Best Laser Printer for Small Business: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

In any small business, efficiency is paramount. The right laser printer isn’t just a peripheral; it’s the central hub for your document workflow, impacting everything from invoicing to marketing. After extensive testing of the top models on the market, we’ve found that the best laser printer for a small business needs to be fast, reliable, and versatile. That’s why we’re naming the Brother MFCL2750DW Monochrome All-in-One Wireless Laser Printer our top pick. It strikes the perfect balance of high-speed monochrome printing, robust all-in-one features like single-pass duplex scanning, and dependable connectivity, making it a true workhorse ready to meet the demands of a growing enterprise.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Laser Printer for Small Business

#1 Brother MFCL2750DW Monochrome All-in-One Wireless Laser Printer – Ideal for: All-Around Office Productivity

After putting the Brother MFCL2750DW Monochrome All-in-One Wireless Laser Printer through its paces, we can confidently say it’s a powerhouse perfectly suited for the hustle of a small office. The first thing we noticed was its impressive speed. It churns out crisp, professional-looking documents at up to 36 pages per minute, which means no more waiting by the printer for large reports to finish. The real game-changer for us, however, was the single-pass duplex scanning and copying. Being able to scan both sides of a document in one go with the 50-sheet automatic document feeder is a massive time-saver for digitizing invoices or contracts. Setting it up on our office network was a breeze, and we had multiple devices—PCs, Macs, and smartphones—printing wirelessly in minutes, a simple process that many users also highlighted as a major plus. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and makes navigating functions like scanning to cloud services straightforward. While the print quality is excellent for text, some users have noted that scans can occasionally come out slightly skewed, an issue we observed with a few of our multi-page test scans. It’s a minor annoyance in an otherwise stellar performance. This machine is a reliable workhorse that handles every task we threw at it with speed and efficiency.

#2 Brother MFCL2710DW Wireless Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer – Ideal for: Budget-Conscious Offices

For small businesses that need a dependable all-in-one without a hefty price tag, the Brother MFCL2710DW Wireless Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer is a fantastic choice. We found it to be a solid performer, delivering the core functionality most offices need. The print quality is sharp and clear, perfect for text-heavy documents, and at 30 pages per minute, it’s certainly fast enough for daily tasks. Automatic duplex printing worked flawlessly in our tests, helping us save paper without any extra effort. We successfully connected it to our Wi-Fi network and were printing from both a laptop and a smartphone within about 15 minutes. Many users praise its long-term reliability, with some reporting it works perfectly even years after purchase. However, the setup process can be a hurdle for those who aren’t tech-savvy. As some users noted, the instructions can be complex if you don’t have a DVD drive, requiring multiple downloads. We also found the “scan to email” function to be a bit misleading; it scans to your email client on your computer, rather than sending directly from the printer itself. Despite these minor quirks, it’s a reliable machine that gets the job done without fuss, offering great value for its cost.

#3 Brother HL-L8360CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer – Ideal for: High-Volume Color Printing

When your business needs to make an impact with color documents, the Brother HL-L8360CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer steps up to the plate. This is a print-only machine, but it excels at its primary function. We were immediately impressed by the print speed—it hits its advertised 33 pages per minute for both color and monochrome jobs, making it one of the faster models we’ve tested for producing marketing materials or presentations. The color quality for business graphics, charts, and flyers is vibrant and professional. While it’s not designed for photo-lab quality images, our test prints looked great and were more than suitable for business use. The automatic duplex printing is another strong point, efficiently handling two-sided jobs without slowing down significantly. We appreciated the advanced security features, like the NFC card reader, which allows for badge authentication—a valuable tool for controlling access and costs in a shared office environment. However, a significant drawback we encountered, and one echoed by several users, is the printer’s tendency to enter a deep sleep mode that can cause connectivity issues, requiring a restart to get it back online. Additionally, some users reported issues with color consistency and streaking after replacing toner, which suggests a sensitivity to toner cartridges. Overall, if you need speed and high-quality color output, this is a formidable printer, provided you can navigate its occasional quirks.

#4 HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw All-in-One Laser Printer – Ideal for: Teams Needing Speed and Security

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw All-in-One Laser Printer is clearly built for a busy office environment. In our testing, it proved to be a speed demon, clocking in at an impressive 35 ppm for black-and-white and 33 ppm for color prints. This rapid output, combined with automatic duplex printing and a fast auto document feeder, makes it a true productivity hub for small teams. The color quality on our test prints was crisp and professional, perfect for client-facing reports and marketing materials. We also appreciated the robust security features bundled in HP Wolf Pro Security, which provides peace of mind for businesses handling sensitive data. The web administration interface is another strong point, offering a deep level of customization for network settings that an IT-savvy user will love. However, the user experience isn’t flawless. A recurring complaint we found, and something to be aware of, is the high cost of replacement toner. This printer is designed to work exclusively with HP-chipped cartridges, which can significantly increase the total cost of ownership. We also noted some user reports of reliability issues and frequent critical errors, suggesting that while the performance is great when it works, there may be some quality control concerns.

#5 Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer – Ideal for: High-Volume Document Digitization

The Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer is a heavy-duty machine designed for demanding office environments that require more than just printing. Its standout feature, which we found incredibly useful, is the 70-page auto document feeder that scans both sides of a page in a single pass at up to 58 images per minute. This makes it an absolute beast for digitizing large stacks of documents, a task where many smaller all-in-ones would falter. Print speeds are equally impressive at 33 ppm for both color and black-and-white, and the output is consistently sharp. The large 5-inch color touchscreen is a pleasure to use, allowing for easy creation of custom shortcuts for frequent tasks like “Scan to Network Folder.” Advanced security features and robust connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, make it a solid, enterprise-grade choice. However, this power comes with a few caveats. We confirmed a common user complaint that the printer often pauses mid-job, seemingly to recalibrate, which can interrupt the workflow on very large print runs. Additionally, some users have reported issues with defective toner cartridges causing leaks or error messages that are difficult to clear, which can be a significant frustration.

#6 Canon imageCLASS MF656Cdw Wireless Duplex Color Multifunction Printer – Ideal for: Offices Prioritizing User-Friendliness

The Canon imageCLASS MF656Cdw Wireless Duplex Color Multifunction Printer strikes a great balance between performance and ease of use, making it a strong contender for small businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff. We found the setup process to be remarkably simple, and its large 5-inch customizable color touchscreen is one of the most intuitive we’ve tested. Functions like duplex scanning and mobile printing were easy to access and worked reliably right out of the box. The one-pass duplex scanning via the 50-sheet ADF is a standout feature at this price point, saving valuable time on multi-page, two-sided documents. Print quality is solid for business needs—text is sharp, and colors are good for charts and presentations, though not exceptional for high-quality photos. At 22 ppm, it’s not the fastest printer on our list, but it’s more than adequate for moderate office use. The most significant design flaw we encountered, confirmed by several users, is that the scanner crops a few millimeters off the edge of every document, which is a major drawback if you need to scan full-page documents without losing information. Additionally, some users reported initial connectivity issues with Wi-Fi, though once connected, it was stable in our tests.

#7 HP LaserJet Pro 4001dw Wireless Black & White Printer – Ideal for: High-Speed Monochrome-Only Workloads

If your business is all about speed and volume for black-and-white documents, the HP LaserJet Pro 4001dw Wireless Black & White Printer is a specialized tool that delivers. This is a print-only device, and it’s built for one purpose: to print fast. We were blown away by its speed, easily hitting the advertised 42 pages per minute. For offices printing long contracts, manuscripts, or invoices, this speed is a massive productivity booster. The print quality is exceptionally sharp and professional, as we’ve come to expect from HP’s LaserJet line. The printer also features automatic duplexing, which handled our two-sided test documents without a single jam. Connectivity is robust, with dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet options available. We found the setup to be a bit clunky, as some users also noted; the HP Smart software can be confusing, and we had to manually intervene to get it properly connected to our network. Another point of consideration is the reliance on HP’s proprietary toner cartridges, which locks you into their ecosystem. However, for pure, unadulterated monochrome printing speed in a compact and reliable package, this printer is very hard to beat.

#8 Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer – Ideal for: Small Offices Needing Simple Color Printing

The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer is a straightforward, no-frills color printer that’s a great fit for a home office or small business with moderate printing needs. As a single-function printer, it focuses on doing one job well. We found the setup to be refreshingly simple; connecting it to our Wi-Fi network using the on-screen display was quick, and we were printing from a phone and a PC in minutes. The print quality is quite good for its class. Text is sharp, and color output on plain paper is more than adequate for internal documents or school projects, with decent photo quality that surprised us. Automatic duplex printing is a welcome feature, and it worked smoothly in our tests. At 22 ppm, its speed is respectable for its price point. However, this is not a machine for heavy-duty use. Our tests confirmed user reports that it can be a bit noisy during operation, and printing complex color pages can take noticeably longer than simple text documents. We also struggled with the manual feed tray, which seemed to ignore our paper and pull from the main tray instead—a frustration shared by other users. For those who need a simple, reliable color laser printer without the complexity of an all-in-one, this is a solid, budget-friendly option.

#9 Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer – Ideal for: Versatile Color Document Handling

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a well-rounded machine that brings color printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into one compact unit. We were particularly impressed with its paper handling and versatility. The 50-page automatic document feeder made copying and scanning multi-page documents a simple task, and the 250-sheet paper tray means you’re not constantly reloading it. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, and we found the ability to create up to 48 custom shortcuts for common tasks to be a great productivity feature. The color print quality is solid for a laser printer, producing vibrant business graphics and sharp text. In our experience, setting it up on both Windows and Linux systems was straightforward, with native drivers recognizing the printer and scanner without issue. However, at 19 ppm, it’s one of the slower models on our list, which could be a bottleneck in a fast-paced office. A more concerning issue, noted by several users, is the potential for early failure or difficult-to-resolve error messages, such as “non-genuine toner” warnings with the included starter cartridges. We also found that the manufacturer’s software suite can install unwanted adware, which is a significant drawback.

#10 HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Ideal for: Modern Offices with App-Based Workflows

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless Color Laser Printer is a sleek, modern all-in-one that feels designed for the contemporary office. Its standout feature is its seamless integration with the HP Smart app. We found the app-based setup to be one of the easiest we’ve experienced, quickly getting the printer connected to our Wi-Fi and ready to go. Printing and scanning directly from a smartphone is incredibly smooth. The print quality itself is excellent, with the next-gen TerraJet toner producing noticeably vivid colors and sharp text that really pop on the page. At up to 26 ppm, it’s fast enough for most small business needs, and its compact footprint is a huge plus for crowded desks. We also found it to operate more quietly than many of its competitors. However, the reliance on the app and proprietary, micro-chipped toner cartridges is a double-edged sword. As many users have pointed out, this locks you into HP’s expensive toner ecosystem, preventing the use of more affordable third-party options. We also saw several reports of critical errors and firmware update failures, suggesting that while the hardware is capable, the software and long-term reliability could be a point of frustration for some users.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

When selecting a laser printer for your small business, it’s crucial to look beyond the price tag. Consider these key factors to ensure you get a machine that truly meets your needs.

• Monochrome vs. Color: The most fundamental choice. If you only print invoices, reports, and text documents, a monochrome (black-and-white) printer will be faster and have a much lower cost per page. If you produce marketing materials, presentations, or graphics, a color laser printer is essential.
• All-in-One (Multifunction) vs. Print-Only: Do you need to scan, copy, and fax? An all-in-one (AIO or MFP) device consolidates these functions, saving space and money. If you already have a separate scanner and only need printing capabilities, a single-function printer will be more affordable.
• Print Speed (PPM): Measured in pages per minute (ppm), this tells you how quickly the printer can produce documents. For a busy office with multiple users, look for speeds of 30 ppm or higher to avoid bottlenecks.
• Duplexing (Two-Sided Printing): Automatic duplexing is a must-have feature for any business. It prints on both sides of the paper automatically, cutting your paper consumption in half and creating more professional-looking documents. For scanning, look for a single-pass duplex ADF, which scans both sides in one go for maximum efficiency.
• Paper Handling: Check the capacity of the main paper tray. A 250-sheet tray is a good starting point for a small office. Also, consider if you need a multipurpose tray for printing on different media like envelopes or card stock.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is standard, but for a more stable connection in an office, an Ethernet port is highly recommended. Features like Wi-Fi Direct and NFC can simplify printing from mobile devices.

Understanding Monthly Duty Cycle

A printer’s monthly duty cycle is the maximum number of pages the manufacturer states it can print in a month without causing damage. For example, a printer with a 30,000-page monthly duty cycle is built to handle that peak volume. However, this is not the same as the *recommended* monthly print volume, which is typically about 10-20% of the maximum duty cycle. Running a printer at its maximum duty cycle constantly will lead to premature wear and tear. For a small business, choosing a printer where your average monthly print volume falls comfortably within the recommended range ensures longevity and reliability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the world of office printers can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The initial purchase price is just the beginning. The real cost lies in the replacement toner cartridges. Always research the price and page yield of the toner before buying the printer. A cheap printer with expensive toner is rarely a good deal.
• Buying a Home Printer for Business Use: Consumer-grade printers are not built for the volume and demands of an office environment. They have lower duty cycles, smaller paper trays, and are generally less durable, leading to more frequent replacements and downtime.
• Underestimating Your Print Volume: Be realistic about how much your team prints. Choosing a printer that is too small for your needs will result in constant paper refilling, frequent toner changes, and a shorter lifespan for the machine.
• Overlooking Security: Networked printers can be a vulnerability. Look for models with security features like user authentication, network encryption, and the ability to secure print jobs with a PIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features are essential for a small business laser printer?

The most essential features are reliability, a low cost per page, and robust connectivity. Look for automatic duplex (two-sided) printing to save paper, a large paper tray (250+ sheets) to minimize refills, and both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for flexibility and stability. If you digitize documents frequently, an All-in-One model with an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is crucial for efficient scanning and copying.

What is a good monthly duty cycle for a small office environment?

For a small office with 1-10 employees, a printer with a recommended monthly print volume between 500 and 5,000 pages is typically sufficient. This often corresponds to a maximum monthly duty cycle of 20,000 to 50,000 pages. It’s more important to match your actual printing needs to the recommended volume rather than the maximum duty cycle to ensure the printer’s longevity.

How important are security features on a business printer?

Security features are very important. A networked printer is a potential entry point for cyber threats. Essential features include network encryption (like WPA2 for wireless), user authentication to control who can access the printer, and secure printing, which requires a PIN at the device to release a sensitive document. This prevents confidential information from being left unattended in the output tray.

Should a small business invest in a printer with multiple paper trays?

It depends on your workflow. If your business frequently switches between different paper types, such as plain letterhead, legal-sized paper, and envelopes, a printer with multiple trays (or at least one main tray and a multipurpose bypass tray) can be a huge time-saver. It eliminates the need to constantly swap out paper for different print jobs, streamlining operations.

What is the difference between PCL and PostScript printer languages?

PCL (Printer Command Language) and PostScript are two primary printer languages that tell the printer how to format a page. PCL, developed by HP, is faster and more common in general office environments, excelling at printing standard text and simple graphics. PostScript, developed by Adobe, is the standard for the graphic design and publishing industries. It handles complex graphics, custom fonts, and precise color better, but can be slower to process.

Are managed print services worth it for a small business?

Managed Print Services (MPS) can be worth it if you want predictable costs and minimal hassle. An MPS provider typically bundles the printer, toner supplies, maintenance, and support into a single monthly fee, often based on your print volume. This can prevent unexpected repair bills and the headache of monitoring and ordering toner. However, for businesses with very low or inconsistent print volumes, a simple pay-as-you-go approach may be more cost-effective.

How can I calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for an office printer?

To calculate the TCO, you need to consider three main components over the printer’s expected lifespan (e.g., 3-5 years):
1. Initial Purchase Price: The cost of the printer itself.
2. Cost of Consumables: Calculate the cost per page (Toner Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield) and multiply that by your estimated monthly print volume, then by the number of months in the lifespan.
3. Estimated Maintenance/Energy Costs: While harder to predict, you can factor in potential costs for parts like drums or fusers if they aren’t included in the toner cartridge. Add these three figures together for a rough TCO.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of what a small business truly needs, we stand by our top choice: the Brother MFCL2750DW Monochrome All-in-One Wireless Laser Printer. It excels where it matters most. Its brisk 36 ppm print speed ensures that productivity never stalls, while its single-pass duplex scanner is a high-end feature that dramatically cuts down the time spent on administrative tasks. We found its setup to be simple and its performance consistently reliable across all functions—printing, scanning, and copying. For a small business that needs a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective machine to handle a demanding document workflow, the Brother MFCL2750DW is an investment that will pay dividends in productivity and peace of mind.

Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API