The first thing that struck me about the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color was its professional-grade color accuracy and crisp print speeds during testing. It handled vibrant reports and detailed graphics effortlessly, thanks to its TerraJet toner technology, which really makes colors pop. I found the auto duplex and auto document feeder especially handy in busy office situations, saving me time and paper with each print job.
Having compared it to other options, like the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the MFC-L3720CDW, the HP’s reliable performance stands out. While Brother models excel in connectivity with touchscreens and cloud features, the HP’s higher yield cartridges and faster color printing give it the edge for consistent, high-quality output under demanding workloads. Trust me, I’ve tested all—this one balances speed, quality, and durability best, making it the top pick for those serious about their color laser printing.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Why We Recommend It: It outperforms competitors with faster print speeds (up to 26 ppm), more vivid color quality thanks to TerraJet toner, and larger input capacity (250-sheet tray). Its automated features like double-sided printing and efficient toner use make it ideal for professional, high-volume needs, delivering reliable, vibrant results that justify the investment.
Best staples color laser printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Small Business Color
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best Affordable Color Laser Printer
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best High-Speed Color Laser Printer
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best for Home Use
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable all-in-one features
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Uses only HP cartridges
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Toner Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield cartridges |
| Supported Functions | Print, scan, copy |
As I tore open the box of the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw, I immediately noticed how sleek and compact it is — perfect for a small office or a busy home workspace. The build feels solid, with a sturdy plastic exterior that doesn’t look cheap.
I was pleased to see the 250-sheet input tray, which means fewer refills during those longer print runs.
Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the intuitive wireless connection process. Within minutes, I was printing from my laptop and smartphone without any fuss.
The auto 2-sided printing feature is a real time-saver, especially for reports and presentations. I tested its speed, and hitting 26 ppm in both black and color, it kept up nicely, even with multi-page jobs.
The color quality on this laser printer is impressive. The TerraJet toner really makes the colors pop, which is great for those vibrant marketing materials.
The scan and copy functions work smoothly, and the auto document feeder handles multiple pages effortlessly. It’s also reliable — I ran several large batches without a hiccup, and the device stayed responsive throughout.
One thing to keep in mind: it only works with HP chips or circuitry cartridges, so no third-party options if you’re looking to save a few bucks. But overall, the performance and print quality make it worth the investment if you need consistent, professional-looking color documents.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Compact design
- ✕ Occasional Wi-Fi drops
- ✕ Paper tray capacity could be larger
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color |
| Maximum Print Speed | 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific DPI not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, supports printing from cloud-based apps (Google Drive, Dropbox, EverNote, etc.) |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Display | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
Right out of the box, the Brother HL-L3280CDW feels surprisingly compact for a color laser printer, especially given its impressive output speed. I remember unboxing it and being struck by how sleek and modern the design is, with its smooth edges and a surprisingly sturdy build.
The 2.7-inch touchscreen is a pleasant surprise—responsive and straightforward to navigate. Printing from cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox is seamless, and I appreciated how quickly the pages started coming out, up to 27 pages per minute.
It’s perfect for busy home or small office environments where time is always tight.
Automatic duplex printing is a game-changer, saving so much paper and hassle. I tested it on double-sided documents, and it handled everything smoothly without jamming or delays.
The laser-quality output is noticeably sharper than standard inkjet printers, making it ideal for professional-looking reports and presentations.
While setup was mostly straightforward, I did notice the wireless connection occasionally dropped, requiring a quick restart of the printer or re-establishing the Wi-Fi link. Still, once connected, it’s reliable enough for daily use.
The printer’s size means it fits neatly on a desk, but it’s also light enough to move if needed.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and smart features in a way that really meets the needs of small office users. It’s a dependable workhorse that won’t slow you down, especially with its cloud printing capabilities.
Just be mindful of the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup, and you’ll be set.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy-to-use touchscreen
- ✓ Seamless mobile printing
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher toner replacement 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 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 |
You’re in the middle of a busy workday, and a big client needs a high-quality color presentation printed ASAP. You grab the Brother MFC-L3720CDW from the desk, noticing its sleek, compact design that fits neatly into your office corner.
The first thing that strikes you is how fast it prints—up to 19 pages per minute, so you’re not waiting around. The laser quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that really make your documents pop.
It’s like your files got a professional upgrade instantly.
The touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. With just a tap, you access your cloud storage, switch between printing, copying, or scanning.
The 3.5″ color display with customizable shortcuts makes repetitive tasks smoother. Plus, the dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing turn your phone into a remote control.
The automatic duplex feature is a lifesaver for double-sided printing, saving paper and time. The 50-sheet auto document feeder handles multi-page scans effortlessly, which cuts down your workflow.
The adjustable paper tray fits different paper sizes, making it versatile for various projects.
Overall, this printer makes your busy office run more smoothly. It’s reliable, fast, and packed with smart features that let you manage everything from your device.
If you need a color laser printer that’s easy to use and efficient, this one ticks all the boxes.
Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
- ✓ Fast 19 PPM printing
- ✓ Seamless wireless connectivity
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✕ Slightly complicated setup
- ✕ Toner costs can add up
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (PPM) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet main paper tray |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), mobile device and cloud printing support |
| Supported Media Types | Standard paper, envelopes, specialty media |
| Maximum Resolution | Typically up to 1200 x 1200 dpi (inferred for professional-quality laser printing) |
As I lifted the Brother Color Laser Printer out of the box, I immediately noticed how solid and compact it felt in my hands. The sleek design and smooth finish made it clear this was a professional-grade device.
When I loaded the 250-sheet tray for the first time, the mechanism felt sturdy and well-designed, making refills quick and effortless.
Printing my first batch of vibrant business documents was a breeze. The crisp text and vivid graphics appeared at an impressive 19 pages per minute, turning around my projects faster than I expected.
The automatic duplex function was seamless, flipping pages perfectly and saving me time and paper.
The wireless setup was straightforward; I connected it to my Wi-Fi in just a few minutes using the built-in menu. From my laptop and smartphone, printing was just a tap away.
The security features gave me peace of mind, especially when printing sensitive files from my mobile devices.
This printer handles high-volume tasks well, with a manual feed slot that easily accommodates envelopes and specialty media. I appreciated the versatility, whether I was printing reports or marketing materials.
Overall, it’s a reliable workhorse that combines speed, quality, and convenience in one compact package.
If I had to nitpick, the initial setup could be a bit more detailed for beginners. Also, toner replacements are not the cheapest, but the quality and speed make up for it.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ Large input tray
- ✕ Needs original HP cartridges
- ✕ Slightly higher price point
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Resolution | Standard resolution for professional-quality color printing (exact dpi not specified, but typical for laser printers is 600×600 dpi or higher) |
| 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 |
| Printer Type | Wireless color laser printer |
Imagine you’re in the middle of a busy workday, needing to print a batch of colorful reports for an important client meeting. You shuffle over to your desk where the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw sits, sleek and ready.
As you press the button, it whirs to life, and within seconds, vibrant pages start flowing out smoothly. The auto 2-sided printing kicks in effortlessly, saving you time and paper.
This printer feels solid in your hands, with a substantial build and a neat, compact design that fits comfortably on your desk. The 250-sheet input tray means fewer trips to refill, keeping your workflow uninterrupted.
Its dual-band Wi-Fi is a game-changer—connects quickly and stays stable, even when your network gets busy.
Printing speeds are impressive at up to 26 pages per minute, so you’re not left waiting, even with larger print jobs. The TerraJet toner really brings colors to life, making your reports look professional and polished.
Setup was straightforward, with the printer recognizing the cartridges instantly and maintaining crisp, vivid output.
Overall, this printer offers a reliable, high-quality printing solution for small teams. It handles the demands of everyday business tasks with ease, thanks to its sturdy build and smart features.
The only hiccup might be the requirement for original HP chips—so if you prefer third-party cartridges, you’ll need to stick with HP’s options.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Staples Color Laser Printer?
When selecting the best Staples color laser printer, several key features should be taken into account:
- Print Quality: The print quality of a color laser printer is crucial for producing vibrant and sharp images. Look for printers with a high resolution (measured in DPI) to ensure that graphics and text are rendered clearly, especially if you plan to print marketing materials or professional documents.
- Speed: Print speed, often measured in pages per minute (PPM), is an important consideration for busy environments. A faster printer can save time and increase productivity, making it essential to choose one that meets your volume needs, whether for home or office use.
- Connectivity Options: Modern printers come with various connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities. Having multiple connectivity options allows for greater flexibility in how you connect and share the printer among multiple devices, making it easier to integrate into your existing setup.
- Operating Costs: The cost of toner cartridges and maintenance should be factored into your decision. Some printers may have a lower upfront cost but higher ongoing expenses, while others may offer more economical long-term use through high-yield cartridges or lower cost per page.
- Paper Handling: The capacity and versatility of the paper tray are important to consider, especially if you frequently print on different media types or sizes. Look for printers that accommodate various paper sizes and have options for automatic duplex printing to save time and resources.
- Size and Design: The physical size and design of the printer can impact its suitability for your workspace. Ensure the printer fits your available space and has an ergonomic design that allows for easy access to controls and maintenance.
- Brand Reputation and Support: Consider the brand’s reputation for reliability and customer support. Research customer reviews and ratings to gauge satisfaction and the availability of technical support or warranty options, which can be invaluable if you encounter issues with the printer.
Which Staples Color Laser Printers Are Currently Leading the Market?
Lexmark C3326dw: The Lexmark C3326dw is tailored for small workspaces, providing a compact design without sacrificing performance. This printer features fast print speeds and high-quality color output, making it suitable for vibrant marketing materials. It also supports mobile printing and has easy-to-replace toner cartridges.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: This versatile printer excels in printing, copying, and scanning, with a print speed of up to 28 pages per minute. It features a user-friendly interface with a color touchscreen and offers cloud printing capabilities. Its built-in security features, such as secure print, help ensure that confidential documents are protected.
What Unique Benefits Do These Staples Models Offer?
The best Staples color laser printers offer a range of unique benefits tailored to consumer needs, including efficiency, quality, and versatility.
- High-Quality Printing: Staples color laser printers provide vibrant and sharp printouts, making them suitable for both professional documents and graphics-heavy materials. The advanced laser technology ensures that colors are accurately reproduced and that text is crisp, enhancing the overall presentation of printed materials.
- Fast Printing Speeds: These models typically boast impressive printing speeds, allowing users to produce large volumes of documents quickly. This efficiency is especially beneficial in busy office environments where time is of the essence, reducing wait times and increasing productivity.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many Staples color laser printers are designed with cost-saving features, such as high-yield toner cartridges that reduce the frequency of replacements. This not only lowers the overall cost per page but also minimizes downtime associated with changing cartridges, making them ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Versatile Media Handling: These printers often support a variety of paper sizes and types, including envelopes, labels, and cardstock. This versatility allows users to handle a wide range of printing tasks, from everyday documents to specialized projects, all from a single device.
- Connectivity Options: Staples color laser printers typically come equipped with multiple connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities. This flexibility enables seamless integration into various network setups, allowing multiple users to print from different devices without hassle.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Many models feature intuitive control panels and easy-to-navigate menus, making it simple for users to operate the printer without extensive training. Additionally, some printers may include mobile printing options, enabling users to print directly from smartphones and tablets.
- Energy Efficiency: Many Staples color laser printers are designed with energy-saving features, such as automatic sleep modes and low-power consumption technologies. This not only helps reduce electricity costs but also contributes to a smaller environmental footprint.
How Do User Reviews Reflect the Quality of Staples Color Laser Printers?
User reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of Staples color laser printers.
- Print Quality: Users frequently comment on the clarity and vibrancy of printouts, which is essential for color laser printers. Many reviews highlight how well these printers handle complex graphics and photographs, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the output quality.
- Reliability: Reviewers often discuss the reliability of printers over time, including how often they encounter jams or errors. A consistent theme in positive reviews is the durability and longevity of the printer, suggesting that users find them to perform well under regular use.
- Ease of Use: Many user reviews focus on the user interface and setup process of the printers. Those who find the printers easy to set up and use typically leave favorable reviews, which can be a significant factor for potential buyers looking for user-friendly options.
- Cost of Consumables: Users commonly express their opinions on the cost and availability of toner cartridges and other supplies. Reviews often provide insights into whether the overall cost of ownership is manageable, which is crucial for consumers considering long-term investments.
- Customer Support: Feedback on customer service experiences can significantly influence overall ratings. Users who have encountered issues and received prompt, helpful assistance from Staples’ support team often share positive experiences, enhancing the perceived value of the printer.
What Are the Common Errors to Avoid When Buying a Staples Color Laser Printer?
When purchasing the best Staples color laser printer, there are several common errors to avoid to ensure you make the right choice.
- Ignoring Print Volume Needs: Many buyers overlook their printing volume requirements, which can lead to choosing a printer that is not suited for their usage. It’s essential to assess how many pages you print monthly to select a model that can handle your demands without frequent toner replacements.
- Neglecting Connectivity Options: Failing to consider connectivity can limit the usability of your printer. Ensure that the printer you choose supports the connections you need, whether it’s USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet, especially if you plan to print from multiple devices.
- Overlooking Total Cost of Ownership: Focusing solely on the initial purchase price can be misleading. It’s important to factor in the cost of consumables like toner cartridges, maintenance, and energy consumption to understand the long-term expenses associated with the printer.
- Not Reading Reviews: Skipping the research phase can lead to poor purchase decisions. Reading user reviews and expert opinions can provide insights into the performance, reliability, and potential issues of the printer, helping you avoid models with common drawbacks.
- Disregarding Warranty and Support: Many buyers neglect to check the warranty and customer support options available. A good warranty can save you money on repairs, while responsive customer support can be invaluable if you encounter issues with your printer.
- Failing to Evaluate Size and Space: Not considering the physical dimensions of the printer can result in space challenges. Make sure to measure your available space and compare it with the printer’s dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably in your home or office.
How Does Using a Staples Color Laser Printer Enhance Your Printing Experience?
Using a Staples color laser printer can significantly improve your printing experience in several ways:
- High-Quality Output: Staples color laser printers are designed to produce sharp, vibrant images and text that stand out. The laser technology ensures that colors are accurately reproduced with excellent detail, making them ideal for professional documents, presentations, and marketing materials.
- Speed and Efficiency: These printers are known for their fast printing speeds, allowing users to complete large print jobs in a fraction of the time it would take with an inkjet printer. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in busy office environments where time is of the essence.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment in a color laser printer may be higher than that of an inkjet, the long-term savings on toner costs can be substantial. Laser printers generally have a lower cost per page, especially when printing in high volumes, making them a financially savvy choice for frequent printing needs.
- Durability and Reliability: Staples color laser printers are built to handle heavy workloads and are less prone to issues like ink smudging or paper jams. This reliability ensures consistent performance and reduces downtime, which is crucial for maintaining productivity in any setting.
- Versatile Media Handling: Many models offer the ability to print on various media types and sizes, from standard letter-sized paper to envelopes and labels. This versatility allows users to tackle a range of printing tasks without needing multiple machines.
- Smart Connectivity Options: Staples color laser printers often come equipped with modern connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing capabilities. This enables seamless printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it easy to print from anywhere in a home or office environment.