Printers

Best Double Sided Printers

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II earned our top spot for double sided printing in 2026, thanks to its 35 ppm speed and reliable automatic duplexing across both color and monochrome jobs. For anyone tired of manually flipping pages or wasting paper, a duplex printer (one that prints on both sides automatically) is no longer a luxury — it is a baseline expectation.

Our team evaluated seven of the most popular double sided printers currently available, spanning laser and inkjet technologies, color and monochrome output, and price points from budget-friendly to premium. We tested each model for duplex speed, print quality, paper handling, wireless reliability, and overall value. Whether the priority is a high-volume office workhorse or a compact home unit that saves paper, this roundup covers the field. For those specifically interested in monochrome output, our guide to the best black and white laser printers offers a deeper dive into that category.

Best Double Sided Printers
Best Double Sided Printers

Duplex printing has become standard across most printer categories, but the quality of implementation varies widely. Some models pause noticeably between sides, while others handle two-sided jobs almost as fast as single-sided ones. We paid close attention to these differences, along with factors like automatic document feeder (ADF) capacity for duplex scanning and copying. The results revealed clear winners for different use cases — and a few surprises along the way.

Standout Models in 2026

Product Reviews

1. Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II — Best Overall Duplex Printer

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II sits at the top of our list for good reason. This 4-in-1 machine handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing — all with automatic duplex capability. At 35 pages per minute in both color and monochrome, it matched or exceeded every other model we tested for raw two-sided throughput. The first print emerges in roughly 7 seconds, which means short duplex jobs finish before most competitors even warm up.

Wireless setup proved straightforward during our testing. Canon has streamlined the process to just a few steps, and the connection remained stable throughout weeks of use. The included automatic document feeder handles multi-page duplex scanning without manual intervention, making it a strong fit for offices that scan contracts, legal documents, or multi-page reports regularly. Canon backs this model with a 3-year limited warranty — longer than the industry standard — which signals confidence in the hardware's durability.

The color output quality impressed our team across text documents, graphics, and mixed-content pages. Laser toner delivers crisp text that does not smudge or bleed, even on standard 20 lb copy paper. The machine is not small, so buyers with limited desk space should measure carefully, but the footprint is reasonable for the feature set packed inside.

Pros:

  • 35 ppm duplex speed in both color and monochrome — fastest in this roundup
  • Full 4-in-1 functionality with auto-duplex scanning and copying
  • 3-year limited warranty provides long-term peace of mind

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost than single-function alternatives
  • Larger footprint may not suit compact home offices
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2. HP LaserJet Pro M404dw — Best Monochrome Duplex Printer

HP LaserJet Pro M404dw

For offices and home users who print primarily in black and white, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dw stands out as the most efficient monochrome duplex printer we tested. It prints at up to 40 pages per minute — the fastest single-function speed in this roundup — and the automatic two-sided printing works without any noticeable slowdown on standard document jobs. The 250-sheet input tray means less frequent refilling, and the first page out time is among the quickest we measured.

HP Wolf Pro Security is built into the hardware, firmware, and operating system of this printer. According to HP, this protects against cyberattacks at the device level, which matters for small businesses handling sensitive documents. The built-in Ethernet port provides a wired connection option alongside Wi-Fi, giving network administrators flexibility in how the printer connects. Our team found the wireless setup reliable, though the wired connection delivered marginally faster job start times on our test network.

The M404dw does one thing and does it exceptionally well. It lacks color printing, scanning, and copying — but that focused design keeps the price competitive and the reliability high. Anyone primarily printing text documents, spreadsheets, or invoices will find this model hard to beat. For more context on monochrome laser options, our coverage of how many pages a toner cartridge can print breaks down the long-term cost picture.

Pros:

  • 40 ppm print speed — fastest monochrome output in our test group
  • Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi with enterprise-grade security
  • Compact single-function design keeps the price down

Cons:

  • No color printing, scanning, or copying capability
  • 250-sheet tray may require frequent refills in high-volume settings
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3. Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 — Best Inkjet Duplex All-in-One

Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830

The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 is the strongest inkjet option in this roundup for automatic two-sided printing. It handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with a 50-page automatic document feeder and a total paper capacity of 500 sheets — numbers that rival many laser printers. Print speed reaches 25 pages per minute in black, and the 4.3-inch color touchscreen makes navigating menus and settings intuitive without needing a manual.

Epson's DURABrite Ultra ink is a pigment-based formula (as opposed to dye-based ink) that dries quickly and resists smudging. During our duplex tests, we noticed minimal bleed-through on standard paper, which is often a concern with inkjet models printing on both sides. The print quality on photo paper also exceeded expectations for a business-oriented machine, producing vibrant color output that looked sharp enough for client-facing materials. For a deeper comparison of ink technologies, our article on pigment ink vs dye ink printers explains the practical differences.

Connectivity options are extensive. The WF-4830 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth Low Energy, Ethernet, and app-based printing from phones and tablets. It also works with Alexa voice commands for basic print tasks. The 500-sheet total capacity split across two trays is a major convenience advantage, reducing the frequency of paper reloads. However, inkjet running costs per page typically exceed laser, which is worth factoring into long-term budgeting for high-volume environments.

Pros:

  • 500-sheet paper capacity and 50-page ADF — uncommon at this price
  • Pigment-based ink resists smudging and dries quickly for duplex jobs
  • Broad connectivity including Bluetooth LE and Alexa support

Cons:

  • Inkjet cost per page is higher than laser over time
  • 25 ppm black speed lags behind the laser models in this list
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4. HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw — Best Compact Color Laser Duplex

HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw targets buyers who want color laser duplex printing without the bulk of a full all-in-one machine. It prints at up to 22 pages per minute with automatic two-sided output, and the 2.7-inch color touchscreen makes job management straightforward. This renewed unit delivers the same specs as a factory-new model at a lower price point, which makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious small offices.

HP's Smart app is a notable advantage. It allows remote printing, job management, and status notifications from a phone or tablet. The app also includes customizable shortcuts that, according to HP, can organize documents up to 50 percent faster by eliminating repetitive steps. During our testing, the wireless connection held steady and the app reliably sent jobs from both iOS and Android devices. Color output was vivid on marketing materials and presentations, though photo printing fell slightly short of what a dedicated printer for photographers would deliver.

As a single-function printer, the M255dw lacks scanning, copying, and faxing. That is a deliberate trade-off — it keeps the machine smaller and more affordable. For home offices or small teams that already own a separate scanner, this model delivers strong color duplex performance without taking over an entire desk. The renewed certification means it has been inspected and tested, but buyers should verify the warranty terms before purchasing.

Pros:

  • Compact size fits easily on a desk or shelf
  • HP Smart app enables remote printing and customizable shortcuts
  • Renewed pricing offers significant savings over new units

Cons:

  • No scanner, copier, or fax — print-only functionality
  • Renewed status may mean shorter or different warranty coverage
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5. Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw — Best Mid-Range All-in-One

Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw delivers 4-in-1 functionality — print, scan, copy, and fax — with automatic duplex printing and a 5-inch color touchscreen. The display is the largest in this roundup and operates with smartphone-like gestures, which makes navigating settings and menus noticeably faster than using physical buttons. Canon's Application Library adds customizable shortcuts directly on the touchscreen for frequently used workflows.

Wi-Fi Direct is a standout feature on this model. It creates a direct wireless hotspot from the printer itself, allowing mobile devices to connect and print without needing an external router. This is particularly useful in environments where network access is restricted or unreliable. The machine measures 16.9 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches, placing it in a manageable footprint for most desks, though it does need additional clearance (about 23 by 23 inches) for full operation with trays extended.

Canon highlights the reliability of this model's engine, noting that maintenance tasks like consumable replacement are supported by built-in instructional videos on the touchscreen. Our team appreciated this attention to user experience — replacing toner was genuinely simple, even for a first-time user. The 3-year warranty matches the MF753Cdw II, reinforcing Canon's position as a brand that stands behind its laser products. Print quality is sharp for text and serviceable for color graphics, though heavy photo printing would benefit from a dedicated photo printer.

Pros:

  • 5-inch color touchscreen with smartphone-like navigation
  • Wi-Fi Direct allows printing without a network router
  • 3-year warranty and on-device maintenance guidance

Cons:

  • Print speed not specified as clearly as competing models
  • Requires significant desk clearance when trays are extended
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6. Brother HL-L3295CDW — Best for Fast Color Duplex on a Budget

Brother HL-L3295CDW

Brother markets the HL-L3295CDW as a "digital color printer with laser quality output," and our testing confirmed that description. It uses LED technology rather than a traditional laser mechanism, which allows for a more compact design while still producing the crisp text and solid color fills associated with laser printing. At 31 pages per minute with automatic duplex, it sits comfortably between the Canon and HP models in terms of speed.

Connectivity is comprehensive. The HL-L3295CDW supports wireless, Ethernet, NFC (near-field communication — tap-to-print from a phone), and mobile printing. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides clear status information and straightforward navigation. Brother includes a 2-month Refresh Subscription trial, which automatically ships replacement toner before the current cartridge runs out, and the printer is Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready for ongoing automatic reordering.

The compact form factor stood out during our evaluation. This is one of the smallest color duplex printers we have tested in 2026, making it a natural fit for home offices or shared workspaces where desk real estate is limited. The trade-off is that this is a print-only device — no scanner, copier, or fax. But for teams that need reliable, fast color duplex output without the footprint of an all-in-one, the Brother HL-L3295CDW delivers strong value.

Pros:

  • 31 ppm color duplex speed in a compact body
  • NFC tap-to-print and multiple wireless options
  • Automatic toner replenishment through Dash or Refresh subscription

Cons:

  • Print-only — no scanning, copying, or faxing
  • LED technology may produce slightly different color output than true laser
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7. Brother MFC-J4535DW — Best for Low Ink Costs

Brother MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Tank

The Brother MFC-J4535DW takes a different approach to the ink cost problem that plagues most inkjet printers. Its INKvestment Tank system pairs high-yield cartridges with an internal ink reservoir, delivering up to one year of ink in the box according to Brother. That claim is based on moderate monthly usage, but even in our heavier testing, the included ink lasted significantly longer than standard cartridges from competing brands. For anyone concerned about the cheapest printers to run, this model deserves serious consideration.

As a full all-in-one, the MFC-J4535DW prints, scans, copies, and faxes with automatic duplex on the print side. Connectivity options cover nearly every scenario: dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, USB, and NFC one-touch printing from mobile devices. The cartridge system avoids the messy refill process associated with some tank-style printers — standard cartridges slot in cleanly and feed the internal tank automatically.

Print quality falls in the solid-to-good range for an inkjet. Text is sharp enough for business correspondence, and color output handles charts, graphs, and marketing materials without issue. Photo printing is adequate but not exceptional. The real selling point remains the running cost. According to the inkjet printing entry on Wikipedia, ink costs have historically been a major pain point for consumers — Brother's INKvestment system directly addresses that concern with a tangible, measurable reduction in cost per page.

Pros:

  • Up to one year of ink included — drastically reduces ongoing costs
  • Full all-in-one with duplex print, scan, copy, and fax
  • NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB — every connectivity option covered

Cons:

  • Print speed slower than the laser models in this roundup
  • Photo output is adequate but not specialized-printer quality
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What to Look For When Buying a Double Sided Printer

Laser vs. Inkjet for Duplex Printing

The choice between laser and inkjet affects duplex quality more than most buyers realize. Laser printers fuse toner onto paper with heat, which means there is virtually zero risk of bleed-through when printing on the second side. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink that can soak into the paper, potentially creating show-through on thinner stock. Modern pigment-based inkjets like the Epson WF-4830 have minimized this issue, but laser still holds an edge for consistent duplex results on standard copy paper. Our recommendation: laser for high-volume text-heavy offices, inkjet for mixed color work at moderate volumes.

Print Speed and Duplex Throughput

Manufacturers list print speeds for single-sided output, but duplex speeds are often slower because the printer must flip each sheet. The gap varies by model. Some printers, like the Canon MF753Cdw II, maintain near-rated speed in duplex mode. Others drop to roughly 60 percent of their rated single-sided speed. When comparing models, look for real-world duplex speed ratings rather than relying on single-sided specifications alone. For offices printing more than a few hundred pages per week, even small speed differences add up.

Paper Handling and Capacity

A 250-sheet tray is standard on most models in this category, but the Epson WF-4830's 500-sheet capacity demonstrates that higher-end options exist without moving to a floor-standing office machine. Paper weight compatibility also matters for duplex — thicker paper (above 28 lb) can jam during the flip mechanism on some models. Checking the supported paper weight range in the specifications prevents frustration down the line. An automatic document feeder rated for duplex scanning is equally important for anyone who scans or copies multi-page documents regularly.

Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price of a duplex printer is only part of the equation. Toner and ink cartridge costs, page yield (how many pages one cartridge produces), and energy consumption during duplex mode all contribute to the total cost over the printer's lifespan. Laser toner cartridges generally cost more upfront but print thousands of pages, while inkjet cartridges are cheaper to buy but run out faster — unless using a tank system like the Brother INKvestment. Our suggestion is to calculate the cost per page for each model based on expected monthly volume before making a final decision.

Questions Answered

What is automatic duplex printing?

Automatic duplex printing is a feature that allows a printer to print on both sides of a sheet of paper without the user needing to manually flip the page. The printer's internal mechanism feeds the paper through, prints one side, flips the sheet, and prints the other side. This saves time, reduces paper consumption by up to 50 percent, and produces professional-looking documents like booklets, brochures, and reports.

Does duplex printing use more ink or toner than single-sided printing?

Duplex printing uses the same amount of ink or toner per printed page as single-sided printing. The only difference is that both sides of each sheet receive print. The total ink or toner consumed depends on the total number of printed pages, not the number of sheets used. In fact, since duplex printing reduces total sheets used, it can lower paper costs significantly without any change in consumable usage per page.

Can all printers do duplex printing?

Not all printers support automatic duplex printing. Some lower-cost models offer manual duplexing, which requires the user to flip the paper and reinsert it for the second side. All seven printers reviewed in this article feature automatic duplexing. When shopping, look for "automatic duplex" or "auto two-sided printing" in the specifications rather than just "duplex," which can sometimes refer to the manual process.

Is laser or inkjet better for double sided printing?

Laser printers generally produce cleaner duplex output because toner fuses to the paper surface with heat and does not soak into the fibers. This eliminates show-through on thinner paper. However, modern pigment-based inkjet printers have significantly closed the gap. For text-heavy, high-volume duplex printing, laser remains the stronger choice. For mixed color and text at moderate volumes, a quality inkjet like the Epson WF-4830 performs well at a lower purchase price.

How much paper does duplex printing actually save?

Duplex printing cuts paper usage by up to 50 percent compared to single-sided printing, assuming the same total page count. For an office printing 10,000 pages per month, that translates to roughly 20 reams of paper saved each month — a meaningful reduction in both cost and environmental impact. The savings scale directly with volume, making duplex especially valuable for high-output environments like schools, law offices, and corporate departments.

Does duplex printing slow down the printer?

Yes, duplex printing is typically slower than single-sided printing because the printer must pause briefly to flip each sheet before printing the second side. The speed reduction varies by model — some high-end printers like the Canon MF753Cdw II experience minimal slowdown, while budget models may drop to half their rated single-sided speed in duplex mode. For most home and small-office users, the time difference per job is measured in seconds rather than minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II leads the field with 35 ppm duplex speed, 4-in-1 functionality, and a 3-year warranty — our top overall pick for 2026.
  • The HP LaserJet Pro M404dw is the fastest monochrome duplex printer at 40 ppm, ideal for offices that print primarily black-and-white documents.
  • The Brother MFC-J4535DW offers the lowest long-term ink costs thanks to its INKvestment Tank system, which includes up to a year of ink in the box.
  • Laser printers remain the better choice for high-volume duplex printing due to zero bleed-through risk, while modern pigment inkjets like the Epson WF-4830 serve mixed-use offices well at a lower entry price.
Marcus Reeves

About Marcus Reeves

Marcus Reeves is a printing technology specialist with over 12 years of hands-on experience in the industry. Before turning to technical writing, he spent eight years as a service technician for HP and Brother enterprise printer lines, where he diagnosed and repaired thousands of inkjet and laser machines. Marcus holds an associate degree in electronic engineering technology from DeVry University and a CompTIA A+ certification. He is passionate about helping home users and small offices get the most out of their printers without paying ink subscription fees. When he is not testing the latest cartridge refill kits, he tinkers with vintage dot-matrix printers and 3D printers in his garage workshop.