartridges
- Expandable paper capacity supports large print volumes
Cons:- Print speeds of 33 ppm are slower than some all-in-one models
- Limited multifunction capabilities—no scan or fax functions
Best for: Growing small businesses that need cost-effective, high-quality color printing with security features.
Not ideal for: Offices that require multifunction features like scanning and faxing or the fastest print speeds available.
- Print Speed:33 pages per minute (color and B&W)
- Print Resolution:2400 x 600 dpi
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Automatic Duplexing:Yes
- Maximum Paper Capacity:1,340 sheets with optional trays
- Printer Weight:46.3 pounds
- Control Panel:2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Supported Media:Cards, envelopes, paper
Bottom line: Best suited for budget-conscious SMBs that prioritize color quality, security, and future expansion over speed and multifunctionality.
