6 Best Alternatives to the Lexmark MS431dw Black White Laser Printer (2026)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
The Lexmark MS431dw delivers compact monochrome printing with standard Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. If you are looking for lexmark ms431dw black white laser printer alternatives, you might need different specifications. The original model measures 16.2 by 16.6 inches and weighs 20.6 pounds. It supports automatic duplex printing and mobile features. Some users may prefer a color option or multifunction capabilities. Others might want a smaller footprint or faster print speeds. The alternatives in this list share core traits like wireless connectivity and monochrome output. We selected these models because their published specs overlap with the MS431dw. This ensures you find a direct replacement or upgrade. Each option offers distinct advantages, such as Alexa compatibility or LED technology. You can choose based on your specific office volume needs. The list includes top picks for budget, premium, and color printing. Review the dimensions and features to find the best fit for your workspace.
Our top pick: Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer.
How each alternative compares
Brother Monochrome Laser Printer with Alexa
The Brother HLL5210DW is slightly narrower and lighter than the Lexmark MS431dw, measuring 14.7 by 15.3 inches and weighing 24.1 pounds. It prioritizes speed for high-volume offices with 48 ppm output, which is faster than the Lexmark’s standard performance. Like the Lexmark, it offers wireless and Ethernet connectivity with automatic duplex printing. However, it lacks the Lexmark’s steel frame durability claims and specific energy-saving certifications. If you need faster text printing for a busy team and do not require color, this Brother model is a practical, space-efficient upgrade over the monochrome-only Lexmark.
Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
The Lexmark CS331dw introduces color printing to the lineup, a significant change from the black-and-white MS431dw. It is taller and wider, measuring 16.2 by 9.6 inches, and weighs 35.5 pounds, making it bulkier than the compact monochrome original. It retains Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and automatic duplexing capabilities. This model is ideal if your office needs color output but still wants a relatively small footprint compared to larger workgroup printers. You trade the smaller size of the MS431dw for the ability to produce color documents without switching devices.
Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2480DW adds scanning and copying functions, which the monochrome MS431dw lacks. It measures 16.1 by 15.7 inches and weighs 22.2 pounds, similar in footprint to the Lexmark. It supports wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing. This multifunction design suits small teams that need to scan and copy documents in addition to printing. If you require a single device for all document tasks, this Brother MFP offers more versatility than the printing-only Lexmark, while maintaining a compact size suitable for home offices.
Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer
The Kyocera ECOSYS uses LED technology instead of laser printing, offering up to 1200 dpi resolution. It measures 15.5 by 14.8 inches and weighs 30.9 pounds, making it heavier and slightly wider than the Lexmark MS431dw. It supports wireless and Ethernet connectivity with automatic duplexing. This model is designed for busy workgroups needing high paper capacity and fast 37 ppm output. If you prefer LED technology for potentially lower maintenance and need robust network sharing for a larger team, this Kyocera is a strong alternative to the standard laser Lexmark.
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is an all-in-one device that includes scanning and copying, unlike the printing-only MS431dw. It measures 15.7 by 16.1 inches and weighs 25 pounds, making it slightly taller and heavier than the Lexmark. It supports wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing. This model is suitable for small offices that need to manage documents efficiently with a compact footprint. If you require scanning and copying capabilities alongside fast monochrome printing, this Brother MFP provides a complete solution that the original Lexmark does not offer.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is significantly more compact than the Lexmark MS431dw, measuring 14.2 by 14 inches and weighing only 15.6 pounds. It supports wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing but lacks Ethernet ports. This model is ideal for small offices or home offices where space is limited and wired network connections are not essential. If you need a lightweight, space-saving printer for black-and-white documents and rely primarily on Wi-Fi, this Brother model is a practical, smaller alternative to the larger, network-ready Lexmark.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: small offices needing compact monochrome output
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Black and white
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic two-sided
- Features
- Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing
- Use Case
- Office
View on Amazon: Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark MS431dw is a compact black and white laser printer built for office use. It features a steel frame, automatic duplex printing, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The unit includes a two-line display for monitoring system information. It supports mobile printing and cloud connections. This model suits small offices needing durable, space-saving hardware with standard wired and wireless options.
Pros
- Compact dimensions fit in tight spaces
- Automatic two-sided printing reduces paper waste
- Steel frame construction for durability
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity options
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Two-line display limits interface detail
- No color printing capability
Good fit if
- You need a small footprint for a desk or cubicle
- You require automatic duplex printing for efficiency
- You prefer a durable steel-frame build
Skip if
- You need color printing for graphics or photos
- You require a large touchscreen interface
- You need high-volume production beyond 8000 pages monthly
Verdict: The Lexmark MS431dw Compact Monochrome Laser Printer is a practical choice for small offices that value space efficiency and durable hardware. It fits users who need reliable black and white output with standard connectivity.
Brother Monochrome Laser Printer with Alexa
Best for: high-volume monochrome office printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 48 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
- Features
- Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing
View on Amazon: Brother Monochrome Laser Printer with Alexa Affiliate link
This Brother monochrome laser printer delivers output at up to 48 pages per minute. It connects through dual-band wireless or Gigabit Ethernet and includes automatic duplex printing. The standard 250-sheet paper tray and 100-sheet multipurpose tray handle routine jobs, expandable up to 1,390 sheets. It suits busy offices needing fast black-and-white documents without daily paper refills.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 48 ppm
- Built-in Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless
- Paper capacity expandable up to 1,390 sheets
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- Prints in monochrome only with no color support
- Heavier build weighing 24.1 pounds
- Included starter toner yields 3,000 pages instead of maximum 11,000
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome output reaching up to 48 pages per minute.
- You want network integration via Gigabit Ethernet or dual-band wireless.
- You plan to scale paper handling with optional add-on trays.
Skip if
- You require color printing for charts and graphics.
- You need a lightweight unit under 20 pounds.
Verdict: Brother Business Monochrome Laser Printer fits high-volume offices that prioritize rapid 48 ppm text printing and network sharing over color output.
Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
Best for: Compact color printing with wireless convenience
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 26 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB, Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic two-sided
View on Amazon: Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark CS331dw is a compact color laser printer designed for small to medium workgroups. It prints up to 26 pages per minute with automatic two-sided printing. The unit supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connections. It includes mobile printing features and a recommended monthly page volume of 600 to 2,500 pages. This single-function device fits well in spaces where color output is needed without the bulk of larger machines.
Pros
- Prints up to 26 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided printing reduces paper use
- Supports wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
- Compact design fits in most office spaces
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- Lower print speed than some competitors
- No color output if you need black and white only
Good fit if
- You need color printing in a compact footprint
- You require automatic duplex printing for documents
- You want wireless and mobile device support
Skip if
- You need a multifunction device with scanning
- You require high-volume printing over 2,500 pages monthly
- You only need black and white printing
Verdict: Lexmark CS331dw Compact Color Laser is a practical choice for offices needing color output in a small space. It suits teams that value wireless convenience and automatic duplexing over multifunction capabilities.
Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer
Best for: small offices needing scan and copy
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L2480DW is a compact monochrome laser printer that also scans and copies. It prints at 36 ppm with automatic duplexing. You get dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a 250-sheet tray. The 2.7-inch touchscreen supports cloud apps. This all-in-one unit suits small offices or home workers needing a small footprint with versatile paper handling.
Pros
- 36 ppm print speed
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet
- 2.7-inch touchscreen
Cons
- Flatbed scanner only
- No automatic document feeder
- Single-function output
Good fit if
- You need a compact 3-in-1 device
- You print high volumes of black and white
- You want cloud printing from mobile devices
Skip if
- You require color printing
- You need an automatic document feeder
- You prefer a dedicated printer only
Verdict: Brother HL-L2480DW Compact MFP fits small teams needing scanning and copying alongside fast monochrome printing. Its compact size and cloud support make it ideal for home offices.
Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer
Best for: high-volume monochrome office printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 37 ppm
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct
- Duplex Printing
- Auto-Duplex
- Print Resolution
- Up to 1200 dpi
View on Amazon: Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer Affiliate link
This Kyocera monochrome laser printer delivers up to 37 pages per minute with a fine 1200 dpi resolution. It features automatic duplex printing, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct for shared environments. With support for up to 850 sheets of paper, you get high-capacity feeding for continuous office runs without frequent reloads.
Pros
- Fast print speeds up to 37 pages per minute
- Expandable paper capacity up to 850 sheets
- Fine 1200 dpi maximum print resolution
- Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
Cons
- Relatively heavy machine at 30.9 pounds
- Basic LED display instead of a full touchscreen
- Prints only in monochrome with no color support
Good fit if
- You need a large paper capacity reaching up to 850 sheets.
- You want fast monochrome speeds up to 37 pages per minute.
- You require Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity.
Skip if
- You require color output for charts or graphics.
- You prefer a lightweight printer under 30 pounds.
Verdict: Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome Laser Printer suits busy workgroups needing high 850-sheet paper handling and fast 37 ppm output across a Gigabit network.
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Small office monochrome printing and 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 monochrome laser multifunction printer that combines printing, scanning, and copying in a compact footprint. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient multi-page tasks. With dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity, it fits well in small offices needing reliable, space-saving performance.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet
- Compact 16.1 x 12.5 x 15.7 inch design
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Scanner type listed as portable
- No color printing capability
Good fit if
- You need a compact all-in-one for small offices
- You prioritize fast monochrome printing and scanning
- You require dual-band wireless connectivity
Skip if
- You need color printing
- You require a high-volume enterprise solution
- You prefer a standalone printer without scanning
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact MFP suits small offices needing fast, space-efficient monochrome printing and scanning. Its compact size and dual-band connectivity make it a practical choice for teams with moderate document volumes.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: small offices needing fast 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 built for home offices and small teams. It prints at 36 ppm with automatic duplexing to save paper. You get dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The 250-sheet tray handles high-volume jobs, while the manual slot supports envelopes. It includes a mobile app for remote management and toner tracking. This single-function unit fits tight spaces without sacrificing speed.
Pros
- 36 ppm print speed for efficient output
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
- 250-sheet main paper tray capacity
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Mobile app for remote control and toner tracking
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No color printing capability
- 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 to save paper
Skip if
- You require color printing for photos or graphics
- You need a multifunction device with scanning
- You prefer a printer without mobile app integration
Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Monochrome Laser suits small offices needing fast, space-saving black and white printing with reliable wireless connectivity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Monochrome Laser Printer with Alexa | Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer | Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Black and white | Monochrome | Color | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Printer Type | not stated | not stated | Single-function | not stated | not stated | not stated | Single-function |
| Supported Functions | not stated | not stated | not stated | Print, copy, scan | not stated | Print, copy, scan | not stated |
| Print Speed | not stated | 48 ppm | 26 ppm | 36 ppm | 37 ppm | 36 ppm | 36 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet | Wireless, USB, Ethernet | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided | not stated | Automatic two-sided | Automatic | Auto-Duplex | not stated | Automatic |
| Ink/Toner System | not stated | Toner | Toner | Toner cartridge | not stated | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge |
| Print Resolution | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Up to 1200 dpi | not stated | not stated |
| Features | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing |
| Use Case | Office | Office | Office | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Scanner Type | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | not stated | Alexa | not stated | Alexa | not stated | not stated | Alexa |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 16.2 × 16.6 × 10.8 inches | 15.3 × 14.7 × 10.1 inches | 16.2 × 9.6 × 15.5 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 10.7 inches | 15.5 × 14.8 × 10.7 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches |
| Weight | 20.6 pounds | 24.1 pounds | 35.5 pounds | 22.2 pounds | 30.9 pounds | 25 pounds | 15.6 pounds |
| Size | PRINTER | One Size | Small-Medium Workgroup | Standard | not stated | Standard | Standard |
| Color | BLACK | White | White/Gray | Black | White | Black | Black |
| Model | MS431dw | HLL5210DW | CS331dw | HLL2480DW | 4105851 | DCPL2640DW | HLL2460DW |
If you need physical fabrication rather than document printing, specifications for the best white 3d printers compare build volumes.
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the fastest print speed for high-volume offices?
The Brother HLL5210DW provides 48 ppm output, making it the fastest option on this list. This speed suits busy teams that prioritize rapid text printing over color capabilities. It also supports network sharing and includes duplex printing for efficient two-sided document handling.
What is the most compact monochrome printer for small spaces?
The Brother HL-L2460DW is the most compact choice, measuring 14 by 14.2 inches and weighing just 15.6 pounds. It fits easily on smaller desks while offering reliable wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing for space-conscious home offices or small workgroups.
Can I find an alternative that prints in color?
Yes, the Lexmark CS331dw is the only color laser printer in this group. It delivers compact color output in a 16.2 by 16.2 inch footprint. This model supports wireless scanning and automatic duplexing, making it suitable for offices that need color without sacrificing space.
Which printer includes scanning and copying functions?
The Brother HL-L2480DW and Brother DCP-L2640DW both include scan and copy capabilities. These multifunction models allow you to digitize documents and make physical copies alongside printing. They support wireless scanning and duplex scanning for streamlined document workflows in small office environments.
Is there an option with LED technology?
The Kyocera ECOSYS model uses LED print technology rather than traditional laser systems. It offers up to 1200 dpi resolution and 37 ppm output. This printer features a high-capacity 850-sheet paper handling system and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for robust workgroup performance.
Do these alternatives support voice control via Alexa?
Several Brother models support Alexa compatibility for voice-activated printing. The HLL5210DW, HL-L2480DW, and HL-L2460DW all include this feature. This allows you to initiate print jobs using voice commands, adding convenience for users who prefer hands-free operation in their office setup.
Which printer has the largest paper capacity?
The Kyocera ECOSYS model supports up to 850 sheets of paper handling. This large capacity reduces the frequency of paper refills, which is ideal for high-volume environments. It pairs this capacity with fast 37 ppm output and wireless connectivity for efficient operation.