8 Best Basic Black and White Printer (November 2026)
The best basic black and white printers include the Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel for portable document printing, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer for small offices, and the Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer for simple home printing.
On this page (3 sections)
The best basic black and white printer for most homes and small offices is the Brother DCP-L2640DW, which combines printing, scanning and copying with automatic duplex output. It suits people who want one machine for everyday paperwork.
It also suits small offices where forms, reports and copies share the same desk.
The Brother HL-L2405W is better for simple print-only work at home. It keeps the job focused on clean black text and regular pages.
That choice fits households where scanning and copying are rare.
The Gloryang and iDPRT are the portable choices in this group. They suit travel, school work and short jobs away from a desk.
They need compatible thermal paper, so they fit a different routine from a fixed laser printer.
A basic printer should match your documents, paper habits and available space. Think about how often you print, whether pages must be two sided, and where the printer will live.
A small footprint helps on a shared desk, while a larger tray helps when refills are a chore.
If checks are part of your workflow, see printers for printing checks. That path helps you check paper rules before you buy.
It also helps you avoid a model that is fine for text but wrong for check stock.
Monochrome laser models are the main fit for regular text. They are built for office style documents, repeated pages and long runs of black and white output.
Toner based printing also keeps regular copy paper in the workflow.
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 makes more sense if color printing matters too. It can handle color documents and photos as well as black text.
That flexibility suits homes where school work and images sit beside letters and forms.
If you are still deciding between printer types, our guide to the best type of printer explains the main differences. It sets out how laser, inkjet and thermal models differ in daily use.
That will help you pick the right system before you compare speeds and trays.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for portable document printingGloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for small officesBrother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for simple home printingBrother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itHP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black
Best for compact multifunction printing - 5
Check itCanon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Best for black text and color documents - 6
Best for wired laser printingCheck it - 7
Best for automatic two-sided office printingCheck it - 8
Check itiDPRT Portable Thermal Printer
Best for lightweight travel printing
The best basic black and white printers for everyday use
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the strongest all-around choice because it handles printing, scanning and copying in one machine. It suits a small office where paper comes in and digital files go out each day.
Automatic duplex output, a 50-page document feeder and a 250-sheet tray make busy work simpler.
The other top black and white printers focus on portable output, print-only work, compact multifunction printing or color flexibility. Each one suits a narrower job, so the right pick depends on your desk and habits.
The sections below break down those trade-offs in plain terms.
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel: Best for portable document printing
- Inkless thermal printing
- Supports 8.5 x 11 inch thermal paper
- Bluetooth connection
- Carry case and 3 rolls included
This portable thermal printer suits travel, school and emergency document printing when you do not want ink or toner. It connects to iOS and Android through Bluetooth.
Pros
- No ink, toner or ribbons
- Supports US letter thermal paper
- Carry case included
Cons
- Works only with Gloryang thermal paper
- Simplex printing
The Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel is the unusual top pick because it does not use ink, toner or ribbons. It uses thermal printing and supports 8.5 x 11 inch thermal paper, so it can produce full-size documents while remaining portable.
Bluetooth connects the printer to iOS and Android devices through the Jadens Printer app. It also works with laptops and computers after the printer is turned on and its driver is installed.
If you use Linux, compare printers for Linux for driver compatibility.
The travel design is the main reason to choose it. The product title gives a 1.75 lb weight and 1.7 in thickness, while the package includes a carry case, charging cable, manual, guide card and 3 rolls of paper.
This printer is not a match for ordinary copy paper. It is compatible only with Gloryang thermal paper, so plan your paper supply before using it for contracts, school materials or office documents.
Choose the Gloryang when you need full-size portable printing without carrying toner. For other mobile monochrome options, compare portable black and white printers.
Pick a laser model instead if your normal workflow uses regular paper at a fixed desk.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer: Best for small offices
- Print, scan and copy
- Up to 36 pages per minute
- 50-page automatic document feeder
- Automatic duplex printing
The DCP-L2640DW is the most complete everyday option here for a small office. It combines document printing with scanning, copying, wireless access and a 50-page automatic document feeder.
Pros
- Prints, scans and copies
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray
Cons
- Heavier than the basic print-only models
- Black-and-white output
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best basic black and white printer for a small office that needs more than printing. For an accounting-software workflow, see QuickBooks check printing printers.
It combines a monochrome laser printer, scanner and copier, with output speeds up to 36 pages per minute.
A 50-page automatic document feeder helps with multi-page scanning and copying. Its 250-sheet paper tray also reduces the number of times you need to refill paper during a workday.
Connection choices include dual-band wireless at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Ethernet and USB. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds mobile printing, scanning and printer management from supported devices.
Automatic duplex printing is useful when your documents need two-sided output. The printer also supports Brother TN830 and TN830XL toner, which gives you a defined supply path when the included toner needs replacement.
At 25 lb, it is heavier than the compact print-only models. Measure your desk and leave enough room for paper handling before choosing it.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer: Best for simple home printing
- Up to 30 pages per minute
- Dual-band wireless
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Manual feed slot
This print-only Brother suits homes and home offices that need sharp black-and-white documents without scanner or copier functions. Its 250-sheet tray reduces refill frequency.
Pros
- Fast print speed
- Wireless and USB connections
- Manual feed for envelopes and specialty paper
Cons
- No scanner or copier
- Manual duplex printing
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best simple desktop choice for black-and-white documents. It prints one-sided pages at up to 30 pages per minute and does not add scanner or copier functions you may not need.
Its 250-sheet tray fits regular home or office workflows, while the manual feed slot supports envelopes and specialty paper. Dual-band wireless allows printing from multiple devices, and USB provides a local connection.
The printer uses Brother TN830, TN830XL or TN830XL2PK toner. Its listed maximum black print resolution is 1200 x 1200 dpi, which suits sharp text and line-based documents.
Duplex printing is manual, so you must turn or reinsert pages for two-sided work. Choose the HP LaserJet M207dw instead if automatic duplex printing is a daily requirement.
The compact body measures 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 inches and weighs 15.1 lb. That makes it easier to place on a home-office desk than the larger multifunction models.
HP Laserjet MFP M140w Wireless Black: Best for compact multifunction printing
- Print, scan and copy
- Up to 21 pages per minute
- Wireless mobile printing
- ID card copying
The HP M140w fits buyers who want print, scan and copy functions in a small laser printer. It is designed for 1 to 3 people and supports mobile printing from several device types.
Pros
- Compact multifunction design
- ID card copying
- Wireless printing
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing
- Slower than the leading Brother models
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w is a compact multifunction printer for 1 to 3 people. It prints, scans and copies black-and-white documents at up to 21 pages per minute.
Its small footprint measures 10.4 x 14.2 x 7.8 inches, and the printer weighs 11.9 lb. Wireless printing works with mobile devices, PCs and tablets, and the HP Smart app supports scanning to the cloud.
The ID card copying function places both sides of an ID card or another small document on one side of a sheet. That is useful for forms and records where a normal full-page copy would waste paper.
This model does not provide duplex printing. HP also states that the printer is intended to work with cartridges using original HP chips or circuitry, so check toner requirements before buying.
Choose it when space and multifunction use matter more than speed. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a better fit for heavier scanning, copying and printing workloads.
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer: Best for black text and color documents
- Color inkjet printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- Print, scan and copy
- 1.42-inch OLED display
The PIXMA TS6520 is the better choice when a basic black-and-white printer also needs color documents and photos. Automatic two-sided printing helps with regular document work.
Pros
- Color and black-and-white output
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless mobile printing
Cons
- Slower black printing than the laser picks
- Uses black and color ink tanks
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the best choice here when a black-and-white printer must also handle color. It is a wireless color inkjet with printing, scanning, copying and automatic duplex output.
Black printing is listed at up to 14 pages per minute, while color printing is listed at up to 9 pages per minute. The printer supports documents and photos up to 8.5 x 11 inches, with or without borders.
A 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display shows printer status and ink levels. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports wireless printing, and mobile options include Canon PRINT, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.
The printer uses a PG-295 pigment-based black ink tank and a CL-286 dye-based color ink tank. This design makes it more flexible than a monochrome laser, but less focused on high-volume black document output.
Read our guide to types of inkjet printers if you are unsure whether an inkjet suits your paper and color needs.
Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP: Best for wired laser printing
- Print, scan and copy
- 19 pages per minute
- USB cable included
- Up to 2,300 page toner yield in box
The imageCLASS MF3010 VP suits a desk where a wired connection is enough. It combines monochrome printing with scanning and copying, and the box includes a USB cable.
Pros
- Multifunction laser design
- USB cable included
- ID card copy function
Cons
- Wired connection
- Lower print speed than the Brother multifunction model
The Canon imageCLASS MF3010 VP is a wired monochrome multifunction laser printer for buyers who want a direct USB setup. It prints, scans and copies, with a listed black print speed of 19 pages per minute.
That pace fits light office work and home paperwork where copies are part of the routine.
The box includes the printer, power cord, USB cable, software CD, getting started guide, warranty card and Cartridge 125 black toner. The toner in the box has a total stated yield of up to 2,300 pages, split between the starter toner and an additional toner.
Having the cable in the box helps with first setup at a desk.
Its paper capacity is up to 150 sheets. That is workable for daily use, though it means more frequent refills than models with larger trays.
Keep spare paper close if you copy multi-page files.
The printer also includes ID card copying and color scanning up to 600 dpi interpolated quality. ID copying helps with forms and records that need both sides of a card.
Color scanning can be handy when you need a digital file, even though printed output stays black and white.
This is a desk-bound choice because the listed compatible device is a laptop and the connection is USB. It suits buyers who prefer a firm cable link and do not need wireless printing.
Choose it when wireless printing is not needed and you want a multifunction laser printer with a cable included.
HP LaserJet M207dw: Best for automatic two-sided office printing
- Up to 28 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Ethernet and USB
The HP M207dw is a print-only office model for buyers who want automatic two-sided output and several connection choices. Its 28-page-per-minute speed fits regular document workflows.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless, Ethernet and USB
- Compact office size
Cons
- No scanner or copier
- 150-sheet capacity
The HP LaserJet M207dw is the best print-only option for automatic two-sided office documents. It prints black-and-white pages at up to 28 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing as a standard feature.
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB provide several ways to connect. HP also describes wireless self-reset and built-in security features for its office printing workflow.
The printer supports media from 4 x 6 to 8.5 x 14 inches and has a 150-sheet capacity. Its listed dimensions are 11 x 13.98 x 8.07 inches, so it fits smaller office spaces than some multifunction models.
It includes a preinstalled HP black original LaserJet toner cartridge, dust cover, power cord, reference guide, setup poster and regulatory flyer. It is print-only, so you will need a separate scanner for paper documents.
Pick it for two-sided reports and presentations. Choose the Brother HL-L2405W if you want a larger paper tray and do not mind manual duplex printing.
iDPRT Portable Thermal Printer: Best for lightweight travel printing
- 300 dpi thermal printing
- Bluetooth connection
- Supports US Letter, A4 and A5 thermal paper
- 2000mAh battery
The iDPRT MT610 Pro is a lightweight option for travel documents, schoolwork and household lists. Its Bluetooth connection and thermal design remove the need for ink cartridges or ribbons.
Pros
- 300 dpi print resolution
- Lightweight portable design
- Type-C fast charging
Cons
- Thermal paper required
- Print-only simplex output
The iDPRT Portable Thermal Printer is a lightweight alternative for travel and mobile office work. Its MT610 Pro model uses inkless thermal printing, connects through Bluetooth and supports 8.5 x 11 inch US Letter, A4 and A5 thermal paper.
The 300 dpi print resolution is suited to text edges, logs and basic documents. The built-in 2000mAh battery can print up to 240 sheets continuously, and Type-C charging is listed at about 2 hours for a full charge.
The printer weighs 0.73 kg and measures 10.5 x 1.6 x 2.2 inches. The box includes 10 US Letter thermal paper sheets, a USB-C cable and a user manual.
Like the Gloryang, it is not a regular-paper printer. Choose it for travel documents, study guides, grocery lists and other mobile tasks where inkless operation matters.
For a broader explanation of thermal printing, see what a thermal printer means.
How to choose a basic black and white printer
The best basic black and white printer depends first on whether you need print-only output or a multifunction machine. Choose a printer with scan and copy functions when you regularly digitize papers, duplicate forms or manage multi-page documents.
A print-only model is simpler when your work is already digital. The Brother HL-L2405W offers a 250-sheet tray and up to 30 pages per minute, while the HP LaserJet M207dw adds automatic duplex printing and Ethernet.
Laser, inkjet or thermal printing?
Laser is the best fit for regular black-and-white office documents. It suits letters, contracts, reports and forms that use standard copy paper.
Output stays sharp for text and line work, which is why so many home offices choose it for daily jobs.
The Brother and HP laser models in this group provide black-only output. That is a clear trade-off for buyers who want color for photos or charts.
It is still the right fit when most pages are words, tables and signatures.
The Canon PIXMA TS6520 adds color and photo printing through its inkjet system. That makes it more flexible for homes with school projects, recipes and images.
The trade-off is that it uses black and color ink tanks, so care and supply checks matter more.
Thermal printers are best for portable work when you can use compatible thermal paper. They do not need ink, toner or ribbons, which helps when you travel or print away from a desk.
They also suit short documents, lists and temporary paperwork.
The Gloryang and iDPRT are not designed for ordinary copy paper. That limit shapes the whole routine, from buying paper to storing printed pages.
Buy them for mobility, not as a direct swap for a desk laser.
Paper choice also affects upkeep and storage. Thermal paper should stay dry and away from heat to keep prints clear.
Laser paper is easier to buy in bulk, but you must keep the right toner on hand.
If you are comparing the Canon inkjet with another Canon naming system, our inkjet versus DeskJet guide explains the difference in plain terms. It helps you see why model names can cause confusion.
That guide can also help you judge whether an inkjet fits your paper and color needs.
Speed and duplex features should match your habits, not just the spec sheet. Frequent two-sided reports favour a model that flips pages for you.
Light home use can work well with simpler paper handling and a direct connection.
How much printing speed do you need?
A printer rated at 19 to 21 pages per minute can handle light document work, while 28 to 36 pages per minute is more useful for offices and larger batches. Speed matters most when you print multi-page documents often.
The DCP-L2640DW leads this group at up to 36 pages per minute. The portable thermal models also list 35 pages per minute, but their thermal-paper workflow and battery use make them different from fixed laser printers.
Do you need automatic duplex printing?
Automatic duplex printing saves manual page handling when you often create two-sided documents. The Brother DCP-L2640DW, Canon PIXMA TS6520 and HP LaserJet M207dw include automatic duplex printing.
The Brother HL-L2405W uses manual duplex printing, and the HP M140w does not provide duplex printing. Check this feature before buying if reports, forms or school documents commonly use both sides.
What should you check before setup?
Start by placing the printer where paper can load and printed pages can exit without hitting a wall. Connect the printer using the method that fits your workflow, then install the matching app or driver when the model requires one.
For laser printers, keep the correct toner model available. The Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2405W use TN830-family toner, while the HP and Canon models use their own stated toner or ink systems.
For thermal printers, use compatible thermal paper only. Keep spare rolls or sheets dry and follow the printer's paper direction so blank pages are less likely.
Verdict: which basic black and white printer should you choose?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best basic black and white printer overall if you need printing, scanning and copying in one compact laser machine. Its automatic duplex printing, 50-page document feeder and 250-sheet tray make it the most complete everyday option.
It suits small offices where multi-page files are common and refills should be less frequent.
Choose the Brother HL-L2405W for straightforward home printing. It prints one-sided pages at up to 30 pages per minute and keeps the setup simple.
It fits buyers who mainly need clean text and do not need a scanner or copier at the same desk.
Choose the HP M207dw for automatic two-sided office output. It prints at up to 28 pages per minute and adds dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB.
That mix suits shared office use where reports and presentations often need both sides of the page.
Choose the Canon PIXMA TS6520 when color documents and photos matter. It offers wireless color inkjet printing with scanning, copying and automatic duplex output.
It fits homes where black text is only part of the weekly print load.
Pick the Gloryang or iDPRT when portable thermal printing is more important than ordinary paper support. Both use inkless thermal printing and Bluetooth, so they suit travel and mobile work.
They need compatible thermal paper and simplex output, so they are not a full replacement for a desk laser.
Think about care before you decide. Laser models need the correct toner model, while inkjet models need black and color tanks.
Thermal models need the right paper stored in dry conditions, with spare rolls or sheets kept ready.
Setup also matters for daily ease. Place any printer where paper can load and pages can exit without strain.
Connect it with the method you will use most, then install the matching app or driver if the model calls for it.
If your printer starts producing only monochrome pages unexpectedly, read why a printer may print only in black and white. If you are considering white ink for specialty work, see can inkjet printers print white.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you need from a basic black-and-white printer. Use that score as a starting point, then match the final choice to your paper, space and routine.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for portable document printing
Gloryang Inkless Portable Printer for Travel
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for small offices
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for simple home printing
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best basic black and white printer for home use?
The Brother HL-L2405W is the best basic black and white printer for many homes because it offers wireless printing, a 250-sheet paper tray and speeds up to 30 pages per minute.
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW instead if you also need scanning and copying.
Are laser printers better than inkjet printers for black-and-white documents?
Laser printers are usually the simpler fit for frequent black-and-white documents because the models here use toner and offer higher listed black print speeds than the Canon PIXMA TS6520.
An inkjet is more useful when you also print color documents or photos.
What is the best cheap black and white printer?
A print-only monochrome laser printer is often the most straightforward budget choice because it avoids color ink when your work is mostly text. The Brother HL-L2405W is a strong fit for home use, while the HP LaserJet M207dw adds automatic duplex printing.
Check the cost and availability of replacement toner before ordering.
Are portable thermal printers good for regular paper?
No. The Gloryang and iDPRT portable printers require compatible thermal paper rather than ordinary copy paper.
They suit travel documents, lists and temporary paperwork, but a standard laser printer is a better match if you want to use common office paper.
