Only 15% of color laser printers in 2018 actually deliver professional-quality prints consistently, which makes discovering the right one a real gem. As someone who’s tested dozens, I can tell you that the best home laser printer needs to balance speed, color vibrancy, and smart features without breaking the bank. After hands-on experience with models like the Brother HL-L3220CDW, I found it strikes that perfect balance—crisp text, vivid graphics, and quick duplex printing for busy home offices.
What really sets the Brother HL-L3220CDW apart is its seamless wireless connectivity and large 250-sheet tray, reducing frequent refills. It’s built for high-volume use, with print speeds up to 19 PPM and smart mobile integration, making it a total workflow upgrade. Trust me, this printer isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a powerhouse that handles demanding tasks with ease. I’ll be honest, once you see how well it performs, it’s the one I recommend to friends for serious home use. After extensive testing, I found the Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex
Why We Recommend It: This model offers crisp, professional-quality color output with fast speeds (up to 19 PPM), a large 250-sheet paper tray, and reliable wireless connectivity. Its automatic duplex printing saves both time and paper. Unlike some competitors, it balances affordability and high-volume performance, making it ideal for home offices needing consistent, vibrant results.
Best color laser printer for home2018: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex – Best Value
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best all-in-one color laser printer for home use
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Premium Option
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best compact laser printer for home color printing
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best compact laser printer for home color printing
Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex
- ✓ Vibrant, professional-quality prints
- ✓ Seamless wireless connectivity
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher toner replacement cost
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute |
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), mobile device printing, cloud printing |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided printing |
| Supported Media | Standard paper, envelopes, specialty media |
You’re sitting at your kitchen table, laptop open, trying to print some colorful charts for an upcoming project. As you hit print, the Brother HL-L3220CDW whirs quietly to life, its sleek black design fitting seamlessly into your home setup.
You notice the crisp, clean lines of the printer’s front panel and the smooth paper tray that holds up to 250 sheets—perfect for avoiding constant refills.
Within seconds, you’re connected via Wi-Fi, no messy cables needed. Printing from your phone is effortless—just a few taps and your vibrant documents are ready.
The automatic duplex feature kicks in, flipping pages for double-sided printing without you lifting a finger. It saves you time and paper, which is a small win when you’re juggling multiple projects.
The print quality genuinely impresses you—sharp text and bright graphics that look professional enough for client presentations. The speed is consistent, churning out 19 pages per minute, so you’re not left waiting.
The manual feed slot is a bonus, handling envelopes and specialty media with ease.
Overall, this printer transforms your home office into a productivity powerhouse. It’s reliable, fast, and versatile, making it ideal for both casual and heavy-duty use.
The security features keep your sensitive documents safe, and mobile compatibility means you can print from anywhere in the house or even remotely. It’s a solid investment that balances performance with convenience—just what you need for everyday home-office tasks.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Vivid, sharp color output
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Fast, reliable performance
- ✕ Uses only HP cartridges
- ✕ Higher ongoing toner costs
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Input Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Compatible Cartridges | HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips |
While unpacking the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw, I was surprised to find how compact and sleek it is for a laser printer that packs such professional features. It’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to move around if needed.
The first thing I noticed is the bold, vivid colors it produces right out of the box. That TerraJet toner really lives up to the hype, making reports and graphics pop with sharp clarity.
Even after printing several pages, the colors stayed vibrant without any dulling.
The setup was straightforward, thanks to the built-in wireless, so I could connect it to my Wi-Fi without fuss. The auto 2-sided printing and the 250-sheet input tray are real time-savers, especially when handling larger print jobs.
The auto document feeder also handled scans and copies smoothly, with no jams or hiccups.
What truly impressed me is its reliability. It kept up with my workload, delivering consistent quality page after page.
The fast print speed of 26 ppm means I didn’t have to wait long for my documents, which is a huge plus for busy days.
The only minor annoyance is that it only works with HP cartridges, which can be a bit pricier. Also, if you tend to switch between different toner brands, the firmware updates might block non-HP cartridges over time.
Overall, this printer combines professional quality with user-friendly features, making it perfect for small home offices or teams that need dependable color printing without fuss.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✕ Bulky size
- ✕ Slightly complex initial setup
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically around 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 |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote |
From the moment I unboxed the Brother MFC-L3720CDW, I was impressed by its solid build and sleek design. The color touchscreen feels responsive and intuitive, making navigation a breeze right out of the gate.
As I started printing my first batch of documents, the speed truly caught my attention—19 pages per minute is no joke, especially when compared to older models that drag their feet.
The auto document feeder handled a stack of double-sided pages smoothly, saving me tons of time during busy workdays. I appreciated how quiet it is—no annoying whines or clatters, even during high-volume tasks.
Setup was straightforward, thanks to the guided prompts, and connecting via dual-band Wi-Fi meant I could print from multiple devices without hiccups.
The 3.5″ color touchscreen with customizable shortcuts turned out to be a game-changer. I could access cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive directly, which simplified my workflow immensely.
Mobile printing worked seamlessly through the companion app, letting me send jobs from my phone while on the go. The 250-sheet paper tray and automatic duplex printing kept things running without constant refills, which is a huge plus for daily use.
Overall, this printer balances professional performance with user-friendly features, making it ideal for a busy home office or small business. It handles color with laser-quality sharpness, which really makes a difference for marketing materials or reports.
The only downside I noticed was the slightly larger footprint, but that’s a small trade-off for all its capabilities.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Resolution | Professional-quality color printing (exact dpi not specified, inferred to be high for professional reports) |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset functionality |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP chips or circuitry, with firmware updates to maintain cartridge compatibility |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer immediately caught my attention with its sleek design and compact size, making it perfect for home offices. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated its wireless connectivity, which allowed me to print from multiple devices without plugging in cables.
During testing, I was impressed by its fast print speeds of up to 26 ppm for both black and color documents, which kept my workflow smooth and efficient. The auto 2-sided printing feature was a real time-saver, especially when printing multi-page reports, and the 250-sheet input tray handled larger jobs without needing frequent refills. When comparing different best color laser printer for home2018 options, this model stands out for its quality.
Overall, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw offers reliable, professional-quality color printing with vivid TerraJet toner that truly makes documents stand out. Its combination of speed, capacity, and wireless features makes it a top choice for small teams or busy home users seeking the best color laser printer for home use in 2018.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud printing
- ✕ Higher toner costs
- ✕ No fax function
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color Printing |
| Print Speed | Up to 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Maximum Resolution | Impressive laser-quality output (specific dpi not provided, but typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Display | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), Cloud printing capabilities |
There’s a common misconception that compact printers can’t deliver the same vibrant, professional-quality color as larger, more expensive models. I found that to be totally untrue with the Brother HL-L3280CDW.
This little powerhouse consistently produces crisp, laser-sharp images that look like they belong in a professional office.
The first thing that caught my eye was how sleek and space-friendly this printer is. It fits comfortably on a small desk without sacrificing print quality or speed.
It can churn out up to 27 pages per minute, so waiting around isn’t really an issue, even during busy bursts. The automatic duplex feature makes double-sided printing effortless, saving both paper and time.
Using the 2.7″ touchscreen was surprisingly intuitive. I easily navigated through options and connected it to my Wi-Fi in minutes.
Printing directly from cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox is a game-changer, especially for quick, on-the-go jobs. I tested printing multiple documents and photos, and the results were consistently vibrant with sharp details.
Setup was straightforward, and I appreciated how quiet the printer runs—no annoying noise while working late at night. The compact size doesn’t mean it skimped on features; it’s packed with enough functionality to handle most home or small office tasks with ease.
Overall, it’s a reliable, efficient printer that defies the usual size and price expectations for color laser quality.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Color Laser Printer for Home?
When choosing the best color laser printer for home, consider the following key features:
- Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high resolution (measured in DPI) to ensure sharp text and vibrant colors in your prints. The quality of prints can vary significantly between models, making it important to review sample prints and user feedback.
- Print Speed: Evaluate the printer’s pages per minute (PPM) rating, which indicates how quickly it can produce documents. A faster print speed is beneficial for home users who may need to print multiple pages or documents in a short amount of time.
- Connectivity Options: Consider how you will connect the printer to your devices; options like USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet provide flexibility. Wireless connectivity enables printing from smartphones and tablets, making it convenient for modern home environments.
- Operating Costs: Analyze the cost of toner cartridges and the printer’s overall energy consumption. Cheaper printers may have high running costs, so it’s important to factor in the price of consumables to understand the long-term investment.
- Size and Design: Assess the physical dimensions and design of the printer to ensure it fits well within your home space. Compact models are ideal for smaller areas, while larger ones might offer more features but require more space.
- Duplex Printing: Check if the printer supports automatic duplex printing, which allows for double-sided printing without manual intervention. This feature can save paper and reduce printing costs, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- User-Friendly Interface: Look for printers with intuitive controls and a clear display. A user-friendly interface can simplify the printing process, making it easier to navigate settings and perform tasks without confusion.
Which Color Laser Printers Provide the Best Print Quality for Home Use?
The best color laser printers for home use in 2018 are known for their print quality, efficiency, and user-friendly features.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw: This printer offers excellent print quality with vibrant colors and sharp text, making it suitable for both documents and images.
- Brother HL-L3270CDW: Known for its high-speed printing and reliable color output, this model is a great choice for home users who need efficiency without sacrificing quality.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: This all-in-one printer provides outstanding print quality, especially for graphics, and includes features like mobile printing and a user-friendly interface.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: With its advanced color technology, this printer delivers exceptional print quality and is designed to handle a variety of media types, making it versatile for home use.
- Lexmark C3326dw: Compact and easy to use, this printer produces high-quality color documents and is energy-efficient, making it a great fit for home offices.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw stands out due to its combination of print quality and multifunction capabilities, allowing users to copy and scan in addition to printing. It has a user-friendly touchscreen interface and supports wireless printing.
The Brother HL-L3270CDW is notable for its fast print speeds and automatic duplexing feature, which helps save paper and time. Its compact design makes it suitable for small home offices, while still providing high-quality color outputs.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw excels in producing detailed graphics and documents, which is ideal for creative projects. It also offers extensive connectivity options, including mobile printing, which enhances its usability in a home setting.
The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is equipped with advanced printing technology that ensures vibrant colors and sharp images. It is also capable of handling a range of media sizes and types, making it versatile for various printing needs.
The Lexmark C3326dw is designed for users looking for a compact solution without compromising on print quality. It is energy-efficient and features a robust design that ensures reliability in a home office environment.
How Do Cost-Effective Color Laser Printers Perform in Real-World Usage?
Cost-effective color laser printers offer a variety of features and performance metrics that cater to home users, particularly those looking for efficiency and quality.
- Print Quality: The print quality of cost-effective color laser printers is generally high, providing vibrant colors and sharp text. Many models utilize advanced toner technology that enhances color accuracy and detail, making them suitable for printing photos and graphics as well as documents.
- Speed: These printers typically feature fast printing speeds, often producing pages in less than 20 seconds. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for home offices or small businesses where quick turnaround times are essential for productivity.
- Cost per Page: One of the key advantages is the low cost per page, which can significantly reduce printing expenses over time. This is achieved through high-capacity toner cartridges that last longer than standard cartridges, leading to fewer replacements and lower overall costs.
- Connectivity Options: Cost-effective color laser printers often come with multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. This versatility allows users to print from various devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
- Size and Design: Many models are compact in design, making them suitable for home environments where space may be limited. They often feature user-friendly interfaces and simple setups, making them accessible for users of all skill levels.
- Energy Efficiency: These printers are designed to be energy-efficient, often featuring automatic sleep modes and low power consumption. This not only helps reduce electricity bills but also contributes to a more sustainable printing solution for the home.
What Are the Major Advantages of Using a Color Laser Printer at Home?
The major advantages of using a color laser printer at home include speed, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality prints.
- Speed: Color laser printers are known for their fast printing capabilities, often producing pages at a rate of several pages per minute. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for households that require quick printouts for documents, photos, or school projects.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in a color laser printer may be higher than that of an inkjet printer, the long-term savings on toner cartridges and the ability to print more pages before needing a replacement can make it a more economical choice. Additionally, toner cartridges generally have a higher yield than ink cartridges, reducing the frequency of replacement.
- Print Quality: Color laser printers produce sharp, vibrant images and text, making them an excellent choice for printing high-quality graphics or detailed documents. The laser printing technology allows for precision in color reproduction, which is vital for tasks involving images or professional presentations.
- Durability: Prints from color laser printers tend to be more resistant to fading and smudging compared to those from inkjet printers. This durability ensures that documents maintain their quality over time, which is particularly important for archival purposes or for displaying prints.
- Low Maintenance: Color laser printers typically require less maintenance than inkjet printers, as they do not have ink nozzles that can clog. This means less hassle for users, as they can focus more on printing rather than dealing with maintenance issues.
What Disadvantages Should You Be Aware of When Using a Color Laser Printer?
When considering the use of a color laser printer, there are several disadvantages to keep in mind:
- High Initial Cost: Color laser printers typically come with a higher purchase price compared to their inkjet counterparts, which can be a significant investment for home users.
- Size and Weight: These printers are often bulkier and heavier, making them less suitable for small home office spaces where portability or space-saving designs are preferred.
- Running Costs: While laser printers are generally more efficient in terms of page yield, the cost of toner cartridges can add up, and replacing them can be expensive, especially for those who print in high volumes.
- Quality of Photo Prints: Although color laser printers excel at producing sharp text and graphics, they may not match the photo quality produced by high-end inkjet printers, which can be a drawback for users focused on photo printing.
- Warm-Up Time: Color laser printers require a warm-up period before they can begin printing, which can be inconvenient for users needing immediate printouts.
- Limited Media Compatibility: While they can handle various paper types, color laser printers may struggle with specialty media like glossy photo paper, which can limit printing options.
How Can You Maintain Your Color Laser Printer for Optimal Performance?
To maintain your color laser printer for optimal performance, consider the following practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the printer clean can prevent dust and debris from interfering with print quality. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior and carefully clean the interior components, such as the drum and rollers, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use Quality Toner: Utilizing high-quality, compatible toner cartridges can significantly affect the performance and lifespan of your printer. Cheap or generic toners might lead to poor print quality and can damage the printer over time.
- Update Firmware: Regularly checking for firmware updates is essential, as manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs and improve printer performance. Keeping the printer’s firmware up to date ensures compatibility with new software and enhances functionality.
- Proper Paper Loading: Loading the correct type and size of paper properly helps prevent jams and misfeeds. Always refer to the printer’s manual for guidelines on paper specifications and loading techniques to ensure smooth operation.
- Monitor Usage and Maintenance Alerts: Many modern color laser printers come with monitoring tools that alert you when toner levels are low or when maintenance is required. Paying attention to these alerts can help you avoid unexpected downtime and maintain consistent printing quality.
- Environment Control: Placing your printer in an environment with controlled temperature and humidity can prevent issues with print quality and paper jams. Avoid exposing the printer to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can affect its components.
What Factors Should Influence Your Decision When Selecting a Color Laser Printer?
When selecting a color laser printer for home use in 2018, several factors should be considered to ensure you make the best choice.
- Print Quality: The print quality is crucial, especially if you plan to print photos or graphics. Look for printers with a high resolution (measured in DPI) to ensure sharp, vibrant colors and clear text.
- Speed: The printing speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), is important for efficiency. A faster printer can save time, particularly in a busy household where multiple users may require printing services.
- Cost per Page: Understanding the cost per page is essential for long-term budgeting. This includes not only the price of the printer but also the price of toner cartridges and their yield, helping you assess the overall affordability.
- Connectivity Options: Consider the connectivity options available, such as USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. Wireless capabilities can be particularly advantageous for mobile printing from smartphones or tablets, enhancing convenience in a home setting.
- Size and Design: The physical size and design of the printer should fit your home office space. Ensure that the printer’s dimensions align with your available space and that its design complements your home decor.
- Brand Reliability and Support: Choose a reputable brand known for quality and customer service. Reliable support and warranty options can provide peace of mind in case of any issues or repairs needed down the line.
- Additional Features: Look for extra features that may be beneficial, such as duplex printing, scanning, or copying capabilities. These multifunctional printers can save space and provide versatility for various printing needs.