We’ve all been there: a looming deadline, a critical document to print, and your old inkjet printer decides to chew paper, run out of color ink (even though you only needed black), or simply crawl to a halt. The frustration is palpable, isn’t it? In today’s fast-paced world, an unreliable or inefficient printer isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a bottleneck to productivity. For home offices and small businesses, where every minute and every penny counts, having a dependable printing solution is paramount. The constant struggle with jammed paper, exorbitant ink costs, and sluggish output can quickly erode efficiency and add unnecessary stress to an already demanding environment. That’s precisely why we began our rigorous evaluation of the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer – to see if it could genuinely alleviate these common pain points and deliver the consistent, high-speed monochrome printing that so many professionals desperately need.
- Wireless, monochrome duplex printer (print only)
- Print up to 35 pages per minute
- Uses Toner 072 / 072 high-capacity toner
What to Consider Before Investing in a Laser Printer for Your Setup
A laser printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for streamlining document production, reducing operational costs over time, and ensuring professional-quality output for text-heavy tasks. It solves the perennial problems of slow printing speeds, high consumable costs associated with inkjet cartridges, and the frustration of smudged documents. For anyone who prints frequently, especially in black and white, a laser printer offers unparalleled speed, crisp text, and a lower cost per page, making it an indispensable tool for business, academic, and administrative tasks.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing high-volume document printing needs in a home office or small business environment, particularly those who prioritize speed, text clarity, and cost efficiency for monochrome output. It’s perfect for professionals, students, or anyone who regularly prints invoices, reports, contracts, or research papers. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily need to print high-quality color graphics, vibrant photos, or require all-in-one functionalities like scanning and copying. For such users, a color inkjet or a multifunction laser printer might be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Modern home offices often demand compact solutions. Before committing to any printer, measure your available desk space or shelf. Ensure the printer’s footprint allows for comfortable placement without obstructing workflow. Consider not just the base dimensions, but also how much space is needed for paper trays to extend or covers to open for maintenance. A compact design is a significant advantage, especially in smaller setups.
- Capacity/Performance: Evaluate your typical printing volume and speed requirements. Key metrics include pages per minute (PPM) for black and white, and maximum sheet capacity. A higher PPM ensures you’re not waiting around for large documents, while a substantial paper tray means less frequent reloading. Automatic duplex printing is another critical performance feature, saving both time and paper.
- Materials & Durability: A printer is an investment, and you want it to last. Look for robust construction that can withstand daily use. Components like paper trays, hinges, and output bins should feel solid, not flimsy. A durable build quality indicates a printer designed for longevity and reliability, reducing the likelihood of wear-and-tear issues over time.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the complexity of initial setup, driver installation, and ongoing maintenance tasks like toner replacement. A user-friendly interface, clear instructions, and readily available consumables contribute significantly to a positive ownership experience. Also, think about connectivity options—wireless setup should ideally be straightforward to integrate seamlessly into your network.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 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...
- 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....
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
First Impressions and Key Features of the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer
Unboxing the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer, we were immediately struck by its unassuming yet functional aesthetic. The printer presents a clean, compact white chassis, a refreshing change from the often bulky, dark boxes that dominate the printer market. Its dimensions, 17.2″D x 10.9″W x 18.4″H, truly speak to its “compact design” claim, making it an ideal fit for smaller desks or shelves without feeling like it dominates the workspace. The initial setup involved removing various protective tapes and securing the toner cartridge, a process that felt intuitive and well-guided by the included quick-start materials. We appreciated the thoughtful packaging that protected the unit during transit.
Upon powering it on, the printer’s LCD display became visible, and while it’s a simple monochrome screen, it provides basic navigation and status updates. We noted, however, that the display could benefit from backlighting for better visibility in varying lighting conditions, a point that resonated with some user feedback we later encountered. Despite this minor quibble, the overall build quality felt solid for a printer in its class, suggesting durability. We were keen to test its core promise: speedy, reliable monochrome printing with wireless convenience. Its single-function focus clearly indicates its purpose: to excel at printing, and little else. This specialization often translates to better performance and reliability in its core function, something we value highly in our assessments.
What We Like
- Blazing fast monochrome print speeds of up to 35 ppm.
- Automatic duplex printing significantly saves paper and resources.
- Comprehensive wireless and mobile connectivity (Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT app).
- Compact design ideal for home offices and small spaces.
- Chromebook compatible for diverse computing environments.
What We Didn’t Like
- Initial setup and driver installation can be complex and time-consuming for some users.
- The LCD screen lacks backlighting, making it difficult to read in certain conditions.
A Deep Dive into the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer’s Performance
Speed and Efficiency: The Engine of Monochrome Productivity
When it comes to monochrome printing, speed is often the paramount concern for home office users and small businesses. We put the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer through its paces, and its stated maximum print speed of 35 pages per minute (ppm) proved to be remarkably accurate in our tests. Whether we were printing multi-page reports, lengthy contracts, or a batch of standard letters, the LBP172dw handled it with impressive agility. Pages flew out of the machine with a crispness and consistency that instills confidence. This isn’t just about raw speed; it’s about the tangible impact on daily workflow. Imagine needing to print a 50-page document for a meeting in just minutes, or batch-printing invoices without a significant wait time – the LBP172dw makes this a reality, significantly reducing bottlenecks in document preparation.
Beyond raw speed, the inclusion of automatic 2-sided printing (duplex) is a game-changer for efficiency and environmental responsibility. We found the duplexing function to be seamless and impressively quick, adding minimal time to the overall print job. This feature not only conserves paper, leading to tangible cost savings over time, but also contributes to a more organized and professional presentation of documents. For businesses mindful of their environmental footprint and their budget, this is a huge advantage. The printer’s performance felt consistent even under heavier loads, suggesting its “minimal maintenance” claim holds water, allowing users to focus on their work rather than on printer babysitting. The Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer truly embodies what a dedicated monochrome laser printer should be: fast, reliable, and resource-conscious. Its robust engine and duplex capabilities are key factors that elevate its performance for any demanding office environment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their document output. You can experience this efficiency for yourself and find more details on its exceptional speed here.
Connectivity and Mobile Integration: Bridging the Digital Divide
In today’s interconnected world, a printer’s value extends far beyond its physical connection. The Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer positions itself as “wireless and mobile ready,” and our testing largely confirmed this, albeit with a crucial initial caveat. The printer supports Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and the Canon PRINT app, offering a robust suite of options for printing from various devices. We were able to print effortlessly from our iPhones using AirPrint, our Android devices via Mopria, and our laptops connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The convenience of sending a document to print from anywhere within the office, or even from another room, without being tethered by a cable, truly enhances flexibility.
However, we acknowledge that the initial setup for wireless functionality can present a learning curve for some users. While many modern devices boast “plug and play” simplicity, configuring the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer’s wireless connection required a slightly more deliberate approach. We found that following the detailed instructions, even without a CD drive, eventually led to a stable connection. This experience echoes feedback from some users who reported initial frustration with the installation process, perceiving it as “not truly wireless” due to the setup complexities rather than a lack of inherent wireless capability. Once configured, though, the wireless performance was solid and consistent, proving its mobile-ready claims. The ability to print directly from Chromebooks further expands its compatibility, catering to a wider range of computing preferences without needing additional drivers or software. For those who invest the time in proper setup, the wireless capabilities significantly elevate the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer’s utility, transforming it into a versatile hub for all your monochrome printing needs, accessible from virtually any device.
Design, Durability, and Resource Management: Built for the Long Haul
Beyond its raw printing power, the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer demonstrates a thoughtful approach to design, build quality, and resource efficiency. Its compact footprint (17.2″D x 10.9″W x 18.4″H) ensures it won’t overwhelm a crowded desk, making it perfectly suited for the confined spaces of a home office or a small business. We found its “White” color scheme to be quite modern and less intrusive than the traditional dark grey printers, blending seamlessly into various office aesthetics. The build quality, while not industrial-grade, feels sturdy enough for its intended use, promising durability through regular operation. The 250-sheet maximum paper capacity, combined with a single paper tray, is adequate for typical daily printing volumes, reducing the frequency of paper refills.
A notable aspect of its design philosophy is its commitment to sustainability. The Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer is Environmentally certified, meeting ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver standards. This means it’s designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power during operation and standby, which translates to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Furthermore, its compatibility with Canon Genuine Toner 072 Standard and 072 High Capacity cartridges provides flexibility for managing printing costs. The high-capacity option is particularly appealing for those with significant print volumes, offering an even lower cost per page and extended periods between toner replacements, aligning with its “minimal maintenance” promise. While we did observe the LCD display’s lack of backlighting, making it challenging to read in dim conditions, its primary function is to convey basic status, and the overall design for functionality and resource efficiency remains strong. This balance of practical design, robust build, and environmental consciousness makes the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer a smart, long-term investment for any user prioritizing efficient and responsible monochrome printing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our hands-on experience with the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer aligns closely with the feedback we’ve gathered from other users, painting a nuanced picture of its strengths and weaknesses. We found, as one user pointed out, that the initial installation and configuration can indeed be “somewhat complicated.” While we managed to get it working efficiently, the absence of a CD drive on most modern laptops means relying solely on online drivers, and the process isn’t always as “plug and play” as one might expect from a contemporary device. This can be “frustrating” for users accustomed to simpler setups, leading to the perception that the device isn’t truly wireless if the setup process requires a wired connection or extensive troubleshooting.
Another point consistently raised, and one we observed firsthand, is the display. The user lamented, “The screen is terrible, you can’t see it, it doesn’t light up.” This is a valid criticism; a backlit LCD would significantly improve usability, especially for troubleshooting or navigating menus in less-than-ideal lighting. However, the overwhelming positive consensus, which we unequivocally confirm, revolves around its core performance: “When printing it is fast and prints well.” This highlights the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer’s primary strength – once past the initial hurdles, it delivers on its promise of high-speed, high-quality monochrome output, making it a powerful tool for productivity despite its minor operational quirks.
Comparing the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer to Its Top 3 Alternatives
While the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer offers a compelling package for monochrome printing, it’s essential to understand its position within the broader market. Here’s how it stacks up against some notable alternatives:
1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer
- BEST FOR SMALL OFFICES – Upgrade your professional documents with the consistent dependability of laser-quality color printing. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Multifunction Printer features print speeds...
- HELP MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY – Equipped to increase productivity with a 50-page Auto Document Feeder for efficient multi-page copy, scan & fax jobs. 250-sheet capacity paper tray helps minimize the...
- 3.5" COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – The intuitive touchscreen puts you in control with up to 48 custom shortcuts and connects you to popular Cloud-based apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneNote,...
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a significant step up in functionality compared to the single-function Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer. As a wireless digital color all-in-one printer, it offers not only color printing but also copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. This makes it a much more versatile machine for small offices or home users who need a comprehensive solution beyond just printing. While the Brother might offer “laser quality output,” the Canon LBP172dw specializes purely in monochrome laser, potentially offering a sharper focus on text and faster black-and-white speeds. Users prioritizing a single device for all office tasks, especially those requiring color output, would find the Brother MFC-L3720CDW a more suitable and feature-rich option, even if it comes with a higher price point and potentially more complex maintenance due to its multifunctionality.
2. Brother FAX-2840 Mono Laser Fax Machine
- Adjustable 250-sheet capacity paper tray
- 33.6K bps modem, approx. 2.5 sec/page transmission
- 20-page capacity auto document feeder; Future printing capability. Built-in Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface to connect to your computer for up to 21ppm laser printing.
The Brother FAX-2840 stands in stark contrast to the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer, serving a very specific niche. As a high-speed mono laser fax machine, its primary function is faxing, with limited printing capabilities that are secondary to its core purpose. While both are monochrome laser devices, the FAX-2840 is designed for environments where dedicated fax transmission and reception are still critical, a requirement that is becoming increasingly rare. The Canon LBP172dw, on the other hand, is a modern printer focused on high-volume, efficient document production with robust wireless connectivity. Individuals or businesses that heavily rely on traditional faxing protocols would opt for the Brother FAX-2840, but for virtually any general printing need in a modern office, the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer offers far greater utility and relevance.
3. Canon D570 Monochrome Laser Printer Copier Scanner
- Wi Fi Direct Connection allows you to connect your compatible mobile devices without a router
- Print at speeds of up to 28 pages per minute
- Print on the go with Canon Print Business, Apple AirPrint, Morea Print Service and Google Cloud Print
The Canon D570 offers a closer comparison, being a monochrome laser printer from the same brand, but crucially, it includes scanner and copier functionalities. This positions it as a monochrome all-in-one solution, bridging the gap between a single-function printer like the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer and a full-color multifunction device. For users who need the speed and efficiency of monochrome laser printing but also frequently scan documents or make black-and-white copies, the D570 presents a compelling alternative. While the LBP172dw excels in its dedicated printing speed and wireless features, the D570 offers that added versatility for tasks common in a busy office. Choosing between the two Canon models would depend squarely on whether the added scanning and copying capabilities are essential, or if pure, high-volume monochrome printing with robust wireless connectivity is the sole priority. The D570 might come with a larger footprint and potentially a higher initial cost, reflecting its broader feature set.
Final Verdict on the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer
After extensive testing and considering user feedback, our verdict on the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer is clear: it is an exceptionally capable monochrome laser printer that largely delivers on its promises. Its primary strengths lie in its impressive speed of 35 ppm, the invaluable automatic duplex printing feature, and its comprehensive suite of wireless and mobile connectivity options. For those who print a significant volume of text documents and prioritize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and crisp output, this printer is a powerhouse. Its compact design is a welcome bonus for home office users with limited space, and its energy-efficient certifications demonstrate a commitment to responsible operation. We truly appreciate how it effortlessly integrates into diverse digital ecosystems, from traditional PCs to Chromebooks and mobile devices.
However, we cannot overlook the initial setup complexities that some users, and occasionally we ourselves, experienced. It requires a bit of patience and a methodical approach to get its wireless features fully operational. Furthermore, the unlit LCD screen is a noticeable drawback, sometimes making navigation or status checks a minor inconvenience. Despite these minor frustrations, the core performance – fast, reliable, and high-quality monochrome printing – shines through brilliantly. We confidently recommend the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer to small businesses, home office professionals, and students who need a dedicated, high-performance workhorse for their black-and-white printing needs, provided they’re prepared for a potentially involved initial setup. If you’ve decided the Canon LBP172dw Duplex Wireless Laser Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API