Top 10 Best Black and White Printers

Picture this: a small business owner needs to replace an aging office printer before the end-of-quarter reporting rush. The choices are overwhelming — monochrome laser, inkjet supertank, all-in-one multifunction. Speed, cost-per-page, wireless capability, and toner yield all demand attention before a single purchase decision gets made. For anyone navigating that same scenario in 2026, this roundup of the best black and white printers cuts through the noise.

Black and white printers remain the workhorses of offices, home workspaces, and high-volume document environments. Laser printing technology, which dominates the monochrome segment, delivers fast output speeds, low cost-per-page, and sharp text clarity that inkjet alternatives rarely match at equivalent price points. Whether the priority is compact footprint, enterprise-grade security, or near-unlimited ink supply, the 2026 market offers strong options across every budget tier.

The seven models reviewed here — spanning HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson — were selected based on verified feature sets, user-reported performance data, and value relative to purchase price. Buyers looking for broader context on the category can also browse the full black and white printers review guide for additional comparisons and buying advice.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Picks of 2026

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Monochrome Laser Printer with Built-in Ethernet & Double-Sided Printing (W1A53A) (Renewed)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 3
  
  HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw Wireless Monochrome All-in-One Printer with Built-in Ethernet & 2-Sided Printing, Works with Alexa (W1A30A)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 4
  
  Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dw - Compact, Wireless, Duplex Laser Printer
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 5
  
  HP LaserJet Enterprise M507dn Monochrome Printer with Built-in Ethernet & 2-Sided Printing (1PV87A)
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Brother HL-L5210DW Business Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex Printing, Versatile PaperHandling, Wireless and Gigabit Ethernet Networking, and Mobile Printing, Works with Alexa
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Wireless Monochrome Supertank Printer with Ethernet PLUS 2 Years of Unlimited Ink*,White
  Rating:

  
  

In-Depth Reviews

1. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn (Renewed) — Best for Business Speed

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a renewed monochrome laser printer built around speed and reliability for business document output. Rated at up to 40 pages per minute, it ranks among the faster desktop laser printers in its class. A 250-sheet input tray reduces reload interruptions during large jobs, and automatic two-sided printing comes standard — a feature that reduces paper consumption without requiring manual page flipping.

Security features distinguish this model from budget alternatives. HP's embedded suite includes instant threat notifications and optional PIN/pull printing, which prevents sensitive documents from sitting unattended at the output tray. Built-in Ethernet connectivity provides a wired network option for offices that prefer stable connections over wireless. As a renewed unit, buyers should confirm the seller's warranty coverage before purchasing.

Performance reports from business users generally cite consistent toner distribution and minimal warm-up delays. The M404dn is positioned for environments where print speed and network security matter more than scan or copy functionality.

Pros:

• Up to 40 ppm print speed handles high-volume workloads efficiently
• Embedded security features including PIN printing protect sensitive documents
• Automatic duplex printing reduces paper usage
• Built-in Ethernet supports stable wired network connections

Cons:

• Renewed status means warranty terms vary by seller
• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax capabilities

2. Brother HL-L2460DW — Best for Home Offices

The Brother HL-L2460DW targets home offices and small teams with a compact design, versatile connectivity, and print speeds up to 36 pages per minute. Its dual-band wireless support — covering both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands — alongside Ethernet and USB options gives users multiple connection methods. The compact chassis makes it practical for desks or shelves where space is limited.

Alexa compatibility enables voice-activated print commands, and the Brother Mobile Connect app allows remote printer management and toner tracking from a smartphone. A Refresh subscription trial for automatic toner replenishment is included, which may reduce supply management overhead for consistent users. Automatic duplex printing comes built-in, lowering per-job paper costs over time.

For home office buyers who occasionally run into printer issues, Brother's established support resources and the straightforward setup process are frequently cited advantages. Those who also deal with paper jams should bookmark resources like this guide to unjamming a printer as a handy troubleshooting reference.

Pros:

• Dual-band wireless (2.4/5GHz) plus Ethernet and USB connectivity
• 36 ppm print speed competitive for its price range
• Alexa integration and mobile app management
• Automatic duplex printing included
• Compact design fits smaller workspaces

Cons:

• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax functions
• Refresh subscription trial period is limited; ongoing costs apply afterward

3. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw — Best All-in-One

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw delivers print, scan, copy, and fax functionality in a single monochrome wireless unit. Built-in Ethernet and 2-sided printing support round out a feature set aimed at small business teams that need a full-function device without the cost of a commercial multifunction printer. Alexa compatibility expands hands-free control options for connected offices.

HP Wolf Pro Security is a notable inclusion, providing hardware-level, firmware-level, and OS-level protection against cyberattacks. For businesses handling confidential documents, this layered security approach aligns with 2026 data protection standards. The customizable control panel supports workflow automation — users can save multi-step print or scan sequences as one-touch shortcuts, reducing repetitive setup time.

The M428fdw is positioned as a device that balances multifunction capability with security infrastructure. Businesses that process sensitive printed materials or operate in regulated industries may find the embedded security suite particularly relevant.

Pros:

• Full multifunction: print, scan, copy, and fax in one unit
• HP Wolf Pro Security offers hardware, firmware, and OS-level protection
• Customizable control panel with one-touch workflow automation
• Wireless, Ethernet, and duplex printing support
• Alexa compatibility for voice-activated commands

Cons:

• Larger footprint than print-only models
• Higher purchase price reflects multifunction and security feature set

4. Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dw — Best Compact Option

Canon's imageCLASS LBP6230dw is a wireless monochrome laser printer designed around a compact footprint. Its space-saving chassis makes it a practical option for home offices, dorm setups, or any workspace where a full-size laser printer would be impractical. Print speeds reach up to 26 pages per minute — competitive for its size and price tier.

Wireless connectivity and duplex printing are both included, covering the two features most commonly cited as essential for modern home office workflows. The LBP6230dw does not offer scan, copy, or fax capabilities, so buyers requiring multifunction output will need to look elsewhere. For straightforward document printing on a space-limited desk, however, its combination of wireless access and automatic two-sided output addresses the core use case efficiently.

Canon's imageCLASS line has a long-standing reputation for accessible setup and reliable toner yields in the compact laser segment. The LBP6230dw is among the more affordable wireless duplex options in the 2026 market for buyers whose requirements don't extend beyond standard document printing.

Pros:

• Compact design fits small or crowded workspaces
• Wireless connectivity included
• Automatic duplex printing reduces paper costs
• Affordable entry price for a laser printer with wireless and duplex

Cons:

• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax
• 26 ppm speed is lower than competing models at similar price points
• Paper input capacity may be limiting for higher-volume jobs

5. HP LaserJet Enterprise M507dn — Best for Enterprise Security

HP positions the LaserJet Enterprise M507dn as a high-security, high-endurance monochrome printer built for demanding business environments. The device ships with over 200 embedded security features — a claim HP markets as the industry's strongest security offering for a printer in this category. Features include malware detection, continuous threat monitoring, and self-healing firmware capabilities that respond automatically to detected attacks.

Fleet management is addressed through HP Web JetAdmin, which allows IT administrators to add devices, apply firmware updates, and enforce corporate security policies across multiple printers from a single interface. HP JetAdvantage Security Manager enables security configuration policies at scale, making the M507dn suitable for larger office deployments where consistent security standards across print infrastructure are required.

Built-in Ethernet and duplex printing are standard. For enterprise IT teams managing Windows environments, resources like this guide on how to set a default printer in Windows 10 can help streamline device deployment across workstations. The M507dn is a print-only device, which buyers should confirm aligns with their workflow requirements before selecting it over the M428fdw multifunction model.

Pros:

• Over 200 embedded security features with continuous threat monitoring
• HP Web JetAdmin enables centralized fleet management
• Self-healing firmware responds automatically to detected attacks
• Built-in Ethernet and automatic duplex printing
• Designed for high-endurance, growing business environments

Cons:

• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax capabilities
• Higher price point reflects enterprise-level feature set
• Advanced security features may exceed requirements for smaller offices

6. Brother HL-L5210DW — Best for High-Volume Printing

The Brother HL-L5210DW is built for busy offices with heavy daily print demands. Its rated speed of up to 48 pages per minute makes it one of the faster desktop monochrome laser printers in this roundup. Wireless connectivity, Gigabit Ethernet, and Alexa compatibility combine to offer flexible connection options suited to networked office environments.

Paper capacity is a standout feature. The standard 250-sheet tray accommodates letter and legal sizes, while a 100-sheet multipurpose tray handles custom media and envelopes. Total input capacity is expandable to 1,390 sheets with optional additional trays — a significant advantage for offices running long unattended print jobs. Brother's TN920XXL super high-yield toner cartridge delivers an estimated 11,000 pages, substantially reducing cost-per-page and toner change frequency compared to standard-yield alternatives. Buyers interested in reducing ongoing supply costs further can explore options in this aftermarket toner cartridges review.

For offices that experience consistent high print volumes, the HL-L5210DW's combination of speed, expandable capacity, and high-yield toner support makes it a cost-effective choice over a three-to-five-year lifecycle.

Pros:

• Up to 48 ppm — among the fastest in this review
• Expandable paper capacity up to 1,390 sheets with optional trays
• TN920XXL toner rated at 11,000 pages significantly lowers cost-per-page
• Gigabit Ethernet for fast, stable network integration
• Wireless and Alexa compatibility for flexible connectivity

Cons:

• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax
• Larger chassis than compact home office options
• Super high-yield toner cartridges carry a higher upfront cost

7. Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 — Best Ink-Tank Monochrome

The Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 takes a fundamentally different approach to monochrome printing compared to the laser-based alternatives in this roundup. Rather than toner cartridges, it uses a refillable ink tank — the EcoTank system — which Epson backs with two years of unlimited ink included at purchase. For buyers whose primary concern is long-term ink supply cost, this model presents a distinct value proposition.

Epson's PrecisionCore technology drives print output described as crisp and clear across document types. Built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless enables network printing without a wired connection, and Ethernet is also available for stable office deployments. Mobile printing is supported through the Epson iPrint app for iOS and Android, as well as Epson Remote Print. The cartridge-free design eliminates the recurring cost cycle associated with standard ink or toner cartridges.

The ET-M1170 is most competitive for buyers who print high volumes of text documents and want to minimize per-page supply costs over a multi-year period. It is a print-only device; buyers needing scan, copy, or fax should consider a multifunction alternative. The ink-tank approach also differs in output characteristics from laser — buyers who require laser-sharp text for formal documents should compare sample outputs before purchasing.

Pros:

• EcoTank supertank design includes two years of unlimited ink with purchase
• Eliminates recurring cartridge replacement costs
• PrecisionCore technology delivers sharp, clear document output
• Built-in wireless (802.11b/g/n) and Ethernet connectivity
• Mobile printing via Epson iPrint for iOS and Android

Cons:

• Inkjet output may not match laser sharpness for formal document printing
• Print-only — no scan, copy, or fax
• Ink-tank refilling process is less familiar to users accustomed to cartridge systems

What to Look For When Buying a Black and White Printer

Print Speed and Daily Volume Capacity

Print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm), directly affects workflow efficiency in high-volume environments. Models in this roundup range from 26 ppm (Canon LBP6230dw) to 48 ppm (Brother HL-L5210DW). Beyond raw speed, monthly duty cycle ratings — the maximum number of pages a printer is rated to produce per month — indicate long-term endurance. Light home users may never stress a low-duty-cycle device, but offices averaging 500 or more pages per week should verify that a model's duty cycle matches their workload before purchasing.

Connectivity Options

Modern black and white printers in 2026 typically offer at least two of the following connection methods:

• Wi-Fi: Standard 2.4GHz; dual-band (2.4/5GHz) reduces network congestion in busy environments
• Ethernet: Preferred for stable, high-speed office network connections; Gigabit Ethernet (Brother HL-L5210DW) offers faster data transfer
• USB: Direct wired connection to a single computer; lowest latency but limits sharing
• Mobile printing: App-based printing (Brother Mobile Connect, Epson iPrint) enables printing from smartphones and tablets
• Voice assistants: Alexa compatibility (Brother models, HP M428fdw) supports hands-free commands

Buyers in shared office environments generally prioritize wireless or Ethernet over USB-only models.

Toner Cost and Yield

The purchase price of a laser printer is only part of the total cost of ownership. Toner cartridge yield — measured in estimated page count at 5% coverage — varies significantly across models and toner variants. Standard-yield cartridges typically cover 1,000–3,000 pages; high-yield options extend to 6,000–11,000 pages. The Brother HL-L5210DW's compatible TN920XXL toner, rated at 11,000 pages, represents the upper end of cost efficiency in this category.

Buyers evaluating long-term supply costs should calculate cost-per-page using both the printer's listed toner price and its rated yield. Third-party and aftermarket toner options can reduce ongoing costs further for compatible models.

Multifunction vs. Print-Only

Five of the seven models reviewed here are print-only devices. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw is the sole all-in-one option in this roundup, adding scan, copy, and fax capabilities to its feature set. For buyers who regularly digitize documents, reproduce hard copies, or send faxes, the premium for a multifunction device often represents better value than purchasing a standalone scanner separately. Home users whose workflow involves only standard document printing, however, may find print-only models sufficient — and typically more affordable.

Security Features

Printer security has become an increasingly relevant consideration for business buyers in 2026. Network-connected printers can represent entry points for unauthorized access if not properly secured. Features to evaluate include:

• PIN/pull printing: Holds jobs in queue until the authorized user authenticates at the device
• Firmware self-healing: Detects and responds to firmware tampering automatically
• Fleet management integration: Enables IT administrators to apply security policies across multiple devices centrally
• Encrypted data transfer: Protects print data in transit across the network

The HP Enterprise M507dn and HP M428fdw both include advanced security architectures. Smaller home office setups may not require this level of protection, but regulated industries — legal, healthcare, finance — should treat printer security as a non-negotiable evaluation criterion.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The right black and white printer depends on the specific demands of the environment it will serve — whether that's a compact home office needing wireless convenience, a busy team requiring high-speed output and expandable paper capacity, or an enterprise IT department prioritizing layered security across a managed print fleet. Review the top picks above, compare the specifications that matter most for the intended workload, and use the buying guide criteria to narrow the field before making a final purchase decision in 2026.

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