6 of the Best Black and White Printers in 2024

True Score Methodology

v1.5

147,768

Reviews Analyzed

Updated Jun 11, 2024 5:53 PM

Table of Contents

best black and white printer guide that shows the top best printer model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

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 147,768 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

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW

    • Best For Envelopes

    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.

    Brother MFC-L8905CDW Review →

    True Score

    91
    92
    2

    Experts

    86
    3k

    Customers

    $699.98

    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 FeederAutomatic Document FeederYes
    Automatic Two-Sided PrintingAutomatic Two-Sided PrintingYes
    Copier Resolution (B&W)Copier Resolution (B&W)1200 x 600 dpi
    Copier Resolution (Color)Copier Resolution (Color)
    DepthDepth20.7"
    Duplex Scan FunctionDuplex Scan Function
    Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star Certifiedn/a
    HeightHeight21.6"
    Integrated FaxIntegrated FaxYes
    Max Number of CopiesMax Number of Copies
    Max Paper WidthMax Paper Width
    Mobile PrintingMobile Printing
    Number of Ink Cartridges RequiredNumber of Ink Cartridges Required
    Paper FeederPaper Feeder
    Print Speed (B&W)Print Speed (B&W)33 ppm
    Print Speed (Color)Print Speed (Color)33 ppm
    Printer Resolution (B&W)Printer Resolution (B&W)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer Resolution (Color)Printer Resolution (Color)2400 x 600 dpi
    Printer TypePrinter TypeColor Laser
    Scanner ResolutionScanner ResolutionUp to 1200 x 2400
    Scanner TypeScanner TypeFlatbed
    Tray CapacityTray Capacity250
    WidthWidth19.5"
    WirelessWirelessYes

    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

    • $699.98

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $699.98
      $950
      Save $250

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes
    • $699.99

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free 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.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Canon imageCLASS MF455DW

    • Best For Laser

    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.

    Canon imageCLASS MF455DW Review →

    True Score

    90
    90
    2

    Experts

    88
    974

    Customers

    $369.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850

    • Best For Cheap Ink

    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.

    Epson Ecotank ET-5850 Review →

    True Score

    89
    90
    3

    Experts

    88
    795

    Customers

    $849.99

    Did you know 67% of printer reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 23 of 83 printer reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every printer review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    147,768

    Printer Reviews Analyzed

    26

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW

    • Best For Canon

    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.

    Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW Review →

    True Score

    88
    89
    2

    Experts

    85
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $250
    $649.99
    $399.99

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    The best laser printers are ideal for high-speed and high-volume tasks. For specialized needs like creating printer labels, ensure your printer supports label printing to avoid jams.

    Efficiency is crucial, and the top duplex printers save time and paper by automatically printing on both sides. For businesses, the best barcode printers streamline inventory and sales management. To achieve accurate color reproduction, it’s sometimes necessary to disable printer color management and use professional software settings.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    HP Officejet Pro 9025E

    • Best For HP

    The HP Officejet Pro 9025E is a reliable all-in-one printer that balances performance and value for professionals and students. Its great color accuracy and efficiency make it ideal for a variety of tasks and fit into small offices.

    HP Officejet Pro 9025E Review →

    True Score

    83
    83
    2

    Experts

    85
    4k

    Customers

    $159.95

    Category Snapshot

    Printers

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      5 Brands, 26 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Epson, Canon

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $30-$1,000

    • Average True Score

      80.95

    • Important Test Criteria

      Mono & Color Print Speed (in/s, cm/s)

      Color Accuracy (dE)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      rtings and tech gear lab logos

    • Top Printer Experts

      Ryan Lim, Lesley Robinson

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – AKKO

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Brother HL-L2325DW

    • Best For Chromebook

    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.

    Brother HL-L2325DW Review →

    True Score

    79
    77
    2

    Experts

    87
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $15
    $199.99
    $185.00

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.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
B&W Print Speed> 20 ppmYesHow fast a printer can produce purely black and white pages while printing.
B&W Printing Costs< 7 centsYesHow 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.

  1. Ryan Lim – Rtings, LinkedIn
  2. Lesley Robinson – TechGearLab, LinkedIn
  3. 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, Black & White (PPM; higher is better)

2. B&W Printing Costs (Cents per page)

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

Brother MFC-L8905CDW

  • Best for Envelopes

91
  • 23.15 ppm

  • 18 ppm

  • 2.75¢

  • 18.3¢

  • 9.02 dE

$699.98
90
  • 24.95 ppm

  • No Data ppm

  • 3.6¢

  • 6.8¢

  • 0

$369.99

Epson Ecotank ET-5850

  • Best for Cheap Ink

89
  • 23 ppm

  • 18.1 ppm

  • 0.5¢

  • 2.15¢

  • 7.02 dE

$849.99
88
  • 23 ppm

  • 36 ppm

  • 4.9¢

  • 23.6¢

  • 6.68 dE

$399.99
$650
$250
83
  • 21.2 ppm

  • 12.95 ppm

  • 2.35¢

  • 8.45¢

  • 6.33 dE

$159.95

Brother HL-L2325DW

  • Best for Chromebook

79
  • 25.3 ppm

  • No Data ppm

  • 3.8¢

  • No Data¢

  • 0

$185.00
$200
$15

Black and White Printer Questions (FAQ)

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