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The 6 Best Printers for Checks of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 1, 20269 min read6 products ranked
The 6 Best Printers for Checks of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

The short answer

The VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX is the best printer for checks: a true MICR bundle with VersaCheck Gold software, compatible with standard bank processing, for $200 to $500. The 4155 MXQ adds a color all-in-one body. The Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2405W are lasers for check paper where MICR is not needed.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

  1. A true MICR check printer bundle that works with standard bank processing.

    94Outstanding
    Check price
  2. A MICR all-in-one with color printing for businesses.

    92Outstanding
    Check price
  3. A strong office laser that prints on check paper, but not with MICR toner.

    88Excellent
    Check price
  4. A small, cheap-to-run laser for check paper where MICR is not required.

    85Excellent
    Check price
  5. A color laser with duplex and a 250-sheet tray, but standard toner.

    82Very Good
    Check price
  6. A budget all-in-one with a document feeder, for informal check paper use.

    78Very Good
    Check price

The costly mistake in this category is printing checks on an ordinary printer and learning later that the bank cannot read them. Real checks carry a line of magnetic ink along the bottom, called MICR, and a standard laser or inkjet uses toner or ink without that property. Bank sorting machines look for the magnetic signal, so a clean-looking check can still be rejected or sent for manual handling.

We cover six printers, judged from spec sheets and what owners report about check printing. They are ranked on MICR capability, bundled software, print type and general office usefulness. Only two models are true MICR check printers. The rest are listed for people who use check paper where magnetic ink is not required, and we flag each one so there is no confusion.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

01

MICR capability

MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition, the special ink at the bottom of a check that bank machines read. Standard printers do not use magnetic ink. If your checks go to a bank, choose a true MICR printer, and look for the word MICR in the listing. Without it, a check may be rejected.

02

Check software

Check printing software handles account numbers, routing numbers and layouts. Bundles like VersaCheck Gold include it, while general printers rely on third-party tools. Check the listing for the software name and the operating system it supports, because the 4155 MXQ software is Windows only and a Mac user could be stuck.

03

Laser vs inkjet

Laser toner is dry and smudge resistant, while inkjet ink can run if wet. For checks, laser toner is the more common choice if MICR toner is used. Check which toner or ink type the printer takes, and ask whether MICR toner is sold for it, and remember that a standard cartridge still lacks the magnetic property.

04

Check paper handling

Check paper is a special stock that must feed cleanly. A straight paper path and a standard tray help. Check the tray size and whether the printer lists compatibility with check stock. The Brother lasers and PIXMA list third-party check paper, and a test print on plain paper avoids wasting stock. Align the first check carefully.

05

Everyday features

Duplex printing, scanning and wireless printing matter when the printer serves other jobs too. They do not help check printing itself. Decide whether the printer is for checks only or a shared office tool, since a single-purpose check printer like the 3755 will not scan, and a general laser will not clear a bank. Match the tool to the job.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

1

Best Overall

VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle

Our verdict: A true MICR check printer bundle that works with standard bank processing.

This bundle pairs a compact HP DeskJet with true MICR capability and includes VersaCheck Gold check software. It is built specifically for printing checks and is compatible with standard bank processing. It sells in the $200 to $500 range. MICR printing lays down the magnetic character line that bank machines read, so the check clears without manual review.

It ranks first because it is purpose-made for the job, while every general printer below it only prints on check paper. Against the 4155 MXQ, it is the simpler hardware and a compact footprint, which suits a desk drawer office. Software handling account and routing numbers is bundled, so setup is a single purchase.

Buy it if you print checks regularly and want results a bank can process. The caveat is that it is basic inkjet hardware for general documents. Skip it if you rarely print checks.

Check capability
True MICR capable
Software
VersaCheck Gold included
Base
Compact HP DeskJet
Price tier
$200 to $500

What we like

  • +True MICR capable
  • +VersaCheck Gold included
  • +Bank processing compatible
  • +Compact footprint

Watch out for

  • −Basic inkjet hardware
  • −Costs more than general printers

Buy it if: Regular check printing with bank compliance.

Skip it if: You rarely print checks.

2

Best Color MICR

VersaCheck 4155 MXQ MICR All-in-One Color Check Printer and Software Bundle

Our verdict: A MICR all-in-one with color printing for businesses.

The 4155 MXQ is a MICR-capable all-in-one with color printing, and it includes VersaCheck Gold software for Windows. It is built for check printing and works with standard bank processing. It sells in the $200 to $500 range, the same band as the 3755. An all-in-one scans and copies, so a small business gets a general tool as well.

It ranks second because the software is for Windows only, and it adds color you may not need on a check, though many offices value a color all-in-one. Against the 3755, it brings scanning at a higher bracket and a larger body. Against the Brother lasers, it is the only other true MICR option.

Choose it if you want a business-grade all-in-one with real MICR support. The caveat is the Windows-only software. Skip it if you use a Mac.

Check capability
True MICR capable
Type
Color all-in-one
Software
VersaCheck Gold for Windows
Price tier
$200 to $500

What we like

  • +True MICR capable
  • +Color all-in-one
  • +Software included
  • +Bank processing compatible

Watch out for

  • −Software is Windows only
  • −Higher price bracket

Buy it if: Small businesses wanting color and MICR.

Skip it if: You use a Mac.

3

Best Office Laser

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser

Our verdict: A strong office laser that prints on check paper, but not with MICR toner.

The DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser with automatic duplex printing, copy, scan and wireless printing. It uses standard toner, not MICR, and works with third-party check paper and software. It sells in the $200 to $500 range. Laser toner is dry and resists smearing, which suits check stock better than wet ink, though the magnetic property is still missing.

It ranks third because it is the best general printer here, but a standard toner check may not be accepted by every bank. It does not replace the VersaCheck bundles for checks that need to clear. Against the HL-L2405W, it adds a scanner, duplex and wireless copying for more money.

It suits an office that prints checks on check paper for internal use where magnetic ink is not needed. The caveat is that bank processing is not assured. Skip it if checks must pass bank MICR processing.

Type
Monochrome laser, not MICR
Features
Duplex, copy and scan
Connectivity
Wireless and mobile
Price tier
$200 to $500

What we like

  • +Automatic duplex printing
  • +Copy and scan built in
  • +Wireless and mobile printing
  • +Works with check software

Watch out for

  • −Not MICR
  • −Higher cost than basic lasers

Buy it if: General offices with occasional check paper use.

Skip it if: Checks must pass bank MICR processing.

4

Best Budget Laser

Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser

Our verdict: A small, cheap-to-run laser for check paper where MICR is not required.

The HL-L2405W is a print-only monochrome laser with wireless printing, a compact chassis and a low per-page toner cost. It uses standard toner, not MICR, and works with third-party check paper and software. It sells in the $100 to $200 range. Low toner cost matters if you also print contracts, invoices and forms alongside checks.

It ranks fourth because it drops the scanner and duplex of the DCP-L2640DW above. In return it is cheaper to buy and cheap to run. Against the color laser below, it costs far less and prints black checks just as well.

Choose it if you print a lot of simple documents and use check paper only where magnetic ink is not required. The caveat is that it has no MICR and no scanner. Skip it if you want a scanner.

Type
Monochrome laser, print only
Toner
Standard, not MICR
Connectivity
Wireless and mobile
Price tier
$100 to $200

What we like

  • +Low per page toner cost
  • +Compact chassis
  • +Wireless printing
  • +Works with check software

Watch out for

  • −Not MICR
  • −No scanner or copier

Buy it if: Budget printing with occasional check paper.

Skip it if: You want a scanner.

5

Best Color Laser

Brother Color Laser Printer HL-L3220CDW

Our verdict: A color laser with duplex and a 250-sheet tray, but standard toner.

The HL-L3220CDW is a color laser rated up to 19 pages per minute, with a 250-sheet tray, automatic duplex printing and wireless printing. It uses standard toner, not MICR, and works with third-party check paper and software. It sells in the $200 to $500 range. A 250-sheet tray keeps a busy office printing without refills.

It ranks fifth because color adds cost without helping check printing, and the toner is standard. The speed and tray size are benefits for a busy office rather than check users. Against the DCP-L2640DW, it prints in color and holds more paper but lacks a scanner.

Buy it for a business that wants one color laser for everything and uses check paper only when MICR is not required. The caveat is the cost for features that do nothing for checks. Skip it if you need bank-grade checks.

Type
Color laser, not MICR
Speed
Up to 19 PPM
Tray
250 sheets
Features
Duplex and wireless

What we like

  • +Color laser output
  • +250-sheet tray
  • +Automatic duplex
  • +Wireless and mobile

Watch out for

  • −Not MICR
  • −Higher price bracket

Buy it if: Busy offices wanting color laser.

Skip it if: You need bank grade checks.

6

Best Budget Inkjet

Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer

Our verdict: A budget all-in-one with a document feeder, for informal check paper use.

The PIXMA TR4720 is a color inkjet all-in-one with an automatic document feeder, mobile printing and built-in fax. It uses standard ink, not MICR, and works with third-party check paper and software. It sells in the $50 to $100 range. A document feeder helps if you scan paperwork by the stack, which is unrelated to checks but useful in a small office.

It ranks last because inkjet ink is the least suited to formal checks, and it is a general home or small-office machine. Ink can smear when wet, where laser toner stays put. Against the Brother lasers, it costs less up front and more to run.

It fits occasional, informal check printing that does not need magnetic ink. The caveat is the lack of MICR and the smear risk. Skip it if banks must process your checks.

Type
Color inkjet, not MICR
Feeder
Automatic document feeder
Extras
Mobile printing, fax
Price tier
$50 to $100

What we like

  • +Automatic document feeder
  • +Built in fax
  • +Mobile printing
  • +Under $100

Watch out for

  • −Not MICR
  • −Inkjet ink on checks

Buy it if: Casual home office use.

Skip it if: Banks must process your checks.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

MICR capability

True MICR printers scored far above standard laser or inkjet models.

Software

Bundled check software saved effort and counted in the score.

Print type

Laser toner and inkjet ink were compared for check paper use.

Office features

Duplex, scan and wireless printing counted for everyday value.

Value

Price tier was set against how well each printer handles checks.

Every Primea Score uses the same weights: Performance 30% · Build & Materials 20% · Everyday Usability 20% · Value 20% · Owner Satisfaction 10%. Full scoring rules

Buyer's guide

How to Pick the Right One for You

By Bank Acceptance

Match the printer to whether your bank must process the check.

NeedOur pick
Bank processed checksVersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX
Color and bank processedVersaCheck 4155 MXQ
Internal use onlyBrother DCP-L2640DW
Informal use onlyCanon PIXMA TR4720

By Budget

SpendOur pick
$50 to $100Canon PIXMA TR4720
$100 to $200Brother HL-L2405W
$200 to $500VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX

MICR vs Standard Toner

MICR

Magnetic ink that bank machines can read, built into the VersaCheck bundles. The 3755 MX and 4155 MXQ are true MICR.

Standard toner or ink

General printers that print on check paper without magnetic ink. The Brother and Canon models use it.

Most buyers whose checks go to a bank should default to MICR.

By Print Type

TypeOur pick
Monochrome laserBrother DCP-L2640DW
Print only laserBrother HL-L2405W
Color laserBrother HL-L3220CDW
Color inkjetCanon PIXMA TR4720

For Small Businesses Specifically

Look for

True MICR capability, bundled check software and bank processing compatibility.

In this ranking

The VersaCheck 4155 MXQ is a color all-in-one with MICR and software for Windows.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Your checks go to a bank. The VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX is built for it.

Save if

You only print on check paper for internal use. The Brother HL-L2405W costs far less.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a MICR printer for checks?+

If your checks will be deposited or cashed at a bank, MICR is the safe choice. For internal records, standard printers such as the Brother lasers can work. Ask your bank if you are unsure what it accepts.

What is the biggest mistake when buying a check printer?+

Assuming any laser printer can print bank-ready checks. Without MICR toner or a MICR printer like the VersaCheck 3755, banks may reject them or hand-process them, which delays deposits and can add fees. Check with your bank before switching.

Is a MICR bundle worth it over a Brother laser?+

Yes if the checks need to clear. If they do not, a general laser such as the DCP-L2640DW is cheaper and more flexible, and it also scans and copies. Pay the MICR premium only if banks will handle the checks.

How do I set up check printing?+

Install the check software, enter your account details accurately, load check stock and run a test print on plain paper first. Then print one real check and compare alignment before printing a run. Keep stock in a dry place so it feeds flat.

Can I use these printers with a Mac?+

The VersaCheck 4155 MXQ software is listed for Windows, and the 3755 bundle names VersaCheck Gold too. Check the other listings for Mac support before buying, since check software varies by operating system. A Windows PC or virtual machine may be the easy workaround.

How do I keep the printer running well?+

Use clean check stock, keep the paper path free of dust and follow the maker's cleaning steps. Replace a worn cartridge as soon as streaks appear, and store spare check stock flat and dry, since curled stock jams.

Final take

Buy the VersaCheck 3755 MX or 4155 MXQ if your checks will be deposited or cashed. Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW for a general office that prints on check paper for internal records, and the HL-L2405W when budget leads. The HL-L3220CDW and PIXMA TR4720 are general printers, not check printers. Decide whether a bank will read the check before you choose hardware.

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