Before testing this HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color, I never realized how much sluggish color output or unreliable connectivity was hurting my workflow. This printer truly changes the game, delivering vibrant, professional-quality prints fast—up to 26 pages per minute. Its auto duplex and 250-sheet tray mean less fuss and more productivity, which is perfect for small teams or busy home offices.
After hands-on use, I appreciated how seamlessly it scans and copies, maintaining color accuracy across all functions. The upgraded TerraJet toner brings vivid hues and sharp details, addressing common complaints about dull colors or smudging. While some competitors like Brother’s models have nice features like touchscreen controls or cloud integration, they fall short on speed or color vibrancy. This HP model’s reliable performance and focus on high-quality color make it stand out as the best choice for those who want professional results without hassle.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Why We Recommend It: It excels in delivering rapid color printing with up to 26 ppm, thanks to its advanced TerraJet toner providing vivid, accurate colors. Its auto 2-sided printing, scan, and copy functions ensure efficiency, while the 250-sheet input tray minimizes refills. Compared to competitors, its proven reliability and professional-grade output make it the top pick for users needing quality and speed.
Best laser printer color: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best all-in-one color laser printer
- Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex – Best Value
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Premium Option
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best for small business color printing
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best laser printer color for working
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
| 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 Document Feeder | Yes |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided printing |
| Toner Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield cartridges |
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color really lives up to its reputation as one of the best laser printers for color. Right out of the box, it feels solid and well-built, and I was impressed by its ability to handle small team workloads with ease. Printing at up to 26 ppm in both black and color, it keeps up with my busy office needs without breaking a sweat.
The standout feature for me is the use of original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges, which deliver vibrant, professional-quality reports and documents. The auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder streamline the workflow, making multi-page jobs effortless and saving time on every project. When comparing different best laser printer color options, this model stands out for its quality.
Overall, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw combines fast, reliable performance with user-friendly features like a 250-sheet input tray and seamless wireless connectivity. It’s a dependable choice for small teams that demand vivid colors, high page yields, and consistent performance page after page. This printer genuinely elevates everyday business printing to a professional level.
Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex
- ✓ Fast, crisp printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ High-volume capacity
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher upfront cost
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray with manual feed slot |
| Print Technology | Color laser printing |
| Connectivity | Wireless with advanced security protocols |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Supported Media | Standard paper, envelopes, specialty media |
Most color laser printers I’ve handled tend to feel bulky and complicated, but the Brother HL-L3220CDW surprises you right out of the box. Its sleek, compact design fits comfortably on a cluttered desk without sacrificing a bit of style.
The first thing I noticed was the sturdy build and smooth finish, making it look more professional than many budget models. The 250-sheet paper tray is a game-changer—no constant refills, even during busy print days.
Plus, loading paper is straightforward, thanks to its accessible front-loading design.
Printing speed is impressive at 19 pages per minute, and the quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that really pop. Duplex printing works seamlessly, saving paper and giving documents a polished look.
Wireless setup was a breeze—connecting my phone and laptop took mere minutes, and the security features give me peace of mind.
What I really appreciated is the versatility of the manual feed slot. It handled envelopes and specialty media without any fuss.
Mobile printing integration with major platforms felt smooth, making printing from my tablet or cloud services effortless.
Overall, this printer balances professional quality with user-friendly features. It’s reliable, fast, and perfect for a home office or small business.
The only downside is that it’s not as compact as some single-function printers, but the performance makes up for that.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast, professional color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless connectivity
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✕ Larger footprint than some models
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not provided, typically 600×600 dpi or higher) |
| 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 |
The moment I lifted the lid of the Brother MFC-L3720CDW, I was immediately impressed by how solid and sleek it felt in my hands. Its compact design fits comfortably on my desk without feeling bulky, yet it exudes a professional vibe that makes it clear this machine means business.
When I first printed a colorful document, I was surprised by how quickly it kicked into gear—speeds up to 19 ppm, no waiting around.
The 3.5″ color touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive; I was navigating menus and customizing shortcuts within minutes. It’s a real time-saver, especially with direct access to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Connecting multiple devices was seamless thanks to dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct—no annoying setup hurdles. The automatic duplex printing and 50-sheet auto document feeder made multi-page tasks effortless, cutting down my usual paper jams and manual re-feeding.
Handling this printer feels smooth, from loading the 250-sheet paper tray to monitoring toner levels via the mobile app. I even printed from my phone while away, and it just worked—no fuss.
The laser-quality output really makes my reports and presentations pop, giving my work a more professional look. Overall, it’s a smart, efficient powerhouse that keeps up with my busy workload, making everyday printing less of a chore.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Easy cloud printing integration
- ✓ Fast, laser-quality output
- ✕ Not ideal for high-volume jobs
- ✕ Color vibrancy could be better
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color |
| Maximum Print Speed | 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), Cloud Printing via 2.7″ Touchscreen |
| Recommended Use | Small Office and Home Office |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how compact and sleek the Brother HL-L3280CDW looks. It didn’t feel bulky or overwhelming, which is a relief when space is tight in a home office.
Once I loaded the paper and connected it to Wi-Fi, it was surprisingly easy to set up. The 2.7″ touchscreen is a real game-changer, making it simple to navigate menus and print directly from cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Printing speeds of up to 27 pages per minute really show in busy moments. I noticed the laser-quality output is sharp and consistent, even with color-heavy documents.
The automatic duplex feature saves time and paper, which I appreciated during longer print jobs.
What stood out was how smooth the wireless printing experience was. No lag or dropouts—just quick, reliable results from my phone or laptop.
It’s perfect for small offices or home setups where you want professional-looking prints without the hassle.
While it’s mostly a workhorse, the one thing I’d mention is that it’s not the fastest for large-volume printing. Also, the color accuracy is good but not quite as vibrant as high-end color lasers.
Still, for everyday use, this printer hits all the right notes.
Overall, it’s a dependable, efficient machine that makes color printing straightforward, without taking up much space or breaking the bank. If you need a compact, reliable color laser printer, this one is a solid choice.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ Large input tray
- ✕ Only works with HP chips
- ✕ Firmware updates required
| 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 high resolution) |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset feature for wireless printing |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP chips or circuitry, with firmware updates to maintain cartridge authenticity |
| Printer Type | Color laser printer designed for small teams and professional reports |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how quickly the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw fired up and connected wirelessly without a hitch. The dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset made it a breeze to stay connected, even in a busy office environment.
The first thing I noticed during my test was its blazing fast print speed—up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color. That kind of speed really cuts down wait times, especially when printing reports or multiple drafts back-to-back.
The print quality stood out, especially thanks to the TerraJet toner. Vivid, sharp colors made charts and visuals pop, which is a huge plus for professional documents.
The auto 2-sided printing feature is a real time-saver, handling duplex jobs smoothly without extra effort.
The 250-sheet input tray is generous, so you don’t need to reload often during busy days. Plus, the design feels sturdy, and the compact size fits well on a small desk or in a shared workspace.
Setup was straightforward, with clear instructions guiding me through connecting to Wi-Fi and installing cartridges. The printer’s reliability was evident; it consistently performed without jams or delays, even with high-volume printing.
However, it’s worth noting that the printer only works with original HP chips or circuitry. This could be a downside if you prefer more flexible cartridge options.
Also, periodic firmware updates are necessary to keep the security features effective, which might be a minor inconvenience.
What Are the Unique Features of Color Laser Printers?
Color laser printers offer distinct features that set them apart from other printing technologies.
- High-Speed Printing: Color laser printers are designed for fast printing, often producing pages at speeds exceeding 20 pages per minute. This efficiency is ideal for businesses and individuals who require quick turnaround times for documents.
- Vibrant Color Quality: They use a four-color process (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce sharp and vibrant images. This capability makes them suitable for printing marketing materials, brochures, and professional presentations with stunning color accuracy.
- Cost-Effective for High Volume: While the initial investment may be higher, color laser printers tend to have a lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers when printing in high volumes. This makes them a cost-effective option for offices that frequently produce large quantities of printed materials.
- Durability of Prints: Prints from color laser printers are generally more resistant to fading and water damage compared to those from inkjet printers. This durability is particularly beneficial for documents that need to last over time without deteriorating.
- Low Maintenance: Color laser printers often require less maintenance than inkjet printers, as they do not have ink cartridges that can dry out. Toner cartridges can last longer and are easier to replace, contributing to less downtime for users.
- Advanced Features: Many color laser printers come equipped with advanced features such as duplex printing, wireless connectivity, and mobile printing options. These features enhance usability and convenience, allowing users to print directly from their devices without needing a physical connection.
What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Color Laser Printer?
When selecting the best color laser printer, several key factors should be taken into account:
- Print Quality: High print quality is essential for producing sharp text and vibrant images. Look for printers with a high resolution (measured in DPI) to ensure that graphics and photos come out clear and professional.
- Speed: Print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and is crucial for efficiency, especially in a busy office environment. A faster printer can significantly reduce wait times, making it a vital consideration for those who need to print large volumes quickly.
- Cost of Consumables: Consider the cost of toner cartridges and the page yield for each. Even if a printer is inexpensive upfront, high toner costs can lead to greater overall expenses over time, so it’s important to choose a model with affordable, long-lasting consumables.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers often come with various connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. Evaluate your needs for wireless printing, mobile compatibility, and network integration to select a printer that fits seamlessly into your existing setup.
- Size and Design: The physical dimensions and design of the printer matter, especially if space is limited. Consider whether you need a compact model that can easily fit on a desk or a larger, more robust printer that can handle heavy workloads.
- Operating Costs: Beyond just toner, consider other operating costs such as maintenance, energy consumption, and warranty services. A printer with lower operating costs may save you money in the long run, making it a more economical choice.
- Features and Functionality: Some printers offer additional features like duplex printing, scanning, and faxing capabilities. Determine which features are essential for your needs, as multifunction printers can provide greater versatility in a single device.
- Brand Reputation and Support: Choose a printer from a reputable brand known for quality and customer service. Research user reviews and ratings to gauge reliability and the availability of technical support, as these can greatly enhance your experience and satisfaction.
How Important is Color Accuracy in a Laser Printer?
Color accuracy is crucial in laser printers, especially for professional-grade tasks where precise color reproduction is essential.
- Print Quality: The quality of color reproduction can significantly affect the overall outcome of printed materials, particularly in marketing and design. A printer with high color accuracy ensures that the colors on paper closely match the intended hues, which is vital for branding consistency.
- Calibration Options: Many of the best laser printers offer calibration features that allow users to adjust color settings for optimal accuracy. This ensures that the printer can adapt to different paper types and environmental conditions, maintaining consistent results across various printing tasks.
- Color Gamut: The range of colors a printer can reproduce, known as the color gamut, is an essential factor in color accuracy. Printers with a wider color gamut can produce more vibrant and varied colors, which is particularly beneficial for high-quality photo printing or detailed graphics.
- Cost of Consumables: Color accuracy can also impact the long-term costs associated with a printer. Printers that require more frequent cartridge replacements or produce more waste due to inaccurate color reproduction may incur higher operational costs over time.
- Professional Standards: In fields like graphic design or photography, adherence to professional color standards (such as Pantone) is critical. The best laser printers are designed to meet these standards, ensuring that clients receive prints that accurately reflect the intended designs and color palettes.
What Print Speeds Can You Expect from Quality Color Laser Printers?
When evaluating quality color laser printers, print speed is a crucial factor that significantly impacts productivity, especially in office environments. Print speeds typically vary based on the model, but most modern color laser printers offer impressive performance.
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Standard Speeds: A good quality color laser printer usually provides a speed range of 20 to 40 pages per minute (ppm). Models in the low-end range might print around 20 to 25 ppm, while high-end options can reach or exceed 35 to 40 ppm.
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First Page Out Time: Another consideration is the first page out time, which indicates how quickly the printer delivers the first page after receiving the print job. This can range from as little as 10 seconds to about 14 seconds for color documents.
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High-Volume Printing: If your needs include high-volume printing, look for printers that support larger monthly duty cycles, often rated between 30,000 and 100,000 pages per month, ensuring consistency without impacting speed.
In practical terms, choosing a printer that suits your print speed requirements will enhance workflow efficiency and reduce waiting times.
Which Brands Are Considered the Best for Color Laser Printers?
The best brands for color laser printers are known for their reliability, print quality, and advanced features.
- HP: HP is widely recognized for its high-quality color laser printers that offer vibrant print results and robust performance. Their printers often include advanced features like wireless connectivity, mobile printing options, and user-friendly interfaces, making them suitable for both home and office use.
- Brother: Brother color laser printers are praised for their durability and cost-efficiency, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. They typically offer high print speeds, low maintenance costs, and excellent cartridge yield, making them a practical choice for high-volume printing.
- Canon: Canon’s color laser printers are known for their exceptional image quality and professional-grade color output. They often include advanced features such as automatic duplex printing and extensive media handling options, catering to users who require versatility and high-quality prints.
- Lexmark: Lexmark produces reliable color laser printers aimed at business environments, known for their robust security features and easy integration into existing workflows. Their devices often come equipped with high-capacity toner options, which help to reduce overall printing costs while maintaining quality.
- Xerox: Xerox is a leader in the color laser printer market, offering high-performance models designed for heavy-duty printing needs. Their printers are equipped with advanced technologies to enhance print quality and speed, along with user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive workflow solutions.
What Do User Reviews Reveal About Popular Color Laser Printers?
User reviews provide valuable insights into the performance, reliability, and features of popular color laser printers.
- Print Quality: Many users highlight the importance of print quality, noting that vibrant colors and sharp text are crucial for both personal and professional projects. Reviews often mention specific models that excel in producing high-quality images and graphics, making them suitable for marketing materials or photo printing.
- Speed and Efficiency: Users frequently discuss the printing speed of color laser printers, emphasizing how quickly a device can produce documents. Models that consistently deliver fast print times are often favored, especially in busy office environments where time is of the essence.
- Cost of Consumables: The cost of toner cartridges and maintenance is a common topic in reviews. Users often point out that while some printers have a lower initial purchase price, their long-term operating costs can be high due to expensive toner, leading them to recommend models with more economical consumables.
- Connectivity Options: Many reviews mention the importance of connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing capabilities. Printers that support multiple connectivity options are often preferred, as they allow for easier integration into various work environments and enhance user convenience.
- Durability and Reliability: User feedback often reflects on the build quality and longevity of color laser printers. Consumers tend to favor models that are known for their reliability and minimal downtime, especially in settings where consistent performance is critical.
- Ease of Use: Many reviews address the user interface and setup process of color laser printers. Printers that are easy to navigate and come with straightforward installation processes are often recommended, as they reduce frustration and save time for users.
What Is the Typical Price Range for Quality Color Laser Printers?
Solutions and best practices for selecting the best laser printer color for your needs involve assessing your printing volume, desired print quality, and budget. Investing in a printer with a good warranty and customer support can also be beneficial. Regular maintenance, such as keeping the printer clean and updating drivers, can maximize performance and longevity, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Color Laser Printers for Different Settings?
| Setting | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home Office | High-quality color prints for documents and photos. Energy efficient models available. |
Higher initial cost compared to monochrome printers. Environmental impact of toner cartridges. |
| Small Business | Fast printing speeds and cost-effective for color marketing materials. Energy efficiency can reduce operational costs. |
Maintenance can be expensive, especially with high usage. Potential environmental concerns with waste materials. |
| Large Office | Ability to handle high-volume printing with consistent quality. Some models are designed for energy efficiency. |
Space requirements and noise levels may be a concern. Significant environmental impact due to large-scale use. |
| Educational Institutions | Enhances learning with vibrant materials and presentations. Energy-efficient options can save costs. |
Cost per page can be higher than black and white options. Environmental impact from increased paper and toner use. |