10 Best Budget Laser Printers 2025 in the United States

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that stands out for small businesses and home offices needing efficient printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. One of its main strengths is the impressive print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which helps boost productivity. With automatic duplex printing, it saves time and paper, catering to users who want environmentally friendly options. The printer also features a 50-page automatic document feeder, making multi-page tasks easier.

In terms of connectivity, the DCP-L2640DW offers flexible options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections, allowing users to easily integrate it into various office setups. The Brother Mobile Connect app is a handy feature for managing the printer remotely, providing convenience for busy users.

However, it does have some drawbacks. Being a monochrome printer, it can only handle black and white printing, which limits its use for those needing color prints. The print quality, while satisfactory for text documents, may not meet the expectations for high-quality graphics or images. Additionally, the initial cost of toner can be a concern, though the Refresh Subscription Service offers a way to save on replacements.

Another point to consider is that while the printer is fairly lightweight for its category, weighing 25 pounds, it may take up more space than some users desire, particularly in smaller offices. Finally, the maximum paper handling capacity is 250 sheets, which might not be sufficient for larger printing demands.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable, efficient budget laser printer, particularly where high-volume monochrome printing is required.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw appears to be a solid choice for small to medium-sized office environments. It boasts impressive print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color prints, which means tasks can be completed efficiently. The print quality benefits from the TerraJet toner technology, offering vivid colors suitable for professional documents and reports. Furthermore, this printer supports automatic duplex printing, which saves paper and contributes to a more sustainable office setup.

The 250-sheet input tray handles a reasonable volume of paper, making it suitable for frequent use. Connectivity options are versatile, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, which ensures it can fit into various network setups. HP's Wolf Pro Security suite adds an extra layer of data protection, which is vital for business environments dealing with sensitive information.

On the downside, the printer is relatively heavy at 30.4 pounds, which might be less ideal for small home offices with limited space. Another consideration is the restriction to using only original HP toner cartridges, which can be more expensive over time compared to third-party options. This, however, is offset by the Energy Star and EPEAT certifications, indicating efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is best suited for small teams or businesses needing reliable, high-quality color printing with robust security features, though the cost of toner should be factored into the long-term expenses.

The Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer is a suitable choice for home offices and small teams who need a reliable and cost-effective printing solution. It offers a high print speed of up to 36 pages per minute (ppm), which is impressive for a budget printer and helps in handling large print jobs efficiently. The print quality is solid with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, ensuring that documents come out clear and crisp.

Its robust duty cycle supports moderate to heavy use without frequent maintenance issues, making it a dependable option for daily tasks. The printer supports versatile connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, catering to various user preferences and setups. Mobile printing is straightforward with the Brother Mobile Connect App, allowing remote management and printing from mobile devices.

The 250-sheet capacity paper tray and manual feed slot enhance its paper handling capabilities, accommodating both regular and specialty paper types. Automatic duplex printing is a significant advantage, reducing paper waste and saving time. The compact design is another plus, as it fits well in limited spaces. On the downside, the printer lacks color printing, which could limit its use for certain tasks. The 64 MB memory storage capacity might be insufficient for very large print jobs or graphics-heavy documents. The Brother HL-L2460DW excels in speed, reliability, and connectivity, making it a strong contender in the budget-laser-printer category, particularly for users focusing on monochrome document printing.