9 Best Cheap Laser Printer | 36 PPM That Won’t Break Your Bank

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The Brother HL-L2480DW delivers a rare balance of speed, features, and low running costs. At 36 pages per minute with automatic duplex, it handles multi-page documents faster than many office-grade units, and the 2.7-inch touchscreen makes cloud app navigation genuinely usable instead of frustrating. The flatbed scanner and copier round out a true three-in-one package that suits a home office or a small team.

Wireless setup is straightforward on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and the dual-band support reduces interference in crowded network environments. The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you scan and print from anywhere, and the optional Refresh subscription keeps toner costs predictable. Toner yields are generous — the TN830XL high-capacity cartridge prints thousands of pages before needing replacement.

Noise is moderate, typical for a laser engine in this class. The manual feed slot accepts envelopes and card stock, making it more versatile than most budget all-in-ones. For a monochrome workhorse that balances upfront value with long-term economy, the HL-L2480DW is the smartest pick.

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The MFC-L2820DW takes the same core 36-ppm laser engine as the HL-L2480DW and adds a 50-page automatic document feeder plus fax capability. For anyone who regularly scans or copies multi-page contracts, the ADF alone justifies the step up — you feed the stack once, and the machine processes both sides automatically. The fax line is a bonus for medical or legal workflows that still rely on it.

Connectivity options are broad: dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. The 2.7-inch touchscreen mirrors the HL-L2480DW’s responsive interface, allowing direct scanning to cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Linux users report that both printing and scanning work out of the box without third-party drivers, which is rare in this price tier.

The build quality feels solid, and the toner door access is simple. Setup instructions can be sparse, but most users find the printer running within 15 minutes. If your daily routine involves scanning and copying in addition to printing, this is the most capable all-in-one in the lineup.

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The MF665Cdw breaks the monochrome barrier for users who need occasional color documents — marketing handouts, charts, or letterhead — without moving to an inkjet. Print speed holds at 26 ppm for both color and black, and first-page-out lands around 10.3 seconds. The 5-inch color touchscreen is large enough to manage scan-to-email and cloud storage connections without squinting.

Paper handling includes a 250-sheet cassette and a single-sheet multipurpose tray, plus a 50-sheet duplex ADF that scans both sides in one pass. Canon includes a three-year limited warranty, which is longer than most budget printers offer. The 075 toner series provides decent page yields, though color toner costs remain higher than monochrome alternatives.

Mac users should note that Canon’s software suite has drawn criticism for driver hiccups and interface lag. The printer body is heavy — roughly 60 pounds — so plan for the desk footprint. If color printing is essential but rare, this machine delivers it without the clogging and shelf-life problems of an inkjet.

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The Xerox B225DNI is a full all-in-one that emphasizes scanning versatility. Its duplex ADF can process two-sided documents in a single pass, and the included software allows features like blank page removal, automatic straightening, and building multi-page PDF jobs. Print speed sits at 36 ppm with automatic duplex, keeping pace with the fastest monochrome lasers in this class.

Wireless connectivity is built in, supporting AirPrint, Mopria, and Chromebook printing. Several users report that Wi-Fi setup can be finicky and that a wired Ethernet or USB connection offers more reliability. Security features include secure print release and data encryption — useful for a home office handling sensitive documents.

Toner life is the one area where some users found the starter cartridge ran out quickly, leading to early replacement costs. The print quality is clean and professional, and the compact footprint fits comfortably on a standard desk. For scanning-heavy workflows, the B225DNI outperforms most peers at this price point.

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HP’s LaserJet Pro 3001dw targets small teams with intelligent Wi-Fi that automatically chooses the best band for stable connectivity. Print speed reaches 35 ppm, and the first page fires out in about 6.6 seconds. The included HP Wolf Pro Security suite adds customizable settings to protect data in shared environments, a feature rarely found at this level.

The printer supports Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, and wireless connections, and it works with AirPrint, Android, and Chromebook. The 250-sheet tray handles moderate volumes, and automatic duplex is standard. Toner is HP’s own cartridge system, which uses chipped cartridges that block third-party refills — a long-term cost constraint to consider.

Some users experienced failures after 10 months, typically related to network connectivity dropping permanently. Customer support experiences vary. For a small office that values security and multi-device wireless access over absolute lowest running cost, this machine offers a clean balance.

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The Xerox B230/DNI is a no-nonsense single-function printer that prioritizes speed above all else. At 36 ppm, it matches the fastest monochrome engines in this guide, and it adds built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and AirPrint support for a truly wireless setup. The compact design is easy to place on a crowded desk, and several users praised the seamless integration with Apple devices.

Setup on iPhone and iPad is straightforward — the printer appears in the AirPrint list with minimal configuration. The security suite protects data on the network, and automatic duplex reduces paper use. The starter toner is again a low-yield cartridge, so budget for a standard or high-yield replacement early.

Critically, the small LCD screen makes entering a Wi-Fi password a tedious scroll-through-the-alphabet process. Some users also reported Wi-Fi dropouts that required a power cycle. For a wired Ethernet connection, the B230/DNI is rock solid; for wireless, make sure your router is close and the signal is strong.

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The Canon LBP122dw is a single-function monochrome laser that fits into tight spaces — its compact chassis takes up less desk area than a piece of letter paper. Print speed is 30 ppm with automatic duplex, ample for a home office or personal use. The Canon PRINT app supports mobile printing from smartphones, and the printer works with Amazon Alexa for voice commands.

The biggest complaint among users is the front-facing LCD screen that is hard to read in normal room light. Reading it requires leaning in at an angle, and entering a Wi-Fi password on such a small display is awkward. The paper tray stays open when loaded, collecting dust, and the printer is noisier than some competitors in its class.

Wireless setup can be done through the app, but several users found it necessary to enter the password manually on the printer’s own interface. Once connected, the LBP122dw prints reliably from iPhones, Macs, and Windows PCs. If desk space is your top constraint, this Canon is the most compact option.

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The HP LaserJet M209d strips wireless connectivity away entirely and delivers a pure USB-only experience. For anyone who has ever fought with a printer that drops its network connection, this is a relief — the printer is always there when you plug in. Print speed sits at 30 ppm with automatic duplex, and the smart-guided buttons make operation intuitive.

Setup on Windows is plug-and-play, and the included USB cable means you have nothing extra to buy. The compact design saves space, and print quality is consistent and sharp. HP uses chipped cartridges that reject third-party refills, but the starter toner lasts through a reasonable number of pages.

The most significant limitation is Mac compatibility — HP has not released updated drivers for macOS 12 and later, so this printer simply will not work with modern Macs. If you are a Windows-only household and you value a simple, reliable wired connection, the M209d is a strong, low-maintenance choice.

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The Visioneer PC30dwn is a printer-copier combo that keeps the price low and the footprint small. It prints at 30 ppm with automatic duplex, and the side-mounted copier module can copy documents, photos, and even plastic cards without needing a computer. The 250-sheet input tray handles a reasonable workload, and the manual sheetfed tray accommodates special media.

Support for USB, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi makes the PC30dwn flexible for different setups. That said, many users report a frustrating installation process — the printer is decidedly not plug-and-play and requires more manual configuration than mainstream brands. The noise level is also distinctly high, described by one reviewer as sounding like a rock tumbler.

For a user comfortable with tinkering and willing to follow detailed setup steps, the Visioneer delivers solid monochrome prints and copies at the lowest entry price. For anyone who values smooth setup and quiet operation, the time saved by choosing a more polished brand is worth the extra investment.