When looking for the best black-and-white printers, consider factors like print speed, cost-per-page, and reliability. These printers should excel in producing sharp text documents quickly and efficiently, making them ideal for businesses and home offices where volume and clarity matter most. Features like duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and high-yield toner cartridges can also significantly enhance usability and reduce long-term costs.
In our extensive analysis, six black and white printers earned a place on our buying guide. We scrutinized over 26 models and analyzed 149,899 customer reviews. A significant 67% of expert reviews were identified as unreliable or fake. Our approach combines verifying products as tested and using our proprietary Trust Rating to filter out these unreliable reviews. These top-rated printers performed exceptionally well, demonstrating superior efficiency and quality in real-world usage.
How Did We Rank the Best Black and White Printers?
Our pursuit of the best black-and-white printers involved an in-depth examination of over 200 websites, alongside a detailed analysis of expert reviews and customer feedback. By focusing on critical pain points and essential performance metrics, we established criteria encompassing 2 required test results, and 1 must-have specification. This rigorous approach, reflected in our True Score system, ensures you have access to a precise and dependable buying guide.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must print B&W.
? Test Criteria
- Print Speed: Black & white printing speed exceeds 20 pages per minute (ppm).
- Printing Costs: Printing costs are less than 7 cents per page.
Latest Updates
- 06/11/2024: Republished the list to include the black and white printers based on our True Score system.
Top Black and White Printers For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Brother MFC-L8905CDW
Best For Small Business
The Brother MFC-L8905CDW is a premium, versatile printer ideal for small to medium-sized offices or educators who require efficient high-volume black-and-white printing. It offers fast print speed, duplex functionality, and a generous tray capacity.
True Score
90922Experts
863kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
$699.98Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good print quality (text)
- Fast printing speeds
- Excellent monochrome scan quality
- Economic running costs
Reasons to Avoid
- Low-quality image prints
- Grainy color scans
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes 
Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes 
Copier Resolution (B&W) 1200 x 600 dpi 
Copier Resolution (Color) – 
Depth 20.7″ 
Duplex Scan Function – 
Energy Star Certified n/a 
Height 21.6″ 
Integrated Fax Yes 
Max Number of Copies – 
Max Paper Width – 
Mobile Printing – 
Number of Ink Cartridges Required – 
Paper Feeder – 
Print Speed (B&W) 33 ppm 
Print Speed (Color) 33 ppm 
Printer Resolution (B&W) 2400 x 600 dpi 
Printer Resolution (Color) 2400 x 600 dpi 
Printer Type Color Laser 
Scanner Resolution Up to 1200 x 2400 
Scanner Type Flatbed 
Tray Capacity 250 
Width 19.5″ 
Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 23 Color Print Speed (ppm) 18 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 3 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 18 Color Accuracy (dE) 9 All Retailers
$699.98Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$699.98$950Save $250Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$699.99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you want a premium printer that can keep up with fast-paced work environments, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is an outstanding choice. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized offices or professionals who need to efficiently print a large volume of black and white prints. Its impressive print speeds of 23.15 ppm for black and white and 18 ppm for color, alongside a modest printing cost of 2.8 cents per page, make it a solid choice for everyday office use. The addition of duplex printing and a 250-sheet tray capacity enhances its functionality, making it ideal for those needing a reliable printer to do the job efficiently.
If you don’t need exact color matching for general office tasks and presentations, its color accuracy has a delta E (dE) of 9.02, meaning colors are reproduced with reasonable fidelity, suitable for tasks where the exact color reproduction isn’t critical. If you value connectivity and ease of use, this model won’t disappoint. Featuring wireless capabilities, an automatic document feeder, and mobile printing, it caters to the modern workplace’s needs, ensuring seamless integration into your workflow.
Comparing the MFC-L8905CDW to the HL-L2325DW under the same brand, the HL-L2325DW is a laser monochrome printer that cannot print color, while the L8905CDW can if you need color in your prints. The L2325DW is faster at printing black and white, though, making it a better fit for dynamic office environments.
Its efficient printing speeds, high-volume output, and ease of use make it a great option for demanding work environments. While its upfront cost might be higher than that of some basic models, its performance justifies the investment, making it a top choice for office workers and educators.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon imageCLASS MF455DW
The Canon imageCLASS MF455DW is a great pick for efficient black-and-white printing with high-volume output. Its compact design combines fast printing, multifunctionality, and energy efficiency, making it ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses and home offices.
True Score
89902Experts
881kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $150$369.99$219.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Print Quality
- Business-grade scanner
- High page yield
- Fast printing speeds
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks color printing
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 18.3″ Duplex Scan Function Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Height 15.4″ Integrated Fax Yes Max Number of Copies 999 Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 1 Paper Feeder – Print Speed (B&W) 40 ppm Print Speed (Color) – Printer Resolution (B&W) Up to 600 x 600 Printer Resolution (Color) – Printer Type All In One, Fax Scanner Resolution Up to 600 x 600 Scanner Type Flatbed, Sheetfed Tray Capacity 250 Width 17.8″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 25 Color Print Speed (ppm) 0 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 4 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 7 Color Accuracy (dE) 0 All Retailers
$219.99$370Save $150Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes- $302.00$347Save $45
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $412.95$845Save $432
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
The Canon imageCLASS MF455DW is an excellent monochrome printer if you want robust performance in black-and-white printing at a great value. With an exceptional print speed of 24.95 ppm and a tray capacity of 250, it will quickly print large volumes of pages and save you trips to restock the printer paper in your home office or small-to-medium-sized business. It has a cost per page of 3.6 cents, which isn’t the cheapest in the long term, but it balances out the mid-range upfront price. Including automatic two-sided printing, an automatic document feeder, and wireless connectivity means it suits professionals who need a reliable, all-in-one printer for high-volume tasks.
If you prioritize environmental sustainability alongside printing efficiency, this model has its Energy Star certification, ensuring that your printing meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. The all-in-one design integrates fax, copier, and scanner functionalities into a compact frame measuring 17.8″ in width, 18.3″ in depth, and 15.4″ in height, making it an excellent space-saver for offices where desk space is at a premium.
When comparing the MF455DW to the MF753CDW, the former is a cheaper, more straightforward black-and-white printer with a faster print speed for monochrome documents. The big difference is that the MF753CDW offers color printing capabilities for a higher upfront cost.
If you need a simple yet efficient black-and-white printer for office work, classrooms, or home use, the MF455DW is a reliable and cost-effective solution. Despite its focus on only monochrome printing, it doesn’t compromise efficiency. Its performance, efficiency, and the added convenience of mobile printing and duplex scanning make it an amazing choice.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Epson Ecotank ET-5850
Best For Epson
The Epson Ecotank ET-5850 blends performance with cost efficiency, making it ideal for small businesses and home offices that print a lot. Its economical printing costs and speeds make it suitable for tasks such as high-volume educational and legal documents.
True Score
89903Experts
87807Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $250$849.99$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- High-quality, reliable printing
- Great scanning features
- Low running costs
- Blazing print speeds
Reasons to Avoid
- Mediocre color accuracy
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 32.4″ Duplex Scan Function Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Height 13.8″ Integrated Fax Yes Max Number of Copies 999 Max Paper Width 8.5″ Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 4 Paper Feeder Cassette tray Print Speed (B&W) 25 ppm Print Speed (Color) – Printer Resolution (B&W) – Printer Resolution (Color) – Printer Type – Scanner Resolution – Scanner Type – Tray Capacity – Width – Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 23 Color Print Speed (ppm) 18 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 1 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 2 Color Accuracy (dE) 7 All Retailers
- $599.99$850Save $250
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $599.99$850Save $250
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $776.46$850Save $74
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Epson Ecotank ET-5850 offers exceptional value through its blend of performance and operational cost-efficiency, making it a great choice for small businesses and home offices with high-volume printing needs. Its best-in-class printing cost of just 0.5 cents per page offsets the premium upfront, saving you more money in the long run.
It has good printing speeds of 23 ppm for black and white and 18.10 ppm for color, making it a good fit if you prioritize efficiency in your office. Its EcoTank system, requiring fewer ink replacements, is ideal for high-volume printing without frequent maintenance. The color accuracy of 7.02 dE, while not ideal for precision color work, is more than adequate for most business and educational printing needs, providing clear and vibrant prints that meet the standards of everyday documents and presentations.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use printer that supports a variety of tasks, the ET-5850 is a versatile and reliable solution. Equipped with wireless connectivity, mobile printing, an automatic document feeder, and duplex printing and scanning functions, it suits dynamic work environments where multifunctional use is essential.
This printer is a cost-effective solution for printing a large volume of documents such as educational materials, legal documents, event planning materials, corporate reports, and direct mail marketing campaigns. Although the initial price is steep, the long-term savings on ink and its comprehensive features make it a fantastic investment for small businesses, educators, and home office users who value quality and sustainability in their printing solutions.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW
Best For Wireless
The Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW is ideal for professionals and students requiring fast black and white plus color printing, offering versatility and efficiency with its fast printing speeds.
True Score
88882Experts
862kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $271$649.99$379.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional print quality
- Business-quality scanner
- Running cost
- Fast printing
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder Yes Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 18.2″ Duplex Scan Function Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Height 17″ Integrated Fax Yes Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width – Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required 4 Paper Feeder Multipurpose tray Print Speed (B&W) 35 ppm Print Speed (Color) 35 ppm Printer Resolution (B&W) 1200 x 1200 Printer Resolution (Color) 1200 x 1200 dpi Printer Type Copier, Fax, Printer, Scanner Scanner Resolution Up to 600 x 600 Scanner Type Flatbed Tray Capacity 250 Width 16.8″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 23 Color Print Speed (ppm) 36 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 5 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 24 Color Accuracy (dE) 7 All Retailers
- $379.00$650Save $271
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $379.99$650Save $270
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $379.00$629Save $250
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
- $508.29$650Save $142
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re a professional or student who needs fast black-and-white and color printing, the Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW combines high performance with exceptional color printing capability. It has an unmatched printing speed of 36 ppm for color and a great 23 ppm for black-and-white, making it not only a versatile printer but also one that gets printing done efficiently in demanding environments.
The high printing cost of 4.9 cents per page increases over time, so it might not be the most cost-effective choice if you have frequent high-volume printing tasks. While its color accuracy of 6.68 dE is not poor, it suggests moderate color fidelity, meaning there may be noticeable differences from the original colors. Thus, it may not be the best fit for professional photographers or designers who need precise color matching.
Compared to the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW, the MF753CDW offers color printing without compromising print quality or speed. While the MF455DW focuses on monochrome printing with an eye on efficiency and lower operational costs, the MF753CDW caters to a broader range of printing needs, including professional-quality color documents.
If you need a fast B&W and color printer but don’t need to print high volumes of prints frequently, like headshots, art student portfolios, presentation aids, and marketing materials, this printer is a reliable option. Its color printing, robust performance, and comprehensive features make it suitable for a wider array of use cases. The trade-off is the higher cost per page, which is justified by its multifunctionality, printing speeds, and printing quality.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Brother HL-L2325DW
The Brother HL-L2325DW is a budget-friendly, efficient black-and-white printer ideal for individuals and small offices. Its quick print speeds, straightforward functionality, and wireless connectivity make it perfect for text-heavy tasks in demanding environments.
True Score
79772Experts
872kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
$189.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great printing quality
- Low running costs
- Fast printing
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited functions
- Doesn’t print in color
Specifications
Automatic Document Feeder – Automatic Two-Sided Printing Yes Copier Resolution (B&W) – Copier Resolution (Color) – Depth 14.2″ Duplex Scan Function Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Height 7.2″ Integrated Fax – Max Number of Copies – Max Paper Width – Mobile Printing Yes Number of Ink Cartridges Required – Paper Feeder Cassette tray, Manual Feed Print Speed (B&W) 26 ppm Print Speed (Color) na Printer Resolution (B&W) 2400 x 600 dpi Printer Resolution (Color) – Printer Type Printer Scanner Resolution na Scanner Type na Tray Capacity 250 Width 14″ Wireless Yes All Specs
Test Results
B&W Print Speed (ppm) 25 Color Print Speed (ppm) 0 B&W Printing Costs (¢ per page) 4 Color Printing Costs (¢ per page) 0 Color Accuracy (dE) 0 All Retailers
- $189.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $215.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you need a straightforward, reliable black-and-white printer that offers good value for its performance, the Brother HL-L2325DW is an excellent budget option. It’s suited for individuals and small offices needing efficient document printing without the complexity or expense of color printing. With an unmatched black-and-white print speed of 25.3 ppm, it’s designed for those who prioritize speed in their printing tasks. The printing cost of 3.8 cents per page isn’t the most cost-effective, but it offsets the cheap upfront price.
If you appreciate simplicity and connectivity in your printing devices, the Brother HL-L2325DW offers wireless and mobile printing, allowing you to easily print from smartphones and tablets. It fits into flexible work environments. Its compact size—14.2″ in depth, 14″ in width, and 7.2″ in height—and 250-sheet tray capacity, as well as automatic two-sided printing, make it an excellent choice for spaces where efficiency is key.
Comparing the HL-L2325DW to the Brother MFC-L8905CDW, the former delivers black and white prints faster and much cheaper up-front but with higher printing costs. The MFC-L8905CDW offers color printing and multifunction capabilities and has a cheaper operational cost.
For users who need a dependable and economical printer for everyday black-and-white printing, the HL-L2325DW is hard to beat. Its printing speed makes it well-suited for demanding home offices, schools, and businesses focused on textual document printing. While it lacks the color and multifunctionality of higher-end models, its performance balances quality and value.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Black and White Printers?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a printer that will print black and white.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| B&W Print Speed | > 20 ppm | Yes | How fast a printer can produce purely black and white pages while printing. |
| B&W Printing Costs | < 7 cents | Yes | How much a black and white page costs to print. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 80+ printers reviewers and found that 23 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for printers.
- Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
- Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
- Ben Keough – Wirecutter, MuckRack, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every printer review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Printers Test Data & Results
1. Print Speed, Black & White (PPM)
The primary job of a printer is to print out pages, and black & white print speed tests are just measurements of how long it takes a printer to produce pages that are purely black and white. The better a printer is at printing in black and white, the more pages it’s able to produce in a minute.
Print speed is largely a matter of convenience, so while we have a minimum speed we suggest (generally around 20 pages per minute) there’s no real downside to a printer being slower if you’re using it at home – you’ll just end up having to wait longer to finish printing out a document. However, printers in professional settings need to be snappy because they’re going to be used constantly, and the faster a printer is able to produce documents, the better.
Print Speed, B & W
> 20 ppm
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How fast a printer is able to produce black and white pages.
Units of Measurement: ppm (pages per minute)
Tools to Measure: A timer
Why It’s Important:
The point of a printer is to print – the less time you’re waiting for it to finish, the sooner you can get back to whatever you were doing.
Print Speed, Black & White (PPM; higher is better)
2. B&W Printing Costs (Cents per page)
B&W Printing Costs
< 7 cents per page
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much its costs to print a single page in black and white.
Units of Measurement: cents per page
Tools to Measure: Calculator
Why It’s Important:
Lower costs per page means less money spent on ink in the long run.
Using your printer uses up ink, which means it costs money. Printing costs are usually measured as cost per print (or page) and are gauged by calculating how much each print costs by comparing the cost of an ink or toner cartridge to the total number of pages printed by the cartridge.
Print costs should ideally be as low as possible, with the greatest number of pages per cartridge being the obvious “goal” to aim for. Black ink, being the cheaper ink, means that black and white printing costs are usually lower on a per page basis. If you’re printing constantly, getting the cost as low as you can means you’ll be spending less on cartridges in the long run.
B&W Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)
Best Black and White Printers: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Printing Speed: Don’t overlook the printing speed, especially if you have high-volume printing needs. Ensure the printer’s ppm (pages per minute) meets your requirements to avoid delays in printing documents.
- Neglecting Print Quality: While black-and-white printing may seem straightforward, print quality can vary among printers. Check reviews and sample prints to ensure the printer produces sharp, clear text without smudging or streaking.
- Underestimating Connectivity: Even though you’re printing in black and white, consider connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. Ensure the printer offers convenient connectivity for your setup and allows for easy printing from multiple devices.
- Ignoring Toner Costs: While black-and-white printing generally costs less than color printing, toner expenses can still add up over time. To minimize ongoing expenses, consider the cost of replacement toner cartridges and the printer’s efficiency in terms of toner usage.
The Best Black and White Printers Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
B&W Print Speed
|
Color Print Speed
|
B&W Printing Cost (per page)
|
Color Printing Cost (per page)
|
Color Accuracy
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 |
|
|
|
|
|  $699.98 |
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|  $219.99 $370 $150 |
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
| $599.99 $850 $250 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
| $379.00 $650 $271 |
| 79 |
|
|
|
|
| $189.99 |
