Looking Beyond the HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Latest update: November 4, 2026

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The HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP delivers high-speed 75 ppm output and robust security for busy offices. It handles large paper loads with a 2,000-sheet feeder and includes a 3-bin stapler for professional finishing. However, its 142-pound frame and 48.5-inch height require significant floor space. You might need a smaller footprint or different connectivity options for your specific setup.

These hp laserjet m636z monochrome mfp alternatives offer comparable monochrome performance in more compact designs. The list includes models with wireless connectivity, automatic duplexing, and smaller dimensions. Each option shares key specifications like laser print technology and black-and-white output. You can choose based on your need for scanning features, network integration, or physical size. This guide compares 6 printers that match the core requirements of the M636z while offering different practical benefits.

Alternatives to the HP M636z

Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer

The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers a compact footprint at 16.1 by 15.7 inches, fitting easily where the 26-inch wide M636z cannot. It weighs just 25 pounds versus 142 pounds, making it far easier to move. You get wireless connectivity and duplex scanning, features the M636z lacks in its basic spec list. However, it does not print at 75 ppm, nor does it include a stapler or fax function. This model suits small offices that need reliable scanning and printing without the bulk of an enterprise-grade machine. You trade high-volume paper handling and speed for space efficiency and wireless convenience.

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a dedicated printer, not a multifunction unit. It measures 14 by 14.2 inches and weighs 15.6 pounds, offering significant space savings compared to the M636z’s massive frame. It includes wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing. You give up scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities entirely. This choice is best for teams that only need fast black-and-white output and want a small device on their desk. It lacks the 2,000-sheet feeder and 75 ppm speed of the M636z, but provides a simpler, more affordable solution for basic printing tasks in tight spaces.

HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a wired-only printer with Ethernet connectivity. It is much smaller, measuring 17.4 by 10.8 inches and weighing only 8.35 pounds. It supports duplex printing but lacks wireless options and multifunction capabilities like scanning or faxing. You sacrifice the M636z’s 75 ppm speed and large paper capacity for a compact, secure, and network-reliable device. This option fits offices that prioritize wired stability and a small footprint over high-volume output and all-in-one functionality. It is a focused tool for steady, secure printing without the bulk or complexity of a full MFP.

HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer

The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n is a dedicated monochrome printer with no wireless connectivity. It measures 14.2 by 10.5 inches and lacks the M636z’s scanning, copying, or faxing features. It does not include a stapler or high-capacity feeders. You get a simpler, faster-to-setup device for basic printing needs. This model is suitable for offices that do not require network integration or multifunction tools. It gives up the M636z’s 75 ppm speed and security features for a more straightforward, compact printing solution. It is best for users who only need reliable black-and-white output without extra hardware.

Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2405W is a compact wireless printer measuring 14 by 14.2 inches and weighing 15.1 pounds. It offers mobile printing and wireless scanning capabilities, which the M636z does not explicitly list in its core attributes. However, it is a single-function printer, so you lose scanning, copying, and faxing. It lacks the M636z’s 75 ppm speed, stapler, and large paper trays. This device is ideal for home offices or small teams that need fast, wireless printing in a small space. You trade enterprise security and high-volume capacity for portability and wireless convenience.

HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer

The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is a dedicated monochrome printer with no wireless connectivity. It measures 15 by 14.1 inches and weighs 20.9 pounds. It lacks scanning, copying, and faxing functions, as well as the M636z’s stapler and high-capacity feeders. You get a secure, fast printing option without the bulk of an MFP. This model suits offices that only need printing and prefer wired connections. It gives up the M636z’s 75 ppm speed and advanced security features for a simpler, more affordable device. It is best for users who prioritize basic printing reliability over multifunction capabilities.

Quick picks

#	Product	Best for	Price
1	HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP Best overall	High-volume monochrome office printing	Check price of HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP on Amazon
2	Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer Also great	small offices needing fast monochrome MFP	Check price of Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer on Amazon
3	Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer Also great	Small teams needing fast, automatic black-and-white printing	Check price of Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer on Amazon
4	HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer Best premium	Secure, high-speed wired office printing	Check price of HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer on Amazon
5	HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer Also great	budget-conscious offices needing fast monochrome output	Check price of HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer on Amazon
6	Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer	Home offices needing fast, compact monochrome printing	Check price of Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer on Amazon
7	HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer Best budget	fast dedicated monochrome printing	Check price of HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP

Best for: High-volume monochrome office printing

Print Technology: Laser
Print Output: Monochrome
Printer Type: All-in-One
Supported Functions: Print, scan, copy, fax
Print Speed: Up to 75 ppm
Connectivity: Ethernet

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet M636z Monochrome MFP Affiliate link

The HP LaserJet Enterprise M636z is a high-speed monochrome all-in-one laser printer designed for demanding office environments. It delivers print speeds up to 75 ppm with a first page out time of 5.2 seconds. The unit includes fax capabilities, duplex printing, and a 1,000-sheet stapler/stacker. Its 142-pound build supports extensive paper handling with trays holding up to 2,000 sheets. This machine suits teams needing rapid output and robust security features.

Pros

Prints up to 75 pages per minute
Includes fax and scan functions
1,000-sheet stapler/stacker with job offset
High-capacity input feeder supports 2,000 sheets

Cons

Heavy 142-pound build requires significant floor space
No wireless connectivity listed in specifications
Monochrome output only

Good fit if

You need high-volume monochrome printing at 75 ppm
You require integrated fax and scanning capabilities
You want automatic stapling for large jobs

Skip if

You need color printing capabilities
You require a compact desktop footprint
You need wireless mobile printing

Verdict: The HP LaserJet Enterprise M636z Monochrome MFP fits busy offices that prioritize speed and heavy-duty paper handling over wireless flexibility. Its 75 ppm output and stapler make it ideal for high-volume document processing.

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 multifunction 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 tasks. The unit supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections. It offers print, copy, and scan functions in a standard footprint. This model suits users who need reliable black-and-white output with mobile printing capabilities.

Pros

Print speeds up to 36 ppm
50-page auto document feeder
Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
Compact footprint with duplex scanning

Cons

Monochrome output only
No color printing capability
Standard toner capacity without high-yield inclusion

Good fit if

You need fast monochrome printing for a small team
You require an auto document feeder for scanning
You want dual-band wireless connectivity

Skip if

You need color printing capabilities
You require a large paper input capacity
You prefer a flatbed scanner over an ADF

Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact MFP is a practical choice for small businesses that prioritize speed and compact design over color output. It fits users who need reliable wireless printing and scanning in a limited space.

Also great

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

Best for: Small teams needing fast, automatic black-and-white 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 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing to save paper. You get dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. A 250-sheet paper tray handles volume, while the Brother Mobile Connect 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 paper tray capacity
Brother Mobile Connect app for remote control

Cons

Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
No touchscreen display for local control
Limited to monochrome (black and white) output

Good fit if

You need a fast, compact printer for a small workspace
You primarily print black and white documents
You want automatic two-sided printing without manual intervention

Skip if

You require color printing capabilities
You need a multifunction device with scanning features
You prefer a printer with a built-in touchscreen interface

Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer is a practical choice for users who prioritize speed and automatic duplexing in a compact footprint. It suits small teams needing reliable black-and-white output without the bulk of a multifunction unit.

Best premium