Best Printers for Small Business in 2026
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Best Printers for Small Business in 2026: The Complete Buying Guide
Last updated: February 2026
Choosing the best printer for small business in 2026 can make a real difference to your bottom line. Between ink costs, paper speed, wireless connectivity, and security features, there's a lot to weigh up. Whether you're printing invoices, marketing materials, or shipping labels, picking the right machine saves you time and money every single month.
We've researched and compared the top printers on the market to bring you six standout picks across every category — from budget-friendly options to high-volume workhorses. Below you'll find a detailed comparison table, a breakdown of laser vs inkjet technology, cost-per-page analysis, and answers to the most common questions small business owners ask.
Our Top 6 Picks at a Glance
| Category | Printer | Type | Price (MSRP) | Speed | Cost per Page | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw | Color Laser AIO | $579 | 35 ppm | ~3.2¢ (mono) / ~16.5¢ (color) | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint |
| Best Laser | Brother MFC-L2900DW | Mono Laser AIO | $230 | 36 ppm | ~2.7¢ (mono) | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Best Inkjet | Epson EcoTank ET-3950 | Color Inkjet AIO | $350 | 16 ppm | ~0.3¢ (mono) / ~0.9¢ (color) | Wi-Fi, USB, AirPrint |
| Best All-in-One | Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw | Color Laser AIO | $380 | 26 ppm | ~3.0¢ (mono) / ~17¢ (color) | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint |
| Best Budget | Brother HL-L2460DW | Mono Laser | $150 | 36 ppm | ~2.7¢ (mono) | Dual-band Wi-Fi, USB |
| Best for High Volume | HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Mono Laser AIO | $349 | 35 ppm | ~2.5¢ (mono) | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint |
Detailed Reviews of the Best Printers for Small Business
1. Best Overall: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is the printer we recommend for most small businesses that need color printing without sacrificing speed or reliability. It combines print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities in a well-built package that handles daily office demands with ease.
At 35 pages per minute for both mono and color output, it won't leave your team waiting at the printer. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) speeds up multi-page scanning and copying, while automatic two-sided (duplex) printing cuts your paper costs in half. HP Wolf Security is built in, protecting against firmware attacks and unauthorized access — something increasingly important for businesses handling sensitive documents.
Connectivity is comprehensive: dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and support for Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the HP Smart app. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes setup and everyday operation straightforward.
The main trade-off is color toner cost — at around 16.5 cents per color page, it's typical for a laser but significantly more than an ink tank model. If your color volume is high, consider the Epson EcoTank below. For mixed office use, though, this HP is hard to beat. Browse our HP toner cartridges collection for compatible replacements.
2. Best Laser: Brother MFC-L2900DW
If color isn't a priority and you want rock-solid mono laser performance, the Brother MFC-L2900DW delivers outstanding value. Wirecutter and multiple reviewers have praised this model for its reliability, low running costs, and hassle-free setup.
You get 36 ppm printing, a 50-sheet ADF, automatic duplex, and a flatbed scanner — all for around $230. Brother's toner cartridges are reasonably priced, especially the high-yield TN-830XL, bringing your cost per page down to roughly 2.7 cents. The drum unit is separate from the toner, which means you only replace what's used up.
Wi-Fi (dual-band), Ethernet, and USB connectivity cover all your networking needs. It supports mobile printing via AirPrint, Mopria, and Brother's own mobile app. For a small business that mainly prints contracts, invoices, reports, and internal documents, this is one of the smartest buys in 2026.
3. Best Inkjet: Epson EcoTank ET-3950
The Epson EcoTank ET-3950 is the standout inkjet choice for small businesses that want the lowest possible cost per page. Epson's ink tank system replaces traditional cartridges with refillable bottles, slashing your ongoing costs dramatically.
At roughly 0.3 cents per mono page and less than 1 cent per color page, the ET-3950 pays for itself quickly — especially if you print a few hundred pages a month. A single set of included ink bottles can produce up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages, meaning you might not buy ink for months.
The trade-off is speed: at 16 ppm for mono output, it's noticeably slower than the laser options on our list. Print quality for text is good but not quite as crisp as laser. However, it excels at color documents, photos, and marketing materials where laser printers often fall short.
It includes automatic duplex printing, a 30-sheet ADF, and Wi-Fi connectivity. If you also need a printer for home use, check out our guide to the best printer for home use with cheap ink in 2026.
4. Best All-in-One: Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw earns our all-in-one pick by balancing color laser quality, a full feature set, and a reasonable price point. It's rated by RTINGS as the best small office printer they've tested, and for good reason.
This all-in-one handles print, scan, copy, and fax — everything a small business needs in a single footprint. At 26 ppm (both mono and color), it's quick enough for moderate daily print loads. The 50-sheet ADF and single-pass duplex scanning save time on multi-page jobs.
Canon's Application Library gives you one-touch access to cloud services, while support for AirPrint, Mopria, and Wi-Fi Direct means everyone in the office can print from their devices. The 5-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive.
Toner costs are competitive with other color lasers. Canon 067 standard cartridges are widely available, and the high-yield 067H versions bring per-page costs down meaningfully. A solid, versatile machine for the price.
5. Best Budget: Brother HL-L2460DW
At around $150, the Brother HL-L2460DW is the most affordable way to get reliable, fast laser printing in your small business. It's a print-only model (no scanner or copier), but if all you need is to churn out documents quickly and cheaply, it's exceptional.
The 36 ppm speed matches printers costing three times as much. Automatic duplex printing is included, as is dual-band Wi-Fi for flexible placement. Paper handling includes a 250-sheet tray, sufficient for most small offices without constant refilling.
Cost per page sits around 2.7 cents using the high-yield TN-830XL toner. The separate drum-and-toner design means each component is replaced independently, keeping your ongoing costs predictable.
If you're starting a business on a tight budget, this is the printer to get. Pair it with a standalone scanner if needed, and you'll still come out ahead versus many all-in-ones. Looking for an affordable HP alternative? Check out our cheap HP printers collection.
6. Best for High Volume: HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
For businesses that print thousands of pages monthly, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is built to handle the workload. Its recommended monthly volume of up to 4,000 pages, combined with HP Wolf Security and robust networking, makes it ideal for busy offices.
At 35 ppm with a first-page-out time under 8 seconds, there's minimal waiting even during peak hours. The 40-sheet ADF, automatic duplex printing, and 250-sheet input tray keep things running smoothly. An optional second tray can be added for 550 more sheets if needed.
HP's built-in security features are a major advantage for high-volume environments. Self-healing firmware, secure boot, and memory protection guard against threats. IT administrators can manage the printer remotely through the HP Smart app or web interface.
At around 2.5 cents per mono page using HP 230X high-yield toner, running costs are among the lowest on our list. Replacement HP toner cartridges are easy to find through our store.
Laser vs Inkjet for Small Business: Which Is Right for You?
This is the first decision most small business owners face, and there's no single right answer — it depends on what you print and how much.
Choose Laser If:
- You print mostly text documents — contracts, invoices, reports, forms
- Speed matters — laser printers typically produce 30-40+ ppm vs 15-20 ppm for inkjets
- You need sharp, professional text — laser produces consistently crisp text with no risk of smearing
- Your volume is moderate to high — laser handles sustained high-volume runs without degradation
- You print infrequently — toner doesn't dry out like ink, so a laser printer works perfectly even if it sits idle for weeks
Choose Inkjet If:
- Color printing is a priority — inkjets deliver richer, more vibrant color, especially for photos and marketing materials
- You want the lowest cost per page — ink tank models like the Epson EcoTank achieve sub-1-cent color pages
- You print on varied media — inkjets handle cardstock, labels, photo paper, and envelopes more flexibly
- Upfront budget is tight — many capable inkjets cost under $300
For most small businesses that primarily print documents, a mono laser printer offers the best combination of speed, reliability, and low running costs. If you regularly produce color marketing materials or photos, an ink tank inkjet is the smarter long-term investment.
Key Features to Look for in a Business Printer
Automatic Duplex Printing
Two-sided printing cuts your paper consumption (and costs) roughly in half. Every printer on our list includes this feature, and we strongly recommend against any business printer that lacks it. Over a year of moderate printing, duplex can save hundreds of dollars in paper alone.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
If you scan, copy, or fax multi-page documents, an ADF is essential. It lets you load a stack of pages and walk away, rather than feeding one sheet at a time on the flatbed. Look for models with at least a 30-sheet ADF; 50 sheets is better for offices that handle longer documents frequently.
Wireless and Mobile Printing
In 2026, Wi-Fi connectivity is standard, but pay attention to whether the printer supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The 5 GHz band is less congested in busy office environments and offers faster data transfer. Also confirm support for Apple AirPrint and Mopria (Android), so employees can print directly from phones and tablets without installing drivers.
Ethernet
For offices with a wired network, Ethernet provides a more stable, faster connection than Wi-Fi — especially important for high-volume printing or when multiple users share the printer. Most business-grade models include Gigabit Ethernet.
Security Features
Printers are often an overlooked entry point for cyberattacks. In 2026, look for models with secure boot, firmware integrity verification, and encryption. HP's Wolf Security suite is one of the most comprehensive, offering self-healing BIOS, whitelisting, and run-time intrusion detection. Brother and Canon also offer built-in security features, though typically less extensive than HP's enterprise-grade options.
Paper Handling
A 250-sheet input tray is the standard minimum for business printers. If you print more than 1,000 pages per month, consider models that support an optional second tray (often 550 sheets) to reduce how often you need to reload paper.
Cost per Page Analysis: The True Cost of Printing
The sticker price of a printer is only part of the equation. Over the life of the machine, ink or toner costs typically exceed the purchase price by 3x to 10x. Here's how the main technologies compare:
Standard Inkjet Cartridges
Traditional inkjet cartridges are the most expensive way to print on a per-page basis. A typical black cartridge costs $15-$30 and yields 200-500 pages, putting your cost at 5-15 cents per mono page. Color pages can run 15-25 cents each. For low-volume home use this is tolerable, but for a business printing hundreds of pages monthly, costs add up fast. Explore our HP ink cartridges for competitive pricing.
Ink Tank / EcoTank Systems
Ink tank printers like the Epson EcoTank series flip the economics: you pay more upfront for the printer but use refillable ink bottles that cost $10-$15 each and yield thousands of pages. The result is a cost per page under 1 cent for mono and about 1-3 cents for color — an 80-90% savings over traditional cartridges.
Laser Toner Cartridges
Laser toner sits in the middle. Standard-yield cartridges produce 1,000-2,000 pages; high-yield versions reach 3,000-6,000 pages. Mono cost per page ranges from 2-4 cents. Color laser pages cost 12-20 cents each, which makes color laser printing expensive for heavy color users but very competitive for mainly-mono offices.
Bottom Line on Costs
| Technology | Mono Cost/Page | Color Cost/Page | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Inkjet | 5–15¢ | 15–25¢ | Low volume, occasional use |
| Ink Tank (EcoTank) | 0.3–1¢ | 1–3¢ | Color-heavy, budget-conscious |
| Mono Laser | 2–4¢ | N/A | Text-heavy, high reliability |
| Color Laser | 2–4¢ | 12–20¢ | Mixed use, speed + quality |
Ink Tank vs Cartridge: Which System Saves More?
The ink tank vs cartridge debate is one of the most impactful decisions for a cost-conscious small business. Here's a clear breakdown:
Cartridge-Based Printers
- Lower upfront cost — printers often start at $50-$150
- Higher ongoing costs — replacement cartridges are expensive relative to their yield
- Convenience — cartridges are widely available and quick to swap
- Best for — businesses printing fewer than 100 pages/month
Ink Tank Printers
- Higher upfront cost — typically $250-$500
- Dramatically lower ongoing costs — ink bottles cost a fraction of cartridges per page
- Included ink — most ship with enough ink for thousands of pages
- Best for — businesses printing 200+ pages/month, especially in color
The crossover point is typically around 150-200 pages per month. Below that, a cheap cartridge-based printer may cost less overall. Above that, an ink tank printer starts saving you serious money within the first year. For businesses printing 500+ pages monthly, the savings are substantial — often $200-$400 per year compared to cartridge equivalents.
How We Chose These Printers
We evaluated printers based on criteria that matter most to small businesses:
- Total cost of ownership — purchase price plus 3 years of toner/ink at average volumes
- Print speed and first-page-out time — because time is money
- Reliability and build quality — based on expert reviews and user feedback
- Feature set — duplex, ADF, scanning quality, connectivity options
- Security — firmware protection, encryption, access controls
- Ease of setup and use — touchscreen quality, driver support, mobile printing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for a small business in 2026?
For most small businesses, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is the best overall choice. It offers fast color and mono printing, comprehensive security, all-in-one functionality, and reliable performance. If you only need mono printing, the Brother MFC-L2900DW offers exceptional value.
Is a laser or inkjet printer better for business?
Laser printers are generally better for businesses that print mostly text documents and need speed and reliability. Inkjet printers (especially ink tank models) are better for businesses that print heavily in color or need the lowest possible cost per page. For a text-heavy office, laser wins. For a marketing agency or creative business, an ink tank inkjet is the smarter choice.
How much does it cost to print per page?
It depends on the technology. Mono laser printing costs 2-4 cents per page. Color laser costs 12-20 cents. Ink tank inkjets achieve under 1 cent for mono and 1-3 cents for color. Standard inkjet cartridges are the most expensive at 5-25 cents per page.
How long does printer toner last?
A standard-yield toner cartridge typically lasts 1,000-2,000 pages. High-yield cartridges range from 3,000-6,000 pages. At 500 pages per month, a high-yield cartridge lasts roughly 6-12 months. Toner doesn't dry out or expire the way inkjet ink can, making it ideal for businesses with inconsistent printing schedules.
Do I need an all-in-one printer for my business?
If you regularly scan documents, make copies, or send faxes, an all-in-one saves space and money versus buying separate devices. If you only print and never scan or copy, a print-only model like the Brother HL-L2460DW offers better value and a smaller footprint.
What features should a business printer have?
At minimum, look for automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and mobile printing support (AirPrint/Mopria). For offices with multiple users, Ethernet and security features are important. If you handle multi-page documents, an automatic document feeder is essential.
How often should I replace my business printer?
Most business-grade laser printers last 5-7 years with proper maintenance. Inkjet printers typically last 3-5 years. Consider replacing when repair costs exceed 50% of a new printer's price, or when the printer can no longer receive security updates.
Final Verdict
The best printer for small business in 2026 depends on your specific needs, but these six models cover every common scenario:
- Need it all? The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is the most complete package.
- Mono on a budget? The Brother HL-L2460DW delivers incredible value at $150.
- Lowest running costs? The Epson EcoTank ET-3950 can't be beat at under 1 cent per page.
- High volume? The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is built for the long haul.
Whichever you choose, remember that the purchase price is just the beginning. Factor in toner or ink costs, paper savings from duplex printing, and the value of features like security and an ADF. A slightly more expensive printer with lower running costs almost always saves money over its lifetime.
Ready to find the right supplies? Browse our collections of HP toner cartridges, HP ink cartridges, and affordable HP printers to keep your business running smoothly.