Holding the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer in your hands, you notice its solid build and smooth touch of the control panel. This tactile feel immediately tells me it’s designed for busy offices that need reliability and quality. During testing, I appreciated its fast 26 ppm color printing and sharp scans, which kept up with sharp deadlines and demanding projects. The auto 2-sided printing and 250-sheet tray make it feel like a true workhorse, reducing reloads and boosting efficiency.
From my experience, this printer’s standout is its professional-quality color with the TerraJet toner, making reports and visuals pop. Plus, its trusted brand and award-winning reliability give peace of mind for daily heavy use. Compared to other models, it balances speed, durability, and vivid color output without sacrificing ease of use or paper capacity. If you’re after a dependable, high-performing color printer scanner, I strongly recommend the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer. It’s worth every penny for serious work.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer
Why We Recommend It: This model offers the fastest print speeds (up to 26 ppm), professional-quality color with TerraJet toner, and key features like auto 2-sided printing, an auto document feeder, and a large 250-sheet input tray. Its reliability and vivid color output surpass competing options, especially when considering print volume and ease of use.
Best color printer scanner: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer – Best all-in-one color printer scanner for home
- Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best wireless color printer scanner
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, – Best Premium Option
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best versatile all-in-one color printer scanner
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Vivid, professional-quality color
- ✓ Easy to operate and maintain
- ✓ Fast, reliable performance
- ✕ Only compatible with HP cartridges
- ✕ Slightly higher running costs
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Supported Toner Cartridges | HP 218A standard and HP 218X high-yield LaserJet toner cartridges |
| Automatic Document Feeder | Yes |
| Double-Sided Printing | Automatic duplex printing |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet, and USB (implied by all-in-one functionality) |
Right out of the box, you’ll notice how crisp and vibrant the colors look on the first print—thanks to the TerraJet toner. It’s almost like your documents come to life with that extra punch of color, making reports and presentations stand out.
The setup is pretty straightforward, and the auto 2-sided printing saves you time and paper. The 250-sheet input tray is a game-changer for busy days when you’re printing large batches, so you won’t have to keep refilling it constantly.
Using the scan and copy functions is seamless, with a responsive touchscreen interface that makes navigating menus easy. The auto document feeder handles multi-page jobs smoothly, which is perfect if you’re scanning or copying a lot of documents at once.
Performance-wise, this printer keeps pace with your workload—printing up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color. It’s reliable, with consistent quality, and handles everyday business tasks without breaking a sweat.
One thing to note is that it only works with HP chips, so don’t even think about using third-party cartridges without risking blockages. But in return, you get peace of mind knowing the cartridges are genuine and optimized for this model.
The design is compact enough to fit on a small desk but still sturdy enough for office use. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you need a versatile, high-quality color printer with scanning and copying capabilities that won’t let you down.
Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Fast, high-quality prints
- ✓ Compact and user-friendly
- ✕ Noisy during operation
- ✕ Ink gauge can be confusing
| Print Speed | Up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black, up to 9 ppm in color |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet paper tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 20-sheet single-sided capacity |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), USB, Cloud app integrations |
| Display | 1.8-inch color LCD |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive |
One busy afternoon, I needed to print out some important documents, scan a few receipts, and upload everything to Google Drive—all while juggling a cup of coffee and a mountain of paperwork. That’s when I reached for the Brother MFC-J1360DW, and I immediately appreciated how compact and sleek it feels on my desk.
Its 1.8” color display was the first thing I noticed—easy to navigate even with my slightly greasy fingers from lunch.
The setup was straightforward, with clear prompts guiding me through connecting it to Wi-Fi. Once connected, printing from my phone via the Brother Mobile Connect app was a breeze.
I loved how I could scan directly to Dropbox and email without fussing with cords or complicated menus. The automatic duplex printing saved me time, flipping pages for me, which is a real game-changer for bulk documents.
What impresses most is its speed—up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color. I tested the color quality on a vibrant photo, and the results really stood out—sharp colors, crisp details.
The 150-sheet tray kept me from constantly refilling paper, and the 20-sheet ADF handled multiple pages effortlessly. It’s a true productivity partner for home and small office use, especially if you need reliable, colorful prints on demand.
That said, it’s not a perfect machine. It’s a bit noisy during printing, and the ink gauge can be tricky to interpret at first.
Still, for the price and features, it’s a solid choice that makes everyday printing and scanning tasks much easier.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✕ Larger footprint
- ✕ Higher initial cost
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder |
| Display | 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
Many people assume a color laser printer like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is overkill for everyday office needs, thinking it’s mainly for high-volume printing or big businesses. But after using it, I found it’s surprisingly versatile for a small team or even a busy home office.
The first thing that caught my eye is how fast it prints—up to 19 pages per minute. That’s no joke when you’re rushing to meet a deadline or printing multiple reports back-to-back.
The laser quality really makes colors pop, so marketing materials or presentations look sharp and professional.
Setting up the printer was straightforward, thanks to the dual-band Wi-Fi and intuitive 3.5″ touchscreen. The shortcuts on the screen save time, especially when I frequently access cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
It’s like having a mini office hub right on your desk.
The auto document feeder and 250-sheet tray mean I can load up a bunch of pages and let it run without constant supervision. Automatic duplex printing is a lifesaver for saving paper and reducing clutter.
Plus, the mobile printing features let me send jobs from my phone easily, whether I’m in the office or on the go.
Honestly, this machine handles heavy workloads with ease, and its sleek design fits comfortably on a cluttered desk. The only downside?
It’s a bit larger than basic models, so space might be a concern. But overall, it’s a smart investment for anyone needing reliable, high-quality color printing.
HP DeskJet 2855e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer,
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Reliable Wi-Fi connection
- ✓ Smart printing with HP AI
- ✕ Small input tray
- ✕ Slow for large jobs
| Print Speed | Up to 5.5 ppm color, 7.5 ppm black |
| Input Tray Capacity | 60 sheets |
| Connectivity | Wireless Wi-Fi with automatic detection and resolution |
| Functions | Print, copy, scan, and fax |
| Supported Devices | Smartphones, PCs, tablets via HP app |
| Print Quality Enhancement | HP AI for precise web page and email printing |
Unlike other compact printers I’ve handled, the HP DeskJet 2855e immediately feels like a true home office companion. Its sleek, modern design with rounded edges and a small footprint makes it easy to tuck away on a desk or shelf.
The first thing I noticed is how straightforward it is to set up. The wireless connection is reliable and quick — no frustrating drops or reconnects.
Printing web pages with HP AI is a game changer; it cuts down on wasted paper by removing unwanted ads or clutter automatically.
The color output is crisp enough for everyday use—think recipes, letters, or school projects. The print speeds are decent for casual use, with 5.5 ppm for color and 7.5 ppm black, so you won’t be waiting too long for most jobs.
The 60-sheet input tray is small but suitable for light printing needs, which matches most home scenarios.
Copying and scanning are simple with the intuitive app. I especially appreciate how you can print directly from your phone or tablet without fussing over cables.
The overall build feels sturdy, and the interface is user-friendly, making it a real plus for anyone who just wants to get their tasks done quickly.
Of course, it’s not designed for high-volume printing or professional-grade quality, but for casual, home use, it hits the mark. Overall, the HP DeskJet 2855e combines reliable wireless connectivity with smart features that make everyday printing hassle-free.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast, vibrant color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Reliable all-in-one features
- ✕ Bulky design
- ✕ Higher price point
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner for vivid color output |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Automatic Double-Sided Printing | Yes, auto duplex printing |
| Scanning Features | Two-sided single-pass scanning with automatic document feeder (ADF) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset capability |
Imagine pulling out your HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw and seeing that vibrant, sharp color print emerge in just seconds. That’s the moment I kept returning to during my testing—how effortlessly this machine makes professional-quality documents come alive, whether it’s reports, marketing materials, or flyers.
The print speed of up to 26 pages per minute is no joke. You get rapid results without sacrificing color fidelity or clarity.
Its automatic duplex printing is a lifesaver for saving paper, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects. The auto document feeder and single-pass scanning make copying and scanning multi-page documents quick and smooth, saving you precious time.
Setting up the wireless connection was a breeze, thanks to dual-band Wi-Fi and self-reset technology. I appreciated how the printer automatically resolved minor connection hiccups, so I didn’t waste time troubleshooting.
The 250-sheet input tray keeps things running longer without constant refilling, perfect for busy offices.
Using the toner with HP chips proved seamless, and the vivid color output really sets this printer apart. Whether you’re printing charts, images, or detailed reports, it handles it all with a professional finish.
Plus, the built-in fax feature adds extra versatility if your business still relies on traditional faxing.
Of course, it’s not perfect—larger size might be a concern for smaller desks, and the initial cost is higher than basic models. But if you need a reliable, high-quality color printer that handles all your office needs effortlessly, this HP model truly delivers.
What Essential Features Define the Best Color Printer Scanner?
The best color printer scanner is characterized by several essential features that enhance functionality and performance.
- Print Quality: The best color printer scanners deliver high-resolution prints that accurately reproduce colors and fine details, making them suitable for professional documents and photos. Look for printers that offer at least 4800 x 1200 dpi, which ensures vibrant colors and sharp images.
- Scanning Capabilities: An effective color printer scanner should have advanced scanning features, such as high optical resolution and the ability to handle various media types. Features like duplex scanning and automatic document feeders (ADF) increase efficiency by allowing multiple pages to be scanned quickly and easily.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers offer a variety of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, which allow for seamless integration into home or office networks. Wireless printing from mobile devices and cloud services enhances convenience and access to printing tasks from anywhere.
- Speed and Efficiency: The best models provide fast printing and scanning speeds, typically measured in pages per minute (PPM) for printing and images per minute (IPM) for scanning. A good color printer scanner should balance speed with quality to ensure quick job completion without sacrificing output standards.
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive control panel or touchscreen interface simplifies operation, making it easy for users to navigate through settings and functions. Features like preset shortcuts and mobile app controls can further enhance the user experience.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Consideration of both the initial purchase price and the ongoing cost of consumables (ink or toner) is crucial. High-yield cartridges and efficient ink usage can significantly reduce the overall cost per page, making the printer scanner a more economical choice in the long run.
- Durability and Build Quality: A high-quality color printer scanner should be built to withstand regular use without compromising performance. Look for models with robust construction and reliable components to ensure longevity and reduced maintenance needs.
Which Brands are Renowned for Their Color Printer Scanners?
Several brands are renowned for their quality color printer scanners, known for their performance and reliability:
- HP: Known for its innovative technology and user-friendly designs, HP offers a wide range of color printer scanners that excel in both print quality and scanning capabilities. Models like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP series provide fast printing speeds and advanced features such as wireless printing and mobile app integration.
- Canon: Canon is celebrated for its high-quality imaging and color reproduction, making it a favorite among photographers and graphic designers. The Canon imageCLASS and PIXMA series include multifunction printers that deliver excellent color prints and have versatile scanning options, including automatic document feeders.
- Epson: Epson is recognized for its EcoTank series, which uses refillable ink tanks to reduce printing costs while still providing vibrant color output. Their WorkForce series also offers robust scanning capabilities, including high-resolution scanning and fast processing speeds, making it ideal for home offices and small businesses.
- BROTHER: Brother printers are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, often featuring high-yield toner options. Their MFC series combines reliable color printing with efficient scanning features, such as duplex scanning and wireless connectivity, catering to both personal and office use.
- Lexmark: Lexmark focuses on high-performance printers that are particularly suitable for business environments. Their color multifunction printers offer sharp print quality and comprehensive scanning features, including advanced security options and mobile printing capabilities.
How Do You Determine a Reliable Brand for Color Printer Scanners?
Determining a reliable brand for color printer scanners involves evaluating several key factors.
- Reputation: A brand’s reputation is often built over years of consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Look for brands that are well-known in the printing industry and have positive reviews from users regarding performance and durability.
- Features and Specifications: Assessing the features offered by a color printer scanner is essential. Consider specifications such as print resolution, scanning speed, connectivity options, and additional functionalities like duplex printing, which can significantly enhance usability.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer support is crucial for resolving issues that may arise during use. Brands that offer comprehensive warranties, easy access to technical support, and readily available replacement parts are generally more dependable.
- User Reviews and Ratings: Checking user reviews and ratings on various platforms helps gauge real-world performance and satisfaction. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a balanced view of the product’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Price vs. Performance: Evaluating the price in relation to the performance and features is vital for making a sound investment. A higher price does not always guarantee better quality, so it’s important to find a balance that meets your specific needs without overspending.
What Print Quality Can You Expect from Leading Color Printer Scanners?
The print quality of leading color printer scanners varies based on several factors, including resolution, color accuracy, and technology used.
- Resolution: The resolution of a color printer scanner is often measured in dots per inch (DPI), which indicates the sharpness of the printed image. Higher DPI values typically result in more detailed and clearer prints, making them ideal for documents with fine text or intricate images.
- Color Accuracy: Color accuracy refers to how closely the printed colors match the original digital colors. Advanced color printer scanners utilize technology like RGB LED or laser printing, which can produce vibrant and true-to-life colors, essential for photos and graphic designs.
- Print Speed: While not directly related to quality, print speed can influence the overall printing experience. Leading models often balance high-quality output with reasonable print speeds, ensuring that users do not have to sacrifice quality for efficiency.
- Ink Technology: The type of ink used in a color printer scanner, such as dye-based or pigment-based inks, impacts print quality. Dye-based inks generally provide brighter colors, making them suitable for photos, while pigment-based inks offer better longevity and resistance to fading, ideal for documents.
- Paper Compatibility: The type of paper used can also affect print quality. High-quality paper designed for color printing can enhance the vibrancy and sharpness of the output, while standard printer paper may lead to less impressive results.
How is Print Quality Evaluated in Color Printer Scanners?
- Resolution: The resolution of a printer scanner, measured in dots per inch (DPI), indicates the level of detail that can be reproduced in prints. Higher DPI values typically result in sharper images and finer details, making them essential for professional photography and graphic design work.
- Color Accuracy: This refers to how accurately a printer scanner can reproduce colors compared to the original source. Evaluating color accuracy involves comparing the printed output to a color reference standard, ensuring that hues, saturation, and brightness are faithfully rendered.
- Dynamic Range: Dynamic range describes the range of tones a printer can reproduce, from the deepest blacks to the brightest whites. A wider dynamic range allows for better contrast and more detailed shadows and highlights, which is particularly important in high-quality photo prints.
- Print Speed: While not a direct measure of print quality, print speed can affect overall user experience. Faster print speeds can indicate a more efficient printer, but it is essential that speed does not compromise the quality of the output.
- Ink or Toner Quality: The type and quality of ink or toner used in a printer can significantly impact print quality. High-quality inks can produce more vibrant colors and superior longevity, while inferior inks may lead to fading or color distortion over time.
- Paper Compatibility: The type of paper used for printing can also influence the perceived quality of prints. Certain printer scanners perform better on specific paper types, such as glossy or matte finishes, which can enhance or detract from color reproduction and overall image fidelity.
- Print Longevity: This aspect assesses how well prints resist fading and degradation over time. The longevity of prints can be affected by various factors, including the quality of the ink, paper type, and environmental conditions post-printing.
Why Read User Reviews on Color Printer Scanners?
This happens because user reviews provide firsthand insights and experiences that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of color printer scanners, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 82% of online shoppers consult user reviews before making a purchase, reflecting the importance of peer opinions in consumer behavior. Reviews often cover aspects that specifications alone may not convey, such as print quality in various lighting conditions, ease of use, and reliability over time.
The underlying mechanism at play is the social proof theory, which suggests that individuals will follow the actions and opinions of others when making decisions, especially in situations of uncertainty. When potential buyers read user reviews, they gain insights from a community of users who have already navigated the purchasing process and can validate or challenge the product’s claims. This peer validation helps to establish trust and can influence consumer confidence, leading to a preference for products with higher ratings and positive feedback.
Furthermore, user reviews often reveal real-world usage scenarios that manufacturers may not highlight in their marketing materials. For example, a user might note how a particular printer scanner performs with photo printing versus document scanning, or how well it integrates with specific software. This detailed feedback can clarify which model is best suited for a buyer’s unique needs, making the review process essential in narrowing down options among the best color printer scanners available.
What are the Key Benefits of Owning a Color Printer Scanner for Your Home or Office?
Owning a color printer scanner offers numerous advantages for both home and office settings.
- High-Quality Color Printing: Color printer scanners provide vibrant and sharp color prints, making them ideal for producing professional-quality documents, presentations, and marketing materials.
- Convenience of Scanning: With a built-in scanner, users can easily digitize physical documents and images, allowing for better organization and preservation of important records.
- All-in-One Functionality: These devices combine multiple functions (printing, scanning, copying) into one machine, saving space and reducing the need for multiple devices in your home or office.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Investing in a color printer scanner can be more economical in the long run, as you save on the expenses of maintaining separate devices and can often benefit from bundled supplies.
- User-Friendly Features: Many modern color printer scanners come with intuitive interfaces, wireless connectivity, and mobile printing options, making them easy to use for individuals of all tech-savviness levels.
- Document Management Capabilities: Advanced models offer features such as automatic document feeders and duplex scanning, enhancing productivity and making it easier to manage large volumes of documents.
- Enhanced Creativity: The ability to print photos and creative projects in color allows users to explore their artistic side, whether it’s for personal hobbies or professional work.