Looking Beyond the HP LaserJet Enterprise M406dn Monochrome? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer

The Brother DCP-L2640DW adds scan and copy functions to monochrome laser printing, whereas the HP M406dn is print-only. This all-in-one design suits small offices that need document digitization without a separate scanner. It features wireless connectivity and mobile printing support, offering more flexibility than the M406dn’s wired Ethernet focus. The unit is slightly wider and taller than the HP, but its compact footprint fits tight spaces well. You get automatic duplex scanning and printing, matching the HP’s two-sided output speed. If you need multi-function capabilities in a reliable monochrome package, this Brother model provides a complete solution for teams requiring scanning alongside fast printing.

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a dedicated printer without scanning or copying functions, similar to the HP M406dn. It distinguishes itself with wireless connectivity and mobile printing support, which the M406dn lacks. This model is more compact, measuring 14 inches wide compared to the HP’s 30.8 inches, making it ideal for smaller workspaces. It maintains automatic duplex printing for paper savings and includes Alexa compatibility for voice-activated tasks. While it shares the monochrome output and duplex scanning capabilities, its smaller size and wireless ease of use make it a better fit for users prioritizing space efficiency and flexible connectivity over enterprise-level security features found in the HP.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One

The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is an all-in-one device that includes scanning and copying, unlike the print-only M406dn. It offers automatic duplex printing and scanning, matching the HP’s two-sided efficiency. This model is designed for small teams needing versatile document handling in a compact form. It measures 16.5 inches wide, significantly narrower than the M406dn, saving desk space. While it lacks the M406dn’s advanced enterprise security layers, it provides essential multi-function capabilities for users who need to digitize and duplicate documents. If your workflow requires scanning and copying alongside fast monochrome printing, this HP all-in-one offers a streamlined alternative with a smaller footprint.

HP LaserJet M207dw Monochrome Duplex Printer

The HP LaserJet M207dw is a compact monochrome printer with automatic duplexing, similar to the M406dn. It adds wireless connectivity and mobile printing support, which the M406dn does not offer. This model is smaller and lighter, weighing 12.4 pounds compared to the M406dn’s 18.7 pounds, making it easier to place in limited spaces. It retains the monochrome output and duplex scanning features, ensuring efficient paper use. The M207dw is ideal for small offices that need reliable black-and-white printing with the flexibility of wireless connections. If you prioritize compact size and wireless convenience over the M406dn’s enterprise security and larger paper capacity, this HP model is a practical choice for lighter workloads.

HP LaserJet M209d USB Duplex Printer

The HP LaserJet M209d is a USB-connected monochrome printer with automatic duplexing, lacking wireless connectivity entirely. It is the most compact option, measuring only 8.07 inches wide, compared to the M406dn’s 30.8 inches. This model is designed for single-user offices or shared desktops where space is at a premium. It offers monochrome printing and duplex scanning, matching the M406dn’s core output capabilities. However, it does not support wireless printing or multi-function tasks. If you need a simple, space-saving printer for direct USB connection without network complexity, the M209d provides essential duplexing in a tiny footprint. It is best for users who do not require wireless flexibility or enterprise security features.

Canon imageCLASS Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer

The Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II is a wireless all-in-one laser printer with fax capabilities, unlike the print-only M406dn. It offers scanning, copying, and faxing, providing a comprehensive solution for teams needing multi-function tasks. This model features wireless connectivity and mobile printing, adding flexibility over the M406dn’s wired setup. It includes automatic duplex printing and scanning, matching the HP’s two-sided efficiency. The unit is larger and heavier, weighing 44 pounds, which requires more floor space. If your office needs faxing, scanning, and copying alongside fast monochrome printing, this Canon MFP offers a robust feature set for collaborative environments that value wireless access and multi-function versatility over compact size.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

HP LaserJet Enterprise Monochrome Duplex Printer

Best for: fast, wired monochrome printing in offices

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Supported Functions

Print

Print Speed

Up to 42 ppm

Connectivity

Ethernet

Duplex Printing

Automatic

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Enterprise Monochrome Duplex Printer Affiliate link

The HP LaserJet Enterprise M406dn is a monochrome laser printer designed for workgroups. It prints up to 42 pages per minute and includes automatic two-sided printing. Connectivity is limited to built-in Ethernet. It features a 2.7-inch color display for direct printing and supports HP FutureSmart firmware updates. This model suits teams needing fast, secure, wired printing without wireless options.

Pros

• Print speeds up to 42 ppm
• Automatic two-sided printing saves paper
• Built-in Ethernet connectivity
• 2.7-inch color display for direct access
• HP FutureSmart firmware for long-term updates

Cons

• No wireless or Wi-Fi connectivity
• Print-only function lacks scanning or copying
• No USB or mobile printing support listed

Good fit if

• You need a fast, wired printer for a fixed office location
• You want automatic duplex printing to reduce paper use
• You prefer enterprise-grade security features in a monochrome device

Skip if

• You require wireless or mobile printing capabilities
• You need an all-in-one device with scanning or copying
• You want a compact printer for a small desk

Verdict: The HP M406dn Monochrome Laser Printer is a solid choice for offices that prioritize speed and security over wireless flexibility. It fits teams that need reliable, high-volume monochrome printing via Ethernet.

2 Also great

Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer

Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome MFP

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 laser all-in-one designed for small offices. It prints at 36 ppm and scans at 23.6 ipm. The unit includes a 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page tasks. Connectivity options include dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. It supports duplex printing and scanning, making it a versatile choice for document-heavy workflows.

Pros

• 36 ppm print speed for quick document output
• Built-in dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
• 50-page auto document feeder for batch scanning
• Duplex scanning and printing capabilities

Cons

• No color printing capability
• Limited to monochrome output only
• Scanner type listed as portable rather than flatbed

Good fit if

• You need a compact all-in-one for a small office
• You require fast monochrome printing and scanning
• You want automatic duplex scanning and printing

Skip if

• You need color printing capabilities
• You prefer a flatbed scanner for photos
• You require a large paper capacity

Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact MFP is a solid choice for teams needing fast, reliable monochrome output with automatic duplexing. It fits best in small offices where space is limited but productivity is high.

3 Also great

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

Best for: fast text printing and duplexing

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 single-function monochrome laser printer built for home offices and small teams. It prints at 36 ppm with automatic duplexing. You get dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The 250-sheet paper tray handles moderate volumes. A mobile app lets you manage printing remotely. This compact unit fits tight spaces while delivering clear, crisp black-and-white output for everyday documents.

Pros

• 36 ppm print speed for efficient output
• Automatic duplex printing saves paper
• 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 color printing capability
• No built-in touchscreen display

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated, fast monochrome printer
• You want automatic two-sided printing
• You require reliable wireless and wired connections

Skip if

• You need a multifunction device with scanning
• You require color printing for graphics
• You prefer a printer with a built-in display

Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer suits users who prioritize speed and duplexing over scanning features. It is a solid choice for text-heavy workflows in compact spaces.

4 Best premium

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One

Best for: Small teams needing fast monochrome AIO printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Printer Type

All-in-One

Supported Functions

Print, Copy, Scan

Print Speed

Up to 35 ppm

Connectivity

Wireless, Wi-Fi

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One Affiliate link

The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is a monochrome all-in-one laser printer designed for small teams. It delivers print speeds up to 35 ppm and supports duplex printing. The unit includes a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet auto document feeder for scanning. It offers wireless connectivity and supports print, scan, and copy functions. This model suits users needing reliable, professional-quality black-and-white output.

Pros

• 35 ppm monochrome print speed
• All-in-one print, scan, copy functions
• Auto duplex printing and scanning
• 50-sheet auto document feeder
• Dependable wireless connectivity

Cons

• Monochrome output only
• No color printing capability
• Blocks non-HP cartridges

Good fit if

• You need fast, professional black-and-white documents
• You require scanning and copying capabilities
• You want reliable wireless printing for a small team

Skip if

• You need color printing for photos or graphics
• You prefer open cartridge systems
• You require high-volume industrial printing

Verdict: The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw Monochrome AIO fits small teams needing fast, reliable black-and-white output with scanning and copying. It is not suitable for users requiring color documents or open cartridge systems.

5 Also great

HP LaserJet M207dw Monochrome Duplex Printer

Best for: small offices needing fast monochrome duplex printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Print Speed

Up to 28 ppm

Connectivity

Wireless, Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Duplex Printing

Automatic two-sided printing

Features

Duplex Printing

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet M207dw Monochrome Duplex Printer Affiliate link

The HP LaserJet M207dw is a monochrome laser printer designed for small offices of one to five people. It delivers up to 28 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing. The unit supports dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset capabilities and offers Ethernet connectivity. It also features duplex scanning and built-in security measures. This compact device fits well in tight spaces while maintaining professional output quality.

Pros

• Up to 28 pages per minute print speed
• Automatic duplex printing and scanning
• Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset
• Built-in security features
• Compact dimensions: 14 x 11 x 8.07 inches

Cons

• Monochrome output only
• No mention of touch display
• Heavier than some compact competitors

Good fit if

• You need fast black-and-white document printing
• You require automatic two-sided printing
• You want reliable wireless connectivity

Skip if

• You need color printing capabilities
• You require a large paper capacity
• You prefer a lightweight portable device

Verdict: The HP LaserJet M207dw Monochrome Laser printer suits small teams needing reliable, fast black-and-white output with automatic duplexing and strong wireless features. It is ideal for offices prioritizing security and connectivity over color or portability.

6 Best budget

HP LaserJet M209d USB Duplex Printer

Best for: USB-connected single-user offices

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Connectivity

USB

Duplex Printing

Automatic two-sided

Ink/Toner System

Cartridge

Features

Duplex Printing

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet M209d USB Duplex Printer Affiliate link

The HP LaserJet M209d is a compact, monochrome laser printer designed for small offices and home use. It features automatic two-sided printing and a 150-sheet input tray. Connectivity is limited to USB, meaning it lacks wireless or network capabilities. Its dimensions are 8.07 inches wide and 14 inches deep. This model suits users who prioritize a small footprint and reliable black-and-white output over mobile printing options.

Pros

• Automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents
• Compact design saves desk space
• 150-sheet input tray capacity
• Fast in-class two-sided print speed

Cons

• USB connectivity only; no Wi-Fi or Ethernet
• Print-only function; lacks scanning or copying
• No mobile printing support

Good fit if

• You need a small footprint for a tight desk
• You primarily print from a single computer via USB
• You want automatic two-sided printing for reports

Skip if

• You require wireless printing from phones or tablets
• You need to scan or copy documents
• You want to connect the printer to a network

Verdict: HP LaserJet M209d Monochrome Duplex Printer is a space-saving option for users who print black-and-white documents from a single computer. It fits those who value automatic duplexing and a compact size over wireless convenience or multi-function features.

7

Canon imageCLASS Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer

Best for: teams needing fast wireless fax and scanning

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Printer Type

All-in-One

Supported Functions

Print, scan, copy, fax

Print Speed

Up to 37 ppm

Connectivity

Wireless

View on Amazon: Canon imageCLASS Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer Affiliate link

The Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II is a wireless monochrome laser printer with print, scan, copy, and fax functions. It delivers 37 pages per minute with a first print time of about 5 seconds. The unit includes a 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder and a 5-inch color touchscreen. You get a 250-sheet standard cassette plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. This model suits offices needing fast output and mobile printing support.

Pros

• Prints up to 37 pages per minute
• Includes fax, scan, copy, and print functions
• 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder
• 5-inch color touchscreen interface
• Supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria

Cons

• No built-in Ethernet port listed
• Paper capacity requires optional cassette for expansion
• Larger footprint than compact single-function printers

Good fit if

• You need fax capabilities alongside printing
• You want fast monochrome output speeds
• You prefer wireless mobile printing options

Skip if

• You require color printing output
• You need built-in wired Ethernet connectivity
• You prefer a compact single-function device

Verdict: Canon imageCLASS MF462dw II Wireless Monochrome MFP offers solid speed and a full feature set for teams needing fax and mobile access. It fits well where wireless convenience and multi-function tasks are priorities.

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