The fastest printer in this selection is the HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn, rated for up to 42 pages per minute, but it connects through Ethernet or USB rather than Wi-Fi. For wireless printing, the Brother DCP-L2640DW and Brother HL-L2460DW offer speeds up to 36 pages per minute. Choose a multifunction model if you also need scanning and copying, or a print-only model for a simpler workspace.
| Printer | Listed speed | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn | Up to 42 ppm | Wired teams prioritizing speed |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Up to 36 ppm | Wireless printing, scanning, and copying |
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Up to 36 ppm | Wireless print-only use with duplexing |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw | Up to 35 ppm | Wireless small-office printing |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Up to 35 ppm | Office printing, scanning, and copying |
HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn
Best for: Small teams that value high print speed and can connect by Ethernet or USB. Its listed speed of up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute makes it the fastest option among these picks. Automatic two-sided printing also helps reduce manual page handling and paper use.
This print-only model is described as suitable for teams of up to 10 people. Choose it if a wired network fits your office setup and fast document output is the priority.
Limitation: It does not support wireless printing. Avoid this model if direct Wi-Fi printing is essential.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Best for: Small businesses that need printing, scanning, and copying in one compact machine. It prints at up to 36 pages per minute and scans at up to 23.6 images per minute in black or 7.9 in color, according to the supplied product details.
A 50-page automatic document feeder supports multi-page scanning and copying. Connection options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, giving teams several ways to connect. Choose this model over a print-only printer if document capture and copying are regular tasks.
Limitation: It is a multifunction device, so buyers who only need printing may not need its added scan-and-copy features.
Brother HL-L2460DW
Best for: Home offices and small teams that want fast, wireless black-and-white printing without an all-in-one setup. The printer is rated for up to 36 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents.
It supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections. The Brother Mobile Connect app can be used to manage the printer remotely and print from a mobile device. This is a strong fit when print speed, mobile access, and duplexing matter more than scanning or copying.
Limitation: The listed functions focus on printing; choose a multifunction printer if you need an integrated scanner or copier.
HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw
Best for: Wireless office printing for teams of up to seven people. Its listed print speed is up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute, and automatic two-sided printing helps streamline routine document jobs.
HP describes its Wi-Fi as intelligent, with the printer looking for the best connection to stay online and ready to print. Choose this model if you want a fast, wireless print-only machine and do not require integrated scanning or copying.
Limitation: Its stated speed is lower than the 36 ppm Brother options and the wired HP 4001dn.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw
Best for: Small teams that need printing, scanning, and copying, along with automatic two-sided printing. It prints at up to 35 pages per minute and includes a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder.
The feeder supports multi-page document workflows, while the input tray provides capacity for office print jobs. This model is a better fit than a basic printer when a team regularly handles both paper originals and digital documents.
Limitation: Its listed maximum speed is below the fastest printer in this group. Choose a print-only model if scanning and copying are unnecessary.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Fast Black And White Printer
How much print speed do you need?
Compare the listed pages-per-minute figures as a starting point: the HP 4001dn is rated up to 42 ppm, the Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2460DW up to 36 ppm, and the HP 3001dw and MFP 3101sdw up to 35 ppm. Your best choice also depends on whether you need Wi-Fi, duplexing, or multifunction features. These figures describe listed maximum speeds, not a guarantee for every document or setup.
Should you choose wireless or wired?
Choose a wireless model if employees need to print over Wi-Fi or from mobile devices. The HP 4001dn is explicitly Ethernet/USB only and does not support wireless printing. The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, while the Brother HL-L2460DW also lists those connection types.
Do you need scanning and copying?
A print-only machine is a straightforward choice for documents such as forms, reports, and drafts. For copying or converting paper pages into digital files, consider the Brother DCP-L2640DW or HP MFP 3101sdw. The Brother model lists a 50-page automatic document feeder; the HP model lists a 50-sheet feeder and 250-sheet input tray.
Is automatic duplex printing important?
Automatic duplex printing handles both sides of a page without requiring you to turn sheets manually. It is listed for the Brother HL-L2460DW, HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw, HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn, and HP MFP 3101sdw. Check the feature list for the specific model you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer in this list has the highest listed speed?
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn is rated for up to 42 black-and-white pages per minute. It uses Ethernet or USB and does not support wireless printing.
Which options print at up to 36 pages per minute?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW multifunction printer and Brother HL-L2460DW print-only printer are both listed at up to 36 pages per minute.
Which printer is best if I need scanning and copying?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW and HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw include printing, scanning, and copying. The Brother model also lists a 50-page automatic document feeder.
Which models list automatic two-sided printing?
The Brother HL-L2460DW, HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw, HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn, and HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw list automatic duplex printing.
Is a higher pages-per-minute figure the only factor to compare?
No. Compare connection type, duplex printing, scanning and copying needs, and document-feeding features alongside the listed speed.