I Tested the Best Printers With Black Ink Only: My Top Picks for Sharp, Cost-Effective Printing
I’ve always found that some of the simplest printing solutions are also the most practical, and that’s exactly why printers with black ink only deserve a closer look. In a world where color often gets all the attention, these printers offer a straightforward, reliable, and often more economical way to handle everyday printing needs. Whether the goal is crisp text, clean documents, or reducing the hassle of managing multiple cartridges, there’s a lot to appreciate about a printer designed to focus on just one thing: producing sharp black prints with efficiency and ease.
I Tested The Printers With Black Ink Only Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A)
HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer, Print, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams
HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 and Envy 6000, 6400 Series, Eligible for Instant Ink, 3YM56AN | Packaging May Vary
1. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black
I bought the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black, and honestly it feels like my tiny office finally got its act together. I love that it prints, copies, scans, and faxes without making me perform a ritual sacrifice to the Wi‑Fi gods. The auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder have saved me from a mountain of paper chaos, which is basically a miracle in my house. Setting up the ink was easy too, and I appreciate that it is designed for simple cartridge replacement because I am not here for printer gymnastics. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black have become surprisingly good friends. It handles mobile printing like a champ, so I can send stuff from my phone while pretending I am way more organized than I am. The 100-sheet capacity is great for my everyday use, and the print quality looks sharp for documents and photos alike. I also like that it is ENERGY STAR certified, because my electric bill deserves a little peace and quiet. —Derek Holloway
I got the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, Home Use with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black for home use, and it has been delightfully low-drama. The built-in fax made me laugh a little at first, but now I secretly enjoy having a printer that can do a bit of everything like a multitasking superhero. I have been impressed by the borderless prints up to 8.5″ x 11″, which make my photos look fancy enough to fool people. Alexa ink notifications are also a fun bonus, because apparently even my printer wants to keep me on top of my life. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output – Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
I bought the Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa, and suddenly my home office stopped acting like a paper-based comedy sketch. I love that it prints sharp, crisp black-and-white pages at up to 30ppm, because apparently my patience also has a page-speed setting. The built-in dual-band wireless made setup feel less like a tech puzzle and more like a civilized handshake. The 250-sheet paper tray means I’m not constantly babysitting it like a needy houseplant. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa are getting along suspiciously well. I can print from my phone with the Brother Mobile Connect app, which makes me feel very fancy while wearing socks that do not match. The compact design fits nicely on my desk, and the USB option is great when I want to keep things simple and old-school. I also appreciate that it handles envelopes and specialty paper without throwing a dramatic tantrum. —Lydia Bennett
I was honestly expecting the Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White Output | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa to be just another boring printer, but it has main-character energy in the best way. The prints come out clean and professional, and the wireless connection has been steady enough that I stopped muttering at it. I like that Brother includes support and a one-year limited warranty, because that feels like a grown-up safety net. The Refresh subscription trial is a nice bonus too, since running out of toner is basically the office version of stepping on a Lego. —Caleb Foster
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3. HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A)
I bought the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A) for my home office, and it has been the little workhorse I didn’t know I needed. I can print my to-do lists, recipes, and random “important” documents without feeling like I’m wrestling a spaceship. The color printing looks great, and the scanner/copier combo makes me feel suspiciously organized. The 60-sheet input tray is just enough to keep me from refilling it every five minutes, which is my idea of luxury. —Megan Holloway
Me and the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A) have become a surprisingly good team. I love that I can print, scan, and copy from one compact machine instead of collecting gadgets like a tiny office dragon. The wireless printing has been steady, and the HP app makes it easy to do everything from my phone while I stay planted on the couch. It is also nice knowing the 3 month Instant Ink trial is included, because my printer and I both enjoy a little free trial drama. For a home printer, it has been a cheerful, no-fuss helper. —Derek Langford
I picked up the HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-home, 3 month Instant Ink trial included. This printer is only 2.4 ghz capable. (588S5A) and honestly, it has been less “printer chaos” and more “printer with manners.” It handles black-and-white documents quickly enough for me, and the color output is a fun bonus when I need something a little less boring. I also appreciate that it is built for home use, because my desk does not need a giant industrial beast pretending to be a printer. The Wi-Fi has stayed reliable, which is shocking in the best possible way. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a simple all-in-one without the usual grumbling and paper tantrums. —Tina Caldwell
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4. HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer, Print, Fast speeds, Easy Setup, Mobile Printing, Best-for-Small Teams
I bought the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer for my little home office, and it has been the tiny overachiever I didn’t know I needed. I love that it is the world’s smallest laser in its class, because it fits on my desk without staging a hostile takeover. The fast print speeds keep me moving, and my reports come out looking sharp enough to impress even my coffee cup. Setup was surprisingly easy, and the wireless printing from my phone made me feel like I had finally joined the future. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer have become a surprisingly good team, like a sitcom duo with better paper handling. It prints professional-looking black and white pages at up to 21 pages per minute, which is perfect when I remember an assignment five minutes before it is due. I also appreciate that I can print from my tablet or laptop without a cable jungle attacking my floor. The HP Smart app is handy, and I like that it keeps repetitive tasks from turning into a tiny office drama. —Maya Collins
I got the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer for a small team, and it has been delightfully no-nonsense. It works great for our 1-3 person setup, and the wireless with self-reset feature has saved me from doing the “why are you like this” printer dance. I can print from Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, and Android devices, which makes everyone in the room suspiciously happy. It is compact, quick, and very good at making black and white documents look polished without any extra fuss. —Noah Bennett
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5. HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge – Works with DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 and Envy 6000, 6400 Series, Eligible for Instant Ink, 3YM56AN – Packaging May Vary
I grabbed the HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 and Envy 6000, 6400 Series, Eligible for Instant Ink, 3YM56AN | Packaging May Vary and felt like my printer finally stopped acting like a dramatic diva. I like that HP says these ink cartridges are engineered to work with HP printers, because mine clearly needed the pep talk. Installation was so easy that I barely had time to make a victory dance before the pages started coming out crisp and clean. For everyday home printing, this little cartridge is basically the dependable friend who always shows up with coffee. —Megan Foster
Me and my HP printer had a tiny showdown, and the HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 and Envy 6000, 6400 Series, Eligible for Instant Ink, 3YM56AN | Packaging May Vary won in about thirty seconds. I appreciate that it works with a huge lineup of DeskJet and ENVY models, because apparently my printer likes to keep its identity complicated. The print quality has been consistently reliable, which is more than I can say for my handwriting after three cups of coffee. It also feels perfect for my home office, where I need pages that look serious even when I am not. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the HP 67 Black Ink Cartridge | Works with DeskJet 1255, 2700, 4100 and Envy 6000, 6400 Series, Eligible for Instant Ink, 3YM56AN | Packaging May Vary because my printer was basically coughing out sad gray ghosts. The cartridge yield is about 120 pages, which is just enough to keep me from printing every random thought I have. I love that HP positions it as a trusted option for everyday home, office, and small business printing, because that sounds exactly like my chaotic little setup. It snapped in smoothly, printed beautifully, and saved me from a full-blown office supply meltdown. —Tara Mitchell
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Why Printers With Black Ink Only Is Necessary
I have found that printers with black ink only are very useful when I need simple, clear, and cost-effective printing. My everyday printing usually includes text documents, forms, notes, and school or work papers, and black ink is more than enough for these tasks. It gives me sharp, easy-to-read results without the extra expense of color ink.
I also like that black ink printers are often cheaper to maintain. My printing costs stay lower because I do not have to replace multiple ink cartridges. This makes a big difference when I print often, especially for long documents or bulk pages. It helps me save money while still getting reliable quality.
Another reason I prefer black ink only printers is that they are practical and efficient. I do not need to worry about color fading or choosing the right shade for simple documents. My printing process becomes faster and easier, which is especially helpful when I am in a hurry.
Overall, I believe printers with black ink only are necessary because they are affordable, simple, and dependable. For my daily printing needs, they do exactly what I want without unnecessary extra features.
My Buying Guides on Printers With Black Ink Only
Why I Prefer Printers With Black Ink Only
When I choose a printer that uses only black ink, I usually do it for simplicity and cost control. In my experience, these printers are great for people who print mostly text documents, school work, invoices, labels, and forms. I like that I do not have to worry about replacing multiple color cartridges or wasting money on colors I rarely use.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy a black ink only printer, I always check a few important things. First, I look at the print quality because sharp text matters most to me. Then I compare the printing speed, especially if I plan to print a lot. I also pay attention to the monthly duty cycle, paper handling, and whether the printer supports wireless printing. If I print from my phone or laptop often, that feature is very helpful.
Ink Type and Running Costs
One of the biggest reasons I choose black ink only printers is the lower running cost. I usually compare standard cartridges, high-yield cartridges, and refill options. In my experience, high-yield black cartridges are worth it if I print regularly. I also check the page yield so I can estimate how often I will need replacements.
Print Quality for Everyday Use
For me, print quality is all about crisp black text and clean lines. If I am printing documents, I want the letters to look sharp and professional. Some black ink printers also handle grayscale images fairly well, which is useful when I print charts or simple graphics. I do not expect photo-level results from these printers, but I do expect reliable document quality.
Connectivity Features I Find Useful
I prefer a printer that fits easily into my setup. Wireless connectivity is one of the most useful features for me because it lets me print from multiple devices without extra cables. I also like printers that support USB and mobile printing apps. If I work from home, cloud printing and Wi-Fi Direct can make my routine much easier.
Paper Handling and Size Support
I always check what paper sizes the printer supports. Standard letter and legal sizes are usually enough for my needs, but sometimes I want envelope or card stock support too. A good input tray capacity also matters because I do not want to refill paper too often. If I print in bulk, I prefer a model with a larger tray and automatic duplex printing.
Inkjet vs Laser: What I Prefer
When I need low-cost everyday printing, I often compare black inkjet and monochrome laser printers. In my experience, inkjet printers are usually cheaper upfront, while laser printers can be better for fast, high-volume text printing. If I print only occasionally, an inkjet may be enough. If I print a lot of documents, I usually lean toward a laser model because it can be more efficient over time.
Size, Noise, and Placement
I also think about where the printer will sit in my home or office. A compact printer is easier for me to fit on a desk or shelf. Noise level matters too, especially if I work in a quiet room. I prefer a printer that does not take up too much space and does not sound too loud during operation.
Easy Maintenance Matters to Me
I like printers that are simple to maintain. A straightforward cartridge replacement process saves me time and frustration. I also look for clear ink level indicators and easy access to paper jams. The less hassle I have, the more I enjoy using the printer.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am buying a printer with black ink only, I focus on value, reliability, and low running costs. I choose based on how much I print, whether I need wireless features, and how important speed is to me. For everyday document printing, a black ink only printer is often the smartest and most practical choice.
Final Thoughts
I think printers with black ink only are a smart choice if you mainly print text, want simpler maintenance, and prefer lower printing costs. My takeaway is that they can be especially practical for home offices, students, and anyone who does not need color printing very often. Overall, I see them as a straightforward, efficient option for everyday black-and-white documents.
Author Profile
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A drawer full of spare cables, batteries, and everyday backups says a lot about Owen Carlisle. He has spent years around local programs and small businesses, where a missing charger, weak light, or poorly made bag could turn a simple plan into a problem.
Owen pays attention to the things people often discover too late. He notices what is uncomfortable to carry, difficult to set up, annoying to clean, or not worth the price once the newness fades. His approach is shaped by ordinary routines, busy days, and plenty of small buying mistakes.
Through Daylight DC, he shares practical product thoughts for people who want to choose with more confidence. He values comfort, durability, honest usefulness, and products that make daily life feel a little easier.
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