Answering a common buyer question, these laser printer scanners deliver fast monochrome or color-capable performance in a compact footprint. They are ideal for small offices, home offices, and teams that need reliable printing, scanning, and copying in one device. This guide highlights five top options and explains who each is best for, plus practical buying tips.
The following quick comparison helps buyers choose based on speed, document feeder capacity, and connectivity. The table summarizes core details to compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Print Speed (black/white) | Scans/Copy | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Small office, wireless multi-function | Up to 36 ppm | Scan up to 23.6/7.9 ipm | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw | Modern office, budget-friendly | Up to 28 ppm | Scan up to fast speeds; 50‑page ADF | Dual‑band Wi‑Fi with self‑reset |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Small teams needing robust workflow | Up to 35 ppm | Scan/Copy with 50‑page ADF | Wi‑Fi, USB, Ethernet |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Small offices requiring scanning and fax | Up to 35 ppm | Scan/Copy with ADF; Fax | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Small offices needing compact all‑in‑one | Up to 36 ppm | Scan up to 23.6/7.9 ipm | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB |
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome MFP
Best for small businesses seeking an all-in-one monochrome device that blends printing, scanning, and copying in a compact footprint. The DCP-L2640DW offers print speeds up to 36 ppm and scan speeds up to 23.6 ipm (black) with a 50-page ADF for multi-page tasks. It supports secure multi-device connectivity via built‑in dual‑band wireless and Ethernet, plus USB for direct computer connection. This model is a strong fit for a solo office or a small team prioritizing fast monochrome output and efficient scanning in a space-constrained area.
- Best for: Small offices and home offices needing fast monochrome output and reliable scanning.
- Why chosen: Combines three functions in one compact unit with robust wireless and Ethernet options.
- Caution: Data indicates robust performance in monochrome; color printing is not supported.
HP LaserJet MFP M235sdw All-in-One Laser Printer
This model is best for offices that want a reliable, entry-to-mid-level all‑in‑one with strong wireless connectivity and efficient two-sided printing. It targets 1‑5 users and offers fast monochrome output with a 50‑page ADF for bulk scanning and copying. Dual-band Wi‑Fi with self-reset helps maintain a steady connection in busy office environments, supporting quick document workflows without persistent setup issues.
- Best for: Small teams needing dependable black-and-white document handling.
- Why chosen: Strong balance of speed, connectivity, and auto duplex capabilities.
- Caution: Color printing is not part of this monochrome-focused device.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Wireless Monochrome
Best for small teams needing a compact, reliable workhorse with robust scanning and copying. The 3101sdw supports up to 35 ppm black-and-white printing and includes a 50‑sheet auto document feeder. It offers flexible connectivity with Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB for direct printing or file sharing across devices. This model is a practical choice for workflows that require fast turnarounds on standard business documents.
- Best for: Small teams focused on efficient black-and-white document production.
- Why chosen: Excellent print speed and versatile connectivity.
- Caution: Limited to monochrome color output; color features are not included.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Wireless All-in-One
Best for small offices needing multifunction capability with fax. The 3101fdw combines printing, scanning, copying, and fax with auto two-sided printing and a 50-page ADF for efficient batch handling. It remains a strong option for teams that require robust document workflows, including occasional fax transmission, while staying within a compact footprint and maintaining reliable wireless connectivity.
- Best for: Small offices that need fax alongside print, scan, and copy.
- Why chosen: All-in-one functionality with fast speeds and shared network access.
- Caution: Fax functionality is less essential for some modern workflows; consider if not used.
Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Monochrome MFP
Best for small offices seeking a compact all-in-one with affordable operation. The MFC-L2820DW combines print, scan, copy, and fax in a single device, with speeds up to 36 ppm and a 50-page ADF. It supports dual-band wireless and Ethernet, offering flexible connection options for multiple users. This model is a strong fit for budget-conscious teams that still require robust monochrome performance and multi-function capabilities.
- Best for: Small offices needing high efficiency in monochrome without extra color features.
- Why chosen: Excellent balance of speed, features, and compact form factor.
- Caution: Some users may prefer color options for mixed-document needs.
Buying Guide: Laser Printer Scanner Essentials
- Print speed matters: For busy environments, prioritize higher ppm (pages per minute) in black and white. Look for models with 30+ ppm when possible.
- Scanning capability: Consider ADF capacity (typically 50 pages or more) and scan duplex options for efficiency in multi-page workloads.
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi‑Fi with Ethernet supports multiple devices and stable networks. USB connections are useful for direct prints from a computer.
- Document output: Monochrome devices are usually faster and cheaper to run for office text documents. Color models are available but typically cost more per page.
- Workspace fit: Compact footprints and integrated multifunction features save space in small offices and home offices.
- Future needs: If you expect mixed color and black-and-white tasks, consider a color-capable MFP; otherwise, monochrome models may provide better value and speed.
FAQ
- What is the difference between an MFP and a printer-scanner combo?
Answer: An MFP includes printing, scanning, and copying, and often fax, in one device, while a printer-scanner combo may refer to separate devices or a multi-function unit with these features. - Do monochrome laser printers support duplex printing?
Answer: Yes, many models support automatic two-sided printing, which saves paper and time on large documents. - Is wireless connectivity important for shared office use?
Answer: Yes, dual-band Wi‑Fi or wired Ethernet improves reliability when multiple users print from different devices. - Should I buy a color laser MFP for a small team?
Answer: If your team handles color documents (graphics, marketing materials), a color MFP is beneficial; otherwise, monochrome MFPs are typically faster and cheaper to run. - What is the role of the auto document feeder (ADF)?
Answer: The ADF automates multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing, increasing efficiency for batch work. - Are these devices compatible with common office networks?
Answer: Most models offer Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections designed for standard office networks.