Selecting the right document solution often comes down to a choice between two industry leaders. Finding the Best Laser Printer: Brother vs. HP requires balancing your specific volume needs against the connectivity and space constraints of your workspace.
Whether you prioritize high-speed monochrome output or require versatile scanning and copying, understanding the technical differences between these brands is essential. This comparison highlights how specific models from each manufacturer serve different office environments.
You may also want to compare Best Laser Printer, Scanner, and Copier, Best Laser Printer with Scanner for Home, and Best Laser Printer with Scanner and Copier for Home.
Best Laser Printer
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer | Best Overall | Automatic duplex printing reduces paper consumption. | 4.9 |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Multi-Function Printer | Best for Small Businesses | High-speed printing at up to 36 ppm for efficient document production. | 4.7 |
| HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Printer | Fastest Two-Sided Printing | Fastest two-sided printing in its class for increased productivity. | 4.4 |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw Printer | Reliable All-in-One Performance | Fast print speeds up to 35 pages per minute. | 4.8 |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW Color Laser Printer | Productivity Powerhouse | Dual-band wireless connectivity for stable multi-user access. | 4.6 |
How We Chose
- Print speed and efficiency for high-volume tasks
- Multi-function versatility including scanning and copying capabilities
- Connectivity options such as dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet integration
- Physical footprint and paper handling capacity
- Security features and mobile device management
1 Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer — Efficient for Small Teams
Reliable document handling in a small workspace often hinges on finding a device that balances a compact footprint with consistent output. The Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer is engineered specifically for home offices and small teams, offering a streamlined monochrome printing solution that prioritizes efficiency without sacrificing print quality.
This printer supports high-volume tasks through a 250-sheet capacity paper tray, reducing the frequency of refills during busy workdays. For specialized documents, the manual feed slot provides the flexibility to print on envelopes and various specialty papers. Connectivity is robust, featuring dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, and a standard USB interface to suit different network environments.
Efficiency is further enhanced by automatic duplex printing, which helps minimize paper waste during long document runs. Users can monitor their workflow remotely using the Brother Mobile Connect App, which allows for tracking toner levels and managing print jobs from mobile devices. The device is also compatible with the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, designed to automate toner replenishment.
While the Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer excels at black-and-white text and document production, it is a dedicated monochrome device. Those requiring color printing for graphics or marketing materials will need to look toward alternative inkjet or color laser solutions. Its design is focused on the core requirements of speed and reliability for text-heavy office environments.
Best for: Home offices and small teams requiring consistent, high-volume monochrome document printing with flexible wireless connectivity.
Skip if: Users who require color printing for graphics, photos, or marketing materials will find this monochrome-only device insufficient for their needs.
PROS
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper consumption.
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity options.
- 250-sheet paper tray supports high-volume workflows.
- Compact design fits easily into small office spaces.
CONS
- Monochrome-only output limits use to black-and-white documents.
- No color printing capability.
2 Brother DCP-L2640DW Multi-Function Printer — Best for Small Businesses
Efficiency in a professional or home office environment often hinges on the ability to manage high-volume document tasks without sacrificing desk space. The Brother DCP-L2640DW Multi-Function Printer addresses this by integrating a laser printer, scanner, and copier into a single, compact footprint, specifically engineered for small business productivity.
Performance is driven by a print speed of up to 36 ppm, ensuring that large documents are ready quickly. For multi-page tasks, the 50-page auto document feeder facilitates time-saving scanning and copying, while the device maintains a scan speed of up to 23.6 ipm for black and white documents. This hardware is designed to handle the repetitive demands of daily office workflows.
Connectivity remains a priority, offering dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet for secure, multi-device integration. Users can also manage printing and scanning tasks remotely via the Brother Mobile Connect App, which provides tools to track toner usage and order supplies directly from a mobile device.
To manage ongoing operational costs, the printer supports the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which automates toner replenishment. By utilizing Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner, users can maintain consistent print quality while potentially reducing supply expenses through the subscription model.
Best for: Small businesses and home offices requiring a compact, high-speed monochrome laser printer with integrated scanning and copying capabilities.
Skip if: Users who require color printing or those who need to handle large-format media, as this device is strictly a monochrome, letter-sized laser printer.
PROS
- High-speed printing at up to 36 ppm for efficient document production.
- Compact 3-in-1 design that combines printing, scanning, and copying in a small footprint.
- Flexible connectivity including dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile app support.
- 50-page auto document feeder for streamlined multi-page scanning and copying.
CONS
- Monochrome-only output limits the device to black and white printing.
- Standard letter-size capacity may not suit users needing wide-format or specialized paper handling.
3 HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Printer — Fastest Two-Sided Printing
Efficient document management in a small office environment requires reliable hardware that balances speed with compact design. The HP LaserJet M207dw Laser Printer addresses this need by offering the fastest two-sided printing in its class, ensuring that multipage business documents and presentations are completed with minimal downtime.
Designed for workgroups of 1-5 people, this monochrome laser printer simplifies connectivity through dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset capabilities, which proactively manages network stability. Users can print directly from mobile devices, tablets, or PCs, with broad compatibility across major operating systems including AirPrint, Mac, and Chromebook.
Beyond its printing speed of up to 28 pages per minute, the device prioritizes data integrity with built-in security features designed to protect against potential network attacks. Its compact footprint, measuring approximately 14 inches in width and 8 inches in height, allows it to fit into tight office spaces without sacrificing professional-grade output quality.
While this model excels at high-volume black-and-white text and document production, it is strictly a monochrome device. Users requiring color printing for marketing materials or high-resolution graphics will need to consider alternative hardware, as this unit is engineered specifically for efficient, high-speed text-based workflows.
Best for: Small offices of 1-5 people requiring fast, reliable monochrome document and brochure printing.
Skip if: Users who require color printing capabilities or high-resolution photo reproduction.
PROS
- Fastest two-sided printing in its class for increased productivity.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for consistent wireless connectivity.
- Strong built-in security features to protect against network threats.
- Compact dimensions suitable for small office environments.
CONS
- Monochrome only printing limits use for color-dependent documents.
4 HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw Printer — Reliable All-in-One Performance
Maintaining professional document workflows requires hardware that balances speed with consistent output. The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw Printer is designed for small teams, offering print speeds up to 35 ppm to keep pace with high-demand business environments. This device serves as a central hub for office productivity by integrating printing, scanning, and copying into a single, compact footprint.
Efficiency is central to the design of this all-in-one unit. It features automatic two-sided printing, which helps reduce paper consumption during high-volume tasks, and a 50-sheet auto document feeder that allows for seamless multi-page processing without manual intervention. The 250-sheet input tray further minimizes the frequency of paper refills, ensuring that the printer remains ready for busy workdays.
Connectivity is managed through dependable wireless printing capabilities, which are engineered to actively seek the most stable network connection for reliable operation. This ensures that the printer can be placed flexibly within an office environment while maintaining a consistent link to your devices.
Security and output consistency are prioritized through the use of HP chips or circuitry. Users should be aware that the system is strictly compatible with genuine HP components and will block cartridges using non-HP chips. To maintain these operational standards and security, the device relies on periodic firmware updates.
Best for: Small teams requiring a reliable, fast monochrome all-in-one printer for high-volume document tasks.
Skip if: Users who require color printing or those who prefer the flexibility of using third-party or remanufactured toner cartridges.
PROS
- Fast print speeds up to 35 pages per minute.
- Integrated automatic two-sided printing and 50-sheet auto document feeder.
- Dependable wireless connectivity for flexible office placement.
- Comprehensive all-in-one functionality including scanning and copying.
CONS
- Strict cartridge compatibility requiring HP chips or circuitry.
- Limited to monochrome (black-and-white) output only.
5 Brother MFC-L3720CDW Color Laser Printer — Productivity Powerhouse
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Color Laser Printer streamlines office workflows through its 3.5-inch color touchscreen, which provides direct access to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote. This interface allows users to manage documents and utilize 48 customizable shortcuts, reducing the time spent navigating complex menus for routine tasks.
Engineered for high-volume environments, this device delivers print speeds up to 19 ppm and supports efficient document handling with a 50-sheet auto document feeder and a 250-sheet adjustable paper tray. The inclusion of automatic duplex printing further aids in paper conservation, making it a functional choice for businesses requiring consistent, professional-grade output.
Connectivity is a primary focus, featuring dual-band wireless networking (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Wi-Fi Direct to ensure reliable integration into existing office networks. Users can also leverage an exclusive companion app for remote access, toner level monitoring, and comprehensive printer management directly from mobile devices.
While the printer offers robust features for professional use, its physical footprint measures 17.5 inches in width and 15.8 inches in height, weighing 44 pounds. This size is designed for standard office environments rather than cramped home desks, ensuring stability and capacity for demanding daily operations.
Best for: Small to medium-sized offices requiring a reliable, connected color laser printer with cloud integration and high-capacity paper handling.
Skip if: Users with limited desk space or those who primarily print high-resolution photography, as this unit is optimized for business documents rather than photo-lab quality output.
PROS
- Dual-band wireless connectivity for stable multi-user access.
- 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts.
- Automatic duplex printing and 50-sheet auto document feeder for efficiency.
- Mobile app integration for remote monitoring and management.
CONS
- 44-pound weight and substantial dimensions may be too large for small home workspaces.
Best Laser Printer Buying Guide
Connectivity and Network Standards
Modern office environments rely on stable wireless connectivity. Most current laser printers feature dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), which helps minimize interference in busy network environments. Ethernet ports remain a critical standard for wired, high-security office setups.
Mobile printing capabilities allow users to manage print jobs directly from smartphones or tablets. Look for dedicated mobile apps that provide real-time toner level monitoring and remote job management to streamline your daily workflow.
Print Speed and Duplexing
Automatic duplex printing is a standard requirement for reducing paper waste and increasing efficiency. This feature allows the printer to handle two-sided documents without manual intervention, saving significant time on large reports.
Pages per minute (ppm) ratings indicate how quickly a device can handle your workload. While high-speed printing is beneficial for busy teams, ensure the internal processor can maintain that speed during complex document tasks.
Multi-Function Versatility
An all-in-one printer combines printing, scanning, and copying into a single footprint. This is ideal for small businesses that need to digitize physical documents or create duplicates without investing in separate hardware.
Consider the Auto Document Feeder (ADF) capacity when choosing a multi-function device. A larger ADF allows you to process multi-page documents in a single batch, which is a major time-saver for administrative tasks.
Paper Handling and Capacity
The input tray capacity determines how often you need to reload paper. For small teams, a 250-sheet tray is generally sufficient to handle daily printing without constant interruptions.
Check for a manual feed slot if your office frequently prints on specialty media like envelopes, cardstock, or labels. This feature provides the flexibility to handle non-standard paper sizes without adjusting the main tray.
Toner Management and Security
Toner subscription services can help manage supply costs and ensure you never run out of ink during critical projects. These services often track usage patterns to automate the delivery of genuine replacement toner.
Security features are increasingly important for office hardware. Look for built-in protection protocols that help secure the printer against unauthorized access or potential network attacks, especially in shared office environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Brother and HP laser printers?
Brother printers are often noted for their compact designs and robust paper handling, while HP printers frequently emphasize high-speed output and integrated security features for professional environments.
Do I need a multi-function printer?
If your workflow involves scanning documents to the cloud or making frequent copies, an all-in-one device is more efficient than a dedicated single-function laser printer.
Is dual-band Wi-Fi necessary?
Yes, dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) provides a more stable connection and reduces the likelihood of signal drops in offices with many connected devices.
Can I use third-party toner cartridges?
Some manufacturers, such as HP, may implement firmware updates that restrict the use of non-original cartridges. Always check the manufacturer's specific guidelines regarding toner compatibility.
How does duplex printing save money?
Automatic duplexing prints on both sides of the paper, which effectively cuts your paper consumption in half for long documents, reducing both costs and waste.
Conclusion: Our Top Pick
When evaluating the options for your office, the Brother HL-L2460DW Laser Printer stands out as the most balanced choice for small teams. Its combination of high-speed monochrome output, reliable dual-band wireless connectivity, and efficient automatic duplexing makes it a versatile workhorse for daily document needs.
While other models offer specific advantages like advanced all-in-one scanning or higher-speed two-sided printing, this unit provides the best overall value for those who need consistent, professional-quality results without a large footprint. It remains a dependable solution for users who prioritize efficiency and ease of use in their home or small office environment.