A black and white photo printer is a specialized tool built for one task: delivering crisp, high-contrast monochrome output without the cost and complexity of color ink systems. Whether you’re printing fine art portfolios, archival documents, or high-volume text pages, the core difference between a good and bad unit comes down to the engine — laser vs. inkjet — and the tonal range it can reproduce.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing market data, comparing print engine specifications, studying ink chemistry and toner yields, and aggregating owner feedback to determine which models actually deliver on their promises for serious monochrome work.
This guide cuts through the noise to help you find the right black and white photo printer for your specific needs, whether you prioritize speed, archival quality, or long-term operating cost.
How To Choose The Best Black And White Photo Printer
Monochrome printing demands a different set of priorities than color. The key is matching the print engine, toner or ink system, and paper path to your specific output goals — from daily text documents to gallery-grade fine art.
Laser vs. Inkjet: The Core Engine Decision
Laser printers use a toner cartridge and a heated fuser to bond fine powder to paper, producing extremely sharp text and fast output speeds (20–42 ppm). They excel at high-volume document printing and are nearly maintenance-free. Inkjet printers — including supertank and dye-sublimation models — use liquid ink in microscopic droplets. They can produce wider tonal ranges and smoother gradations, making them better for photo reproduction, but they generally print slower and require more frequent nozzle maintenance.
Toner Yield and Cost Per Page
For a monochrome laser printer, the starter cartridge often delivers only 700–1,500 pages, while standard-capacity cartridges may reach 2,500–3,000 pages. High-yield cartridges can double or triple that. Always check the cost per page: a budget-friendly printer with expensive cartridges will cost more over 12 months than a pricier machine with high-yield consumables. For supertank inkjets, the included bottle of ink can last thousands of pages, driving cost per page below a penny.
Paper Handling and Connectivity
Look for a paper tray capacity that matches your typical print volume — 150–250 sheets is standard for home offices, while 500+ sheets suits small teams. Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing saves paper and time. For connectivity, Wi-Fi with dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is essential for modern homes, while Ethernet is more stable for office environments. Mobile printing via AirPrint, Mopria, or a dedicated app is a must for convenience.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw II | Laser | High-speed mono printing | 42 ppm print speed | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw | Laser All-in-One | Small team productivity | 35 ppm, 50-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 | Supertank Inkjet | Ultra-low cost per page | 6,000-page ink yield | Amazon |
| Epson SureColor P700 | Fine Art Inkjet | Gallery-grade B&W photos | 10-channel UltraChrome PRO10 | Amazon |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW | Laser All-in-One | Reliable scanning + printing | 36 ppm, 50-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Brother HL-L2405W | Laser | Budget home office | 30 ppm, dual-band Wi-Fi | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw | Laser | Compact print-only setup | 30 ppm, auto duplex | Amazon |
| HP Laserjet MFP M140w | Laser All-in-One | Budget multi-function | 21 ppm, auto duplex | Amazon |
| Liene M100 Bundle | Dye-Sublimation | Instant 4×6 photo prints | 300 dpi, 180 sheets | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw II
The Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw II is a pure monochrome workhorse built for speed. Its engine delivers 42 pages per minute with a first-page-out time of approximately 5 seconds, making it one of the fastest single-function laser printers in its class. The 5-line LCD screen provides navigation for job queues, while the 250-sheet standard cassette and 100-sheet multipurpose tray offer flexible paper handling.
Automatic duplex printing is standard, and the expandable paper capacity — up to 550 additional sheets via an optional cassette — supports high-volume workflows without constant refills. The printer uses Canon Genuine Toner 070 cartridges, which offer high page yields that reduce intervention during long print runs. Users consistently report excellent print quality for fine fonts and grayscale graphics.
The wireless setup process and display navigation can feel unintuitive, and some owners noted the paper drawer feels slightly less robust than older Canon models. Driver installation on Windows 11 may require patience. Despite these quirks, the speed and output consistency make it a top choice for any office where monochrome volume is high.
What works
- Blazing 42 ppm engine with fast first-page-out
- Expandable paper capacity up to 900 sheets
- Sharp text and grayscale reproduction
What doesn’t
- Wireless setup and LCD menu can be confusing
- Paper drawer feels less substantial than expected
- Full software suite needed for diagnostics
2. HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw is designed for small teams that need more than just printing. This all-in-one unit adds scanning, copying, and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF), making it a capable document hub. Print speeds reach up to 35 ppm for black-and-white output, and the 250-sheet input tray keeps the workflow moving.
Automatic two-sided printing is built in, and the printer features HP’s most dependable Wi-Fi, which automatically seeks the best connection. The 24-bit color depth handling in the scanner provides respectable document digitization. Users who purchased multiple units reported consistent, flawless operation, with fast scanning and copying functions adding to daily productivity.
The printer is designed to work only with cartridges containing HP chips or circuitry, and firmware updates will block non-HP cartridges. Some users found the ADF jams when loaded with more than 25 sheets. While the initial toner yield is sufficient, owners looking for cheap refills must decline firmware updates to use third-party alternatives.
What works
- Full scan, copy, and print in one device
- 50-sheet ADF for multi-page document handling
- Stable dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
What doesn’t
- HP blocks third-party toner via firmware updates
- ADF tends to jam with stacks over 25 sheets
- Wi-Fi can drop occasionally, requiring reset
3. Epson EcoTank ET-M1170
The Epson EcoTank ET-M1170 redefines the economics of monochrome printing with its cartridge-free, bottle-fed ink system. The included 120 mL bottle yields approximately 6,000 pages, driving the cost per page below a penny. The PrecisionCore printhead delivers crisp, clear black text and graphics at speeds up to 20 ppm.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet provide flexible connectivity, while Wi-Fi Direct enables direct device-to-printer connections without a network. Users report the ink bottle still showing two-thirds full after months of light use, making it exceptionally economical for high-volume text printing. The printer’s compact white design fits easily into a home office setup.
The ET-M1170 lacks AirPrint support, requiring the Epson iPrint app for mobile printing. Some owners experienced plastic part breakage inside the unit after a few months, causing jams. The printer can also require a cleaning cycle before each use to prevent wavy output, which consumes a small amount of ink over time.
What works
- Extremely low cost per page with high-yield ink bottles
- Refill process is clean and simple
- Fast network printing with simultaneous sheet feeding
What doesn’t
- No native AirPrint support
- Internal plastic parts can fail prematurely
- Occasional cleaning cycles waste ink
4. Epson SureColor P700
The Epson SureColor P700 is a professional-grade 13-inch wide-format printer that sets the standard for monochrome and color fine art printing. It uses a 10-channel UltraChrome PRO10 ink set with dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles, eliminating the need to swap inks between glossy and matte papers. The Carbon Black Driver mode dramatically increases Dmax for maximum black density on glossy media.
The printer handles both sheet and roll media up to 1.5 mm thick, and the 4.3-inch touchscreen provides intuitive control. Wireless connectivity and an interior LED light improve the workflow. Print permanence is rated up to 400 years for black-and-white output. Users praise the ink quality, especially the separate matte and glossy black channels that produce deep, rich tones.
The initial ink cartridges are nearly empty — users report printing only two 8×10 prints before replacements are needed, effectively adding significant cost. The P700 struggles with thick fine art paper, frequently generating “out of paper” and “jam” errors that require hand-feeding. Multi-page printing from the sheet feeder is also inconsistent, often requiring manual initiation per sheet.
What works
- Exceptional black density with Carbon Black Driver mode
- Dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black nozzles
- Wide media support up to 1.5 mm thick
What doesn’t
- High initial cost due to near-empty starter cartridges
- Frequent jams with thick fine art paper
- Multi-page sheet feeding requires manual intervention
5. Brother DCP-L2640DW
The Brother DCP-L2640DW combines a monochrome laser printer, scanner, and copier into a compact footprint designed for small businesses. Print speeds reach up to 36 ppm, and the 50-page automatic document feeder enables efficient multi-page scanning and copying. The 250-sheet paper tray handles daily volume without frequent refills.
Flexible connectivity options include dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB. The Brother Mobile Connect App allows remote printing, scanning, and toner management. Automatic duplex printing is standard. Owners consistently report that the printer is reliable, easy to set up, and produces sharp text. Many replace 15- to 20-year-old Brother units with this model, citing the brand’s long-term durability.
The included scanning software (Paperport) received criticism for being cumbersome and occasionally freezing during save operations. Some PC users experienced glitches with scanning and saving to specific folders. A firmware update process involves an arcane password change procedure that can fail initially, though Brother’s support team is responsive.
What works
- Fast 36 ppm engine with auto duplex
- 50-sheet ADF for efficient scanning
- Brother brand known for long-term reliability
What doesn’t
- Scanning software (Paperport) has glitches
- Firmware update process is poorly designed
- No color printing capability
6. Brother HL-L2405W
The Brother HL-L2405W is a straightforward monochrome laser printer that prioritizes simplicity and affordability. It prints up to 30 ppm and includes dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for flexible placement. The 250-sheet paper tray and a manual feed slot for envelopes round out the paper handling.
Setup is plug-and-play via USB, with automatic driver downloads on modern operating systems. Owners report that the printer sleeps until a print command is received and wakes quickly. Print quality is consistently sharp, with users describing it as “fast, reliable, and delivers consistently sharp text.” The compact footprint makes it ideal for a home office desk.
The build quality feels slightly flimsier than older Brother models — the paper tray is particularly fragile. Wi-Fi setup can be difficult on older Macs running High Sierra, requiring a manual driver reload with Bonjour/AirPrint. The printer lacks automatic duplex printing, so double-sided work must be done manually.
What works
- Fast 30 ppm output with great text quality
- Simple USB plug-and-play setup
- Compact size fits small spaces
What doesn’t
- Build quality feels less durable than older Brother units
- Wi-Fi setup tricky on older Mac operating systems
- No automatic duplex printing
7. Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw
The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw is a wireless, duplex monochrome laser printer that delivers 30 ppm in a compact form factor. It is a print-only device, lacking scan or copy functions, but it includes automatic two-sided printing as standard. The printer uses Canon GENUINE Toner 071 cartridges, with standard and high-capacity options available.
USB setup is straightforward, and the Canon PRINT app supports mobile printing from smartphones. Owners report that text and spreadsheet output are crisp and clean. The printer’s small footprint makes it suitable for spaces where a multi-function device would be too large. The price point makes it one of the most accessible entry-level monochrome lasers with duplex capability.
The LCD display is small, dim, and hard to read — users often need a phone flashlight to see it. Wi-Fi password entry on the tiny screen is tedious, and the lack of an app-based setup alternative is a frustration. The paper drawer does not close securely, and the printer requires frequent firmware updates that some owners find intrusive.
What works
- Fast 30 ppm with automatic duplex
- Crisp text and spreadsheet output
- Compact size saves desk space
What doesn’t
- LCD screen is nearly unusable due to brightness
- Wi-Fi password entry is painful on the tiny screen
- Paper drawer stays open, feels insecure
8. HP Laserjet MFP M140w
The HP LaserJet MFP M140w, as a renewed unit, brings all-in-one functionality — print, copy, and scan — at an entry-level price point. It prints monochrome at 21 ppm and includes automatic duplex printing. The compact white design fits small spaces, and HP’s Auto-On/Off technology helps reduce energy consumption.
Wireless connectivity via the HP Smart app allows printing from phones and tablets. Owners appreciate the inclusion of a toner cartridge in the box, which provides immediate value compared to continually buying ink cartridges. The printer is noted for being very quiet during operation. Setup via USB is straightforward, and the scanning function works well with both computer and phone apps.
The biggest drawback is the requirement to sign up for HP’s app and create an account to use the printer. Some users find this intrusive, with unclear button labeling adding to the frustration. A few owners recommend spending a bit more on a different model or brand to avoid the forced app ecosystem. The renewed condition also means cosmetic wear may be present.
What works
- All-in-one print, copy, scan in compact size
- Very quiet operation
- Auto-On/Off saves power
What doesn’t
- Requires HP account and app to function
- Button labeling is unclear, causing frustration
- Renewed unit may have cosmetic flaws
9. Liene M100 Bundle
The Liene M100 is a portable dye-sublimation photo printer that specializes in 4×6-inch prints. The bundle includes 180 sheets of photo paper and 5 ink cartridges, providing a complete starter kit. Dye-sublimation technology penetrates ink into the paper, producing prints that are water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and fade-resistant.
The printer creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, so you connect directly without needing a home network. Up to five devices can queue prints simultaneously. The accompanying app guides users through each step and provides error resolution. Owners note that photo quality is excellent when using the app, though prints sent directly from a device can appear slightly grainy.
Each print takes approximately 60 seconds, making it unsuitable for high-volume event printing. Printing more than 20 photos in a single batch can cause the unit to overheat and require a cooldown period. The color science leans slightly warm, requiring minor adjustments for users seeking perfectly neutral tones.
What works
- Excellent photo quality with water/scratch resistance
- No home network needed — creates its own hotspot
- Bundle includes 180 sheets and 5 ink cartridges
What doesn’t
- Slow ~60-second print time per photo
- Overheats if printing more than 20 photos at once
- Color science may require app adjustment
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Speed vs. Print Quality
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). Laser engines in this category range from 20 to 42 ppm. However, speed is only part of the equation — resolution determines sharpness. Most monochrome lasers operate at 600 x 600 dpi, which is sufficient for crisp text. For grayscale photo reproduction, look for higher resolution (1200 x 1200 dpi) or a printer with advanced halftoning algorithms that create smooth tonal transitions.
Toner vs. Ink Bottle Systems
Monochrome laser printers use toner cartridges filled with fine powder. Standard cartridges yield 1,000-3,000 pages, while high-yield versions can exceed 8,000 pages. Supertank inkjet printers use liquid ink bottles that yield 4,000-6,000 pages per bottle. While toner is more expensive per cartridge, it has an unlimited shelf life and never dries out. Ink bottles offer a lower cost per page but can clog the printhead if the printer sits idle for weeks.
FAQ
Can a monochrome laser printer print photos with smooth grayscale gradients?
How do I calculate the true cost per page of a monochrome printer?
What does automatic duplex printing mean for my workflow?
Is a supertank monochrome printer better than a laser for high-volume use?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users needing a reliable document and photo printer, the overall winner is the Canon imageCLASS LBP246dw II because it offers the fastest print speed in its class (42 ppm) with expandable paper handling and excellent text quality. If you need an all-in-one for scanning and copying, grab the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw. And for true fine art black-and-white photo prints with gallery-grade tonal depth, nothing beats the Epson SureColor P700.