9 Best Paper for Laser Printers (October 2026)

The best paper for laser printers include the HP Printer Paper for everyday office printing, the Hammermill Printer Paper for high-volume printing, and the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper for a smaller home supply.

On this page (8 sections)

1. How we chose paper for laser printers
2. Compare the best paper for laser printers
3. Best laser printer paper picks by use
4. What should you check before buying laser printer paper?
5. Which paper works for color laser printers?
6. Can you use specialty paper in a laser printer?
7. How do you reduce paper feeding problems?
8. Which laser printer paper should you choose?

The best paper for laser printers for most everyday documents is HP Printer Paper, a 20 lb, 92-bright sheet for routine black-and-white printing. If you print in larger batches, Hammermill and Amazon Basics offer 4,000-sheet cases, while 24 lb Hammermill paper gives you a heavier option for double-sided work.

Everyday laser paper should feed in the printer's supported size and weight, then produce text that's easy to read. These picks focus on letter-size multipurpose sheets, with differences in brightness, case size and paper weight to help match the paper to your workload.

If you are switching between printer types, see our guide to inkjet vs laser printer paper. Paper designed for a laser printer also differs from specialty options such as best laser printer cardstock paper and best brochure paper for laser printer.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday office printing

   HP Printer Paper

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for high-volume printing

   Hammermill Printer Paper

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a smaller home supply

   Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper

   Best for a bulk multipurpose case
   Check it
5. 5

   HP Printer Paper

   Best for a compact HP paper case
   Check it
6. 6

   Hammermill Printer Paper

   Best for double-sided documents
   Check it
7. 7

   TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer

   Best for a 5,000-sheet office stock
   Check it
8. 8

   Phomemo Thermal Printer Paper 8.5''×11'' for M08F

   Best for compatible thermal printers
   Check it
9. 9

   PrintWorks 100% Recycled Printer Paper 8.5" x

   Best for recycled everyday paper
   Check it

How we chose paper for laser printers

The best laser printer paper for everyday use should match your printer's supported size and weight, suit the amount you print, and have a surface that works for the documents you make. We compared the listed paper weights, brightness, finishes, sheet counts and stated printer compatibility.

Most picks are 20 lb letter paper for routine office and home documents. We included a 24 lb option for heavier double-sided projects, a recycled choice, and one thermal paper option as a clear compatibility exception.

The thermal sheets do not work in laser printers, so they are included only to help readers avoid confusing letter-size thermal paper with standard copy paper.

A brand's performance claims are attributed to that brand. For example, Hammermill describes one 20 lb paper as 99.99% jam-free, but paper handling depends on your printer, tray setup and storage conditions.

Compare the best paper for laser printers

For routine printing, compare sheet count and weight first, then consider brightness and finish. Use the printer manual to confirm compatible sizes and paper weights, especially for heavier sheets.

For compact photo projects, see our guide to 4x6 photo paper for laser printers.

Best laser printer paper picks by use

HP Printer Paper leads for everyday black-and-white documents, while the other picks fit larger supply needs, brighter output or recycled-paper preferences. Choose a case size you can store and load comfortably.

1

HP Printer Paper: Best for everyday office printing

9.7/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 2,500 sheets
• FSC certified

A 5-ream case of uncoated 20 lb paper for everyday black-and-white printing at home, school or work. HP Papers says ColorLok technology gives bolder blacks and more vivid colors.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large everyday supply
• FSC certified
• Acid free

Cons

• 20 lb weight is aimed at routine documents
• Large case takes storage space

HP Printer Paper is a straightforward choice for routine documents at home, school or work. The 20 lb uncoated paper comes in a 5-ream case with 2,500 sheets, so it gives frequent printers a useful supply without going to the largest carton here.

Its 92 brightness gives a clean white background for text. HP Papers says ColorLok technology provides bolder blacks and more vivid colors, and the paper is acid free to help prevent yellowing over time.

This paper is FSC certified and sourced from renewable forest resources, according to HP Papers. It is designed for everyday black-and-white printing, so choose a heavier sheet if your project calls for a more substantial feel.

Pick it for standard office pages, school work and recurring document printing. The 2,500-sheet case takes space, so measure your storage area if you keep paper near the printer.

2

Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for high-volume printing

9.7/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 4,000 sheets
• Smooth finish

This 8-ream case suits offices that go through everyday paper quickly. Hammermill describes it as suitable for laser printers and says its ColorLok technology supports bolder blacks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large case supply
• Smooth finish
• Acid free

Cons

• 40 lb case is heavy to move
• Standard 20 lb paper

Hammermill Printer Paper suits a busy printer that needs fewer restocks. Its 8-ream carton contains 4,000 letter-size sheets at 20 lb and 92 brightness, making it a bulk everyday option for reports, memos and general office pages.

Hammermill says its paper is 99.99% jam-free and includes ColorLok technology for brighter colors and bolder blacks. Those are brand claims, so keep the printer's paper guides set correctly and store the reams away from moisture.

The paper is acid free and made in the USA. It is also described for use in laser printers, inkjet printers and copiers, which makes it practical in a shared office with different machines.

Choose it when you print often and have room for a 40 lb case. If you print only now and then, a smaller 3-ream pack may be easier to store.

3

Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper: Best for a smaller home supply

9.6/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 1,500 sheets
• Smooth finish

A 3-ream case offers a smaller quantity of smooth, bright-white multipurpose paper. It works with laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smaller case than the 4,000-sheet option
• Smooth finish
• Acid free

Cons

• Less paper per case than bulk picks
• No special laser-only feature

Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is a smaller-case choice for a home printer or a low-volume office. The 3-ream case holds 1,500 smooth 20 lb sheets, with 92 brightness for a bright white background.

The paper is described for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines. Its multipurpose format works well when different devices share one paper supply, and the acid-free sheets are intended to resist yellowing over time.

This option comes in a smaller quantity than the 4,000-sheet Amazon Basics case below. That can make it easier to fit on a shelf or keep close to a compact printer.

Pick it for routine printing when you do not need a bulk carton. For ongoing office use, compare the larger case's sheet count with the space you have.

4

Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper: Best for a bulk multipurpose case

9.5/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 4,000 sheets
• Smooth finish

This 8-ream case gives home or office users a bulk supply of smooth 20 lb sheets. It is designed for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 4,000-sheet case
• Bright white finish
• Multipurpose compatibility

Cons

• Bulk quantity needs storage space
• Standard weight for routine output

This Amazon Basics option has the same 20 lb weight and 92 brightness as the smaller case, but it includes 4,000 sheets across 8 reams. That quantity can reduce how often a shared printer runs out of paper.

Its smooth letter sheets are described for laser and inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines. The brand also describes quick drying and resistance to paper jams, while the acid-free paper is intended to prevent yellowing.

The case weighs 41.2 lb, so plan where it will sit before ordering. You may prefer the smaller Amazon Basics pack if you do not have a shelf or cabinet that can hold a bulk supply.

Choose it for a multipurpose office stock that several devices use. It is a standard 20 lb sheet, not a specialty paper for cardstock, labels or other media.

For adhesive label stock, see our guide to Avery labels for laser printers.

5

HP Printer Paper: Best for a compact HP paper case

9.4/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 1,500 sheets
• FSC certified

HP Office20 is a 3-ream case of smooth paper for everyday black-and-white documents. HP Papers says it is optimized for HP equipment and other printer and copier equipment.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smaller 1,500-sheet case
• FSC certified
• Acid free

Cons

• Standard 20 lb weight
• Less paper than larger cases

HP Office20 is another 20 lb, 92-bright option, packaged as 3 reams for 1,500 sheets. It is designed for everyday black-and-white printing and copying, with a smooth finish suited to general office documents.

HP Papers says the paper is optimized for HP equipment and other printer and copier equipment. It is FSC certified, acid free and made with ColorLok technology, which HP Papers says provides bolder blacks and more vivid colors.

This smaller case is useful when you want HP paper but do not need 2,500 sheets at once. It shares the same basic weight and brightness as the larger HP Printer Paper pick.

Pick it for a modest supply of everyday documents. If you go through paper quickly, compare the 5-ream HP case above.

6

Hammermill Printer Paper: Best for double-sided documents

9.2/10Our score

• 24 lb letter-size sheets
• 97 brightness
• 2,500 sheets
• Smooth finish

The 24 lb sheet is heavier and brighter than the everyday options here. Hammermill describes it as suited to double-sided printing and projects such as reports, newsletters and flyers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Heavier 24 lb paper
• 97 brightness
• FSC certified

Cons

• Heavier paper may not suit every printer tray
• Costs and availability can vary

Hammermill's 24 lb paper is the heavier, brighter option in this group. The letter-size sheets have 97 brightness and a smooth finish, and the 2,500-sheet case gives you enough for recurring reports or project work.

Hammermill describes this paper as suitable for double-sided laser and inkjet printing, newsletters, flyers and reports. Its ColorLok technology is intended to support brighter colors and bolder blacks, and Hammermill says the paper is FSC certified.

The increased weight can make a page feel more substantial than standard 20 lb copy paper. Check the printer manual before buying, since supported media weight can vary by printer and tray.

Choose it for heavier documents or double-sided projects. For ordinary memos and drafts, a 20 lb paper may be the simpler choice.

7

TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer: Best for a 5,000-sheet office stock

8.4/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 5,000 sheets
• Smooth finish

This 10-ream carton is aimed at home and office use, including toner-based printers. Its smooth white paper is listed for crisp black-and-white output.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest sheet count here
• Works with laser printers
• Acid free

Cons

• 51 lb carton is heavy
• Large storage footprint

TRU RED by Staples Copy & Printer Paper is a high-volume option with 5,000 sheets in 10 reams. It is 20 lb, 92-bright letter paper with a smooth texture, described for toner-based printers, laser printers, copiers and fax machines.

The larger carton is useful for an office that prints steadily and wants fewer paper restocks. The paper is acid free, and its bright white surface is intended to keep printed pages clear and easy to read.

At 51 lb, the carton is heavy to move. Consider splitting the reams into a nearby cabinet or shelf rather than lifting the full case whenever you refill a tray.

Pick it when sheet count matters more than easy handling. A 3-ream case is easier to store if you print only a few pages at a time.

8

Phomemo Thermal Printer Paper 8.5''×11'' for M08F: Best for compatible thermal printers

8.3/10Our score

• Letter-size thermal sheets
• 100 sheets
• Single-sided printing
• Not for laser or inkjet printers

This paper is for compatible letter-size thermal printers, including listed Phomemo models. It is not suitable for a laser printer, so choose it only if you also use a supported thermal device.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Letter-size thermal sheets
• Made for compatible portable printers
• 100 sheets per pack

Cons

• Not for laser or inkjet printers
• Prints on one side

Phomemo thermal paper is included as a compatibility warning, not a laser-paper recommendation. These 8.5 x 11 in sheets are made for compatible letter-size thermal printers and are explicitly not suitable for laser or inkjet printers.

The 100-sheet pack prints on one side. Phomemo says the paper uses a thermal process, so it does not need ink or toner in a compatible thermal printer.

Do not put these sheets in a laser printer just because they share the same letter size as regular copy paper. Printer technology matters as much as sheet dimensions.

Choose it only for a compatible thermal model. For a laser printer, use one of the standard multipurpose papers in this guide.

9

PrintWorks 100% Recycled Printer Paper 8.5" x: Best for recycled everyday paper

8.2/10Our score

• 20 lb letter-size sheets
• 92 brightness
• 1,200 sheets
• 100% post-consumer recycled material

This 3-pack is made from 100% post-consumer recycled material and is compatible with laser printers and copiers. Its 20 lb weight and 92 brightness suit everyday documents.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 100% post-consumer recycled material
• Compatible with laser printers
• Double-sided paper

Cons

• Smaller 1,200-sheet supply
• Standard 20 lb weight

PrintWorks 100% Recycled Printer Paper is a 20 lb, 92-bright option made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. The 3-pack contains 1,200 sheets, and the paper is described as compatible with laser printers, inkjet printers and copiers.

Its uncoated letter-size sheets are made for everyday black-and-white or color documents. The double-sided format can suit ordinary two-sided pages, and the 92 brightness gives a white background for readable text.

This is the clearest pick for buyers who want recycled content in their everyday printer paper. Its case has fewer sheets than the other multipurpose options, so compare supply needs as well as paper type.

Pick it when recycled content is a priority. For high-volume printing, the larger cases above will need fewer restocks.

What should you check before buying laser printer paper?

Check the printer's supported paper size and weight first, then choose a finish and quantity that fit the job. Letter-size 20 lb paper is a familiar starting point for everyday documents, while heavier sheets need a compatibility check.

Is 20 lb paper enough for everyday laser printing?

Yes, 20 lb paper is a practical choice for common letters, forms, drafts and reports when your printer supports it. Most picks here use this weight, so it is also easy to stock as a shared office supply.

For a heavier feel or a project with printing on both sides, consider 24 lb paper. Confirm printer support before loading a heavier sheet, especially in a manual feed slot or specialty tray.

Does brightness matter for laser printer paper?

Brightness describes how white or bright the paper looks, which can affect the contrast between the page and printed text. The everyday options here are 92 bright, while the heavier Hammermill pick is 97 bright.

A higher number does not guarantee sharper printer resolution. If fine text looks soft, check print settings and toner condition as well as paper choice, and see our guide to What Is Print Resolution in Laser Printers?.

Should you choose smooth or uncoated paper?

For everyday documents, smooth or uncoated copy paper is a common fit. The choices here use those finishes, which suit reports, letters and general office pages.

Coated or specialty paper can be made for a different print job. Check the printer manual and the paper package before using vellum, brochure stock or other specialty media.

Which paper works for color laser printers?

For color documents, start with paper that your printer supports and consider brightness and finish alongside weight. Several everyday options in this guide are multipurpose, while a dedicated color paper guide can help narrow choices for graphics and presentations.

For more detailed color work, see our guide to best color laser printer paper. If you use a Canon machine, our best paper for Canon laser printer guide covers that printer family.

The printer's paper settings also matter. Select the media type that matches the sheet so the printer can use its intended handling and output settings.

Can you use specialty paper in a laser printer?

Some specialty papers work in laser printers, but size and weight compatibility still matter. Check your printer's manual and the paper packaging before loading unusual finishes or heavier sheets.

For tabloid layouts, compare options in our guide to best 11x17 laser printer paper. For thicker project sheets, read about best laser printer cardstock paper, and check the machine's media limits first.

Vellum and brochure paper also have different uses from everyday copy paper. See our guides to best vellum paper for laser printer and best brochure paper for laser printer.

If your job involves multipart forms, our guide to best NCR paper for laser printers explains that paper type. For mailing, use the feed instructions in your printer manual and compare best envelopes for laser printers.

How do you reduce paper feeding problems?

Use dry, flat sheets and set the tray guides so they touch the stack without bending it. Load the paper in the direction shown in the printer manual and keep the stack below the tray's fill line.

Paper can curl or absorb moisture when stored in a damp room. Keep unopened reams sealed until needed, and avoid mixing different sizes or finishes in one tray.

If jams continue, remove the stack and check for folded corners or damaged sheets. Then confirm that the tray is set for the same paper size and type shown in the print settings.

Which laser printer paper should you choose?

Choose HP Printer Paper for a balanced everyday supply, Hammermill's 4,000-sheet case for frequent printing, and 24 lb Hammermill for heavier double-sided projects. Pick PrintWorks if recycled content is the deciding factor, and avoid the Phomemo thermal sheets in a laser printer.

If you need a model-specific option, compare best paper for HP LaserJet printer. For basic documents, match the paper size and weight to your printer, then choose the case quantity you can store and use.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday office printing

   HP Printer Paper

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for high-volume printing

   Hammermill Printer Paper

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a smaller home supply

   Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What paper weight is best for a laser printer?

For everyday documents, 20 lb letter paper is a common choice among these picks. Heavier 24 lb paper can suit reports or double-sided projects, but check your printer manual for supported paper weights before loading it.

Paper weight alone does not determine whether a specialty sheet will feed correctly.

Can you use regular copy paper in a laser printer?

Yes, if the paper size and weight are supported by your printer. The 20 lb multipurpose sheets here are described for laser printers, copiers and, in several cases, inkjet printers.

Use the printer's paper settings and tray guides for the sheet size.

Does brighter paper make laser text sharper?

Brightness affects the paper's appearance and contrast, while resolution and toner settings also affect how text looks. The picks range from 92 to 97 brightness.

For ordinary documents, a clean, smooth sheet and a printer setting matched to the paper can matter as much as choosing the brightest option.

Can thermal paper go in a laser printer?

No. The Phomemo thermal sheets here are explicitly not for laser or inkjet printers, and are intended for compatible thermal models.

Choose standard multipurpose paper for a laser printer, and confirm the printer type before loading any specialty media.

What paper should I use for color laser printing?

Start with paper labeled for laser printers and check your printer's recommended weight and finish. For more vivid color work, compare options in our best color laser printer paper guide.

For regular reports, bright white multipurpose paper can also work when the printer supports it.