8 Best Printers for Small Businesses in 2026
8 best printers for small businesses in 2026, from color laser workhorses to ink-tank picks. Compare cost per page, volume, and business-type fit.
Comparison Table
| Pick | Product | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for High-Volume Text | Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser | Check price |
| Best Color Laser | Brother HL-L3220CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer | Check price |
| Best All-in-One with Fax | HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet | Check price |
| Best Budget Laser | Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser | Check price |
| Best Budget All-in-One | Epson Workforce WF-2930 Wireless All-in-One Printer | Check price |
| Best for Low Cost Per Page | Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer | Check price |
| Best High-Volume Ink Tank | HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer | Check price |
| Best Compact Ink Tank | HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable Printer | Check price |
Prices are approximate. Check Amazon for current pricing before purchasing.
A small business printer has to survive daily use that a home printer was never designed for, whether that means printing shipping labels at a retail counter, running high-volume black-and-white contracts at a law office, or turning out color proofs at a design studio. The right pick depends less on brand and more on matching duty cycle, color needs, and true cost per page to how your specific business actually prints.
Below are 8 printers for small businesses we evaluated on print speed, duty cycle, paper handling, and real cost per page rather than sticker price alone, ranging from a $99.99 basic all-in-one to a $284.99 color laser built for a 250-sheet daily workload.
6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Printers for Small Business
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the printer to how your specific business prints
A retail counter needs fast receipts and labels, a legal or accounting office needs high-volume black-and-white text, a design studio needs accurate color, and a restaurant needs durable menus and signage. Picking a printer built for the wrong workload, like a slow home inkjet for a receipt-heavy retail counter, causes more daily frustration than any spec sheet reveals.
Compare true cost per page, not sticker price
OEM toner typically runs $0.04 to $0.08 per page while third-party toner can drop to $0.01 to $0.02 per page, a meaningful gap at business volume. Some laser brands, HP included, have used firmware updates to restrict non-OEM toner cartridges from working at all, so check a model's compatibility policy before assuming third-party toner will remain an option.
Ink-tank printers pay back fastest at regular volume
An ink-tank printer like the EcoTank ET-2400 or Smart Tank Plus 651 costs more upfront than a basic cartridge inkjet, but bottle refills cost a fraction of cartridge replacements. If your business prints color materials on any kind of regular weekly schedule, the ink-tank premium typically pays for itself within months rather than years.
Secure the printer on your business network
A business printer left on default settings on a shared network is a soft target, keep firmware updated and consider placing it on a separate guest or isolated network rather than the same network as point-of-sale systems or customer data. This is a basic step most small businesses skip until after a problem occurs.
Consider leasing or managed print services at high volume
Once a business is printing past roughly 500 pages a month, a managed print service, leasing a printer with toner included for a fixed monthly cost, can beat buying outright on total cost and removes the hassle of managing supplies. Below that volume, buying a printer like the picks in this list is usually the simpler and cheaper route.
Ask your accountant about the deduction, not just the price tag
A business printer purchase is generally deductible as a business expense, and a higher-upfront-cost laser or ink-tank printer can mean a larger deduction than a cheap inkjet, which narrows the real gap between the budget and premium picks in this list. Confirm specifics with a tax professional rather than assuming a blanket rule applies to your situation.
8 Best Printers for Small Businesses in 2026
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
About this pick
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser built for the kind of steady, high-volume black-and-white output a law office, accounting firm, or general service business runs every day, with duplex printing, copy, and scan built into a compact chassis. Toner-based printing keeps cost per page low compared to inkjet, which matters once monthly volume climbs past a few hundred pages.
Wireless and mobile printing cover a small office with 2-3 people sharing the same unit. It skips color entirely, so it is the wrong pick for a business that regularly needs marketing materials or product photos, but for a text-heavy workload it is the most efficient option in this list.
Best for: Law offices, accounting firms, and text-heavy service businesses
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Low cost per page for high text volume
- +Duplex printing saves paper automatically
- +Compact enough for a shared office desk
- +Toner does not dry out during slow weeks the way ink does
Cons
- −No color output at all
- −Higher upfront cost than a basic inkjet
- −Overkill for a business printing under 50 pages a month
Brother HL-L3220CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer
About this pick
The HL-L3220CDW is the only true color laser in this list, printing at up to 19 pages per minute with a 250-sheet paper tray that can absorb a full day of client handouts, proposals, or marketing sheets without a refill. Color laser toner holds up better than inkjet under infrequent color use, which suits a business that prints color materials in bursts rather than daily.
Duplex printing and mobile compatibility round it out for a small design studio, real estate office, or any business where a color logo or chart needs to look professional on paper. It is the most expensive pick here, and that upfront cost only pays off once your print volume justifies laser over inkjet.
Best for: Design studios, real estate offices, and businesses needing professional color output
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Genuine color laser output, not inkjet color
- +Large 250-sheet tray reduces refill frequency
- +Fast 19 PPM output speed
- +Toner does not dry out like idle inkjet cartridges
Cons
- −Highest price in this list
- −Larger footprint than the compact mono laser
- −Color laser toner costs more per cartridge than mono toner
HP OfficeJet Pro 8139 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
About this pick
The OfficeJet Pro 8139 covers print, scan, copy, and fax in one machine with an automatic document feeder for multi-page originals, a combination that still matters for businesses dealing with signed contracts, insurance paperwork, or vendor forms that require fax confirmation. Duplex printing keeps paper costs down on longer documents.
A year of Instant Ink is included, which offsets the higher per-cartridge cost of inkjet during the trial period, but a business should plan for standard cartridge or subscription pricing after that window closes. It fits a general small office that needs the full suite of document functions rather than pure print volume.
Best for: General small offices that still need fax and multi-page scanning
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fax and ADF cover document-heavy small office needs
- +Included Instant Ink trial lowers first-year ink cost
- +Full color output for mixed text and graphics
- +Duplex printing built in
Cons
- −Inkjet cost per page rises after the Instant Ink trial ends
- −Slower than the laser picks for pure text volume
- −Ink can dry out if the printer sits idle for weeks
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
About this pick
The HL-L2405W strips a laser printer down to its essentials, print only, no scan or copy, which keeps the price well under the DCP model above while still delivering the low cost-per-page toner economics that make laser worth it for high-volume text. It is wireless and mobile-ready, so it fits into a shared office network without extra cabling.
This is the pick for a business that already owns a scanner or copier and just needs a dedicated, reliable printer for invoices, forms, or shipping paperwork. Skipping scan and copy keeps the footprint and the price both smaller than the multifunction laser above it.
Best for: Businesses that already have a scanner and just need a dedicated print workhorse
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Cheapest laser pick in this list
- +Low cost per page for pure text printing
- +Compact footprint for a small counter or shelf
- +Reliable wireless setup for shared office use
Cons
- −No scan or copy, print only
- −No color output
- −Needs a separate device for document scanning
Epson Workforce WF-2930 Wireless All-in-One Printer
About this pick
The Workforce WF-2930 is the lowest-cost all-in-one in this list still built for office duty, with scan, copy, fax, an automatic document feeder, and duplex printing on a small color display. It suits a very small business or a home-based side business that needs basic office functions without a laser-level budget.
Because it runs on standard cartridges rather than an ink tank, cost per page will climb faster than the EcoTank pick below once monthly volume grows, so this is best suited to lighter, occasional office printing rather than a daily high-volume workload.
Best for: Very small or home-based businesses with light, occasional office printing
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Lowest price in this list
- +Full office function set: scan, copy, fax, ADF
- +Compact and easy to fit on a small counter
- +Simple color display for quick status checks
Cons
- −Cartridge ink costs more per page than an ink-tank system
- −Not built for high daily volume
- −Ink can dry out with infrequent use like other cartridge inkjets
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer
About this pick
The EcoTank ET-2400 replaces disposable cartridges with refillable ink tanks, and that single design change is what makes it worth considering for a small business over a standard inkjet: bottle refills run a fraction of the cost of cartridges once you're printing regularly, which changes the math for any business doing steady color output. Scan and copy are included alongside print.
The upfront cost is higher than the basic cartridge all-in-ones in this list, but it pays back over months of use rather than years for a business printing color materials on any kind of regular schedule, retail signage, menus, or client handouts included.
Best for: Businesses printing color materials regularly enough to justify ink-tank economics
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Ink bottle refills cost far less per page than cartridges
- +Handles regular color printing without high ongoing cost
- +Scan and copy included
- +No cartridges to run out mid-job
Cons
- −Higher upfront price than basic cartridge inkjets
- −Larger footprint due to the ink tanks
- −No fax or automatic document feeder
HP Smart Tank Plus 651 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer
About this pick
The Smart Tank Plus 651 pairs an ink-tank system with a full office feature set: automatic document feeder, fax, scan, copy, and 2 years of ink included in the box. For a small business that needs both high color volume and document handling in one machine, this is the most complete pick in this list.
The included 2 years of ink is a meaningful cost offset compared to buying cartridges or even refill bottles separately during that window, though the printer itself costs more upfront than the ET-2400. Once the included ink runs out, refill economics remain similar to any other ink-tank system.
Best for: Businesses that need both an ink-tank cost structure and full document handling
Check price on AmazonPros
- +2 years of ink included lowers early running costs
- +Full document feeder and fax for office paperwork
- +Ink-tank economics for ongoing color volume
- +Handles both high volume and multifunction needs
Cons
- −Most expensive ink-tank pick in this list
- −Larger footprint than cartridge-based all-in-ones
- −Overkill for a business printing only occasionally
HP Smart Tank 5101 Wireless All-in-One Refillable Printer
About this pick
The Smart Tank 5101 brings ink-tank economics to a smaller, more affordable package than the Plus 651 above, with 2 years of ink included and print, scan, and copy covered. It is a solid entry point for a small business that wants lower cost per page without paying for a document feeder or fax it may not need.
Wireless printing works over 2.4GHz only, worth checking against your office router setup before buying, since some newer routers default to 5GHz-only guest networks that this printer will not join without adjustment.
Best for: Small businesses wanting ink-tank savings in the smallest available footprint
Check price on AmazonPros
- +2 years of ink included
- +Lower upfront price than the Plus 651 ink-tank model
- +Compact for an ink-tank printer
- +Low cost per page for ongoing color and text printing
Cons
- −2.4GHz-only wireless can be a setup snag on some routers
- −No fax or document feeder
- −No automatic duplex printing listed
How We Evaluated These Printers for Small Businesses
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
True cost per page
Weighed toner and ink-tank economics against cartridge-based inkjet, since sticker price alone misleads on ongoing cost once monthly volume climbs.
Duty cycle and daily volume fit
Compared paper tray size, print speed, and duplex support against realistic small-business daily output rather than best-case lab numbers.
Document workflow completeness
Checked which picks include an automatic document feeder, fax, and duplex printing, since a business handling multi-page paperwork needs more than a basic print-only unit.
Color needs by business type
Separated genuine color laser and color inkjet options from monochrome-only picks, since retail, design, and marketing-facing businesses need color while legal and accounting workflows often don't.
Network and multi-user reliability
Considered wireless band support and mobile compatibility for a printer that 2 or more people in a small office will connect to and share.
How to Choose the Right Printers for Small Businesses
By Business Type
Different small businesses print completely differently, and the picks in this list map cleanly onto a few common business profiles.
Legal, accounting, or general service business
The Brother DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2405W handle high-volume black-and-white contracts and forms at the lowest cost per page in this list.
Design studio, real estate, or marketing-facing business
The Brother HL-L3220CDW color laser delivers professional color output with the durability of laser toner rather than inkjet.
Retail counter or restaurant needing frequent color materials
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 or HP Smart Tank Plus 651 keep color cost per page low for menus, signage, and daily handouts.
General small or home-based office with light needs
The Epson Workforce WF-2930 covers the basics, print, scan, copy, fax, at the lowest upfront price in this list.
By Monthly Print Volume
| Monthly volume | Best fit | Recommended pick |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 pages/month | Basic cartridge all-in-one | Epson Workforce WF-2930 |
| 100-500 pages/month, mostly text | Monochrome laser | Brother DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2405W |
| 100-500 pages/month, mixed color | Ink-tank all-in-one | Epson EcoTank ET-2400 |
| 500+ pages/month | High-capacity laser or leasing | Brother HL-L3220CDW, or consider a managed print service |
Duty cycle ratings printed on a spec sheet are a maximum ceiling the printer can survive, not a healthy recommended volume, plan around roughly a third of the stated duty cycle for reliable long-term use.
OEM vs Third-Party Toner and Ink
Cost per page varies enormously depending on where you buy supplies, and not every printer lets you choose freely.
| Supply type | Typical cost per page | Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| OEM laser toner | $0.04-$0.08 | Guaranteed compatibility, higher cost |
| Third-party laser toner | $0.01-$0.02 | Some brands restrict compatibility via firmware updates |
| Ink-tank refill bottles | Lowest per-page cost of any option here | Higher printer purchase price upfront |
| Standard inkjet cartridges | Highest ongoing cost | Best for genuinely light, occasional printing only |
Check a specific laser model's third-party toner policy before buying if minimizing cost per page is the priority, firmware-based restrictions have affected some HP models in the past.
When to Buy vs When to Lease
Buy outright
Makes sense under roughly 500 pages a month, where any of the 8 picks in this list will cover the workload without the overhead of a lease contract.
Consider a managed print service
Worth exploring past 500 pages a month, a fixed monthly cost with toner included removes supply management and can beat buying at high sustained volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a laser or inkjet printer better for a small business?
It depends on volume and color needs. A monochrome laser like the Brother DCP-L2640DW has the lowest cost per page for high-volume black-and-white text, common in legal and accounting work. A color laser like the HL-L3220CDW covers professional color at moderate volume, while an ink-tank inkjet like the EcoTank ET-2400 offers the lowest cost per page for regular color printing without laser's higher upfront cost.
Can I use third-party toner or ink to save money?
Often, but not always. Third-party laser toner can run $0.01 to $0.02 per page versus $0.04 to $0.08 for OEM toner, a real savings at business volume. Some brands, HP included, have used firmware updates to block non-OEM cartridges from functioning, so check a specific model's policy before assuming third-party supplies will work long-term.
How much should a small business expect to print each month?
It varies widely by business type, but under 100 pages a month suits a basic all-in-one like the Workforce WF-2930, 100 to 500 pages a month justifies a laser or ink-tank printer, and past 500 pages a month it's worth comparing buying outright against a managed print service with toner included for a fixed monthly cost.
Is leasing a printer ever better than buying one?
For businesses printing past roughly 500 pages a month, a managed print service or lease with toner included at a fixed monthly cost can beat the total cost of buying and restocking supplies yourself, and it removes the hassle of managing consumables. Below that volume, buying one of the printers in this list outright is usually simpler and cheaper.
Is a business printer purchase tax deductible?
Generally yes, a printer bought for business use is typically deductible as a business expense, and a higher-upfront-cost laser or ink-tank printer can mean a larger deduction than a cheap basic inkjet. Confirm the specifics with a tax professional rather than assuming a blanket rule applies to your situation.
Should I keep my business printer on the same network as my other systems?
It's safer not to. A printer left on default settings on the same network as point-of-sale systems or customer data is a soft target for a breach. Keep firmware updated and consider isolating the printer on a separate guest network rather than sharing it with sensitive business systems.
Bottom Line
best overall: Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser - best for high-volume text pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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