Finding the right paper for your laser printer is about more than just avoiding jams. It’s about ensuring crisp text, sharp graphics, and professional-looking results for every document you print. The wrong paper can lead to smudging, poor toner adhesion, and frustrating printer malfunctions, wasting both time and resources.
With numerous options available, selecting the ideal copy paper can feel overwhelming. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting nine top-performing papers specifically evaluated for their performance in laser printers. We’ve considered factors like brightness, weight, smoothness, and reliability to help you make an informed choice for your home or office needs.
The Best Copy Papers for Your Laser Printer
- Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 3 Reams
- HP Printer Paper | Office 20 lb | 3 Ream Case
- Staples Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 8 Reams
- Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 1 Ream
- Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Copy Paper, 20 lb, 3 Reams
- Hammermill Copy Paper, 20 lb, 8.5 x 11 – 5 Reams
- HP MultiPurpose 20 lb Paper | 3 Ream Case
- Hammermill Premium Inkjet & Laser Paper 24 Lb
- Hammermode 92 Bright Copy Paper, 20 lb, 1 Ream
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 3 Reams
For a reliable, all-purpose paper that performs consistently without a high cost, the Amazon Basics 3-ream case is an excellent choice. This 20 lb weight paper is designed for smooth feeding through laser printers, helping to minimize paper jams. Its 92 brightness rating provides a clean, professional backdrop for text documents and basic graphics.
The smooth surface ensures consistent toner distribution from your laser printer, resulting in sharp, clear print quality. It is a multipurpose sheet that also works well with inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines, making it a versatile stock to keep on hand for any office or home printing need.
HP Printer Paper | Office 20 lb | 3 Ream Case
HP Office 20 lb paper is engineered for premium performance, especially when used with HP laser printers. Sourced and made in the USA from renewable forest resources, this FSC Certified paper is a responsible choice for the environmentally conscious user. It is built for high-volume printing, offering superior reliability for busy home offices and workplaces.
This paper provides dependable performance for everyday black and white printing, producing crisp, easy-to-read text. Its 92 brightness level ensures a high-contrast surface that makes documents look professional. You can count on its consistent quality to feed smoothly and resist jams, project after project.
Staples Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 8 Reams
If you need a large quantity of dependable paper, the Staples 8-ream case offers great value. This paper features ColorLok technology, which is a significant benefit for print quality. This technology helps ink and toner dry faster, reducing smudging and minimizing bleed-through, so your documents stay sharp and clean.
Furthermore, this paper is acid-free, which prevents it from yellowing or becoming brittle over time. This makes it an ideal choice for important documents that you need to archive or store for long periods. The 94 brightness rating offers a whiter, brighter sheet that enhances the clarity of your prints.
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper, 20 lb, 1 Ream
For those who don’t require a bulk purchase, this single ream from Amazon Basics provides the same trusted quality in a smaller package. It’s perfect for testing the paper with your specific laser printer or for users with minimal printing needs. The 96 brightness is among the highest in this category, providing an exceptionally white and crisp background.
This 20 lb weight paper is designed for consistent performance, promoting even toner distribution and quick drying to help prevent smearing. Its reliable feed mechanism helps avoid paper jams, making your printing experience smooth and efficient. It serves as a versatile paper for various printing tasks.
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Copy Paper, 20 lb, 3 Reams
This offering from Amazon Basics is for those who want to make an environmentally friendly choice without sacrificing performance. Composed of 30% recycled content, this paper allows you to reduce your ecological footprint while still obtaining reliable results from your laser printer.
It maintains the same 20 lb weight and 92 brightness as the standard multipurpose version, ensuring good opacity and a professional appearance for everyday documents. The smooth surface is engineered for consistent toner adhesion and reliable feeding to help prevent jams in your printer.
Hammermill Copy Paper, 20 lb, 8.5 x 11 – 5 Reams
Hammermill is a trusted name in office paper, and this 5-ream carton of their copy paper is a best-seller for a reason. The paper is made in the USA and is guaranteed 99.99% jam-free, providing exceptional reliability for high-volume printing environments. This can save you significant time and frustration.
It also includes ColorLok technology, which enhances print quality by making colors brighter and blacks bolder, while also ensuring ink dries three times faster to reduce smearing. The 92 brightness level offers a clean, white surface that is perfect for professional business documents and internal reports.
HP MultiPurpose 20 lb Paper | 3 Ream Case
For those who need a brighter paper for everyday color printing in addition to black and white, the HP MultiPurpose 20 lb paper is an ideal solution. With a 96 brightness rating, it provides a whiter, more vibrant background that can make colors pop and text appear sharper.
Like other HP papers, it is sourced from renewable forests and made in the USA. It is optimized for use in HP equipment but performs reliably in all laser and inkjet printers. This makes it a fantastic all-around paper for everything from internal memos to more visually focused documents with color charts and graphics.
Hammermill Premium Inkjet & Laser Paper 24 Lb
When your projects demand a heavier, more premium feel, this 24 lb paper from Hammermill is the answer. The increased weight provides superior durability and a more substantial feel, which is excellent for double-sided printing, reports, newsletters, and professional flyers.
It boasts an impressive 97 brightness and a blue-white shade for exceptionally vibrant and sharp images. Featuring ColorLok technology, it produces bolder blacks and brighter colors while resisting smudges. As acid-free paper, it also ensures your important documents will not yellow over time, making it suitable for archival purposes.
Hammermode 92 Bright Copy Paper, 20 lb, 1 Ream
Hammermode copy paper offers a straightforward and reliable option for your everyday printing needs. This 20 lb weight paper is designed to work efficiently in laser printers, providing a balanced combination of performance and value. The 92 brightness level ensures a clean, professional-looking surface for text and simple graphics.
It is a practical choice for standard office documents, drafts, and internal communications. This single ream is perfect for individuals or small offices that need a dependable paper without committing to a large bulk purchase, ensuring you always have a quality stock on hand for your essential printing tasks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Copy Paper for Your Laser Printer
Choosing the right paper for your laser printer might seem simple, but it makes a huge difference in print quality, how often you deal with jams, and the overall professional look of your documents. I’ve learned that not all paper is created equal, especially when it’s destined for the high heat of a laser printer. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, let’s talk about weight and thickness, which is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). For everyday printing, like internal memos or drafts, I stick with standard 20 lb. (75 gsm) paper. It’s thin, cost-effective, and gets the job done. However, when I need something that feels more substantial for a resume, client-facing document, or a double-sided flyer, I upgrade to 24 lb. (90 gsm) paper. The extra weight prevents show-through and gives a much more premium feel.
Brightness is another key factor. Paper brightness is measured on a scale from 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a brighter, whiter sheet. A brighter paper provides better contrast, making your black text look crisper and your colors pop. For general use, a brightness of 92 to 96 is perfectly fine. If I’m printing something where image and text clarity are critical, I look for paper with a brightness of 98 or higher.
Smoothness is crucial for laser printers. A smooth, even surface allows the toner to fuse properly during the printing process, resulting in sharp, clean text without any smudging. Paper that’s too textured can lead to poor toner adhesion and grainy-looking text. I always look for paper that is specifically rated for laser printers, as it’s engineered to withstand the heat and pressure of the fuser unit without curling or jamming.
Finally, I consider the packaging. A ream of paper should be well-sealed in its wrapper to protect it from moisture, which can cause paper jams and poor print quality. The box should also be sturdy to prevent the paper from getting bent corners during shipping or handling. For my home office, I usually buy a case of ten reams, which offers a good balance between value and storage space. When selecting among the 9 best copy printer papers for laser printers, paying attention to these details ensures you get reliable performance and professional results every time you print.
FAQ
Can I use inkjet paper in my laser printer?
I strongly advise against it. Inkjet paper is designed to absorb liquid ink, while laser paper has a surface that helps dry toner powder bond with heat. Using inkjet paper in a laser printer can lead to poor print quality, smudging, and even damage to the printer’s fuser unit due to the different coating. Always use paper that is explicitly labeled for laser printer use.
What does the “brightness” rating on paper mean?
The brightness rating refers to how much light the paper reflects. It’s measured on a scale from 1 to 100. A higher number means a brighter, whiter sheet, which results in sharper text and more vibrant colors because of the greater contrast. For most everyday documents, a brightness of 92-96 is sufficient. For important reports or presentations, I prefer paper with a brightness of 98 or above.
Is heavier paper always better for laser printers?
Not necessarily. Heavier paper (like 24 lb. or 28 lb.) feels more premium and is excellent for resumes, brochures, and double-sided printing because it reduces show-through. However, it’s more expensive and not all office laser printers can handle weights above 32 lb. efficiently, potentially leading to jams. For high-volume, everyday text printing, standard 20 lb. paper is the most economical and reliable choice.
Why does my laser printer sometimes jam with certain papers?
Paper jams can be frustrating and are often related to the paper itself. The most common causes I’ve encountered are moisture (if the paper has been stored in a humid environment), paper that is too thick for the printer’s specifications, or bent corners from rough handling. Using low-quality paper that sheds dust can also clog the printer’s rollers. Always store your paper in a cool, dry place and use a brand known for its reliability with laser printers.
What is the best all-purpose paper for a home office laser printer?
For a home office, I look for a balance of quality, value, and reliability. A 20 lb., 96 bright, acid-free paper is my go-to. It’s lightweight enough for high-volume printing like drafts and emails, but the high brightness ensures that anything I send to clients or use for important documents looks clean and professional. Many of the top-rated options in the list of 9 best copy printer papers for laser printers fit this description perfectly.