Answering the question “which laser printer is best for a small business,” this guide highlights five reliable options designed for compact workspaces, steady workloads, and straightforward setup. Each model suits a slightly different buyer: solo entrepreneurs who need reliability, small teams seeking faster throughput, or offices that require color printing without breaking the bank. The table below summarizes the five selected printers and their key strengths to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Small offices needing 3-in-1 versatility | Print/Scan/Copy, duplex, wireless, ADF |
| HP LaserJet M110w | Tiny teams or individuals with space limits | Compact, single-function, fast black prints |
| Brother HL-L2405W | Home offices and budget-conscious users | Monochrome, wireless, mobile print |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color documents for small teams | Color laser, duplex, copier/scanner, high connectivity |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Small teams needing all-in-one | Duplex, scanning, Ethernet/Wireless |
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact 3-in-1
Best for small businesses needing a compact all-in-one. The DCP-L2640DW combines laser printing, scanning, and copying in one small footprint. It delivers black-and-white output at up to 36 ppm and scanning speeds up to 23.6 ipm, with a 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page tasks. Connectivity includes built-in dual-band wireless and Ethernet, plus USB for direct computer use. This model is ideal for busy front-desk or administrative staff who value speed and a space-saving design. Caution: color printing is not supported, so choose this if you only need monochrome output.
HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer
Best for tiny teams or solo operators who need a straightforward, space-saving monochrome printer with reliable performance. The M110w emphasizes compactness, fast print speeds, and easy setup. It is well-suited for office workflows that primarily produce text documents and reports. It supports mobile printing and flexible connection options. Better for users who prioritize a small footprint over additional scanning or copying features. Limitation: it is a single-function printer, so scanning is not included.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Monochrome Printer
Best for homes and home offices needing reliable, economical monochrome printing with easy mobile and wireless connectivity. The HL-L2405W delivers crisp black-and-white output at up to 30 ppm, with flexible connections for multiple devices. It’s a budget-friendly choice for everyday document printing, making it ideal for budget-conscious solo owners or small teams starting out. Caution: lacks color printing and scanning features, so consider this if color is not required.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser All-in-One
Best for small teams needing color documents with robust features. The MFC-L3720CDW provides color printing, scanning, copying, and fax with auto duplex and a 250-sheet tray. Dual-band wireless networking and USB connectivity enable flexible office use. It’s selected for offices that frequently produce presentations, marketing materials, or client-ready documents in color. Limitation: color laser printers can have higher running costs than monochrome; plan for toner usage accordingly.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Wireless All-in-One
Best for small teams needing a compact all-in-one with strong scanning and copying capabilities. The 3101sdw offers duplex printing, scanning, and copying, plus wireless and Ethernet connectivity to support shared office workflows. This model is well-suited for teams that require document management, secure printing, and efficient multi-user access. Caution: as with most all-in-ones, high-volume color printing isn’t the focus, so consider this if color is a priority.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Small Business Laser Printer
What workload will you handle?
Estimate monthly page volume and whether you need color. Monochrome printers are typically cheaper to own and run, while color models add cost but improve impact for marketing materials and reports.
All-in-one vs. single-function
If you need scanning and copying, consider an all-in-one (MFP). For basic text printing, a compact single-function monochrome model may save space and money.
Duplex (two-sided) printing
Duplex printing saves paper and reduces costs over time. Look for automatic duplex if your daily output involves long documents or reports.
Connectivity and setup
Wireless, Ethernet, and USB options affect how easily devices share the printer across an office. Mobile-friendly apps can streamline printing from phones and tablets.
Ease of maintenance
Consider toner yield, cartridge availability, and the ease of replacing parts. Higher-yield toners lower long-term costs for busy offices.
Security and administration
Small teams should consider secure print features and simple user management to protect sensitive documents and reduce waste.
Cost of ownership
Compare upfront price, ongoing toner costs, and energy use. Monochrome printers typically have lower per-page costs than color models.
Buying Guide Summary: Quick Comparison
- Best all-around for small teams needing both color and speed: Brother MFC-L3720CDW.
- Best budget monochrome option for home offices: HP LaserJet M110w or Brother HL-L2405W.
- Best compact all-in-one for busy desks: HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw.
- Best monochrome 3-in-1 for small front-desk workflows: Brother DCP-L2640DW.
- Best for buyers prioritizing color output in a compact form: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet for small business use?
Laser printers use toner and generally offer faster text printing, lower cost per page, and better durability for high-volume workloads compared to inkjets, which often excel at color photos and graphics. - Should I buy a color or monochrome laser printer for a small office?
Choose monochrome for text-heavy documents to reduce costs; choose color if you routinely print marketing materials, charts, or color reports. - Is duplex printing worth it for a small business?
Yes. Automatic two-sided printing saves paper, lowers costs, and streamlines long documents and reports. - What connectivity should I look for?
Wireless plus Ethernet is ideal for shared offices. USB is useful for direct laptop connections, while mobile apps improve on-the-go printing. - How important is toner yield?
- Do all-in-one printers require more maintenance?
Toner yield affects running costs. Higher-yield cartridges lower cost per page but may cost more upfront; balance your expected monthly volume with cartridge choices.
All-in-one devices consolidate functions, which can simplify workflows but may entail more complex maintenance if multiple features are used heavily.