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You just want to hit print and get a clean page without the printer fighting back. That simple ask has become a headache of expensive ink cartridges, confusing software, and connections that drop mid-job. This guide finds the machines that actually do that one thing well, saving your patience and your wallet.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
If you just need a cheap monochrome workhorse for tax forms or a tiny portable color unit for travel receipts, each option here earns its place as a basic printer that simply works with minimal fuss.
Quick Picks
- HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn Black & White Printer — Top Performer
- Brother Professional Laser Printer (HL-6210DW) — High-Volume Hero
- HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & — Wireless Workhorse
- Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Wireless Monochrome — Ink Savings King
- HP LaserJet M209d Laser Printer — No-Nonsense Wired
- HP Laserjet M209dw Wireless Black & White — Renewed Value
- Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Lightweight — Pocket Color Studio
How To Choose The Best Basic Printer
For a basic printer, the less you think about it, the better. The most important decision you will make is between laser and inkjet, and if you need a pricey color cartridge for the occasional photo or if crisp black text is all that matters. Pick the wrong one and you could end up paying more for ink than you did for the printer itself.
Laser vs. Inkjet: The Core Choice
Laser printers use a toner powder and a heated drum to fuse text onto the page. They are faster, cheaper per page, and the toner never dries out—making them perfect for infrequent printing. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto the page. They can handle photos and color documents, but the ink cartridges can dry up and clog if you do not print often, and replacements can get expensive quickly.
Duplex Printing (Two-Sided)
Automatic duplex printing means the printer flips the page and prints on the other side by itself. It cuts your paper usage roughly in half and makes multi-page documents feel professional. For a basic printer, this is the one extra feature that pays for itself, so look for “Automatic” under the duplex spec.
Wired vs. Wireless Connectivity
Wireless (Wi-Fi) lets everyone in the house print from their phone or laptop without cables. It is convenient, but some printers have frustrating setup processes. A wired USB-only connection is rock-solid and simple—plug it in and it works. If you value reliability over convenience, a USB printer is often the better bet for a basic setup.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (B&W ppm) | Duplex | Connectivity | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn | Small Teams (Up to 10) | 42 ppm | Automatic | Ethernet, USB | Check Price |
| Brother HL-6210DW | High-Volume Office | 50 ppm | Automatic | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Check Price |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw | Small Office (Up to 7) | 35 ppm | Automatic | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth | Check Price |
| Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 | Low-Cost Per Page | 20 ppm | Automatic | Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Check Price |
| HP LaserJet M209d | Simple Wired Home Office | 30 ppm | Automatic | USB only | Check Price |
| HP Laserjet M209dw | Home Office with Wi-Fi | 30 ppm | Automatic | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Check Price |
| Canon PIXMA TR160 | Portable Color Printing | 9 ppm | No | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Check Price |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn Black & White Printer
The team printer that handles a busy office without a single Wi-Fi headache.
If you need a machine for a small team of up to 10 people, this is your anchor. It blasts through print jobs at up to 42 pages per minute, compared to the 30 ppm HP LaserJet M209d, and its initial page print time is just 6.1 seconds, so you are not staring at a blinking light waiting for your document. The ethernet-only connection means you plug it into your router and it just works—no Wi-Fi dropouts or app-based setup frustration. Buyers report that on an iMac M4 Sequoia, the printer was plug-and-play, with the driver auto-detected, and that duplex printing on one sheet was “PERFECT.”
The automatic duplex printing (which prints on both sides of the page automatically) is a huge paper saver, and HP Wolf Pro Security keeps your data safe, which matters if you are sharing the printer across a small office. The catch is that it is ethernet-only—there is no wireless model without stepping up to the 4001dw variant. It also uses a cartridge with an HP chip that will block third-party toner, so you are locked into HP’s supply chain. One reviewer noted that text came out not sharp or dark, with ink smearing, but that appears to be an isolated issue rather than a pattern.
The Speed Advantage
- Blazing 42 ppm print speed — fastest in this roundup behind the Brother
- First page out in 6.1 seconds, so no waiting
- Plug-and-play setup on modern Macs and PCs via ethernet
- Automatic duplex saves paper and looks professional
The Trade-offs
- Ethernet only — no Wi-Fi; you must be wired to a router
- HP chip locks you into HP-brand toner cartridges
- One buyer mentioned text sharpness issues that persisted across multiple cartridges
Ideal for teams: If you are sharing a printer among a few desks and want zero Wi-Fi fuss, the 42 ppm speed and ethernet reliability make this the strongest wired option here.
Watch out for: No wireless printing means your laptops and phones need to be on the same wired network, and HP’s toner block prevents using cheaper third-party cartridges.
2. Brother Professional Laser Printer (HL-6210DW)
The office beast that prints 50 pages a minute and barely blinks at a monster job.
This Brother is in a different league for raw volume. It churns out 50 pages per minute, far ahead of the 30 ppm HP LaserJet M209d and 35 ppm HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw. It ships with a 520-sheet main tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray, expandable up to 1,660 sheets with optional trays, so you can load it up and forget about refills for days. One buyer called it a “fast, no-nonsense machine for home use” that is durable with metal parts and can print 8,000 pages a month.
The high-yield toner cartridges deliver up to 18,000 pages each, which dramatically cuts your cost per page. It supports both Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless networking, so you can plug it into your network or let everyone print over Wi-Fi. Owners mention that “Brother makes solid mid-size laser printers” and that the machine is “fast and dependable.” The downside is the upfront cost, which is higher than the other units here, but if you print a lot, the per-page savings will overtake that quickly. It also uses a drum unit (the DR920) that needs replacement every 45,000 pages, an additional consumable expense.
The Volume Advantage
- 50 ppm print speed — fastest in this entire list
- 520-sheet main tray, expandable to 1,660 sheets
- Toner cartridges last up to 18,000 pages, reducing cost per print
- Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
The Investment
- Higher purchase price than any other basic printer here
- Drum unit is a separate consumable that costs extra to replace
- Overkill for someone who prints only a few pages a week
Perfect for heavy loads: If you print hundreds or thousands of pages per month, the 50 ppm speed and massive paper capacity will save you hours of wait time and refill trips.
Skip if you print rarely: The upfront cost and drum replacement cycle do not make sense for someone just printing the occasional form or shipping label.
3. HP Laserjet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer
A fast 35 ppm office laser that connects to everything—once you get past the setup.
This printer hits a balance for small offices of up to 7 people, with a 35 ppm speed compared to the 30 ppm HP LaserJet M209d. It prints your first page in roughly 6.6 seconds, and it supports almost every connection type you need: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. Customers note it prints from iPhone and Android “as documented” and that the output quality is excellent, specifically calling out PCL 6 and PostScript 3 support. One owner reported the “excellent print quality” while also pointing out that the printer is 600×600 DPI, not 1200.
The main catch is the wireless setup, which several reviewers flagged as a nightmare. The printer has no screen or network selection buttons—only 4 buttons. Setup guide relies on the HP Smart App, which needs the same network, so you often have to use a hard-wired Ethernet connection just to get it onto Wi-Fi. One experienced engineer said the setup issues “are not user error.” Once it is online, it is fast and reliable. The HP Wolf Pro Security is also a nice touch for small offices that need data protection. Like the 4001dn, it blocks non-HP toner cartridges.
The Connectivity Spread
- 35 ppm print speed and 6.6-second first page
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth so every device can connect
- PCL 6 and PostScript 3 support for professional-quality documents
- HP Wolf Pro Security for small-team data protection
The Setup Frustration
- Wi-Fi setup is notoriously difficult and often requires a wired Ethernet connection first
- No built-in screen for network selection—only four buttons
- Blocks third-party toner cartridges via HP chip
Great for the patient tech-savvy buyer: If you can get past the initial Wi-Fi setup hassle (or are comfortable connecting it via Ethernet), the 35 ppm speed and broad connectivity make this a strong office partner.
Skip if you hate setup: If you want to unbox it and print in 5 minutes without reading a manual, this is not that printer.
4. Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 Wireless Monochrome Supertank Printer
The cartridge-free laser alternative that includes two years of ink in the box.
This Epson flips the script on a basic printer: instead of a toner cartridge, it uses a refillable ink tank that comes with a 120 mL bottle of black ink, giving you up to 2 years of printing (based on average monthly print volumes of about 300 pages). It prints at 20 ppm, which is slower than the 30 ppm HP LaserJet M209d, but the operating cost is dramatically lower because you buy ink bottles instead of cartridges. Reviewers point out that after 4 months of weekly use, the ink bottle is still 2/3 full, calling it “economical.”
The automatic duplex printing saves paper, and it supports ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has voice control and works with Android devices. The catch is that Epson strongly recommends using only genuine Epson ink; non-Epson inks “may cause damage that is not covered by the Epson warranty.” One customer observed that after 3 months, the printer developed a loud clicking sound and plastic pieces broke off during a paper jam, raising build quality concerns. Another noted that the printer needs cleaning features before each use to avoid wavy prints, which slows things down.
The Cost Advantage
- Refillable ink tank with 120 mL bottle included—up to 2 years of ink
- Automatic duplex printing for paper savings
- Low per-page cost compared to replaceable cartridges
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
The Speed Trade-off
- 20 ppm is significantly slower than most laser printers here
- Some durability concerns: one user highlighted parts breaking during a paper jam
- May require cleaning cycles before each use to avoid wavy prints
Best for the cost-conscious: If you print regularly and hate buying expensive cartridges, the EcoTank’s refillable system with included ink pays for itself within a year.
Skip if you need speed: At 20 ppm it is slower than every laser option here, and the occasional required cleaning cycle adds friction.
5. HP LaserJet M209d Laser Printer (Wired Connection Only)
The wired machine that never drops a connection because it never had one to lose.
If you want a printer that you plug in via USB and it just works, this is it. The M209d prints at 30 ppm and features automatic duplex, so your multi-page documents come out in half the paper. It is 13.98 inches deep versus the Canon PIXMA TR160’s 12.7 inches, but it is built for a desk, not a backpack. Buyers call it the “best printer ever purchased” with “fast, high-quality prints with easy duplexing.” One reviewer specifically noted that “Laser Jets are great for those of us who do not print very often” because “no worries about clogged jets.”
The trade-off for bulletproof reliability is that there is no Wi-Fi. If you want to print from your phone or a laptop across the house, you will need to walk over and plug in. The 150-sheet input tray is modest—fine for a home office but small for a team. It also uses HP’s chip-locked cartridges, so you cannot use cheaper third-party toner. The color depth is 24 bpp, compared to the HP LaserJet M209dw’s 1 bpp, meaning richer grays and better gradation in photos, but this is a monochrome printer, so the practical difference is subtle.
The Reliability Factor
- USB connection means zero network setup or Wi-Fi dropouts
- 30 ppm print speed with automatic duplex
- 24 bpp color depth for better gray-scale prints
- Great for infrequent printing—no clogged ink jets to worry about
The Limitations
- No wireless printing at all—USB only
- 150-sheet tray is small for busy offices
- HP chip blocks third-party toner cartridges
Best for the wired purist: If all you want is a reliable machine that you plug into your laptop and it prints without any app or network hassle, this is your simplest path.
Skip if you need mobile printing: Without Wi-Fi, you cannot print from your phone or tablet, and even a laptop across the room needs a cable.
6. HP Laserjet M209dw Wireless Black & White Laser Printer (Renewed)
A renewed wireless laser that punches above its price with fast duplex and strong security.
This is effectively the wireless version of the M209d above, but in a renewed (refurbished) package that brings the cost down significantly. It keeps the same 30 ppm print speed and automatic duplex, but adds dual-band Wi-Fi with a self-reset feature that automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues, so you are less likely to come back to an offline printer. Shoppers say that it is a “veritable work horse” and that “it’s quick and easy setup makes this wifi printer a best in class buy.” Another reviewer praised the “quick printing” that works exactly “as advertised.”
The built-in security features help protect your printer from potential attacks, which is a nice bonus for a home office machine. One buyer did mention trouble with the on-and-off button, but still gave it 4/5 stars, calling copies clear. The catch here is that it is a renewed unit, meaning it was previously returned or refurbished. While that saves money upfront, you may not get the same lifespan as a brand-new printer, and some buyers have reported that the setup process on macOS required patience and support from the seller.
The Wireless Advantage
- 30 ppm speed with automatic duplex—same speed as the wired M209d
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for connectivity issues
- Built-in security features protect against attacks
- Renewed pricing makes it a great value deal
The Renewed Reality
- It is a renewed/refurbished product—may not last as long as new
- Some macOS setup issues reported, requiring support intervention
- One reviewer had trouble with the power button
Ideal for the budget-conscious wireless buyer: If you want the convenience of Wi-Fi and automatic duplex without paying full price for a new machine, the renewed M209dw delivers strong value.
Watch out for: The renewed condition means there is some risk; if you want a brand-new unit with a full warranty, spend a little more for the new version or the M209d.
7. Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Lightweight Compact Printer
The lightweight portable that squeezes color printing into a bag the size of a paper ream.
This Canon is a completely different animal from the lasers above—it is tiny. At 12.7 inches deep, 7.3 inches wide, and just 2.6 inches tall, it is shallower than the HP LaserJet M209d (13.98 inches deep) and weighs only 4.5 pounds, making it the only true portable option here. It prints color at 5.5 pages per minute and black at 9 pages per minute, versus the 30 ppm HP LaserJet M209dw, but it is not meant for speed; it is meant for versatility. The 5-Color Hybrid Ink System produces sharp black text and vibrant details on documents and photos up to 8.5×11 inches.
It connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB Type C, plus it has Wireless Direct Mode so you can print even without a wireless router. The 1.44-inch OLED display lets you check ink levels and printer status at a glance. Buyers report that it is “compact, portable, reliable” and that the Bluetooth connection is quick and easy. One shopper added that the black ink cartridge was “replaced before ream used up,” suggesting the standard cartridge runs out relatively fast. It does not support automatic duplex (simplex only), so you have to manually flip pages for two-sided printing, and there is no scanner or copy function—it prints only.
The Portability Factor
- Ultra-compact at 12.7D x 7.3W x 2.6H inches and 4.5 lbs
- 5-Color Hybrid Ink System for good photos and color documents
- Wireless Direct Mode lets you print without a router
- Optional battery pack for truly off-the-grid printing
The Speed and Size Trade-off
- 9 ppm black is much slower than any laser printer here
- Standard black ink cartridge runs out relatively fast
- No automatic duplex—you flip pages manually
- Print only—no scanning or copying function
Perfect for color on the go: If you need to print photos, color documents, or shipping labels from your bag at a cafe or campsite, the TR160’s tiny size and wireless freedom are class-leading.
Skip if you print high volume: The slow speed, small ink cartridges, and lack of duplex make it a poor choice for heavy desk use—stick with a laser for that.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is how fast the printer churns out pages. A 30 ppm printer does a page every two seconds; a 9 ppm printer does a page every 6-7 seconds. For basic home use, 20-30 ppm is plenty. For a busy office with multiple people queuing jobs, 35-50 ppm keeps things moving. The number matters for your patience, not the print quality.
Duplex (Automatic Two-Sided Printing)
This means the printer flips the page and prints on the other side by itself. It cuts paper usage roughly in half and makes booklets, reports, and contracts look professional. If the spec says “Simplex,” you have to manually flip and reload the paper. For a basic printer used for multi-page documents, automatic duplex is the single most useful feature.
Color Depth (bpp)
Measured in bits per pixel, this tells you how many shades of each color the printer can produce. A 1 bpp monochrome printer only produces pure black or white—no gray in between. A 24 bpp printer (like the HP LaserJet M209d) can mix colors to produce over 16 million shades, including smooth grays and photo-like gradients. For plain black text, 1 bpp is fine. For anything with images or shading, you want 24 bpp.
Connectivity: USB vs. Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet
USB is simple—plug the cable in and the computer sees the printer. Wi-Fi lets any device on your network print without cables, but setup can be finicky. Ethernet (wired network) is the reliable middle ground: everyone on the network can use it, but you need a cable to the router. For a basic printer, USB is the most simple to use; Wi-Fi is the easiest if you are patient with setup.
FAQ
Will a basic printer work with my Chromebook?
What is the difference between a laser printer and an inkjet printer?
How long does a basic printer typically last?
Is it worth getting a printer with Wi-Fi or should I stick with USB?
What does duplex printing mean?
Can I use third-party toner or ink to save money?
Will a basic printer work with my iPhone or iPad?
How many pages can a basic printer handle per month?
Does a basic printer come with a scanner or copier?
Is an inkjet printer fine for basic black-and-white documents?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the best basic printer winner is the HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn because it combines a blazing 42 ppm speed with ethernet reliability and automatic duplex, making it the most no-fuss machine for a small office or serious home user. If you want wireless flexibility and do not mind a tricky setup, the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw offers 35 ppm with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And for high-volume printing that keeps costs low, the Brother HL-6210DW at 50 ppm with an 18,000-page toner cartridge is an unbeatable workhorse.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.