Brother 2021 Brother Monochrome Laser Printer Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You are looking at brother brother monochrome laser printer alternatives to the Brother HL-L2300D. This original model offers fast 27 ppm output and automatic duplex printing via a simple USB connection. It is a solid choice for wired offices that need reliable black-and-white document handling. However, you might want different connectivity options or additional features like scanning or wireless access. Some users also prefer larger paper capacities or higher duty cycles for heavier workloads.
We selected 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original printer. The list includes models with wireless connectivity, all-in-one scanning capabilities, and higher print speeds. You will find options with Ethernet ports, touch screens, and automatic document feeders. This guide helps you compare print resolution, duplex scanning, and physical dimensions. Each pick addresses specific needs that the original HL-L2300D may not fully satisfy. You can choose based on your office size and required functions.
Our top pick: Brother Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer.
How each alternative compares
Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2395DW adds scan and copy functions to the print-only HL-L2300D. It keeps the 2400 dpi resolution and automatic duplex printing. You gain a touchscreen interface and wireless connectivity, which the original lacks. This model fits small offices needing an all-in-one device. It sacrifices some compactness for added functionality. If you need to digitize documents or make copies without a separate scanner, this is the practical upgrade. The print speed remains similar, but the wireless feature allows flexible placement.
HP LaserJet USB Monochrome Duplex Printer
The HP LaserJet M209d offers automatic duplex printing like the Brother HL-L2300D but in a smaller footprint. It connects via USB only, matching the original’s wired simplicity. This printer is ideal for users who prioritize space savings over brand loyalty. It does not include scanning or copying functions. The monochrome output is consistent, but the paper handling may be more limited. If you need a dedicated, compact duplex printer for a tight desk space, this HP model is a strong alternative. It delivers reliable black-and-white printing without extra features you might not use.
Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
The Brother DCP-L2550DW provides wireless and Ethernet connectivity, unlike the USB-only HL-L2300D. It includes scan, copy, and an automatic document feeder. The 2400 dpi resolution matches the original, but the added functions make it heavier and larger. This all-in-one is best for small teams needing wireless convenience and document management. You gain the ability to print from multiple devices and scan multi-page documents automatically. If your office requires network sharing and scanning, this model offers more utility than the basic HL-L2300D.
Lexmark Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Lexmark MS431DN delivers up to 42 ppm, significantly faster than the 27 ppm HL-L2300D. It uses Ethernet connectivity instead of USB, supporting networked environments. The 2400 dpi resolution ensures high-quality monochrome output. This printer is built for wired offices with higher volume needs. It lacks scanning functions, focusing solely on fast printing. If you need rapid document output and stable network connections, this Lexmark model is a robust choice. It sacrifices wireless flexibility for speed and reliability in a fixed office setup.
Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L5000D offers up to 42 ppm, doubling the speed of the HL-L2300D. It maintains automatic duplex printing but uses USB connectivity. The print resolution is 1200 dpi, lower than the original’s 2400 dpi. This model is designed for high-speed monochrome output in wired offices. It is ideal for users who prioritize speed over fine detail. The larger size accommodates higher paper capacities. If your workflow demands fast document processing and you do not need ultra-high resolution, this Brother printer provides efficient performance.
Brother DCP-L2550DWB Monochrome AIO
The Brother DCP-L2550DWB combines wireless printing with scan and copy functions. It matches the HL-L2300D’s 2400 dpi resolution and automatic duplex printing. This all-in-one includes an automatic document feeder for efficient scanning. It is suitable for small offices needing wireless flexibility and document management. The lack of duplex scanning may limit heavy digitization tasks. If you require wireless connectivity and scanning capabilities, this model offers a comprehensive solution. It balances speed, quality, and multifunctionality for modern office environments.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Brother Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: wired offices needing fast duplex printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- Up to 27 ppm
- Connectivity
- USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
View on Amazon: Brother Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L2300D is a monochrome laser printer designed for straightforward office tasks. It prints up to 27 pages per minute with a resolution of 2400 x 600 DPI. The unit features automatic duplex printing to save paper and includes a 250-sheet paper tray. It connects via USB 2.0 and supports Windows 10. This model suits users who need reliable black-and-white output without wireless complexity.
Pros
- Prints up to 27 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing
- 2400 x 600 DPI print resolution
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
Cons
- USB connection only, no Wi-Fi
- Maximum monthly duty cycle of 10,000 pages
- No display panel mentioned in specs
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome printing
- You want automatic two-sided printing
- You prefer wired USB connections
Skip if
- You require wireless printing capabilities
- You need color output options
- You print more than 10,000 pages monthly
Verdict: Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer fits offices that prioritize speed and paper savings over wireless convenience. It delivers consistent results for high-volume black-and-white documents.
Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
Best for: small office all-in-one tasks
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, Scan, Copy
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet
View on Amazon: Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer Affiliate link
This Brother monochrome laser printer combines printing, scanning, and copying in one unit. It delivers 36 pages per minute with 2400 x 600 dpi resolution. The 250-sheet tray and auto duplex save time. A 2.7-inch color touchscreen simplifies operation. You get Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB for flexible connectivity. It suits small offices needing a compact, feature-rich device.
Pros
- 36 ppm print speed
- 2400 x 600 dpi print resolution
- Auto duplex printing and scanning
- 250-sheet paper input capacity
- 2.7-inch color touchscreen LCD
Cons
- Flatbed scanner only, no automatic document feeder
- Monochrome output only
- Starter toner cartridge included, not full yield
Good fit if
- You need print, scan, and copy functions in one machine
- You want fast 36 ppm output for small office tasks
- You prefer a compact footprint with Wi-Fi connectivity
Skip if
- You require color printing capabilities
- You need an automatic document feeder for batch scanning
- You prioritize high-volume industrial printing speeds over 36 ppm
Verdict: Brother HL-L2395DW All-in-One fits small offices that need a compact, wireless all-in-one with fast monochrome output and a user-friendly touchscreen.
HP LaserJet USB Monochrome Duplex Printer
Best for: USB-only duplex printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Black and white
- Connectivity
- USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic 2-sided
- Features
- Duplex Printing
- Use Case
- Office, Home
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet USB Monochrome Duplex Printer Affiliate link
The HP LaserJet M209d is a monochrome laser printer designed for offices and small businesses. It features automatic duplex printing and a 150-sheet input tray. Connectivity is limited to USB only, with no wireless options. The compact design saves space while delivering consistent black and white print quality. It suits users who need fast, two-sided printing in a fixed location.
Pros
- Automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents
- Compact size measuring 14 x 11 x 8.07 inches
- 150-sheet input tray capacity
- USB connection with cable included
Cons
- USB-only connectivity lacks wireless or network options
- Monochrome output only
- No app or remote control mentioned
Good fit if
- You need fast automatic two-sided printing
- You prefer a compact footprint for limited desk space
- You connect via USB cable only
Skip if
- You require wireless or network printing
- You need color printing capabilities
- You want mobile app control
Verdict: HP LaserJet M209d Monochrome Laser Printer fits users who prioritize automatic duplexing and a small footprint in a USB-only setup. It is ideal for fixed-location black and white document printing.
Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing wireless monochrome all-in-one
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed
- Up to 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet
View on Amazon: Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother DCP-L2550DW is a monochrome laser all-in-one that prints, scans, and copies. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and a resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB 2.0. The unit features automatic duplex printing and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. This compact machine suits small offices needing reliable wireless operation and versatile document handling.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm for fast output
- High print resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi
- Automatic duplex printing and scanning via 50-sheet ADF
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 connectivity options
Cons
- Monochrome output only, no color printing capability
- Flatbed scanner resolution limited to 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Small two-line monochrome LCD display with limited navigation
Good fit if
- You need a compact all-in-one for a small office
- You require wireless printing from mobile devices
- You frequently scan multi-page documents using the ADF
Skip if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics
- You prefer a large color touchscreen interface
- You require high-speed color scanning capabilities
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2550DW Wireless All-in-One offers solid monochrome performance for small teams. It fits buyers who value wireless convenience and automatic duplexing over color features.
Lexmark Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: wired office printing with duplex support
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 42 ppm
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic duplex print
- Print Resolution
- Up to 2400 dpi
View on Amazon: Lexmark Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark MS431DN is a monochrome laser printer designed for plain paper. It prints at 42 pages per minute with a resolution of 2400 dpi. The unit includes automatic duplex printing and connects via Gigabit Ethernet. It weighs 22.8 pounds and measures 14.5 by 14.3 by 8.7 inches. This model suits offices needing fast, wired black-and-white output without wireless features.
Pros
- Prints up to 42 pages per minute
- High-resolution output up to 2400 dpi
- Supports automatic duplex printing
- Connects via Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or wireless connectivity listed
- Single-function device with no scanning
- Heavier than many competitors at 22.8 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a wired, high-speed monochrome printer
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You prioritize print resolution over wireless convenience
Skip if
- You require wireless or mobile printing
- You need an all-in-one device with scanning
- You want a lightweight, portable printer
Verdict: Lexmark MS431DN Monochrome Laser Printer delivers fast, high-quality monochrome output for wired office environments. It fits users who need reliable duplex printing and do not require wireless connectivity or scanning functions.
Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: wired office printing with high speed
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Supported Functions
- Print only
- Print Speed
- Up to 42 ppm
- Connectivity
- Parallel, USB
View on Amazon: Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L5000D is a single-function monochrome laser printer designed for high-volume office environments. It delivers print speeds of up to 42 pages per minute with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. The unit features automatic two-sided printing to reduce paper usage. It includes a 250-sheet main tray and a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray. Connectivity is limited to USB and parallel ports, making it suitable for wired desktop setups.
Pros
- Prints up to 42 pages per minute
- 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution
- Automatic two-sided printing
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
Cons
- No wireless or network connectivity
- Single-function print only design
- Lacks mobile printing support
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated wired printer for a desktop
- You require high-speed monochrome output
- You prefer automatic duplex printing
Skip if
- You need wireless or Wi-Fi connectivity
- You require scanning or copying functions
- You need mobile printing capabilities
Verdict: The Brother HL-L5000D Wired Monochrome Printer fits users who need fast, reliable wired printing with duplex capabilities. It is ideal for offices that prioritize speed and paper savings over wireless convenience.
Brother DCP-L2550DWB Monochrome AIO
Best for: small offices needing wireless print and scan
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
View on Amazon: Brother DCP-L2550DWB Monochrome AIO Affiliate link
The Brother DCP-L2550DWB is a compact all-in-one monochrome laser printer designed for small offices. It delivers print speeds of 36 ppm with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi. You get wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity for flexible setup. The unit includes a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. It supports print, scan, and copy functions, making it a space-conscious solution for your daily document needs.
Pros
- 36 ppm print speed for efficient output
- 2400 x 600 dpi maximum print resolution
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper
- 50-sheet automatic document feeder for batch scanning
- Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity options
Cons
- One-sided scanning only lacks duplex scanning
- Flatbed scanner resolution is limited to 1200 x 1200 dpi
- ADF scanning resolution is only 600 dpi
Good fit if
- You need a compact all-in-one unit for a small office
- You require wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- You frequently scan multi-page documents using the ADF
Skip if
- You need to scan both sides of a document automatically
- You require high-resolution color scanning capabilities
- You prefer a single-function printer to save space
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2550DWB All-in-One Wireless Monochrome Laser is a practical choice for users who need reliable wireless printing and scanning in a compact footprint, though the lack of duplex scanning may limit its utility for heavy document digitization tasks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother Duplex Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer | HP LaserJet USB Monochrome Duplex Printer | Brother Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer | Lexmark Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer | Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer | Brother DCP-L2550DWB Monochrome AIO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome | Monochrome | Black and white | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Printer Type | not specified | All-in-One | not specified | All-in-One | not specified | Single-function | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | not specified | Print, Scan, Copy | not specified | Print, scan, copy | not specified | Print only | Print, scan, copy |
| Print Speed | Up to 27 ppm | 36 ppm | not specified | Up to 36 ppm | 42 ppm | Up to 42 ppm | 36 ppm |
| Connectivity | USB | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet | USB | Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Parallel, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing | Auto Duplex | Automatic 2-sided | Automatic | Automatic duplex print | Automatic two-sided printing | Automatic |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner | Toner | not specified | not specified | not specified | Toner cartridge | not specified |
| Print Resolution | Up to 2400 dpi | Up to 2400 dpi | not specified | Up to 2400 dpi | Up to 2400 dpi | Up to 1200 dpi | Up to 2400 dpi |
| Features | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing, Touch Screen, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing, Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing, Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier |
| Use Case | not specified | not specified | Office, Home | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Scanning | not specified | not specified | not specified | Wireless Scanning | not specified | not specified | Wireless Scanning |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex |
| Auto Document Feeder | not specified | not specified | not specified | ADF | not specified | not specified | ADF |
| Dimensions | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 14 × 14.2 × 7.2 inches | 14 × 8.07 × 11 inches | 16 × 12 × 15.5 inches | 14.3 × 14.5 × 8.7 inches | 1 × 1 × 1 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches |
| Weight | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 22.8 pounds | 23 pounds | not specified |
| Color | Monochrome | Black | White | White | BLACK GREY | black | Black |
| Model | HL-L2300D | HL-L2395DW | LaserJet M209d | L2550DW | MS431DN | L5000D | L2550DWB |
| Size | not specified | not specified | Standard | 1 | 25lbs | not specified | not specified |
Frequently asked questions
Which Brother monochrome laser printer includes a touchscreen?
The Brother HL-L2395DW is the model that features a user-friendly touchscreen interface. It is classified as a best touch screen pick for small offices. This all-in-one device provides wireless connectivity and supports both scan and copy functions alongside its monochrome printing capabilities.
Do any of these printers support wireless connectivity?
Yes, several options offer wireless connections for flexible office setups. The Brother HL-L2395DW and the Brother DCP-L2550DW both include wireless and Ethernet ports. The Brother DCP-L2550DWB also provides wireless printing and scanning. Other models in this list rely on USB or Ethernet connections only.
Which printer is best for heavy document scanning?
The Brother DCP-L2550DW is suitable for scanning multi-page documents. It includes an automatic document feeder and supports duplex scanning. This allows you to digitize both sides of a page automatically. The Brother DCP-L2550DWB also offers an ADF, but you must check its duplex scanning support carefully.
Is there a compact option for small offices?
The HP LaserJet M209d is designed for users prioritizing a small footprint. It is a USB-only duplex printer ideal for fixed-location black and white document printing. Its compact size makes it a practical choice for desks or small workspaces that need reliable monochrome output without taking up much room.
What is the highest print resolution available in this list?
Most models in this comparison offer a print resolution of up to 2400 dpi. This includes the Brother HL-L2300D, HL-L2395DW, DCP-L2550DW, DCP-L2550DWB, and Lexmark MS431DN. The Brother HL-L5000D is an exception, offering up to 1200 dpi, which is still sufficient for standard text documents.
Which printer is best for wired office printing with high speed?
The Brother HL-L5000D is highlighted for its high-speed performance in wired environments. It delivers up to 42 ppm output via a USB connection. This model is ideal for offices that prioritize speed and paper savings through automatic duplexing over wireless convenience or multifunction features.