Best Laser Printers 2024

Welcome to Toner City’s guide to the best laser printers of 2024! Choosing the right printer can be confusing, but fear not! We’ve researched and compared top models to help you find the perfect model for your needs.

Top 10 Laser Printers 2024

1. Brother HL-L3270CDW

  • Why we picked it: This Brother colour laser printer balances print quality, speed, and wireless connectivity. Ideal for small offices and home use.
  • Pros: High-quality colour prints, fast print speeds, easy-to-set-up wireless connectivity.
  • Cons: Higher cost per page than competitors, limited paper handling options.

2. HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

  • Why we picked it: Exceptional print quality and robust security features. These printers use a security measure that blocks cartridges that use non-HP chips.
  • Pros: Excellent colour accuracy, strong security features, and user-friendly interface.
  • Cons: Relatively high initial cost; running costs can be expensive without a subscription plan.

3. Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw

  • Why we picked it: A versatile all-in-one solution that excels in fast print speeds and high-quality outputs for busy offices.
  • Pros: Multifunction capabilities (print, scan, copy, fax), vibrant colour printing and efficient speed.
  • Cons: Bulky size, complex setup for some users.

4. Lexmark MC3224dwe

  • Why we picked it: Compact design, affordability, efficient performance, and colour printing make it a good entry-level choice.
  • Pros: Affordable, compact, decent print quality for the price.
  • Cons: Slower print speeds, higher long-term operating costs.

5. Samsung ProXpress C3060FW

  • Why we picked it: Designed for businesses needing high-quality colour prints and versatile connectivity options.
  • Pros: Excellent print quality and internet connectivity features.
  • Cons: Higher price point, more suitable for businesses than home use.

6. Xerox VersaLink C400

  • Why we picked it: Delivers professional-grade print quality and reliability with an intuitive interface for office environments.
  • Pros: Outstanding print quality, reliable performance, easy-to-use interface.
  • Cons: Higher initial investment can be expensive to maintain for low-volume users.

7. Brother HL-L8360CDW

  • Why we picked it: High print speeds, quality and low running costs make it ideal for businesses focused on efficiency.
  • Pros: Fast printing, high-quality output, cost-effective for high-volume printing.
  • Cons: Large energy consumption; initial setup can be complex.

8. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn

  • Why we picked it: It offers fast monochrome printing with strong security for businesses, prioritising document confidentiality.
  • Pros: High-speed printing, enhanced security features, energy efficiency.
  • Cons: No colour printing, lacks wireless connectivity in the base model.

9. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP622Cdw

  • Why we picked it: A cost-effective colour laser printer with convenient wireless connectivity for small offices or homes.
  • Pros: Affordable, wireless connectivity, good print quality for the price.
  • Cons: Limited paper capacity, slower compared to more business-oriented models.

10. Lexmark B2236dw

  • Why we picked it: Its compact size and efficiency make it a great choice for small office environments with limited space and budget.
  • Pros: Compact, affordable, efficient monochrome printing, and easy to set up.
  • Cons: Limited connectivity options could be better for high-volume printing needs.

Best Overall: HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw

Why we picked it:

  • Multifunction capabilities (print, scan, copy, fax)
  • High print speed (22 ppm black/colour)
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Mobile printing options (Wi-Fi, AirPrint)

Pros:

  • Versatile and efficient for small businesses and home offices
  • Excellent print quality for both text and graphics
  • User-friendly interface with a touchscreen

Cons:

  • Relatively high upfront cost
  • Toner cartridges can be expensive

Best for Small Business: Brother MFC-L3770CDW

Why we picked it:

  • Affordable price point
  • Automatic duplex(double-sided) printing
  • Wi-Fi and mobile printing connectivity
  • Toner cartridges included in the box

Pros:

  • A budget-friendly option with all essential features
  • Compact size ideal for small spaces
  • Easy setup and user-friendly operation

Cons:

  • Slower print speed compared to some models (18 ppm black/colour)
  • Limited paper capacity (250 sheets)

Best for Heavy Workloads: Lexmark B544dn

Why we picked it:

  • High print volume capacity (30,000 pages)
  • Fast print speed (44 ppm black)
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Robust construction for demanding environments

Pros:

  • Handles high-volume printing needs efficiently
  • Secure printing features ideal for businesses
  • Durable and reliable for long-term use

Cons:

  • Large energy consumption compared to some models
  • Lacks colour printing capability

Best Touchscreen: Canon imageCLASS LBP352dw

Why we picked it:

  • Large 5-inch touchscreen display
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Wi-Fi and mobile printing connectivity
  • Toner-saving features

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with an intuitive touchscreen
  • Compact design for space-conscious workplaces
  • Energy-efficient operation

Cons:

  • Slower print speed compared to some models (24 ppm black)
  • Limited paper capacity (250 sheets)

Best for Auto-Duplex Printing: Brother HL-L3210CW

Why we picked it:

  • Automatic duplex printing standard
  • Affordable price point
  • Wi-Fi and mobile printing connectivity
  • Toner-saving features

Pros:

  • Environmentally friendly with automatic double-sided printing
  • A budget-friendly option for basic printing needs
  • Compact and lightweight design

Cons:

  • Lacks colour printing capability
  • Lower print speed compared to some models (18 ppm black)

Best for Speed: HP LaserJet Pro M454dw

Why we picked it:

  • Ultra-fast print speed (42 ppm black/colour)
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Large paper capacity (550 sheets)
  • Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

Pros:

  • Ideal for high-volume printing environments
  • Automatic double-sided printing saves paper
  • Reliable and efficient for demanding tasks

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost compared to some models
  • Large footprint

Best for Medium to Large Businesses: Samsung Xpress SL-C4333W

Why we picked it:

  • High print volume capacity (50,000 pages)
  • Fast print speed (43 ppm black/colour)
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Mobile printing options (Wi-Fi, AirPrint)

Pros:

  • Handles high-volume printing needs efficiently
  • Secure printing features ideal for businesses
  • Large paper capacity (550 sheets)

Cons:

  • Larger energy consumption compared to some models
  • Toner cartridges are more expensive
  • Expensive toner cartridges resulting from high capacity

Best Mono Laser Printer: Brother HL-L2395dw

Why we picked it:

  • Affordable price point
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Wi-Fi and mobile printing connectivity
  • Toner-saving features

Pros:

  • A budget-friendly option for black-and-white printing
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Automatic double-sided printing saves paper

Cons:

  • Lacks colour printing capability
  • Lower print speed compared to some models (30 ppm black)

How To Choose The Best Laser Printer 

 

1. What Kind of Laser Do You Need: Print Only or an All-in-One?

  • Print-Only Laser Printer: Ideal for users who only need to print documents and have no requirement for scanning, copying, or faxing capabilities. These printers are typically less expensive and can be a good choice for users focused on simple print tasks.
  • All-in-One Laser Printer: Suitable for users who require multifunction capabilities such as printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. They offer greater versatility and can save space and money compared to buying separate devices for each function.

2. Will a Laser Printer Cost More or Less Than a Comparable Inkjet?

  • Initial Cost: Laser printers usually cost more upfront than inkjet printers. However, they often offer lower long-term operating costs due to the efficiency of toner usage compared to ink, making them more economical for users with high print volumes.
  • Operating Cost: Consider the cost per page, which is generally lower for laser printers, especially for black and white printing. Toner cartridges for laser printers last longer than inkjet cartridges, offering better value for frequent printing.

3. What Kind of Connectivity Should You Look for in a Laser printer?

  • USB Connection: Almost all laser printers come with USB connectivity, suitable for a direct connection to a single computer.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Essential for wireless printing from multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Look for printers that support 802.11b/g/n standards for the best range and speed.
  • Ethernet: Important for office environments, allowing the printer to connect directly to the network and be easily accessed by multiple users.
  • Cloud and Mobile Printing: Features like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and proprietary apps from printer manufacturers enable easy printing from anywhere.

4. Laser Printer Output Speeds: Where Testing Matters

  • Pages Per Minute (PPM): Consider the printer’s speed, usually listed as pages per minute. Faster printers can significantly improve productivity, especially in office settings.

5. Mind the Stock: Paper Handling and Duty Cycles

  • Paper Handling: Look at the printer’s input and output tray capacity to ensure it meets your volume needs. Some printers offer additional trays for higher capacity or special media types.
  • Duty Cycle: The maximum number of pages a printer can handle monthly. Ensure the printer’s duty cycle matches or exceeds your printing needs to avoid overworking the printer.

6. Do PCL and PostScript Matter in a Laser Printer?

  • Printer Command Language (PCL): Widely used and supported, offering compatibility and performance for most office printing needs.
  • PostScript: Essential for graphic design and professional publishing, offering more precise control over the layout and quality of printed documents.

7. Other Laser Printer Features: Duplexing, Security, and More

  • Duplexing (Double-Sided Printing): Saves paper and is particularly useful for printing reports and brochures.
  • Security Features: Look for options like secure print, user authentication, and network security, which are especially important for businesses handling sensitive information.

8. LED Versus Laser Print Technology: What’s the Difference, and Does It Matter?

  • LED Printers: Use light-emitting diodes to create the image on the drum. Typically, LED printers are smaller, more energy-efficient, and have fewer moving parts, potentially offering greater reliability.
  • Laser Printers: A laser beam produces an image on a drum. They are known for high-quality prints and efficiency.

The difference between these technologies is minimal for most users, with both providing high-quality prints. The choice may include specific features, price, and brand preference. Choosing the best laser printer involves considering various factors affecting its performance, cost, and suitability.