Looking Beyond the Lexmark MS521dn Laser Printer? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing the Top Alternatives

Dell B2360dn Monochrome Laser Printer

The Dell B2360dn shares the 1200 dpi resolution and automatic duplexing of the Lexmark MS521dn. It differs by offering a 300-sheet paper tray capacity, which supports higher daily volumes without frequent refills. This model relies on Ethernet connectivity rather than the Lexmark’s broader wired options. It weighs significantly more at 60 pounds, indicating a more robust internal build. If your office prioritizes wired stability and paper capacity over the Lexmark’s 46 ppm speed, this Dell unit is a practical choice. It lacks wireless features, keeping the focus on steady, high-volume document production for teams that do not need mobile printing capabilities.

Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer

The Kyocera ECOSYS P2235dw uses LED technology instead of the Lexmark’s laser engine. It offers wireless connectivity and Ethernet, providing flexibility the wired-only MS521dn lacks. While it supports duplex printing and scanning, its print speed is not specified as high as the 46 ppm found in the Lexmark. It is lighter at 30.9 pounds and slightly more compact. This printer suits small offices that value wireless access and compact dimensions over raw speed. It includes mobile printing features, making it easier for users to print from phones or tablets. If you need scanning functions and wireless access, this Kyocera model provides those features while maintaining high-resolution output.

Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L5000D focuses on wired monochrome printing with automatic duplexing. It delivers up to 42 ppm, which is slightly slower than the Lexmark MS521dn’s 46 ppm. This model connects via USB, lacking the Ethernet port found in the Lexmark. It is lighter at 23 pounds, making it easier to move if needed. The Brother unit is designed for offices that do not require wireless connectivity or multifunction scanning. It provides consistent 1200 dpi resolution for clear text output. If you need a straightforward, high-speed wired printer without extra features, this Brother model is a solid alternative. It sacrifices wireless convenience for a simpler, focused printing workflow.

Lexmark Desktop Monochrome Laser Printer

This Lexmark desktop printer mirrors the MS521dn’s 46 ppm speed and 1200 dpi resolution. It also includes automatic duplexing and Ethernet connectivity. The main difference lies in its physical dimensions and weight. This model measures 19 inches in width and weighs 35.2 pounds, making it larger and heavier than the standard MS521dn. It is designed for high-volume wired office printing. If you need the same performance as the MS521dn but have space for a larger footprint, this variant offers identical output quality. It is best for teams focused on document production where size is not a constraint. It maintains the reliability and speed expected from Lexmark’s monochrome lineup.

Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a multifunction device that includes scanning and copying capabilities, which the MS521dn lacks. It supports wireless connectivity and mobile printing, offering flexibility the wired Lexmark does not. It delivers monochrome output with duplex printing. This model is lighter at 25 pounds and has a compact design suitable for limited desk space. It is ideal for small teams needing reliable scanning and copying alongside printing. If you require all-in-one functionality and wireless access, this Brother unit provides those features. It sacrifices some of the raw speed of the MS521dn for added versatility and easier integration into wireless office networks.

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L2460DW offers wireless connectivity and Alexa compatibility, features absent in the wired MS521dn. It provides automatic duplexing and mobile printing support. This model is significantly lighter at 15.6 pounds and more compact, fitting well in small offices. It delivers fast monochrome printing with duplex scanning capabilities. If you need voice control and wireless access, this Brother printer is a practical choice. It prioritizes convenience and space-saving design over the higher speed of the Lexmark. It is suitable for users who do not require scanning functions but value wireless integration and compact dimensions for their workspace.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Lexmark MS521dn Monochrome Laser Printer

Best for: high-speed monochrome document printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Print Speed

46 ppm

Duplex Printing

Automatic

Print Resolution

Up to 1200 dpi

Features

Duplex Printing

View on Amazon: Lexmark MS521dn Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link

The Lexmark MS521dn Monochrome Laser Printer delivers black-and-white output at speeds up to 46 pages per minute with a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi. Built for plain paper workloads, it features automatic duplex printing for two-sided documents. If you manage high-volume text jobs and need quick turnaround times, this desktop machine provides reliable single-color performance.

Pros

• Maximum print speed of 46 pages per minute
• High print resolution up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
• Automatic duplex printing capability

Cons

• Substantial weight at 31.1 pounds
• Deep 18.5-inch chassis requires extra desk space
• Manufacturer recommendation is focused on plain paper

Good fit if

• You produce high volumes of black-and-white text documents quickly.
• You require standard automatic double-sided printing on plain paper.

Skip if

• You have a shallow workspace that cannot support an 18.5-inch depth.
• You need a lightweight machine that weighs under 30 pounds.

Verdict: Lexmark MS521dn Monochrome Laser Printer suits offices that produce heavy volumes of two-sided monochrome text and demand 46 ppm output.

2 Also great

Dell B2360dn Monochrome Laser Printer

Best for: wired offices needing 300-sheet monochrome printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Printer Type

Desktop

Print Speed

40 ppm

Connectivity

Gigabit Ethernet

Duplex Printing

Automatic duplex print

View on Amazon: Dell B2360dn Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link

The Dell B2360dn is a desktop monochrome laser printer built for wired network offices. You get 40 pages per minute print speeds, automatic duplex printing, and a 300-sheet paper capacity. With 1200 dpi resolution and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, you can output crisp text across shared workgroups. It suits offices needing dependable monochrome output without color capability.

Pros

• Fast print speed of up to 40 pages per minute
• Automatic duplex printing support
• Sharp 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution
• Gigabit Ethernet wired network interface

Cons

• Heavy 60-pound desktop build
• Restricted to monochrome output with no color support
• 300-sheet total paper tray capacity

Good fit if

• You need 40 ppm monochrome output over a wired Gigabit Ethernet connection.
• You require automatic double-sided printing for office paperwork.
• You manage daily print volumes within a 300-sheet paper tray.

Skip if

• You need color printing rather than monochrome-only output.
• You prefer a lightweight desktop machine under 60 pounds.

Verdict: Dell B2360dn Monochrome Laser Printer delivers rapid 40 ppm black-and-white output for wired office workstations. Its 60-pound build and 300-sheet capacity target teams focused strictly on medium-volume document production.

3 Best premium

Kyocera ECOSYS Monochrome LED Printer

Best for: small offices needing compact wireless monochrome 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

The Kyocera ECOSYS P2235dw is a monochrome laser printer offering 37 pages per minute output. It features up to 1200 dpi resolution and standard wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi Direct. The unit includes auto-duplex printing and supports mobile printing via Kyocera Mobile Print. With an 850-sheet capacity and compact dimensions, it suits small offices needing reliable wireless printing.

Pros

• 37 ppm print speed
• Standard wireless and Wi-Fi Direct
• Auto-duplex printing
• 850-sheet paper capacity

Cons

• Print speed is slower than the 46 ppm competitors
• Monochrome output only
• No built-in scanner despite wireless scanning capability

Good fit if

• You need reliable wireless printing in a small office
• You want a compact monochrome laser printer
• You prefer LED print technology

Skip if

• You require color printing
• You need a multifunction device with scanning
• You want the fastest print speed available

Verdict: Kyocera ECOSYS P2235dw Monochrome Laser Printer fits small offices that prioritize wireless connectivity and compact size over raw speed. It is a solid choice for users who do not need scanning functions.

4 Best up to 42 ppm

Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

Best for: standalone workstations needing fast monochrome printing

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

This monochrome single-function laser printer delivers print speeds up to 42 pages per minute at 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution. It features automatic duplex printing and handles media through a 250-sheet main tray plus a 50-sheet multipurpose tray. If you need dedicated local document printing via USB or parallel ports without network setup, this unit handles standard office workloads.

Pros

• Prints up to 42 pages per minute
• Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution
• Automatic two-sided printing
• Parallel and USB interfaces with included parallel cable

Cons

• Lacks wireless and Ethernet network connectivity
• Single-function unit with no scanner or copier

Good fit if

• You need fast black-and-white output up to 42 pages per minute.
• You require a direct USB or parallel cable connection for a single computer.
• You want automatic two-sided printing to cut paper usage.

Skip if

• You need Wi-Fi or Ethernet to share a printer across multiple computers.
• You require scanning, copying, or color printing.

Verdict: Brother Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer gives individual desk workers 42 ppm output and automatic two-sided printing through local wired connections. It suits standalone workstations that do not require network access or multifunction hardware.

5 Also great

Lexmark Desktop Monochrome Laser Printer

Best for: High-volume wired office printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Print Speed

Up to 46 ppm

Connectivity

Ethernet

Duplex Printing

Automatic

Ink/Toner System

Cartridge

View on Amazon: Lexmark Desktop Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link

The Lexmark MS521dn is a monochrome laser printer built for steady office output. It delivers up to 46 pages per minute with automatic duplex printing. The unit supports Ethernet connectivity and handles media from A6 to legal size. Its font outlining technology ensures grey text remains crisp. This model suits teams needing reliable, high-volume printing with robust security features.

Pros

• Prints up to 46 pages per minute
• Automatic two-sided printing included
• Print resolution up to 1200 dpi
• Font outlining technology for clear grey text
• ENERGY STAR 2.0 compliant design

Cons

• Ethernet-only connectivity lacks wireless options
• Single-function design excludes scanning or copying
• No mobile printing capabilities listed

Good fit if

• You need fast, reliable monochrome printing
• You prefer wired Ethernet connections
• You require automatic duplex printing

Skip if

• You need wireless printing capabilities
• You require scanning or copying functions
• You want a compact desktop unit

Verdict: The Lexmark MS521dn Monochrome Laser Printer fits offices that prioritize speed and wired reliability. It delivers consistent 46 ppm output with automatic duplexing for teams focused on high-volume document production.

6 Best scan

Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer

Best for: Small office 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 laser multi-function printer. It prints at 36 ppm and scans at 23.6 ipm. The unit includes a 50-page auto document feeder for batch tasks. You get wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The mobile app lets you manage jobs remotely. This model suits small offices needing print, copy, and scan in a small footprint.

Pros

• 36 ppm print speed
• 23.6 ipm scan speed
• 50-page auto document feeder
• Dual-band wireless and Ethernet
• Mobile printing support

Cons

• Monochrome only output
• No color printing capability
• Scanner type listed as portable

Good fit if

• You need a compact all-in-one for a small office
• You require fast monochrome printing and scanning
• You want wireless and mobile printing options

Skip if

• You need color printing
• You require a high-volume production printer
• You prefer a flatbed scanner over an ADF

Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact MFP fits small teams needing reliable monochrome printing and scanning. It offers fast speeds and a compact design for limited desk space.

7 Best budget

Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer

Best for: small offices needing fast monochrome 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 prints at 36 ppm with automatic duplex printing to save paper. Connectivity includes dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. The 250-sheet paper tray handles standard loads, while the manual slot supports envelopes. It works with Alexa for voice control and offers mobile printing via the Brother app.

Pros

• Prints at 36 ppm for efficient output
• Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
• Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
• 250-sheet paper tray capacity
• Compatible with Alexa for voice control

Cons

• Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
• Only supports monochrome (black and white) printing
• No built-in touchscreen display for local control

Good fit if

• You need a compact printer for a small workspace
• You primarily print black and white documents
• You want voice control via Alexa

Skip if

• You require color printing capabilities
• You need a multifunction device with scanning
• You prefer a printer with a large touchscreen interface

Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer is a practical choice for users who need fast, reliable black-and-white printing with voice control. It fits well in small offices where space is limited and color is not required.

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