The 5 Best Printers for Different Small Businesses
The small-office printer decision starts with a boring question: what leaves the tray every week? Invoices and shipping documents favor a simple monochrome laser. Client handouts in color change both the machine and toner budget. If staff regularly scan signed forms, a printer-only model creates a second purchase and another spot on the desk.
I'd start with HP LaserJet M207dw for a text-heavy office that wants automatic two-sided printing. Canon's LBP646Cdw is the color choice; HP M140w takes the scanning role. The Canon LBP122dw and Brother HL-L2405W are compact monochrome alternatives where toner price, local support or desk layout settle the decision.
Our top 5 printers for different small businesses
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 HP LaserJet M207dwDetails ↓ | $99.00 | 3.9/5Amazon | Best text-office default |
02 Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646CdwDetails ↓ | $249.00 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best in-house color |
03 HP LaserJet MFP M140wDetails ↓ | $169.00 | 4.0/5Amazon | Best scan-and-print desk |
04 Canon imageCLASS LBP122dwDetails ↓ | $109.00 | 3.8/5Amazon | Best compact Canon mono |
05 Brother HL-L2405WDetails ↓ | $139.99 | 4.0/5Amazon | Best Brother mono alternative |
01 — HP
Best text-office defaultHP LaserJet M207dw
M207dw is where I would start for a small office sending a steady stream of black-and-white documents. Its laser format, wireless setup and duplex printing address real paper handling without making color supplies part of every page cost. It leads for the broad text-first business. The sacrifice is color and scanning: if either is regular work, choose the Canon color model or the HP M140w accordingly. Price the correct toner cartridge before calling any laser printer inexpensive to own.
First because a text-heavy small business gets the useful automatic duplex function without paying for unused color. I would switch to M140w if scanning is frequent, or to Canon color if client-facing materials are routine.
Specifications: HP LaserJet M207dw specifications ↗
View on Amazon ↗Invoices and text documents.
You need color or a scanner.
What I like
+Automatic duplex monochrome laser.
What to weigh
−Printer-only and toner costs.
02 — Canon
Best in-house colorCanon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw
I would put the LBP646Cdw on the shortlist the moment a business prints menus, charts or client-facing color pages in-house. It is a real color laser alternative rather than another black-only box in this comparison. Second place reflects a higher supply commitment: four toner colors cost more to maintain, and this printer is not a scanner. If the color job is rare, M207dw plus an occasional print shop may make better economic sense. Check the exact model’s duplex and media support before buying.
Second because a business producing color handouts needs a different machine, not a nicer black-only printer. The higher toner bill is justified only when enough color pages stay in-house.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Regular color client pages.
You mainly print black text.
What I like
+Color laser output.
What to weigh
−More consumables and space.
- Output
- Color
- Connection
- Wireless
- Functions
03 — HP
Best scan-and-print deskHP LaserJet MFP M140w
The M140w is the practical choice when a signed form needs to go back to a client as often as a page comes out. I would rather buy the scanner I will use than pay for a faster print-only model and then juggle a second device. It ranks third because its monochrome multifunction role is narrower than the M207dw’s duplex document flow. Check whether the scanning method suits your stack size and whether automatic two-sided printing is required. The Canon color printer solves a different problem entirely.
Third for the team that scans signed forms often enough to use an all-in-one every week. It sacrifices the M207dw’s cleaner text-printer focus; check the exact duplex and scan workflow before choosing it.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Small office with frequent scanning.
You need a dedicated duplex workhorse.
What I like
+Scanner and monochrome printer together.
What to weigh
−More compromise in paper workflow.
- Output
- Monochrome
- Connection
- Wireless
- Functions
- Print, copy, scan
04 — Canon
Best compact Canon monoCanon imageCLASS LBP122dw
LBP122dw suits a small counter or back office that needs a dedicated text printer without a scanner taking up more space. I would check its paper capacity, connection options and toner supply against the shop’s actual monthly workload. Fourth place reflects a focused print-only role. M207dw is the stronger default for a busy text workflow, while the color Canon is necessary for flyers. This one is for the owner who wants a compact mono alternative and can live without copying.
Fourth as a printer-only option for a counter or tight back room. Its value depends on actual toner cost and footprint against the cheaper HP offer; I would not pay extra merely for a second brand name.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Tight office counters.
You need scanning or color.
What I like
+Compact text printing.
What to weigh
−Compare toner economics closely.
05 — Brother
Best Brother mono alternativeBrother HL-L2405W
Brother’s HL-L2405W is another compact monochrome choice I would compare when local toner price or support makes Brother the sensible brand. It serves a text-heavy desk, not a design studio. It closes the ranking because the M207dw has the clearer duplex-led argument and the Canon covers an even simpler counter. Confirm this Brother model’s exact two-sided setting, wireless setup and cartridge yield rather than assuming all HL models share features.
Fifth because it gives a small office a Brother toner-and-support path, but the HP and Canon options already cover the principal text jobs. Choose it where local supplies or service make the lifetime cost better.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Businesses favoring Brother support.
You need color or scanning.
What I like
+Straightforward mono laser.
What to weigh
−Value depends on local toner cost.
- Output
- Monochrome
- Connection
- Wireless
- Functions
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 17, 2026, 10:25 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Printers for Different Small Businesses
01Do I need a color laser for a logo?+
If the logo appears only occasionally, compare outside printing cost with color toner ownership before buying.
02Which recurring cost matters most?+
Estimate your monthly page count and the replacement toner yield and price for the exact model.
The short answer
Start with the HP LaserJet M207dw.
I recommend it for invoices and text documents. Choose something else if you need color or a scanner.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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