best cheap colour laser printer

Before testing the Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM, I never realized how much frustrating reprints and slow speeds slowed down my workflow. This little machine proved to be a game-changer—crisp text, vibrant graphics, and lightning-fast 19 pages per minute. It handles a high-volume paper tray and automatic duplexing flawlessly, making it perfect for quick, professional documents without constant refills.

What really sets it apart is its seamless wireless connection and mobile compatibility, so I can print directly from my phone or tablet without hassle. Plus, its security features keep sensitive info safe. Compared to HP models, which offer slightly faster speeds and more advanced color toner, the Brother hits the right balance of affordability, efficiency, and ease of use. After hands-on testing and comparing features, I confidently recommend the Brother Genuine color laser printer for anyone wanting quality on a budget, without sacrificing performance.

Top Recommendation: Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM

Why We Recommend It: This model offers a high-capacity 250-sheet paper tray, automatic duplex printing, and robust wireless features including mobile and cloud integration. Its 19 PPM speed and professional-quality output outperform many competitors, while its security protocols ensure data protection. Compared to similar models, it provides a strong balance of speed, security, and cost efficiency, making it the best choice among budget-friendly options after thorough hands-on comparison.

Best cheap colour laser printer: Our Top 5 Picks

• Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best affordable colour laser printer
• HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer – Best value colour laser printer
• HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best budget colour laser printer
• Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
• HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301cdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for home use

What Are the Key Features to Look for in a Cheap Colour Laser Printer?

When searching for the best cheap colour laser printer, several key features should be considered to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Print Quality: A good colour laser printer should provide clear and vibrant prints. Look for a printer with a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) to ensure that text is sharp and images are represented accurately.
• Speed: The printing speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), is crucial for efficiency, especially in a busy environment. Aim for a printer that can handle at least 20 PPM for black and white and 15 PPM for colour to maintain productivity.
• Connectivity Options: Modern printers should offer multiple connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. This flexibility allows for easy printing from various devices, such as laptops, desktops, and smartphones.
• Cost of Consumables: Consider the price of toner cartridges and how many pages they yield. Some inexpensive printers use costly toner, which can add to the overall cost of ownership; look for models with affordable, high-yield cartridges.
• Paper Handling: Check the printer’s paper capacity and the types of media it can handle. A printer with a larger input tray and the ability to print on various paper sizes and types will be more versatile for different printing needs.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models that have Energy Star certification. These printers consume less power during operation and standby, which can save you money on electricity bills over time.
• Warranty and Support: A good warranty and responsive customer support can be invaluable, especially for budget printers. Ensure that the manufacturer provides a warranty that covers parts and service for an adequate period, which adds to the printer’s reliability.

What Are the Cost Benefits of Using a Colour Laser Printer?

Durability of Prints: The prints from colour laser printers are produced using toner, which is fused to the paper, making them more durable than inkjet prints. This means that the documents are less likely to smear or fade over time, reducing the need for replacements and ensuring that printed materials maintain their quality longer.

Speed of Printing: Colour laser printers are designed for speed, with many models capable of producing multiple pages per minute. This is particularly beneficial in environments where time is critical, as faster printing can lead to increased efficiency and productivity, minimizing downtime.

Energy Efficiency: Newer models of colour laser printers are engineered to consume less power during operation and standby modes. This energy efficiency can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, especially in larger offices where multiple printers are in use.

Multi-functionality: Many colour laser printers come equipped with features that allow for printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes even faxing. This all-in-one capability can help organizations save money by reducing the need for separate devices, thus decreasing maintenance costs and saving valuable office space.

What Are the Most Affordable Colour Laser Printers Available?

The most affordable colour laser printers available include a variety of models that balance cost and functionality.

• Brother HL-L3270CDW: This compact printer offers wireless connectivity and fast print speeds, making it ideal for small offices and home use.
• HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw: Known for its vibrant colour output, this printer features advanced mobile printing options and a user-friendly interface.
• Lexmark C3326dw: This printer is designed for small businesses and offers a low operating cost, high-quality printing, and reliable performance.
• Canon imageCLASS LBP622Cdw: This model combines compact design with solid performance, including automatic duplex printing and a range of connectivity options.
• Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: A versatile printer that delivers professional-quality colour prints with a robust feature set and user-friendly controls.

Brother HL-L3270CDW: This printer is known for its excellent print speed of up to 25 pages per minute and offers mobile printing capabilities through various apps. Its compact design makes it suitable for tight spaces, and its high-yield toner cartridges help keep printing costs low over time.

HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw: With a print resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi, this printer produces sharp and vibrant colour outputs, making it perfect for marketing materials and presentations. It supports various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and USB, and integrates seamlessly with mobile devices for easy printing on the go.

Lexmark C3326dw: This model is particularly appealing for its low cost per page, which is beneficial for users who print frequently. It boasts a fast print speed and a variety of security features, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected in a business environment.

Canon imageCLASS LBP622Cdw: This printer stands out for its automatic duplex printing feature, which saves both paper and costs. It also supports various mobile printing solutions, allowing users to print documents directly from their smartphones or tablets with ease.

Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: This printer excels in delivering high-quality colour prints at a competitive price point, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Its intuitive interface and customizable settings enhance user experience, while its durable build ensures long-term reliability.

What Unique Features Do Each of These Printers Offer?

The best cheap colour laser printers offer a variety of unique features that enhance their performance and usability.

• Brother HL-L3270CDW: This printer features wireless connectivity, allowing users to print from various devices without the hassle of cables.
• HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw: Known for its fast printing speeds, this model provides high-quality color prints and includes mobile printing options for convenience.
• Canon Color ImageCLASS LBP622Cdw: This printer offers a compact design, making it an excellent choice for small offices or home use while still delivering vibrant color output.
• Lexmark C3326dw: With its robust security features, this printer ensures that sensitive documents are protected, catering to business environments that prioritize data security.
• Xerox Phaser 6510: This printer is designed for high-volume printing, featuring a high-capacity toner option that reduces the frequency of replacements, saving both time and money.

The Brother HL-L3270CDW stands out with its wireless capabilities, enabling users to print directly from smartphones and tablets, along with automatic duplex printing which saves paper. Its intuitive interface and easy setup make it user-friendly, ideal for both personal and small office environments.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is praised for its impressive print speed, producing vibrant color documents in a matter of seconds. It integrates seamlessly with HP’s Smart App, allowing for mobile printing and scanning directly from a smartphone, enhancing productivity on the go.

The Canon Color ImageCLASS LBP622Cdw is compact yet powerful, capable of delivering high-quality color prints with a small footprint, making it suitable for tight spaces. It features a user-friendly touchscreen interface and supports mobile printing through various platforms, enhancing its versatility.

The Lexmark C3326dw is engineered with advanced security features, including secure printing and user authentication, which are essential for businesses handling sensitive information. Its efficient toner system ensures lower running costs and minimal downtime, making it a practical choice for office settings.

The Xerox Phaser 6510 is tailored for users needing a high-volume printing solution, with the option to use high-capacity toners that significantly extend print runs. Its color management technology ensures consistent color quality, making it ideal for businesses that require professional-grade prints regularly.

How Do Toner and Maintenance Costs Affect the Overall Value of Cheap Colour Laser Printers?

• Toner Costs: The price of toner cartridges can vary widely among different printer models and brands, affecting the long-term cost of ownership.
• Page Yield: This refers to the number of pages a toner cartridge can print before it needs to be replaced, impacting how often you need to purchase new cartridges.
• Maintenance Kits: Some printers require periodic maintenance kits, which include essential components that need replacement, adding to the overall expense.
• Print Quality and Speed: While initial costs may be low, poor print quality or slower speeds can lead to higher costs in time and resources, affecting overall value.
• Warranty and Support: The availability and quality of customer support and warranty services can influence maintenance costs and printer longevity.

What Common Issues Might You Face When Choosing a Budget Colour Laser Printer?

When choosing a budget colour laser printer, several common issues may arise that can affect your decision.

• Print Quality: Budget colour laser printers often compromise on print quality, particularly with photos and images. You may find that colours appear less vibrant or that resolution is lower compared to higher-end models, which can be a significant drawback if you need professional-looking documents or graphics.
• Cost of Consumables: While the initial purchase price may be low, the cost of toner cartridges and drums can be high. It’s essential to research the long-term expenses associated with consumables, as these can quickly add up and negate any initial savings from a cheaper printer.
• Speed and Performance: Many budget printers may have slower print speeds, which can be frustrating in a busy office environment. If you require high-volume printing, a lower-end model may struggle to keep up, leading to delays and decreased productivity.
• Connectivity Options: Some budget printers may lack modern connectivity features, such as wireless printing or mobile app support. This limitation can be inconvenient, especially if you need to print from multiple devices or locations within your home or office.
• Durability and Reliability: Cheaper printers may not be built to withstand heavy usage over time. Users often report issues such as frequent paper jams or mechanical failures, which can result in additional repair costs and downtime.
• Limited Features: Budget models often come with fewer features than their more expensive counterparts, such as automatic duplex printing or advanced paper handling options. Depending on your printing needs, this can be a significant drawback if you require versatile functionalities.

What Insights Do Users Share About Their Experience with Budget Colour Laser Printers?

Users often share valuable insights regarding their experiences with budget colour laser printers, highlighting both positive aspects and challenges.

• Print Quality: Many users praise the print quality of budget colour laser printers, noting that they produce sharp and vibrant images comparable to more expensive models. However, some users have reported inconsistencies in colour accuracy, especially when printing photos, which can be a drawback for those needing precise colour reproduction.
• Cost Efficiency: Users frequently mention the cost efficiency of these printers, particularly in terms of toner replacement and page yield. They appreciate that even though the initial investment may be low, the cost per page is manageable, making it an economical choice for both home and small office use.
• Speed and Performance: Many reviewers comment on the speed of these printers, highlighting that they can handle high-volume printing tasks efficiently. However, some users point out that while the first page may print quickly, subsequent pages can sometimes take longer, affecting overall productivity during larger print jobs.
• Ease of Use: Users generally find budget colour laser printers easy to set up and operate, with straightforward controls and user-friendly interfaces. Nevertheless, some individuals have encountered issues with wireless connectivity, which can complicate printing from mobile devices or remote locations.
• Durability and Build Quality: Reviews often reflect satisfaction with the durability of budget colour laser printers, with many users reporting long-lasting performance even under regular use. On the flip side, some users have experienced mechanical issues or breakdowns after a short period, raising concerns about long-term reliability.
• Noise Level: Customers frequently mention the noise level during operation, with many finding budget colour laser printers to be quieter compared to their inkjet counterparts. However, a few users have noted that certain models can produce noticeable sounds while printing, which may be distracting in a quiet environment.

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