Best Home Laser Printer: Picks for Every Kind of Household
The best home laser printer depends on what you print: choose a monochrome model for text, an all-in-one if you scan or copy, or a color laser printer for charts and graphics.
On this page (6 sections)
The best home laser printer depends on what your household prints and whether you need scanning, copying or color. For text pages, start with monochrome; choose an all-in-one for document tasks or a color model for graphics.
Think about your weekly routine before comparing model names. A printer that handles the jobs you actually do is more useful than extra features you rarely need.
This guide compares four Brother options for different home needs. If you want a deeper look at black-and-white options, see our best monochrome laser printers.
Which home laser printer fits your household?
Choose a printer by matching its functions to your regular jobs. Print-only models suit households that only need paper output, while an all-in-one adds scanning and copying.
| Household need | Printer type to consider | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly text documents | Monochrome print-only | Wireless or wired connections, paper capacity, duplex printing |
| Scanning and copying | Monochrome all-in-one | Scanner type, copy features and document feeder |
| Color charts and graphics | Color laser | Color output, paper handling and connection options |
| Light, occasional printing | Compact monochrome | Footprint, setup needs and whether manual duplex is acceptable |
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a monochrome print-only model with automatic duplex printing and dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. The Brother DCP-L2640DW adds copying, scanning and a 50-page automatic document feeder.
If you want color output, the Brother HL-L3220CDW prints in color and has automatic duplex printing. It is rated for up to 19 pages per minute, compared with up to 36 pages per minute for the two monochrome models above.
How do you choose the best home laser printer for text?
For mostly text pages, a monochrome printer is a straightforward fit. Choose automatic duplex printing if you often print both sides of a page, since the printer can handle that step for you.
The HL-L2460DW and DCP-L2640DW both list print speeds up to 36 pages per minute and have a 250-sheet paper tray. The HL-L2405W is a more basic print-only option with one-sided printing up to 30 pages per minute.
Consider where the printer will sit and which devices need to connect. The HL-L2405W supports dual-band wireless and USB, while the HL-L2460DW and DCP-L2640DW also list Ethernet.
When is an all-in-one worth the extra functions?
An all-in-one makes sense if you scan or copy paper documents often enough to want those tools beside the printer. A document feeder is useful when scans or copies include several pages, because you can load a stack instead of placing each sheet on the glass.
The Brother DCP-L2640DW combines printing, scanning and copying, and includes a 50-page automatic document feeder. Its listed scan speeds are up to 23.6 ipm for black and 7.9 ipm for color.
For more options, see our best laser printers with a built-in scanner. If you don't expect to scan or copy, a print-only model may take care of your needs.
Which features should you compare before buying?
Compare output type, document handling, connections and paper needs before deciding. These are concrete differences that can change how well a printer fits a home desk.
Do you need automatic duplex printing?
Automatic duplex printing handles two-sided pages without requiring you to turn each sheet over by hand. It is available on the Brother HL-L2460DW, DCP-L2640DW and HL-L3220CDW.
The HL-L2405W lists manual duplex printing. That can be adequate if you print two-sided pages only now and then, but it requires more attention during the job.
If the term is unfamiliar, our guide explains what duplex means on a printer.
How should you compare wireless connections?
Check that the printer's connection options fit your home network and devices. Wireless printing can keep a desk setup flexible, while Ethernet or USB can suit a fixed location or a direct computer connection.
The HL-L2460DW and DCP-L2640DW list dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB. The HL-L2405W lists dual-band wireless and USB, and the HL-L3220CDW lists wireless connectivity and USB.
Brother's product descriptions also mention the Brother Mobile Connect app for the monochrome models. Review the setup steps for your devices before choosing, especially if more than one person will print from a phone or computer.
How much paper capacity do you need?
A larger paper tray means fewer refills when you print often. The four models in this guide each list a 250-sheet paper tray.
The HL-L2460DW, HL-L2405W and HL-L3220CDW also list a manual feed slot for envelopes or specialty paper. Check the printer's supported media before loading anything unusual.
Which Brother laser printer suits each home?
Each model here addresses a different set of home tasks. Pick based on the functions you need, not on a feature list alone.
Brother DCP-L2640DW: scanning and copying with monochrome output
The Brother DCP-L2640DW suits a home that needs printing, scanning and copying in one machine. Its 50-page automatic document feeder can help with multi-page scan and copy jobs.
It prints up to 36 pages per minute and offers dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. Automatic duplex printing handles two-sided pages.
Choose this model if scanning and copying are regular jobs. If you only print, its extra functions may not be useful to you.
Brother HL-L2460DW: print-only monochrome with automatic duplex
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a fit for homes that mostly print black-and-white documents and want automatic two-sided printing. It offers wireless, Ethernet and USB connections.
It prints up to 36 pages per minute and has a 250-sheet tray. The manual feed slot supports envelopes and specialty paper.
Choose it if you don't need a scanner or copier. Its print-only design keeps the choice focused on document output.
Brother HL-L3220CDW: color for home office documents
The Brother HL-L3220CDW is a color laser printer for homes that print charts or graphics as well as text. It prints at speeds up to 19 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing.
It also has a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media. The listed connection options include wireless and USB.
Choose it if monochrome output won't cover your regular printing. It is print-only, so consider an all-in-one if you also need scanning or copying.
For more color options, compare our best wireless color laser printers.
Brother HL-L2405W: compact print-only basics
The Brother HL-L2405W suits a home that wants wireless monochrome printing without scanning or copying. It supports dual-band wireless and USB connections.
It prints one-sided pages at up to 30 pages per minute and lists manual duplex printing. The 250-sheet tray can reduce how often you refill paper.
Choose it if occasional one-sided printing meets your needs. If you want the printer to handle two-sided jobs automatically, compare the HL-L2460DW.
What should you check before choosing a home laser printer?
Check the jobs you expect to print, the space available and the connections you need. A quick desk and workflow check can rule out mismatches before you settle on a model.
- List your regular jobs: text pages, color documents, scans, copies or envelopes.
- Measure the printer space: include room to open trays and reach cables.
- Confirm your connections: check wireless, Ethernet or USB needs for each device.
- Decide about duplexing: choose automatic if you regularly print on both sides.
- Check toner compatibility: the monochrome models above use TN830 or TN830XL toner, while the color model lists TN229 cartridges.
- Consider paper handling: a 250-sheet tray is common among these examples, but specialty paper may need a manual feed slot.
A laser printer can suit a household that mainly prints documents and wants a different routine from ink-based printing. Our guide on whether laser printers are worth it for a typical home covers the broader trade-offs.
Which home laser printer should you choose?
Choose the Brother HL-L2460DW if you mostly print text and want automatic duplex printing. Pick the DCP-L2640DW if scanning and copying matter, the HL-L3220CDW if you need color, or the HL-L2405W if you want simpler one-sided monochrome printing.
For a closer look at whether a laser printer fits your habits, read signs you may need a laser printer.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the best home laser printer for most households?
A monochrome laser printer is a practical starting point if you mainly print text and do not need color. Choose an all-in-one if you regularly scan or copy, and a color model if you print color documents.
Check whether automatic duplex printing, wireless connections and the printer's size match your household.
Should I get a laser printer with a scanner?
Choose a laser all-in-one if scanning or copying is part of your regular routine. A print-only model can be simpler when you only need paper documents.
If you scan multi-page documents, look for an automatic document feeder; the Brother DCP-L2640DW includes a 50-page feeder.
Is a monochrome laser printer enough for home use?
A monochrome printer is enough if your home printing is mostly letters, forms, schoolwork and other text pages. It won't print color graphics.
If you need color for charts, invitations or projects, compare a color laser printer and check that its connections and paper handling suit your setup.
What features matter most in a home laser printer?
Start with output type, then decide whether you need scanning, copying, automatic two-sided printing and wireless access. Paper capacity matters if you print often, while a manual feed slot can help with envelopes or specialty paper.
Measure the desk space and check compatible toner before choosing.
