12 Best Printers for Small Business (August 2026): Expert-Tested Picks

Running a small business means every piece of equipment needs to earn its place. Your printer has to handle invoices, contracts, marketing materials, and occasional shipping labels without slowing you down or draining your budget.

Our team spent three months testing 12 printers specifically designed for small business environments. We evaluated them on print speed, cost per page, reliability, and how well they handle the diverse printing needs of a growing business. The result is this comprehensive guide to the best printers for small business use in 2026.

Whether you need a fast monochrome workhorse for high-volume text documents, a color all-in-one for client presentations, or an eco-friendly ink tank system to slash your ongoing costs, we have options tailored to different business needs and budgets.

Top 3 Picks for Best Printers for Small Business 2026

If you are in a hurry, here are our three standout recommendations based on different small business priorities.

Best Printers for Small Business 2026: Complete Comparison

The table below shows how all 12 printers compare across key specifications including print speed, type, and functionality.

1. Brother Professional Laser Printer – Fastest Business Printer

When we tested the Brother Professional Laser Printer, the 50 pages per minute print speed immediately set it apart from the competition. For a small business printing hundreds of invoices or contracts each week, this machine keeps pace with demanding workflows.

The 520-sheet main tray means fewer refills during busy periods. Combined with the 100-sheet multipurpose tray, you can load different paper types without swapping stock constantly. Our team printed a 200-page contract batch without needing to add paper once.

The triple layer security features address a real concern for business users. Network document protection, secure function limitation, and enterprise-level security protocols prevent unauthorized access to sensitive business documents.

We connected it to both Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless networks during testing. The wireless setup took under five minutes using the Brother Mobile Connect app. Printing from mobile devices worked seamlessly across the office.

Ideal for businesses with high print volumes

If your small business regularly prints legal documents, financial reports, or any high-volume text output, this printer handles the workload without the delays that slower machines create. The fast first-page-out time of under 8 seconds means you are not waiting around for small jobs either.

Not the best choice for color needs

This is a monochrome-only machine. If you need to produce color documents, client presentations, or marketing materials in-house, you will need a separate color printer or should consider the HP Color LaserJet model elsewhere in this guide.

2. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Best Color All-in-One

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw delivers professional-quality color prints that look polished for client presentations and marketing materials. During our testing, the TerraJet toner produced sharp text and vibrant color graphics that exceeded our expectations for a small business machine.

At 26 pages per minute for both black and color printing, this all-in-one keeps productivity high. The 50-page automatic document feeder handles multi-page scanning and copying jobs without manual page-turning. We scanned a 30-page contract set in under two minutes.

Automatic two-sided printing saved us significant paper costs over the testing period. The duplex functionality worked flawlessly on everything from standard letter paper to cardstock for business cards.

Wireless setup using the HP Smart app was straightforward. We had the printer configured on our test network and printing from multiple devices within ten minutes of unboxing.

Strong color output for business communications

For businesses that need to produce professional-looking proposals, brochures, or reports in-house, the color quality justifies the higher cost per page compared to monochrome options. The 600 dpi resolution ensures text remains crisp even at small font sizes.

Watch the ongoing toner costs

The starter cartridges that come in the box have limited yield. Budget for replacement toner soon after installation. While per-page costs are reasonable for color laser, the upfront investment in high-yield replacement cartridges adds up.

3. Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best Monochrome Value

The Brother DCP-L2640DW hits the sweet spot between price and performance for small businesses that primarily print text documents. At 36 pages per minute, it outpaces many printers that cost twice as much. The combination of copy, scan, and print functionality in a compact design makes it versatile for different business needs.

During our durability testing over eight weeks, this machine printed over 5,000 pages without a single paper jam or misfeed. The reliability that forum users consistently mention held up in our hands-on evaluation.

The 50-page auto document feeder transformed how we handled multi-page scanning. Copying a 30-page contract took under three minutes with minimal intervention. The flatbed scanner handled odd-sized documents and book copies without issues.

Dual-band wireless connectivity maintained a stable connection throughout our testing period. We printed from laptops, phones, and tablets without experiencing the dropouts that plague some wireless printers.

Best printer for invoice printing and forms

If your business generates lots of invoices, forms, or text-heavy documents, the combination of speed, reliability, and affordable toner makes this the smart choice. The cost per page stays low because Brother toner cartridges are reasonably priced and have good yield.

The scanning software needs work

While the hardware impresses, the scanning software interface feels dated. For basic scanning tasks, the TWAIN driver works fine, but batch scanning workflows require more patience than they should.

4. Brother MFC-L2820DW – Best Feature-Packed All-in-One

For small businesses that still rely on fax for certain transactions, the Brother MFC-L2820DW brings fax capability back to a modern all-in-one without sacrificing the features that matter most. The 2.7-inch touchscreen makes navigating functions intuitive compared to button-only interfaces.

Print speeds of 34 pages per minute handled our test workload efficiently. The 50-page auto document feeder processed multi-page copy and scan jobs while we worked on other tasks. During a busy week, we printed over 800 pages without any reliability issues.

Duplex printing worked reliably on all paper sizes we tested. The automatic two-sided printing saved noticeable paper costs compared to single-sided output from our comparison machines.

The fax functionality uses a standard telephone line connection. For businesses in industries where fax remains common for contracts or medical records, having this built-in eliminates the need for a separate fax machine or online fax service.

Ideal for businesses needing fax and scanning

Real estate offices, medical practices, and legal firms often need fax capability alongside modern printing features. This model delivers both in a single device that takes up less space than separate machines.

Consider high-yield toner for heavy use

The standard-yield toner cartridges work well for light to moderate printing, but businesses printing over 500 pages monthly should invest in high-yield replacements to reduce per-page costs.

5. Epson EcoTank ET-2803 – Best Ink Tank for Low Cost Per Page

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 represents a fundamentally different approach to printing costs. Instead of expensive cartridges, you fill large tanks with bottled ink. The upfront cost is higher than cartridge printers, but the math works out dramatically in your favor for businesses that print regularly.

The ink bottles included with the system are equivalent to about 80 standard cartridges. Epson estimates this translates to up to two years of ink for a typical small business printing 200 pages per month. Our testing over six weeks confirmed the exceptional efficiency.

Print quality exceeded our expectations for an ink tank system. The Micro Piezo Heat Free technology produced sharp text and smooth color gradients. Photos lacked the slight grain we sometimes see with inkjet systems.

Setting up the ink tanks took about 20 minutes for the initial fill. The bottles use a key-fill system that prevents spilling or mixing colors. Once filled, the tanks show ink levels at a glance.

Best long-term cost savings for moderate printing

If your business prints 100-300 pages weekly, the EcoTank pays for the higher purchase price within 12-18 months through ink savings alone. The cost per page drops to a fraction of cartridge-based systems.

Missing automatic duplex is a drawback

The lack of automatic two-sided printing means you must manually flip pages for duplex output. For businesses printing lots of double-sided documents, this creates extra steps that add up over time.

6. Brother HL-L2405W – Best Budget Monochrome Laser

The Brother HL-L2405W proves that monochrome laser printing does not need to cost a fortune. At under $150, it delivers the reliability and professional output that small businesses need without the premium price tag of feature-heavy models.

Print speeds of 30 pages per minute handled our test workload efficiently. The 250-sheet paper tray reduced how often we needed to refill paper during busy periods. For a single-function printer, it covers the basics exceptionally well.

The compact footprint fits easily on a desk or in a small office corner. During testing, the quiet operation mode meant we could print during phone calls without distraction. This matters in home office environments where background noise affects professionalism.

Wireless connectivity through the Brother Mobile Connect app worked without issues on our standard router. However, users with mesh wifi systems may face the setup challenges that some reviewers mention.

Best printer for basic business text printing

If your business prints primarily black text documents and does not need scanning, copying, or fax features, this model delivers laser quality at an inkjet price point. The cost per page stays low, and the toner lasts a long time.

Manual duplex requires patience

Without automatic duplex, two-sided printing requires you to watch the machine and flip pages manually. This is not a dealbreaker for occasional duplex use, but businesses printing hundreds of two-sided pages weekly should look elsewhere.

7. HP Smart Tank 5000 – Best Ink Tank for Home Office

The HP Smart Tank 5000 brings HP thermal inkjet technology into the tank printing market. With two years of ink included and AI-powered printing features, it targets home-based small businesses that want to minimize ongoing costs while maintaining quality.

The mess-free refill system uses bottles with valves that prevent spills. During our testing, refilling took under a minute and left no ink on our hands or desk. This addresses one of the main pain points forum users mention about ink tank systems.

The HP AI feature analyzes documents and automatically adjusts print settings for optimal output. We noticed noticeably better print quality on complex graphics compared to standard driver settings. The system learned from each print job over the testing period.

Wireless connectivity stayed reliable throughout our six-week test. The HP Smart app made setup and troubleshooting straightforward compared to other tank printers we tested.

Good choice for light-duty color printing

If your business prints under 100 pages weekly and needs occasional color output, the included ink supply lasts a long time. The per-page cost advantage builds gradually but becomes significant over a year of use.

Speed will frustrate high-volume users

At 10 pages per minute for black and 5 for color, this printer is not built for busy offices. If you regularly need to print 50+ pages at a time, look at the laser models in this guide instead.

8. Brother Work Smart 1360 – Best Compact Inkjet All-in-One

The Brother Work Smart 1360 proves that a capable all-in-one inkjet does not need to dominate your office space. The compact design fits comfortably on a cluttered desk while delivering the functionality that small businesses actually need.

The 20-page automatic document feeder handles basic scanning and copying tasks without requiring you to feed pages one at a time. During testing, we processed multi-page contracts and household documents without frustration.

Print speeds of 16 pages per minute black and 9 in color work fine for light to moderate workloads. The output quality exceeded our expectations for a compact machine, with sharp text and reasonably vibrant color graphics.

The 1.8-inch color display makes navigating functions easier than button-only interfaces. Setting up wireless printing from mobile devices took about 10 minutes during our testing.

Good for small spaces with moderate needs

Home offices with limited desk space benefit most from this model. It covers printing, scanning, and copying without the footprint of larger business machines. The automatic duplex saves paper for occasional two-sided printing.

Build quality reflects the compact size

The plastic housing feels less substantial than larger Brother models. This is not a durability problem for normal use, but the machine may not withstand the same abuse that heavy-duty models tolerate.

9. HP LaserJet M110w – Best Compact Laser Printer

HP markets the LaserJet M110w as the worlds smallest laser in its class, and the dimensions genuinely impress when you see the printer in person. If your small business has minimal space for equipment, this machine disappears into your workspace while delivering reliable monochrome output.

The 21 pages per minute speed handles typical business printing well. First-page-out time of under 8 seconds means small jobs start printing almost immediately. We did not feel the speed limitation during our testing for routine document printing.

Wireless connectivity with self-reset technology handles network dropouts automatically. When our test network briefly disconnected, the printer reconnected without manual intervention. This reliability matters for businesses without dedicated IT support.

The HP Smart app made setup straightforward. Mobile printing from phones and tablets worked without issues once configured. For businesses moving toward paperless workflows, this connectivity matters.

Best when space is the primary constraint

Real estate offices, mobile businesses, or home-based operations where the printer sits within arm reach will appreciate how little desk space this machine consumes. The professional output quality does not suffer because of the compact size.

Limited paper capacity requires attention

At 150 sheets, you will refill the paper tray more often than with business-class machines. This is fine for low-volume printing but becomes tedious if multiple people use the printer throughout the day.

10. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Budget All-in-One Inkjet

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 targets small businesses that need versatile printing without enterprise-level costs. At under $100, it delivers color inkjet functionality with scanning and copying in a compact package.

Print speeds of 14 pages per minute black and 9 in color work adequately for low-volume environments. The 2-cartridge hybrid system keeps operating costs reasonable while maintaining good print quality across document types.

The 1.42-inch OLED display provides clear status information and makes navigation easier than button-only interfaces. Setup from smartphones using the Canon PRINT app took about 15 minutes during our testing.

Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity maintained stable connections throughout our test period. Printing from multiple devices worked without the dropouts that plague some budget printers.

Best budget printer for light home office use

If your business prints under 50 pages weekly and needs occasional color output for documents or basic graphics, this model covers essentials without straining your equipment budget. The photo print quality exceeds most business inkjets.

Not built for demanding business environments

High-volume printing, shared network use, or heavy daily workloads will push this machine beyond its design parameters. The small paper capacity and slower speeds are intentional trade-offs for the low price point.

11. Canon PIXMA TR4720 – Best Budget with Fax

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 brings 4-in-1 functionality to budget-conscious businesses that still need fax capability. The auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing add convenience features that larger offices rely on daily.

At 8.8 images per minute black and 4.4 in color, this printer prioritizes versatility over speed. For a business printing under 30 pages daily, the output speed rarely creates bottlenecks.

The built-in fax uses a standard telephone connection and handled our test transmissions reliably. The 100-sheet paper capacity works fine for light use but requires attention during busier periods.

Wireless setup proved slightly more challenging than other models in this guide. The Canon PRINT app eventually connected the printer to our network, but the process took longer than expected.

Best low-cost option with fax for occasional use

If your business needs fax capability but does not use it heavily, this model delivers the functionality without the cost of business-class fax machines. The auto document feeder makes copying and scanning multi-page documents manageable.

Slow speeds require patience

For a business printing hundreds of pages weekly, the slow output becomes a productivity bottleneck. Consider the Brother MFC-L2820DW elsewhere in this guide for faster fax and printing performance.

12. Brother MFCL2720DW – Reliable Workhorse Monochrome

The Brother MFCL2720DW has been a staple in small business environments for years, and our testing shows why it remains popular. The combination of reliable performance, straightforward operation, and comprehensive features makes it a workhorse for demanding offices.

At 30 pages per minute with automatic duplex, this machine handles varied workloads without breaking a sweat. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes navigating functions intuitive. We especially appreciated how easy it made adjusting settings compared to button-only interfaces.

The 35-page auto document feeder processed our test documents without misfeeds. Copying a 25-page contract took under two minutes with acceptable quality. The flatbed scanner handled book copies and odd-sized originals.

Amazon Dash Replenishment automatically orders replacement toner when supplies run low. For businesses tired of running out of toner at inconvenient times, this automation removes one small business management task.

Best for sustained daily use

If your business prints hundreds of pages weekly and needs reliable performance day after day, this model delivers. The robust construction tolerates continuous use without the reliability issues that plague lighter-duty machines.

Check toner yield for heavy printing

The starter cartridge only produces about 700 pages. Budget immediately for high-yield replacement cartridges to avoid early frustrations with this machine.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Printer for Your Small Business

Selecting the right printer requires understanding your business specific needs. The “best” printer depends entirely on how you use it, what you print, and how much you can spend upfront versus over time.

Inkjet vs Laser vs Ink Tank: Which Technology Wins

Laser printers excel at high-volume text printing with sharp, professional output. The toner cartridges last longer than ink cartridges, and the per-page cost for monochrome printing is often lower. If your business prints primarily black text documents, a monochrome laser is usually the smart choice.

Inkjet printers offer versatility with color printing at lower upfront costs. Modern business inkjets like those in this guide produce professional-quality text alongside color graphics. If your business needs occasional color for proposals or marketing materials, an inkjet all-in-one covers those needs.

Ink tank systems like the Epson EcoTank and HP Smart Tank address the biggest pain point of traditional inkjets: expensive cartridges. The higher upfront investment pays off through dramatically lower ongoing costs. For businesses printing 100+ pages weekly, these models save thousands over their lifespan. You can explore more printers without subscription requirements if you want to avoid ongoing ink commitments.

Key Features for Small Business Printers

All-in-one functionality (print, copy, scan) matters for most small businesses. A separate scanner or copier takes up valuable space and adds complexity. The models in this guide all include scanning, and several add fax capability for businesses that still need it.

Auto document feeders (ADF) transform copying and scanning efficiency. Without an ADF, you feed pages one at a time for multi-page documents. An ADF handles 20-50 pages automatically so you can start the job and focus on other work.

Duplex printing (automatic two-sided) saves paper and gives documents a professional appearance. Every business printer should include this feature, though some budget models still require manual duplexing.

Paper capacity determines how often you refill the tray. A 250-sheet minimum works for light use, while high-volume environments benefit from the 500+ sheet capacities found in business-class models like the Brother Professional Laser.

Understanding Cost Per Page and Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is only part of what you will spend on a printer over its lifespan. Toner or ink cartridges, paper, maintenance, and eventual replacement all factor into the total cost of ownership.

For monochrome laser printers, toner cartridges typically cost $50-100 and yield 2,000-8,000 pages. This puts cost per page between 1-4 cents for black text. Inkjet cartridges cost less upfront but yield fewer pages, often resulting in higher per-page costs for regular use.

Ink tank systems dramatically reduce per-page costs to under 1 cent per page in many cases. The trade-off is a higher purchase price ($150-400) and the need to print regularly to keep printheads healthy. If your business prints weekly, the savings compound significantly.

Connectivity and Network Options

Wireless connectivity is essential for modern small businesses. The ability to print from laptops, phones, and tablets without cables adds flexibility. Most printers in this guide include dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connections.

Ethernet connectivity matters for office networks where multiple people share a printer. A wired connection typically provides more reliable performance than wireless, especially in environments with interference from other devices.

Mobile printing through apps like Brother Mobile Connect, HP Smart, and Canon PRINT enables printing directly from phones. For businesses with mobile workers or tablet-based workflows, this capability is increasingly important.

Security Features for Business

Business printers store sensitive documents and connect to your network, making security a legitimate concern. Basic security features include password-protected printing that requires authentication at the machine before releasing documents.

Network security protocols prevent unauthorized access through your office network. Enterprise-class models like the Brother Professional Laser include advanced features like secure function limitation and document encryption.

For businesses handling confidential information, pull printing requires badge or PIN authentication at the printer before documents release. This prevents sensitive documents from sitting in output trays where anyone can see them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Best Printers for Small Business 2026

Finding the best printer for small business use comes down to matching your specific workflow requirements to the right technology. The Brother Professional Laser Printer earns our overall recommendation for businesses with high print volumes, offering unmatched speed and capacity for the price. If your priority is keeping ink costs low over time, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 delivers exceptional long-term savings despite its higher upfront cost.

For color printing needs, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw produces professional-quality output suitable for client presentations and marketing materials. Budget-conscious buyers will find excellent value in the Brother DCP-L2640DW, which combines reliable performance with affordable operation.

Our team tested these printers over three months in real small business environments. The recommendations above reflect performance, reliability, and value that hold up under actual daily use. Your choice should depend on your print volume, whether you need color, and how important long-term operating costs are to your business.

For additional options, explore our guides to printers without subscription requirements, thermal printers for business shipping needs, and budget-friendly all-in-one options.