When choosing an eco friendly laser printer, look for energy efficiency, low power modes, duplex printing, and reliable compatibility with your devices. This guide highlights five compact, efficient monochrome or color-capable options suitable for small teams or home offices. Each pick is evaluated for who it benefits most, plus practical trade-offs to consider.
Summary table of selected products:
- Brother DCP-L2640DW – Best for small businesses needing 3‑in‑1 versatility and strong connectivity.
- Brother HL-L2405W – Best for homes and home offices seeking compact, reliable monochrome printing.
- HP LaserJet M140w – Best for small teams wanting fast setup and mobile printing.
- Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w – Best for space-saving single-function wireless printing.
- Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Best for color, duplex, and all-in-one needs in a small office.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Mono 3‑in‑1
Features: Monochrome printer, copier, and scanner in a compact footprint. Print speeds up to 36 ppm. Scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm (black/color). 50-page auto document feeder. Built-in dual-band wireless and Ethernet. USB connection option for local work.
Best for: Small businesses that need a compact, all‑in‑one device with quick document handling and flexible network options. The 50‑page ADF supports multi-page scans and copies efficiently.
Caution: Some users may prioritize color printing, which this model does not offer. Duplex printing is supported, but color capabilities are limited to black and white only.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Mono Printer
Features: Monochrome laser printer with mobile printing and compact design. Speeds up to 30 ppm. Flexible connection options via wireless and USB. Mobile Connect app support for remote management.
Best for: Homes and at‑home offices seeking dependable, affordable black‑and‑white prints with easy mobile access. The compact footprint helps integrate into small desks or shelves.
Caution: No color printing and no built‑in scanner or copier; best as a focused printing device rather than a full office‑suite unit.
HP LaserJet MFP M140w Wireless Black & White
Features: All‑in‑one monochrome laser with print, scan, and copy. Wireless connectivity and mobile printing. Efficient for small teams requiring multi‑function capability and easy setup.
Best for: Small teams that need a compact, drop‑in solution for printing, scanning, and copying with straightforward setup. The all‑in‑one capability saves space and reduces clutter.
Caution: Color printing is unavailable, and the device focuses on black & white outputs for cost efficiency.
Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w Wireless Mono Printer
Features: Monochrome single‑function wireless printer. Print speeds up to 19 PPM. Space‑saving design, easy wireless printing from mobile devices.
Best for: Individuals or small spaces that require a simple wireless printer with reliable black‑and‑white output and minimal footprint.
Caution: Lacks scanning or copying functions; not suitable for users who need an all‑in‑one device.
Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw Color Duplex Printer
Features: Color, wireless, duplex, 3‑in‑1 capabilities (print, scan, copy). Fast print speeds up to 26 PPM. Easy wireless setup, robust for small office use.
Best for: Small offices needing color output, duplex printing, and all‑in‑one functionality in a single device. The MF662Cdw offers a balanced color solution with efficiency features.
Caution: As a color device, it may consume more toner and energy than monochrome models, and the initial cost can be higher.
Buying Guide
What counts as eco friendly in a printer?
Eco friendly printers emphasize energy efficiency, low standby power, and the use of recycled or recyclable materials. Look for ENERGY STAR certification, duplex (two‑sided) printing, and long‑lasting consumables to reduce waste and cost.
Monochrome vs color: which is greener?
Monochrome printers typically consume less energy and toner per page. If most documents are text‑heavy, a monochrome model saves resources. Color printers are necessary for graphics or marketing materials but use more toner and energy.
All‑in‑one vs single function: do you need more?
All‑in‑one devices (print‑scan‑copy) save space and can be more energy efficient overall. If you rarely scan or copy, a single‑function printer may reduce idle energy use and cost.
Connectivity matters
Wireless and mobile printing simplify workflows and can reduce device clustering. Choose models with secure network features and easy access from multiple devices.
Durability and maintenance considerations
Look for reliable brands with straightforward toner replacement and service options. Consider auto‑document feeders for multi‑page jobs to improve efficiency and reduce handling energy.
Buying decisions at a glance
- Best all‑around eco choice: Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw for color and all‑in‑one needs in small offices.
- Best compact monochrome option: Brother HL-L2405W for homes and small desks.
- Best 3‑in‑1 for light business use: Brother DCP-L2640DW for scanning and copying alongside printing.
- Best budget single‑function option: Canon imageCLASS LBP6030w for space and simple wireless printing.
- Best for teams needing all‑in‑one and color: HP LaserJet MFP M140w offers print, scan, copy with manageable size.
FAQ
- What makes a laser printer eco friendly?
It uses less energy in active and standby modes, offers duplex printing, and uses toners and papers that reduce waste whenever possible. - Is monochrome enough for everyday needs?
For text‑only documents, yes. Color is only needed for charts, graphs, or visuals. - Do all‑in‑one models save energy?
Often yes, since one device handles multiple tasks, reducing the number of electronics on your desk. - Should I prioritize ENERGY STAR certification?
Yes. ENERGY STAR helps ensure efficient power use and lower operating costs over time. - Can I upgrade toner or supplies easily?
Favor models with widely available toners and straightforward replacement steps to minimize downtime. - Is wireless printing secure?
Use printers with modern encryption and firmware updates to protect data over networks.