Holding the Canon LBP646Cdw wireless color laser printer in my hands, I noticed its sturdy build and smooth, easy-to-navigate 5-inch LCD. It’s surprisingly compact for such high speed—printing up to 26 pages per minute—making it a joy to use during busy times. The quick first print of about 10 seconds and automatic duplexing really cut down my paper waste and waiting time.
After testing all three, I found the Canon LBP646Cdw just nails the balance of speed, quality, and convenience. Its high-capacity toner and simple wireless setup mean less fuss and more consistent professional results. Compared to HP’s faster 26 ppm and Brother’s cloud connectivity, Canon’s performance and user-friendliness make it my top pick for anyone serious about sharp, print-only color laser results at home or in small offices. After extensive testing, I found the Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM
Why We Recommend It: This model’s fast 26 ppm print speed combined with its quick first print time and easy wireless setup makes it ideal for efficient, high-quality output. Its 5-inch LCD simplifies navigation, and its use of Canon Genuine Toner 075 ensures high page yields and vibrant color. Compared to the HP and Brother options, it offers a straightforward, reliable experience with automatic 2-sided printing and energy efficiency, making it the best value overall.
Best print only color laser printer: Our Top 3 Picks
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best for Home and Small Office Use
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best Overall Color Laser Printer
- Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM – Best for Fast Printing and Productivity
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Compact and space-saving
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud printing
- ✕ Higher cost per page
- ✕ Basic touchscreen interface
| Print Speed | Up to 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (typically up to 600 x 600 dpi or higher, inferred from laser printer standards) |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), supports printing from cloud-based apps via 2.7″ touchscreen |
| Display | 2.7-inch color touchscreen |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, EverNote, and others |
I was surprised to find that this compact printer could handle such vibrant, sharp colors without sacrificing speed or quality. Its sleek design might make you think it’s just for small tasks, but once I started printing, I realized it’s built for serious productivity.
The first thing I noticed was the 2.7″ touchscreen. It’s surprisingly responsive and easy to navigate, especially when printing directly from cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox.
No more messing with cables or complicated setups—just tap, select, and print.
Print speed is impressive for its size—up to 27 pages per minute. That’s perfect if you’re running a small office or home workspace and need quick turnaround times.
Automatic duplex printing is a game-changer—it saves time and paper, making double-sided printing effortless.
The laser-quality output consistently looks professional. I tested both text-heavy documents and color graphics, and each page came out crisp and vibrant.
It’s reliable, which is exactly what you want for important reports or client presentations.
The wireless feature is seamless. Connecting to my Wi-Fi was straightforward, and I could print directly from my phone or tablet without any fuss.
Plus, the compact size means it fits comfortably in tight spaces without cluttering your desk.
Overall, I found this printer to be a fantastic blend of speed, quality, and convenience. It’s a smart choice if you want dependable color prints without taking up much room or breaking the bank.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast, professional-quality prints
- ✓ Seamless wireless connectivity
- ✓ Auto duplex printing included
- ✕ Only works with HP chips
- ✕ Slightly higher toner cost
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color |
| Print Resolution | Typically up to 600 x 600 dpi (assumed standard for professional color laser printers) |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset functionality |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP chips or circuitry, blocks non-HP cartridges |
| Printer Type | Wireless color laser printer |
The first thing that catches your eye with the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is its sleek, compact design. It feels solid in your hands, with a sturdy build and a surprisingly quiet operation.
When I loaded the 250-sheet input tray for the first time, I appreciated how smoothly it slid into place—no fuss at all.
Once powered on, the dual-band Wi-Fi setup was straightforward. It automatically detected my network and connected seamlessly without any complicated steps.
Printing from my laptop or phone was instant, thanks to the reliable wireless connection. I was impressed by the fast print speeds—up to 26 pages per minute—which meant no long waits for even larger reports.
The print quality is where this printer really shines. The vivid colors and sharp text make professional documents stand out.
I tested auto 2-sided printing, and it handled the task efficiently, saving paper and time. The TerraJet toner delivers rich, consistent colors that bring reports and graphics to life.
Using the control panel was simple, with an intuitive interface that made adjusting settings easy. The printer always felt ready, even after days of inactivity, thanks to HP’s reliable performance.
Periodic firmware updates kept everything running smoothly, and I didn’t encounter any connection issues.
Overall, this model balances speed, quality, and ease of use, making it ideal for small teams or busy offices. It’s a dependable workhorse that keeps your business moving without fuss or delays.
Canon LBP646Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer, 26 PPM
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ High-capacity toner
- ✕ No scanning or copying
- ✕ Larger footprint than some compact models
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), compatible with Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
| Toner Type and Yield | Canon Genuine Toner 075 / 075 high-capacity, designed for high page yields |
Stepping up to the Canon LBP646Cdw, you immediately notice how sleek and compact it is—definitely less bulky than many other color laser printers I’ve handled. Its smooth black finish and neatly organized buttons make it look modern without taking up too much space on your desk.
The 5-inch LCD screen is surprisingly intuitive. Navigating menus is straightforward, and I appreciate how quick setup was—just a few simple steps to connect it wirelessly.
Printing from my phone was seamless with Apple AirPrint and the Canon PRINT app, which is a huge time-saver when you’re on the go.
What really stands out is the print speed—26 pages per minute in both color and monochrome. That’s perfect for busy days when you need quick turnaround times.
The first page pops out in about 10 seconds, so you’re not waiting around. The high-capacity toner keeps the pages coming without frequent replacements, which saves you both money and hassle.
The duplex printing feature is a bonus, helping you cut down on paper use effortlessly. The 250-sheet paper capacity means fewer refills, even during heavy printing sessions.
Plus, the ENERGY STAR rating means it’s not just fast and efficient but also eco-friendly.
Overall, this printer feels reliable and user-friendly, making it ideal for small offices or home setups where quality and speed matter. It’s a great balance of performance and simplicity, without the fuss of complicated features you don’t need.
What Are the Unique Features of a Print Only Color Laser Printer?
The unique features of a print-only color laser printer make it ideal for users who prioritize high-quality document printing without the need for additional functions.
- High-Quality Color Output: Print-only color laser printers are designed to produce vibrant and sharp color prints, making them ideal for marketing materials, brochures, and presentations. They utilize advanced laser technology that ensures consistent color accuracy and detail.
- Fast Printing Speeds: These printers typically offer high-speed printing capabilities, allowing users to print large volumes of documents quickly. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that require efficient workflows and minimal downtime during high-demand periods.
- Low Cost per Page: Print-only color laser printers generally have lower operating costs compared to inkjet printers, especially when it comes to color printing. They utilize toner cartridges that yield a higher number of pages, reducing the cost per page for color documents.
- Robust Build Quality: Designed for heavy use, these printers often feature a sturdy construction that can withstand the demands of a busy office environment. This durability contributes to their longevity and reliability over time.
- Energy Efficiency: Many print-only color laser printers are designed with energy-saving features, such as automatic sleep mode and low power consumption during idle times. This not only reduces electricity costs but also supports environmentally friendly practices.
- Connectivity Options: While primarily focused on printing, these devices often come with a range of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and sometimes Wi-Fi, allowing for easy integration into office networks and mobile printing capabilities.
- User-Friendly Interface: Print-only color laser printers usually feature intuitive control panels and display screens that simplify the printing process. This ease of use is especially helpful for users who may not be tech-savvy, allowing for straightforward operation and maintenance.
How Does Print Resolution Affect the Quality of Output?
- DPI (Dots Per Inch): The DPI measurement indicates the number of individual dots a printer can produce within a one-inch space. Higher DPI values result in sharper and more detailed images, making them essential for professional printing tasks where precision is key.
- Print Quality Settings: Most printers offer various quality settings that adjust the resolution to optimize speed or output quality. Choosing a higher quality setting typically enhances the resolution, producing richer colors and finer detail, especially important when printing images or graphics.
- Color Accuracy: Print resolution also impacts color accuracy, where higher resolutions can reproduce complex color gradients more effectively. This is crucial for tasks like photo printing, where subtle color variations must be accurately depicted to maintain visual fidelity.
- Text Clarity: For documents, print resolution affects the sharpness of text. Higher resolutions ensure that letters appear crisp and clean, avoiding the blurriness that can occur with lower settings, which is particularly important for professional documents or presentations.
- File Size and Speed: Higher print resolutions generally result in larger file sizes, which can slow down the printing process. Users need to balance desired output quality with production speed, especially in high-volume printing scenarios.
Why Is Print Speed Important in Selecting a Color Laser Printer?
Print speed is a critical factor when selecting a color laser printer because it affects overall productivity, especially in environments with high printing demands, such as offices or busy home settings. A higher print speed typically translates to reduced waiting time and increased efficiency.
Key considerations regarding print speed include:
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Page Per Minute (PPM): This measures how many pages a printer can produce in one minute. Printers with a PPM of 20 or higher are generally suitable for most small to medium-sized businesses.
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Duty Cycle: This indicates the maximum number of pages a printer can handle per month without compromising print quality or reliability. A printer with a higher duty cycle is better capable of meeting your demands.
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First Page Out Time (FPOT): This important metric shows how quickly the first page prints after sending a print job. A lower FPOT is advantageous for reducing downtime between tasks.
Choosing a printer that balances speed with quality and reliability ensures that your printing needs are met efficiently, ultimately leading to better workflow and productivity in various settings.
What Are the Running Costs Associated with a Print Only Color Laser Printer?
The running costs associated with a print-only color laser printer typically include toner, maintenance, and electricity consumption.
- Toner Cartridges: Toner cartridges are the most significant recurring expense for color laser printers. Each cartridge contains powder that is used to create the printed images and text, and they can be quite costly, especially color cartridges. Depending on the printer model, the cost can vary, and some printers have high-yield options that can provide more prints for a lower cost per page.
- Drum Units: Many color laser printers have separate drum units that transfer toner onto paper. These drum units have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced periodically, adding to the overall cost of ownership. The frequency of replacement depends on the printer’s design and usage, but it is an essential factor to consider when calculating long-term expenses.
- Maintenance Kits: Maintenance kits often include components such as rollers and fusers that wear out over time. These kits might be required at specific page counts or after a certain period, and they can be an unexpected expense for users. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring print quality and longevity of the printer.
- Electricity Consumption: While laser printers are generally efficient, they do consume electricity during operation and while in standby mode. The cost of electricity can vary based on local rates and how often the printer is used. Over time, this energy consumption can add to the overall running costs, especially for heavy users.
- Paper Costs: Although not directly related to the printer itself, the type and quality of paper used can also impact running costs. Higher-quality paper can enhance print results but may come at a premium price. Additionally, using the wrong type of paper can lead to jams or poor-quality prints, potentially increasing costs further due to wasted materials.
What Do Experts Recommend as the Leading Color Laser Printers?
Experts recommend several top models for print-only color laser printers based on performance, reliability, and print quality.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This multifunction printer excels in color printing with sharp text and vibrant images, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It features fast printing speeds, robust security protocols, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, providing convenience and efficiency for high-volume printing tasks.
- Canon imageCLASS LBP612Cdw: Known for its compact design, this printer offers excellent print quality and is particularly suited for home offices or small workspaces. It provides mobile printing options and high-resolution output, along with a relatively low cost per page, making it a budget-friendly choice for users who need reliable color printing.
- Brother HL-L3270CDW: This printer stands out for its affordability and strong performance in color printing. It boasts wireless connectivity, allowing for easy mobile printing, and has a relatively fast printing speed, making it a practical option for users who require efficient and high-quality prints without breaking the bank.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: With its impressive color accuracy and exceptional print quality, this printer is ideal for graphic designers and professionals needing precise color reproduction. It offers a variety of connectivity options and is designed for heavy-duty use, ensuring that users can handle large print jobs with ease.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This model is a great fit for those seeking a compact yet powerful color laser printer. It delivers high-quality prints and has a robust build quality, coupled with features like automatic duplex printing and mobile printing capabilities, making it versatile for various printing needs.
What Are Users Saying About Their Experience with Print Only Color Laser Printers?
Users have shared various experiences regarding their print-only color laser printers, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks.
- Print Quality: Many users praise the sharp and vibrant color output of their printers, which is particularly beneficial for graphics and presentations. The clarity and precision of text and images often surpass that of inkjet printers, making them suitable for professional documents.
- Speed: Users often report that print-only color laser printers offer significantly faster printing speeds compared to other types of printers. This efficiency is especially appreciated in busy office environments where time is of the essence.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial cost of purchasing a color laser printer can be higher, users frequently point out that the long-term savings on toner and maintenance make them a wise investment. Toner cartridges generally yield more pages than ink cartridges, which reduces the cost per page.
- Durability and Reliability: Many customers note that laser printers tend to be more durable and require less frequent servicing than ink-based printers. They often report fewer paper jams and consistent performance over time, leading to less downtime.
- Connectivity Options: Users appreciate the variety of connectivity options available, including USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connections. This flexibility allows for easy integration into home or office networks, enabling multiple users to print seamlessly.
- Limited Functionality: Some users express concern about the lack of multifunction features, as print-only models do not offer scanning or copying capabilities. This limitation can be a drawback for those who require a versatile machine for various tasks.
- Size and Footprint: Users often comment on the size and weight of color laser printers, with many finding them bulkier than their inkjet counterparts. This can be a consideration for those with limited space in their home or office setups.
- Environmental Considerations: Some users highlight the environmental impact of toner cartridges and the disposal of printer waste. However, many manufacturers are making efforts to provide recycling programs and eco-friendly options, which users appreciate.
How Should You Decide Which Print Only Color Laser Printer to Buy?
Connectivity Options: Having multiple connectivity options allows for flexibility in how you print from various devices. Printers with USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities enable easy access from computers, tablets, and smartphones, making them more versatile for different office setups.
Brand Reputation and Support: Researching brands can help you identify reliable manufacturers known for durable products and responsive customer service. A good warranty and accessible support can save you time and money if you encounter problems, making brand reputation an important consideration in your decision-making process.
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