Multifunction printers (MFPs) are the most common type of printers in traditional office settings today.
Because of their increasing popularity, there are seemingly unlimited options on the market, making it difficult to choose the best one for your situation.
Finding the right MFP for your company is critical to avoiding the consequences that come with purchasing the wrong office machine—such as an increase in service issues that could lead to a breakdown of the machine altogether.
Our almost 40 years of experience in the printer industry have given us the knowledge to compile a list of the top four MFPs for small—to medium-sized businesses. We’ve focused on MFPs or All-in-One printers that are efficient, have high print speeds, and can handle substantial print volumes.
Before we get into the list, though, let’s briefly touch on what MFPs are and who they would be a fit for:
What Are MFPs?
MFPs can go by multiple names, including multifunction printers or all-in-one printers, but they all mean the same thing.
They are machines that can print, copy, scan, and fax documents, hence the “all-in-one” moniker.
Their primary purpose is to serve offices that want one machine to handle their printing, copying, scanning, and faxing duties.
MFPs combine all of those functions in one machine, which, in theory, frees up more office space and makes it easier to complete office tasks. This is because document processes can be performed on one machine.
Because the different functions are consolidated into one machine, MFPs can be expensive, especially at the advanced level.
They can range anywhere from $1,000-$100,000 or more if you’re dealing with large production-style MFPs.
The cost of MFPs accentuates the importance of getting the right one in place the first time around. To learn more about MFPs, read these blogs:
- All-In-One Printer: What Is It and How Is It Different From a Regular Printer?
- 9 Multifunction Printer Myths Explained & Debunked
The 4 Best MFPs for Small or Medium-Sized Businesses
Here are the four best multifunction printers of 2024:
1. Xerox VersaLink C415 (All-in-One Color Laser Printer)
Basic Specifications
- Print Speed: Up to 42 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 10,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions: 22” x 25” x 23.6”
- Base Model Weight: 59.5 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $1,199
Pros:
- High print volume capacity
- Multifunctionality (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Lower cost per page
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Cannot print larger than legal-sized documents
The Xerox VersaLink C415 is an exceptional choice for small workgroups of 2 to 10 users or office settings. With its high-speed printing and robust performance, this MFP handles high-volume tasks with ease. Its 7” touchscreen is Xerox ConnectKey Technology-enabled, making it easy to personalize the interface for several users. The touchscreen also gives you access to the Xerox App Gallery with wide-ranging productivity apps, making it user-friendly and efficient.
When it comes to security, Xerox Connect Key-enabled devices go beyond industry standards. Xerox uses a four-level approach to security: prevent, detect, protect, and partnerships. Their external partnerships with security industry leaders like Cisco and McAfee show their commitment to security. Independent third parties like Common Criteria and FIPS 140-3 recognize Xerox's comprehensive approach to printer security.
Learn more about Xerox’s security approach here.
Defining Feature: Uses Xerox ConnectKey technology with a touchscreen and productivity apps. Qualifies for service agreements offering on-site service and auto toner shipments.
If you would like to see a full review of the VersaLink C415 or how it compares to an HP-branded MFP, read the blogs below:
2. Canon ImageCLASS D1650 (All-in-one Monochrome Laser Printer)
Basic Specifications
- Print Speed: Up to 45 pages per minute (ppm)
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 2,000 to 7,500
- Base Model Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.5" x 18.3" x 17.8"
- Base Model Weight: 41.9 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $529
Pros:
- High print speed
- Durable and reliable
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
Cons:
- Slightly larger footprint
- No color printing
In search of a fast and reliable monochrome MFP? The Canon ImageCLASS D1650 stands out with its impressive print speed and durable design. This MFP is perfect for small to mid-size businesses that demand high-speed performance and robust reliability.
Similar to Xerox, Canon offers a touchscreen from which you can access the imageCLASS Application Library. This platform allows you to create one-touch apps to perform a variety of functions and customize your user experience. The Canon PRINT Business application supports mobile printing on Android and iOS devices, but the printer is also compatible with Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service.
Canon’s security features include standard department ID management, authentication, and secure print, which encrypts documents in transit.
Defining Feature: High-speed printing combined with a user-friendly touchscreen interface, ideal for fast-paced office environments.
3. Brother MFC-L5915DW (All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer)
Basic Specifications
- Print Speed: Up to 50 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 8,000 pages per month
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.5” x 18.6” x 19.1”
- Base Model Weight: 38.3 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $529
Pros:
- High print speed
- Compact design
- Affordable
Cons:
- Monochrome printing only
- Smaller paper capacity
The Brother MFC-L5915DW is a reliable and efficient monochrome choice for small or medium-sized businesses. With its high-speed printing and compact design, this laser MFP fits easily into any office space. This printer features an auto document feeder with a 70-page capacity for double-sided printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
With a 5” color touchscreen, you can access Brother Cloud Apps, such as “Scan to Mobile” and “Scan to Searchable PDF.” If you want to print from your mobile device, you can use Brother’s Mobile Connect or popular apps like AirPrint and Mopria.
Brother’s MFC-L5915DW is equipped with “Triple Layer Security,” which aims to protect your network, devices, and transferred data.
Defining Feature: High-speed printing and compact design make it a practical and affordable choice for small businesses.
4. Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400 (All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 40 ISO ppm in color and black-and-white
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 3,500 to 30,000
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 18.3” x 19.3” x 22.4”
- Weight: 124.2 lbs
- Cost: Around $3,000
Pros:
- Fast printing speed
- High monthly print volume
- Low power consumption
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Bulkier and heavier design
Looking for a powerful inkjet printer? The Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400 is an absolute game-changer. This high-speed, high-volume A4 color MFP is designed for maximum efficiency and sustainability. Its innovative inkjet technology features water-resistant pigment ink, consuming less power and reducing environmental impact, making it the perfect eco-friendly choice for businesses. What's more, this printer is configurable, allowing you to use it as a desktop printer or a floor-standing unit.
The WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400 is also mobile-ready, giving you the option to use Epson Connect Solutions or third-party platforms like AirPrint and Mopria.
Epson’s inkjet printers MFPs have ISO/IEC 15408 certification, which means they are suitable for corporate and government security.
Defining Feature: High-speed, high-volume printing with low power consumption and sustainable inkjet technology.
Which MFP Is Right for You?
The four MFPs discussed today are quality options for small-to-medium-sized businesses that need efficient machines to handle their daily printing matters.
However, they are certainly not going to be a fit for all workgroups, and it’s important that you vet out your options before purchasing a machine.
Multifunction devices are crucial parts of the daily office infrastructure, and we know from experience how costly it can be to buy the wrong one.
To ensure that you get the right MFP in place for your company, ask yourself these three questions first:
- What MFP will be able to handle my monthly print volume?
- How much can I reasonably budget for a new MFP, and should I lease or purchase it?
- Do I have the appropriate space to accommodate the MFP’s size?
Use these three questions to narrow down your options and choose the machine that best suits your printing goals.
How Can STPT Help?
If you have further questions about finding the perfect printer for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of print experts will be happy to help guide you in the right direction. For a deeper dive into buying your next printer, check out our handy Free Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer.
Visit our Learning Center for more resources. Our goal is to help you in any way that we can so that your print environment is the least of your worries.
If you are ready to purchase a printer, visit our product configurator to browse through our catalog. Easily filter by specifications such as print speed, monochrome, color, and new or used to find the printer that best matches your needs.
