8 Best Printer for Printing Checks (November 2026)
The best printers for printing checks include the HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw for busy check-printing offices, the Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer for small-format document inserts, and the Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer for compact business workflows.
On this page (6 sections)
The best printer for printing checks for most offices is the HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw. It combines fast monochrome laser output with automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder.
That mix suits an office where checks sit alongside invoices, payroll paperwork and routine black and white reports. Speed at up to 35 black pages per minute helps when a batch needs to move through without long pauses between pages.
Paper capacity matters in daily use because fewer refills mean fewer interruptions during a run. A 250-sheet tray lets you load check stock and related office paper in a sensible quantity and return to other tasks while printing continues.
Automatic duplex printing supports two sided documents and reduces manual handling for supporting paperwork. It will not change a one sided check layout, but it helps when the same printer also produces longer reports.
Scanning and copying add practical value beyond the check itself. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder helps with multi page jobs, such as signed forms or supporting records that need to be captured after payment is issued.
For home offices, the Brother Work Smart 1410 adds color printing with scanning, copying and faxing in one machine. That broader function set suits a smaller workspace where color documents, calendars or flyers may sit beside financial paperwork.
If you need portable output, the Canon PIXMA TR160 accepts documents up to 8.5 x 11 in and weighs 4.5 lb. Its portable design suits occasional printing away from a fixed desk rather than a constant office queue.
For the paper itself, Business Checks on Top and DocuGard provide check stock designed for laser and inkjet printers. Both use 8.5 x 11 in sheets, so the paper choice starts with the template your software expects.
A printer alone does not guarantee correct check alignment. Your accounting software, paper format, printer margins and test-print process all affect the final result.
Set up with plain paper first and compare the printed fields against the check position before you load live stock. Small alignment changes are easy to correct on a test sheet and far less wasteful than errors on security paper.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for small-format document insertsLiene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compact business workflowsBrother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for standard check stockCheck it - 5
Check itCanon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer
Best for mobile check printing - 6
Check itBrother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet
Best for home office check printing - 7
Check itDocuGard Standard Blue Marble Top High Security
Best for high-security check stock - 8
Check itHP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black
Best for straightforward laser output
The best printers for printing checks by use
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is the strongest general choice for regular office check printing, while the Brother models cover compact and home-office needs. The paper picks are included because secure check output depends on both the printer and the stock.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against the needs of someone shopping for a printer for printing checks.
HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw: Best for busy check-printing offices
- Monochrome laser printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet input tray
- 50-sheet automatic document feeder
Fast monochrome output, automatic 2-sided printing, scanning and copying make this the strongest fit for an office that handles regular check paperwork.
Pros
- 35 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet tray and 50-sheet feeder
Cons
- Uses HP chip-equipped cartridges
- Larger than portable printers
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is the best fit for an office that prints checks along with regular black-and-white documents. Its laser engine prints up to 35 black pages per minute, so it has the speed needed for payroll paperwork and routine office forms.
Automatic duplex printing helps reduce manual page handling for related documents. The printer also scans and copies, with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder for multi-page work.
The 250-sheet input tray means you can load a useful amount of paper before returning to the printer. It accepts media up to 8.5 x 14 in, which covers standard 8.5 x 11 in check stock.
Wireless printing works with laptops, PCs and smartphones, while Ethernet and USB provide wired options. HP states that the printer is intended for cartridges with HP chips or circuitry, and firmware updates can maintain those cartridge measures.
Choose it when speed, paper capacity and multifunction work matter most. Check your software's alignment settings before printing live checks.
Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer: Best for small-format document inserts
- 4 x 6 in maximum media size
- Thermal dye sublimation printing
- 100 sheets and 3 cartridges
- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
This compact printer is designed for 4 x 6 in color prints, not standard business checks. It belongs here only for readers who also need small-format inserts or photo output.
Pros
- Compact 4 x 6 in format
- 100 sheets included
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Cannot print standard 8.5 x 11 in check stock
- Proprietary cartridges
The Liene M100 is not a standard check printer. Its maximum media size is 4 x 6 in, so it cannot print a normal 8.5 x 11 in business check sheet.
It earns a place in this guide only for readers who need a compact second printer for small-format color output. The thermal dye sublimation process is designed for 4 x 6 in photos, and the print uses cyan, magenta, yellow and black color.
The package includes 100 sheets of photo paper and 3 cartridges. Its built-in hotspot lets compatible devices connect without another network, and up to 5 devices can connect at the same time.
The Liene app supports photo adjustments such as borders, filters, contrast and brightness. A USB Type C connection is also available.
Choose this printer for small color inserts, ID photos or a compact photo station. Do not choose it for checks, payroll sheets or other standard-size financial documents.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer: Best for compact business workflows
- Monochrome laser printing
- Copy and scan functions
- Automatic duplex printing
- 50-page automatic document feeder
The Brother DCP-L2640DW fits small offices that need check printing alongside scanning and copying, with a compact footprint and flexible connections.
Pros
- 36 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing
- 50-page feeder
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Check stock compatibility still depends on paper and software setup
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the best compact multifunction choice for check printing and related office paperwork. It prints up to 36 black pages per minute, slightly faster than the HP picks in this guide.
Its 3-in-1 design combines a monochrome laser printer, scanner and copier. A 50-page automatic document feeder helps with multi-page scans and copies, while automatic duplex printing handles two-sided documents without manual page turning.
The printer supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. If you use Linux, compare printers with Linux support before choosing a model.
That gives a small office several ways to connect laptops, PCs, smartphones and tablets.
The paper tray and compact footprint suit a desk where space is limited. Its output is black only, which is usually enough for check text but not for color forms or marketing pages.
Brother identifies TN830 and TN830XL as compatible toner options. Choose this model when you need check printing plus scanning and copying in one machine.
Business Checks on Top: Best for standard check stock
- 100 sheets
- 8.5 x 11 in paper size
- Laser and inkjet compatible
- High-security paper features
This 100-sheet check stock works with laser and inkjet printers and supports accounting workflows, including QuickBooks-compatible check printing.
Pros
- Works with laser and inkjet printers
- 8.5 x 11 in sheets
- Security features for check documents
Cons
- Paper is not a printer
- Software and alignment still need setup
Business Checks on Top is the best standard check stock option in this group. It provides 100 sheets of 8.5 x 11 in paper, with individual checks sized at 3.5 x 8.5 in.
The 24 lb stock works with both laser and inkjet printers. That makes it a practical match for the HP and Brother laser models, as well as the Canon and Brother inkjet models, provided your software supports the format.
Security features include an artificial watermark, a microprint border, a warning box and hidden void technology. The smooth, recyclable paper has a diamond blue color.
Use this stock for accounting records, vendor payments, payroll processing and other routine financial work. Before loading it, confirm which side faces up in your printer and run a plain-paper alignment check.
The paper is not a printer and does not control the final alignment. Your printer driver and accounting software still need the correct page size and margin settings.
Canon PIXMA TR160 Color Wireless Portable Printer: Best for mobile check printing
- Portable 8.5 x 11 in printing
- Wireless direct mode
- 1.44 in OLED display
- 50-sheet capacity
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the portable option for printing standard-size documents away from a desk. Its simplex design means it does not automatically print both sides.
Pros
- 4.5 lb portable design
- 8.5 x 11 in output
- Wireless direct mode
Cons
- Slower than the laser picks
- Simplex printing
The Canon PIXMA TR160 is the best choice when you need to print standard-size documents away from a fixed desk. It prints documents up to 8.5 x 11 in and weighs 4.5 lb.
Wireless direct mode lets a compatible device connect to the printer without a wireless router. The Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service provide mobile printing options for compatible devices.
The 1.44 in monochrome OLED display shows ink levels, printer status and settings. The printer has a 50-sheet capacity and uses a 5-color hybrid ink system for black text and color output.
Its black print speed is up to 9 pages per minute, which is slower than the laser models here. It also uses simplex printing, so it does not automatically print both sides.
Choose it for occasional mobile check printing when portability matters more than speed. For black-only mobile alternatives, compare portable black and white printers.
Confirm that your check stock feeds correctly and that your software can print the required layout.
Brother Work Smart 1410 Wireless Color Inkjet: Best for home office check printing
- Print, copy, scan and fax
- Automatic duplex printing
- 20-sheet automatic document feeder
- 150-sheet paper tray
This color all-in-one suits a home office that prints checks but also needs copying, scanning, faxing and color documents.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing
- 150-sheet tray
- 2.7 in color touchscreen
Cons
- Slower black output than laser printers
- Uses LC501 ink
The Brother Work Smart 1410 is the best home-office option for check printing when you also need color and several document functions. It prints, copies, scans and faxes from one compact machine.
Automatic duplex printing, a 150-sheet paper tray and a 20-sheet single-sided automatic document feeder support common home-office tasks. Black output reaches up to 16 pages per minute, while color output reaches up to 9 pages per minute.
The 2.7 in color touchscreen provides printer controls, and the Brother Mobile Connect app supports printing, copying, scanning and device management from mobile devices. Wireless and USB connections are available.
The printer accepts media up to 8.5 x 14 in, so standard 8.5 x 11 in check stock fits its stated maximum size. Brother identifies LC501 ink for this model.
Choose it if checks are only part of your work and you also print color documents. Choose a laser model instead if fast black-only batches are your main need.
DocuGard Standard Blue Marble Top High Security: Best for high-security check stock
- 500 blank business checks
- 11 security features
- 8.5 x 11 in paper
- Laser and inkjet compatible
DocuGard provides a large supply of blue marble check stock with multiple security features for payroll, vendor payments and other business documents.
Pros
- 500 sheets
- 11 security features
- Works with laser and inkjet printers
Cons
- Paper requires a compatible printer and software
- Large supply may exceed light office needs
DocuGard is the best high-security check stock choice for offices that want a large supply. The package contains 500 blank business checks on 8.5 x 11 in paper.
Its 11 security features include watermarks, microtext print, a patterned background, a security warning and VOID features. The 24 lb blue paper works with laser and inkjet printers.
DocuGard also supports workflows using most money management software programs. Its check stock is intended for payroll, vendor payments and client transactions where document security matters.
The stock is not a substitute for a printer with proper alignment controls. Use the correct paper size in the print dialog, and confirm that the check layout matches the 8.5 x 11 in sheet before printing.
A 500-sheet supply suits an office that prints checks often. For occasional household or small-business use, the 100-sheet Business Checks on Top pack may be easier to store and manage.
HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black: Best for straightforward laser output
- Black-and-white laser printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet capacity
- Ethernet and USB
This HP provides fast black-and-white output and automatic duplex printing for offices that want a printer rather than a multifunction device.
Pros
- 35 pages per minute
- 250-sheet capacity
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- No color output
- Uses original HP chip-equipped cartridges
The HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw is the best straightforward laser option for offices that do not need an all-in-one printer. It prints black-and-white documents at up to 35 pages per minute and supports automatic duplex printing.
Its 250-sheet capacity works well for regular office printing. The maximum media size is 8.5 x 14 in, which includes standard 8.5 x 11 in check stock.
Ethernet and USB provide wired connections, while wireless printing supports mobile devices, PCs and tablets. HP also lists compatibility with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android and Chromebook systems.
This model is smaller and lighter than the HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw, but its product data does not describe the same all-in-one function set. Choose it when you mainly need fast black-and-white printing.
HP states that the printer is intended for cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry. Consider that supply requirement when setting up a long-term check-printing workflow.
What to check before printing checks
The most important check-printing setup is the match between your software, paper size and printer feed direction. A printer that accepts 8.5 x 11 in media can still print the layout incorrectly if the accounting template uses different margins.
First, confirm that your check stock matches the software template. Business Checks on Top uses 8.5 x 11 in sheets with individual checks sized at 3.5 x 8.5 in.
Next, set the document to the exact paper size and turn off options such as “fit to page” if they change the layout. Print a test on plain paper and hold it behind a check sheet to compare the fields.
Use the printer's manual feed or paper tray instructions for heavier check stock. Load a small number of sheets first, then verify that the paper travels straight and the printed fields remain aligned.
For software-specific steps, see our guide to the best printer for QuickBooks check printing.
Laser or inkjet for printing checks?
Laser printers are usually the better fit for frequent black-and-white check batches because the models here offer higher black print speeds. The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw reaches 35 pages per minute, while the Brother DCP-L2640DW reaches 36.
Inkjet printers make more sense when you also need color documents, portability or a lower-volume home-office setup. The Brother Work Smart 1410 prints in color and includes copying, scanning and faxing.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 adds portability and accepts 8.5 x 11 in documents, but it prints more slowly and uses simplex printing. Select it when the printer needs to travel rather than handle a busy office queue.
If you are unsure about using an inkjet model, read our explanation of whether you can print checks with an inkjet printer.
Do wireless printers work for check printing?
Wireless printers can work well for check printing when the connection remains stable and the software sends the correct page layout. The HP and Brother laser models offer wireless printing alongside Ethernet or USB connections.
That range of connections gives flexibility in where the printer sits in an office. A laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet can send work without a cable running across the desk.
A wired connection can be useful during setup because it removes one source of interruption while you confirm alignment. Ethernet or USB lets you focus on paper size, margins and feed direction without worrying about the network.
After the template is correct, wireless printing can make it easier to send documents from a laptop, tablet or phone. Shared office use also becomes simpler when several devices can reach the same printer.
The Canon PIXMA TR160 includes wireless direct mode, so a compatible device can connect without a wireless router. That helps when printing standard size documents in a temporary location or away from an established network.
The Liene M100 also uses a built-in hotspot, but its 4 x 6 in limit makes it unsuitable for standard checks. Its connection design is aimed at small color prints rather than 8.5 x 11 in financial sheets.
For check printing, test the full path from software to paper before relying on wireless for live work. Print a plain paper test, confirm the layout and then repeat the same settings with check stock.
If a wireless job stalls or lands in the wrong position, switch to a wired connection while you correct the settings. Once alignment is stable, document the settings so future users send from the same paper source and size.
For a broader comparison of wireless models, see our guide to the best wireless printing printer.
How to choose check stock
Choose check stock by paper size, printer compatibility, security features and the number of sheets you expect to use. Both paper options here are 8.5 x 11 in and work with laser and inkjet printers.
Paper size is the first filter because it must match the layout in your accounting software. An 8.5 x 11 in sheet with a 3.5 x 8.5 in check area needs the correct template and orientation before any live printing.
Printer compatibility is next because laser and inkjet output can respond differently to paper weight and finish. Both options here are 24 lb stock, which gives a familiar office paper weight for routine handling.
Security features matter when checks leave the office or pass through several hands. Watermarks, microprint, patterned backgrounds and hidden void messages are intended to make copying or alteration easier to spot.
Business Checks on Top contains 100 sheets and includes an artificial watermark, microprint border, warning box and hidden void technology. The smooth diamond blue paper suits accounting records, vendor payments and payroll processing in a smaller operation.
That 100 sheet quantity suits lighter office use or a first supply for a home office. It is easier to store and test with, and it avoids buying a large supply before your template is proven.
DocuGard contains 500 sheets and lists 11 security features, including watermarks, microtext, patterned backgrounds and VOID features. Its blue marble design is aimed at payroll, vendor payments and client transactions where document security is a priority.
A 500 sheet supply suits a payroll department or an office that prints checks often. The larger quantity reduces reordering, but it requires storage space and a printer and software setup that can use the stock consistently.
Check whether your accounting software supports the selected stock layout. Security paper helps protect the document, but it cannot correct a wrong template, incorrect printer margins or a misfed sheet.
Run a plain paper alignment test before using either stock for a live check. Confirm feed direction, paper source and margins, then keep a short record of the settings for the next payroll or payment run.
The final choice for the best printer for printing checks
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is the best printer for printing checks for most offices because it combines fast black output, automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, a 250-sheet tray and a 50-sheet feeder.
That combination fits a busy office where checks are part of a wider paper workflow. Up to 35 black pages per minute supports regular batches, while scanning and copying help with records that accompany payments.
A 250-sheet tray reduces how often you need to reload during office printing. Automatic duplex printing also helps with two sided supporting documents, even though a check itself is normally printed on one side.
Pick the Brother DCP-L2640DW if desk space and multifunction work matter most. Its compact 3-in-1 design adds copying and scanning, with automatic duplex printing and a 50-page automatic document feeder for multi page jobs.
Choose the Brother Work Smart 1410 for a color home-office setup with printing, copying, scanning and faxing. Its 150-sheet tray, touchscreen and automatic duplex printing suit a household office that prints checks alongside color documents.
Choose the Canon PIXMA TR160 when you need portable 8.5 x 11 in printing away from a fixed desk. At 4.5 lb, it is made for occasional mobile use rather than high volume office batches, and simplex printing means both sides are not automatic.
For secure paper, choose Business Checks on Top for 100 sheets or DocuGard for 500 sheets and 11 listed security features. Both are 8.5 x 11 in and work with laser and inkjet printers when your software layout matches.
Match the printer, paper and software before you print a live check. Confirm paper source, feed direction and margins, then test the layout on plain paper before printing a real check.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for small-format document inserts
Liene M100 4x6'' Photo Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for compact business workflows
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best printer for printing checks?
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is the best printer for printing checks for most busy offices because it prints black-and-white documents at up to 35 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, a 250-sheet tray and a 50-sheet feeder.
Choose a printer that accepts your check stock, supports your accounting software and allows accurate page alignment.
Can you print checks with an inkjet printer?
Yes, you can print checks with an inkjet printer when the paper and software support that workflow. The Business Checks on Top and DocuGard check stock are compatible with laser and inkjet printers.
Inkjet models can suit lighter home-office use, while monochrome laser printers are often a better fit for faster black document output.
Do I need special paper for printing checks?
Yes, check stock is usually the safer choice because it can include security features such as watermarks, microprint, patterned backgrounds and hidden void messages. Business Checks on Top is 8.5 x 11 in, while DocuGard offers 500 sheets in the same paper size.
Confirm the stock format in your accounting software before printing.
What printer features matter most for check printing?
The most useful features are accurate paper handling, support for 8.5 x 11 in check stock, reliable black text, wireless or wired connections and easy alignment controls. Automatic duplex printing helps with related office paperwork, but it is not required for a single-sided check.
A scanner, copier or automatic document feeder can also help if checks are part of a wider office workflow.
