Running a small or medium-sized business (SMB) often means wearing many hats, and having the right tools can make a world of difference. A reliable all-in-one printer, also known as a multifunction printer (MFP), is one such tool that can boost productivity and streamline office tasks.
With so many models on the market, choosing the right MFP can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing performance, cost, and functionality.
For almost 40 years, we’ve proudly assisted thousands of customers in selecting the perfect printer for their business needs. We recognize that choosing a printer is an important choice, and we’re here to guide you in making the best decision for your workplace.
In this guide, we'll review the top six MFPs for small and medium-sized businesses in 2024. Whether you're looking for a color inkjet or a monochrome laser printer, we've got you covered.
Why All-In-One Printers Are Ideal for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
All-in-one printers are a go-to choice for SMBs because they offer a blend of functionality and convenience. Here’s why they’re such a good investment:
- Cost Efficiency: Combining printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing in one device saves on both initial purchase costs and ongoing maintenance. It means you don’t have to buy and service multiple devices, making it easier to stay within budget.
- Space-Saving Design: Office space can be tight, especially in smaller businesses. MFPs take up less space than having separate devices for each function, allowing you to use your workspace more effectively.
- Productivity: An MFP streamlines workflows by performing multiple functions. Employees can print reports, scan documents, and copy contracts all from one machine, reducing time spent switching between different devices.
Now, let's dive into our top picks for 2024.
1. Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 (Inkjet)
Basic Specifications
- Print Speed: Up to 25 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white and color
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 3,300 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 66,000 pages
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 16.7” x 19.7” x 13.8”
- Base Model Weight: 39.2 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $749 at Epson and Amazon
Looking for a printer that combines high-quality output with low running costs? The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is an excellent choice. With a high print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, this wireless printer delivers professional-grade prints right in your office.
Thanks to its EcoTank design, you can churn out up to 3,300 pages without the hassle of constant ink refills—great for businesses with moderate to high printing needs. Plus, its refillable ink tanks help eliminate cartridge waste, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
Stay productive with features like a user-friendly 4.3” touchscreen and auto two-sided printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is designed to keep your business running smoothly.
Pros:
- High print quality: Sharp and vibrant color prints, ideal for businesses that need both documents and marketing materials.
- Low Running Costs: EcoTank technology reduces the cost per page, making it economical over time.
Con:
- Printhead Maintenance: If the printer isn’t used regularly, the printhead may require extra cleaning, which can be time-consuming.
Defining Feature: EcoTank Technology - Its refillable ink tanks make it a cost-effective solution for businesses with regular printing needs.
2. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw (Color Laser)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white and color
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 4,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 50,000 pages
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 16.6” x 17.1” x 15.1”
- Base Model Weight: 45 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $529 at HP and Amazon
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw is a color laser printer tailored for the fast-paced environment of busy offices. With a monthly print volume of 4,000 pages and a high print speed of up to 35 ppm, it's an ideal choice for businesses with moderate printing demands.
This printer features advanced features like self-healing Wi-Fi, which continuously looks for the best connection to keep your printing tasks running smoothly. Plus, it includes an automatic paper jam recovery feature to minimize downtime.
Like the Epson model mentioned earlier, it boasts a user-friendly 4.3-inch touchscreen. It also supports automatic double-sided printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, all designed to enhance productivity and streamline your office tasks.
It offers sharp color prints and quick print speeds, all while maintaining a user-friendly design.
Pros:
- Speedy Performance: Prints up to 35 pages per minute, keeping up with demanding workflows.
- Advanced Security: Built-in security features protect sensitive business data.
Con:
- Toner Costs: Replacing toner can be more expensive compared to inkjets, especially for color printing.
Defining Feature: Enhanced Security - Ideal for businesses that prioritize data security.
3. Brother MFC-L2750DW (Affordable Monochrome Laser)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white only
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 2,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 15,000 pages
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 16.1” x 15.7” x 12.5”
- Base Model Weight: 26.5 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $299 at Brother and Amazon
If your business primarily needs black-and-white printing, the Brother MFC-L2750DW is a solid choice that won't break the bank. Boasting a fast print speed of 36 pages per minute, it delivers crisp and professional-quality text, making it perfect for reports and important documents.
Thanks to its 2.7-inch touchscreen, you can easily access popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote. Additionally, Brother Cloud Apps are available to help streamline your office tasks, making your workflow more efficient.
Despite its moderate monthly print volume capacity of up to 2,000 pages, this printer stands out as the most affordable laser option on our list. Plus, it features convenient "touch to connect" printing with NFC technology, adding an extra layer of convenience for busy workplaces.
Pros:
- Fast Printing: Capable of printing up to 36 pages per minute, perfect for busy offices.
- Compact and durable: Perfect for small spaces and reliable long-term use.
Con:
- Limited to Monochrome: Not suitable if your business needs color printing.
Defining Feature: Affordable Monochrome Printing - A top choice for those who prioritize speed and low acquisition costs.
4. Canon imageCLASS MF445dw (Monochrome Laser)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 40 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white only
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 4,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: Not available
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 18.3” x 26.2” x 17.8”
- Base Model Weight: 35.8 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $369 at Canon
The Canon imageCLASS MF445dw offers a great balance between affordability and performance, making it ideal for SMBs on a moderate budget. It boasts an impressive print speed of up to 40 pages per minute (ppm) and can handle a print volume of up to 4,000 pages, making it the ideal monochrome laser printer for busy office environments.
With its user-friendly 5" touchscreen, accessing Canon’s Application Library and personalizing your homescreen to highlight your most-used functions is a breeze.
Plus, this printer features automatic two-sided printing and can accommodate legal-sized paper (8.5" x 14"), providing extra versatility for your printing needs.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing and long-lasting toner help keep costs manageable.
- Compact Design: Saves space without sacrificing functionality, making it suitable for smaller offices.
Con:
- Basic Interface: The touchscreen interface is user friendly but may lack some of the intuitive features found on more premium models.
Defining Feature: Compact and Efficient Performance - This monochrome laser printer is excellent for businesses that need fast, efficient, and reliable black-and-white printing
5. Xerox VersaLink C415/DN (High-End Color Laser)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 42 pages per minute (ppm) in black-and-white and in color
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 10,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 125,000 pages
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 18.9” x 18.7” x 19.3”
- Base Model Weight: 59.5 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $1,199 at Xerox
For those who need a high-end, professional-grade color laser printer, the Xerox VersaLink C415/DN is a powerhouse. With a print resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, it’s perfect for businesses that require a lot of color printing.
This compact machine has a speedy print rate of 42 pages per minute (ppm) and can handle an impressive print volume of up to 10,000 pages, making it a reliable choice for busy environments.
The printer also includes a user-friendly 4.7” touchscreen powered by innovative ConnectKey technology. This allows you to easily connect to the cloud and explore the Xerox App Gallery, which offers over 50 industry-specific and productivity-focused apps to enhance your printing experience.
In addition to standard security features like secure print and network authentication, Xerox takes your protection a step further with advanced options like Trellix Embedded Control Whitelisting, thanks to its partnership with Trellix. Discover more about Xerox’s approach to security here.
Pros:
- High Print Speed: Prints up to 42 pages per minute, ensuring fast turnaround times.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Ethernet, USB, NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, providing versatile connectivity options.
Con:
- Pricey: Higher upfront cost, which may be a stretch for smaller businesses.
Defining Feature: Enterprise-Level Features - Great for businesses that need robust performance, advanced options, and robust security features.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e (Affordable Inkjet)
Basic Specifications:
- Print Speed: Up to 22 ppm in black-and-white and 18 ppm in color
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 1,500 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 25,000 pages
- Base Model Dimensions (WxDxH): 17.2” x 15.6” x 12.5”
- Base Model Weight: 20.5 pounds
- Cost: Starting at around $219 at HP and Amazon
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e is a versatile inkjet printer that offers solid performance without a hefty price tag. It's an excellent choice for businesses that need occasional color printing without the high costs of a laser printer.
While it has a manageable monthly print volume of 1,500 pages and a decent print speed, it stands out as the most upfront cost-effective option on our list. Plus, it has a remarkable print resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI in color.
Equipped with HP Printer Software and featuring self-healing Wi-Fi technology, this printer ensures a smoother experience. Additionally, it's made using 40% recycled plastic, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.
Pros:
- Fast Scanning: Auto-duplex scanning makes digitizing documents a breeze.
- Quality Prints: Produces crisp and clear text, perfect for professional documents.
Con:
- Ink costs can add up: While it’s affordable upfront, ink cartridges are pricey.
Defining Feature: Affordable Versatility - Ideal for businesses needing occasional high-quality color prints.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right MFP for your small or medium-sized business comes down to balancing print needs, print volume, budget, and space considerations.
If you print a lot of documents and need speed, a monochrome laser like the Brother MFC-L2750DW or Canon imageCLASS MF445dw might be ideal. For color printing, consider the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw or the Xerox VersaLink C415/DN for high-volume tasks. Need to keep costs low? The HP OfficeJet Pro 9125e and Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 offer affordable inkjet functionality.
Considerations for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Choosing the right MFP for your small or medium-sized business goes beyond just price. Here are a few key factors to consider:
► 1. Print Volume and Speed: Make sure the MFP can handle your monthly print volume. Look for models with higher pages-per-minute (PPM) if your business prints large volumes regularly.
► 2. Functionality and Features: Ensure the MFP covers essential functions like printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Advanced features like duplex printing and wireless connectivity can boost efficiency.
► 3. Print Quality: Higher resolution (like 1200 x 1200 dpi) is important for producing sharp, professional documents, especially for client-facing materials.
► 4. Cost of Consumables: Consider the ongoing costs of ink or toner cartridges. High-yield options can save money over time, and some MFPs may require periodic maintenance.
► 5. Connectivity Options: Choose an MFP that fits your network setup and offers support for mobile and cloud printing to simplify access for all team members.
By focusing on these aspects, you can find a multifunction printer that supports your business needs without overspending. For more detailed information on everything you need to consider before selecting a printer, check out our in-depth guide on purchasing or leasing a printer.
Still Looking for the Ideal MFP?
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