Winner
The HP Samsung Xpress M2026 is a compact laser printer that offers practical features for users who need efficient monochrome printing. With a print speed of 20 pages per minute, it is well-suited for home or small office environments where moderate print volumes are expected. The 2000 dpi print resolution ensures clear and crisp black and white documents, fulfilling the needs of everyday text printing quite adequately.
Connectivity is a strong point with Ethernet available, though the lack of wireless options might limit ease of use for some. This could be a drawback for those who prefer wireless printing from various devices. The printer supports auto duplex printing, an excellent feature for saving paper and time when producing double-sided documents.
Measuring approximately 37.49 x 24.99 x 27 cm and weighing just 1 kg, the M2026 is compact and easy to place in tight spaces. Its design is straightforward and functional, coming in a classic black color. However, the paper handling capacity is on the smaller side with a maximum input of 150 sheets, making it less ideal for high-volume tasks. Operating costs are generally manageable with laser technology typically offering lower cost per page compared to inkjets. The inclusion of components like a power cord, pressure drum, and demo toner helps users get started without additional purchases.
The HP Samsung Xpress M2026 is a reliable option for users who need a dedicated monochrome printer with essential features like auto duplexing and quality output at a reasonable speed. Its connectivity limitations and modest paper handling capacity might not suit everyone, but it remains a solid choice for basic printing needs in a compact form.
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4302fdw is a robust choice for small to medium-sized businesses needing a reliable and efficient color laser printer. With a maximum print speed of 33 pages per minute (ppm) for both monochrome and color prints, it ensures that high-demand environments are easily catered to. The printer excels in print quality, delivering true-to-life colors and sharp details at a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi, which is sufficient for most business documents. Its automatic duplex printing feature helps save paper and supports sustainable printing practices.
Connectivity is versatile with options for USB, Ethernet, and wireless connections, including self-healing Wi-Fi that seeks out the most stable connection. This makes it flexible for different office setups and reduces downtime. The printer also supports seamless management and security with features like HP Web Jetadmin and HP Wolf Pro Security, making it easier to centralize and secure printing tasks. However, at 20.4 kg, it is relatively heavy, which may be a consideration for very compact office spaces.
The operating costs could be higher due to the need for replacement cartridges, though the redesigned HP TerraJetCartridge aims to reduce plastic use and energy consumption. The paper handling capacity of 350 sheets is adequate but might require frequent refilling in very busy offices. It includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), which is a plus for multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing tasks. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4302fdw is a well-rounded printer that balances speed, quality, and functionality, making it suitable for businesses that need reliable and secure printing solutions.
The Brother DCP-L2530DW is a compact mono laser printer designed for home or small office use, combining printing, scanning, and copying in one device. It offers fast printing speeds of up to 30 pages per minute, which is quite efficient for everyday document tasks. Print quality is sharp enough for professional-looking black and white documents, with a maximum resolution of 2400 dpi. Wireless connectivity options like WiFi, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print make it easy to print from laptops, smartphones, or tablets without cables. It supports automatic duplex printing, allowing double-sided printing that saves paper and adds convenience. The 250-sheet paper tray means fewer interruptions to reload paper, which is good for moderate workloads. Its size is compact and desktop-friendly, making it suitable for small spaces.
On the cost side, it offers low running costs especially when using optional high-yield toner cartridges that reduce the cost per page. However, it prints only in black and white, so it is less suitable if you need color prints. The scanner is a flatbed type, which is standard but may be slower compared to some sheet-fed scanners. The printer weighs about 10 kg, making it somewhat portable but not very lightweight. This model balances speed, quality, and features well for users who mainly need fast, reliable monochrome printing and scanning without extra bells and whistles.