Fact CheckedThe Best Laser Printers for 2023
Discover the ultimate printing solution with top-notch quality, high speed, and versatile connectivity in the best laser printers
Introduction to Laser Printers
Hello, fellow print enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in a sea of printer models and specifications, then this guide is for you. I’ll be your lifeboat as we navigate the world of laser printers. So, what is a laser printer, you ask? It’s a type of printer that uses a laser beam to produce high-quality text and graphics on plain paper. Unlike inkjet printers, which use liquid ink sprayed through tiny nozzles, laser printers use a toner cartridge filled with fine powder and a heated fuser.
What sets a laser printer apart is its speed and precision. These devices can print faster than their inkjet counterparts, making them perfect for busy work environments or anyone who needs to print large quantities in a short amount of time. Plus, their print quality is top-notch, producing sharp, crisp images and text.
Whether you’re looking for the best all-in-one laser printer for home use or the best laser printers for small businesses, I’m here to help. We’ll be diving deep into the features and specifications of some of the best laser printer models in the market. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Features to Consider When Buying a Laser Printer
Before we dig into the specifics of each model, it’s important to know what features to consider when buying a laser printer. These are the factors that can make or break your printing experience.
The first thing to look at is the printing speed. If you’re frequently printing large files or documents, you’ll want a printer that can keep up with your needs. This is usually measured in pages per minute (ppm). The higher the ppm, the faster the printer. Next, consider the print quality. This is especially important for color laser printers, where you’ll want vibrant, accurate colors in your printed images.
Another key feature to consider is connectivity. Most modern laser printers offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from your smartphone or tablet. Some also offer cloud printing, so you can print documents directly from cloud-based services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Lastly, don’t forget about the cost of consumables. These are things like toner cartridges and maintenance kits. Some laser printers may have a lower upfront cost, but their consumables can be pricey in the long run.
The Advantages of Color Laser Printers
So, why should you consider a color laser printer over a monochrome model or even an inkjet printer? Well, there are several advantages to color laser printers that make them a worthy investment.
Firstly, color laser printers are faster. They can print a large volume of pages in less time, making them ideal for busy offices or households. Secondly, they deliver excellent print quality. Whether you’re printing a text document or a full-color photograph, you can expect sharp, clear, and vibrant results from a color laser printer.
Lastly, color laser printers are more economical in the long run. Yes, they might have a higher initial cost than inkjet models, but their cost per page is significantly lower. This means that over time, you’ll save money on printing costs.
Quick Summary
| Image | Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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1
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HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe | All-in-one monochrome laser printer with wireless connectivity | |
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2
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Lexmark C3326dw | Color laser printer with Wi-Fi, compact design | |
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3
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Brother MFC-L3770CDW | All-in-one color laser printer with wireless and duplex printing | |
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4
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Canon ImageClass LBP236dw | Compact monochrome laser printer with wireless connectivity | |
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5
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Canon imageClass MF455dw | All-in-one monochrome laser printer with wireless and duplex printing | |
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6
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Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw | Color laser printer with duplex printing and wireless connectivity | |
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7
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Brother MFC-L9570CDW | High-performance color laser all-in-one printer with advanced features | |
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8
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Brother HL-L6400DW | High-speed monochrome laser printer with wireless and duplex printing | |
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9
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Brother HL-L9310CDW | Color laser printer with high print volume and advanced security | |
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10
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HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f | Enterprise-grade color multifunction printer with advanced features |
The Research
How we tested?
We conducted extensive print tests across various document types, from text-heavy to graphics-intensive, assessing clarity, sharpness, color accuracy, and toner distribution. Performance measurements were taken for both single-sided and duplex printing modes. We also examined the ease of setup, user-friendliness, and compatibility with different devices.
How we picked?
Moreover, we took into account the cost of consumables, including replacement toner cartridges, fusers, and maintenance kits. Models that offered cost-effective printing without compromising quality were prioritized. User reviews and expert opinions were also referenced to gain insights into real-world usage and reliability.
Who should get this?
Additionally, creative professionals, including designers and photographers, can benefit from laser printers’ ability to reproduce accurate colors and sharp details. Home offices and individuals with moderate to high printing requirements will also find these printers valuable for their combination of performance, efficiency, and longevity.
Best Laser Printer For 2023
HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe Printer
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What We Like?
The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is a compact and efficient laser printer that’s perfect for home or small business use. One of its standout features is its dual-band Wi-Fi, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection. It also supports mobile printing, so you can easily print documents from your smartphone or tablet.
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What We Don’t Like?
While the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is a great printer, it does have a few drawbacks. Its paper capacity is limited to 150 sheets, which might not be enough if you print heavily. Also, it doesn’t support automatic double-sided printing, which can be a deal-breaker for some.
Product Specifications |
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|---|---|
| Print Speed | Up to 30 pages per minute |
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
Pros
- Compact size
- Fast printing speed
- Reliable wireless connection
Cons
- Limited paper capacity
- Lack of automatic duplex printing
Our Verdict
The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is a solid choice if you’re looking for a compact and efficient laser printer. Its print quality and speed are impressive, but its paper capacity and lack of automatic duplex printing might be a deal-breaker for heavy users.
Lexmark C3326dw
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What We Like?
The Lexmark C3326dw is a compact and efficient laser printer that offers superb print quality. It’s an excellent choice for small businesses, and it can handle a variety of print tasks with ease. The printer has an impressive print speed of 26 pages per minute and a commendable duty cycle of 50,000 pages per month.
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What We Don’t Like?
While the Lexmark C3326dw is a great performer, it falls a bit short when it comes to connectivity options. It lacks NFC and Wi-Fi Direct, which are pretty standard in most of its peers.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 100 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 50,000 pages |
Pros
- Compact size
- Excellent print quality
- Impressive speed
Cons
- Lack of NFC and Wi-Fi Direct
- Operating cost somewhat high
Our Verdict
We think the Lexmark C3326dw is a solid contender for the best laser printer for small businesses. Its performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment if you can overlook the limited connectivity options.
Brother MFC-L3770CDW
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What We Like?
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW is an all-in-one laser printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax functions. It’s an excellent choice for home use or small offices, thanks to its robust feature set and reliable performance. The printer boasts a fast print speed of 25 pages per minute and supports automatic two-sided printing.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW’s main drawback is its high running cost. The cost per page is relatively high compared to other models in its class, which can add up if you print a lot.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 30 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 30,000 pages |
Pros
- All-in-one functionality
- Fast print speed
- Supports automatic two-sided printing
Cons
- High running cost
- Bulky design
Our Verdict
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW offers a wealth of features and reliable performance, making it a top pick for the best all-in-one laser printer for home use. However, its high running cost and bulky design might be a turn-off for some users.
Canon ImageClass LBP236dw
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What We Like?
The Canon ImageClass LBP236dw is a monochrome laser printer that delivers excellent print quality and speed. It’s a great choice for small to mid-sized businesses or for anyone who needs to print a lot of text documents. The printer has a fast print speed of 40 pages per minute and supports automatic two-sided printing.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Canon ImageClass LBP236dw doesn’t support color printing, which could be a deal-breaker if you need to print color documents or photos. Also, its initial purchase price is relatively high for a monochrome printer.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 80,000 pages |
Pros
- Excellent print quality
- Fast print speed
- Supports automatic two-sided printing
Cons
- Lack of color printing
- Relatively high initial cost
Our Verdict
For businesses or individuals who primarily deal with text documents, the Canon ImageClass LBP236dw is a top pick. It’s one of the best laser printers for small businesses, thanks to its speed, print quality, and robust duty cycle.
Canon imageClass MF455dw
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What We Like?
The Canon imageClass MF455dw is an all-in-one monochrome laser printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax functions. Its fast print speed, high-quality prints, and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for small to mid-sized businesses.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Canon imageClass MF455dw’s high initial cost and lack of color printing may deter some users. Also, its bulky size may not be suitable for small workspaces.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 350 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 50,000 pages |
Pros
- Impressive print speed
- Excellent text print quality
- Wealth of features
Cons
- High initial cost
- Lack of color printing
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Canon imageClass MF455dw impresses with its fast print speed, excellent text print quality, and a wealth of features. However, the high initial cost, lack of color printing, and large size may be drawbacks for some users.
Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw
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What We Like?
The Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw is a color laser printer that offers excellent print quality, fast print speed, and a host of features. It’s an excellent choice for small to mid-sized businesses that require color printing.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw’s high initial cost and high running cost may be a turn-off for some users. It’s also quite large, which may not be suitable for small workspaces.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 50,000 pages |
Pros
- Excellent print quality
- Fast print speed
- Host of features
Cons
- High initial cost
- High running cost
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw is a top pick for the best color laser printer, especially for businesses that require high-quality color prints. Just make sure you’re aware of the high costs and space requirements.
Brother MFC-L9570CDW
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What We Like?
The Brother MFC-L9570CDW is an all-in-one color laser printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax functions. Its robust feature set, high-quality prints, and fast print speed make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Brother MFC-L9570CDW’s high initial cost and bulky size may deter some users. Its running cost is also relatively high, which may add up over time.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 80,000 pages |
Pros
- Impressive print speed
- Excellent print quality
- Wealth of features
Cons
- High initial cost
- High running cost
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Brother MFC-L9570CDW is an excellent pick for businesses that require a feature-rich, high-performing color laser printer. Just be prepared for the high costs and large size.
Brother HL-L6400DW
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What We Like?
The Brother HL-L6400DW is a monochrome laser printer that offers excellent print quality and speed. Its robust build and high duty cycle make it an excellent choice for businesses that require high-volume printing.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Brother HL-L6400DW’s high initial cost and lack of color printing may be a deterrent for some users. Its bulky size may also be a problem for small workspaces.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 570 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 150,000 pages |
Pros
- Excellent print quality
- Fast print speed
- Robust build
Cons
- High initial cost
- Lack of color printing
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Brother HL-L6400DW is a top pick for businesses that require high-volume monochrome printing. Its robustness and performance make it one of the best laser printers for small businesses.
Brother HL-L9310CDW
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What We Like?
The Brother HL-L9310CDW is a color laser printer that offers excellent print quality and fast print speed. Its robust build and high duty cycle make it an excellent choice for businesses that require high-volume color printing.
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What We Don’t Like?
The Brother HL-L9310CDW’s high initial cost and bulky size may deter some users. Its running cost is also relatively high, which may add up over time.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 80,000 pages |
Pros
- Impressive print speed
- Excellent print quality
- Robust build
Cons
- High initial cost
- High running cost
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Brother HL-L9310CDW is an excellent pick for businesses that require high-volume color printing. Its robust build and performance make it one of the best color laser printers for businesses.
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f
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What We Like?
The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f is an all-in-one color laser printer that offers print, scan, copy, and fax functions. Its robust feature set, high-quality prints, and fast print speed make it an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.
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What We Don’t Like?
The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f’s high initial cost and running cost may deter some users. It’s also quite large, which may not be suitable for small workspaces.
Product Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Input Tray Capacity | 550 sheets |
| Multipurpose Tray Capacity | 50 sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Supported |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 80,000 pages |
Pros
- High print quality
- Fast print speed
- Robust feature set
Cons
- High initial cost
- High running cost
- Large size
Our Verdict
The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f is a top pick for businesses that require a feature-rich, high-performing color laser printer. Just be aware of the high costs and space requirements.
Comparison Table
| Product | Image | Print Quality (dpi) | Print Speed (PPM) | Connectivity Options | Toner Costs | Mobile Printing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe |
|
1200 | 28 | USB, Wi-Fi | Standard | AirPrint, Google Cloud Print |
| Lexmark C3326dw |
|
1200 | 26 | USB, Wi-Fi | Standard | Mobile App Printing |
| Brother MFC-L3770CDW |
|
2400 | 25 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | AirPrint, Google Cloud Print |
| Canon ImageClass LBP236dw |
|
600 | 24 | USB, Wi-Fi | Standard | Mobile App Printing |
| Canon imageClass MF455dw |
|
1200 | 40 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | Mobile App Printing |
| Canon Color imageClass LBP664Cdw |
|
1200 | 28 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | AirPrint, Google Cloud Print |
| Brother MFC-L9570CDW |
|
2400 | 33 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | Mobile App Printing |
| Brother HL-L6400DW |
|
1200 | 52 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | Mobile App Printing |
| Brother HL-L9310CDW |
|
2400 | 33 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | AirPrint, Google Cloud Print |
| HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M480f |
|
1200 | 29 | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | High-Yield | Mobile App Printing |
Buying Guide: Best Laser Printer
Print Quality and Speed
Additionally, assess the printer’s pages-per-minute (PPM) rating to ensure it can meet your printing demands.However, keep in mind that real-world speeds might differ from the manufacturer’s claims, especially forcolor prints.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Toner Costs and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Conclusion
In the world of laser printers, making the right choice boils down to understanding your needs and selecting a model that aligns with your specific requirements. The diverse range of options available in the market offers an array of features to cater to various printing scenarios, from text-heavy documents to vibrant graphics. After considering factors like print quality, speed, connectivity, toner costs, and mobile printing capabilities, you can confidently select the best laser printer to suit your needs.
If you prioritize crisp text and graphics, opt for a printer with higher dpi resolutions, such as 1200 dpi or beyond. Print speed is paramount, especially for busy environments, so ensure the printer’s pages-per-minute (PPM) rating matches your workload. Connectivity options like USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, along with support for mobile printing protocols, provide the flexibility you need in today’s interconnected world.
Toner costs play a significant role in the printer’s total cost of ownership (TCO). Investigate high-yield options and calculate the long-term expenses, factoring in both initial investment and ongoing operational costs. By doing so, you can make an informed financial decision that suits your budget.
Ultimately, the best laser printer is the one that seamlessly integrates into your work or home environment, enhancing your productivity and delivering the quality and speed you demand. Armed with the knowledge gained from assessing print quality, speed, connectivity, toner costs, and mobile printing features, you’re now equipped to select a laser printer that brings efficiency and excellence to your printing endeavors.
Further Reading
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