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Print Perfectly on a Budget - 10 Best Cheap Laser Printer Options for Home and Office
Welcome to our roundup of the best cheap laser printers! If you’re looking for an affordable solution to print your documents and photos with professional-grade quality, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned as we guide you through the top options in the market to help you make an informed decision.
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Reviews
Affordable Digital Color Laser Printer with Flatbed Scanning
The Brother HLL3290CDW is a versatile and affordable color laser printer, ideal for small businesses and professionals alike. Equipped with a flatbed scan glass for easy and high-quality copying, this device features a 2-line backlit LCD display for intuitive printer management. Its flexible paper handling options accommodate a wide variety of paper types, sizes, and styles, allowing users to print on everything from standard letter and legal-size paper to envelopes, cards, and photo paper.
One of the standout features of the HLL3290CDW is its up to 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray. This tray not only enables longer print sessions, but also handles a range of paper types with ease. The two-sided duplex printing and tonersave mode further contribute to the printer’s efficiency, allowing users to save on toner costs and paper, respectively.
While the Brother HLL3290CDW offers a range of benefits, it is not without its drawbacks. Users have noted that the initial setup process can be cumbersome and that the printer tends to print slower compared to some competitors. Additionally, some have expressed frustration with the paper output tray’s design, as it can be difficult to remove the paper due to a set of humps on the tray.
Overall, the Brother HLL3290CDW is a solid choice for those looking for a cost-effective, color laser printer for their business or home office. Its ease of use, versatility, and high-quality printouts more than make up for the occasional hiccups during the setup process and slower printing speeds.
Lexmark E260dn Laser Printer - Quiet, High-Performance Workgroup Solution
The Lexmark E260dn is a network-ready laser printer that is perfect for small workgroups that need advanced connectivity. This compact device offers professional-quality printing with a 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, printing at a speed of up to 35 pages per minute. The printer features automatic two-sided printing and a quick warm-up time, with the first page out in as little as 6.5 seconds.
Additionally, the Lexmark E260dn has a built-in duplex printer, quiet operation at just 48 dBA in Quiet Mode, and a memory capacity of up to 160MB (max). The printer is compatible with a range of media sizes and types, including envelopes, transparencies, labels, plain paper, and cards. Users can connect the printer to their network via USB, Parallel, or Fast Ethernet.
While the Lexmark E260dn offers a wide range of features for small workgroups, some users may find that its connectivity is limited to certain platforms. It does not support printing from iOS devices, and AirPrint is not supported at all. Users may need to install additional software or use third-party apps to print from iOS devices, but this may result in less than ideal formatting. Overall, the Lexmark E260dn is a well-built, connectivity-focused printer that offers fast, professional-quality printing for small workgroups.
Refurbished HP LaserJet 3380 Monochrome Printer
The HP LaserJet 3380 is a refurbished monochrome laser printer designed for use in small to medium-sized offices. This printer offers a range of printing capabilities, including the ability to print up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) with a maximum printing resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi when using laser technology.
One of the great things about the HP LaserJet 3380 is its compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. It also supports many other functions, such as scanning, faxing, and copying, making it a versatile choice for users who need a multifunction printer.
The printer also features a standard memory capacity of 32 MB and has a maximum supported memory of up to 250 pages. In terms of connectivity, it comes equipped with both a parallel and USB 2.0 interface to suit different user preferences.
On the downside, the large vertical footprint, resulting from the flatbed scanner sitting atop a high sheet feeder may present an issue in smaller office environments. Additionally, the limited scan functionality can be somewhat restrictive for users who require more advanced scanning options.
Lexmark MS317dn Superior Small Laser Printer
The Lexmark MS317dn Laser Printer is a reliable and efficient small laser printer, with the capability to print up to 35 pages per minute. It boasts a powerful 800 MHz dual-core processor and 128 MB of memory, ensuring seamless handling of complex documents. With the first page printed in as little as 6.5 seconds, this printer delivers quick and efficient results.
The Lexmark printer offers state-of-the-art paper handling and can easily print up to 2,500 pages per month. Users have the option to add an optional second tray, increasing the input capacity to 850 sheets, making it even more convenient to print documents. Its exclusive Unison Toner technology keeps printing costs low, providing great value for your money.
Though it might be a bit noisy at 53 dBA during printing and 52 dBA during duplex printing, the Lexmark MS317dn Laser Printer is a versatile and user-friendly machine. Its print speed and range of paper sizes cater to a wide range of requirements, making it an ideal choice for small workgroups.
One of its most unique features is its Centronics-style parallel connector option, apart from the usual USB and network connections. This feature is especially valuable in older printer installations that still use parallel printer ports and don’t want the hassle of changing the system.
Reviews from users show a high level of satisfaction with the printer’s performance, quality, and ease of use. They appreciate its ability to print checks with ChecksNet MICR toner cartridges and its overall value for money. However, a few users have pointed out the printer’s slow turn-on time and some issues with its media handling.
In conclusion, the Lexmark MS317dn Laser Printer is a solid choice for small workgroups looking for a reliable, fast, and versatile laser printer. With its powerful processor, efficient memory, and wide range of connectivity options, it offers excellent value for the price. Despite a few minor drawbacks, most users have reported a positive experience with this printer.
HP LaserJet 4200: High-Performance Workgroup Laser Printer for Increased Productivity
The HP LaserJet 4200 printer is a robust, reliable, high-speed solution for office workgroups.](https://best.serp.co/shop/hp-officejet-5255s/) Its crisp, clear 1200 dpi printing capability makes it the perfect choice for any busy workgroup.
With multiple media feeder options and a wide range of media size and type support, the HP LaserJet 4200 ensures you have everything you need to handle your document creation and management tasks with ease. Its smart design and user-friendly interface make it simple to use and easy to manage, even in complex printing scenarios.
The HP LaserJet 4200 also comes with a toner cartridge that can last up to 12000 pages, saving you money and time. Additionally, the printer is compatible with various operating systems, making it a versatile choice for any office setup.
Overall, the HP LaserJet 4200 is an affordable and reliable printing solution that is perfect for any workgroup. With a 4.2-star rating, it is well-received by customers and delivers the performance and quality you need for your office documents.
Affordable Brother Monochrome Laser Printer - Refurbished
I recently tried out the Brother Laser Printer EHLL2305w (a more humanized version of the title), and it caught me by surprise. With its compact size and built-in wireless and USB interfaces, I found it ideal for a busy home or small office environment.
One of the main standout features was its printing speed of up to 24ppm. This was particularly helpful when dealing with multiple print jobs efficiently. The printer’s paper handling capabilities were also impressive – with a 250-sheet paper capacity and a manual feed slot for more flexibility.
However, the installation process was somewhat of a challenge. The manual’s instructions seemed a bit vague, and I found myself getting frustrated initially. Fortunately, after some troubleshooting, I managed to complete the setup and start printing right away.
The printer’s print quality, in particular, impressed me. With no smudging, deletions, or lines, I could depend on it to provide crisp, sharp text and good solid prints.
Overall, the Brother EHLL2305w (or “Brother Laser Printer EHLL2305w, ” as it might be called) has been a reliable addition to my home office. It prints quickly and provides high-quality prints, making it ideal for my printing needs.
One minor drawback, though, was the lack of an Ethernet port. While the printer’s wired and wireless connectivity options worked fine for me, this might be a limiting factor for some users.
Nevertheless, despite a few minor hiccups during setup, I’ve found the Brother EHLL2305w to be a reliable and efficient printer for my daily life.
Affordable Refurbished HP Color Laser Printer
The HP LaserJet CP5520 CP5525n offers an efficient and professional-quality printing experience.](https://medium.com/@lemarevans24/the-top-7-hp-laserjet-pro-printers-for-high-quality-printing-b9d99c6e5d45) With a striking color display and the ability to print up to 30 pages per minute, this desktop laser printer delivers swift and impressive results. Its compatibility with a wide variety of paper sizes, from postcard to SRA3, ensures versatility in your printing tasks. Additionally, pre-installed toner cartridges help reduce environmental impact by minimizing packaging waste.
The printer offers an intuitive, easy-to-use management system, allowing for efficient printer enhancements and updates, as well as networking options that enable you to extend your printer’s life. This printer’s energy- and material-saving features help you save on costs and minimize your environmental footprint.
Despite some issues with IT calls and paper wrinkling, most users appreciate the printer’s features and functionality. With flexible networking options, extended paper capacity, and compatibility with a wide range of materials, the HP LaserJet CP5520 CP5525n is a solid choice for a powerful and versatile color printer.
Compact Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w Monochrome Laser Printer with ENERGY STAR Certification
I had the chance to put the Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w to the test as a daily office necessity. This small and compact machine was a lifesaver when it came to space in my crowded workspace. What stood out to me was its quick printing speed that never failed to impress even while I handled a barrage of documents. In those moments of urgency, the printer’s lightning-fast printing speed was truly appreciated.
Despite its fast performance, one of the major downsides was its print quality. While it did the job, the prints often came out looking a bit faint and less than satisfactory. This made it necessary to replace cartridges more frequently than expected.
As an extra benefit, the Canon imageCLASS provides an energy-efficient mode that helps save costs. Overall, it was a dependable choice for a small office like mine, though not without its minor pitfalls.
Canon ImageCLASS: Compact Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer
I recently tried out the Canon imageCLASS MF242dw and was pleasantly impressed. At first, I was skeptical about the device’s wireless capabilities, but it proved me wrong! I set it up at home and was able to print and scan on the go with just a tap on my phone. The printer’s paper capacity of up to 250 sheets was also quite impressive for a compact model.
One of my favorite features is the low energy consumption using just 2 watts in Energy Saver mode. It’s perfect for small and home offices, where energy efficiency is essential. I love how the imageCLASS MF242dw offers not just printing, but also copying and scanning functions, all within one machine. The LCD panel is user-friendly and makes navigating through the device a breeze.
While the printer is great for individual use and small offices, it did take some time for me to connect my mobile devices without a router using Wi-Fi Direct connection. Additionally, the lack of automatic duplexing functionality might disappoint some users. However, the print and scan quality and overall performance made it worth it for me.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw All-in-One Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is an exceptional printer designed for small teams, offering powerful productivity features.](https://best.serp.co/shop/hp-laserjet-pro-mfp-m227fdn/) This multifunction printer boasts an impressive print speed of up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute (single-sided), ensuring fast and efficient workflows. Users can connect to the printer seamlessly over Wi-Fi, allowing for remote setup and management. Additionally, the printer comes equipped with HP Wolf Pro Security, providing customizable settings to keep your data safe.
This laserjet printer is a great choice for teams looking for a reliable and feature-rich multifunction printer. It is easy to set up and use, with a compact design that saves space. The printer also delivers excellent print quality and smooth paper feed, and its quiet operation makes it ideal for use in shared environments. With a wide range of compatible media sizes and types, this printer is perfect for printing documents, envelopes, and plain paper.
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw comes with various connectivity options, including USB 2.0, LAN, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It supports multiple operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11. The printer also offers a range of office machine features, such as scan to email, JetIntelligence cartridge technology, and print from mobile devices.
With a maximum printing speed of 35 pages per minute and a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, this printer is a great choice for those who need to print high-quality documents quickly. The printer also supports fax forwarding, automatic redialing, and the junk fax barrier, making it easy to send and receive faxes. The printer’s security protocols include Apple Bonjour, IPv6 support, and SNMP 3, ensuring that your data stays secure.
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw comes with a one-year limited warranty and a wide range of drivers and utilities included. Its efficient energy use and compliance with various standards make it an environmentally friendly option. Overall, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a high-quality, versatile, and reliable printer that is perfect for small teams and businesses in need of efficient and powerful productivity features.
Buyer’s Guide
When on the search for an affordable laser printer, there are several key factors to take into account in order to secure the best value for your money. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will delve into the most crucial features, aspects, and general recommendations for selecting an affordable laser printer.
Print Quality
Print quality is a pivotal consideration when acquiring a laser printer. The print quality can differ significantly among models, therefore, opt for a printer that offers superior print quality for your specific requirements. If you are printing critical documents or photographs, you should select a printer with a minimum resolution of 600 dpi. For general printing purposes, 300 dpi should suffice.
Speed
Laser printers are renowned for their rapid print speeds; however, the speed may still vary between models. If you need to print a large volume of documents or require multiple print copies, look for a printer with high print speed. The quicker the printer, the more time you’ll save, especially in a bustling office environment.
Connectivity
Connectivity is another crucial aspect to contemplate when purchasing an affordable laser printer. Printers with multiple connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, offer more versatility in terms of connecting your printer to your computer or network. Ensure the printer you select comes equipped with the connectivity options that best suit your needs.
Durability and Reliability
Laser printers can be costly investments, and you’ll want to ensure that the one you choose is both sturdy and dependable. Look for a printer with a high duty cycle (the number of pages it can print per month without overheating) and a robust construction. A well-built printer will endure longer and deliver superior performance over time.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a laser printer over an inkjet?
Laser printers offer several advantages over their inkjet counterparts. They are usually faster, producing documents at higher speeds and with fewer interruptions. In addition, laser printers typically provide better print quality, with sharper text and more vibrant colors. They also tend to have a lower cost per page, making them more economical for businesses or individuals who print frequently.
Conversely, inkjet printers may produce more detailed and nuanced color reproductions, which can be beneficial for photo printing. However, this factor is often less important in a business setting where monochrome printing dominates. Overall, using a laser printer provides faster, high-quality printing at a lower cost, making them a popular choice for many users.
What are the most important factors to consider when buying a cheap laser printer?
When looking for an affordable laser printer, several factors should be considered. Firstly, assess your printing needs. Determine the average volume of pages you print, as well as the size and complexity of the documents. This information will help you identify the right speed and capacity requirements for your printer.
Another important factor is the printer’s support for different paper sizes and types. If you plan to print on specialty paper or oversized documents, ensure that the laser printer you choose supports those specifications. Additionally, consider factors such as connectivity options (e. g. , Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet), print resolution, and compatibility with different operating systems.
What are some features that can be found on entry-level laser printers?
Entry-level laser printers may have a variety of features designed to make them appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Some common features include wireless connectivity, which allows for convenient printing without the need for cables. Other printers may offer mobile print options, allowing users to print from their smartphones or tablets.
Other entry-level laser printers may include basic print management tools, such as the ability to set up print queues, schedule print jobs, or monitor ink levels remotely. Additionally, some printers may offer easy-to-replace toner cartridges, which can help reduce long-term maintenance costs. Overall, entry-level laser printers aim to deliver the essential functionality at an affordable price point.
How long do laser printer toner cartridges typically last?
The lifespan of a laser printer toner cartridge depends on various factors, such as the printer’s specifications, the paper type used, and the document’s complexity. In general, toner cartridges can last anywhere between 1,000 to 5,000 pages, with a median lifespan of around 2,500 pages. However, these estimates can vary significantly depending on the particular printer model and usage.
To maximize the lifespan of your toner cartridge, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines and use high-quality paper designed for laser printers. Additionally, properly maintaining the printer and replacing the cartridge when necessary will help ensure that your printer continues to perform efficiently.
Why are some laser printers more expensive than others?
The pricing of laser printers can vary significantly based on several factors. One of the primary factors is the printer’s speed and print quality. Faster printers with higher print resolution often cost more than slower models with lower resolution. Additionally, printers with improved features, such as advanced print management tools, larger paper capacity, or enhanced connectivity options, can also command a higher price.
Another factor that affects pricing is the printer’s build quality and reliability. Laser printers with sturdy construction, high-end components, and robust build quality typically cost more than their budget-friendly counterparts. Additionally, certain brands and models may be more expensive due to their reputation for durability, performance, and after-sales support.
Are there any potential downsides to using a cheap laser printer?
While a cheap laser printer can offer significant benefits, such as affordability and value for money, there may be some potential downsides to consider. One of the primary concerns is that entry-level laser printers may have lower print quality and slower print speeds compared to their more expensive counterparts. Additionally, these printers may lack advanced features and have limited connectivity options.
Another potential issue is that cheaper laser printers might require more frequent maintenance and consumable replacement, which can increase long-term costs. Furthermore, the printer’s build quality and durability may not be as robust as more expensive models, potentially leading to lower reliability and shorter product life. Weighing these factors against the benefits and your specific printing needs will help you make an informed purchasing decision.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases!