Recommended lists
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Winner
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that shines for small businesses and home offices. With its print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, it delivers efficiency, making it perfect for users who need to produce documents quickly. The print quality is also commendable, with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, providing sharp and clear text. Additionally, the built-in automatic duplex printing feature helps save paper, which is a significant advantage for eco-conscious users.
This printer is versatile with multi-function capabilities, allowing users to print, scan, and copy all from one device. The convenience of a 50-page automatic document feeder enhances productivity by facilitating quick multi-page scans and copies.
Connectivity options are robust, including dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB, catering to various network environments. The Brother Mobile Connect App is a great added feature, allowing remote management of printing tasks directly from smartphones, which is handy for on-the-go printing and monitoring toner levels. While the Brother DCP-L2640DW excels in black-and-white printing, it lacks color printing capabilities, which may not suit users needing vibrant color documents. Additionally, the initial cost of toner replacements can be high if users opt not to use the recommended Brother Genuine Toner. Although the Refresh subscription service is a great way to save on toner costs, some may prefer a printer with more economical toner options.
The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a solid choice for small teams and office environments looking for an affordable laser printer that offers a range of features. One of its standout strengths is the print speed, reaching up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color prints, which helps keep productivity high. The printer also boasts excellent print quality, thanks to its TerraJet toner technology, making it ideal for professional-looking documents and reports.
In terms of functionality, this all-in-one device includes scanning and copying capabilities, along with an automatic document feeder and duplex printing, which can save time and paper. The 250-sheet input tray is ample for most small office needs. Additionally, the wireless connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi, make it easy to print from various devices, such as smartphones, through the HP app.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The printer's weight at 37.7 pounds might make it less portable if you need to move it frequently. While the toner yield is decent, users may find the cost of replacement cartridges (HP 218A and 218X) can add up over time, particularly for heavier users. Furthermore, while it has a good design for sustainability, the energy consumption at 416 watts during operation may be a concern for those looking to minimize energy costs.
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 stands out in the category of cheap laser printers mainly due to its innovative cartridge-free printing system. This model utilizes high-capacity ink tanks, which significantly reduce the cost of ink replacements—up to 90% savings compared to traditional ink cartridges. This feature makes it a very economical choice for home offices or small businesses that require frequent printing. The print quality is commendable, with Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology ensuring sharp text and vivid color prints on various paper types. However, the print speeds are relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and only 5 ppm for color, which might be a drawback for users needing high-volume, quick print jobs.
The ET-4800 also offers robust connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and hands-free voice-activated printing. It supports mobile printing through the Epson Smart Panel App, which is convenient for users who frequently print from smartphones or tablets. Paper handling is decent with a 100-sheet input capacity, although this might be limiting for larger tasks. The built-in scanner and copier add to its versatility, and the automatic document feeder (ADF) is a plus for multi-page scanning and copying. On the downside, it only provides an output of 100 sheets, which might require frequent unloading during extensive printing tasks.
While it's marketed as eco-friendly with zero cartridge waste, the initial investment might be higher than typical budget laser printers. The 2-year limited warranty offers some reassurance regarding its reliability. In summary, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is an excellent choice for users looking for a cost-effective, eco-friendly printer with good print quality and strong connectivity features, though it may fall short for those needing faster print speeds and higher paper capacity.