For many, having a solid printer isn’t the top choice among home office equipment. However, for those who print a lot, whether for work or hobby, finding a reliable printer is very important. At this point, there are several major printer models to consider, but they are not all viewed the same way. For example, if we look at Consumer Reports for guidance on the best printers of 2026, the publication recommends the Brother HL-L6310DW printer for those who need a basic unit that can handle the same use.
CR gave the HL-L6310DW high marks for several qualities. For one thing, testing its printing capabilities made it clear that it’s a quality buy for projects based on black and white text. Although the publication admits that its image quality is a little lacking and it lacks fax or scanning capabilities, it is very effective at quickly printing difficult text items such as written documents and shipping labels. In addition, CR noted that the HL-L6310DW is cheaper to run than other printers, as it is a monochrome laser unit and black toner costs much less than color ink. CR also expects this printer to stick around for a long time without being removed.
It may not be particularly flashy or versatile, but the CR stands for the Brother HL-L6310DW as a useful addition to the home office, especially for those who need to print efficient, fast documents. On top of this endorsement from CR, the Brothers brand has been highlighted by other notable sources, with other printer models taking center stage.
Brother’s 2026 print donations are greatly appreciated
Brother’s Printer Appreciation Passes Consumer Reports’ 2026 Printer Collection. The brand is responsible for some of the best budget printers in recent years — although the HL-L6310DW is on the pricier side at around $469.99 in most cases — and it’s not hard to find brand advocates recommending its units online. For those interested in trying out a Brother printer, the HL-L6310DW is far from your only option. Not to mention, if this monochrome unit isn’t for you, there are others that come highly recommended by notable publications that can do a lot more.
On PCMag’s list of recommended printers for 2026, two Brother printers stand out for different reasons. The Brother MFC-L2900DW XL was highlighted as the publication’s choice for Best Mono Laser All-in-One printer of 2026, while the Brother MFC-L3780CDW was given the distinction of Best Color Laser All-in-One among the 2026 offerings. Brother also performed well in the Best Wired Printers for Home and Office list, earning two spots. The HL-L3280CDW was awarded the title of Best Color Printer Without Scanner, while the HL-L2460DW was named Best Black Laser Printer.
All in all, it seems that Brother is one of the most versatile and recommended printer brands on the market in 2026. For those who print more or less, prioritize color or direct black and white printing, and want to modernize their printing experience, it seems like a good idea to consider what Brother has to offer.