Monochrome laser printers are essential for anyone attempting to work in a home office or print long documents at lightning speeds. These convenient devices only print black and white documents and are designed to complete large documents in a short time. When attempting to find the best monochrome laser printer, there are a couple of factors you need to consider.
One of the most important is the pages per minute the device can handle, while another is the ink capacity. A good monochrome printer will conserve ink instead of using it all in a single document.
When you are trying to find the best monochrome laser printer, it is important to remember that many of the devices currently on the market are older models.
While some manufacturers have started to develop more technologically advanced models, the majority of high-quality devices are older and created by companies like HP and Brother.
To help you find the best monochrome laser printer to print your documents at light speed, we have identified some of the best options on the market.
Top 12 Best Monochrome Laser Printer Reviews in 2021
Listed here are the top ten best monochrome laser printers to use at home or in the office. All of these models focus on efficiency, high-quality prints, and rapid document creation.
Cost and quality are some of the critical factors that you must keep in mind when looking for the best Monochrome Laser printer. Unfortunately, this calls for hours of research and testing, which may not be appealing to many.
For this reason, we’re here to make sure that you get through this process in the easiest way possible. Below, we present to you the top 12 best Monochrome Laser printers worth checking out in 2021.
All the models we’ve discussed below focus on efficiency, fast documents creation, durability, and highly professional prints. Even better, we’ve included high-end as well as budget-friendly models, so you can rest assured that you’ll find something that meets your needs. Let’s get started.
Comparison of 10 Best Monochrome Laser Printers in 2020
Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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HP Laserjet 1020 Printer |
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Brother HL-2070N Network Monochrome Laser Printer |
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Brother HL-2040 Monochrome Laser Printer |
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Brother HL-1440 Laser Printer |
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HP Laserjet 1320 Laser Printer |
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HP Laserjet 1022 Printer |
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Samsung ML1740 Laser Printer |
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Brother EMFC-8220 Laser Multifunction Center |
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Canon FAXPHONE L80 Laser Fax/Printer |
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HP Laserjet 1320n Monochrome Network Printer |
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1. HP Laserjet 1020 Printer Review.
The HP Laserjet 1020 printer is affordable and reliable, making it excellent for home offices and individuals who are looking for a long-lasting option. The device prints at a crisp 1,200 x 1,200 dpi and can handle long documents and double-sided printing.
This device can print about 15 pages per minute and limits the amount of toner utilized to help users reduce the amount of product wasted. The input tray can handle 150 pages easily, and the HP Laserjet 1020 can work with specialty document types like envelopes and card stock.
Manual duplexing is included for users who like that feature. A 1-year limited manufacturer warranty is included upon purchase to cover any manufacturer errors during construction. Unfortunately, it does not include basic wear and tear. It is recommended that you only use HP toner in this printer.
Trying to use refurbished cartridges does not end well, as the product tends to smear and leave unwanted marks on the documents. This is one of the smallest and best monochrome laser printers on the market, with full dimensions of 4.6 x 9.5 x 8.2 in. It only weighs around 11 lbs., making it an ideal choice for someone with limited office space. There are two standard 2.0 USB ports for connections with flash drives and similar devices.
Highlights Features:
- Print resolution – 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Max print speed – 15 pages per minute
- 150-sheet paper capacity
- 1-Year Warranty
- Can handle specialty documents
- Includes manual duplexing
- Prints 15 pages per minute
- Includes a manufacturer’s warranty
- The USB ports do not connect well
2. Brother HL-2070N Printer Review.
The Brother HL-2070N Network Monochrome Laser Printer offers rapid prints with 2,400 x 600 dpi resolution. It is capable of producing 20 pages per minute and takes time to avoid unwanted ink smearing and spotting. This printer promises to complete the first page in ten seconds or less.
This model has a 250 sheet input capacity and works well with a broad range of paper and document types. It is possible to get high-quality prints on card stock, regular paper, transparencies, and even envelopes.
The Brother HL-2070N has one of the simplest setups on the market and includes detailed instructions to reduce the possibility of user error. There are 16 MB of user memory which can be added upon using additional technology.
There are parallel, USB 2.0, and Ethernet interfaces but no wireless or Bluetooth capacity. This means you will need to find a cable to better connect your desktop or laptop to the machine.
The technology is PC, Mac, and Linux compatible and works with a broad range of systems including the old Windows 98.
One of the best features of this model is its inclusion of advanced features and a digital touchpad for easier navigation. Some of these options include watermark printing, poster printing, manual duplexing, a toner saving mode, and booklet and poster printing. If you have a home office or tremendous printing needs, then this model might be ideal for you.
Highlights Features:
- Fast printing speed – 20 pages per minute
- High print resolution – 2400 x 60p dpi
- 250 sheet capacity
- Ethernet and USB 2.0 connectivity
- Includes specialty features not seen in other machines
- Works with a broad range of paper types
- Compatible with numerous operating systems
- Rapid printing
- Is prone to paper jams
3. Brother HL-2040 Printer Review.
The Brother HL-2040 Monochrome Laser Printer comes from one of the most trusted manufacturers of laser printers. This model is compact with full product dimensions of 14.21 x 14.61 x 6.52 in. It only weighs 18 lbs. and possesses a rapid printing speed of 20 pages per minute.
This model is one of the only monochrome printing options that possess wireless connectivity.
You will be able to print documents from a broad range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There is additionally a 2.0 USB port for individuals who would like to use a flash drive or similar device to connect to the system.
The Brother HL-2040 completes documents at a high 2400 x 600 dpi resolution.
It is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux and has a 250-page input tray to handle large documents. It can also work with a variety of paper types, including cardstock, letterhead, and envelopes.
The standard toner cartridge used in this model can handle up to 1,500 pages before running out of ink. There is also an additional toner saving mode so you waste less product when working on long documents. There are USB and Parallel interfaces as well.
If you operate with flash drives or struggle to set up a proper Ethernet connection, then this might be the model for you. Overall, this is one of the most technologically advanced best monochrome laser printers on the market with a rapid printing speed and sharp document quality.
It works with a variety of paper types as well, so it can function ideally in an office.
Highlights Features:
- Impressive print speed – 20 pages per minute
- High print resolution – 2400 x 60p dpi
- Lightweight design – weighs 18lbs
- 250 sheets input tray capacity
- Rapid printing rate
- Includes wireless connectivity
- Handles different document types
- Compatible with a variety of devices and operating systems
- Ghost printing sometimes occurs
4. Brother HL-1440 Printer Review.
The Brother HL-1440 Laser Printer is another high-quality option that focuses on doing one job and doing it well. This monochrome laser printer can print up to 15 pages per minute, making it of medium quality when it comes to speed.
However, this device emphasizes the importance of saving toner and takes extra time to allow the ink to dry to avoid smudging and smearing. The printer operates with 1,200 x 600 dpi resolution and has 2MB of standard memory to save and print long documents.
This amount is expandable to 34 MB with extra technology. There are Parallel and USB ports for you to connect flash drives and similar devices. There is also an Ethernet connection and the device can make a wireless connection as well.
The Brother HL-1440 is PC and Mac compatible but will not work with Linux. It can connect with older operating systems like Windows 98. Individuals should avoid trying to connect using smartphones or tablets, as the printer struggles to maintain a strong connection.
This printer is one of the only ones which comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and repair. Optional networking is supported and it is possible to install a second paper tray to handle large documents or specialty paper.
You can use the Brother HL-1440 with a variety of paper types, including cardstock, regular letterhead, and envelopes. The full product dimensions are 14.2 x 14.6 x 9.2 in. and the printer weighs 20 lbs.
Highlights Features:
- Max print resolution – 1200 x 600 dpi
- 1-Year warranty
- Fast printing speeds – 15 pages per minute
- Allows duplex printing
- Features wireless connectivity
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Works with multiple operating systems
- Saves on toner
- When toner is running low, the paper can develop a gray background
5. HP Laserjet 1320 Printer Review.
The HP Laserjet 1320 Laser Printer is another model made by Hewlett-Packard that emphasizes quality when it comes to monochrome printing. It has 1,200 dpi printing quality and can complete up to 22 pages per minute.
It utilizes HP toner cartridges and takes extra time to allow the pages and ink to dry properly to avoid smudges and smearing. Unlike some other printers, this model has automatic double-sided printing and can handle a broad range of paper types.
It works well with traditional letterhead, cardstock, envelopes, and glossy paper.
It can handle up to 10,000 pages a month as the average duty cycle and has a 250 page input tray. The standard model comes with 16 MB of RAM which can be updated to 144 MB with additional technology.
There are Parallel and USB 2.0 ports, and the printer is PC and Mac compatible.
The HP Laserjet 1320 features a 133 MHz processor and is compatible with the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, Windows Server 2003, and XP; Macintosh OS 9.x, OS X 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3. The ability to work with a broad range of operating systems is definitely one of the HP Laserjet 1320’s best features.
Many people don’t update their computer OS as often as they should, so it is important to find a printer that functions well with what you are currently using.
This is one of the larger monochrome laser printers with full dimensions of 18 x 18 x 14 in. It weighs 26 lbs. and works well in small offices and workspaces despite its size.
Highlights Features:
- Impressive print speed – 22 pages per minute
- Max print resolution – 1200 dpi
- Supports various paper sizes and types
- 250 sheets input tray capacity
- Is compatible with a broad range of operating systems
- Can be upgraded to include additional RAM
- Rapid printing speed
- Works with specialty papers
- Prone to paper jams
6. HP Laserjet 1022 Printer Review.
The HP Laserjet 1022 Printer is a high quality option known for combining comfortable technological advances with more traditional features. It has a 19 page per minute printing speed and a 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution. There are 8 MB of built-in memory and several USB 2.0 connections for flash drives and similar devices.
This model features optional Ethernet, wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity and remains PC and Mac compatible. There is a 250 sheet input tray and a 10 sheet priority input tray designed for specialty media.
A 1-year warranty is included on general wear and tear as well as parts that might need to be replaced due to manufacturing error.
The HP Laserjet 1022 Printer is compatible with a broad range of media types, including plain, LaserJet, photo, rough paper, envelopes, transparencies, labels, card stock, and postcards. Some of these options need to be placed in the priority input tray for better printing.
Overall, this is one of the simplest monochrome laser printers available. However, it still utilizes modern technology such as wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. It functions well in home offices and has a warranty unlike many other options currently on the market.
Highlights Features:
- 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution
- 250-sheet paper handling capacity
- Fast printing speeds – 19ppm
- 1-Year warranty
- Includes Bluetooth connectivity
- High capacity input tray
- Handles numerous media types
- PC and Mac compatible
- Sometimes it folds the paper slightly when printing
7. Samsung ML1740 Printer Review.
The Samsung ML1740 Laser Printer is an older model but remains a high-quality monochrome laser printer. It features 600 x 600 dpi printing quality and can complete up to 17 pages per minute.
While it is slower than some other models, the machine deliberately allows the ink to dry before continuing so documents don’t smear.
Inside of the machine is a 66 MHz processor with 8 MB of memory. There is a built-in toner save mode that helps users reduce how much product they use by up to 40%. The toner cartridges are able to last for up to 3,000 pages when the toner save mode is implemented.
The technology is PC and Linux compatible, and there are USB and parallel ports. The Samsung ML1740 can be connected to the internet using an Ethernet cable, but a wireless connection is also possible to laptops and desktops.
You can print on card stock, envelopes, and transparent or regular printer paper to complete documents. This is one of the larger best monochrome laser printer on the market, with full dimensions of 19.8 x 15.4 x 12.6 in. The machine weighs around 20 lbs. but is easy to set up in a home office.
Highlights Features:
- Print resolution – 600 x 600 dpi
- Great printing speed – 17 pages per minute
- 66MHz Processor
- USB and Ethernet connectivity
- The toner save mode
- Rapid printing times
- High printing quality
- Features a wireless connection
- Does not come with an initial toner cartridge
8. Brother EMFC-8220 Printer Review.
Brother is one of the most popular business printer manufacturers, and it is easy to see why. This EMFC-8220 Laser Multifunction Center is one of the highest tech options available. It functions as a standard printer but also includes a fax component minus a telephone headset.
Unlike many modern monochrome laser printers, the Brother EMFC-8220 uses standard physical buttons instead of a touchscreen so settings are easier to adjust.
There is a built-in copier and scanner included, once again only functioning in black and white.
This model has a laser print quality of up to 2,400 x 600 dpi and is capable of printing up to 21 pages per minute. It has a 250 sheet adjustable paper tray and can complete single or double-sided documents.
Similar to other monochrome printers, the Brother EMFC-8220 can be connected using an Ethernet cable but does not have wireless capability. This model is compatible with Windows, Mac, and DOS operating systems and can connect to operating systems as old as Windows 98.
The USB ports are standard 2.0 options. There is a handset for easy faxing and a quick setup card is included in the box to ensure the Brother EMFC-8220 is installed properly.
Highlights Features:
- 250-sheet paper handling capacity
- High print resolution – 2400 x 600 dpi
- Fast printing speeds – 21 pages per minute
- Multifunctional – print/copy /scan/fax
- Functions as a 5-in-1 office system
- Rapid printing speed
- Large printing tray
- Physical buttons instead of a digital screen
- Is not compatible with all Mac products
9. Canon FAXPHONE L80 Printer Review.
The Canon FAXPHONE L80 Laser Fax/Printer is a throwback to the 1990s and early 2000s. It consists of a traditional monochrome laser printer combined with essential laser fax and phone. The design is a bit bulky, but the system utilizes a telephone headset and a 33.6 Kbps modem.
This is one of the slower monochrome printers on this list, capable of printing six complete pages per minute. However, the device saves on ink and can print double-sided documents without issue.
There is a USB interface for individuals who would like to attach a flash drive or similar device to handle their document transfer.
One of the perks of the Canon FAXPHONE L80 is that it comes with an automatic 1-year warranty that covers basic wear and tears. It can also handle a variety of paper types.
It is capable of printing 600 x 600 dpi in the letter, legal, or A4 sizes.
Finally, this is one of the only models that is compatible with computer software like Windows 98 and everything which followed afterward.
It has a long-term fax memory for individuals who need to pull up previously transferred documents, and the tray holds 100 pages.
Highlights Features:
- Print resolution – 600 x 600 dpi
- 100-page paper capacity
- Print speed – 6 pages per minute
- 1-Year warranty
- 30-sheet ADF
- Includes a fax component
- Long term memory
- Compatible with older computer software
- Only prints 6 pages per minute
10. HP Laserjet 1320n Printer Review.
The HP Laserjet 1320n Monochrome Network Printer has 1,200 dpi laser quality and automatic two-sided printing for rapid document creation. It saves on ink and paper with its double-sided initial setting and has a 22 page per minute speed.
According to the manufacturer, the first page will be produced in 8.5 seconds or less.
One of the best features of the HP Laserjet 1320n is how rapidly the ink dries. It prevents smudges despite rapidly generating pages to ensure each document emerges ready for use. This device uses a 133 MHz Motorola V4 Coldfire processor and has a 250 sheet input tray.
It accepts the majority of paper types, including traditional letterhead and stock. The internal computer features 16 MB of RAM that can be expanded to 144 MB with additional hardwire. The HP Laserjet 1320n has a monthly duty cycle of 10,000 pages.
There is a parallel port, a USB 2.0 port, and an Ethernet interface to connect with a wired internet connection. It is also possible to connect wirelessly from most devices, including tablets and laptops.
This is PC and MAC compatible and works with HP laserjet ink cartridges. If you sign up with HP, you can also receive automatic notifications when the ink is starting to run out.
Highlights Features:
- Fast printing speeds – 22 pages per minute
- 1200 dpi print resolution
- 250 sheets input tray capacity
- USB 2.0 and Ethernet connectivity
- Rapid printing speed
- Rapid ink drying
- Automatic double-sided printing
- Simple setup
- Flimsy plastic exterior
11.Brother HL-L2300D Printer Review.
This Brother HL-L2300D is budget-friendly with impressive quality and functionality. Featuring an impressive printing speed of 27 pages per minute, this printer can handle large workloads with ease.
Even better, this printer features a 250 sheet capacity, which is large enough to handle small to medium-sized office workload. It also saves you the hassle of refilling papers now and then when printing large workloads.
The printer also features a large rear paper exit and manual feed slot to ensure that you get all your printouts safely.
The running costs are also cut thanks to the automatic duplex printing. The printer also supports both legal and letter-sized papers, making it ideal for individuals who deal with legal issues such as lawyers.
The manual feed slot allows you to print on single pages such as envelopes and business cards.
With a high print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, this Brother HL-L2300D monochrome printer produces incredibly high-quality and exceptional printouts. Monthly, this printer can print up to 10,000 pages but has a recommended volume of 250 to 2,000 pages.
To save on ink on less critical documents, you can use the toner save mode. For a reliable connection, you can enjoy a high-speed USB port. The lightweight design of this printer (15 pounds) makes it convenient if you need to move the printer now and then. It’s also quite sleek, measuring just 14.2 x 14 x 7. 2 inches.
Highlights Features:
- Resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi
- High print speed – 27 ppm
- 250 sheets input capacity
- 1-Year warranty
- It has a toner save mode
12.Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 Printer Review.
This Epson EcoTank ET-M2170 is another incredible and high-quality printer worth checking out. What’s impressive about this printer is that it comes with a bottle of ink that’s enough to print 6000 pages, so you won’t need a refill soon.
Besides, this printer features a high-capacity 250 pages paper tray. The large capacity allows continuous printing experience when printing large documents. The auto 2-sided printing features will enable you to print on both sides of the page without flipping it.
The high print speed of 20 pages per minute is another impressive feature of the Epson EcoTank ET-M2170. The printer also handles other office tasks such as copying and scanning at a faster rate of up to 17 pages per minute. That’s fast enough to meet the needs of a small to medium-sized office.
This printer is also designed with an impressive 1.44 inches color touchscreen for hassle-free setup and operation. A rear tray is available if you need to print on specialty media. It’s also worth noting that the printer supports both legal and letter-sized papers, making it convenient if you deal with legal stuff.
As far as connectivity is concerned, this EcoTank ET-M2170 support both wired and wireless connection via USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Even better, it’s compatible with Mac, Android, iOS, Windows, and Android. The printer has a max print size of up to 8.5″ x 47. 2″.
Lastly, this printer is Energy Star Certified, for you don’t have to worry about hiked power costs. It’s also worth noting that’s this printer only uses Genuine Epson inks for an exceptional printing experience. Other non-Epson inks may damage the printer, and the Epson Warranty does not cover it.
Highlights Features:
- Features Precision Core printing technology
- 250 sheets tray capacity
- Fast printing speeds – 20 pages per minute
- Energy-star certified
- Impressive 1.44-inch touchscreen display
- Auto 2-sided printing
Conclusion
Finding the ideal best monochrome laser printer for your home, office, or small business can seem like a challenge. Many manufacturers have not created devices that only print with black ink, so buyers often need to be content with older models. However, I have discovered ten models that are currently for sale and remain some of the best in the business.
The majority of these options are made by companies like HP and Brother. This means the devices are designed for business and emphasize quality over media compatibility and specialized features. Out of all of the options reviewed on this list, the best one appears to be the Brother HL-1440 Laser Printer.
It includes all of the criteria listed earlier, including a rapid printing speed, compatibility with a variety of operating systems, and even a couple of special features for personalized printing. If you have a home office or simply a lot of printing needs, you can’t go wrong with these monochrome laser printers for light-speed document creation.