Sharp Fax Machine: Buyer's Guide (2026)

By David Thompson · Published April 11, 2026 · Updated June 8, 2026 · 10 min read

Quick Answer: Sharp's standalone fax machines (UX-B700, FO-3150) are no longer sold in mainstream retail as of 2026 — but refurbished and new-old-stock units remain available for $75–$630. If you need a fax machine today, Sharp's business-grade MX MFPs start at $3,226. For most buyers, mFax.to handles faxing from your phone or computer starting at about $9/mo — no hardware, no phone line, no toner.

Sharp has been making fax machines since 1972, when it introduced the SharpFax SF-201 — one of the world's first commercial facsimile devices. For decades, Sharp's UX and FO series were fixtures in offices everywhere. In 2026, the landscape looks very different.

This guide covers every relevant Sharp fax machine model, their real-world specs and pricing, honest pros and cons, and a frank answer to the question every buyer should ask: is a Sharp fax machine the right choice for your situation, or is an online fax service a better fit?

Sharp Fax Machine Models (2026)

Sharp's fax lineup splits into two categories: legacy standalone machines still available through secondary markets, and active business MFPs sold through dealer channels.

Legacy Standalone Models (Available as Refurbished / New-Old-Stock)

Active Products: Sharp MX MFPs with Fax

Sharp's currently manufactured and sold fax-capable products are multifunction printers in the MX series — business machines designed for offices, not consumers:

These are sold through Sharp's authorized dealer network with service contracts — not through Amazon or Staples.

Sharp UX-B700: The Most Accessible Model

The Sharp UX-B700 is the Sharp fax machine you'll most commonly find on Amazon and eBay in 2026. It's an inkjet plain-paper machine with solid specs for home and small-office use.

Current pricing:

• Used/good condition: $75–$150 (eBay, Amazon third-party)
• New-in-box: $150–$300 (eBay, limited listings)

Sharp FO-3150: The Laser Option

The FO-3150 is Sharp's last widely-listed standalone laser fax machine. Sharp maintains a product page for it, though it's out of stock at all major retailers.

The FO-3150 produces professional-quality laser output and handles moderate office workloads. Its 14.4 Kbps modem is a limitation compared to Brother and Canon models that include 33.6 Kbps Super G3 modems as standard — meaning slightly slower transmission on long documents.

Pricing: Available refurbished from specialty dealers at approximately $200–$400.

Sharp FO-DC550 and FO-DC535: The Business Workhorses

For heavier fax use, Sharp's FO-DC series offered Super G3 (33.6 Kbps) connectivity and laser MFP functionality — print, copy, scan, and fax from one unit.

The JBIG compression on these models reduces file sizes by roughly 30% compared to standard compression, resulting in faster transmission of dense documents.

Pricing:

• FO-DC535 reconditioned: ~$629 (specialty dealers)
• FO-DC550: Out of stock; call for pricing on remaining inventory

Sharp vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

If you're comparing Sharp to other fax machine brands, here's an honest side-by-side with the major alternatives currently in the market.

Verdict: Brother (FAX-2840) and Canon (FAXPHONE L100) are the practical choices if you need a new, warrantied standalone fax machine in 2026. Sharp hardware is best for buyers who specifically want a used Sharp machine at a good price, or who already have Sharp infrastructure in place.

The Real Cost of a Sharp Fax Machine

The purchase price is only part of the equation. Here's what ongoing ownership actually costs.

For a complete cost comparison, see our fax machine cost guide.

Who Should Buy a Sharp Fax Machine?

Sharp fax machines make sense in specific situations. Be honest about which category you're in.

Buy a Sharp fax machine if:

• You've found a reliable Sharp UX-B700 or FO-3150 at a fair price and have a working analog phone line
• Your office already has Sharp fax infrastructure (supplies, service contracts, trained staff)
• You specifically need standalone hardware with no internet dependency
• You operate in a regulated environment with existing paper-based audit requirements
• You're already purchasing a Sharp MX MFP for printing and want integrated fax

Skip the hardware and use mFax.to instead if:

• You're setting up fax capability from scratch in 2026
• You need mobility — sending faxes from a laptop, tablet, or phone
• You want HIPAA-compliant encrypted transmission without hardware maintenance
• You're sending fewer than 200 pages per month
• You need multiple employees to have fax access without buying multiple machines
• You're not sure you can get Sharp ink or toner reliably in your area

Setting Up a Sharp Fax Machine

If you've decided a Sharp machine fits your needs, here's what you need to get running.

What You'll Need

1. Analog phone line — a traditional landline or a VoIP adapter that supports T.38 fax protocol
2. Phone cable (RJ-11) — connects the machine to the wall jack
3. Plain paper — standard letter-size paper (8.5" × 11")
4. Ink or toner — Sharp UX-C70B for UX series; toner specific to FO model
5. Power outlet

VoIP Configuration

If using a VoIP line, disable ECM (Error Correction Mode) on the Sharp machine. VoIP compression algorithms interfere with fax tone signals, and ECM's retransmission attempts make this worse. The setting is in the machine's menu under Fax Settings → Error Correction.

Even with ECM disabled, VoIP fax is unreliable on some carriers. A dedicated analog line or an online fax service is more dependable for critical transmissions.

Speed Dial Setup

All Sharp fax machines support programmed speed dials. On the UX-B700:

1. Press Function → Speed Dial
2. Enter a 2-digit speed dial number (01–99)
3. Enter the fax number, confirm with Set
4. Assign a name (optional) using the alphanumeric keypad

For the FO-DC series, use the machine's LCD menu to program up to 100 speed dials and 18 one-touch dials.

Where to Buy Sharp Fax Machines and Supplies

Machines

• eBay — largest selection of Sharp UX and FO models; new-in-box and used available. Check seller feedback carefully.
• Amazon — third-party sellers list UX-B700 and UX-A1000; prices vary widely
• Specialty dealers: CopyFaxes.com, A Matter of Fax, PrintersCopiersAndMore.com — FO-DC535 refurbished units, FO-3150 stock when available
• Sharp Business USA (business.sharpusa.com) — for MX series MFP dealer referrals

Ink and Toner

Third-party compatible cartridges (LD Products, Castle Ink) are available at lower cost but check reviews for that specific Sharp model before ordering.

Sharp Fax Machine vs. mFax: Side-by-Side

For most new buyers, mFax.to offers more capability at a lower total cost. The mFax app lets you send a fax from your phone in under 2 minutes — no machine, no phone line, no maintenance. Over 5 million users have made the switch.

For business teams needing HIPAA compliance, virtual fax numbers, and shared accounts, mFax Business starts at about $9/mo.

If you're already in the market for a new dedicated fax machine, our best fax machine guide covers the top-rated alternatives from Brother and Canon currently available at retail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sharp still make fax machines?

Sharp no longer manufactures standalone dedicated fax machines for retail. The UX and FO series are discontinued. Sharp's current fax-capable products are MX series MFPs — business multifunction printers sold through authorized dealers starting at $3,226 MSRP.

What Sharp fax machine should I buy?

The Sharp UX-B700 is the best choice if you want a standalone Sharp fax machine — it offers 600 dpi inkjet resolution, a 200-sheet tray, and 20-sheet ADF. For heavier business use, the refurbished FO-DC535 (~$629) provides Super G3 speed and laser output. For most new setups, an online fax service is more practical.

Where can I get Sharp fax machine ink or toner?

UX-B700 ink (UX-C70B) is available through Amazon third-party sellers, A1toners, LD Products, and Castle Ink. OEM cartridges are increasingly scarce — third-party compatibles are a reasonable alternative. FO-series toner is available through CopyFaxes and specialty office equipment dealers.

How do I disable ECM on a Sharp fax machine?

On most Sharp models, go to the fax settings menu (Function or Menu button), find Error Correction Mode or ECM, and set it to Off. This is recommended when using a VoIP phone line to reduce transmission failures.

What is the Sharp UX-B700 fax machine worth?

Used Sharp UX-B700 machines sell for $75–$200 in good working condition. New-in-box units on eBay command $150–$300 depending on seller. Factor in ink costs before buying — OEM cartridges are becoming expensive.