Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The brother mfc l2690dw compact monochrome all in one laser printer offers fast 26 ppm printing and a 250-sheet paper tray. Its wireless connectivity and compact footprint suit small offices needing reliable black-and-white output. You get scanning and copying functions in a sturdy build that handles letter and legal sizes with ease. This all-in-one design helps teams manage documents without cluttering the desk.
You might look for alternatives if you need different connectivity, size, or feature sets. Some users prefer dedicated printing engines without scanner bulk, while others require wired Ethernet stability or faster duplex scanning. The 6 picks listed here overlap with the MFC-L2690DW in core monochrome laser technology. We compared their published specifications to help you find a match for your specific workflow needs.
Our top pick: Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One.
How each alternative compares
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother DCP-L2640DW swaps the all-in-one versatility for a sharper focus on scanning speed. It lacks the printing engine found in the MFC-L2690DW, making it a dedicated scanner and copier. However, it adds duplex scanning, allowing you to process two-sided documents automatically. The footprint is slightly narrower at 16.1 inches wide, though it stands taller at 12.5 inches. You lose the 250-sheet tray capacity and the USB local connection option. This model suits teams that already have a printer but need fast, reliable wireless scanning capabilities for busy desks.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a single-function printer, so you give up scanning and copying entirely. In return, you get a significantly smaller device that weighs only 15.6 pounds and measures 14 inches wide. It retains wireless connectivity and mobile printing features, keeping your workflow flexible. The automatic duplex printing remains a key feature for saving paper. This choice fits users who prioritize a compact footprint and dedicated printing speed over multifunction convenience. It is an ideal upgrade for home offices that need fast black-and-white output without the bulk of a scanner unit.
HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer
The HP M404dn replaces wireless convenience with a wired Ethernet connection for stable network performance. It is a single-function printer, so you lose scanning and copying capabilities. The build is lighter at 8.35 pounds and narrower at 10.8 inches deep, fitting easily into tight spaces. It lacks the 250-sheet paper tray, requiring more frequent refills for high-volume tasks. This model is best for offices with established Ethernet infrastructure that prioritize fast, reliable monochrome output over wireless flexibility and multifunction features. You get a robust printing engine without the added weight of scanner components.
HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n is a wired-only printer, removing wireless connectivity entirely. It is a single-function device, so scanning and copying are not available. The dimensions are compact at 14.2 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep, making it easy to place on a desk. It lacks the large 250-sheet tray, limiting high-volume efficiency. This model suits users who need high-speed monochrome printing via USB and do not require wireless features. It is a practical choice for offices that prefer a dedicated printing engine with a small footprint, sacrificing multifunction versatility for simplicity and speed.
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2405W is a wireless-only single-function printer, so you lose scanning, copying, and USB local connections. It is lighter at 15.1 pounds and narrower at 14 inches wide, offering a very compact profile. The automatic duplex printing feature remains, helping you save paper. This model fits home offices that prioritize speed and mobile management over multifunction features. You get fast monochrome printing without the bulk of a scanner. It is the best choice if you only need to print documents and want a small device that integrates easily with your wireless network.
HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is a wired-only single-function printer, removing wireless connectivity and multifunction capabilities. It weighs 20.9 pounds, making it heavier than the MFC-L2690DW. The dimensions are 15 inches wide and 14.1 inches deep, offering a standard desk footprint. It lacks the 250-sheet paper tray, which may require more frequent refills. This model is designed for high-volume speed in wired office environments. You should choose it if you prioritize fast black-and-white output over wireless convenience and scanning features. It is a robust option for teams that need reliable, high-speed printing without the complexity of an all-in-one machine.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One
Best for: small offices needing reliable monochrome all-in-one printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- Up to 26 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
- Dimensions
- 21 × 15.8 × 19.8 inches
- Weight
- 20 pounds
View on Amazon: Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One Affiliate link
The Brother MFC-L2690DW is a compact monochrome laser all-in-one designed for small offices. It prints up to 26 pages per minute and connects via wireless or USB. The 250-sheet paper tray handles letter and legal sizes, while the manual feed slot supports card stock and envelopes. Its sturdy build fits tight spaces, making it a reliable choice for users who need scanning and copying alongside printing.
Pros
- Prints up to 26 pages per minute
- 250-sheet adjustable paper tray for letter and legal sizes
- Wireless and USB connectivity options
- Manual feed slot for card stock and envelopes
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Dimensions of 21 x 15.8 x 19.8 inches may not fit very small desks
- No color printing capability
Good fit if
- You need a compact all-in-one for a small office
- You print mostly black and white documents
- You require wireless printing from multiple devices
Skip if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics
- You have a very large volume of high-speed printing needs
- You require a printer with a smaller footprint than 21 inches wide
Verdict: Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One is a solid choice for small offices that need reliable black-and-white printing, scanning, and copying in a compact form. It suits teams who print letter and legal documents regularly and value wireless connectivity.
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome scanning
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
View on Amazon: Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome all-in-one laser printer designed for small offices. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient multi-page scanning. The unit supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections. You get print, scan, and copy functions in a footprint measuring 16.1 inches wide. It weighs 25 pounds and uses standard toner cartridges.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Compact 16.1-inch width
- Duplex scanning support
Cons
- No color printing capability
- No built-in touchscreen display mentioned
- Heavier at 25 pounds than basic single-function printers
Good fit if
- You need fast black-and-white document output
- You require automatic two-sided scanning
- You want dual-band wireless stability
Skip if
- You need color printing
- You require a color touchscreen interface
- You need a portable lightweight unit
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact Monochrome MFP suits teams needing reliable monochrome output with duplex scanning. It fits busy desks where speed and connectivity matter more than color features.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: Fast black and white document printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact monochrome laser printer designed for home offices and small teams. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and supports automatic duplex printing to save paper. You get dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The 250-sheet paper tray handles volume, while the mobile app allows remote management. It is a single-function device focused on efficient black and white output.
Pros
- Prints up to 36 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- 250-sheet main paper tray capacity
- Mobile app for remote management
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No built-in touchscreen display for control
- Monochrome output only, no color printing
Good fit if
- You need fast, reliable black and white document printing
- You want automatic double-sided printing to save paper
- You prefer wireless or Ethernet connection options
Skip if
- You require scanning or copying capabilities
- You need color printing for graphics or photos
- You want a built-in touchscreen interface
Verdict: The Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Wireless Laser Printer is a practical choice for users who prioritize speed and automatic duplexing in a monochrome workflow. It suits those who need a dedicated printing engine without the bulk of a multifunction scanner.
HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer
Best for: networked offices needing fast monochrome output
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 40 ppm
- Connectivity
- Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic 2-sided
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer Affiliate link
The HP M404dn is a monochrome laser printer built for shared office environments. It delivers print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute and includes automatic two-sided printing to reduce paper waste. Connectivity relies on built-in Ethernet, allowing multiple users to access the device on a network. The unit measures 17.4 by 10.8 by 18.3 inches and weighs 8.35 pounds. It supports original HP 58a and 58x toner cartridges for consistent output.
Pros
- Print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided duplex printing
- Built-in Ethernet for network sharing
- Compact footprint for shared work areas
Cons
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- No automatic document feeder included
- Monochrome output only
Good fit if
- You need a wired Ethernet connection for stable network printing
- You want high-speed output for busy shared offices
- You require automatic duplex printing to save paper
Skip if
- You require wireless Wi-Fi printing capability
- You need to scan or copy documents automatically
- You prefer a color laser printer
Verdict: The HP M404dn Monochrome Laser Printer fits teams that prioritize speed and wired reliability over wireless convenience. It is a solid choice for offices with established Ethernet infrastructure.
HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer
Best for: wired monochrome printing tasks
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- Up to 35 ppm
- Connectivity
- USB 2.0
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
- Dimensions
- 10.5 × 14.2 × 14.4 inches
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer Affiliate link
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n is a renewed monochrome laser printer designed for small to medium offices. It prints up to 35 pages per minute and accepts a 250-sheet input capacity. Connectivity relies on USB 2.0, making it suitable for direct computer connections rather than network sharing. It includes a toner cartridge and power cable. This unit is a practical option for users who prioritize speed and volume over wireless convenience.
Pros
- Prints up to 35 pages per minute
- 250-sheet input paper capacity
- Includes toner cartridge and power cable
- Professionally refurbished and tested
Cons
- USB 2.0 connectivity only, no wireless
- Prints monochrome only
- 90-day warranty period
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome output for a desk
- You prefer wired USB connections for stability
- You want a printer with included toner
Skip if
- You require wireless or network printing
- You need color document output
- You want a longer warranty period
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n fits users who need high-speed monochrome printing via USB. It suits offices that do not require wireless capabilities or color output.
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: fast monochrome printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 30 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L2405W is a single-function monochrome laser printer designed for home offices. It delivers print speeds up to 30 ppm and connects via dual-band wireless or USB. The unit features a 250-sheet paper tray and manual feed slot. It includes the Brother Mobile Connect app for remote management. This compact device suits users needing fast, reliable black-and-white output without scanning or copying functions.
Pros
- Prints at speeds up to 30 ppm
- Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz)
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
- Manual feed slot for envelopes
- Brother Mobile Connect app support
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanner
- No automatic duplex printing
- No display panel listed in specs
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome printing
- You want dual-band wireless connectivity
- You prefer mobile app control
Skip if
- You require scanning capabilities
- You need automatic two-sided printing
- You want a color laser printer
Verdict: Brother HL-L2405W Compact Monochrome Printer is a fast, wireless-only option for users who only need to print documents. It fits home offices that prioritize speed and mobile management over multifunction features.
HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer
Best for: High-speed monochrome printing tasks
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Black & White
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- Up to 42 ppm
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
- Dimensions
- 14.1 × 15 × 8.5 inches
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer Affiliate link
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is a single-function monochrome laser printer designed for small teams of up to 10 users. It delivers fast print speeds of up to 42 pages per minute with black and white output. The unit measures 15 by 14.1 by 8.5 inches and weighs 20.9 pounds. You get pre-configured HP Wolf Pro Security settings and auto paper jam recovery. It suits offices needing speed and basic management tools.
Pros
- Prints up to 42 pages per minute
- Monochrome laser print technology
- Auto paper jam recovery
- Pre-configured HP Wolf Pro Security
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No wireless connectivity listed in specifications
- Renewed condition status
Good fit if
- You need high-speed monochrome printing
- You prefer a wired desktop setup
- You want built-in security features
Skip if
- You require color printing
- You need scanning capabilities
- You want wireless printing
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro 4001n Monochrome Laser Printer delivers high-volume speed for wired office environments. You should choose it if you prioritize fast black and white output over multifunction convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2690DW Compact Monochrome All-in-One | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer | HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Black & White |
| Printer Type | not specified | not specified | Single-function | not specified | not specified | Single-function | Single-function |
| Supported Functions | not specified | Print, copy, scan | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Print Speed | Up to 26 ppm | 36 ppm | 36 ppm | 40 ppm | Up to 35 ppm | 30 ppm | Up to 42 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Ethernet | USB 2.0 | Wireless, USB | not specified |
| Duplex Printing | not specified | not specified | Automatic | Automatic 2-sided | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Ink/Toner System | not specified | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge | Toner | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge | Toner |
| Features | not specified | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing | not specified | Mobile Printing | not specified |
| Scanner Type | not specified | Portable | Portable | not specified | not specified | Portable | not specified |
| Scanning | not specified | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | not specified | not specified | Wireless Scanning | not specified |
| Compatibility | not specified | not specified | Alexa | not specified | not specified | Alexa | not specified |
| Duplex Scanning | not specified | Duplex | Duplex | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 21 × 15.8 × 19.8 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 10.8 × 17.4 × 18.3 inches | 10.5 × 14.2 × 14.4 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 14.1 × 15 × 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 20 pounds | 25 pounds | 15.6 pounds | 8.35 pounds | not specified | 15.1 pounds | 20.9 pounds |
| Color | black | Black | Black | White | Black | Black | black |
| Model | MFC-L2690DW | DCPL2640DW | HLL2460DW | W1A53A | CZ195A | HLL2405W | 4001n |
| Size | not specified | Standard | Standard | One Size | 15 x 14.06 x 8.5 in | Standard | one size |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Brother MFC-L2690DW good for small offices?
Yes, this printer is a solid choice for small offices needing reliable black-and-white printing, scanning, and copying. It features a compact form factor with dimensions of 15.8 inches wide, 21 inches long, and 19.8 inches high. The 20-pound weight makes it sturdy yet manageable for shared workspaces.
How does the DCP-L2640DW compare to the MFC-L2690DW?
The DCP-L2640DW focuses on scanning speed rather than all-in-one versatility. It lacks the printing engine found in the MFC-L2690DW, serving as a dedicated scanner and copier. It includes duplex scanning for two-sided documents and weighs 25 pounds, making it heavier but optimized for busy desks.
What is the best budget-friendly monochrome laser printer?
The Brother HL-L2460DW is the best budget option for fast black and white document printing. It is a compact wireless laser printer with automatic duplexing. Measuring 14 inches wide and 14.2 inches long, it weighs only 15.6 pounds, offering a dedicated printing engine without the bulk of a multifunction scanner.
Which printer is best for networked offices?
The HP M404dn is the best premium choice for networked offices needing fast monochrome output. It prioritizes wired Ethernet reliability over wireless convenience. Measuring 17.4 inches wide and 10.8 inches long, it weighs just 8.35 pounds, making it a lightweight but robust option for established office infrastructure.
Can I use the HP LaserJet Pro 400 without Wi-Fi?
Yes, the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n fits users who need high-speed monochrome printing via USB. It suits offices that do not require wireless capabilities. It measures 14.2 inches wide and 10.5 inches long, providing a wired solution for teams that prioritize direct connectivity over mobile management features.
Is the Brother HL-L2405W suitable for home offices?
The Brother HL-L2405W is a fast, wireless-only option for users who only need to print documents. It fits home offices that prioritize speed and mobile management. Measuring 14 inches wide and 14.2 inches long, it weighs 15.1 pounds, offering a compact footprint for dedicated printing tasks without multifunction features.
Which HP printer handles high-volume monochrome tasks?
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n delivers high-volume speed for wired office environments. You should choose it if you prioritize fast black and white output. It measures 15 inches wide and 14.1 inches long, weighing 20.9 pounds. This model is designed for teams needing reliable, high-speed monochrome printing.