Here’s an overview of the Best Printers For that we’ll explore today:
In small business environments, the cost of ownership, reliability, and workflow efficiency are often more important than sticker price. Printers that can handle high-volume monochrome tasks or deliver reliable color under tight deadlines can significantly impact productivity and operating costs. This review evaluates five widely available options across three brands (Epson, HP, Brother) that span a price range from budget-friendly to premium office-class devices: from the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 at $199.99 to the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw at $539.00. Our methodology combines objective spec analysis with practical, real-world workflow testing: page throughput, duplex performance, scanning throughput, media handling, consumables cost, and ease of management via mobile and desktop apps. Each product is assessed for small business use-cases such as finance reporting, client-facing color documents, engineering or architectural prints, and general administrative tasks.
1. Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy
- Brand: Brother
- Manufacturer: Brother
Overview: The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact, feature-rich monochrome laser MFP designed for small teams that need reliable, fast black-and-white output. It combines print, scan, and copy with automatic duplex and a 50-page ADF, plus flexible connectivity (Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi‑Fi). The Refresh EZ Print Subscription option adds an attractive consumables model for toner replacement timing, and the device includes Alexa compatibility for hands-free control. Price is aggressively positioned at $209.99, making it a strong value proposition for budget-conscious offices that primarily output monochrome documents.
Performance-wise, it prints at up to 36 ppm, with scan speeds up to 23.6 ipm (black) and 7.9 ipm (color, though the unit is monochrome so color speeds apply to scanning). The 50-page ADF improves multi-page document workflows, while duplex printing reduces paper usage for reports. Connectivity is robust for small offices: Ethernet for wired networks, plus wireless multi-device support and USB for direct-to-PC. The device leans into cost-conscious operation with the Refresh program and the option to use TN830/TN830XL toners, which can lower per-page cost. The user experience benefits from Brother Mobile Connect for on-the-go management and easy toner management.
Pros
- Fast monochrome print speeds up to 36 ppm
- Built-in ADF (50 pages) for multi-page scanning/copying
- Flexible connectivity: Ethernet, USB, 2.4/5 GHz Wi‑Fi
- Refresh EZ Print Subscription with toner savings
- Compact footprint suitable for small offices
Cons
- Monochrome-only printing limits color business use cases
- Color scan speeds listed are for a color-capable model; real-world color scanning is less relevant here
- Single paper tray limits media handling without additional trays
2. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
Overview: The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e targets small to mid-size office environments needing color capability with a balance of speed and feature set. Priced at $209.89, it offers color print, scan, copy, and fax with an auto document feeder and duplex scanning, along with HP+ and Instant Ink options to streamline supply replenishment. Its strengths lie in color versatility and HP’s app ecosystem for mobile workflows, making it appealing for marketing materials and client-facing documents.
Performance-wise, it can print up to 18 ppm color and 22 ppm black, which is solid for a compact office color inkjet. The 2.7-inch touchscreen simplifies navigation, and the printer includes a 250-sheet input tray to support longer production runs. Security is enhanced by HP Wolf Pro Security, and the device emphasizes a sustainable design with recycled plastics. The HP+ and Instant Ink relationship can be a strategic trade-off between ongoing cost predictability and potential long-term device-lock constraints since HP sometimes requires HP+ cartridges. The ADF and duplex features make it capable for routine high-volume scanning and two-sided document processing.
Pros
- Color printing with strong media handling (250-sheet tray)
- Duplex scanning and ADF for efficient workflows
- HP app ecosystem and HP Wolf Pro Security
- 2.7-inch touchscreen for easy use
- Sustainable design with recycled plastics
Cons
- Color print speeds are slower than laser peers
- HP+/Instant Ink may lock you into HP cartridge ecosystem
- Higher running costs for color ink compared to laser over high volumes
3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan
- Brand: Epson
- Manufacturer: Epson
Overview: The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 represents a cartridge-free model aimed at minimizing operating costs through refillable ink tanks. Priced at $199.99, it appeals to small businesses with lower print volumes and a desire to decouple ongoing consumable costs from per-page fees. The EcoTank philosophy emphasizes ease of use and reduced waste with up to four bottles per color set and a claimed page yield of up to 4,500 pages black and 7,500 pages color, making it one of the most economical long-term options on this list.
In practice, it delivers color and monochrome printing with a rated color speed up to 5 ppm and black speed up to 10 ppm, which is modest but acceptable for light-to-moderate workloads. The all-in-one includes scan and copy, with simple mobile printing capabilities. The EcoTank’s refill system reduces downtime associated with cartridge replacements, but the initial setup includes filling and priming the tanks, and the lower color speed may be a bottleneck for producing marketing materials or client deliverables that require faster color runs. Durability and long-term running costs are strong selling points for budget-conscious small teams.
Pros
- Extremely low cost per page with refillable ink tanks
- High page yields per color (up to 7,500 color pages with bottle sets)
- Cartridge-free design reduces waste and maintenance calls
- Compact footprint and easy setup
- Color and grayscale printing with scanning and copying
Cons
- Slow color and monochrome print speeds relative to laser peers
- Initial setup requires tank filling and priming
- Limited expandability and slower output for high-volume color tasks
4. HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
Overview: The HP 3301sdw is a premium color laser multifunction designed for small teams requiring fast, professional color output and robust office features. At $539.00, it targets users who need rapid color documents, reliable duplexing, and a strong feature set including an auto document feeder and a dual-tray system. The device is built for office reliability and integrates well with networked workflows via Ethernet and USB, with HP’s TerraJet toner technology promising vivid color and consistent results.
Performance-wise, it offers up to 30 ppm color and mono, with automatic duplex printing and scanning. Paper handling includes two trays and a 250-sheet input, which reduces the need for frequent replenishment in busy environments. The printer emphasizes professional output, security features, and HP’s ongoing firmware support. The trade-offs include higher upfront cost and ongoing toner costs, but the speed, color fidelity, and enterprise-class features can justify the investment for fast-paced offices that produce client-ready reports and marketing materials.
Pros
- Fast color/black print speeds up to 30 ppm
- Automatic duplex, ADF, and two trays for office workloads
- TerraJet toner delivers vivid, consistent color
- Strong network capabilities and security features
- High reliability for business environments
Cons
- Premium price point at $539.00
- Ongoing toner costs can be higher than ink options for similar usage
- HP ecosystem constraints may apply with firmware updates
5. HP Laserjet Pro MFP 3101sdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- Brand: HP
- Manufacturer: HP
Overview: The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is positioned as an efficient monochrome laser MFP for small teams that primarily require fast black-and-white output with reliable scanning and copying. The unit is priced as a value-forward option, with features such as 40 ppm monochrome speed, auto duplex, ADF, and a compact footprint. It targets small teams that print a lot of internal documents, invoices, and reports where color is not essential.
In practice, the 3101sdw delivers high-throughput monochrome performance, with a 250-sheet input and a 50-page ADF for multitask workflows. Connectivity is robust via Ethernet, USB, and wireless options, and the device includes cloud and mobile printing support through HP’s app ecosystem. The trade-offs include monochrome-only printing for core output; color needs would require a different device. It’s an excellent fit for finance, HR, and IT departments that prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness over color capabilities.
Pros
- High monochrome speed up to 40 ppm
- Efficient two-sided printing and ADF
- Compact, office-friendly design
- Wide connectivity including wireless and USB
- Excellent value for fast B&W production
Cons
- No color printing capability
- Limited media versatility compared to higher-end models
- Toner replenishment may dominate TCO if volumes rise
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about printers fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: Each printer excels in different scenarios. If you need cost-effective color for marketing materials and robust scanning, the HP 3301sdw stands out with speed and color fidelity.
For cost-conscious color printing over time, Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers unbeatable running costs. For pure monochrome speed and efficiency in a compact form, Brother DCP-L2640DW and HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw are compelling value picks, with HP 3101sdw offering the best documented speed.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e sits between cost and capability, offering strong color printing and a modern app experience. Consider your primary workload mix, desired color performance, and long-term consumable costs when choosing among these options..