An all-in-one printer can replace several pieces of office equipment, but combining a printer, scanner, copier, document feeder, and fax mechanism also creates more potential sources of noise. Paper rollers, scanner carriages, cooling fans, automatic document feeders, and output trays can all interrupt a quiet workspace.
The best quiet all-in-one printer therefore needs to do more than produce a reasonably low decibel rating. It should feed paper smoothly, remain unobtrusive while idle and handle scanning or copying without excessive vibration.
For most home offices, the Canon MAXIFY GX2020 offers the strongest balance of low operating noise, color printing, refillable ink tanks, an automatic document feeder, faxing, and automatic two-sided printing. The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a better choice for fast black-and-white documents, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 stands out when automatic two-sided scanning is important.
See Also: Quiet Printers For A Home Office
Quick recommendations
- Best overall: Canon MAXIFY GX2020
- Best for duplex scanning: Epson EcoTank ET-4950
- Best monochrome laser all-in-one: Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Best compact color model: Canon MAXIFY GX1020
- Best compact monochrome printer/scanner: Brother HL-L2480DW
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Quiet all-in-one printer comparison
The ratings below are manufacturer-published sound-pressure or operating-noise figures. They should not be treated as perfectly controlled side-by-side test results because manufacturers may use different rooms, distances, print patterns, and measurement standards.
| Printer | Published noise | Type | Functions | Print speed | ADF | Auto duplex | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon MAXIFY GX2020 | Approx. 46.5 dB(A) | Color ink tank | Print, scan, copy, fax | 15 black/10 color ipm | 35 sheets | Printing | Best overall |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | 51 dB(A) mono/46 dB(A) color | Color ink tank | Print, scan, copy, fax | 18 black/9 color ppm | 30 sheets | Print, scan and copy | Two-sided workflows |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | 49 dB printing; 30 dB ready | Monochrome laser | Print, scan, copy, fax | Up to 34 ppm | 50 sheets | Printing | Fast text documents |
| Canon MAXIFY GX1020 | Approx. 46.5 dB(A) | Color ink tank | Print, scan, copy | 15 black/10 color ipm | No | Printing | Compact color printing |
| Brother HL-L2480DW | 49 dB printing; 30 dB ready | Monochrome laser | Print, scan, copy | Up to 36 ppm | No | Printing | Compact black-and-white use |
Important: “Quiet mode” usually reduces paper-feed speed to soften mechanical sounds. The published normal operating figure is generally more useful than the mere presence of a quiet-mode setting.
How we selected these printers
These recommendations are based on:
- Manufacturer-published noise specifications
- Current Amazon product listings
- Printing, scanning and copying capabilities
- Automatic document feeder design
- Duplex printing and scanning features
- Paper capacity and rated printing speed
- Suitability for a home office or shared workspace
- Ink or toner replacement requirements
- The availability of manufacturer support and consumables
We did not assume that a printer was quiet simply because its product listing used words such as “silent” or “low noise.” Models without a credible published noise figure were not ranked ahead of printers with documented ratings.
1. Canon MAXIFY GX2020 — Best quiet all-in-one printer overall
Published noise level: Approximately 46.5 dB(A) on plain paper
Functions: Print, scan, copy and fax
Best for: Home offices that need quiet color document printing
The Canon MAXIFY GX2020 combines one of the lowest published operating ratings in this roundup with a genuinely useful home-office feature set. Its approximately 46.5 dB(A) plain-paper rating places it below many conventional cartridge-based office inkjets.
The GX2020 uses refillable pigment-ink tanks instead of small cartridges. Pigment ink is especially useful for business documents because it produces sharp text and offers better resistance to smearing from highlighters than many dye-based office inks.
Canon rates the printer at up to 15 images per minute in black and 10 in color. It also includes a 250-sheet cassette, a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, faxing and automatic two-sided printing. Canon lists a quiet mode in addition to the standard 46.5 dB(A) operating specification. Canon’s GX2020 specifications
The enclosed paper cassette is another advantage in a quiet room. Keeping paper inside the body of the printer can reduce clutter and limits the need to repeatedly handle an exposed rear tray.
What we like
- Low 46.5 dB(A) published rating
- Print, scan, copy and fax functionality
- Refillable ink tanks
- 35-sheet automatic document feeder
- 250-sheet enclosed paper cassette
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
- Replaceable printhead and maintenance cartridge
What could be better
- The ADF scans one side at a time
- It is designed primarily for office documents rather than premium photo printing
- Initial cost is higher than that of a basic cartridge printer
- The 3,000-page replacement-bottle yield is lower than that of some larger office ink-tank models
Bottom line
The MAXIFY GX2020 is the strongest all-around recommendation for someone who wants a quiet color printer, scanner, copier and fax machine without moving to a large business-class model.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-4950 — Best for automatic two-sided scanning
Published noise level: 51 dB(A) for monochrome and 46 dB(A) for color
Functions: Print, scan, copy and fax
Best for: Paper-heavy home offices and two-sided document workflows
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is especially compelling for users who regularly digitize contracts, forms, reports or other two-sided documents. Its 30-sheet automatic document feeder supports one-sided-to-two-sided scanning, and the printer also supports automatic two-sided copying and printing.
Epson publishes separate sound-pressure ratings of 51 dB(A) for monochrome output and 46 dB(A) for color output. That difference illustrates why one headline printer-noise number does not always tell the entire story. Print mode, speed, paper movement and page content can change the sound produced.
The ET-4950 prints at up to 18 ISO ppm in black and 9 ISO ppm in color. It includes a 250-sheet tray, Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, faxing and a 2.4-inch color touchscreen. Epson’s specification sheet also lists replacement-bottle yields of up to 8,500 black or 6,500 color pages, although real-world yield depends heavily on content and usage. Epson ET-4950 specification sheet
What we like
- Automatic two-sided scanning, copying and printing
- Low 46 dB(A) published color-output rating
- Faster black printing than the Canon GX2020
- High-yield replacement ink bottles
- 250-sheet paper tray
- 30-sheet automatic document feeder
- Ethernet, modern dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct
- Fax functionality
What could be better
- Monochrome printing is rated at 51 dB(A), five decibels above its color rating
- Higher initial purchase price
- Large ink tanks only provide good value if the printer is used regularly
- Inkjet printheads should not be left unused for extremely long periods
Bottom line
Choose the ET-4950 when duplex scanning and copying matter as much as low printing noise. It is a particularly good fit for remote professionals who process multi-page, two-sided documents.
3. Brother MFC-L2820DW — Best quiet monochrome laser all-in-one
Published noise level: 49 dB while printing; 30 dB in ready mode
Functions: Print, scan, copy and fax
Best for: Fast black-and-white documents
Ink-tank printers are attractive for color, but a monochrome laser printer remains a practical choice for invoices, reports, shipping paperwork and other text-heavy jobs. The Brother MFC-L2820DW publishes a 49 dB printing rating and a much quieter 30 dB ready-mode rating.
Its main advantage is speed. Brother rates the printer at up to 34 pages per minute, considerably faster than the color ink-tank models in this comparison. A 50-sheet automatic document feeder and 250-sheet paper tray also make it well suited to longer jobs.
Automatic duplex printing is included, but duplex scanning is not. Two-sided originals must therefore be turned over manually. The printer provides dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, mobile printing and a 2.7-inch color touchscreen. Brother MFC-L2820DW specifications
What we like
- 49 dB published printing rating
- Quiet 30 dB ready mode
- Fast printing at up to 34 ppm
- Large 50-sheet automatic document feeder
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Automatic duplex printing
- Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi
- Print, copy, scan and fax functions
- Crisp monochrome text
What could be better
- No color printing
- No automatic duplex scanning
- Laser mechanisms can produce more noticeable startup and stopping sounds
- Toner and drum costs should both be considered
- The included starter toner has a lower yield than full replacement cartridges
Bottom line
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is the best choice here for users who primarily print black-and-white documents and value speed more than color or automatic two-sided scanning.
4. Canon MAXIFY GX1020 — Best compact quiet color all-in-one
Published noise level: Approximately 46.5 dB(A) on plain paper
Functions: Print, scan and copy
Best for: Small home offices that do not need an ADF or fax
The Canon MAXIFY GX1020 uses the same general low-noise, pigment-ink approach as the GX2020 but removes the automatic document feeder and fax. That makes it better suited to users who scan an occasional photograph, receipt or single-page document on the flatbed.
Canon publishes an approximately 46.5 dB(A) plain-paper noise rating. The printer also provides automatic two-sided printing, a 250-sheet paper cassette, a 2.7-inch touchscreen, refillable ink tanks and wireless mobile printing. Canon GX1020 specifications
Removing the ADF reduces the number of rollers and moving assemblies on top of the machine. It does not make every print job silent, but it creates a simpler device for people who do not need batch scanning.
What we like
- Low 46.5 dB(A) published rating
- Compact design
- Refillable pigment-ink tanks
- Automatic duplex printing
- 250-sheet enclosed paper tray
- Flatbed scanner and standalone copying
- Touchscreen controls
- Replaceable maintenance components
What could be better
- No automatic document feeder
- No fax
- Scanning multi-page documents is time-consuming
- Not intended for high-end photo printing
Bottom line
Choose the GX1020 if you want quiet color printing and occasional flatbed scanning but do not want to pay for an ADF or fax function you will never use.
5. Brother HL-L2480DW — Best compact monochrome printer, scanner and copier
Published noise level: 49 dB while printing; 30 dB in ready mode
Functions: Print, scan and copy
Best for: Compact black-and-white home offices
The Brother HL-L2480DW is a three-in-one monochrome laser printer with a flatbed scanner. Unlike the MFC-L2820DW, it does not have an ADF or fax, but it prints faster at up to 36 pages per minute.
Brother publishes a 49 dB printing level and 30 dB ready-mode level. The printer includes a 250-sheet tray, automatic duplex printing, Ethernet, USB and wireless connectivity. It also supports standalone black-and-white copying. Brother HL-L2480DW specifications
Its combination of a flatbed scanner and fast laser engine makes it useful for a home office that occasionally scans documents but primarily prints black-and-white pages.
What we like
- 49 dB printing rating
- Quiet 30 dB ready mode
- Fast output of up to 36 ppm
- 250-sheet tray
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Ethernet and wireless connectivity
- Flatbed color scanning
- Compact compared with ADF-equipped laser models
What could be better
- No color printing
- No automatic document feeder
- No fax
- Copy output is monochrome only
- Toner cartridge and drum are separate consumables
Bottom line
The HL-L2480DW is ideal for users who want a compact laser printer with scanning and copying but do not process large stacks of originals.
What does a 46–51 dB printer sound like?
A printer operating around 46–51 dB(A) is not silent. In a quiet home office, paper pickup, printhead movement and output-tray sounds will still be noticeable.
The practical difference is that a well-designed printer in this range should be less disruptive than a model operating near 60 dB(A), especially when it is placed several feet away from the user.
The decibel scale is logarithmic. A change of 3 dB represents a meaningful change in sound energy, while a change of approximately 10 dB is commonly perceived as roughly doubling or halving apparent loudness under controlled conditions.
For a deeper explanation, What Does dB Mean in Appliances?
Inkjet versus laser all-in-one printer noise
Neither technology is always quieter.
Inkjet and ink-tank printers generally produce a longer, more continuous combination of printhead and paper-feed sounds. Laser printers can print much faster, but their startup, cooling and paper-exit sounds may be sharper.
| Characteristic | Ink-tank all-in-one | Monochrome laser all-in-one |
|---|---|---|
| Typical sound character | Continuous carriage and roller movement | Shorter, faster mechanical bursts |
| Warm-up noise | Usually minimal | May include startup and fan noise |
| Color output | Yes | No on monochrome models |
| Text speed | Moderate | Fast |
| Best use | Mixed documents and color | High-volume black-and-white text |
| Infrequent use | Printhead may require maintenance | Toner does not dry out |
| Running cost | Often low with regular use | Predictable for text-heavy work |
Further Reading: Best Quiet Inkjet Printers & Best Quiet Laser Printers guides.
Features that matter in a quiet all-in-one printer
A documented noise rating
Look for a manufacturer-published sound-pressure rating expressed in dB(A). Avoid assuming that a printer is quiet based only on customer reviews or the presence of a quiet-mode setting.
A quiet mode
Quiet mode normally reduces print or paper-feed speed. It can make mechanical sounds less abrupt, but it may significantly increase the time needed to complete a large job.
Automatic document feeder design
An ADF is convenient, but it introduces more rollers and paper movement. If you only scan one page at a time, a flatbed-only model such as the Canon GX1020 or Brother HL-L2480DW may be simpler and less intrusive.
Duplex capability
“Automatic duplex printing” does not necessarily mean the printer can automatically scan both sides of an original. Check printing and scanning specifications separately.
The Epson ET-4950 supports automatic two-sided scanning. The Brother models reviewed here provide automatic duplex printing but not automatic duplex scanning.
Enclosed paper storage
A sturdy cassette helps keep paper aligned and reduces the need to handle an exposed rear feed. Poorly loaded paper can create scraping, skewing and repeated pickup attempts.
Ink and toner costs
A quiet printer that is too expensive to operate is not a good long-term purchase. Consider:
- Replacement ink or toner cost
- Black and color page yields
- Separate drum replacement on laser models
- Maintenance-box availability
- How frequently the printer will be used
- Whether all colors must be present for monochrome printing
How to reduce all-in-one printer noise
Even a relatively quiet printer can become annoying if it sits on a hollow desk or touches a wall.
- Place the printer on a solid, level cabinet.
- Keep it several feet away from your primary work position.
- Use a dense, heat-safe vibration-isolating mat.
- Do not block ventilation openings.
- Leave space around paper trays and output areas.
- Keep the printer from touching the wall.
- Load paper carefully and adjust the guides.
- Replace damaged rollers or warped trays.
- Enable quiet mode for short jobs during calls.
- Schedule large print jobs for times when noise is less disruptive.
Do not place thick foam, blankets or other insulating material around a printer. Laser printers in particular require unobstructed airflow.
Final verdict
The Canon MAXIFY GX2020 is the best quiet all-in-one printer for most home offices. Its approximately 46.5 dB(A) published rating, refillable pigment-ink system, 35-sheet ADF, fax, duplex printing and 250-sheet cassette give it the strongest overall balance.
Choose the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 if automatic two-sided scanning is essential. Choose the Brother MFC-L2820DW if you primarily print black-and-white text and want faster output.
For smaller workspaces, the Canon GX1020 provides quiet color printing without an ADF, while the Brother HL-L2480DW offers fast monochrome printing with a flatbed scanner.
No all-in-one printer is completely silent, but selecting a model with a documented rating and placing it on stable furniture can substantially reduce its impact on a shared or quiet workspace.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quietest all-in-one printer?
Among the models compared here, Canon publishes an approximately 46.5 dB(A) plain-paper rating for the MAXIFY GX2020 and GX1020. Epson rates the ET-4950 at 46 dB(A) during color output and 51 dB(A) during monochrome output. Because manufacturers may use different test methods, differences smaller than a few decibels should not be treated as definitive side-by-side rankings.
Is there a completely silent printer, scanner and copier?
No. Every printer requires moving rollers, paper-feed components or a printhead. Scanning also moves a carriage beneath the glass. A quiet printer reduces the level and harshness of these sounds but cannot eliminate them.
Is 50 dB loud for a printer?
A printing level near 50 dB(A) is relatively restrained for a home-office printer. It will remain audible in a silent room, but it should be less disruptive than models approaching or exceeding 60 dB(A).
Are inkjet printers quieter than laser printers?
Inkjet printers often avoid laser warm-up and cooling-fan noise, but their printheads may move for longer periods. Laser printers can produce sharper mechanical sounds but complete text jobs faster. Published specifications and placement matter more than technology alone.
Does quiet mode affect print quality?
Quiet mode normally reduces printing or paper-feed speed rather than resolution. Quality should remain similar, although drying time and total job duration may change.
Do automatic document feeders make printers louder?
An ADF adds rollers and produces repeated paper pickup sounds. It is valuable for multi-page scanning, but a flatbed-only model may be preferable if you rarely scan more than one page.
Can I put a printer in a bedroom?
A quiet printer can be used in a bedroom or studio apartment, but even a low-noise model will produce noticeable bursts of sound. Keep it away from the bed, disable unnecessary notifications and avoid scheduled maintenance or printing overnight.
Should I buy an all-in-one printer if I rarely scan?
A flatbed three-in-one model can still make sense for occasional copies or document scanning. If you never scan or copy, a single-function printer will usually be smaller and may have fewer moving parts.
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