Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Canon
imageCLASS LBP226dw Monochrome Laser Printer

Fast mono wireless printer with automatic duplex. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Canon's U.S. support page maps item code 3516C005 to the imageCLASS LBP226dw. The monochrome laser printer is rated up to 40 pages per minute on Letter paper and includes automatic duplex, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and 350 sheets of standard input across its cassette and multipurpose tray. Canon recommends 750–4,000 pages per month. These facts suit a small office that prints black documents over a shared network and wants two-sided output without adding copier or scanner hardware. It is a print-only model, so teams that handle paper originals should compare an MFP instead.

Consider it for

A wired or wireless office that needs fast monochrome output, automatic duplex, and a published monthly range without MFP features..

Look elsewhere if

It is not for color printing, fax, copy, or scan jobs, and a 750–4,000 recommended range may not fit very light personal or very heavy production use.

Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Canon maps the exact 3516C005 item code to the LBP226dw.
  • Automatic duplex, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet are documented standard features.
  • A 750–4,000 monthly recommendation gives the office a clear workload reference.

What to weigh up

  • It is a single-function printer with no copy, scan, or fax capability.
  • The 40 ppm figure is a rated maximum, not a guarantee of every job's actual speed.
  • The additional 550-sheet cassette is optional and should not be assumed in an offer.

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredimageCLASS LBP226dw (3516C005)
Main functionsMonochrome laser; print only
Print outputUp to 40 ppm Letter; 750–4,000 recommended pages per month
Two-sided printingAutomatic duplex; Wi-Fi and Ethernet; 350-sheet standard input

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

What the features mean for you

Choose it for black print output only

Canon describes the LBP226dw as a standard print-only imageCLASS model. It does not add copying, scanning, or fax. That narrow job definition suits a team with separate document-capture equipment and a queue devoted to black business documents. If staff regularly scan invoices or copy signed forms, buying an MFP may simplify the workflow. The exact item code is 3516C005, which helps separate the product from nearby LBP models. Check the label on a specific offer rather than relying on an incomplete shortened title.

Rated speed supports recurring documents

Canon rates the printer up to 40 pages per minute on Letter. That figure can help compare it with slower desk printers when a small office often produces multi-page documents. It is a manufacturer rating rather than a fresh test of an individual unit, and job layout, paper size, connection, and condition influence actual time. The 350-sheet standard input combines a 250-sheet cassette and 100-sheet multipurpose tray. An optional 550-sheet cassette can expand capacity, but it should only be counted when the exact seller confirms it is included.

Automatic duplex is part of the standard configuration

Canon lists automatic double-sided printing as standard. The printer turns pages during a duplex job, which removes the manual reload step for forms and reports that need printing on both sides. This can make routine paper use easier for a shared office. It does not make the device a duplex scanner because there is no scanner in this print-only model. If duplex output is a hard requirement for a used unit, request a test page that prints on both sides and verify the internal path is functioning.

Use the network that fits the room

Canon lists Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, and Gigabit Ethernet as standard interfaces. Wireless can avoid a cable run when several computers share the printer across a room, while Ethernet suits a fixed office network. USB is also available for a direct connection. Having both network options gives the buyer flexibility, but it does not guarantee compatibility with every current security or management policy. Check the office's operating-system and network requirements before placing the LBP226dw in a managed queue.

Compare actual use with the recommendation

Canon recommends 750–4,000 pages each month. This gives a meaningful band for a moderately used office printer, while the 40 ppm rating describes speed rather than sustained volume. If a team normally prints far more, it should compare a model whose recommendation reaches its workload. For occasional use below the lower end, a smaller personal printer may be enough. Canon lists maximum duty separately, but that is not a routine target. The recommendation supports a clearer choice than a current price or an unverified listing claim.

What else to compare

The Brother HL-L2325DW is a smaller wireless mono printer with duplex and a 2,000-page recommended ceiling, while the Canon adds Ethernet, a 40 ppm rating, and a higher 4,000-page ceiling. Choose according to workload and network needs.

Explore this category →

Before you buy

Does the LBP226dw print automatically on both sides?

Yes. Canon lists standard automatic double-sided printing for the exact model.

Can it connect over Wi-Fi and Ethernet?

Canon lists Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Gigabit Ethernet as standard interfaces.

What monthly print volume does Canon recommend?

Canon gives a recommended monthly page volume of 750 to 4,000 pages for the LBP226dw.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources & review basis

We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

Choose the LBP226dw for fast mono output with standard duplex, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and a documented midrange workload. Select an MFP if document capture is part of the job.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

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