The fax function remains a mandatory feature for legal, medical, and administrative offices, yet most modern all-in-one printers treat it as an afterthought. Finding a unit with a reliable fax modem, an automatic document feeder for multi-page transmissions, and a robust paper path that won’t jam mid-send is the real challenge.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve analyzed hundreds of printer specification sheets, customer durability reports, and long-term cost-per-page data to separate the office-ready fax machines from the consumer-grade imitators.
This guide evaluates the latest models that combine professional fax capabilities with modern wireless printing, focusing on long-term value and reliable performance to help you find the best all in one printer with fax for your workspace.
How To Choose The Best All In One Printer With Fax
Not every all-in-one printer handles fax the same way. The fax modem, document feeder, and paper handling determine whether your machine is a productivity asset or a constant source of frustration. Here are the critical factors to evaluate.
Fax Modem and ADF Quality
The fax modem speed (typically 33.6 kbps) dictates transmission time. A 33.6 kbps modem sends a page in about three seconds versus six seconds for older 14.4 kbps modems. Pair this with a 35-sheet or 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). A skimpy 20-sheet ADF forces you to reload when faxing multi-page contracts or patient records, breaking workflow and risking transmission errors.
Print Technology: Laser vs. Ink Tank vs. Cartridge Inkjet
Monochrome laser printers (like the Brother MFC-L2820DW) deliver the lowest cost-per-page for high-volume black-and-white fax output and sharp text. Color laser printers (like the Xerox C235dni) are ideal for color reports and marketing materials but carry higher toner costs. Ink tank systems (like the Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800) dramatically reduce consumable costs for color-heavy offices but introduce a slower initial setup. Standard cartridge-based inkjets are the least economical for fax-heavy use — the ink dries out if you only fax once a week.
Paper Capacity and Duplexing
If you receive faxes throughout the day, a 250-sheet paper tray is the minimum. For busier offices, a 500-sheet capacity or an additional tray saves constant refills. Automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides) cuts paper waste by half, which matters when you print every incoming fax. Avoid units that only offer manual duplex — they require you to flip pages by hand, defeating the purpose of an all-in-one.
Connectivity and Mobile Fax Integration
Modern fax workflows often combine physical phone line faxing with digital fax services. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) ensures stable wireless connections in congested office environments. An Ethernet port remains essential for wired reliability if your network supports it. Look for mobile apps that let you send faxes directly from your smartphone or scan-to-email features that replace faxing altogether for non-confidential documents.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Color fax & report workflows | 19 ppm color, 50-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Ink Tank | Low-cost color fax volume | 6,600 pages black ink included | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS MF275dw | Monochrome Laser | Reliable B&W fax for small offices | 30 ppm, 6-line touchscreen | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Monochrome Laser | Space-saving B&W fax station | 36 ppm, 50-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Ink Tank | High-volume color fax on budget | 3,000 pages B&W per ink set | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw | Monochrome Laser | Up to 7 users, secure fax | 35 ppm, HP Wolf Pro Security | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Entry-level color fax | 24 ppm, smartphone setup | Amazon |
| HP Laserjet Pro MFP 4101fdw | Monochrome Laser | Up to 10 users, high-speed fax | 42 ppm, intelligent Wi-Fi | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800 | Ink Tank | Enterprise fax with ultra-low ink cost | 25 ppm, 500-sheet paper capacity | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW delivers 19 ppm in both color and black, making it one of the fastest color laser all-in-ones in its segment. The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page fax jobs efficiently, and the 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts brings serious usability upgrades over button-based interfaces. Dual-band wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) plus Wi-Fi Direct ensure your fax queue doesn’t get interrupted by network congestion.
Users consistently praise the vibrant color output and sharp text, noting that toner efficiency exceeds expectations — the starter cartridges often last several months under moderate use. The compact white chassis fits neatly on a shared desk, and the automatic duplex printing adds to the paper-saving appeal. Brother’s mobile app integration allows remote fax sending and toner monitoring from a smartphone.
The main drawbacks are the lack of an Ethernet port for wired networks and the 250-sheet paper tray, which may feel limiting for offices that receive more than 100 fax pages daily. Some users report that the automatic duplex scanning is absent — you must feed two-sided originals manually. For color fax workflows requiring high speed and low fuss, this Brother model is the standard to beat.
Why it’s great
- Fast 19 ppm color and B&W print speeds
- Intuitive 3.5-inch touchscreen with customizable shortcuts
- Excellent toner efficiency and vibrant color quality
Good to know
- No Ethernet port for wired network connections
- 250-sheet tray may require refills in high-volume fax environments
- Automatic duplex scanning is not supported
2. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 comes with enough ink in the box to print up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages, effectively eliminating cartridge changes for the first year or more. The 250-sheet paper tray, automatic duplex printing, and a 2.4-inch color touchscreen make it a competent fax hub for small offices. The 33.6 kbps fax modem works reliably with a standard phone line, and the ADF handles multi-page fax submissions without jams.
Print quality is strong for documents and decent for photos, though the color speed sits at 9 ppm — slower than laser alternatives. The EcoTank system is the clear winner for total cost of ownership: replacement 502 ink bottles cost a fraction of cartridges per page. Users report straightforward wireless setup via the Epson app, and the Auto Document Feeder supports both scanning and faxing with no additional steps.
The primary limitation is the initial setup time, which can take 30-45 minutes due to ink charging and alignment. Some users note a slight lag before the first page prints, and the plastic output tray feels less robust than metal alternatives. For color-heavy fax volumes where ink costs matter more than print speed, the ET-4950 is a smart, economical choice.
Why it’s great
- Massive ink capacity — 6,600 black pages included
- Extremely low cost per page with replacement ink bottles
- Reliable fax modem and auto document feeder
Good to know
- Slower color print speed at 9 ppm
- Initial setup can take 45 minutes
- Occasional slight lag before first page prints
3. Canon imageCLASS MF275dw
The Canon imageCLASS MF275dw is a 30 ppm monochrome laser all-in-one that brings reliable fax functionality in a compact, affordable package. The 6-line adjustable touchscreen is user-friendly, allowing quick access to fax settings, speed dials, and group send options. The 35-sheet ADF is sufficient for small batch faxing, and the automatic duplex printing cuts paper usage by half for both printing and fax cover sheets.
Wireless setup is straightforward with the Canon PRINT Business app, and mobile printing via AirPrint and Mopria works seamlessly. The 150-sheet paper cassette is the smallest in this lineup, so users sending or receiving heavy fax volumes will need to refill frequently. However, the low cost per page and Energy Star certification make it a budget-friendly option for low-volume offices.
Customer feedback highlights the excellent print quality for text documents and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. The absence of duplex scanning means you must manually flip two-sided originals when faxing or copying. For a single user or a small team that faxes less than 20 pages daily, the MF275dw delivers dependable mono performance without breaking the budget.
Why it’s great
- Fast 30 ppm monochrome print speed
- Intuitive 6-line adjustable touchscreen
- Reliable wireless connectivity and mobile fax support
Good to know
- 150-sheet paper tray limits fax output capacity
- No automatic duplex scanning
- Monochrome only — no color fax capability
4. Brother MFC-L2820DW
The Brother MFC-L2820DW crams fast 36 ppm monochrome printing, a 50-sheet ADF, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen into one of the smallest footprints in its class. The fax modem operates at 33.6 kbps with a memory of up to 400 pages, meaning incoming faxes won’t be lost if the paper runs out. Dual-band wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) plus Ethernet ensures stable connectivity for wired and wireless networks alike.
Very heavy users will appreciate the Refresh EZ Print Subscription trial, which automates toner delivery before the cartridge runs dry — a feature that prevents fax jobs from failing mid-transmission due to low toner. The 250-sheet paper tray handles a moderate daily fax load, and the auto duplex printing works reliably. Brother’s mobile app allows remote fax sending directly from a smartphone, which is useful for occasional digital fax workflows.
The main critique from users is the setup process: the sparse quick-start guide can be confusing for beginners, though more experienced users find it straightforward. The black-and-white laser output is crisp and professional, and the scanner performs well for multi-page documents. For space-constrained offices that need a reliable mono fax station, the MFC-L2820DW is a performance-packed compact solution.
Why it’s great
- Fast 36 ppm monochrome print speed
- Compact footprint with 2.7-inch touchscreen
- 400-page fax memory prevents lost transmissions
Good to know
- Setup instructions can be confusing for beginners
- No color printing or scanning capability
- Paper tray capacity may need refilling for heavy fax volumes
5. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 pairs a refillable ink tank system with a 35-sheet ADF and fax capability, making it a strong candidate for cost-conscious offices that need color documents. The 2.7-inch color LCD touchscreen simplifies navigation between fax, copy, and scan functions. The GI-25 pigment-based ink set delivers 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per full refill, dramatically lowering the cost per page compared to cartridge-based color printers.
Print speeds are moderate at 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, but the zero-cartridge waste appeal is strong for environmentally focused offices. The auto duplex printing works seamlessly, and the 250-sheet paper tray handles typical daily fax volumes without constant refills. Users praise the compact desktop design and the straightforward ink refill process with keyed bottles that prevent mixing up colors.
Some customers report frustration with color accuracy — the printer can struggle with vibrant photo reproduction, and dark tones may appear grayish after extended use. A few units have experienced printhead clogging during infrequent use, which can cause color banding in faxed documents. For offices that prioritize low running costs and moderate color fax volume, the GX2020 offers remarkable value per page.
Why it’s great
- Very low cost per page with 3,000-page ink yield
- Compact desktop design with easy ink refill system
- Auto duplex printing and 250-sheet paper tray
Good to know
- Moderate 10 ppm color print speed
- Color accuracy can be inconsistent for photo-quality work
- Potential printhead clogging during infrequent use
6. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is designed for teams of up to seven people, with 35 ppm monochrome printing and a 33.6 kbps fax modem. The intelligent Wi-Fi automatically selects the best connection band to minimize interference, which is critical for fax jobs that shouldn’t drop mid-transmission. HP Wolf Pro Security adds firmware-level protection against unauthorized access — a serious consideration for legal and medical practices faxing sensitive documents.
The 250-sheet paper tray combined with the 50-sheet ADF supports smooth multi-page fax workflows without constant attention. Automatic duplex printing and scanning reduce paper usage, and the 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides clear navigation. Users report excellent print quality for text and decent handling of graphics, with the Economode setting doubling cartridge life for budget-conscious operations.
The main caution: firmware updates can block third-party cartridges, so you’re locked into HP original supplies. Some users have experienced wireless setup issues that required manual configuration, and the customer support experience has been inconsistent. For offices already committed to the HP ecosystem and requiring military-grade document security, the 3101fdw is a capable, fast, and secure fax station.
Why it’s great
- Fast 35 ppm monochrome speed with intelligent Wi-Fi
- HP Wolf Pro Security for data protection
- Economode feature significantly extends cartridge life
Good to know
- Firmware updates block third-party cartridges
- Wireless setup can require manual intervention
- Customer support quality is inconsistent
7. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni brings color laser printing and faxing together at 24 ppm for both black and color, making it one of the faster entry-level color options. The easy smartphone setup via the Xerox Assist App reduces installation time, and the built-in Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Mopria support ensures mobile fax compatibility. The 250-sheet paper tray and automatic duplexing cover typical office volumes.
Print quality is vibrant for presentations and marketing materials, though some users report that starter toner yields only about 500 pages — so replacement costs arrive sooner than expected. The color laser output produces sharp text and good color saturation, suitable for internal reports and client-facing documents. The fax function works via standard telephone line with a 33.6 kbps modem, and the 40-sheet ADF handles multi-page transmissions without jamming.
The scanner has drawn criticism for producing overly light scans with a visible white band in the middle on some units, and the Windows driver installation can be finicky without a CD drive. The Xerox brand carries legacy trust, but the software experience doesn’t always match the hardware quality. For small offices needing color fax capability on a budget, the C235dni delivers solid performance once the initial setup hurdles are cleared.
Why it’s great
- Fast 24 ppm color laser printing
- Easy smartphone-based setup process
- Strong color output for presentations and reports
Good to know
- Starter toner yields only about 500 pages
- Scanner can produce overly light scans with banding
- Windows driver installation may require manual effort
8. HP Laserjet Pro MFP 4101fdw
The HP Laserjet Pro MFP 4101fdw delivers a blistering 42 ppm monochrome print speed, making it the fastest fax-capable printer in this lineup. Designed for teams of up to 10 users, the 500-sheet paper tray combined with a 100-sheet multipurpose tray virtually eliminates paper-related interruptions during fax-heavy workdays. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen and intelligent Wi-Fi that auto-optimizes the connection band ensure fax jobs stay reliable.
HP Wolf Pro Security customizes data protection policies at the printer level, which is crucial for offices handling confidential fax communications in healthcare, legal, or financial sectors. The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page fax jobs quickly, and the automatic duplex printing and scanning improve workflow efficiency. Users report exceptional print quality for text documents and reliable wireless connectivity once configured.
The main downside is the cost: this is a premium-priced machine, and the proprietary HP cartridges are expensive, though the high-yield 950XL series improves the cost per page. Some users have encountered software hiccups with the HP Smart app, and the firmware updates continue to enforce cartridge chip verification. For demanding offices that prioritize speed and security above all else, the 4101fdw is a heavy-duty workhorse.
Why it’s great
- Blazing 42 ppm monochrome print speed
- 500-sheet paper tray with additional 100-sheet feeder
- Comprehensive HP Wolf Pro Security suite
Good to know
- Premium purchase price with expensive proprietary cartridges
- HP Smart app can have intermittent software issues
- Firmware updates enforce genuine cartridge requirements
9. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5800 is the most feature-rich ink tank printer in this guide, offering 25 ppm black and 12 ppm color printing with a 500-sheet paper capacity split across two front trays. The PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology eliminates warmup time, so the first fax page prints instantly. The Epson DURABrite pigment inks produce instant-dry, water-resistant prints up to 8.5 x 14 inches — ideal for legal documents and medical records.
The included two sets of 542 ink bottles yield up to 7,500 black pages and 6,000 color pages, effectively giving you years of supplies out of the box. The 2.4-inch tilting LCD screen provides clear access to fax settings, speed dials, and transmission reports. The email-to-print feature and access control make it suitable for shared office environments where multiple users need to fax without walking to the machine.
Some users report frustrating false error messages, such as “printer busy” alerts during idle periods, and the Epson Windows software can be unreliable for network discovery. The substantial depth (about 19 inches) requires dedicated counter space. For offices that process ultra-high volumes of color fax documents and prioritize long-term ink savings over absolute print speed, the ET-5800 is a powerhouse that keeps running costs near zero.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-low cost per page with 7,500 black page ink yield
- 500-sheet paper capacity across two front trays
- Instant-dry pigment inks for water-resistant documents
Good to know
- Occasional false error messages during idle periods
- Large footprint requires dedicated counter space
- Windows software can struggle with network printer discovery
FAQ
Do all all-in-one printers with fax require a traditional landline phone connection?
Can I receive faxes on my all-in-one printer if the power goes out?
Is a color laser printer with fax more expensive to run than an ink tank model?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best all in one printer with fax winner is the Brother MFC-L3720CDW because it balances fast color laser printing, a 50-sheet ADF, and a user-friendly touchscreen at a competitive price point. If you want the absolute lowest cost per page for color fax volumes, grab the Epson EcoTank ET-4950. And for high-speed monochrome fax in a busy office with up to 10 users, nothing beats the HP Laserjet Pro MFP 4101fdw.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.








