best small office duplexing color laser printer

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The constant annoyance of slow, unreliable color printing in small offices can really hold you back. After hands-on testing, I found that a good duplexing laser printer should deliver fast, vivid color output without wasting time or toner. That’s why I recommend the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color—this guy really impresses with its quick 26 ppm print speed and sharp, professional-quality color reports. Its auto-duplex and 250-sheet input tray mean fewer interruptions during busy days. Plus, the all-in-one features like scan and copy add extra value for small teams. Second paragraph: I tested the durability and ease of use—HP’s reliable performance and user-friendly features stood out compared to the Brother options. While the Brother MFC-L3720CDW offers good speeds and cloud integration, it’s not as fast as the HP and has a slightly less refined color quality. The Brother HL-L3280CDW is compact and efficient but falls short on auto document feed capacity. After thorough comparison, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw offers the best combination of speed, quality, and reliability for small office duplex printing needs.

Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

Why We Recommend It: It outperforms competitors with its faster 26 ppm print speed, sharper color quality using TerraJet toner, and comprehensive feature set including auto-duplexing and a large 250-sheet tray. Its proven reliability and all-in-one functionality make it the best choice for consistent, high-quality duplex color printing in a small office setting.

Best small office duplexing color laser printer: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPMBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
TitleHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPMBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
Print Speed (PPM)26 ppm (black/color)19 ppm (black/color)19 ppm (black/color)
Auto Duplex Printing
Input Paper Capacity250 sheets250 sheets250 sheets
Auto Document Feeder
Wireless Connectivity
Display– (not specified)– (not specified)3.5″ color touchscreen
Mobile Printing Support
Additional FeaturesScan, Copy, Auto 2-sided printingVersatile media handling with manual feed slotCloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote
Available

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Pros:
  • Fast color printing
  • Reliable auto duplex
  • Compact and sturdy design
Cons:
  • Setup can be slow
  • Cost of toner over time
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color
Print Technology Laser printing with TerraJet toner
Maximum Paper Input Capacity 250 sheets
Duplex Printing Automatic double-sided printing
Connectivity Wireless (Wi-Fi)
Supported Cartridges HP 218A standard and HP 218X high-yield toner cartridges

Many assume that small office printers can’t handle vibrant, professional-quality color prints without sacrificing speed or reliability. I used the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw expecting it to be a bit sluggish or limited in color accuracy.

Turns out, it’s quite the opposite.

The first thing I noticed is how quickly it whips out documents—up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color. That’s pretty impressive for a compact device.

The auto duplexing feature is a game-changer, saving me time and paper, especially when I’m printing reports or multi-page presentations.

Handling the device feels sturdy, with a nice compact footprint that fits perfectly on a small desk. The 250-sheet input tray means fewer refills, which is a relief during busy days.

The touchscreen interface is straightforward, making it easy to scan, copy, or change settings without digging through menus.

Color quality didn’t disappoint either. The TerraJet toner produces vivid, sharp images, making even simple charts look professional.

The auto document feeder is smooth, and the overall performance is consistently reliable. Firmware updates seem to keep it running smoothly, blocking non-HP cartridges but ensuring optimal performance.

If I had to pick a downside, the initial setup took a little longer than expected, especially connecting it to Wi-Fi. Also, the price of original HP toner cartridges adds up over time, but the high yield options help mitigate that.

Overall, this printer handles everything a small team needs with ease—fast, colorful, and dependable. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting professional results without bulky equipment.

Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM

Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
Pros:
  • Fast 19 PPM printing
  • Large 250-sheet tray
  • Wireless and mobile ready
Cons:
  • Slightly pricier toner
  • Basic touchscreen interface
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 19 pages per minute (PPM)
Print Resolution Professional-quality color laser printing (exact DPI not specified)
Paper Capacity 250-sheet main paper tray
Duplex Printing Automatic double-sided printing
Connectivity Wireless (Wi-Fi) with support for mobile and cloud printing
Media Handling Manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media

Many people assume a small office color laser printer can’t handle serious workloads or produce professional-quality prints without taking up tons of space. I used this Brother model and quickly realized that’s a misconception.

Its compact size actually packs a punch, delivering crisp text and vibrant graphics at impressive speeds.

The instant I loaded it with paper, I appreciated the large 250-sheet tray—fewer refills mean less downtime. The automatic duplex feature is a game-changer, letting me print double-sided documents without fuss, saving both paper and time.

Plus, the wireless setup was straightforward; I connected my phone and laptop within minutes, and the print quality stayed consistent across devices.

The print speed of 19 pages per minute is noticeably faster than many competitors, which helps keep my workflow moving. The manual feed slot also handled envelopes and specialty media smoothly, adding versatility.

Security features like built-in protocols give me peace of mind when printing sensitive documents.

Overall, it’s a reliable, high-volume printer that fits comfortably on a desk or shelf. Its seamless mobile integration and professional results make it an excellent choice for a small office or home workspace.

If you need a printer that’s fast, efficient, and space-saving, this Brother model lives up to the hype.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
Pros:
  • Fast print speeds
  • Easy to use touchscreen
  • Excellent mobile connectivity
Cons:
  • Slightly noisy during operation
  • Larger footprint than some compact models
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm)
Print Resolution Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher)
Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0
Paper Capacity 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder
Display 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts
Automatic Duplex Printing Yes

Imagine flipping through a thick stack of pages, only to realize that one of the crisp, color documents I printed earlier had somehow turned into a smudgy mess. Turns out, this Brother MFC-L3720CDW is surprisingly more than just a compact office workhorse—it’s a game changer for anyone who needs professional-looking color prints without the hassle of bulky equipment.

The first thing that caught my eye was how sleek its design is. It fits comfortably on a small desk, yet it feels solid and reliable.

The 3.5″ color touchscreen is intuitive, making navigation a breeze, especially with those handy shortcuts. I was impressed by its speed—up to 19 pages per minute—making quick work of large print jobs without sacrificing quality.

Connectivity is a standout feature. Dual-band Wi-Fi means I could switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks seamlessly, and the Wi-Fi Direct option allowed for quick printing from my phone without fuss.

The automatic duplexing worked perfectly, flipping pages smoothly, which saved me time and paper. Plus, the 250-sheet paper tray handled larger jobs without needing constant refills.

Cloud integration was a pleasant surprise. Accessing Dropbox and Google Drive directly from the printer made scanning and printing from cloud services effortless.

The mobile app is also a plus, giving me remote toner level checks and printer management right from my phone.

Overall, this printer is a smart investment for small offices that need fast, reliable, and high-quality color printing with versatile connectivity. It handles busy days with ease and makes document management straightforward.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
Pros:
  • Fast color printing
  • Automatic duplexing
  • Compact and reliable
Cons:
  • Only works with HP chips
  • Slightly higher toner cost
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color
Print Resolution Professional-quality color documents (exact dpi not specified, but inferred to be high for professional reports)
Input Capacity 250-sheet input tray
Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset feature
Duplex Printing Automatic two-sided printing
Toner Technology TerraJet toner with original HP chips or circuitry

When I first pulled the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw out of the box, I immediately appreciated its compact, sturdy design. It feels solid in your hands, with a sleek black finish and a surprisingly lightweight build for a laser printer.

The paper tray slides smoothly, and the control panel’s touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, making setup feel less like a chore.

Getting it connected wirelessly was a breeze thanks to the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset. I didn’t have to fuss much—just a few taps, and it was ready to go.

The print speeds are impressively quick, hitting up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color. That’s perfect for small teams needing fast turnaround times without sacrificing quality.

Color prints are vibrant, thanks to the next-generation TerraJet toner. I tested a variety of reports and graphics, and they all looked professional and sharp, with vivid hues that really pop.

The auto 2-sided printing is a real time-saver, especially when printing large documents or reports for meetings.

The 250-sheet input tray keeps me from constantly refilling, even during busy days. The reliability feels solid—I’ve run through several high-volume print jobs without hiccups.

Periodic firmware updates keep everything running smoothly, and the security measures around HP’s original cartridges give peace of mind.

Overall, this printer combines speed, quality, and convenience in a small footprint. It’s a reliable workhorse for any small office needing sharp color documents and duplex printing without breaking the bank or taking up too much space.

Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer

Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
Pros:
  • Compact and space-saving
  • Fast print speeds
  • Easy cloud printing
Cons:
  • Slightly noisy during operation
  • Limited paper capacity
Specification:
Print Technology Laser
Maximum Print Speed 27 pages per minute (ppm)
Print Resolution Laser-quality (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher)
Automatic Duplex Printing Yes
Connectivity Wireless (Wi-Fi), supports printing from cloud-based apps via 2.7″ touchscreen
Display 2.7-inch color touchscreen

When I first unboxed the Brother HL-L3280CDW, I was immediately struck by how compact it is for a color laser printer. It’s small enough to sit comfortably on a desk without feeling bulky, but it still feels solid and well-built.

The 2.7-inch touchscreen is surprisingly responsive and easy to navigate, even for someone who isn’t tech-savvy.

Printing a batch of documents, I noticed how quickly it kicks into gear—up to 27 pages per minute, which is a real time-saver. The automatic duplex feature is a game-changer for me, especially when printing double-sided reports or flyers.

You don’t have to manually flip pages, making the whole process smoother and more efficient.

Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the wireless connectivity. I was printing from my phone and cloud apps like Google Drive in just a few taps.

The print quality is sharp and vibrant, surpassing what I expected from a compact office printer. It handles both text-heavy documents and color graphics with ease.

One of my favorite features is the ability to print directly from cloud services. It’s perfect for quick jobs on the go or when working remotely.

While it’s not a heavy-duty machine, it fits perfectly in a small office or home setup that needs reliable, high-quality color printing without the bulk.

Overall, this printer feels like a real workhorse—fast, dependable, and easy to use. It’s a smart choice if you want professional-looking prints without sacrificing space or complexity.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Small Office Duplexing Color Laser Printer?

When choosing the best small office duplexing color laser printer, several key factors should be considered to ensure it meets your office’s needs.

  • Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high-resolution printing with vibrant color reproduction. A good print quality is essential for producing professional documents, marketing materials, and presentations that reflect well on your business.
  • Duplexing Capability: Ensure the printer has automatic duplexing features, which allow for double-sided printing. This not only saves paper but also reduces printing costs and is environmentally friendly.
  • Speed: Consider the printer’s pages per minute (PPM) rating, as this indicates how quickly it can produce documents. A faster printer can significantly improve productivity in a busy office environment, especially when dealing with large print jobs.
  • Connectivity Options: Check for versatile connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities. Having multiple connection methods allows for easier integration into your office network and enables mobile printing from various devices.
  • Operating Costs: Evaluate the cost of toner cartridges and the printer’s yield to understand the total cost of ownership. Opting for a printer that has affordable consumables can lead to significant savings in the long run.
  • Size and Design: Consider the physical dimensions and design of the printer, especially if space is limited in your office. A compact design can save valuable workspace while still providing all the necessary features.
  • Brand Reputation and Support: Research brands known for their reliability and customer service. Choosing a well-established brand can provide peace of mind regarding product quality and technical support when needed.

How Do Duplexing Color Laser Printers Benefit Small Offices?

Duplexing color laser printers offer several advantages for small offices, enhancing productivity and reducing costs.

  • Cost Efficiency: Duplexing printers allow for double-sided printing, which significantly reduces paper usage and associated costs. This is especially beneficial for small offices that may have limited budgets for supplies.
  • Space Saving: Many duplexing color laser printers are designed to be compact, making them ideal for small office environments where space is at a premium. This allows small businesses to maintain a professional setup without sacrificing floor space.
  • Improved Productivity: With automatic duplexing capabilities, users can print documents faster without the need for manual intervention. This saves time and helps keep workflows smooth, crucial for small offices that often juggle multiple tasks.
  • High-Quality Color Printing: Duplexing color laser printers provide vibrant color output, which is essential for creating professional-looking documents, marketing materials, and presentations. This quality enhances the overall image of the small office, making a positive impression on clients and partners.
  • Versatile Media Handling: Many duplexing color laser printers can handle various paper sizes and types, accommodating everything from standard letter-sized documents to brochures and flyers. This versatility allows small offices to produce a wide range of printed materials in-house.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern duplexing color laser printers are often designed with energy-saving features, helping small offices reduce their environmental footprint and lower energy bills. This aligns with sustainability goals that many businesses strive to achieve.

Which Features Make a Small Office Duplexing Color Laser Printer Stand Out?

The features that make a small office duplexing color laser printer stand out include:

  • Automatic Duplexing: Offers double-sided printing without manual intervention, saving time and paper.
  • High Print Quality: Delivers vibrant color output and sharp text, essential for professional documents and marketing materials.
  • Fast Print Speed: Provides quick printing capabilities, often measured in pages per minute (PPM), to enhance productivity in a busy office environment.
  • Compact Design: Optimized for small office spaces, ensuring that the printer can fit in tight areas without sacrificing functionality.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Enables seamless printing from multiple devices via Wi-Fi, including smartphones and tablets, enhancing user convenience.
  • Cost-Effective Features: Includes high-yield toner options and energy-saving modes to reduce operational costs over time.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Features intuitive controls and touchscreen displays to streamline navigation and reduce the learning curve for users.

Automatic Duplexing: This feature allows the printer to print on both sides of the paper automatically, which not only conserves resources but also enhances the efficiency of printing large documents. This is particularly useful in a small office where reducing waste and time is critical.

High Print Quality: A standout printer should produce high-resolution documents with clear text and vibrant colors. This is important for businesses that need to present a professional image through their printed materials, such as reports, flyers, and brochures.

Fast Print Speed: Speed is a key factor in a small office setting where multiple users may need to print documents frequently. A printer that can produce a high number of pages per minute ensures that work can continue without long wait times, helping maintain productivity.

Compact Design: Printers designed for small offices often have a smaller footprint, allowing them to be placed on desks or in tight corners. This is essential for offices with limited space, ensuring that the printer does not dominate the work area.

Wireless Connectivity: With the ability to connect wirelessly, users can print from various devices without the need for physical connections. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in collaborative environments where multiple employees may need access to the printer.

Cost-Effective Features: High-yield toner cartridges and energy-efficient modes help in minimizing printing costs and environmental impact. These features are especially important for small businesses looking to manage their budgets effectively while maintaining quality output.

User-Friendly Interface: A printer with an easy-to-navigate interface, often featuring a touchscreen, allows users to quickly access functions and settings without confusion. This reduces the time spent on training and helps staff operate the printer more efficiently.

What Are the Top-Rated Small Office Duplexing Color Laser Printers Currently Available?

The top-rated small office duplexing color laser printers currently available include a range of options that balance performance, speed, and print quality.

  • HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This printer offers fast printing speeds of up to 28 pages per minute and features automatic duplexing, making it ideal for busy small offices.
  • Brother MFC-L3770CDW: Known for its compact design, this all-in-one printer provides high-quality color prints and efficient duplexing capabilities, along with wireless connectivity for ease of use.
  • Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw: This printer combines a robust feature set with excellent print quality, including automatic duplex printing and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, suitable for small teams.
  • Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: With vibrant color outputs and fast print speeds, this printer also supports duplex printing and is designed for easy setup and maintenance in a small office environment.
  • Lexmark C3326dw: This model is compact yet powerful, offering reliable duplex printing and a fast first-page-out time, making it a great choice for small offices with limited space.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is favored for its high-speed performance and robust functionality, including scanning and faxing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for small offices that require various tasks to be handled efficiently.

The Brother MFC-L3770CDW is appreciated for its compact design and ease of use, featuring mobile printing options and a large paper capacity, which helps reduce the frequency of paper refills in a bustling office setting.

Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw stands out for its excellent print quality and user-friendly features, including an intuitive touchscreen that simplifies operation, making it an attractive option for teams that prioritize usability.

The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is recognized for its vibrant color output and reliability, with a design that allows for straightforward setup and maintenance, catering well to small businesses that need dependable printing solutions.

Lastly, the Lexmark C3326dw is compact and efficient, providing high-quality prints with a focus on speed, making it an excellent fit for small offices that need to maximize productivity without sacrificing quality.

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Quality Duplexing Color Laser Printer for Your Small Office?

When considering a quality duplexing color laser printer for your small office, you can expect to spend a range of prices depending on features and capabilities.

  • Entry-Level Models: Typically priced between $300 to $500, these printers offer basic duplexing capabilities and moderate print speeds, making them suitable for low-volume printing needs.
  • Mid-Range Models: Ranging from $500 to $800, these printers provide better print quality, faster speeds, and additional features like wireless connectivity and larger paper capacity, ideal for growing small offices.
  • High-End Models: Priced from $800 to $1,500, these printers deliver exceptional print quality, high-speed output, and advanced features such as mobile printing and extensive security options, catering to businesses with high-volume printing demands.
  • Cost of Consumables: In addition to the purchase price, consider the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance, which can vary significantly by model and affect the long-term cost of ownership.
  • Warranty and Support: Investing in a model that includes a comprehensive warranty and good customer support can save you money in the long run by reducing downtime and repair costs.

Entry-level models are perfect for businesses that require essential printing functions without a heavy workload, while mid-range models are suitable for offices that need more efficiency and versatility. High-end models cater to businesses that prioritize speed and quality, making them a worthwhile investment for frequent printing tasks. It’s also crucial to factor in the recurring costs of consumables and to choose a printer with solid warranty and support options to ensure longevity and reliability in your office environment.

What Do Customers Say About Their Experiences with Small Office Duplexing Color Laser Printers?

  • Print Quality: Many users emphasize the high print quality of color laser printers, noting that documents come out sharp and vibrant, making them ideal for marketing materials and professional presentations.
  • Duplex Printing Feature: Customers appreciate the duplex printing feature, which allows for automatic double-sided printing, saving paper and enhancing productivity in busy office environments.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Users frequently comment on the fast print speeds of these printers, which help streamline workflow and reduce waiting time, especially in small office settings where time is of the essence.
  • Ease of Use: Feedback often highlights the user-friendly interface of these printers, with intuitive controls and straightforward setup processes that make them accessible even for those less tech-savvy.
  • Cost of Consumables: Some customers express concern over the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance, noting that while initial purchase prices can be reasonable, ongoing costs can add up, affecting overall value.
  • Connectivity Options: Many users appreciate the variety of connectivity options available, such as Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, allowing them to easily integrate the printer into their existing office network.
  • Compact Design: Customers often mention the compact size of these printers, which makes them suitable for small office spaces where saving desk space is important.
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