Imagine a small business buzzing with activity. Documents fly out, clients sign contracts, and important reports are printed daily. But what if your printer is slow, jams often, or costs too much to run? This can really slow down your business and frustrate everyone.
Choosing a laser printer for your small business can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and models, each with different features. You want a printer that’s fast, reliable, and won’t break the bank. But how do you know which one is the best fit for your needs? It’s easy to get confused and make the wrong choice, costing you time and money.
In this post, we’ll help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a good laser printer for small businesses and show you how to find one that’s perfect for your team. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to look for. Let’s dive in and discover how the right printer can boost your business productivity.
Top Laser Printer For Small Business Recommendations
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
- HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw Wireless Printer, Print, scan, copy, Fast speeds, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for-small teams, Instant Ink eligible
- Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Copy and scan hands-free using the auto document feeder. Perfect for 1-5 people
- FASTEST TWO-SIDED PRINTING IN ITS CLASS – Up to 30 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided, up to 19 black-and-white images per minute two-sided printing
- DUAL-BAND WI-FI WITH SELF-RESET – Automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues
- STRONG SECURITY – Built-in security features help protect your printer from potential attacks
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
- PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
- Professional Quality: Brother Genuine color laser printer delivers stunning business documents with crisp text and vibrant graphics at impressive 19 PPM speed, transforming your home office into a powerhouse of productivity
- Wireless Connectivity: Brother Genuine advanced wireless capabilities enable seamless printing from laptops, smartphones, and tablets, with built-in security protocols safeguarding your sensitive business documents
- High-Volume Capacity: Brother Genuine laser printer includes a generous 250-sheet paper tray minimizing refills, while the manual feed slot offers versatility for envelopes and specialty media
- Efficient Performance: Brother Genuine automatic duplex printing saves time and paper, while delivering professional-quality double-sided documents at speeds up to 19 pages per minute
- Mobile Integration: Brother Genuine technology ensures seamless compatibility with major mobile printing platforms and cloud services, enabling effortless document printing from your preferred devices
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
- Professional Performance: Dominate your business printing with this Brother Genuine color laser printer delivering exceptional print speeds up to 19 ppm and stunning laser-quality output that makes your documents stand out from the competition
- Advanced Connectivity: Take command of your workflow with dual-band wireless networking (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 interface, enabling multiple users to connect and print seamlessly from any device in your office
- Productivity Powerhouse: Maximize efficiency with the 50-sheet auto document feeder, 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, and automatic duplex printing, ensuring uninterrupted performance for your demanding business needs
- Smart Integration: Transform your workflow with the intuitive 3.5" color touchscreen featuring 48 customizable shortcuts and direct access to popular cloud services including Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote for seamless document management
- Mobile Command Center: Leverage the power of mobile printing with remote access capabilities, toner level monitoring, and complete printer management directly from your mobile device through the exclusive companion app
- Updated design, professional results. High-quality output with sharp color and black printing. Fast print and copy speeds up to 33ppm(1) help boost productivity. Reliable performance and durable, compact design, 25% smaller than the previous model. Multipurpose tray for custom printing.
- Maximize printing budgets. Offers built-in value with included Brother Genuine 3,000-page black and 1,800-page color standard yield toner cartridges. Help lower printing costs by using the TN635XXL super high yield replacement toner cartridges for 7,500-page black and 6,500-page color(2).
- Advanced scanning. High-speed, two-sided scanning up to 104ipm(3) with 80-page auto document feeder(4) and legal-size glass. Scan to cloud, email, SharePoint, and more from the touchscreen(5). Supports the added benefit of creating searchable and editable Microsoft Office documents(6).
- Productivity-enhancing features. Flexible connectivity, including built-in dual-band (2.4GHz / 5GHz) wireless networking and Gigabit Ethernet networking. 7” color touchscreen for easy menu navigation, scan preview, and up to 64 customized shortcuts for frequently used tasks.
- Triple Layer Security. Advanced security features to help keep devices secure, protect documents in transit to and from print devices, and safeguard networks. Includes an integrated NFC card reader for easy badge authentication.
Choosing the Right Laser Printer for Your Small Business
Running a small business means making smart choices. One of those choices is picking the right printer. A laser printer can be a great tool for your office. It prints fast and clear. This guide will help you find the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a laser printer, keep these important things in mind.
- Print Speed: This is how fast the printer puts ink on paper. Look for a speed measured in pages per minute (PPM). Small businesses often need printers that can print at least 20-30 PPM. This keeps your work flowing smoothly.
- Print Quality: You want your documents to look sharp and professional. Laser printers offer great text quality. Check the resolution, which is measured in dots per inch (DPI). A higher DPI means clearer prints. For most businesses, 600 DPI is good.
- Paper Handling: Think about how much paper you print. Some printers have small paper trays. Others have larger ones. You might also need a printer that can handle different types of paper, like envelopes or cardstock.
- Connectivity: How will you connect the printer? Most printers today offer USB. Many also have Wi-Fi. This lets you print from anywhere in the office. Some even let you print from your phone or tablet.
- Duplex Printing: This feature lets the printer print on both sides of the paper automatically. It saves paper and makes your documents look more professional.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Some laser printers can do more than just print. They can also scan, copy, and even fax. If you need these extra functions, an all-in-one printer is a good choice.
Important Materials and Technology
Laser printers use a special technology.
- Toner Cartridges: Instead of liquid ink, laser printers use a powder called toner. Toner cartridges are the “ink” for your laser printer. They can be more expensive upfront than ink cartridges, but they often last much longer.
- Drum Unit: The drum unit is a key part of the laser printing process. It’s a roller that attracts the toner powder and transfers it to the paper. Drum units usually last for many thousands of prints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a laser printer print well or not so well?
- Toner Quality: Using good quality toner is important. Cheap toner might not stick to the paper well. This can lead to faded prints or toner dust.
- Printer Resolution (DPI): As mentioned before, a higher DPI setting means sharper text and images.
- Paper Type: The paper you use matters. Thicker, smoother paper often gives better results. Very thin or rough paper might not take the toner as well.
- Maintenance: Keeping your printer clean and well-maintained helps it print its best. Dust can affect the printing process.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your new printer?
- Daily Office Tasks: For businesses that print many documents, reports, or invoices, a fast laser printer is essential.
- Client Presentations: If you need to print proposals or handouts for clients, clear and crisp prints are a must.
- Home Office Use: Even for a small home-based business, a laser printer offers reliability and cost savings over time.
- Sharing in a Small Team: Network-ready laser printers allow multiple people in a small office to print easily.
Choosing the right laser printer makes a big difference. Consider your needs carefully. This will help you find a printer that works hard for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?
A: Laser printers use toner powder to print. Inkjet printers use liquid ink. Laser printers are usually faster and better for printing text. Inkjet printers are often better for printing photos.
Q: How long do toner cartridges last?
A: Toner cartridges vary. Many can print thousands of pages. This is usually more than an inkjet cartridge.
Q: Are laser printers expensive to run?
A: The upfront cost of a laser printer can be higher. However, the cost per page is often lower than inkjet printers, especially for black and white printing. This can save you money in the long run.
Q: Can I print color with a laser printer?
A: Yes, you can. Color laser printers are available. They can be more expensive than black and white models.
Q: What is “duplex printing”?
A: Duplex printing means the printer can print on both sides of a piece of paper automatically. It saves paper.
Q: Do I need a special type of paper for a laser printer?
A: Most standard office paper works well. Smoother paper can give you the best results.
Q: What does PPM mean?
A: PPM stands for “pages per minute.” It tells you how fast the printer can print.
Q: Is a laser printer good for printing photos?
A: Laser printers are generally best for text and graphics. For high-quality photos, an inkjet printer is usually a better choice.
Q: How do I connect a laser printer to my computer?
A: You can connect printers using a USB cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Some printers also connect through an Ethernet cable for wired networks.
Q: What is an “all-in-one” laser printer?
A: An all-in-one laser printer can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. It combines multiple office machines into one device.