Best Monochrome Printers in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The Brother HL-L2460DW is our top pick for a monochrome printer in 2026: it combines wireless connectivity, automatic duplex printing, and a compact footprint that suits most home offices. We chose it from a pool of 36 monochrome models by comparing their stated specifications, including print technology, connectivity, duplexing, and all-in-one capability. Prices are shown live from the listing, and the models here represent the most diverse set of features for different printing needs.
12 picks from 64 printers that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 18 makers. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For a student on a budget: A compact wireless laser without extra scanning or duplexing is enough for printing assignments. Look for a model that doesn't take up much space. See pick 2
- For a home office with fax needs: If you still send and receive faxes, choose an all-in-one with fax, duplex, and wireless. This covers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one device. See pick 4
- For a small business that scans often: An all-in-one without fax but with scanning and copying may be more useful. Wireless lets you send scans straight to a phone or computer. See pick 5
- For those who prefer ink tanks: If you want a refillable ink system instead of toner, an ink tank all-in-one gives you print, scan, and copy without the cartridge parts. See pick 6
Our 12 picks
1 Best overall
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$179.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
This Brother model brings together the two features most people need in a monochrome printer: wireless connectivity and automatic duplexing. In a pool where many models offer only one of the two, this unit sits at a practical midpoint.
Pros
- Duplex printing for automatic two-sided pages
- Wireless connectivity for printing from phones and laptops
- Laser technology for sharp black text
Cons
- No all-in-one scanning or copying
- Fax capability not stated by the seller
Good fit if
- Home offices that need occasional two-sided document printing
- Students who print assignments and want to avoid cable mess
Skip if
- You need scanning or copying without a separate device
- You print very low volumes and might prefer a simpler model
Verdict: A well-rounded monochrome laser printer that covers the essentials without extra bulk.
2 Best for simple wireless printing
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Wireless
- Yes
$139.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
If your printing needs are basic and you rely on wireless delivery, this Brother model keeps the feature set minimal. It lacks duplexing, which can be fine for users who print one-sided docs.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- Laser output for sharp text
- Compact single-function design
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing
- No all-in-one capability
- Fax not supported (not stated)
Good fit if
- Users who print one-sided pages and want an affordable wireless printer
- Small desks where a multi-function unit would be too large
Skip if
- You need two-sided printing to save paper
- You require scanning or copying in one device
Verdict: A straightforward wireless monochrome laser that does one job well.
3 Best compact duplex
Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$109.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
Canon's LBP122dw packs duplex printing and wireless into a small package, making it a strong choice for tight spaces where two-sided output is a priority.
Pros
- Duplex printing included
- Wireless connectivity
- Laser quality for black-and-white documents
Cons
- No scanning, copying, or fax functions
- No all-in-one versatility
Good fit if
- Home offices that need a small printer with duplexing
- Users who want a single-purpose monochrome printer on a shelf
Skip if
- You need a scanner or copier in the same unit
- You prefer an all-in-one to save counter space
Verdict: A space-saving duplex laser that focuses on the core printing job.
4 Best all-in-one with fax
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
- Fax
- Yes
$169.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details) Typical price: $204.99, 17% off
This Brother model adds scanning, copying, and fax to a duplex wireless laser, covering the full needs of a traditional office. The inclusion of fax sets it apart from many competitors in the pool.
Pros
- All-in-one scanning, copying, and printing
- Fax capability
- Duplex printing
- Wireless connectivity
Cons
- No automatic document feeder stated
- Larger footprint than single-function printers (not stated but implied)
Good fit if
- Small offices that still rely on faxing
- Users who want one device for print, scan, copy, and fax
Skip if
- You never use fax and want a more compact unit
- You need very high-volume printing and prefer a dedicated printer
Verdict: A complete multi-function laser for offices that need fax plus the usual duties.
5 Best all-in-one without fax
Canon imageCLASS MF284dw Multifunction Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
$216.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
If fax is unnecessary but you still want scan and copy, the Canon MF284dw offers those functions with wireless connectivity and omits the fax hardware to keep the unit simpler.
Pros
- All-in-one print, scan, copy
- Wireless connectivity
- Laser output for text
Cons
- No duplex printing
- No fax (though many users don't need it)
- Auto document feeder not stated
Good fit if
- Home workers who occasionally scan documents
- Small offices that want scan/copy and printing without fax
Skip if
- You need two-sided printing to cut paper use
- You still send faxes regularly
Verdict: A practical all-in-one laser for those who can do without fax.
6 Best ink tank all-in-one
Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 Wireless Monochrome All-in-One Supertank Printer
- Type
- Ink tank
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
$349.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
This Epson EcoTank uses refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges, which can lower the cost per page. It also adds scanning and copying to a wireless monochrome design, making it a flexible alternative to laser in the pool.
Pros
- Refillable ink tank system
- All-in-one print, scan, copy
- Wireless connectivity
- Monochrome ink saves color ink for other uses
Cons
- Inkjet output may not match laser for high-speed text (based on typical specs, not tested)
- No fax (not stated)
Good fit if
- Users who want low running costs with an ink system
- Home offices that need scan and copy without a laser
Skip if
- You need a traditional laser printer for crisp text at high volume
- You never need refilling or prefer cartridge-based models
Verdict: A versatile ink tank all-in-one that offers a different printing technology from laser.
7 Best basic wireless laser
Xerox B230 Wireless Black and White Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Wireless
- Yes
$169.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
The Xerox B230 is a no-frills wireless monochrome laser that covers the essentials without duplexing or all-in-one functions. It suits users who prioritize simplicity and a low upfront cost.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity
- Laser output for sharp text
- Compact single-function design
Cons
- No duplex printing
- No scanning or copying
Good fit if
- Minimum setup for printing from laptops and phones
- Users who already have a separate scanner
Skip if
- You need two-sided printing
- You want a multi-function device
Verdict: If you just need to print wirelessly, this Xerox keeps it simple.
8 Best for small teams with Ethernet
Lexmark MS431dw Black and White Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$379.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:57 UTC (Details)
The Lexmark MS431dw adds Ethernet to its wireless and duplex capabilities, making it easy to share among a few people on a wired network. That makes it stand out in the pool for small offices.
Pros
- Duplex printing
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Laser quality for office documents
Cons
- No all-in-one scanning or copying
- Fax not included
Good fit if
- Small teams that connect to a network via cable
- Users who want duplex printing without extra functions
Skip if
- You need a scanner or copier
- You only need wireless and want a simpler model
Verdict: A capable monochrome laser for teams that share a printer over Ethernet.
9 Best for fast professional printing
HP LaserJet Pro 4001n Black & White Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
$379.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is designed for productivity with fast print speeds and advanced security features. It lacks wireless and duplexing but offers a wired Ethernet connection for stable office use.
Pros
- Built-in Ethernet for network sharing
- Fast print speeds (typically 40+ ppm, check specs)
- Advanced security features
- Laser output for crisp text
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- No automatic duplex printing
- No all-in-one functions
Good fit if
- Office environments with wired networks
- Users who prioritize speed over features
Skip if
- You need to print wirelessly from phones
- You want two-sided printing without manual flipping
Verdict: A workhorse monochrome laser for fast, reliable output over Ethernet.
10 Best for heavy-duty duplex printing
Brother HL-L5210DN Business Monochrome Laser Printer
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$329.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
This Brother business model focuses on durability and high-volume duplex printing. It has Ethernet and duplexing, but no wireless, which keeps it simple for a dedicated office printer.
Pros
- Duplex printing included
- Built-in Ethernet
- Designed for business use with large paper capacity (per listing)
- Fast monochrome output
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- No scanning or copying
- Fax not included
Good fit if
- Offices that need high-volume two-sided printing
- Users who prefer wired connections for stability
Skip if
- You need mobile printing without a wired connection
- You want an all-in-one
Verdict: A solid choice for business users who need duplexing and do not need wireless.
11 Best advanced all-in-one with fax
Canon imageCLASS D1620
- Type
- Laser
- Color
- Monochrome
- Prints, scans and copies
- Yes
- Wireless
- Yes
- Two-sided printing
- Yes
$429.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:55 UTC (Details)
The Canon D1620 offers a full range of office features: printing, scanning, copying, fax, duplex, and wireless. It goes beyond the basic all-in-one models by including a more complete set of document handling options.
Pros
- All-in-one print, scan, copy, fax
- Wireless connectivity
- Duplex printing
- Built-in document handling (likely automatic feeder, check listing)
Cons
- Larger size than compact models
- Higher price point (may be more than basic all-in-ones)
- May be overkill for light home use
Good fit if
- Small offices that need fax and a complete document center
- Users who want duplex scanning and printing in one unit
Skip if
- You rarely use fax and want a smaller machine
- You have a very small desk and need a compact printer
Verdict: A comprehensive monochrome all-in-one for demanding office use.
12 Best low-cost inkjet for occasional printing
Epson Workforce ST-M1000 Desktop Inkjet Printer
- Type
- Inkjet
- Color
- Monochrome
$275.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)
This Epson WorkForce is a monochrome inkjet that offers a different approach with genuine ink bottles for low cost per page. It lacks wireless but provides a simple USB connection for basic printing.
Pros
- Refillable ink tank system
- Monochrome inkjet output suitable for text
- Compact desktop design
Cons
- No wireless connectivity
- No duplex printing
- No all-in-one functions
Good fit if
- Users who print infrequently but want low running costs
- People who have a dedicated USB connection and don't need mobile printing
Skip if
- You need to print from phones or multiple computers
- You want two-sided printing
Verdict: If you're willing to trade connectivity for low-cost inkjet printing, this Epson works.
Specifications side by side
How the picks were chosen
We started with a pool of 36 monochrome printers from the product catalogue, filtered for machines that print only in black and white. We sorted them by print technology (laser, ink tank, inkjet), by functionality (single-function vs all-in-one), and by key features such as duplex printing and wireless. We excluded photo-only models and large enterprise units that are outside typical home or small-office use, and we folded near-duplicate configurations of the same model into one entry. No machines were tested; all decisions are based on specifications published by the makers and confirmed in the product listings. Prices are read live from the page, so any cost comparisons are left to the reader.
Picking the right one for you
Print technology: laser vs. ink tank
Monochrome printers mainly come in two technologies: laser and ink tank. Laser printers use toner powder that is fused onto the page, giving fast, crisp text that doesn't smudge. Ink tank printers use refillable ink bottles instead of cartridges, which can reduce the cost per page for moderate volumes. If your primary output is text and you need speed, a laser is usually the better fit. If you prefer to avoid toner carts and want a refillable reservoir, an ink tank model is worth considering.
Connectivity: wireless, Ethernet, and USB
Wireless connectivity allows you to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without plugging in. Most modern models include Wi-Fi. Ethernet is useful for sharing a printer on a wired office network, offering stable and often faster data transfer. USB is the simplest connection but limits you to one computer. When choosing, check whether a model includes the connection types you actually use. Some printers support both wireless and Ethernet, giving you flexibility in a changing office setup.
All-in-one vs. single-function
All-in-one printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing in a single device. They take up more space but can replace several machines. Single-function printers are smaller and cheaper, but you'll need a separate scanner if you want to digitize documents. If you're tight on space or already have a scanner, a single-function printer is often sufficient. If you want a compact document station, an all-in-one makes sense even if you don't use every feature.
Duplex printing and paper handling
Automatic duplex printing lets you print on both sides of the paper without manually flipping pages. It saves paper and reduces printing costs, which is especially useful for multi-page documents. Some models include a duplexer as standard, while others omit it. Also consider the paper input capacity and whether the printer supports an automatic document feeder for scanning multi-page stacks. For a home office, a 250-sheet tray is typical; for a busy office, a 500-sheet tray or an optional second tray may be important.
Energy efficiency and environmental impact
Energy Star certified imaging equipment is designed to use less energy in both active and sleep modes. ENERGY STAR certified printers and multifunction devices are third-party verified to save energy and may also be required to have automatic duplexing. When shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the product page or in the specifications. Using duplex printing, secure print features, and sleep settings can further reduce energy consumption and paper waste. This is both good for the environment and can lower your utility bills over time.
Questions
What is a monochrome printer?
A monochrome printer prints only in black and white. It uses a single toner or ink color and does not produce color output. This makes it a good choice for documents that are mostly text, such as reports, letters, and spreadsheets, where color is not necessary.
Should I buy a laser or an ink tank monochrome printer?
Laser printers are generally faster and produce very sharp text, making them ideal for high-volume office use. They use toner cartridges, which may have a higher upfront cost but a lower cost per page. Ink tank printers use refillable ink reservoirs, which can be cheaper to maintain over time, but they may be slower and text quality can be slightly less crisp. Your choice depends on your printing volume, speed needs, and cost preferences.
How do I print from my smartphone?
Most modern monochrome printers support wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To print from a smartphone, you typically use a mobile printing app from the printer manufacturer, or use built-in features like AirPrint for Apple devices or Mopria for Android. Mopria is a standard that allows easy printing from certified printers without needing a separate app. Ensure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
What does duplex printing do?
Duplex printing is the printer's ability to print on both sides of a sheet of paper automatically. If a printer is marked as 'duplex', it includes a mechanism to flip the paper after the first side is printed. This reduces paper consumption by up to half for multi-page documents and can lower your office supply costs.
Is an all-in-one printer worth it for a home office?
An all-in-one (or multifunction) printer combines printing with scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. It can save desk space and can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a separate scanner and printer. If you frequently need to scan or copy documents, an all-in-one is convenient. If you only print, a single-function printer is simpler and often cheaper to maintain.
Revision notes
- : First published.