Choosing a reliable laser printer means that speed, print quality, and efficiency are critical. Laser printers excel in these areas, making them ideal for both home offices and businesses. Whether you’re printing high-volume documents or detailed graphics, the best laser printers handle the job with minimal hassle. From rapid print speeds to crisp, clear text and graphics, these devices are designed to meet diverse printing needs.
After analyzing over 26 laser printers and reviewing 148,935 customer reviews, we identified four top performers. Our rigorous verification process filtered out 67% of untrustworthy or low-quality expert reviews. We certified the winning models based on their superior performance in key areas such as print speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness. By using our True Score and Trust Rating systems, we ensure you get recommendations you can trust for the best printers available.
How Did We Rank the Best Laser Printers?
Our guide to the best laser printers reflects an exhaustive review of over 200 sources. We combined insights from testing methodologies and expert evaluations with customer reviews to pinpoint the most important criteria. We identified 2 required test results, 2 nice-to-have features, and 1 must-have specification that top-performing laser printers must meet. This detailed analysis ensures our recommendations are reliable and well-founded.
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 be a laser printer
? 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.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Color Accuracy: Color accuracy is maintained with a deviation (dE) of less than 6.
- Print Speed: Color printing speed surpasses 12 pages per minute (ppm).
Latest Updates
- 06/12/2024: Republished the list to include the best laser printers based on our True Score system.
Top Laser 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 Chromebook
Despite its average color accuracy, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is a top choice for efficiency and quality in high-volume printing.
True Score
90922Experts
863kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
$699.99Read 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
$699.99Availability
In StockFree Shipping
$699.98$950Save $250Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
$712.88Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a premium laser printer, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is an exceptional all-in-one choice, thanks to its efficiency. It stands out in the laser printer category because it boasts the lowest cost per page at 2.8 cents, a crucial factor for businesses aiming to manage ongoing expenses. This efficiency is a testament to the printer’s design, which aims to reduce the total cost of ownership over its lifecycle.
The Brother MFC-L8905CDW has an acceptable color accuracy at a delta E of 9.02, which is much worse than the 6.68 dE of the Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW. Its impressive black-and-white print speed of 23.15 and color speed of 18 pages per minute ensure the printer’s ability to deliver consistent and rapid outputs, essential for environments where time and fidelity are of the essence.
Furthermore, it’s a well-rounded printer suitable for diverse professional settings, supporting wired and wireless connectivity. Including duplex printing and an automatic document feeder enhances its usability in fast-paced work scenarios.
Given its robust print speed and high-quality output, the Brother MFC-L8905CDW is also suitable for home offices or small businesses that demand professional-grade printing capabilities. Its performance metrics mean it can efficiently handle a high volume of documents, making it an excellent tool for businesses and individuals seeking reliability and quality in their printing tasks.
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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
- Top Printer Experts
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Canon imageCLASS MF455DW
Ideal for high-volume monochrome printing, the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW combines speed, functionality, and cost-efficiency, perfect for efficient document-focused environments.
True Score
90902Experts
88993Customers
Cosmic Wonder
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- $329.99$845Save $515
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $346.71$384Save $37
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re shopping for a mid-range monochrome laser printer that balances cost and functionality, the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW deserves attention. Notably, it boasts an impressive print speed of 24.95 pages per minute, making it a strong contender for environments where efficiency is key. This speed and monochrome capability make it ideal for businesses or individuals with substantial black-and-white printing needs.
The Canon imageCLASS MF455DW is equipped with essential features expected in a modern laser printer and supports various connectivity options, including wireless printing. This flexibility ensures it can seamlessly integrate into diverse work setups, from home offices to small businesses. An automatic document feeder and the ability to print at resolutions up to 600 x 600 dpi shows its suitability for producing crisp, professional documents.
The absence of color printing might limit its appeal for tasks requiring vibrant outputs, like photo printing or colorful reports. Yet, it is excellent for use cases centered around text-heavy documents, reports, or simple graphics. With its printing costs at a mere 3.6 cents per page, closely rivaling the Brother HL-L2325DW’s rate of 3.8 cents, it presents a financially sensible choice for high-volume printing.
While the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW excels in environments prioritizing speed and efficiency in monochrome printing, its lack of color output may constrict its utility in other scenarios, such as home use or crafting. Nonetheless, this printer offers an excellent mix of speed, quality, and functionality for businesses or individuals focused on high-volume document printing where they don’t need color.
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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 excels in color printing, offering speed and accuracy ideal for dynamic business needs, with versatile features for diverse office tasks.
True Score
88882Experts
852kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $234$649.99$416.05Read 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
- $416.05$650Save $234
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $429.99$650Save $220
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $429.99$650Save $220
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $429.00$649Save $220
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Our Verdict
If you’re in the market for a mid-range laser printer, the Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW stands out, particularly for its exceptional performance in color printing. With a color print speed of 36 pages per minute, it stands out among its peers, making it a robust choice for environments where time and efficiency are of the essence. Furthermore, its color accuracy, with a delta E (dE) of 6.68, ensures that your documents come out quickly and with a commendable level of fidelity to the original colors.
While this printer’s color printing capabilities are impressive, its print speed for black-and-white documents is also competitive at 23 pages per minute. This, paired with a relatively high printing cost of 4.9 cents per page, though the Brother MFC-L8905CDW’s 2.8 cents is more economical, makes it suitable not only for businesses focused on color documents but also for those needing an all-around performer capable of handling diverse printing needs.
This Canon model offers a comprehensive package for those requiring a versatile printing solution. It supports high-resolution printing at 1200 x 1200 dpi, contributing to the sharpness and clarity of printed documents. Its connectivity options include wired and wireless capabilities, ensuring flexibility in various setups. Features such as duplex printing and an automatic document feeder further enhance the printer’s efficiency, catering to a high-volume workload without sacrificing quality.
The Canon imageCLASS MF753CDW’s performance in color printing and the breadth of its features make it a compelling option for small to large businesses. Its adaptability extends to various other use cases, from high-volume document printing to tasks requiring reasonable color fidelity, underscoring its value as a multifaceted tool in the office environment.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Brother HL-L2325DW
Ideal for budget-conscious users, the Brother HL-L2325DW excels in efficiency and speed for high-volume, monochrome printing for small offices or homes.
True Score
79772Experts
872kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $51$199.99$149.00Read 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
- $149.00$200Save $51
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $215.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly monochrome laser printer that doesn’t compromise on efficiency, the Brother HL-L2325DW is an excellent choice. With its best-in-class print speed of 25.3 pages per minute, this printer stands out as a reliable choice for quickly handling a considerable volume of documents. It’s particularly beneficial in settings where black-and-white printing is the norm and time is of the essence.
The HL-L2325DW offers a no-frills printing solution, focusing solely on printing without the added functionalities of scanning, copying, or faxing, distinguishing it from more versatile all-in-one units. It boasts a high resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi, guaranteeing sharp and defined text output, perfect for generating documents of professional caliber. It also provides wired and wireless connectivity options, enhancing its convenience and adaptability to different user preferences and setups.
This printer’s printing costs are reasonably low, at 3.8 cents per page, comparable to the other monochrome printer on our list, the Canon imageCLASS MF455DW, at 3.6 cents. This is a critical factor for users who prioritize long-term savings. Its straightforward design and functionality make it an excellent choice for small businesses or home offices where simplicity and efficiency are key.
While the Brother HL-L2325DW may not have the frills of more advanced models, its strengths lie in its speed, cost-effectiveness, and reliable performance for basic printing needs. It’s an excellent choice for budget-oriented users who require a dependable monochrome printer for tasks like document printing in a small business or home office setting, where productivity and cost-efficiency are the primary focus.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Laser Printers?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these printers and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a laser printer.
| 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. |
| Color Print Speed | > 12 ppm | No (Nice to have) | How fast a printer can produce color pages and photos while printing. |
| Color Accuracy | < 6 dE | No (Nice to have) | How much the color printed by a printer deviates, on average, from the reference color. |
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)
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
< 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.
B&W Printing Costs (in cents per page; lower is better)
3. Print Speed, Color (PPM)
Print Speed, Color
> 12 ppm
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How fast a printer is able to produce color pages and photos.
Units of Measurement: ppm (pages per minute)
Tools to Measure: A timer
Why It’s Important:
If you’re printing photos or color pages constantly, higher print speeds will reduce the time spent waiting.
Much like black and white print speeds, color printing speed is simply a measure of how long it takes a printer to print out color documents and photos. If you’re purely printing photos, you’ll see an ever further reduced speed (given the size of photographs and the detail they demand.)
Color print speed is less important (generally) than black and white speeds, simply because it’s usually done less. However, if you’re constantly printing photos at home or in the office, higher print speeds are good to keep you from waiting around for a print job to finish.
Print Speed, Color (PPM; higher is better)
4. Color Accuracy (dE)
Color accuracy with printers uses a mix of standardized references (like the Adobe ColorChecker) and a color control sensor to check the accuracy of the colors printed by a printer and then grades the accuracy on a 10-point+ scale. Unlike most scales, where 10 is good, color accuracy scores are reversed, with 0 and 1 being the most desirable score, as it indicates little to no deviation from the reference color.
Generally speaking, color accuracy should be at least a 5 or lower to be considered “good.” At 6 or higher, the colors are noticeably different, which is an issue if you’re printing photos and hoping for accurate colors.
Color Accuracy
< 6
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much deviation exists between the colors printed by the printer itself and the colors shown in the photograph you’re printing on your monitor or phone.
Units of Measurement: N/A
Tools to Measure: Color Control Sensor, Color Reference Document
Why It’s Important:
If you print photos constantly, or need accurate colors for logos, color accuracy matters a great deal.
Color Accuracy (lower is better)
Best Laser Printers: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Printing Needs: Don’t overlook your specific printing requirements. Consider factors such as print volume, document types (text, graphics, photos), and color vs. black and white printing. Choose a laser printer that meets your needs without unnecessary features that inflate the price. Additionally, it’s important to consider how many pages you can print in one toner cartridge, as this will affect your ongoing costs and efficiency, especially if your print volume is high.
- Neglecting Print Quality: While laser printers are known for their high-quality text printing, not all models offer the same print quality for graphics or photos. Check reviews and sample prints to ensure the printer produces satisfactory results for your printing needs. If your interest extends to crafting projects, consider a printer for crafting that can handle various types of media and offers vibrant color reproduction, as these features are crucial for producing high-quality crafts.
- Underestimating Printing Speed: Laser printers are generally faster than inkjet printers, but printing speeds can vary among models. Consider the printer’s ppm (pages per minute) for both black and white and color printing to ensure it meets your speed requirements. Additionally, if you frequently need to print double-sided documents, look for a great duplex printer that can automatically print on both sides of the paper, enhancing efficiency and reducing paper usage.
- Disregarding Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer offers versatile connectivity options to accommodate your needs. Look for models with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity, as well as support for mobile printing technologies like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print for added flexibility.
ADDITIONAL printer TIPS
For additional tips, it’s important to consider the best type of printer that fits your specific requirements. Understanding how many amps a printer uses can help you manage your power usage more efficiently. If you’re into creative projects, you might want to know if you can print on cardstock with your current printer.
Learn about the typical lifespan of printers to make informed purchasing decisions. Comparing a flatbed scanner vs. an all-in-one printer can help you choose the best multifunctional device. Lastly, if you need specialized printing, check out the best label printers, and if you encounter any issues, find out how to repair wireless printing on all-in-one printers to keep your devices running smoothly.
The Best Laser 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 |
|
|
|
|
|  $699.99 |
| 90 |
|
|
|
|
|  $219.99 $370 $150 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $416.05 $650 $234 |
| 79 |
|
|
|
|
| $149.00 $200 $51 |
