Finding the right hardware for a macOS environment requires balancing seamless connectivity with reliable document handling. Whether you need a high-speed monochrome unit for text-heavy reports or a versatile color machine for professional presentations, selecting the Best Laser Printers and Scanners for Mac ensures your peripherals work as hard as your computer.
Our guide evaluates current laser printers and scanners based on their integration with Apple's ecosystem, including AirPrint support and mobile app functionality. We focus on practical performance metrics to help you identify which device fits your specific office space and document volume requirements without unnecessary complexity.
You may also want to compare Best Laser Printers and Copiers for Mac, Best Laser Printers (Black and White), and Best Laser Printers.
Best Laser Printers and Scanners for Mac
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L2820DW Laser Printer | Best Overall | Compact footprint ideal for small office spaces. | 4.9 |
| HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer | Smallest Laser for Tight Spaces | Smallest laser printer in its class for space-constrained environments | 4.4 |
| HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw Printer | Fastest Two-Sided Printing | Fastest in-class two-sided printing for efficient document handling. | 4.7 |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW Color Laser Printer | Efficient High-Volume Color Scanning | Single-pass duplex scanning significantly reduces time spent on multi-page document processing. | 4.4 |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw Printer | Reliable Three-Year Warranty Coverage | 3-year limited warranty for long-term support. | 4.8 |
How We Chose
- macOS Compatibility: Prioritizing devices with native AirPrint support for driverless printing and scanning.
- Document Throughput: Evaluating pages-per-minute (ppm) and scan speeds to ensure they meet your specific workload demands.
- Connectivity Versatility: Assessing dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile app integration for flexible placement.
- Space Efficiency: Measuring the physical footprint to ensure the hardware fits comfortably in home or small office environments.
- Maintenance Requirements: Considering toner yield options and subscription services that help manage long-term operating costs.
1 Brother MFC-L2820DW Laser Printer — Compact All-in-One for Small Offices
Managing a home office requires hardware that balances footprint with functionality, and the Brother MFC-L2820DW Laser Printer addresses this by integrating print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities into a single, space-saving chassis. Designed for those who prioritize efficiency, this monochrome laser unit helps streamline document workflows through a combination of high-speed output and versatile connectivity.
The device is built for productivity, offering print speeds reaching 36 ppm and a 50-page auto document feeder that simplifies multi-page scanning and copying tasks. Users can navigate these functions via an intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen, which also provides direct access to cloud-based services like Google Drive and Dropbox, allowing for seamless document management without needing a constant connection to a host computer.
Connectivity is a primary strength, featuring dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, and USB interfaces to accommodate various office network setups. For those who prefer managing tasks remotely, the Brother Mobile Connect App enables printing and scanning directly from mobile devices, providing flexibility for users who need to complete work while on the move.
To maintain consistent output, the printer supports the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which automates toner replenishment to help prevent downtime. By utilizing Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner, the system ensures that the hardware operates within its intended specifications, offering a reliable solution for high-volume text document production.
Best for: Small office users who require a compact, reliable monochrome all-in-one printer with robust cloud and mobile connectivity.
Skip if: Users who require high-quality color printing for graphics or photography will find this monochrome-only laser printer unsuitable for their creative needs.
PROS
- Compact footprint ideal for small office spaces.
- High-speed printing at 36 ppm with a 50-page auto document feeder.
- Flexible connectivity including dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile app support.
- Intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen for easy cloud-based navigation.
CONS
- Monochrome-only output limits the device to black and white documents.
- Requires specific Brother Genuine toner for optimal performance and subscription service compatibility.
2 HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer — Smallest Laser for Tight Spaces
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer is designed for tight workspaces, functioning as the smallest laser printer in its class while providing essential print, scan, and copy capabilities. Its compact footprint, measuring just 7.8 inches in height and 14.2 inches in length, allows it to fit into constrained environments where larger office equipment would be impractical.
Engineered for small teams of one to three people, this unit delivers fast print speeds of up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute. It supports wireless connectivity with a self-reset feature to maintain network stability, and it is compatible with a wide range of platforms including Mac, AirPrint, Microsoft, and Chromebooks for flexible printing from mobile devices, tablets, or PCs.
The device simplifies administrative tasks through the HP Smart App, which enables users to scan documents directly to the cloud or initiate print and copy jobs from a smartphone. Additionally, it features a specialized ID copy function that allows users to capture both sides of an ID card onto a single sheet of paper, streamlining common office workflows.
Operating this printer requires the use of original HP cartridges containing official chips or circuitry. The system is designed to block non-HP components, and users should anticipate periodic firmware updates intended to maintain these security and performance measures. This focus on proprietary consumables is a primary trade-off for the machine's compact size and integrated feature set.
Best for: Small teams of 1-3 people who require a space-saving, wireless laser printer for basic document printing, scanning, and copying.
Skip if: Users who require color printing or those who prefer the flexibility of using third-party or non-HP ink cartridges.
PROS
- Smallest laser printer in its class for space-constrained environments
- Fast print speeds of up to 21 pages per minute
- Wireless connectivity with mobile printing support via HP Smart App
- Convenient ID card copying feature
CONS
- Proprietary cartridge requirement blocks non-HP chips or circuitry
- Black and white only printing capability
3 HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw Printer — Fastest Two-Sided Printing
The HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw Printer provides a streamlined solution for small offices, featuring the fastest two-sided printing speed in its class. Designed to handle monochrome documents, brochures, and presentations, this all-in-one device integrates printing, scanning, and copying capabilities into a single compact footprint.
Connectivity is a primary focus, utilizing Dual-Band Wi-Fi with self-reset technology to maintain a stable connection to your network. For Mac users, the printer supports AirPrint for seamless wireless printing from Apple devices, alongside compatibility with PCs, tablets, and Chromebooks. An integrated Ethernet port is also available for those preferring a wired connection.
Efficiency is supported by an automatic two-sided printing function that helps manage multipage projects without manual intervention. The device is engineered for small teams of 1-5 people, offering robust security features designed to protect against potential network attacks, ensuring business documents remain secure during the printing process.
Measuring approximately 16.46 inches in width and 11.59 inches in height, the unit is sized to fit into shared workspaces. While it excels at high-speed black-and-white output, it is strictly a monochrome device, which is a consideration for users who require color printing capabilities for their daily tasks.
Best for: Small offices of 1-5 people requiring fast, reliable monochrome document printing and scanning with Mac compatibility.
Skip if: Users who require color printing or high-volume professional photo reproduction will need a different class of printer.
PROS
- Fastest in-class two-sided printing for efficient document handling.
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi with self-reset for reliable wireless connectivity.
- Built-in security features to protect against network threats.
- Versatile all-in-one functionality including print, scan, and copy.
CONS
- Monochrome-only output limits the printer to black-and-white documents.
- Limited to small-team capacity of 1-5 users.
4 Brother MFC-L3780CDW Color Laser Printer — Efficient High-Volume Color Scanning
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW Color Laser Printer streamlines high-volume document workflows through its single-pass duplex copy and scan capability, allowing users to process double-sided documents without manual intervention. This all-in-one device serves as a central hub for professional printing, scanning, and faxing needs, delivering consistent laser-quality output.
Designed for efficiency, this printer achieves print speeds up to 31 ppm and scan speeds reaching 29/22 ipm for black and color documents respectively. The unit integrates into diverse network environments via dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct, ensuring stable connectivity for Mac users across various office setups.
Practical design elements include an NFC reader for quick authentication and compatibility with the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which helps manage toner levels using Brother Genuine TN229 series cartridges. The machine measures 18.2 inches in width and 15.8 inches in height, housing these robust features in a standard footprint suitable for small business environments.
While the device offers comprehensive functionality, its 47.8-pound weight suggests it is best suited for a permanent desktop or dedicated printer stand rather than frequent relocation. The inclusion of a USB interface provides a reliable alternative for local connections, ensuring the printer remains accessible even if wireless network conditions fluctuate.
Best for: Small businesses and professional home offices requiring high-speed color laser printing and efficient double-sided document scanning.
Skip if: Users with limited desk space or those who require a lightweight, portable device for occasional printing will find the 47.8-pound weight and standard footprint restrictive.
PROS
- Single-pass duplex scanning significantly reduces time spent on multi-page document processing.
- Flexible connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct.
- High-speed performance with print speeds up to 31 ppm for professional document throughput.
- NFC reader integration allows for convenient and secure device interaction.
CONS
- Substantial weight of 47.8 pounds makes the unit difficult to move once installed.
- Standard footprint may be too large for compact or minimalist workspaces.
5 Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw Printer — Reliable Three-Year Warranty Coverage
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw Printer simplifies office workflows by integrating print, scan, and copy functions into a single, compact unit designed for seamless operation. With a 5-inch color touchscreen and the Application Library, users can customize access to frequently used tasks, ensuring that daily document management remains efficient and intuitive.
This device supports high-productivity environments with print speeds of up to 26 ppm and a quick first print time of approximately 10.3 seconds. To minimize environmental impact and reduce paper costs, the unit features automatic 2-sided printing. It is also ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certified, reflecting its focus on energy efficiency.
Connectivity is a primary focus for modern workspaces, and this model offers easy wireless setup alongside support for mobile printing via the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. The printer is also Chromebook compatible, providing flexibility for diverse device ecosystems. For high-volume needs, it utilizes Canon Genuine Toner 075 high-capacity cartridges to help maintain consistent output quality while limiting the frequency of replacements.
Reliability is backed by a 3-year limited warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for professional settings. The hardware includes a 250-sheet standard cassette and a 1-sheet multipurpose tray, balancing a compact footprint with necessary paper capacity for standard office tasks.
Best for: Small to medium-sized offices requiring a reliable, wireless 3-in-1 laser printer with high-capacity toner support and a long-term manufacturer warranty.
Skip if: Users who require high-volume, enterprise-grade paper handling or those with extremely limited desk space who do not need integrated scanning and copying capabilities.
PROS
- 3-year limited warranty for long-term support.
- Wireless connectivity with mobile printing support including AirPrint.
- Automatic 2-sided printing to reduce paper consumption.
- Customizable 5-inch touchscreen for streamlined task management.
CONS
- Medium-sized footprint may occupy significant desk space.
- 1-sheet multipurpose tray limits specialty media handling capacity.
Best Laser Printers and Scanners for Mac Buying Guide
Understanding macOS Connectivity
The most critical factor for Mac users is native support for AirPrint. This protocol allows your printer to be discovered instantly on your network without the need for cumbersome third-party drivers or complex software installations. When a device supports AirPrint, you can print directly from any application on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with minimal setup.
Beyond basic printing, look for devices that offer robust scan-to-cloud functionality. Many modern laser printers allow you to scan documents directly to services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Ensuring these features are compatible with your existing cloud storage workflow can significantly reduce the time spent moving files between your scanner and your Mac.
Monochrome vs. Color Laser Printing
Deciding between a monochrome and color laser printer depends entirely on your output needs. A monochrome laser printer is typically more cost-effective, faster for text documents, and features a smaller physical footprint. If your work consists primarily of invoices, reports, and internal memos, a black-and-white unit is often the most efficient choice.
If you frequently produce marketing materials, business presentations, or documents requiring charts and graphs, a color laser printer is essential. While these units are generally larger and have higher ongoing toner costs, they provide the professional-grade color accuracy required for client-facing documents.
Evaluating Print and Scan Speeds
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm), while scanning performance is often rated in images per minute (ipm). For small offices or home setups, a print speed of 20 to 30 ppm is usually sufficient. High-volume environments should prioritize machines that exceed 30 ppm to avoid bottlenecks during busy periods.
The presence of an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) is a game-changer for scanning. An ADF allows you to stack multiple pages for automatic scanning, saving you from the tedious task of manually placing each sheet on the glass. If you scan multi-page contracts or reports regularly, an ADF is a non-negotiable feature.
Managing Long-Term Toner Costs
Laser printers are an investment that extends beyond the initial purchase price. The cost of replacement toner cartridges is a significant factor in your total cost of ownership. Many manufacturers offer high-yield or super-high-yield toner options, which provide a lower cost per page compared to standard-capacity cartridges.
Some brands also provide toner subscription services that automatically track your usage and ship replacements before you run out. These services can be a convenient way to avoid downtime, but it is important to verify if the subscription model aligns with your printing habits and budget.
Space and Ergonomics
Before purchasing, measure your available desk or shelf space. Laser printers are generally heavier and bulkier than inkjet alternatives due to the internal drum and toner mechanisms. Consider the physical dimensions of the unit, including the space required for the paper tray to extend and for the rear or side access needed for maintenance.
Also, consider the noise level of the printer. While laser printers are generally quiet during standby, they do produce mechanical noise during operation. If your printer will be located on your primary desk, look for models that emphasize a compact footprint and noise-reduction features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install special drivers for these printers on my Mac?
Most modern laser printers support AirPrint, which allows your Mac to communicate with the printer automatically without requiring you to download or install specific drivers.
Can I print from my iPhone if I have a Mac-compatible printer?
Yes, if the printer supports AirPrint or has a dedicated mobile app like the Brother Mobile Connect App, you can print directly from your iPhone or iPad as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
What is the difference between a single-pass and multi-pass duplex scanner?
A single-pass duplex scanner captures both sides of a document in one movement, significantly increasing scanning speed. A multi-pass scanner requires the document to be pulled back and flipped, which is slower.
Are laser printers better than inkjet printers for home offices?
Laser printers are generally better for text-heavy documents because they offer faster speeds, sharper text, and are less prone to ink drying out during periods of inactivity.
How do I know if a printer is compatible with my specific macOS version?
Because these printers utilize standard protocols like AirPrint, they are generally compatible with all current and recent versions of macOS. Always check the manufacturer's product page for the most up-to-date compatibility information.
Conclusion: Our Top Pick
Selecting the right hardware for your Mac doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on connectivity standards like AirPrint and matching the device's speed and color capabilities to your specific workload, you can create a highly efficient office environment.
For most users seeking a balance of performance and reliability, the Brother MFC-L2820DW Laser Printer is our top recommendation. Its combination of fast monochrome printing, efficient scanning with an auto document feeder, and compact design makes it an excellent fit for small office spaces that require consistent, high-quality output.