Apr 10, 2024
Sep 5, 2024
For many of you, the end of summer means the start of a new school year. As schools prepare for the start of this busy season, finding reliable, high-performance printing solutions for their institutions is essential. So, how do you know which is the best printer for your school?
One of the key choices is whether the school needs a color or BW printer. Color printing costs a lot more than BW printing. In high-volume environments such as schools, with the device available to students, it’s important to avoid needless expense. That’s why many schools gravitate toward monochrome printing devices. And that’s why, in this article, we have focused exclusively on black and white devices.
At Flex Technology Group, we are a brand-neutral company, allowing us to offer unbiased recommendations tailored to your needs. To assist in making an informed decision, we have compiled a detailed review of the top monochrome (black and white) printers on the market, based on our partnership with Buyer’s Lab.
Whether it’s for classrooms, administrative offices, or libraries, having a printer that can meet the demands of a fast-paced academic environment is crucial. Here are our recommendations:
Terms to Know:
- PPM - "pages per minute," measures the speed of a printer by how many pages the machine can print in one minute
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle - the highest number of pages that a printer can reliably produce in a single month without risking damage or experiencing excessive wear and tear
- Impressions - One impression is a single instance of printing an image or text onto a surface, like one side of a page
| Click on a printer to jump to the review | ||
 1. Ricoh IM 8000 |
 2. Konica Minolta bizhub 808 |
 3. Sharp BP-70M75 |
 4. KYOCERA TASKalfa 8003i |
 5. Canon 6980i |
 HP MFP S975dn |
Key Features:
- Speed: 80 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 300,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 20 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 4,300 sheets (standard), up to 8,700 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 10.1" color touchscreen
- Security Features: Standard HDD encryption, secure print, and IP address filtering
Best Suited For: Large schools or districts where you have high-volume printing needs and a focus on up-to-date technology.
Key Features:
- Speed: 80 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 300,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 100 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 3,650 sheets (standard), up to 6,650 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 9" color touchscreen
- Security Features: Biometric authentication, secure boot, run-time integrity check
| Strength | Weakness |
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Biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security, especially important in educational settings. High level of customization through the bizhub MarketPlace for apps and features. |
Longer warm-up time could be a drawback in fast-paced environments. The smaller touchscreen may not be as user-friendly as larger displays. |
Best Suited For: Perfect for schools or offices where you prioritize security and customization, particularly in larger campuses.
Key Features:
- Speed: 75 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 350,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 25 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 3,200 sheets (standard), up to 6,700 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 10.1" color touchscreen
- Security Features: Secure boot, Kerberos support, IPsec
| Strength | Weakness |
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Features Sharp’s OSA platform for seamless integration with network applications and cloud services. Fast scanning speed and versatile paper handling options make it ideal for busy environments. The Remote Front Panel feature allows IT administrators to troubleshoot issues remotely, reducing downtime. |
Lower speed compared to other models in the same segment. Slightly lower paper capacity might require more frequent refilling in high-volume environments. |
Best Suited For: Medium-sized schools or administrative offices where you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich printer with strong IT support capabilities.
Key Features:
- Speed: 80 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 450,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 30 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 4,150 sheets (standard), up to 7,650 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 10.1" color touchscreen
- Security Features: ISO 15408 EAL2, IPsec, Trusted Platform Module
| Strength | Weakness |
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Large paper capacity and duty cycle support high-volume printing environments. Advanced security features ensure compliance with stringent data protection standards. The device’s versatility and speed make it ideal for diverse printing tasks. |
Missing some of the high-end finishing options available in other models. May require frequent maintenance due to its high capacity and complex features. |
Best Suited For: Schools where you have extensive document management needs, requiring both high security and large capacity.
Key Features:
- Speed: 80 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 500,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 30 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 4,360 sheets (standard), up to 8,020 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 10.1" color touchscreen
- Security Features: Encrypted PDF Mode, IPsec, SSL, SNMPv3
| Strength | Weakness |
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Versatile connectivity options, including uniFLOW Online Express for document capture and output management. Advanced security features ensure sensitive documents remain protected. Smooth integration with Canon’s Unified Firmware Platform. . |
Higher warm-up time compared to competitors. High print speed and capacity may be more than what is needed for smaller institutions or offices, leading to underutilization. |
Best Suited For: Medium to large educational institutions where you have high security needs and a preference for cloud-enabled document management.
Key Features:
- Speed: 75 ppm
- Max Monthly Duty Cycle: 500,000 impressions
- Warm-up Time: 20 seconds
- Paper Capacity: 3,200 sheets (standard), up to 6,700 sheets (max)
- Control Panel: 10.1" high-resolution color touchscreen
- Security Features: HDD overwrite, secure print, and MAC address filtering
| Strength | Weakness |
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High maximum duty cycle makes it ideal for environments with intense printing demands. Advanced control panel with customizable apps to enhance productivity. Energy-efficient design helps reduce operating costs. |
The device's high maximum duty cycle may lead to increased wear and tear, requiring regular maintenance to ensure longevity. Limited paper handling options might necessitate additional accessories for more complex printing tasks. |
For schools with large-scale printing needs and a focus on the latest technology, the Ricoh IM 8000 stands out as the top choice. It combines speed, capacity, and features that can keep up with the demands of any busy school environment.
If security and document management are your top priorities, the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX 6980i and Konica Minolta bizhub 808 are both excellent choices, offering robust security features and customization options.
For those looking for an energy-efficient solution without compromising on performance, the HP MFP S975dn is a strong contender, especially for larger institutions. Finally, the Sharp BP-70M75 offers a well-rounded package for medium-sized environments prioritizing versatility and IT integration.
By understanding your specific needs and environment, you can choose the best printer to ensure smooth and efficient operations throughout the school year.
Contact us at Flex Technology Group to learn more about these printers and to find the right solution for your institution's needs.