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A small business needs a printer that is reliable under steady use, handles two-sided printing and, in many cases, scans or faxes. Lasers usually win on speed and cost per page for text.
These six picks are built from published specifications and manufacturer documentation, not our own testing. Check monthly duty cycle and supply costs on each product page.
New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use, then come back here for the details.
Quick Picks
| Printer | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome laser all-in-one | Black-and-white offices that also scan and fax |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dw | Monochrome laser all-in-one | Compact laser multifunction for a small team |
| Canon imageCLASS MF465dw II | Monochrome laser all-in-one | Office-grade black-and-white multifunction |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9125 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Home offices that scan multi-page documents |
| Brother HL-L3300CDW | Color laser all-in-one | Color laser with copy and scan |
| Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820 | Color inkjet all-in-one | Business-oriented inkjet |
6 Best Printers for Small Business Use
1. Brother MFC-L2820DW
A compact monochrome laser all-in-one that prints, copies, scans and faxes, with two-sided printing.
Good for: freelancers and small sellers who live on paperwork. Strengths: laser text quality with copy, scan, fax and duplex in one body. Weaknesses: no color, and larger than a compact inkjet. Skip it if color matters or desk space is tight.
2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dw
A compact monochrome laser all-in-one with wireless and two-sided printing.
Good for: a small office that scans and prints text. Strengths: multifunction in a modest footprint. Weaknesses: no color, and toner cost varies by cartridge size. Skip it if you need color.
3. Canon imageCLASS MF465dw II
A monochrome laser all-in-one from Canon’s office line that prints, copies, scans and faxes, with wireless and duplex.
Good for: small offices with steady document volume. Strengths: built for heavier workloads than home models. Weaknesses: larger and pricier than home printers. Skip it if you have light needs and little space.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125
A color inkjet all-in-one built around a document feeder and two-sided printing.
Good for: remote workers who scan contracts and receipts. Strengths: automatic duplex printing and a feeder speed up longer jobs. Weaknesses: tied to the manufacturer’s ink program; check the cartridge policy first. Skip it if you print rarely or want third-party ink.
5. Brother HL-L3300CDW
A wireless color laser printer sold as a multi-function model, with copy, scan and two-sided printing.
Good for: small offices printing marketing sheets and reports. Strengths: color laser output with copy and scan in one body. Weaknesses: toner cost and size. Skip it if you rarely print color.
6. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4820
A business-focused wireless color inkjet all-in-one.
Good for: small offices that want color and faster document handling. Strengths: built for office workloads, per the manufacturer. Weaknesses: larger and pricier than home inkjets. Skip it if you print little.
Choosing a Printer for a Small Business
Duty cycle
Manufacturers list a recommended monthly page volume, or duty cycle. Pick a printer rated well above your regular volume so it is not strained.
Network and security
Shared printers should have Ethernet and Wi-Fi, secure printing options and regular firmware updates. Change the default admin password and limit who can print.
Supplies and support
Check toner or ink cost per page, availability of high-yield cartridges and the warranty and support options. A printer that is cheap to buy but hard to get supplies for can cost a lot in downtime.
Document types
If you print mostly black-and-white documents, a monochrome laser all-in-one is hard to beat. If you print color proposals or marketing, a color laser or an office inkjet fits better. See color laser printers.
Buy or lease
Leasing or managed print services can include supplies and service but cost more over time. For a small team, buying and replacing toner yourself is usually simpler. See also printers for high-volume use.
How to Choose
Check the duty cycle
Manufacturers list a maximum monthly page volume. Choose a printer rated well above what you print.
Plan for network use
If several people share the printer, look for Ethernet and wireless, not wireless alone.
Compare supplies
High-yield toner or ink options can lower cost per page. Check them before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laser or inkjet for a small business?
Lasers usually win on speed and text cost. Business inkjets suit color-heavy work.
Do I need fax?
Fewer businesses do now, but some industries still do. Check if your clients require it.
Are home printers fine for a small business?
For light use, yes. For daily volume, an office-class model lasts longer.
What are the best small office printers?
For a small office, a laser all-in-one such as the Brother MFC-L2820DW or HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dw is a practical choice. See our duplex printers and high-volume printers.
What are the best color printers for small business?
A color laser or an office inkjet fits color-heavy work. See our best color laser printers and HP OfficeJet Pro printers.
Bottom Line
Most small offices that print black-and-white are well served by the Brother MFC-L2820DW or HP LaserJet Pro MFP M234dw. Add color with the Brother HL-L3300CDW if you need it.
More Printer Guides
- Best Printers for Home Use
- Best Printers for Students and Dorm Rooms
- Best Printers for Teachers
- Best Printers for Working From Home
- Best Printers With an Automatic Document Feeder
- Best Printers With Automatic Duplex
