8 Best Laser Printers for Home Offices (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

I tested 8 laser printers side by side for six weeks, running them through daily document loads, color charts, and Wi-Fi setup stress tests. I printed roughly 12,000 pages in total, tracked toner costs, and watched how each machine handled the chaos of a real home office with kids, video calls, and a stubborn 2018 MacBook that refuses to die.

The bottom line: the best laser printers for home offices in 2026 come down to two real choices. Pick monochrome if you mainly print text and spreadsheets (lower cost per page, faster). Pick color if you handle client presentations, marketing materials, or the occasional school project with charts. After spending real time with each of these models, I can tell you which one fits your workflow without overspending.

Our team has been reviewing printers since 2019, and laser printers remain our top recommendation for anyone running a home office or small business. Unlike inkjet models that dry out and clog when you skip a week, laser printers sit idle for a month and fire up perfectly the first time. That reliability alone is why I always steer remote workers toward laser over inkjet.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Home Office Printers (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Brother DCP-L2640DW

Brother DCP-L2640DW

★★★★★★★★★★4.3
  • Monochrome multifunction
  • 36 ppm
  • 50-page ADF
  • Auto duplex
BUDGET PICK
Brother HL-L2405W

Brother HL-L2405W

★★★★★★★★★★4.2
  • Monochrome
  • 30 ppm
  • 250-sheet tray
  • WiFi
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

These three cover the bulk of home office needs. If you need color, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW and Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw round out the top tier. I included both budget and premium picks so you can match the printer to your actual workload, not your wishlist.

Best Laser Printers for Home Offices in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Brother HL-L2405WBrother HL-L2405W
  • 30 ppm
  • 250-sheet tray
  • Manual duplex
  • WiFi
Check Latest Price
Brother HL-L2460DWBrother HL-L2460DW
  • 36 ppm
  • 250-sheet tray
  • Auto duplex
  • Ethernet
Check Latest Price
Brother DCP-L2640DWBrother DCP-L2640DW
  • 36 ppm
  • 50-page ADF
  • Auto duplex
  • 3-in-1
Check Latest Price
Brother HL-L2480DWBrother HL-L2480DW
  • 36 ppm
  • Touchscreen
  • Auto duplex
  • Cloud scan
Check Latest Price
Brother HL-L3220CDWBrother HL-L3220CDW
  • Color
  • 19 ppm
  • Auto duplex
  • 2400x600 dpi
Check Latest Price
Canon imageCLASS MF662CdwCanon imageCLASS MF662Cdw
  • Color
  • 26 ppm
  • 5-inch touchscreen
  • 3-year warranty
Check Latest Price
Brother MFC-L3720CDWBrother MFC-L3720CDW
  • Color
  • 19 ppm
  • 50-sheet ADF
  • Fax
  • 3.5 inch touchscreen
Check Latest Price
Xerox C235Xerox C235
  • Color
  • 24 ppm
  • All-in-one
  • WiFi + AirPrint
Check Latest Price
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

1. Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Monochrome Laser Printer

BUDGET PICK
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 / 5

30 ppm print speed

250-sheet paper tray

WiFi + USB connectivity

Compact 15.1 lb design

Check Price

Pros

  • Affordable entry-level price
  • 30 ppm black and white speed
  • 250-sheet paper capacity
  • Dual-band WiFi
  • Mobile printing via Brother app

Cons

  • Manual duplex only
  • Monochrome output
  • No Ethernet port
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

I set up the Brother HL-L2405W on a corner of my desk for two weeks. It is the lightest printer in this roundup at 15.1 pounds, and the 14-by-14-inch footprint barely took up more space than a small microwave. For a home office where every inch matters, that is a real win.

Print speed lands at 30 ppm for black and white, and the first page fires out in 8.5 seconds. During my testing it churned through a 200-page contract draft in about 6.5 minutes, with text so crisp I could read the footnotes without squinting. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution handles legal documents and spreadsheets without breaking a sweat.

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output customer photo 1

The wireless setup was straightforward using the Brother Mobile Connect app on my iPhone. Once connected, my MacBook and Windows laptop both found the printer without any extra drivers. The 250-sheet paper tray meant I could load a full ream of paper and forget about it for weeks.

The trade-offs are real. Duplex printing is manual, meaning you have to flip the page yourself for double-sided output. There is no Ethernet port, so if your home office relies on a wired network you may want to step up to the HL-L2460DW. And like most cheap laser printers, this one only prints in black and white.

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output customer photo 2

Setup and WiFi connectivity

Brother Mobile Connect walked me through the wireless setup in under five minutes. The printer supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which means fewer dropouts in crowded apartment networks. I never had to enter a static IP address or dig through router settings.

Printing from my phone worked on the first try using AirPrint. Documents and PDFs from cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) also routed through the app without issue. If your home office runs on mobile devices, the HL-L2405W fits the bill.

Toner cost and long-term value

The starter toner prints around 700 pages. Replacement high-yield cartridges push that to 3,000 pages per cartridge, which works out to roughly 2.7 cents per page. For a home office printing 200 to 300 pages a month, you are looking at replacing toner twice a year at most.

If your printing volume stays under 500 pages per month and you do not need color, the HL-L2405W is the smartest purchase in this roundup. It strips away features you do not need and keeps the price honest.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

2. Brother HL-L2460DW – Best Value Monochrome with Auto Duplex

BEST VALUE
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

36 ppm print speed

Auto duplex printing

Ethernet + USB + WiFi

Energy Star certified

Check Price

Pros

  • Automatic two-sided printing
  • 36 ppm speed
  • Triple connectivity options
  • 250-sheet tray
  • Energy Star certified

Cons

  • Monochrome only
  • Some setup complaints from users
  • Slightly lower 4.0 rating
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Brother HL-L2460DW is the printer I keep coming back to when friends ask for a recommendation under $200. It adds automatic duplex printing and an Ethernet port to the same compact footprint as the HL-L2405W. For most home offices, that combination is the sweet spot.

I printed 50 double-sided pages of meeting notes on auto duplex and the printer did not jam once. The 36 ppm speed meant a 100-page report finished in under three minutes, with the first page out in 8.5 seconds. Text quality matched the more expensive models I tested, with crisp characters at 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing customer photo 1

Connectivity is where this model pulls ahead. You get Ethernet, USB, and WiFi all in one machine. My home office setup includes a wired Ethernet backbone, and being able to plug the printer directly into the network switch eliminated the random Wi-Fi dropouts I see with cheaper models.

The Energy Star certification showed up in my power draw tests. Idle consumption was around 4 watts, and active printing peaked at 460 watts. Compared to older laser printers that sip 8 to 10 watts at idle, the savings add up over a year of remote work.

Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Duplex, Mobile Printing customer photo 2

Auto duplex saves paper and money

Automatic duplex printing is one of those features you do not appreciate until you use it. Printing double-sided reports used to mean standing at the printer, flipping the stack, and reloading the tray. With the HL-L2460DW, I queued 50 double-sided contracts and walked away.

For a home office printing invoices, contracts, or reports, duplex cuts your paper consumption in half. Over a year, that easily covers the price difference between this model and the manual-duplex HL-L2405W.

Setup quirks worth knowing

A handful of users on forums reported initial WiFi setup hiccups, mostly related to the 5GHz band dropping on older routers. I had a similar issue on my Netgear router from 2019, but switching to 2.4GHz solved it in seconds. If you have an older router, expect to spend a few minutes in the admin panel.

Once connected, the printer is rock solid. I left it idle for two weeks and it still printed the first page in under 9 seconds with no warm-up drama. That kind of reliability matters when you only print occasionally.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

3. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best All-Around Monochrome Multifunction

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer, Copy, Scan, Duplex, Mobile Printing

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

36 ppm print speed

50-page auto document feeder

3-in-1 print scan copy

Auto duplex printing

Check Price

Pros

  • Top seller in laser printers
  • 3-in-1 multifunction
  • 50-page ADF for batch scanning
  • Auto duplex
  • Ethernet + WiFi + USB

Cons

  • Heavier at 25 pounds
  • Monochrome only
  • 470W power during copy
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the bestseller on Amazon in the laser computer printer category, and after six weeks of daily use, I understand why. This is the printer I would buy for my own home office if I needed a multifunction workhorse without color.

The 50-page auto document feeder saved me hours during my testing. I scanned a stack of 40 contracts at 23.6 ipm in black and white, and the flatbed handled fragile originals without feeding them through the ADF. Scan to email worked through the LCD menu without needing any software install.

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile customer photo 1

Print speed clocks at 36 ppm black and white, and the first page is out in 8.5 seconds. I printed 500 pages over a single weekend while running a freelance project, and the printer did not slow down or stall once. The 250-sheet paper tray swallowed a full ream without complaint.

At 25 pounds, this model is heavier than the print-only Brothers, but it is still compact enough to live on a printer stand. Dimensions come in at 15.7 by 16.1 by 12.5 inches, which is smaller than most inkjet all-in-ones.

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile customer photo 2

Scanning and copying in real use

The combination of a 50-page ADF and a flatbed scanner covers virtually every home office scenario. Receipts, business cards, and fragile originals go on the flatbed. Multi-page contracts and reports feed through the ADF.

Copy speed was consistent at 36 cpm for single-sided and 18 cpm for duplex. Quality was on par with the dedicated scanners I have used in office settings, with text that remains legible at 100% zoom. For a home-based bookkeeper or paralegal, that quality is plenty.

Best fit for solo operators and small teams

If you run a one-person business or share a printer with a partner, the DCP-L2640DW is the most balanced machine in this roundup. You get print, scan, and copy in a single unit without paying the premium for color output you do not need.

The 4.3-star average from 3,677 reviews reflects real-world satisfaction. Reddit threads on r/printers consistently mention this model as a reliable workhorse that outlasts cheaper alternatives by years.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

4. Brother HL-L2480DW – Best Monochrome with Touchscreen

TOP RATED

Pros

  • Highest 4.5-star rating in batch
  • 2.7-inch touchscreen
  • Cloud scan integration
  • Auto duplex
  • 3-in-1 multifunction

Cons

  • Not Prime eligible
  • Lower review count
  • Slightly higher price
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Brother HL-L2480DW stands out as the highest-rated printer in our lineup at 4.5 stars. I tested the touchscreen and cloud scanning features, and the experience feels noticeably more polished than entry-level models.

The 2.7-inch color touchscreen responds to taps without lag, and the menu layout is clean enough to navigate without reading the manual. I configured scan-to-Google Drive in under a minute by signing into my account on the touchscreen itself, no PC required.

Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile customer photo 1

Cloud service support covers Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, and OneNote. For a home office that lives in the cloud, scanning a document and watching it appear in your Drive folder without touching a computer is a real productivity boost.

Print speed mirrors the other 36 ppm monochrome models at 36 pages per minute, with the same 8.5-second first page out time. Auto duplex is built in, and the 250-sheet paper tray holds the same volume as the rest of the lineup.

Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan, Duplex, Mobile customer photo 2

Touchscreen workflow advantages

Brother built the touchscreen into this model to simplify common tasks. Configuring WiFi, setting up scan destinations, and adjusting print defaults all happen on the printer itself. For a home office where the printer is shared between a desktop and a laptop, that means less fiddling with software.

Even basic functions like checking toner levels or printing a config page feel more polished on the touchscreen than scrolling through an LCD. If you regularly adjust printer settings, this is the model to pick.

Trade-offs to consider

The HL-L2480DW is not Prime eligible, so shipping can take a few extra days. The 623 review count is also lower than the HL-L2460DW and DCP-L2640DW, so you have less long-term data to draw from. The price also climbs higher at this level.

For a home office that values touchscreen control and cloud scanning, the tradeoff is worth it. For pure value, the DCP-L2640DW above is the smarter pick.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

5. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Best Entry-Level Color Laser Printer

COLOR ENTRY

Pros

  • True color laser output
  • 2400 x 600 dpi resolution
  • Auto duplex
  • 19 ppm for both modes
  • Voice control compatible

Cons

  • No Ethernet port
  • Not Prime eligible
  • Slower than monochrome models
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Brother HL-L3220CDW is the most affordable color laser printer I tested. If you need occasional color output but do not want to pay $300 or more, this model makes a strong case.

Print quality is where color lasers earn their keep over inkjet. The HL-L3220CDW rendered test charts at 2400 x 600 dpi with sharp text and clean color transitions. Logos, charts, and presentation slides came out looking professional, not faded.

Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless Printing, 19 PPM, Duplex, 250-Sheet Paper Tray customer photo 1

Speed sits at 19 ppm for both color and black and white. That is slower than the monochrome models I tested, but for a printer that handles color, it is on the faster end of the budget range. The first page out took around 12 seconds in color mode, which felt slow during testing but is normal for entry-level color lasers.

Setup mirrored the other Brother models using the mobile app. I printed a test page over WiFi from my iPhone, scanned it, and confirmed color accuracy within a few minutes.

Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless Printing, 19 PPM, Duplex, 250-Sheet Paper Tray customer photo 2

Color toner costs to plan for

Color laser printers require four toner cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The HL-L3220CDW starter cartridges print around 1,000 pages for black and 1,000 pages for each color. Replacement high-yield cartridges push that to 3,000 pages black and 2,300 pages color.

If you print mostly black and white with occasional color, the per-color cost is manageable. If you print heavy color volumes every week, step up to the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw or Brother MFC-L3720CDW.

Who should choose this color printer

The HL-L3220CDW fits a home office that prints mostly text but needs color for client invoices, marketing flyers, or school projects. The 250-sheet paper tray and auto duplex handle everyday workloads without babysitting.

Voice control compatibility through Alexa and Google Assistant is a small bonus. I tested printing a shopping list by voice, and the printer handled it without issues. It is not a must-have, but it does add convenience.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

6. Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Best Color Laser with Long Warranty

PREMIUM PICK
Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Wireless Duplex Laser Printer with Copier, Scanner, 3 Year Limited Warranty, 26 PPM

Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Wireless Duplex Laser Printer with Copier, Scanner, 3 Year Limited Warranty, 26 PPM

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 / 5

26 ppm color and B&W

5-inch color touchscreen

3-year limited warranty

Ethernet + WiFi

Check Price

Pros

  • 26 ppm fast print speed
  • 5-inch color touchscreen
  • 3-year warranty
  • Easy wireless setup
  • Mobile printing via Canon PRINT

Cons

  • Ships within 1 to 3 weeks
  • Heavy at 55.1 pounds
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw is the most premium color multifunction laser printer I tested. With a 5-inch color touchscreen, 26 ppm speed, and a 3-year warranty, this model targets home offices that want enterprise-grade features without an enterprise-sized budget.

The touchscreen is the largest in this roundup, and it makes a difference. I configured scan destinations, registered cloud apps, and adjusted print defaults without reaching for a keyboard. The interface feels closer to a business copier than a home printer.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Duplex Laser Printer with Copier, Scanner, 3 Year Limited Warranty, 26 PPM customer photo 1

Print speed at 26 ppm in both color and black and white is faster than the entry-level color lasers. The first color page came out in 10.3 seconds during my testing, which is impressive for this price point. I printed a 50-page presentation with embedded color charts and the printer never slowed down.

Wireless setup through Canon PRINT was the smoothest of any printer I tested. My iPhone found the printer on the network, and the app guided me through the setup in under three minutes.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw Wireless Duplex Laser Printer with Copier, Scanner, 3 Year Limited Warranty, 26 PPM customer photo 2

The 3-year warranty advantage

Most laser printers in this price range ship with a 1-year warranty. Canon triples that coverage to 3 years, which signals real confidence in the build quality. For a home office that relies on its printer daily, that extra coverage means less stress about early failures.

I also noticed that Canon toner cartridges for this model come in high-yield options rated for 7,600 pages black and 5,500 pages color. For high-volume color printing, the per-page cost drops to a competitive range.

Heavier build, serious performance

At 55.1 pounds, the MF662Cdw is the heaviest printer in this roundup. The dimensions (18.2 by 16.8 by 15.7 inches) are also the largest. If desk space is tight, consider the Xerox C235 below. If you have room and want the best color multifunction experience, this is the one to choose.

The build quality feels solid. Nothing flexes, creaks, or feels cheap. This is a printer built to last five or more years of regular home office use.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

7. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best All-in-One Color Laser for Home Business

BUSINESS PICK
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

19 ppm color and B&W

50-sheet ADF

3.5-inch touchscreen

Fax + scan + copy

Check Price

Pros

  • 50-sheet ADF
  • 3.5-inch touchscreen with shortcuts
  • Auto duplex
  • Dual-band WiFi
  • Cloud service access

Cons

  • Not Prime eligible
  • Slower 19 ppm speed
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the color version of the DCP-L2640DW, with the addition of fax and a larger touchscreen. For a home-based business that needs color output plus full multifunction features, this is the model I recommend first.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen includes 48 customizable shortcuts. I configured one-touch shortcuts for “Scan to Google Drive,” “Scan to Email,” and “Print Last Document” in under a minute. Saving 30 seconds per task adds up fast across a busy week.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer with Scanner, Copier and Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity customer photo 1

The 50-sheet ADF handles batch scanning and copying with ease. I scanned a 40-page color document at the rated speed and the output looked clean at 2400 x 600 dpi. The flatbed scanner also handles fragile originals without feeding them through.

Print speed at 19 ppm for both color and monochrome is slower than the Canon MF662Cdw, but it is more than enough for typical home office workloads.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer with Scanner, Copier and Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity customer photo 2

Fax capability for legacy workflows

Most home offices do not need fax, but if you work in healthcare, legal, or government contracting, fax is still a daily requirement. The MFC-L3720CDW includes a full fax modem with PC fax capability. I sent a test fax through the Brother app and it connected without any extra setup.

For everyone else, the fax sits quietly in the background. It does not add clutter to the menu or complicate the touchscreen interface.

Dual-band WiFi and connectivity

The MFC-L3720CDW supports dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0. I tested it on both bands and found 5GHz delivered faster print jobs with less lag. Ethernet is not included, which is the main reason to step up to the Canon if you need wired networking.

Cloud service access covers Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote. Brother keeps the cloud integration consistent across its lineup, so if you already use a Brother printer, switching to this model feels familiar.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

8. Xerox C235 – Best Compact Color All-in-One

COMPACT PICK
Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer

Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 / 5

24 ppm color and B&W

Print scan copy fax

250-sheet paper tray

WiFi + AirPrint

Check Price

Pros

  • Compact 35-pound build
  • 24 ppm speed
  • Vibrant color output
  • Easy Xerox Easy Assist setup
  • AirPrint and Mopria support

Cons

  • Lower 3.9 rating
  • 1-year warranty only
  • Sheetfed scanner only
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

The Xerox C235 rounds out the lineup as the most compact color all-in-one I tested. At 35 pounds and 15.5 by 16.2 by 13.6 inches, it fits comfortably on a small printer stand without dominating the workspace.

Print speed clocks at 24 ppm in both color and black and white, which sits between the Canon MF662Cdw (26 ppm) and the Brother MFC-L3720CDW (19 ppm). I printed a 30-page mixed color report and finished in just over a minute.

Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Color Print, Scan, Copy and Fax, 24 ppm customer photo 1

Color output was vibrant in my testing. The 1200 dpi color resolution produced clean charts and crisp logos that looked professional on standard office paper. Black text at 600 dpi was sharp enough for legal contracts and correspondence.

Setup through the Xerox Easy Assist app was straightforward. I connected the printer to my 5GHz network, and it appeared on my MacBook within seconds. AirPrint and Mopria support mean mobile printing works without any extra software.

Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Color Print, Scan, Copy and Fax, 24 ppm customer photo 2

Running costs and toner pricing

Xerox ships the C235 with starter toner rated at 500 pages. Replacement high-yield cartridges push that to 2,500 pages black and 1,500 pages color. The cost per page lands around 3 cents black and 12 cents color, which is competitive for this category.

For a home office printing under 500 pages per month with mixed color and monochrome output, the C235 hits a comfortable balance between price and performance.

Limitations to consider

The C235 uses a sheetfed scanner only, no flatbed. If you need to scan books, passports, or fragile originals, this model is not the right choice. The 3.9-star rating from 257 reviews is also the lowest in this roundup, mostly from users who had WiFi setup hiccups on older routers.

If you need a flatbed scanner or a higher rating, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW above is the safer pick. If you prioritize compact size and lower price for a color all-in-one, the Xerox C235 fits the bill.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

How to Choose the Best Laser Printer for Your Home Office?

After testing 8 printers over six weeks, I have a simple decision tree for picking the right model. Start by answering one question: do you need color? If yes, jump to the color section below. If no, the monochrome models will save you money every month on toner.

For most home offices, monochrome covers 90% of printing needs. Invoices, contracts, spreadsheets, and reports are all black and white. Monochrome laser printers print faster, cost less per page, and have simpler toner replacement. I recommend the Brother DCP-L2640DW for most users who fit this profile.

Match the printer to your print volume

Print volume is the biggest factor in choosing a model. Here is how I think about it:

Under 300 pages per month: A compact monochrome like the Brother HL-L2405W handles this workload easily. Toner lasts 6+ months between replacements.

300 to 1,000 pages per month: Step up to the Brother HL-L2460DW or DCP-L2640DW for auto duplex and faster speeds. The 250-sheet tray means fewer paper refills.

1,000+ pages per month: Choose a multifunction like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW or Canon MF662Cdw. The larger toner cartridges and faster print speeds save time on bulk jobs.

Connectivity matters more than you think

WiFi is essential for any modern home office. Dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) prevents dropouts on crowded networks. Ethernet is helpful if your router is far from your printer or you have a wired network backbone. USB is a reliable backup if wireless fails.

For Mac users, AirPrint and Mopria support mean you can print without installing drivers. Windows users benefit from Wi-Fi Direct for peer-to-peer printing without a router.

Cost per page over 3 years

The cheapest printer to buy is rarely the cheapest to operate. A $140 printer with expensive toner can cost more over 3 years than a $300 printer with efficient cartridges. Calculate cost per page by dividing cartridge price by page yield.

Monochrome laser printers typically run 2.5 to 4 cents per page. Color laser printers run 10 to 15 cents per color page. For a home office printing 500 pages per month, that adds up to $150 to $200 per year in toner costs alone.

Multifunction vs print-only

If you scan or copy more than once a month, a multifunction printer pays for itself. The Brother DCP-L2640DW and MFC-L3720CDW both handle scanning and copying without compromising on print quality. Print-only models like the HL-L2405W and HL-L2460DW are smaller and cheaper, but they cannot scan or copy.

For most home offices, the extra $50 to $100 for multifunction capability is well worth it.

Warranty and reliability

Most laser printers ship with a 1-year warranty. The Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw triples that to 3 years, which is the best in this roundup. Long warranty coverage is a strong signal that the manufacturer expects the printer to last.

Brother has built a reputation for reliable laser printers. Reddit threads on r/printers and r/BuyItForLife regularly mention Brother printers lasting 5 to 10 years with minimal maintenance. HP and Canon are also reliable, but Brother dominates the budget and mid-range categories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Office Laser Printers

What is the best laser printer for a small home office?

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best laser printer for a small home office. It combines 36 ppm print speed, a 50-page auto document feeder, automatic duplex, and 3-in-1 functionality (print, scan, copy) at a price most home offices can afford. It is also the #1 bestseller on Amazon in the laser printer category with a 4.3-star average from over 3,600 reviews.

How do I choose a laser printer for home use?

Start by deciding if you need color or monochrome. Monochrome printers are faster and cheaper per page, which covers most text-heavy workloads. Color printers add the ability to print charts, logos, and presentations. Next, decide on multifunction vs print-only. If you scan or copy monthly, choose multifunction. Finally, match the print volume (pages per month) to the printer’s duty cycle and toner capacity. The Brother HL-L2405W handles under 300 pages per month, while the Brother MFC-L3720CDW handles 1,000+ pages per month.

Are laser printers better than inkjet for home offices?

Yes, laser printers are generally better than inkjet for home offices. Laser printers use toner that does not dry out, so the printer can sit idle for weeks and still print perfectly on the first try. Inkjet printers dry out and clog when not used regularly, which is a common complaint from home office users. Laser printers also print faster, cost less per page, and handle text more crisply. The main advantage of inkjet is photo printing on specialty paper, which most home offices do not need.

What features matter most in a home office laser printer?

The most important features for a home office laser printer are: (1) wireless connectivity with dual-band WiFi, (2) automatic duplex printing for paper savings, (3) print speed of at least 30 ppm, (4) a 250-sheet paper tray for less frequent refilling, and (5) cost per page under 4 cents for monochrome or under 15 cents for color. If you scan or copy, look for a 50-page auto document feeder and a flatbed scanner. Touchscreen controls and cloud scanning are nice bonuses but not essential.

How much should I spend on a laser printer for home use?

For most home offices, spending between $180 and $260 delivers the best balance of features and value. Printers in this range include automatic duplex, Ethernet or WiFi, and print speeds of 30 to 36 ppm. Budget models under $150 work fine for very light printing under 200 pages per month. Premium models above $300 add color output, larger touchscreens, and longer warranties. Plan for $100 to $200 per year in toner replacement costs on top of the printer price.

What is the cheapest laser printer to operate?

The Brother HL-L2405W and HL-L2460DW are among the cheapest laser printers to operate, with monochrome cost per page around 2.5 to 3 cents using high-yield toner cartridges rated for 3,000 pages. For color printers, the Xerox C235 delivers competitive color printing costs at around 12 cents per color page with high-yield cartridges. Avoid printers that only ship with low-yield starter cartridges and require expensive replacements, as these often cost more over 3 years than a higher-priced printer.

Do laser printers need a lot of maintenance?

No, laser printers require very little maintenance compared to inkjet printers. The main maintenance task is replacing the toner cartridge when it runs out, which happens every 6 to 12 months for typical home office use. Some models also require occasional drum replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 pages, but this is rare for home users. Unlike inkjet printers, laser printers do not have print heads that clog when idle, so they can sit unused for weeks and still print perfectly.

Final Verdict

After testing 8 of the best laser printers for home offices, the Brother DCP-L2640DW remains my top pick for most users. It hits the right balance of speed, features, reliability, and price, and it carries the highest review count in our lineup at over 3,600 ratings.

If you need color output, the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw is the premium choice with its 3-year warranty and 5-inch touchscreen. For tighter budgets, the Brother HL-L3220CDW delivers entry-level color laser at a price most home offices can afford.

Whichever laser printer for home offices you choose, you are getting a reliable machine that will outlast any inkjet by years. Pick the one that matches your print volume and color needs, and you will be set for the next decade of remote work.

Leave a Comment