Choosing the right production copier for a small business depends on your specific needs, such as color printing, speed, and budget. For those needing versatile, all-in-one capabilities, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 stands out with its excellent color performance and eco-friendly design, but it’s limited to HP cartridges. If high paper capacity and durability matter most, the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 offers robust features suitable for busy environments. Meanwhile, for smaller spaces and monochrome tasks, the Brother HL-L2480DW provides impressive speed and wireless convenience at a lower cost. Each option balances features and tradeoffs, helping you find a copier that aligns with your business demands.
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Key Takeaways
- Versatility is key: All-in-one models like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 suit small offices needing color, copying, and scanning.
- High volume and durability favor the Canon MAXIFY MB2720, especially for those with larger paper needs and longer duty cycles.
- Space-saving monochrome printers like Brother HL-L2480DW excel in fast, cost-effective black-and-white copying.
- Tradeoffs include cartridge costs for color models and size or speed limitations for monochrome units.
- Connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and mobile printing are widely available but vary in ease of use and compatibility.
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer | ![]() | Best Overall for Versatility and Eco-Friendliness | Print Speed: 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | Paper Capacity: 225 sheets | Touchscreen: 2.7-inch color touchscreen | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Wireless Color Printer for Business | ![]() | Best for High Paper Capacity and Reliability | Paper Capacity: 500 sheets | Duty Cycle: 20,000 pages | Print Speed: Approx. 12 seconds (color) | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer | ![]() | Best for Compact, Fast Monochrome Printing | Print Speed: 36 ppm | Paper Capacity: 250 sheets | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Printer | ![]() | Best for Space-Saving Monochrome Office Tasks | Print Speed: 36 ppm | Scan Speed: 23.6/7.9 ipm | Auto Document Feeder: 50 pages | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother MFC-L5915DW All-in-One Laser Printer | ![]() | Best for High-Speed, High-Volume Monochrome Work | Print Speed: 50 ppm | Auto Document Feeder: 70 pages | Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| production copier for small business | Print Speed | Connectivity | Paper Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | 20 ppm black, 10 ppm color | Wireless, dual-band Wi-Fi | 225 sheets |
| Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Wireless C | Approx. 12 seconds (color) | Wi-Fi, mobile app | 500 sheets |
| Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Mo | 36 ppm | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | 250 sheets |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless M | 36 ppm | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | — |
| Brother MFC-L5915DW All-in-One | 50 ppm | WiFi, Ethernet | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 shines as a versatile all-in-one that handles color printing, copying, and scanning efficiently. Its 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color speeds, combined with a 2.7-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity, make it an excellent choice for small offices that need flexibility. Compared with monochrome options, it offers vibrant color output and auto duplex, but its reliance on HP cartridges can increase ongoing costs. The design’s sustainability, with over 45% recycled plastic, adds appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Pros:- Fast color printing suitable for business documents
- Wireless setup simplifies mobile and remote printing
- Eco-friendly design reduces environmental impact
- Secure printing and data protection features
Cons:- Incompatible with third-party cartridges, increasing costs
- Firmware restrictions may limit cartridge options
- Limited to HP cartridges which can be pricier
Best for: Small businesses requiring versatile color printing and document management.
Not ideal for: Companies seeking low-cost monochrome printing or those with tight cartridge budgets.
- Print Speed:20 ppm black, 10 ppm color
- Paper Capacity:225 sheets
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch color touchscreen
- Connectivity:Wireless, dual-band Wi-Fi
- Features:Scan, copy, auto duplex, auto document feeder
- Security:HP Wolf Essential Security
Our verdict“A well-rounded choice for small offices needing versatile color and eco-conscious features, with some cost tradeoffs.”
Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Wireless Color Printer for Business
The Canon MAXIFY MB2720 targets small businesses needing a durable and high-capacity color printer. Its two paper cassettes hold up to 500 sheets, supporting busy environments with fewer interruptions. It offers high-quality, smudge-resistant text and supports mobile printing via Canon PRINT app. Compared with inkjet alternatives, it provides laser-sharp output with a 20,000-page duty cycle, but it’s limited to certain paper sizes and has slower color print speeds. It’s reliable for bulk printing and long-term use.
Pros:- Massive paper capacity minimizes refilling
- High duty cycle ensures durability
- Supports mobile printing and scanning
- High-quality, smudge-resistant output
Cons:- Limited to specific paper sizes
- Requires compatible OS and drivers
- No rapid color printing speed info available
Best for: Small businesses with high-volume printing needs and a focus on text quality.
Not ideal for: Businesses that require frequent photo or wide-format printing.
- Paper Capacity:500 sheets
- Duty Cycle:20,000 pages
- Print Speed:Approx. 12 seconds (color)
- Supported OS:Windows, Mac
- Paper Sizes:Multiple sizes including 8.5 x 14
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, mobile app
Our verdict“Ideal for high-volume, reliable color printing where durability and capacity matter most.”
Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2480DW is a compact laser printer that offers impressive speeds of up to 36 ppm, making it suitable for small offices focused on black-and-white documents. Its wireless and Ethernet options support flexible setups, and auto duplex printing helps save paper. Compared with color models, it’s more affordable to operate but lacks color output, which limits its use for marketing materials or color-intensive tasks. Its small footprint makes it ideal for cramped spaces.
Pros:- Compact design fits small spaces
- Fast print speeds improve productivity
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Automatic duplex reduces paper waste
Cons:- No color printing capability
- Toner costs can be high over time
- Limited to monochrome use
Best for: Small offices needing fast, monochrome printing with limited space.
Not ideal for: Businesses requiring color printing or high-volume scanning/copying in color.
- Print Speed:36 ppm
- Paper Capacity:250 sheets
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Functions:Print, Copy, Scan
- Energy Star:Yes
- Touchscreen:2.7 inches
Our verdict“Best suited for monochrome printing needs where speed and space-saving design are priorities.”
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Monochrome Multi-Function Printer
The Brother DCP-L2640DW combines printing, scanning, and copying in a compact footprint. Its speeds up to 36 ppm and a 50-page auto document feeder support efficient workflow. Multiple connection options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, allow flexible placement. Compared with larger or color-capable models, it’s a more affordable, space-efficient choice for monochrome tasks, but it’s limited to black-and-white output, which could restrict its usefulness for colorful marketing materials.
Pros:- Space-efficient design
- Fast printing and scanning speeds
- Multiple connectivity options
- Mobile printing support
Cons:- Monochrome only
- Requires compatible toner cartridges
- Limited to black-and-white output
Best for: Small offices needing reliable monochrome multifunctionality in limited space.
Not ideal for: Organizations requiring color printing or extensive photo scanning.
- Print Speed:36 ppm
- Scan Speed:23.6/7.9 ipm
- Auto Document Feeder:50 pages
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Functions:Print, Scan, Copy
Our verdict“An excellent pick for monochrome multifunction needs where space and speed are priorities.”
Brother MFC-L5915DW All-in-One Laser Printer
The Brother MFC-L5915DW is tailored for busy offices requiring fast, high-volume monochrome output. Its 50 ppm speed and 70-page auto document feeder make it a productivity machine. Flexible connectivity via Wi-Fi and Ethernet, combined with high-yield toner cartridges, keeps operating costs low. However, its size and complexity mean it’s not suitable for small spaces or organizations needing color output. It’s a robust workhorse for large-scale monochrome tasks.
Pros:- Fastest print and copy speeds in the lineup
- High-volume scanning capabilities
- Flexible connectivity options
- Low cost per page with high-yield toner
Cons:- Large footprint
- Limited to monochrome output
- Complex setup for some users
Best for: High-demand monochrome environments needing speed and volume efficiency.
Not ideal for: Small or color-dependent businesses with limited space or budget for color printing.
- Print Speed:50 ppm
- Auto Document Feeder:70 pages
- Connectivity:WiFi, Ethernet
- Toner Cartridge:TN920UXXL, 18,000 pages
- Scan Speed:56 ipm
- Display:5-inch touchscreen
Our verdict“This model excels in high-volume monochrome tasks and is best for larger, demanding small offices.”

How We Picked
Our selection process focused on products designed specifically for small business environments requiring production-level output. We prioritized models with high speeds, large paper capacities, and multi-function capabilities—scanning, copying, and printing. Cost of operation, connectivity options, and eco-friendliness also played key roles. We compared features directly, considering tradeoffs like size, color vs. monochrome output, and cartridge costs, aiming to highlight options that balance performance with practicality in a small business setting.
| production copier for small business | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless | Wireless, dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Canon MAXIFY MB2720 Wireless C | Wi-Fi, mobile app |
| Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Mo | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless M | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Brother MFC-L5915DW All-in-One | WiFi, Ethernet |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Production Copier For Small Business
When selecting a production copier for your small business, consider your main needs: do you require color or monochrome? How much volume will you handle daily? Space constraints and budget also shape the ideal choice. Multi-function capabilities, speed, and paper capacity are vital indicators of suitability. Balancing these factors helps ensure you pick a device that boosts productivity without unnecessary costs or complexity.
Color vs. Monochrome
If your business relies heavily on color printing, such as marketing materials or client presentations, a color-capable model like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 or Canon MAXIFY MB2720 makes sense despite higher cartridge costs. Monochrome printers like Brother HL-L2480DW or MFC-L5915DW are better suited for document-heavy environments where color is less critical, offering faster speeds and lower ongoing costs.
Speed and Volume
High print speeds, such as 36-50 ppm, are essential for busy small offices with large workloads. The Brother MFC-L5915DW leads here, while models like the Canon MB2720 and Brother DCP-L2640DW balance speed with compact design. If your volume fluctuates, choosing a model with a large paper capacity and auto document feeders helps maintain smooth workflow and reduces refilling interruptions.
Size and Space
In tight spaces, a compact monochrome device like the Brother HL-L2480DW or DCP-L2640DW can fit comfortably without sacrificing speed. For larger offices, the Brother MFC-L5915DW offers high capacity but requires more room. Consider your available space and future expansion when choosing.
Cost of Operation
Factor in toner or ink costs over the machine’s lifespan. Laser monochrome printers generally have lower per-page costs, making models like the Brother MFC-L5915DW or HL-L2480DW economical in the long run. Inkjet models may have higher ongoing cartridge expenses, especially for color printing, but offer more versatile media handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between inkjet and laser printers for small business use?
Inkjet printers, like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125, typically excel in color accuracy and photo printing, making them suitable for marketing materials. However, they tend to be slower and have higher ink costs over time. Laser printers, such as the Brother HL-L2480DW or MFC-L5915DW, offer faster speeds, lower per-page costs, and are more durable for high-volume black-and-white printing, which is often typical in small business operations.
How important is paper capacity in choosing a small business copier?
Paper capacity directly influences workflow efficiency. Models with larger capacities, like the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 with 500 sheets, reduce the frequency of refilling, especially in high-volume settings. For small offices with moderate needs, a capacity around 250-300 sheets may suffice, but for busier environments, investing in higher capacity units helps prevent workflow disruptions.
Are multi-function printers worth the extra cost?
Multi-function printers that combine printing, scanning, and copying streamline your workspace and reduce the need for multiple devices, saving space and cost. For small businesses handling diverse document tasks, these all-in-one units—like the Brother MFC-L5915DW or Brother DCP-L2640DW—offer convenience and efficiency. The tradeoff is sometimes increased complexity and size, so ensure your space and workflow justify the added features.
What should I consider regarding connectivity options?
Wireless connectivity enhances flexibility, allowing mobile and remote printing, which is crucial for small businesses with dynamic workflows. Look for models supporting Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile apps. However, the setup process can vary, so choose a device compatible with your existing network and user tech comfort levels to avoid frustration.
Is it better to buy a dedicated monochrome or color copier?
If your primary need is document printing, especially in high volume, monochrome models like the Brother HL-L2480DW or MFC-L5915DW are more cost-effective and faster. For businesses that require occasional or frequent color printing, investing in a color-capable device like the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 might be worthwhile, despite higher operational costs, because it reduces the need for separate color printers.
Conclusion
For small business owners prioritizing versatility and color output, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 offers a balanced mix of features, speed, and eco-friendliness, though at higher cartridge costs. For those with high-volume needs and a focus on durability, the Canon MAXIFY MB2720 provides impressive capacity and reliable operation. If space and budget are more constrained, monochrome options like the Brother HL-L2480DW or MFC-L5915DW deliver fast, efficient black-and-white printing with minimal footprint. Ultimately, your choice hinges on your specific volume, color needs, and available space—each model aligns with different priorities.
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