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Picking the right all-in-one laser printer for small businesses matters because office productivity depends on dependable print, scan, and copy workflows. A suitable model reduces downtime, lowers per-page costs, and simplifies document handling so you can focus on core work. This guide presents six shortlisted all-in-one laser printers that fit common small-business needs and varied usage patterns. We evaluated models for the features that affect daily operations, including print speed, consumable costs, network and mobile connectivity, and ease of maintenance. Read on for our top picks and the criteria we used to narrow the field.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Brother MFC-L3720CDW Color Laser Printer |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II |  |
| Best Budget The cheapest option that still gets the job done reliably | Canon imageCLASS MF284dw |  |
| Top Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Xerox C245 Color Multifunction Printer |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | HP LaserJet MFP M140w |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | Brother DCP-L2640DW |  |
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Color Laser Printer
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax |
| Standard Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| ADF Capacity | 50 pages |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a compact color laser all-in-one built for small offices that need dependable everyday printing plus basic scanning, copying, and faxing. It delivers up to 19 pages per minute in color and black, automatic duplex printing, a 50-sheet auto document feeder for multi-page scanning, and a 250-sheet adjustable paper tray to reduce interruptions. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen and Brother Mobile Connect app simplify common tasks and let you print or scan from phones and cloud services. Image quality is laser-sharp with a quoted 2400 x 600 dpi color resolution, and Brother offers a refresh subscription for toner that can simplify reordering. Trade-offs are modest speed versus higher-end office lasers and a 3.5-inch UI instead of a larger control panel, and color photo output will not match dedicated photo printers. For a small business that prioritizes reliable color documents, networked mobile access, and straightforward maintenance, this model covers the essentials without excess complexity.
Best for: Buyers who want a reliable, easy-to-manage color laser multifunction for daily small-office document tasks and mobile/cloud printing convenience.
Less Ideal for: Businesses that need very high monthly volumes, top-tier photo quality, or the fastest production speeds should consider heavier-duty models.
- All-in-one functions: print, copy, scan, and fax in one compact unit.
- Automatic duplex and 250-sheet tray reduce manual paper handling.
- 50-sheet auto document feeder speeds multi-page scanning and copying.
- Strong mobile and cloud integration via Brother Mobile Connect and Wi-Fi Direct.
- High quoted print resolution for crisp text and business graphics.
- Print speed is modest at 19 ppm compared with faster business lasers.
- Initial in-box toner yields are standard, so ongoing toner costs can add up without high-yield options.
Verdict: A practical, feature-focused color laser all-in-one that balances dependable everyday performance and mobile/cloud convenience for small business use.
Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II
| Print speed | 35 pages_per_minute |
|---|---|
| Max print resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Scanner type | ADF |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Compatible cartridge | Canon Genuine Toner 069 |
The Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is a fast, office-focused color laser multifunction that handles printing, scanning, copying and faxing with minimal fuss. It delivers up to 35 ppm in color and black-and-white, a 5" color touchscreen for quick job setup, and a one-pass duplex 50-sheet ADF that speeds multi-page scanning. Paper handling is practical for small-business use with a 250-sheet standard cassette plus a multipurpose tray and option to expand capacity with an additional cassette. Connectivity includes Ethernet, USB and Wi‑Fi for printing from desktops and mobile devices, and it uses Canon Genuine Toner 069 cartridges for consistent output and predictable yields. The unit is relatively compact for the class and is Energy Star rated, but it is heavy and intended for a fixed office location rather than occasional home use. Expect lower cost-per-page when running frequent color jobs compared with inkjets, though toner replacement is a recurring operating cost to factor into long-term budgets.
Best for: Small business buyers who need a reliable, fast color multifunction printer that can handle regular multi-page scanning and moderate print volumes with simple mobile and network setup.
Less Ideal for: Users looking for a lightweight, infrequently used home printer or those prioritizing the lowest possible upfront cost over long-term performance and durability.
- Fast print speed of up to 35 pages per minute in color and black-and-white
- One-pass duplex 50-sheet ADF for efficient two-sided scanning and copying
- 5" color touchscreen simplifies job setup and workflow adjustments
- Multiple connectivity options including Ethernet, USB and Wi‑Fi for mobile and networked printing
- Heavy and bulky compared with compact desktop printers
- Toner replacement and running costs are higher than consumer inkjet alternatives
Verdict: A workhorse color all‑in‑one that delivers fast, reliable printing and one-pass duplex scanning for small offices with steady color workloads.
Canon imageCLASS MF284dw
| Print speed | 35 pages_per_minute |
|---|---|
| Printer type | Laser |
| Printer output type | Monochrome |
| Scanner type | ADF |
| Compatible cartridge | Canon Genuine Toner 072 Standard / High Capacity |
The Canon imageCLASS MF284dw is a compact monochrome laser multifunction designed for small offices that need reliable, no-frills printing and basic document workflows. It prints up to 35 ppm with a quick first-page-out time, supports two paper trays for higher capacity, and includes an automatic document feeder and duplex printing to streamline multi-page scanning and double-sided jobs. Connectivity covers wired and wireless options plus mobile printing via Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria, so sending jobs from phones or laptops is straightforward. The printer uses Canon Genuine Toner 072 cartridges with a higher-yield option to reduce how often you replace toner. Practical limitations include monochrome-only output and a modest built-in LCD rather than a large touchscreen, so it is not suited for color materials or heavy photo work, and the unit is fairly substantial in weight. For everyday black-and-white documents, scanning, and copying in a small business, it delivers dependable performance without advanced color features.
Best for: Small business buyers seeking a dependable, budget-minded monochrome AIO that handles everyday printing, copying, and scanning with simple network and mobile connectivity.
Less Ideal for: Teams that need color printing, photo-quality output, or a very compact, lightweight desktop printer should look at color inkjet or smaller laser options instead.
- Fast monochrome printing up to 35 pages per minute for quick document output
- Auto document feeder and duplex printing simplify multi-page scan and two-sided jobs
- Two paper trays increase usable paper capacity and reduce refills
- Mobile and network printing support including Canon PRINT, AirPrint, and Mopria for flexible connectivity
- High-capacity toner option reduces replacement frequency for busy offices
- Monochrome only so it cannot produce color documents or photos
- Relatively heavy and bulky compared with small desktop printers
Verdict: A reliable, no-frills monochrome all-in-one that gives small businesses fast, networked black-and-white printing and practical scanning at a budget-friendly operating profile.
Xerox C245 Color Multifunction Printer
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Color Pages per Minute | 26 pages_per_minute |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Printer Connectivity Type | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 2400×600 dots_per_inch |
The Xerox C245 is a small-footprint color laser multifunction built for steady everyday use in home offices and small businesses. It handles printing, flatbed scanning and copying with a 50-sheet feeder, automatic two-sided printing and an intuitive 2.8-inch color touchscreen for basic workflows. Connectivity includes Wi‑Fi, Ethernet and USB plus mobile printing support via Apple AirPrint and Mopria, and setup is simplified by the Xerox Easy Assist app. Print quality is high for text and color graphics, with a stated 2400×600 dpi resolution and support for common media types including envelopes and card stock. Practical benefits include energy-saving modes, automatic power-on, and compatibility with higher-yield toners to lower running costs. Important limitations are the relatively modest input capacity and 26 ppm speed, which suit light-to-moderate volumes but may bottleneck busy teams, and the unit is fairly heavy for a desktop device which matters if you need to move it frequently.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a dependable, professionally capable color MFP for a small office or home business and want straightforward setup, solid color output, and low-friction mobile printing.
Less Ideal for: Teams that regularly print large daily volumes or need high-capacity paper handling should consider higher-throughput models instead.
- Compact all-in-one design saves desk space while offering print, scan and copy functions.
- Automatic duplex and 50-sheet feeder streamline two-sided jobs and small multi-page batches.
- Multiple connectivity options including dual-band Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB and mobile print protocols.
- High print resolution for sharp text and vibrant color graphics.
- Easy setup via Xerox Easy Assist app and a simple touchscreen for everyday operations.
- 50-sheet input capacity and 26 ppm speed limit throughput for higher-volume office needs.
- Relatively heavy for a compact desktop printer, making relocation less convenient.
Verdict: A reliable, compact color laser multifunction that delivers professional-looking prints and simple mobile setup for small businesses that need dependable everyday performance.
HP LaserJet MFP M140w
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Printer Output Type | Monochrome |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 21 pages_per_minute |
| Maximum Print Resolution Black and White | 600 x 600 dpi dots_per_inch |
| Printer Connectivity Type | USB, wireless |
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is a small-footprint monochrome laser all-in-one built for basic office document workflows. It prints single-sided pages at up to 21 ppm, scans on a flatbed, and makes copies including simple ID-card copies using the scanner bed. Setup and mobile printing are straightforward thanks to USB and wireless support plus HP Smart and AirPrint/Mopria compatibility, which makes it easy to print from phones and laptops. The unit includes an introductory black toner cartridge so it is ready to use out of the box, and its modest paper capacity and 99-sheet handling suit single-user or very small-team use. Expect laser-quality sharp text at 600 x 600 dpi, fast first-page times, and low footprint placement on a desk. Limitations include no automatic duplexing and a single tray with limited sheet capacity, so sites needing frequent two-sided printing or higher monthly volumes should plan for manual duplexing or a larger model.
Best for: Buyers who want a reliable, space-saving monochrome all-in-one for light daily document tasks in a small office or for a 1–3 person team and who prioritize straightforward setup and mobile printing.
Less Ideal for: Workgroups that need frequent automatic two-sided printing, high monthly page volumes, or a larger input tray for heavy daily throughput should consider more capable models.
- Compact footprint suitable for small desks or tight offices
- Fast black-and-white printing up to 21 pages per minute with quick first-page output
- Wireless printing and mobile app support (AirPrint, Mopria, HP Smart) for easy device printing
- Preinstalled introductory toner so the printer is ready to use out of the box
- Flatbed scanner and copy functions add basic multifunction versatility
- No automatic duplex printing which requires manual page flipping for two-sided jobs
- Modest paper capacity and single tray limits throughput for higher-volume offices
Verdict: A compact, easy-to-set-up monochrome laser MFP that delivers fast, sharp text for small teams that need basic print/scan/copy capability.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
| Printer Type | Laser |
|---|---|
| Printer Output Type | Monochrome |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 36 pages_per_minute |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 250 |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity | 50 pages |
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser multifunction printer aimed at small-business and home-office use. It prints up to 36 pages per minute and offers automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet input tray, and a 50-page auto document feeder to speed multi-page copy and scan jobs. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB, plus mobile printing via the Brother Mobile Connect app, making it easy to share the device across multiple users. Toner-save mode and compatibility with Brother TN830/TN830XL cartridges help lower running costs, and the unit ships with a drum and starter toner so you can get started right away. Limitations include monochrome-only output, so no color printing, and a relatively basic LCD rather than a larger touchscreen for on-device controls. Power consumption figures are higher when active, so it is less suited to ultra-low-power environments. For conservative buyers prioritizing reliability and straightforward networked printing, this model delivers practical performance without unnecessary complexity.
Best for: Buyers who want a dependable, straightforward all-in-one laser for steady black-and-white printing and shared network use in a small business or home office environment.
Less Ideal for: Teams that need color printing, photo output, or advanced touchscreen workflows should look at color or multifunction models instead.
- Fast monochrome print speed up to 36 ppm for high-volume jobs
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper use and manual work
- 50-sheet auto document feeder and 250-sheet tray support batch scanning/copying
- Dual-band Wi‑Fi plus Ethernet and USB give flexible connectivity options
- Compatible with high-yield TN830XL toner for lower cost per page
- Prints only in black and white, no color capability
- Basic LCD controls rather than a larger color touchscreen
Verdict: A reliable, fast monochrome all-in-one built for small businesses that need durable, networked black-and-white printing and straightforward supply management.
Choosing the Right All-in-One Laser Printer for Small Businesses: Key Factors to Consider
Print Speed and Monthly Duty Cycle
Print speed affects how quickly staff can complete tasks during busy periods. Measured in pages per minute, speed numbers tell you how the printer will perform under load, but sustained throughput and warm-up time are equally important for repeated short jobs.
Monthly duty cycle and recommended monthly volume indicate how much work a unit can handle without wear-related problems. Choosing a printer with a duty cycle comfortably above your expected monthly volume helps avoid premature failures and maintenance disruptions.
Cost Per Page and Consumable Lifespan
The upfront price is only part of the cost picture. Toner yield, cost of replacement cartridges, and whether the model accepts high-yield or third-party consumables drive ongoing expenses. Also consider imaging drums or maintenance kits that may need periodic replacement.
Calculating a realistic cost per page for your typical mix of monochrome and color output helps forecast operating budget and compare long-term expenses between models.
Connectivity and Security Features
Office printers must integrate smoothly with wired and wireless networks and provide secure printing options. Look for robust Ethernet performance, reliable Wi-Fi, support for common mobile printing standards, and user authentication or pull-printing capabilities to protect sensitive documents.
Security firmware features, like secure boot, encrypted data storage, and regular security updates, reduce the risk of the printer becoming an attack vector on your network.
Paper Handling and Finishing Options
Look beyond the standard paper tray. Automatic document feeder capacity, multipurpose trays for envelopes and labels, and available finishing options like stapling or duplexing affect how many tasks the printer can handle without manual intervention.
If your office processes multi-page reports or envelopes frequently, a larger ADF and reliable duplexing will save time and reduce user handling errors.
Ease of Management and Maintenance
Small-business IT resources are often limited, so remote management features and straightforward maintenance matter. Consider printers that offer clear status reporting, toner-level alerts, and easy-access compartments for replacing consumables.
Models with modular service parts and readily available replacement items reduce downtime. Also evaluate the clarity of on-device menus and whether routine tasks can be completed without a service call.
Size, Noise, and Energy Use
Physical footprint and noise levels affect where you can place the printer in an office. A compact model with lower idle noise is preferable for open-plan spaces or small meeting rooms.
Energy-efficient features like sleep modes and low standby power lower operating costs and contribute to quieter behavior during idle times. Consider these factors alongside capacity and performance to find the best fit for your workspace.
When to Choose Monochrome Versus Color
Deciding between a monochrome and a color all-in-one laser comes down to the types of documents you produce. If your output is mostly text, invoices, and internal forms, a monochrome unit typically delivers lower consumable costs and faster black printing. Color machines add flexibility for presentations and marketing materials but raise per-page costs and can require more maintenance.
Think about occasional color needs as well. If you only need color for rare items, it may be more cost-effective to use a dedicated service for high-quality color prints rather than paying higher ongoing consumable costs for color toner in-house.
- Monochrome: lower cost per page, higher black throughput
- Color: supports marketing collateral and client-facing documents
- Consider hybrid workflows if color demand is infrequent
Network Setup Best Practices for Office Printers
Place the printer on a secure VLAN or separate network segment to limit exposure. Use static IP assignment or DHCP reservations so the device remains discoverable and easier to manage. Where possible, enable encrypted protocols for remote management and printing.
Document driver deployment and standardize on a single driver package or universal driver to reduce user setup issues. For mobile printing, register and test the specific mobile printing methods your staff will use to avoid workflow interruptions.
- Use VLANs or guest networks to isolate the printer
- Enable encrypted printing and secure management interfaces
- Standardize drivers to simplify IT support
Optimizing Consumable Purchasing and Inventory
Keep a small inventory of high-impact consumables, such as high-yield toner cartridges and maintenance kits, to avoid workflow stoppages when a critical item runs out. Track average monthly consumption to set reorder thresholds and prevent overstocking.
Where allowed, consider high-yield or bulk toner options to lower the effective cost per page. Also verify that replacement parts and genuine consumables are readily available in your region to avoid long downtime.
- Maintain reorder points based on average monthly usage
- Prefer high-yield cartridges for heavy-print environments
- Check regional availability before locking into a model
Workflow Tips for Scanning and Document Management
An all-in-one's value often comes from its scanning and document-routing features. Set up consistent scan-to-folder, scan-to-email, and searchable PDF workflows to reduce manual handling. Configure OCR settings centrally if your software stack supports it to ensure reliable text recognition.
Train staff on naming conventions and folder structures to make scanned documents easier to find. Automating routine scans into predefined workflows saves time and reduces errors in busy offices.
- Enable OCR for searchable PDFs when practical
- Use structured folder and naming conventions
- Automate routine scan destinations to cut manual steps
Placement and Ergonomics in Small Offices
Think about where employees will access the printer. Central locations reduce walking time but may increase noise exposure. Ensure adequate clearance for paper tray access and ADF use. If the printer will be used in a public area, consider positioning it to protect confidential output.
Evaluate the ergonomics of the control panel height and angle for frequent users. Also plan for power access and cable routing to keep the workspace tidy and safe.
- Allow clearance for paper trays and ADF
- Balance central access with privacy and noise considerations
- Check control panel ergonomics for frequent operators
How We Chose the Best All-in-One Laser Printer for Small Businesses
Our selection prioritized real-world small-business needs rather than marketing claims. We started by filtering for all-in-one laser printers designed for office use and excluded single-function devices and consumer-targeted models that lack robust duty cycles. Core evaluation dimensions included sustained print speed and warm-up behavior, monthly duty cycle and recommended monthly volume, cost per page for both black-and-white and color where applicable, and the breadth and reliability of network connectivity and security features. We also weighed usability factors such as control-panel ergonomics, mobile printing support, automatic document feeder capacity, and maintenance accessibility for parts users replace themselves, like toner cartridges and imaging units. Energy efficiency and sleep/wake responsiveness were considered because they affect operating cost and user experience. Printers with limited office-centric features, poor replacement-part availability, or unclear consumable pricing were excluded. The resulting shortlist reflects products that balance throughput, operating economics, and office-friendly features.
Our full evaluation process is outlined in our review methodology.
FAQ
How many pages per month should a small business expect to print?
It depends on staff size and workflows, but many small businesses print between a few hundred and several thousand pages monthly. Estimate based on invoicing, client materials, and internal documents, then choose a printer with a recommended monthly volume above that estimate.
Can I share an all-in-one laser printer across wired and wireless users?
Yes. Modern all-in-one laser printers typically support both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections as well as mobile printing. For reliability, place the printer on a stable wired connection when possible and use wireless for mobile or remote users.
How do I lower my office print costs without replacing the printer?
Adjust settings to default to duplex printing, use draft mode for internal documents, and deploy high-yield toner cartridges. Also review user habits and enforce printing policies to cut unnecessary prints.
What maintenance tasks can office staff handle themselves?
Routine tasks usually include replacing toner cartridges, clearing paper jams, cleaning the ADF and glass platen, and replacing easy-access maintenance kits. More complex service, like fuser replacement, is often best left to trained technicians.
Are security updates important for office printers?
Yes. Security updates address vulnerabilities that could expose documents or the network. Enable automatic updates when available and follow vendor guidance for firmware patches to keep the device secure.
Final Verdict
Prioritize the factors that matter most for your daily workflows when choosing an all-in-one laser printer for small businesses. For high-volume text printing, emphasize monochrome throughput and low cost per page. If your office needs color, plan for the higher consumable costs and maintenance those machines require. Balance print speed, consumable economics, and network security to find a dependable office workhorse. Choose a model whose duty cycle, paper handling, and management features align with your expected usage to minimize downtime and ongoing operating costs.