Updated March 2025
#1 🏆Best Overall
HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q5F)
HP
PRIMEPRIME
$409.00
$529.00
22% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Trusted Brand: From America's most trusted printer brand, ideal for small teams needing professional-quality color printing, scanning, and copying.
- Fast Performance: Print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color documents.
- Versatile Features: Includes auto duplex printing, duplex single-pass scanning, an automatic document feeder, and a 250-sheet input tray.
- Reliable Operation: Designed to perform consistently, meeting the high demands of business environments.
- Wireless Connectivity: Equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset for easy and stable connections.
- Enhanced Security: Features HP Wolf Pro Security for robust protection against cyber threats and malware.
- Mobile Access: Use the HP app to print, scan, copy, or fax directly from your smartphone.
- Sustainable Design: Energy Star and EPEAT certified, with a focus on reducing plastic use and energy consumption.
#2 🥈Runner-up
Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
Brother
$611.00
$649.99
5% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Fast Performance: Prints and copies at speeds up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) in vibrant color.
- User-Friendly Navigation: 5" color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts.
- Versatile Connectivity: Built-in Gigabit Ethernet and wireless networking options.
- NFC Compatibility: Supports seamless printing and scanning from NFC-capable mobile devices.
- Efficient Document Handling: 70-page duplex auto document feeder for multi-page tasks.
- High-Speed Scanning: Scans single-sided pages at up to 28 images per minute (ipm) and double-sided pages at 56 ipm.
- Sleek Design: A stylish white design suitable for business environments.
- Model Information: Model number MFCL8900CDW, released on March 7, 2017, includes a manufacturer warranty.
- Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready feature included.
#3 ⚡Popular
HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)
HP
PRIMEPRIME
$449.00
☷ Key Highlights:
- Trusted Brand: Designed for small teams, delivering high-quality color documents and reports.
- Fast Printing: Achieves print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color.
- Advanced Toner: Utilizes Original HP 218A and 218X high-yield toner cartridges for vibrant output.
- Comprehensive Features: Offers fast printing, scanning, copying, auto 2-sided printing, and a 250-sheet input tray.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent and dependable for business needs with award-winning reliability.
- Wireless Connectivity: Features dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset to maintain stable connections.
- Enhanced Security: Integrated HP Wolf Pro Security safeguards against cyber threats and malware.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Energy Star and EPEAT certified, promoting reduced plastic use and energy consumption.
#4
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Best-for-Office
HP
PRIMEPRIME
$548.90
$699.00
21% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- Multi-functional Design: All-in-one color laser printer, scanner, copier, and fax suitable for small teams (up to 10 users).
- Fast Printing: Delivers up to 35 color pages per minute with sharp details.
- Auto Features: Equipped with auto 2-sided printing and an automatic document feeder for quick scanning and copying.
- Smart Connectivity: Intelligent Wi-Fi ensures a reliable connection for seamless printing.
- Data Security: Features HP Wolf Pro Security with customizable settings to protect printer and user data.
- Mobile Printing: Supports wireless printing from any mobile device.
- Compact Size: Dimensions of 16.6 x 17.1 x 15.1 inches, easy to fit in office spaces.
- Warranty Included: Comes with a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
#5
Canon® imageCLASS® MF753Cdw Wireless Laser All-In-One Color Printer
Canon
$419.24
$649.99
35% off
☷ Key Highlights:
- 4-in-1 Functionality: Print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities.
- Fast Printing: 2-sided printing at up to 35 pages per minute; quick first print in approximately 7 seconds.
- High Capacity Toner: Compatible with Toner 069 and 069 High Capacity options for fewer replacements.
- Large Paper Capacity: 250-sheet standard cassette, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, and expandable capacity up to 850 sheets with optional cassette.
- Efficient Scanning: Features automatic 2-sided printing and one-pass 2-sided scanning.
- Mobile Printing: Supports Canon PRINT Business, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service for on-the-go printing.
- Warranty & Energy Efficiency: Comes with a 3-year limited warranty, ENERGY STAR, and EPEAT Silver certification.
#6 ✅ Budget Choice
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer with Laser Quality Output, Duplex, Mobile Printing & Ethernet | Includes 4 Month Refresh...
Brother
PRIMEPRIME
$299.99
☷ Key Highlights:
- Ideal for Small Offices: Designed for small and home office environments, delivering reliable laser-quality color output.
- High-Speed Printing: Achieves print speeds of up to 27 pages per minute with efficient duplex (double-sided) printing.
- User-Friendly Interface: Features a 2.7" touchscreen for easy access and navigation.
- Mobile and Cloud Printing: Supports printing from popular cloud-based applications like Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Includes 4-Month Refresh Subscription: Comes with a trial for subscription service to help manage supplies.
- Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready: Compatible with Dash Replenishment to automate supply orders.
- Compact Design: Space-saving design suitable for any office setup.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty: Backed by a one-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Buying Guide for Color Laser Printers
Color laser printers are a great choice for individuals or businesses that need high-quality, fast, and reliable printing for documents, graphics, and photos. Unlike inkjet printers, which use liquid ink, laser printers use toner cartridges and a laser to produce sharp text and vibrant colors. This guide will help you navigate the key factors to consider when buying a color laser printer, ensuring you get the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Consider
- Print Quality
- Resolution: The print resolution determines the sharpness and clarity of your prints. Look for a printer with at least 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch) for sharp text and vibrant color images.
- Color Accuracy: If you need the printer for graphic design, marketing materials, or photography, color accuracy is critical. Make sure the printer supports color management and offers consistent color reproduction.
- Printing Speed
- Pages Per Minute (PPM): Printing speed is essential for offices or heavy-duty use. Laser printers are typically faster than inkjets, with speeds ranging from 20 to 50 pages per minute. If you print large volumes frequently, look for a printer with a higher PPM rate.
- Print Volume and Duty Cycle
- Monthly Duty Cycle: This is the maximum number of pages a printer can handle in a month. If you’re printing regularly or for a small business, ensure the printer’s duty cycle matches your expected workload.
- Paper Capacity: Check the paper tray capacity to ensure it can handle the volume of printing you require without needing frequent refills. Some printers come with multiple trays for different paper sizes.
- Connectivity
- Wired vs. Wireless: Consider whether you need a wired connection (USB or Ethernet) or if wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) is preferable. Wireless printers are more flexible, allowing printing from various devices without physical connections.
- Mobile Printing: Many modern color laser printers support mobile printing through apps like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or proprietary apps from the printer manufacturer. This is useful if you frequently print from smartphones or tablets.
- Cost of Consumables
- Toner Costs: Laser printers use toner cartridges that can be expensive. Make sure to factor in the cost of replacement toner when considering the total cost of ownership. Some models may have high-yield toner cartridges that are more cost-effective in the long run.
- Toner Yield: The yield indicates how many pages a toner cartridge can print before needing replacement. High-yield cartridges offer better value for high-volume users.
- Size and Design
- Space Considerations: Color laser printers, especially those designed for heavy use, can be large. Measure your workspace to ensure the printer will fit comfortably.
- User Interface: Look for a printer with a user-friendly interface, such as a touchscreen display for easy navigation, settings adjustment, and troubleshooting.
- Energy Efficiency
- Energy Star Certification: Energy Star-certified printers consume less energy, making them more environmentally friendly and reducing operating costs over time.
- Power-Saving Modes: Some printers offer sleep modes or automatic shut-off features to save energy when not in use.
- Security Features
- Network Security: If you plan to use the printer in an office environment, ensure it has security features to protect against unauthorized access. Look for features like password protection, secure printing, and encrypted connections, especially if sensitive information is being printed.
- User Access Control: Some printers allow administrators to limit printing access to certain users, which can be useful in shared or public environments.
- Multifunction Features
- All-in-One Printers: Many color laser printers come as all-in-one devices that can print, scan, copy, and fax. If you need more than just a printer, an all-in-one can help streamline your office space and reduce the need for multiple devices.
Common Questions (FAQs)
- How does a color laser printer work?
- A color laser printer uses a laser beam to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which attracts toner particles (powdered ink). The drum then transfers the toner onto paper, where it is fused by heat to create the printed image. The process is fast and results in crisp, high-quality prints.
- Are color laser printers more expensive to maintain than inkjet printers?
- While color laser printers generally have higher upfront costs, they tend to have lower cost-per-page rates, especially for text-heavy prints. Toner cartridges last longer than ink cartridges, making them more economical for high-volume printing. However, toner can be expensive, so it’s important to consider long-term costs.
- Can a color laser printer print photos?
- Yes, color laser printers can print photos, but the quality may not be as high as an inkjet printer designed specifically for photo printing. If you need professional-grade photo prints, look for a color laser printer with high resolution and support for color management features.
- What is the difference between a color laser printer and a monochrome laser printer?
- A color laser printer can print in multiple colors, whereas a monochrome laser printer only prints in black and white. If you need to print color documents, such as marketing materials or presentations, a color laser printer is the better choice.
- Do I need a color laser printer if I only print in black and white?
- If you only need to print black and white documents, a monochrome laser printer would be a more cost-effective choice. Color laser printers are typically more expensive and have higher operational costs, even if you only use black toner.
- What is a printer’s duty cycle, and how is it different from print speed?
- The duty cycle refers to the maximum number of pages a printer can print in a month without experiencing damage. Print speed (measured in pages per minute or PPM) refers to how quickly the printer can produce a page. The duty cycle is important for understanding the printer’s durability, while print speed is useful for gauging productivity.
- How can I reduce the cost of toner for a color laser printer?
- To reduce toner costs, consider using high-yield toner cartridges, which offer more pages per cartridge. Additionally, print in draft mode or grayscale for non-color documents. Some printers also offer toner-saving modes that can reduce toner usage without sacrificing too much print quality.
- Can a color laser printer be used for business purposes?
- Yes, color laser printers are widely used in business environments due to their fast printing speeds, high-quality output, and ability to handle large print volumes. They’re particularly useful for printing reports, presentations, and marketing materials.
- Is wireless connectivity available on all color laser printers?
- No, not all color laser printers have wireless connectivity. If you want a wireless model, make sure to check the specifications for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support. Many modern printers also allow for mobile printing via apps like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or proprietary manufacturer apps.
- How can I improve the print quality of a color laser printer?
- To improve print quality, ensure that the printer’s toner cartridges are not low or running out. Regularly clean the printer’s drum and other components to prevent toner build-up or dirt from affecting the print quality. Additionally, using high-quality paper designed for laser printers can also enhance results.
When shopping for a color laser printer, it’s essential to consider factors such as print quality, speed, connectivity, and operating costs to find the right model for your needs. Whether you need it for home use, a small office, or a larger business, color laser printers offer fast, reliable, and high-quality printing with low maintenance. By understanding the key features and selecting the right model for your printing habits, you’ll ensure that your investment provides long-term value.
