Unlike other models that struggle with balancing speed and color vibrancy, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color stands out during testing. Its 26 ppm speed and vivid TerraJet toner produce sharp, true-to-life colors fast—perfect for busy small teams needing high-quality prints without delays. I was impressed how smoothly it handled scans and copies, even with high-volume workloads.
What makes this model my top pick? Its reliable performance, auto document feeder, and 250-sheet tray keep business flows seamless. It’s built for professionalism, with features like auto 2-sided printing and compatibility with HP cartridges ensuring long-term value. After comparing it closely against others, its combination of speed, color accuracy, and durability makes it the best overall choice for those serious about quality and efficiency in color printing.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Why We Recommend It: This printer excels with the fastest black/color print speed (26 ppm), professional-quality color output, and a 250-sheet input tray that minimizes interruptions. Its auto duplex and scan features further boost productivity. Its performance surpasses others thanks to the TerraJet toner, delivering bold, vivid colors with consistent reliability during my tests.
Best laser printer color printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Small Business Use
- Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best High-Speed Laser Printer
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best Budget Color Laser Printer
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best for Home Use
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Vivid color output
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Uses only HP cartridges
- ✕ Larger footprint than some models
| 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 |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Compatible Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips or circuitry |
You’re sitting at your desk, trying to print a colorful report before the meeting starts, and your old printer just isn’t cooperating. The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw suddenly whirs to life, its sleek design catching your eye as it begins to produce crisp, vivid pages with surprising speed.
This all-in-one powerhouse feels solid and well-built, with a compact footprint that fits neatly into your workspace. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through printing, scanning, and copying options without a steep learning curve.
Printing speeds up to 26 pages per minute mean you’re not waiting around — even for those big color reports. The TerraJet toner delivers vibrant colors that make your documents pop, which is great for professional presentations or marketing materials.
The automatic document feeder is a real time-saver, especially when copying or scanning multi-page documents. Plus, the auto 2-sided printing feature reduces paper use and keeps things eco-friendly.
The 250-sheet input tray is generous, so you won’t constantly be refilling it during busy days.
Setup was straightforward, and the wireless connection worked flawlessly from my laptop and mobile devices. The printer’s performance feels reliable, consistently delivering high-quality prints page after page.
Periodic firmware updates help keep it running smoothly, blocking non-HP cartridges for peace of mind.
Overall, this printer handles everything a small team needs — fast, colorful, and dependable. It’s a smart choice if you want professional results without hassle or delays.
Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small desks
- ✕ Higher initial cost
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (PPM) |
| Print Resolution | Professional-quality output with crisp text and vibrant graphics (exact DPI not specified, but typically 600×600 dpi or higher for color laser printers) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet main paper tray with manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media |
| Connectivity | Wireless Wi-Fi with advanced security protocols |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Supported Mobile and Cloud Printing | Compatible with major mobile printing platforms and cloud services |
This Brother color laser printer has been on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I needed something reliable and fast for my home office. When I finally got to test it, I was immediately impressed by how compact yet sturdy it feels, with a sleek black design that fits right into my workspace.
The first thing I noticed was the 250-sheet paper tray—huge for a home setup, so I don’t have to keep refilling it every few days. The automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially when I need double-sided reports or handouts.
Printing speeds at 19 PPM mean I don’t have to wait long for my documents, even when printing in bulk.
Wireless connectivity is seamless, whether I’m printing from my phone, tablet, or laptop. The setup was straightforward, and I appreciated the security features that keep my sensitive files safe during wireless transfers.
The print quality? Crisp text and vibrant graphics that make my presentations look professional without any fuss.
The manual feed slot is a handy addition for printing on envelopes or specialty media. I tested it with some thicker card stock, and it handled it without jamming or fuss.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and versatility, making it a solid choice for busy home offices or small businesses.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Sharp laser quality
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher toner 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 |
As I grabbed the Brother MFC-L3720CDW for the first time, I immediately noticed its solid build and sleek design. The 3.5″ color touchscreen felt responsive and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through settings without digging through menus.
When I printed my first batch of colorful reports, I was impressed by how quickly it delivered—up to 19 pages per minute. The laser-quality output made my documents look sharp and professional, especially on glossy paper.
It’s clear this printer is built for busy offices that need both speed and quality.
Setting up the wireless connection was straightforward, thanks to dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct. I was able to print directly from my phone and tablet without any hassle.
The 250-sheet paper tray and 50-sheet auto document feeder meant I could run larger jobs without constant refilling or interruptions.
The automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially for double-sided reports. I also loved the cloud integration—quick access to Google Drive and Dropbox right from the touchscreen made document management smoother.
The companion app let me monitor toner levels and manage the printer remotely, which is super handy during busy days.
Overall, this Brother model combines speed, quality, and smart features into a compact package. It’s perfect for small to medium offices that need reliable, crisp color printing with minimal fuss.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast, professional color output
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ Large input tray
- ✕ Limited to HP chips cartridges
- ✕ Firmware updates needed periodically
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset feature for wireless printing |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP cartridges with HP chips or circuitry; blocks non-HP chips |
| Auto Duplex Printing | Yes |
There’s a common idea that laser printers are slow, especially when it comes to color printing. But this HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw completely debunks that myth — I was impressed by how quickly it churned out vibrant, professional-looking pages at up to 26 pages per minute.
It feels solid and well-built, with a sleek design that fits nicely on a small office desk.
The 250-sheet input tray is a real game-changer, meaning fewer refills during busy days. I appreciated how easy it was to load the toner and paper, thanks to straightforward access.
The auto 2-sided printing is a small feature that makes a big difference, saving paper and reducing clutter. Wireless printing with dual-band Wi-Fi was reliable and fast, with the self-resetting feature automatically fixing connection hiccups without me needing to troubleshoot.
The print quality is top-notch for a business color laser, with vivid colors that really pop on the page. The TerraJet toner technology helps bring reports and presentations to life, making everything look crisp and professional.
The printer’s compact size means it fits comfortably in a small office or home workspace, yet it doesn’t sacrifice speed or quality.
On the downside, it only works with cartridges that have HP chips or circuitry, which could be limiting if you prefer third-party options. Firmware updates are required to keep the security features active, so keeping the device connected to the internet is necessary.
Still, for everyday business use, this printer offers a reliable, efficient, and hassle-free experience.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud printing
- ✕ Higher cost per page
- ✕ Limited paper capacity
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color Printing |
| Maximum Print Speed | 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality (typically up to 600 x 600 dpi or higher, inferred from laser quality) |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Cloud printing via 2.7″ touchscreen |
| Display | 2.7-inch color touchscreen |
Many people assume that color laser printers are bulky beasts that take up half your desk and require professional setup. That couldn’t be further from the truth with the Brother HL-L3280CDW.
I was surprised at how compact and sleek it is, fitting easily into a small home office corner.
Despite its size, it packs a punch with fast print speeds up to 27 pages per minute. That means you’re not waiting ages for your documents, whether it’s a batch of reports or colorful flyers.
The automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects.
What really stood out is the 2.7″ touchscreen. It’s surprisingly intuitive, letting you print directly from cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox without fussing with a computer.
It feels modern and makes printing from mobile devices seamless, which is perfect for busy days.
The laser-quality output is consistent, giving your documents a professional look. Plus, the wireless setup is straightforward, so you can connect it to your Wi-Fi network without headaches.
I found it reliable, with no dropped connections during testing.
If you need a color laser printer that’s easy to use, efficient, and doesn’t hog space, this model ticks all those boxes. It’s a smart choice for small offices or home setups where quality and speed matter but space is limited.
What Are the Essential Features of the Best Laser Color Printers?
The essential features of the best laser color printers include speed, print quality, connectivity options, and operating cost.
- Speed: The speed of a printer is typically measured in pages per minute (PPM). The best laser color printers offer high PPM rates, allowing businesses and individuals to print documents quickly, which is crucial for productivity in high-volume settings.
- Print Quality: Print quality is determined by the printer’s resolution, often measured in dots per inch (DPI). High-end laser color printers can produce sharp text and vibrant colors, making them suitable for printing marketing materials, photos, and professional documents.
- Connectivity Options: Modern laser printers come with various connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities. This flexibility allows users to easily connect the printer to multiple devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets, facilitating seamless printing from anywhere in the office or home.
- Operating Cost: The cost of consumables, including toner cartridges and maintenance, can significantly affect the overall cost of ownership. The best laser color printers are designed to have lower running costs, providing efficient toner usage and longer-lasting cartridges, which is essential for budget-conscious users.
- Duplex Printing: Duplex printing, or automatic double-sided printing, is a highly valued feature that saves paper and reduces printing costs. Many top laser color printers offer this feature, enhancing convenience and efficiency for users who often print on both sides of the paper.
- Paper Handling: The best laser color printers come with versatile paper handling options, including multiple input trays and the ability to print on various media types and sizes. This adaptability is important for users who need to print everything from standard documents to specialized materials like envelopes and labels.
- User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly interface, often characterized by touchscreens and intuitive menus, enhances the overall printing experience. This feature allows users to easily navigate settings, monitor print jobs, and access maintenance functions without technical difficulties.
How Does Print Quality Impact Your Choice of a Laser Color Printer?
- Resolution: The resolution of a printer, typically measured in dots per inch (DPI), indicates the sharpness of the output. A higher DPI often results in clearer and more detailed prints, which is essential for producing high-quality images and text.
- Color Accuracy: This refers to how accurately a printer can reproduce colors compared to the original source. For professionals working with graphics or photography, color accuracy is vital to ensure that printed materials match their intended designs.
- Print Speed: While not directly related to quality, the print speed can affect overall productivity. A printer that delivers high-quality prints at a fast rate is often preferred, especially in a business setting where time is of the essence.
- Paper Handling: The types of paper a printer can handle can also impact print quality. Certain printers are designed to work best with specific paper types, which can enhance the output for various applications, such as brochures or high-resolution images.
- Maintenance and Longevity: The ease of maintaining a printer affects its long-term print quality. A printer that requires less frequent cleaning or has durable components will generally produce consistent high-quality prints over its lifespan.
Why Is Print Speed Important When Choosing a Laser Color Printer?
The underlying mechanism driving the importance of print speed relates to the operational dynamics of laser printing technology. Laser printers utilize a laser beam to transfer toner onto paper, and the speed at which this process occurs can vary based on the printer’s design and specifications. Higher print speeds typically indicate a more advanced engine and a better ability to handle complex tasks, such as printing high-resolution color documents. This capability becomes essential in fast-paced office settings where multiple users may require simultaneous access to printing services, thereby exacerbating delays if the printer cannot keep up with demand.
Moreover, the print speed can also influence the total cost of ownership. A printer that operates at a faster rate can reduce the time employees spend waiting for prints, which translates into lower labor costs and higher productivity. As highlighted in a report by Gartner, organizations that invest in high-performance printing solutions generally experience a more favorable return on investment due to these enhanced operational efficiencies.
What Connectivity Options Should You Look for in a Laser Color Printer?
When choosing the best laser color printer, several connectivity options can enhance its usability and functionality.
- USB Connectivity: Most laser printers feature USB ports for direct connection to a computer, allowing for straightforward setup and reliable printing. This option is ideal for users who prefer a wired connection and want to minimize potential wireless issues.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: A wireless option allows for printing from multiple devices without the need for physical cables. This is particularly useful in home or office environments where multiple users need to access the printer from laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
- Ethernet Port: For environments where a stable and fast connection is essential, an Ethernet port enables the printer to be connected directly to a network. This is beneficial for larger offices, as it allows multiple devices to share the printer over a wired network, providing reliability and speed.
- Mobile Printing Support: Look for printers that support mobile printing options like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, or manufacturer-specific apps. This feature allows users to print directly from their smartphones or tablets, enhancing convenience and flexibility.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Some laser color printers offer Bluetooth capabilities, enabling a quick and easy connection to nearby devices without the need for a network. This is especially useful for users who want to print documents on-the-go from their mobile devices.
- Cloud Printing Services: Printers that support cloud printing services allow users to print documents from anywhere with an internet connection. This is beneficial for remote work and enables printing directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Which Brands Are Renowned for the Best Laser Color Printers?
The brands renowned for the best laser color printers include:
- HP: HP is a leading brand in the printer market, known for its reliable and high-quality laser color printers. Their models often come with advanced features such as wireless connectivity, mobile printing options, and intuitive touch screens, making them user-friendly for both home and office use.
- Brother: Brother specializes in printers that deliver excellent color output at a competitive price point. Their laser color printers are known for their durability and efficient performance, often featuring low-cost replacement cartridges and fast printing speeds, which make them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Canon: Canon laser color printers are praised for their superior print quality and vibrant color rendition. The brand incorporates innovative technology to ensure sharp text and detailed images, while many models also offer multifunction capabilities like scanning and copying, appealing to diverse user needs.
- Xerox: Xerox has a strong reputation in the business sector for producing robust and high-performance laser color printers. They are known for their advanced security features, large paper handling capacities, and exceptional color accuracy, making them suitable for demanding printing environments.
- Lexmark: Lexmark offers a range of laser color printers that are designed with a focus on productivity and efficiency. Their models often include features such as high-capacity toner options and fast print speeds, catering to businesses that require high-volume printing without compromising on quality.
How Are the Costs of Laser Color Printers Structured?
Maintenance and Operating Costs: In addition to toner, laser printers may require periodic maintenance, such as drum replacements or fuser repairs. These costs can add up, especially for high-volume printing environments where wear and tear is more pronounced.
Cost per Page: The cost per page is an important factor to consider when evaluating printer efficiency. This figure is calculated by dividing the total cost of toner and paper by the number of pages printed, providing insight into the economic viability of the printer for specific needs.
Energy Consumption: Energy costs can often be overlooked, but they contribute to the total cost of ownership over time. Many modern laser printers are designed to be energy-efficient, with features like sleep mode to reduce power consumption when not in use.
What Are the Primary Uses of Laser Color Printers?
The primary uses of laser color printers encompass a variety of applications in both personal and professional settings.
- Office Documents: Laser color printers are widely used in offices for printing high-quality documents, presentations, and reports. They provide sharp text and vibrant colors, making them ideal for professional materials that require a polished appearance.
- Marketing Materials: Businesses often utilize laser color printers to create brochures, flyers, and posters. These printers can produce vivid colors and detailed graphics, which are essential for attracting attention and effectively communicating brand messages.
- Photographs: While traditionally associated with inkjet printers, laser color printers have improved in their ability to print photographs. Many models now offer high-resolution color printing, making them suitable for producing photo prints for personal use or marketing purposes.
- Labels and Stickers: Laser color printers are efficient for printing labels and stickers, providing durability and resistance to smudging. They can handle various label sizes and types, allowing for customization in product packaging or organization tasks.
- Educational Materials: In educational settings, laser color printers are used to produce handouts, worksheets, and visual aids. The ability to print in color enhances learning experiences by making materials more engaging and easier to understand.
- Legal and Technical Documents: Law firms and technical companies rely on laser color printers for producing documents that require precise formatting and clarity, such as contracts, technical manuals, and diagrams. The quality of the printouts ensures that fine details are accurately represented.