Many people assume printing monochrome pictures is easy. Though they are right to a certain extent, printing black and white photos with ease with a monochrome printer are not at all efficient. Though monochrome printers are created to handle black and white, printing pictures is an area that monochrome printers aren’t good at.
So what can you do in this case? First of all, we suggest that you go for an InkJet printer. They have overall better quality and the performance is great too. In the long run, they will end up serving you better than a monochrome printer.
How do we know if a printer is good for printing black and white pictures? Most of the time it’s the same as any other printer. But in addition to resolution, printing speed, and additional features, it is critical that the compatibility and connectivity options are on point.
Now that we’ve finished up the initial brief, let’s take a look at the best printers for printing black and white pictures.
1. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000
Our first pick undoubtedly had to be the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000. Renowned as one of the best printers to ever exist, this printer can easily print out black and white pictures aside from being useful in a lot of other stuff.
The Epson HD XP-15000 uses Inkjet printing technology. It has a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi which is a lot more than regular InkJet printers. This printer also supports duplex printing as well as borderless printing. It can print borderless up to 13 x 19″.
The performance of this printer is decent as it can print black and white pictures at a speed of 9.2 Ipm. While printing in duplex mode, this speed goes down to 4.7Ipm. This printer also uses a 6-ink cartridge setup. As the colors are quite diverse, the pictures stand out even better.
This printer has a 2.4″ color LCD control panel. Through this, you can easily navigate around the printer. This printer is compatible with the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS. It has USB 2.0, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connection interfaces. You can also print directly via Wi-Fi, AirPrint, And Google Cloud print.
Though it has all of these features, the lack of an ADF might seem odd to many. But overall, this is the best printer you could get not just for black and white pictures but also for a lot of other usages.
Pros
- It has a huge maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi
- It supports duplex printing as well as borderless printing.
- Up to 9.2 IPM printing speed.
- It has a diverse 6INK cartridge setup.
- The 2.4″ color LCD control panel eases up navigation.
- It has USB 2.0, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connection interfaces.
- Print directly via Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Google Cloud print.
Cons
- Lacks ADF
2. Canon Pixma IX 6820
Yes, the Epson printer earlier was great all around. But if you want a printer that specializes in printing pictures, especially black and white ones, take a look at the Canon Pixma IX 6820. Though this model is slightly older, it’s still one of the best picture printers.
The Canon Pixma IX 6820 is an InkJet printer that has a huge resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi in color and 600 x 600 dpi resolution in monochrome. This printer supports borderless printing up to 13”x19”. It takes about 30 seconds to print a black and white borderless picture.
The performance of this printer is undeniably great. It can print out pictures at 14.5 IPM speed (monochrome). It has a 5-ink cartridge setup so the color on the printed pictures is spot-on. This printer doesn’t weigh much, therefore, it is perfectly portable.
We had no issues regarding features and connection options. This printer has USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connection interfaces. You can also use various apps such as AirPrint and Google Cloud to print directly from the printer. Finally, this printer also has an ADF.
Though the duplex printing features are missing, you probably wouldn’t even care about it while printing pictures. These and all the other features convince me that the Canon Pixma IX 6820 is one of the best black and white picture printers.
Pros
- It has a huge resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi in color and 600 x 600 dpi resolution in monochrome.
- It supports borderless printing up to 13”x19”.
- It can print out pictures at 14.5 IPM speed (monochrome).
- Because of the 5-ink cartridge setup the color on the printed pictures is spot-on.
- It doesn’t weigh much and it’s easy to carry around.
- USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connection interfaces are available.
- Direct printability through apps such as AirPrint and Google Cloud print
Cons
- No duplex printing
3. Epson EcoTank ET-4760
Now if you want a solid tank as your black and white photo printer then you have to have a look at the Epson EcoTank ET-4760. Not only can this printer print in black and white effortlessly but this printer also has large ink cartridges and a lot of usabilities.
I know you want a printer for printing black and whites. But won’t it be a lot better if your printer could do other things too? Well with the EcoTank ET-4760 you won’t have to think because it can do a lot of other things! It can print, copy scan, and fax.
The Ecotank is an InkJet printer. It has a commendable print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. It supports both borderless and duplex printing. It can print borderless up to 8.5 x 11”. The print speeds are fast too as it has a 15PPM print speed in monochrome mode.
Controlling this printer is quite easy too. You can use the 2.4” control panel to navigate. And the 4 ink tank that it comes with the printer lets it print for about a month without the need of refilling. And finally, the Printer has an RJ45, USB Type-B, Wi-Fi connection interfaces and you can also directly print via AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.
Though it’s a bit pricey, you have to keep in mind the number of features you’ll be getting with this printer. So it’s safe to say that you won’t find a better ink tank printer for printing black and white than this one.
Pros
- It can print, copy scan, and fax.
- It has a commendable print resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
- It supports both borderless and duplex printing.
- A decent 15PPM print speed in monochrome mode.
- It has RJ45, USB Type-B, Wi-Fi connection interfaces.
- Supports direct printing via AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.
Cons
- Slightly expensive.
4. Canon PIXMA TR4520
Well, we haven’t talked about a budget option now, have we? Now you quit worrying because The Canon Pixma TR4520 is the best budget option black and white printer you can find.
The Pixma TR4520 is very similar to the Epson Ecotank. The main differences between these two are that the Pixma TR4520 doesn’t have a tank-style ink system. But even still, the features of this printer are astonishing as it can Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax.
This InkJet printer has a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. And the print out speeds is great too as you can get up to 8.8 IPM print speed. This printer also supports duplex printing as well as borderless printing.
We also didn’t face any issues with the connectivity section. As there are USB Type-B and Wi-Fi connection options available. You can also print directly via Mopria, AirPrint, and google cloud print.
Though this printer gets heated, you can’t skip the features provided at such a low price. So my suggestion will be to pick it up.
Pros
- It can print, scan, copy, and fax.
- Affordable price.
- A decent resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi.
- Decent 8.8 IPM print speed
- This printer supports duplex printing as well as borderless printing.
- Fast USB Type-B and Wi-Fi connection options available.
- You can print directly via Mopria, AirPrint, and google cloud print.
Cons
- It gets hot if used under pressure.
5. Brother HL-L2350DW
But even after all the options if you just want a monochrome printer for printing black and white pictures then have a look at the Brother HL-L2350DW. It’s the best value for money monochrome printer on the market!
Let’s start by discussing the performance section. It has a 2400 x 600 dpi resolution. And because of this, the printouts are accurate and detailed. The print out speed is the best of the bunch. As you’ll find up to 32PPM print speed with this printer.
Now let’s talk about the build quality. It’s a well-built printer and it can survive the occasional bump. There’s no question about that. Just don’t play football with this one. And to control this printer you’ll find a One-line monochrome LCD.
Though we were a bit disappointed by the lack of an ethernet, we found fast USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi connection interfaces. And it also supports direct printing through AirPrint, Google Print, and Brother iPrint&Scan.
Overall, this is the best Monochrome printer. And there’s no doubt it can handle printing black and white!
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Supports duplex printing.
- A fast USB 2.0 and Wi-Fi connection interface.
- A decent 2400 x 600 dpi resolution.
- Fast 32 ppm printing speed.
- Supports direct printing from Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Wi-Fi Direct.
Cons
- No ethernet port.
Wrapping Up
Black and white pictures carry some of the best memories. As we grow, the need to preserve these memories similarly develops. Don’t waste your money on a printer that can’t produce proper pictures.
We’ve put together this list of the best printers for printing black and white. Each of these printers caters to a different need. Pick the one that suits you the best.