Buying Guide
The Best Printers for Checks, Compared
We looked at 8 printers for checks side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
10 min read8 products evaluated
Printing checks at home or for a small business is not as simple as sending a document to any printer, because banks rely on MICR, magnetic ink character recognition, to process the routing and account numbers along the bottom of a check. A printer using regular ink or toner instead of MICR-formulated ink or toner can produce a check that looks correct but gets rejected or flagged by a bank's automated processing. This list separates true MICR-capable check printer bundles from general-purpose printers that can be paired with third-party check paper and check-writing software if you don't need magnetic ink, so you know exactly what each pick actually does before you buy.
Quick Picks
Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best True MICR Check Printer
VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle
Anyone who needs bank-compliant MICR check printing without manual bank review
Our take Check price for VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle (opens in a new tab)
Best All-in-One MICR Check Printer
VersaCheck 4155 MXQ MICR All-in-One Color Check Printer and Software Bundle
Businesses wanting color check printing with genuine MICR compliance
Our take Check price for VersaCheck 4155 MXQ MICR All-in-One Color Check Printer and Software Bundle (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
General office use where check paper is used without requiring magnetic ink verification
Our take Check price for Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
Budget general printing paired with check paper when MICR is not required
Our take Check price for Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
Brother Color Laser Printer HL-L3220CDW
Businesses wanting color check-paper printing without MICR compliance needs
Our take Check price for Brother Color Laser Printer HL-L3220CDW (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Light, informal check-paper printing where magnetic ink is not required
Our take Check price for HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Budget general office printing paired with check paper when MICR is not required
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer (opens in a new tab)
Budget Alternative, Not MICR
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
The lightest, most informal check-paper printing where magnetic ink is not required
Our take Check price for Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best True MICR Check Printer1 of 8
VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle
This is a genuine MICR check printer bundle, an HP DeskJet 3755 factory-paired with VersaCheck Gold check printing software and configured for magnetic ink character recognition printing, the actual technical requirement banks rely on to process a printed check's routing and account numbers.
Best for
- Anyone who needs bank-compliant MICR check printing without manual bank review
Why we like it
Using regular ink instead of MICR ink is the single most common reason a home-printed check gets rejected or flagged by a bank.
The bundled VersaCheck Gold software handles check layout, account management, and compatibility with accounting workflows, which matters as much as the hardware itself for reliable check printing. This is the pick to choose if you specifically need to print checks that will clear standard bank processing without manual review.
Key specs
- True MICR-capable check printer bundle
- VersaCheck Gold check printing software included
- Compatible with standard bank check processing
- Compact HP DeskJet hardware base
- Designed specifically for check printing
Pros
- Genuine MICR ink compatibility, not a workaround
- Bundled software built specifically for check layout and printing
- Reduces bank rejection risk compared to regular-ink printing
- Purpose-built for this exact task
Cons
- Higher price than a general printer alone
- Requires MICR-specific ink cartridges, not standard ink
- Software learning curve for first-time check-printing users
Best All-in-One MICR Check Printer2 of 8
VersaCheck 4155 MXQ MICR All-in-One Color Check Printer and Software Bundle
The VersaCheck 4155 MXQ is the second genuine MICR check printer in this list, an all-in-one color printer factory-configured for magnetic ink check printing and bundled with VersaCheck Gold software for Windows.
Best for
- Businesses wanting color check printing with genuine MICR compliance
Why we like it
Color output adds the option of printing logos or color-coded check designs alongside the MICR-compliant routing and account line.
Like the DeskJet 3755 MX bundle above, this is a purpose-built check-printing solution rather than a general printer adapted for the task, and it carries a higher price to match that specialization. Choose between the two VersaCheck bundles based on whether you need color output or are satisfied with a simpler monochrome MICR setup.
Color output for logos or check design customization.
Key specs
- True MICR-capable all-in-one check printer
- VersaCheck Gold software for Windows included
- Color printing capability
- Compatible with standard bank check processing
- Designed specifically for check printing
Pros
- Genuine MICR ink compatibility for reliable bank processing
- Color output for logos or check design customization
- Bundled software built for check printing workflows
- All-in-one functionality beyond just checks
Cons
- Highest price in this list
- Requires MICR-specific ink, not standard cartridges
- Windows-only bundled software
Budget Alternative, Not MICR3 of 8
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
To be clear, this is a general-purpose monochrome laser printer, not a MICR check printer, and it does not print with magnetic ink out of the box.
Best for
- General office use where check paper is used without requiring magnetic ink verification
Why we like it
It can be used with third-party pre-printed check paper and check-writing software like QuickBooks if your bank or use case does not require magnetic ink verification, but it will not satisfy a bank's MICR processing requirements on its own.
If magnetic ink compliance matters for your situation, choose one of the two VersaCheck bundles above instead.
Key specs
- Monochrome laser engine, standard toner, not MICR
- Automatic duplex printing
- Copy and scan built in
- Wireless and mobile printing
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Crisp, smudge-proof text for check-related printing
- Works with QuickBooks and similar check-writing software
- Reliable multi-function laser at a lower price than MICR bundles
- Good general-purpose office printer beyond check use
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot print bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Risk of bank rejection if magnetic ink verification is required
- No color output
Budget Alternative, Not MICR4 of 8
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser
This is a general print-only monochrome laser printer, not a MICR check printer, and it does not include magnetic ink capability.
Best for
- Budget general printing paired with check paper when MICR is not required
Why we like it
It can work with third-party pre-printed check stock and check software if you do not need MICR bank compliance, offering toner's smudge resistance at a budget price well below the dedicated MICR bundles in this list.
Be aware that using this printer for checks that require MICR verification risks bank rejection or manual review delays. It is included here honestly as a lower-cost general option, not as a substitute for a real check printer when magnetic ink compliance is required.
Toner resists smudging on check-related documents.
Key specs
- Monochrome laser, print only, standard toner not MICR
- Wireless and mobile printing
- Compact chassis
- Low per-page toner cost
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Cheapest laser option in this list
- Toner resists smudging on check-related documents
- Compact footprint
- Reliable for general office printing beyond checks
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot produce bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Risk of bank rejection if MICR verification is required
- No scan or copy
Budget Alternative, Not MICR5 of 8
Brother Color Laser Printer HL-L3220CDW
This is a general color laser printer, not a MICR check printer, and its toner is standard color toner rather than magnetic ink.
Best for
- Businesses wanting color check-paper printing without MICR compliance needs
Why we like it
It can print on third-party check stock alongside check-writing software for businesses that do not require magnetic ink bank verification, with the added benefit of color output for logos or letterhead-style check designs.
Its 250-sheet tray and 19 PPM speed suit a business printing a moderate volume of documents including check paper, but this printer will not satisfy MICR compliance requirements on its own. Businesses that need bank-verified checks should use one of the VersaCheck MICR bundles instead.
Fast 19 PPM output speed.
Key specs
- Color laser engine, standard toner not MICR, up to 19 PPM
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless and mobile device compatible
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Genuine color laser output for check design or letterhead
- Fast 19 PPM output speed
- Large 250-sheet tray reduces refill frequency
- Toner durability for check-related documents
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot produce bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Highest price among the general-printer picks in this list
- Risk of bank rejection if MICR verification is required
Budget Alternative, Not MICR6 of 8
HP DeskJet 4355 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
This is a general home color inkjet all-in-one, not a check printer, and it uses standard ink rather than magnetic ink.
Best for
- Light, informal check-paper printing where magnetic ink is not required
Why we like it
It can be used with third-party check paper and check-writing software for personal or informal use where MICR bank verification is not required, and its low price makes it an accessible entry point for light, occasional check-related printing.
Do not expect this printer to satisfy bank MICR processing requirements, since regular inkjet ink cannot be read by magnetic ink character recognition equipment the way true MICR ink or toner can. For actual bank-compliant check printing, choose one of the VersaCheck MICR bundles in this list instead.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one, standard ink not MICR
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
- AI-capable printing features
- Standard tray feed
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Lowest price among general-printer picks in this list
- Included Instant Ink trial offsets initial ink cost
- Fine for light, informal check-paper printing without MICR needs
- Simple wireless setup
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot produce bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Risk of bank rejection if MICR verification is required
- Ink cost rises after the Instant Ink trial
Budget Alternative, Not MICR7 of 8
Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
This is a general budget inkjet all-in-one, not a check printer, and its ink is standard, not magnetic.
Best for
- Budget general office printing paired with check paper when MICR is not required
Why we like it
An automatic document feeder adds convenience for scanning check-related paperwork, and the printer can be paired with third-party check paper and check software for use cases that do not require MICR bank compliance.
As with the other general printers in this list, using this printer for checks that require MICR verification carries a real risk of bank rejection or manual review. It belongs in this list only as a budget general-use option, not as a substitute for a true MICR check printer.
ADF useful for check-related document scanning.
Key specs
- Color inkjet all-in-one, standard ink not MICR
- Automatic document feeder
- Mobile printing and built-in fax
- Standard tray paper feed
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Affordable entry price
- ADF useful for check-related document scanning
- Fax included for related business paperwork
- Decent general-purpose home office printer
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot produce bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Risk of bank rejection if MICR verification is required
- Cartridge ink cost adds up over time
Budget Alternative, Not MICR8 of 8
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
This is the lowest-cost general printer in this list, not a check printer, and it uses standard color inkjet ink rather than magnetic ink.
Best for
- The lightest, most informal check-paper printing where magnetic ink is not required
Why we like it
It can print on third-party check stock with check-writing software for personal use where a bank does not require MICR verification, functioning as a basic entry point rather than a specialized solution.
We are including it here honestly as a budget general-use alternative, not a genuine check printer. If your bank or business requires MICR-compliant checks, the VersaCheck bundles at the top of this list are the correct choice, not this printer or any of the other general printers alongside it.
Key specs
- Color inkjet, standard ink not MICR
- Duplex printing
- Copier and scanner built in
- Compact home printer footprint
- Works with third-party check paper and software
Pros
- Lowest price in this list overall
- Easy setup for light personal use
- Compact footprint
- Fine for informal check-paper printing without MICR needs
Cons
- Not MICR-capable, cannot produce bank-compliant magnetic ink checks
- Risk of bank rejection if MICR verification is required
- Not built for check printing specifically
How We Chose These Printers for Checks
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- True MICR capability vs standard ink
- Separated genuine MICR-configured check printer bundles from general printers that merely accept check paper, since this distinction determines whether a printed check will clear normal bank processing.
- Bank rejection risk disclosure
- Flagged which picks carry a real risk of bank rejection or manual review when used for check printing, rather than presenting every printer as equally check-ready.
- Bundled check-printing software compatibility
- Checked which picks include dedicated check-layout software like VersaCheck Gold versus relying on third-party software such as QuickBooks separately.
- Security feature availability
- Considered which printers or bundles support check stock with built-in security marks or tamper-evident features relevant to business check printing.
- Value as a general-purpose printer beyond checks
- Weighed the general printer picks' usefulness for everyday office printing, since they are honestly framed as budget alternatives rather than check specialists.
What to Look for in a Printer for Checks
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match actual size and capacity to your real need, not the category label alone
Listings for a printer often use a size or capacity label ("compact," "large," "heavy-duty") that isn't standardized across brands, so the same label can mean meaningfully different actual dimensions or capacity from one product to the next.
This matters because buying based on the category label rather than the specific listed dimensions or capacity is a common way to end up with something that doesn't actually fit your space or handle your real load.
Check the listing for exact measurements or a stated capacity figure, and compare that directly against your actual space or need, not just the marketing size category.
Verify build material and construction quality from reviews, not just spec-sheet claims
A product description can describe material or construction in flattering terms that don't always hold up under real, sustained use, and the gap between a listing's claimed quality and its actual durability only shows up in how the product performs after weeks or months of real use, not in day-one photos.
This matters more for anything you'll use daily or under real load, less for occasional light use where durability matters less.
Check reviews specifically for mentions of how the printer holds up over time, not just unboxing-day impressions, and treat a listing's own quality claims as a starting point to verify, not a guarantee.
Pocket-size cylindrical mobile printer sitting on a sheet of paper Confirm any headline feature actually works as advertised, not just that it's listed
A feature appearing in a product's bullet points doesn't guarantee it performs well in practice, some features are functional but limited, and a few are closer to a marketing checkbox than a useful capability.
This matters directly if a specific feature is the main reason you're choosing this printer over a simpler, cheaper alternative, since a feature that underperforms in practice undermines the whole reason for paying more.
Check reviews specifically for real-world experiences with the exact feature that matters most to you, not just whether the feature is listed at all.
Weigh review count alongside rating, not rating alone
This matters more for a purchase you're relying on to perform consistently over time, less for a low-stakes, easily replaceable item.
Check both the star rating and the review count together for any printer you're considering, and treat a high rating on a very small review count as a promising but less-proven signal.
Zebra desktop label printer on an office desk next to shipping paperwork Check compatibility and fit with your existing setup before ordering
A printer that looks like a straightforward fit in photos can still have a compatibility detail, a connector type, a mounting requirement, a size threshold, that doesn't match your existing setup, and this kind of mismatch is one of the most common and avoidable reasons for a return.
This matters directly if the product needs to physically connect to, mount on, or otherwise integrate with something you already own.
Check the listing's specific compatibility details against your exact existing setup, not just the general product category, before ordering.
How to Choose a Printer for Checks
By Rating Confidence: Highest Rated vs Most Reviewed
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Highest average rating | VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle |
| Largest review base, strongest reliability signal | VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Under $64 | Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer |
| Up to $285 | Brother Color Laser Printer HL |
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer vs Brother Color Laser Printer HL
- Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
- The lower-priced option in this comparison, worth checking its actual specs and review history against your specific need before assuming it's enough.
- Brother Color Laser Printer HL
- The higher-priced option, worth it if it offers real, checkable headroom in build quality, capacity, or features over the cheaper pick.
Default to Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer unless your specific need calls for the pricier pick's extra headroom.
By Review Base Confidence
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Largest, most-established review base | VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle |
For a First-Time Buyer Specifically
- Look for
- Clear, specific dimensions or capacity and a real, established review history, not just marketing language.
- In this comparison
- VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle is worth checking against its listed specs before buying, given its strong review base.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You need real durability and feature depth for regular use, where Brother Color Laser Printer HL's build gives real headroom over the cheaper picks.
- Save if
- You only need this for light or occasional use, where Canon PIXMA TS4320 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer covers the same job at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special printer to print checks?
If your bank requires MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) verification, yes, you need a printer configured for MICR ink or toner, like the VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX or VersaCheck 4155 MXQ in this list. A general printer with regular ink cannot produce a magnetically readable routing and account line, which risks bank rejection or manual review.
Can I use a regular inkjet or laser printer to print checks?
You can use a general printer with third-party check paper and check-writing software if your bank does not strictly require MICR verification for your check volume, but this carries real rejection risk. For business payroll, vendor payments, or any regular check volume, a true MICR printer is the safer choice.
What is MICR ink and why does it matter?
MICR stands for magnetic ink character recognition, a specific ink or toner formulation that bank processing equipment reads magnetically along a check's routing and account number line. Regular ink or toner looks visually identical when printed but cannot be read magnetically, which is the most common reason a home-printed check gets rejected or flagged.
Which check-printing software works with these printers?
The VersaCheck bundles include VersaCheck Gold software built specifically for MICR check layout and account management. If you plan to use QuickBooks or other accounting software with a general printer instead, verify its MICR line formatting compatibility separately, since requirements differ between software packages.
Are there security features I should look for in check printing?
Yes, beyond MICR-compliant printing itself, look for check stock with security features like watermarks, microprinting, or chemical-reactive paper that reveals tampering. These live in the check paper you buy rather than the printer hardware, so pair a MICR printer with security-featured check stock for business use.
Will a general printer work for printing checks if my bank doesn't require MICR?
It can, some banks manually process low-volume personal checks without strict MICR enforcement, and a general printer like the Brother HL-L2405W or Canon PIXMA TS4320 paired with third-party check paper can work in that situation. Confirm your bank's specific requirement directly rather than assuming, since relying on manual processing without confirming is a common source of rejected checks.
Bottom Line
Best overall: VersaCheck HP DeskJet 3755 MX MICR Check Printer and Software Bundle — best true micr check printer pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all printers for checks on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.