Best Monochrome Laser MFPs for Home and Small Offices

The Xerox B225 multifunction device is perfect for both home use with regular large print volumes and small office workgroups.

The model belongs to the "3-in-1" solutions segment, designed for printing, copying, and scanning documents. Additionally, onboard the MFP, they provided for the presence of a built-in fax. The Xerox B225 works with media up to A4 size: the device's input tray holds exactly half a standard pack of paper (250 sheets), and the output tray up to 150 sheets.

The MFP's "cold start" time is 6.4 seconds. In maximum performance mode, the model develops a print and copy speed of up to 34 ppm. At the same time, it includes the possibility of automatic duplex printing and automatic document feeder function (for copying and scanning modes). The standard MFP cartridge has a capacity of about 3,000 monochrome prints. Also on sale is an extended capacity black toner cassette — for 6,000 pages.

The MFP shows readiness for solid monthly print volumes: the recommended load on it is about 2,500 prints per month, the maximum is up to 30,000 pages. The model is connected via USB interface, LAN network, or via Wi-Fi wireless connection. The Xerox B225 supports the mobile printing technologies Apple AirPrint and Mopria.

The fairly productive HP LaserJet Pro M234SDW model combines in one bottle the functions of a monochrome laser printer, copier, and document scanner (A4 format).

The device is equipped with both wired connection interfaces (USB/LAN) and wireless Wi-Fi connectivity with support for HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria printing technologies. From mobile devices, you can not only send files for printing but also save scans of documents on them (or in the "cloud"). For automatic scanning, the model provides an automatic feeder tray with a capacity of 40 pages.

The HP LaserJet Pro M234SDW delivers a maximum print resolution of 600x600 dpi, the same resolution is available when scanning. As for print and copy speed, it reaches 30 ppm, and printing the first print takes the device 6.9 seconds. Among the useful options in the MFP, there is an automatic duplex printing mode.

By default, the device is designed for workloads of about 2,000 pages per month. However, in peak load modes, it can handle printing up to 20,000 prints in one month. The toner supply in the standard MFP cartridge is enough for about 1,100 monochrome prints. With such data, the model is perfectly suited for moderate home-office use.

The Brother DCP-L2620DW model will help organize uninterrupted work at home or in the office, even if it is indirectly related to printing documents, copying, and obtaining digital scans.

The device is made in a black case with a button panel and a small info display. The controls will come in handy for setting basic copying and scanning parameters—advanced printing settings are available from a computer or mobile devices. The MFP connects to a PC via a USB interface, and it maintains wireless connectivity with smartphones or tablets via a Wi-Fi network.

In printer mode, Brother DCP-L2620DW outputs the first page for printing 8.5 seconds after launch. The speed of printing monochrome documents reaches 32 ppm. A similar pace is maintained when using the device as a copier. Additionally, the MFP has a flatbed scanner with a resolution capacity of up to 1200x1200 dpi.

The device comes with a toner cartridge yielding about 700 monochrome prints and an imaging drum designed for printing up to 15,000 pages. The standard MFP cartridge has a toner supply for 1,200 sheets. If regular large print volumes are required, you can consider the improved MFP modification in the face of Brother DCP-L2627DWXL — it accommodates two XL toner cartridges with a resource of 3,000 pages each.

The MX431ADN multifunction device belongs to the entry-level solutions of the Lexmark MX Mono line. It is designed for solid volumes of home and office printing as part of small workgroups.

The model features a quick start and high performance in printing monochrome prints. The first printed sheet is fed to the output tray 5.9 seconds after start-up. The MFP ensures a print speed of up to 40 ppm. Document printing is possible in duplex (double-sided) format, and the device supports automatic duplex scanning—the corresponding automatic original feeder tray holds up to 50 sheets.

The MFP from Lexmark effortlessly handles large monthly workloads: the recommended load on it is up to 8,000 prints, the maximum is up to 80,000 pages. The standard cartridge has a resource equal to approximately 3,000 monochrome prints.

For visualizing and changing settings "on the fly," the MFP uses a 2.8-inch color screen that supports touch control. Moreover, the model is equipped with a fax for sending and receiving relevant fax messages. The device connects traditionally via wired methods through USB and LAN interfaces. The MFP also features USB ports for direct printing from flash drives.

For individual use and the needs of small businesses, Canon offers the i-SENSYS MF272DW laser monochrome MFP. This is a robust mid-range model with the functions of a black-and-white printer, document copier, and color scanner.

As a printer, the device can work with paper media up to A4 size of standard density (from 60 to 163 g/m²). Printing and copying monochrome prints are performed at a maximum speed of up to 29 ppm. An additional plus for the model is support for automatic duplex (double-sided) printing.

Accurate digital copies of materials are intended to be created using a flatbed CIS scanner providing a resolution capacity of up to 600x600 dpi. Transfers of scans and document print queue settings can be made either via USB connection, network LAN socket, or Wi-Fi wireless connection. The model includes support for "over-air" printing technologies Wi-Fi Direct and Apple AirPrint, and it is compatible with cloud services Mopria and Canon PRINT Business.

The standard toner cartridge Canon 071 allows for about 1,200 monochrome prints. However, a suitable alternative would be an extended-capacity toner cassette Canon 071H — which is sufficient for 2,500 pages. Depending on the needs, preference can be given to this or other consumption supplies for the MFP.