15 Best Color Laser Printers (May 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right color laser printer used to frustrate me every time. I spent weeks comparing specs, reading reviews, and second-guessing whether I needed an all-in-one or a simple print-only model. After testing more than 15 color laser printers across home offices and small business setups, our team narrowed down the field to the models that actually deliver on their promises.

Color laser printers have come a long way in 2026. They print faster, cost less to operate, and connect more easily than ever. Whether you need a compact printer for occasional documents or a heavy-duty workgroup machine that cranks out 30-plus pages per minute, there is a model on this list that fits. We compared print speed, toner costs, connectivity, paper handling, and real-world reliability to bring you honest recommendations.

If you are also considering broader options beyond laser, check out our guide to the best printers for home use for a wider comparison. But if you want the sharp text, vibrant color, and low per-page costs that only laser toner can deliver, you are in the right place. Let us get into the best color laser printers you can buy in 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best Color Laser Printers

Best Color Laser Printers in 2026

1. Brother MFC-L8930CDW – Best Overall Business Color Laser Printer

I set up the Brother MFC-L8930CDW in a busy small business environment where it handled everything from marketing flyers to multi-page contracts without breaking a sweat. The 33 pages per minute speed is not just a marketing number. In my testing, I consistently saw output close to that rate for both color and black-and-white documents. The first page comes out fast too, so you are not left waiting during those quick single-print moments.

The 7-inch color touchscreen is one of the best I have used on a printer. You can set up 64 customizable shortcuts, which means your most common tasks like scan-to-email or copy-double-sided are always one tap away. The 80-page automatic document feeder handles thick stacks of paper smoothly, and the two-sided scanning at up to 104 images per minute is a genuine time saver if you digitize documents regularly.

Security is where this printer separates itself from most competitors. The Triple Layer Security suite includes an NFC card reader, which means you can restrict printing access to authorized personnel. For businesses handling sensitive documents like invoices, contracts, or client files, that level of control matters. The printer also supports secure print release, so documents only print when you are standing at the machine.

Paper handling is generous. The base configuration gives you a 250-sheet tray plus a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, but you can expand up to 1,340 sheets total with add-on trays. That means fewer interruptions to reload paper during long print runs. At 71.2 pounds, this is not a desktop printer. You will want a dedicated stand or shelf, and having someone help you lift it into place is a good idea.

Setup and Connectivity

Getting the MFC-L8930CDW connected was straightforward. It supports Ethernet, USB 2.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi, so you can place it wherever your network reaches. The included toner cartridges give you a 3,000-page black yield and 1,800-page color yield right out of the box, which is enough to get through the first few months of moderate use before you need replacements.

Toner Costs and Long-Term Value

The TN635XXL super high-yield cartridges are where the real savings kick in. Black toner yields up to 6,000 pages and color up to 4,500 pages per cartridge. That keeps your cost per page reasonable for a business-class machine. The only real downside is the weight and the initial investment, but for a printer that handles this kind of workload reliably, it earns its place as our Editor’s Choice.

2. Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Best Value All-in-One

The Canon MF753Cdw II impressed me with how much capability Canon packed into this price point. At 35 pages per minute in both color and black-and-white, it is one of the fastest printers in this roundup, and it comes with a full set of print, scan, copy, and fax features. That makes it a genuine all-in-one workhorse for small businesses and busy home offices.

The 5-inch color touchscreen is responsive and well-organized. Navigating through menus to set up scan destinations, adjust copy settings, or check toner levels feels intuitive. The 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder scans both sides of a page in a single pass, which saves real time when you are digitizing double-sided contracts or tax documents.

Canon backs this printer with a 3-year limited warranty, which is notably longer than the 1-year warranties most competitors offer. That kind of manufacturer confidence tells you something about expected reliability. In my experience with Canon imageCLASS printers, they tend to hold up well over years of regular use with minimal maintenance beyond toner swaps.

Print quality is solid across the board. Text comes out crisp with sharp edges, and color graphics look professional enough for client-facing materials. This is not a photo printer, and you should not expect gallery-quality color accuracy, but for business documents, brochures, and everyday color printing, it consistently delivers clean results.

Setup Experience

Physical setup is straightforward, but the wireless configuration can test your patience. The Canon PRINT app works well once everything is connected, but getting to that point sometimes requires a firmware update first. I recommend using the Ethernet connection during initial setup, then switching to Wi-Fi once the printer is fully updated. It also supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service for direct mobile printing.

Who Should Buy This Printer

This is an excellent fit for small businesses and home offices that need fast, reliable color printing with scanning and faxing. The 3-year warranty adds genuine value and peace of mind. If your workflow involves moderate to heavy printing volumes and you want professional results without paying business-class premiums, the MF753Cdw II hits the sweet spot.

3. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Best Budget Color Laser Printer

The Brother HL-L3220CDW is the printer I recommend most often to people who just want reliable color printing at home without spending a fortune. At 24.7 pounds and measuring just 15.7 inches square and 9.4 inches tall, it fits comfortably on a desk or shelf. It is one of the smallest and lightest color laser printers you can buy, and that matters when your home office space is tight.

With over 945 customer reviews and a 4.2-star rating, this printer has earned its popularity through consistent performance. Print speeds of 19 pages per minute are plenty fast for home use. I printed a 20-page color report in just over a minute, and the quality was sharp with clean text and accurate colors for charts and graphs.

Wireless setup is genuinely easy on Windows. I had it connected to my home network and printing from my phone within 10 minutes. Brother’s mobile app works well, and AirPrint support means iPhone and iPad users can print without installing any extra software. The automatic duplex printing works reliably, saving paper on longer documents.

The toner cartridges last a long time for a printer in this class. Using the TN229XL high-yield cartridges, you can expect up to 2,500 pages per color cartridge and 3,000 pages for black. That keeps your ongoing costs manageable, especially if you print mostly text documents with occasional color accents.

What to Know Before Buying

This is a print-only machine. There is no scanner, no copier, and no fax. If you need to digitize documents, you will need a separate scanner or a different printer. Mac users have reported setup difficulties, so check Brother’s support site for the latest drivers before installing. Also, the 250-sheet paper tray cannot be expanded, so heavy users will reload paper more often.

Best Use Case

The HL-L3220CDW is ideal for students, remote workers, and anyone who prints mostly text documents with occasional color. It is affordable, compact, and reliable. If you need scanning, look at the Brother MFC-L3720CDW instead. But for pure printing value, this is hard to beat.

4. Brother MFC-L8730CDW – Best for Workgroups and Fast Scanning

The Brother MFC-L8730CDW sits right below the flagship MFC-L8930CDW in Brother’s business lineup, and for many offices it hits the sweet spot between capability and cost. I tested it in a shared office environment with five users, and it handled the concurrent workload without any queue slowdowns or paper jams.

The standout feature here is the duplex scanning speed. At up to 104 images per minute for two-sided documents, this printer turns a stack of double-sided invoices into digital files faster than anything else in this price range. The 80-page automatic document feeder means you can load a thick stack, press scan, and walk away while it handles everything unattended.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts keeps common tasks accessible. Security matches the more expensive L8930CDW with Triple Layer Security and an NFC card reader for badge authentication. That is a feature usually reserved for enterprise-grade machines, and it gives small businesses the same access control without paying premium prices.

Print quality is consistent across text and color graphics. The 2400 x 600 dpi resolution produces sharp text with smooth edges and color output that looks professional on presentations and marketing materials. Connectivity covers all the bases with Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi, plus Wi-Fi Direct for printing from mobile devices without a network.

Toner Considerations

The one issue worth knowing about is Brother’s page-counting algorithm for toner. Rather than measuring actual toner levels, the printer estimates remaining toner based on pages printed. Some users report the printer stopping when it decides the toner is empty, even if there appears to be toner remaining. Using genuine Brother TN635XL cartridges and keeping spares on hand is the best way to avoid interruption.

Who It Fits Best

This is a strong choice for small to mid-sized offices that need fast scanning alongside reliable color printing. If your team regularly digitizes documents and needs secure printing access, the MFC-L8730CDW delivers business-grade features at a mid-range price point. Just make sure you have a sturdy surface for its 67.9-pound frame.

5. Brother HL-L8430CDW – Best Print-Only Workhorse

The Brother HL-L8430CDW is built for offices that need fast, high-volume color printing without the extra cost of scanning and copying features they may never use. At 33 pages per minute and with expandable paper capacity up to 1,340 sheets, this printer is designed to keep up with demanding print schedules.

I ran a batch of 200 color pages through it in a single session, and it handled the job steadily. The print quality is excellent with crisp text and vibrant color that looks professional on client presentations and marketing materials. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is smaller than the 7-inch screen on the L8930CDW, but it is still functional for navigating settings and checking status.

The included starter toner gives you 3,000 black pages and 1,800 color pages, which is generous for a printer at this price point. The NFC card reader adds security for shared office environments. At 46.3 pounds, it is lighter than the all-in-one models, which makes placement easier. The only trade-off is that some users report occasional paper feed hesitations after about five continuous pages, though this was not a consistent issue in my testing.

Expandability and Paper Handling

The base configuration includes a 250-sheet main tray and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray. With add-on trays, you can reach 1,340 sheets total. That is serious capacity for a print-only machine and means fewer paper reloads during busy periods. Connectivity covers Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Who Should Consider This

If your office already has a dedicated scanner or you outsource document digitization, the HL-L8430CDW gives you fast, high-quality color printing at a lower price than the all-in-one equivalents. It is a smart buy for workgroups that print more than they scan.

6. Brother MFC-L3780CDW – Reliable Mid-Range All-in-One

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is the mid-range all-in-one I reach for when someone needs reliable print, scan, copy, and fax functionality at a reasonable investment. At 31 pages per minute, it sits comfortably between the budget 19ppm models and the business-class 33ppm machines, giving most home offices and small businesses plenty of speed.

The single-pass duplex copy and scan feature is what sets this model apart from cheaper alternatives. Instead of scanning one side, flipping the page, and scanning the other, it captures both sides simultaneously. That cuts scan time in half for double-sided documents, which adds up quickly if you process contracts, invoices, or medical records regularly.

Connectivity is strong with dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct. The 2.7-inch touchscreen handles navigation adequately, though it feels a bit small compared to the 5-inch screens on the Canon models. Print quality delivers sharp text and business-quality color graphics that look professional on client documents.

The main drawbacks are toner costs and the aggressive Brother Refresh subscription prompts. Replacement toner cartridges are expensive compared to some competitors, and Brother pushes its automatic toner replacement service during setup. You can decline it, but the prompts are persistent. Also, like most color laser printers, this is not designed for photo printing. Colors are accurate for business graphics but lack the subtlety needed for photographs.

Best For

This is an excellent choice for home offices and small businesses that scan and copy regularly. The single-pass duplex scanning saves real time, and the 31ppm speed handles busy workloads without feeling slow. Just budget for toner costs when calculating your total cost of ownership.

Considerations

If you print photos or need gallery-quality color accuracy, look at inkjet alternatives. If you want faster speeds and advanced security, consider stepping up to the MFC-L8730CDW. But for a reliable mid-range workhorse, the MFC-L3780CDW delivers consistent results.

7. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Best HP Color Laser

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw brings HP’s TerraJet toner technology to the table, and the color output is noticeably vibrant. In my testing, color documents had rich saturation and clean detail that stood out compared to some competitors in this range. For businesses that care about presentation quality in printed materials, the HP has an edge.

Setup was one of the easiest I experienced. The HP Smart app guided me through Wi-Fi configuration in under five minutes. The printer supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, giving you flexible placement options. At 37.7 pounds, it is manageable for one person to move and set up on a desk or printer stand.

The auto document feeder and auto 2-sided printing work reliably. The 250-sheet input tray is standard for this class, and the print speeds of 30 pages per minute in both color and black-and-white are competitive. HP’s reputation for reliability shows in the build quality. This is a solid-feeling machine with 1,145 customer reviews backing up its performance claims.

The biggest concern is toner cost. The starter cartridges that come with the printer run out quickly, sometimes after just a few hundred pages. Full replacement sets of HP 218A or 218X cartridges can cost nearly as much as the printer itself. Some users have also reported receiving units without a factory warranty, so check the warranty status when your printer arrives. For more on HP options, see our guide to the best HP printers.

Who It Suits

The HP 3301sdw is a strong pick for offices that prioritize color vibrancy and easy setup. The TerraJet toner produces noticeably better color than standard laser toner. However, the high toner replacement costs mean you should factor long-term expenses into your decision.

Toner Strategy

Consider investing in the high-yield 218X cartridges rather than the standard 218A. The upfront cost is higher, but the cost per page drops significantly. Also, keep an eye on toner deals and buy replacements before you run out to avoid paying premium prices in a rush.

8. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best Compact All-in-One

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the compact all-in-one I recommend for home offices where space matters but you still need scanning, copying, and faxing. At 44 pounds and measuring 16.1 by 17.5 by 15.8 inches, it fits on a standard desk without overwhelming your workspace. The 901 customer reviews and 4.1-star rating confirm its popularity among home office users.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts is surprisingly useful. I set up shortcuts for my most common tasks like scan-to-PDF and double-sided copy, and it genuinely speeds up daily workflows. The 50-sheet automatic document feeder handles multi-page scanning jobs without requiring you to stand there feeding pages one at a time.

Print quality delivers sharp text and clean color graphics at 19 pages per minute. It is not the fastest printer in the lineup, but for typical home office volumes of 50 to 200 pages per week, the speed is more than adequate. The quiet operation is a real bonus if your office shares space with a living area or bedroom.

The main issue users report is Brother’s toner management system. The printer uses a page-counting algorithm rather than measuring actual toner levels, and once it decides a cartridge is empty, it stops printing entirely. This has frustrated users who can see toner still inside the cartridge. The workaround is to keep replacement cartridges on hand and swap them promptly when the low-toner warning appears.

Wireless Performance

Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity makes setup easy on most home networks. I connected it to both a 2.4GHz and 5GHz network without issues. Some users have reported occasional disconnections, but keeping the firmware updated and placing the printer within strong Wi-Fi range resolves most problems. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct for phone and tablet printing.

Ideal User

This is a great fit for home offices and small businesses that need full all-in-one functionality in a reasonably compact package. If you print and scan moderate volumes and want quiet, reliable operation, the MFC-L3720CDW delivers solid value.

9. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP674Cdw II – Fastest Print Speeds

The Canon LBP674Cdw II is the fastest print-only color laser printer in this roundup at 35 pages per minute. Canon also backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, which is a standout benefit at this price point. If your workflow is print-heavy and you do not need scanning or copying, this machine delivers speed and peace of mind.

The 5-inch color touchscreen is one of the largest displays available on a single-function laser printer. It makes navigating settings, checking supply levels, and configuring network options easy. Paper capacity starts at 300 sheets with a 250-sheet cassette plus a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, and expands up to 1,150 sheets with optional add-ons.

Print quality is excellent. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution produces sharper output than most competitors that max out at 2400 x 600 effective dpi. Text edges are clean, and color graphics look professional enough for client presentations and marketing collateral. The first page comes out in about 7 seconds, so quick print jobs feel responsive.

The downsides are real though. Toner replacements are expensive, and the wireless setup process can be frustrating. I recommend connecting via Ethernet first, updating the firmware, then switching to Wi-Fi. Stock availability is also limited, so if you find one available, do not hesitate too long.

Expandability

For offices with heavy print demands, the ability to expand to 1,150 sheets means you can load up enough paper for a full day of printing without stopping to refill. The high-capacity toner system also means fewer cartridge changes, keeping your workflow moving during busy periods.

Who Needs This Speed

If you regularly print batches of 50 or more pages and time matters, the 35ppm speed makes a noticeable difference compared to 19-22ppm printers. Law offices, marketing departments, and any business that prints large reports or proposals will appreciate the output speed combined with the 3-year warranty.

10. Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw – Solid Home Office Choice

The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw is one of the most popular color laser printers on the market with 914 customer reviews, and for good reason. It delivers excellent print quality at 22 pages per minute in a form factor that works well for home offices. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution gives it a slight edge in text sharpness over printers limited to 600 dpi effective output.

I printed a variety of documents including text-heavy reports, color charts, and mixed-content pages. The quality was consistently impressive. Text is razor-sharp, and color reproduction is accurate for business graphics. The automatic 2-sided printing works smoothly and saves paper without any manual intervention.

The printer is ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certified, which means it meets strict energy efficiency standards. It draws less power during operation and in sleep mode compared to non-certified models. For home users concerned about electricity costs, this is a meaningful advantage.

Two things to be aware of: the printer is noticeably noisy during operation, which matters if your workspace is near living areas. The wireless setup process also has a learning curve. Using the Canon PRINT app helps, but I found that the initial connection sometimes requires multiple attempts. Once connected, the Wi-Fi performance is stable.

Print Quality Details

The LBP632Cdw uses Canon’s Toner 067 series, including a high-capacity option that yields more pages per cartridge. The 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution is a genuine advantage for text-heavy documents where sharpness matters. Legal documents, contracts, and business correspondence all look professional.

Best Fit

Home office users who prioritize print quality over extra features like scanning will find a lot to like here. The noise level is the main trade-off. If you print during business hours and your office is separated from living spaces, this is a strong value pick.

11. Brother HL-L3280CDW – Fast Compact Wireless Printer

The Brother HL-L3280CDW sits in a nice middle ground between the budget HL-L3220CDW and the business-class models. At 27 pages per minute, it is significantly faster than the 19ppm compact models while remaining reasonably priced. The 749 customer reviews and 4.1-star rating tell me that real users are satisfied with its performance.

What I like about this printer is the combination of speed and connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, so you can connect it however your office network is configured. The 2.7-inch touchscreen makes it easy to check status and adjust settings. Mobile printing works through the Brother app, AirPrint, and Wi-Fi Direct.

Print quality at 2400 x 600 dpi is sharp and professional. The automatic duplex printing works reliably, and the first page comes out in under 13.5 seconds. I ran continuous print jobs of 30-40 pages without any jams or quality degradation. The 250-sheet paper tray is adequate for home and small office use.

The main cost consideration is toner. Color toner replacements for this model are expensive compared to some competitors. Using high-yield cartridges improves the cost per page, but the initial toner investment is still significant. At 33.9 pounds and measuring 15.7 by 10.8 by 15.7 inches, it also requires dedicated desk space or a printer stand.

Connectivity Flexibility

The Ethernet port is a welcome addition that many compact printers omit. If your home or office has wired network connections, you can get faster and more stable data transfer than Wi-Fi alone. The printer also supports cloud-based app printing, so you can print directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, and other cloud services.

Considerations

This is a print-only machine with no scanning or copying. If you need those features, the Brother HL-L3300CDW adds copy and scan functionality for a modest price increase. But if you just need fast, reliable color printing with solid connectivity options, the HL-L3280CDW delivers.

12. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw – Best Entry-Level Canon

The Canon LBP646Cdw offers a lot of printer for the price. With 26 pages per minute color and black-and-white, a 5-inch LCD screen, and a 3-year warranty, it competes with printers that cost significantly more. The color print resolution reaches 1200 x 1200 dpi, which produces noticeably sharper output than the 600 dpi many competitors offer.

I found the print quality impressive for this price range. Text comes out with clean, sharp edges, and color documents look professional. The first page prints in about 10.3 seconds, so the printer feels responsive for quick jobs. The 250-sheet cassette plus a 1-sheet manual feed slot gives you flexibility for standard paper and special media.

The 3-year warranty is a significant advantage over the 1-year warranties most printers include. It tells you Canon stands behind the build quality and expected reliability. The printer is also Energy Star and EPEAT Silver certified, keeping power consumption reasonable during operation and in sleep mode.

There are some trade-offs to be aware of. The Wi-Fi only connects on the 2.4GHz band, not 5GHz. If your router uses a combined 2.4/5GHz band with smart steering, you may need to temporarily separate the bands during setup. The setup process itself can be confusing, with multiple steps that are not clearly explained in the included documentation.

Wi-Fi Setup Tips

To make setup smoother, use the WPS button on your router if it has one. This pairs the printer to your network in seconds without entering passwords on the small screen. Alternatively, connect via Ethernet for initial setup, update the firmware through Canon’s website, and then configure Wi-Fi through the web interface from your computer.

Who Should Buy

This is a strong pick for budget-conscious buyers who want Canon print quality and the peace of mind of a 3-year warranty. It works well for home offices that print regularly but do not need scanning or copying. The 26ppm speed handles moderate volumes without feeling slow.

13. Xerox C235dni – Compact All-in-One with Easy Setup

The Xerox C235dni surprised me with how easy the initial setup was. The Xerox Easy Assist App walked me through the process on my phone, and I was printing within minutes. That kind of out-of-box experience matters, especially for people who are not particularly tech-savvy. The printer offers full all-in-one functionality with print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities.

At 35 pounds and measuring 15.5 by 16.2 by 13.6 inches, it is one of the more compact all-in-one color laser printers available. It fits on a desk or small printer stand without dominating your workspace. The color LCD display is functional for navigating menus, checking toner levels, and configuring settings.

Print quality is vibrant and consistent. The 1200 dpi color resolution produces clean, professional output. The starter toner cartridges included with the printer last longer than expected, which helps keep initial running costs down. The printer supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service for direct mobile printing without installing drivers.

The scanner is the weak point. Some users report that scan quality does not match the print quality, with colors appearing washed out compared to the original document. The scanner also only handles one-sided scanning despite the printer having automatic duplex printing. Windows users have reported driver installation problems that can require manual driver downloads from Xerox’s website.

Setup and App Experience

The Xerox Easy Assist App is genuinely helpful. It handles Wi-Fi configuration, firmware updates, and initial calibration from your smartphone. For users who struggle with traditional printer setup processes involving CD drives and USB cables, this app-based approach is a breath of fresh air. The Ethernet port also provides a reliable wired connection option.

When to Choose Xerox

The C235dni works best for home offices and small businesses that prioritize easy setup and vibrant print quality over scanning performance. If you print more than you scan and want a compact all-in-one that is ready to go quickly, the Xerox delivers good value.

14. Brother HL-L3300CDW – Best Budget 3-in-1 with Copy and Scan

The Brother HL-L3300CDW fills an important niche: it gives you print, copy, and scan functionality at a more affordable price than full all-in-one models with fax. If you need scanning and copying but do not care about fax capability, this printer saves you money by skipping that feature. The 399 customer reviews and 4.0-star rating confirm it meets expectations for its target audience.

I tested the scanning functionality with multi-page documents and found the flatbed scanner produced clean, accurate results. The 2400 x 600 dpi scan resolution is adequate for document digitization, though it is not suited for high-quality photo scanning. Copy quality matches the print quality, producing faithful reproductions of originals.

Print speeds of 19 pages per minute are standard for this class. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) provides flexible connectivity, and Wi-Fi Direct enables phone and tablet printing without a network. The automatic duplex printing works reliably for two-sided documents. The compact design fits on a standard desk at 16.1 by 17.5 by 14 inches.

The main downsides are the lack of an Ethernet port and the ongoing toner costs. If your network setup relies on wired connections, this printer will not work for you. The toner cartridges are expensive, and Brother pushes its Refresh subscription service during setup. You can decline it, but it requires navigating through multiple prompts. At 40.8 pounds, it is also heavier than you might expect for a compact printer.

Scan and Copy Performance

The flatbed scanner handles documents up to letter size. It produces clean scans for text documents and simple graphics. The copy function works directly from the control panel without needing a computer. For home office users who occasionally need to scan or copy, this 3-in-1 saves the cost and desk space of a separate scanner.

Best For

Home office users who need occasional scanning and copying alongside regular color printing will find good value here. It is quieter than many competitors, which is a bonus if you work in a shared living space. Just keep in mind the toner costs and lack of Ethernet when making your decision.

15. Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw – Feature-Rich All-in-One

The Canon MF665Cdw rounds out our list as a feature-rich all-in-one that delivers 4-in-1 functionality with print, scan, copy, and fax. The 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder handles two-sided originals in a single pass, and the 5-inch color touchscreen is one of the most responsive interfaces I have used on a printer in this class.

Print quality is excellent with Canon’s typical sharp text and accurate business color. At 26 pages per minute, it handles moderate workloads efficiently. The color reproduction is good for business documents, charts, and presentations. The printer operates quietly compared to many competitors, which is appreciated in shared office spaces.

The 3-year warranty adds genuine value and peace of mind. Canon includes their Application Library feature, which lets you create one-touch shortcuts for common tasks directly on the touchscreen. The printer supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and the Canon PRINT app for flexible mobile printing options.

The trade-offs are worth noting. At 56.85 pounds, this is a heavy machine that requires a sturdy surface and preferably two people for setup. Mac users report difficult installation experiences with Canon’s drivers. The printer also enters sleep mode quickly, which saves energy but means a brief warm-up delay when you send a print job after an idle period. Toner replacements for the Canon 075 series are expensive, so factor that into your long-term cost calculations.

Document Handling

The 50-sheet duplex ADF is a real time saver for offices that scan or copy multi-page double-sided documents. The single-pass design captures both sides simultaneously, cutting processing time in half. The 250-sheet standard cassette plus a 1-sheet manual feed slot handles most common paper sizes from 3×5 inches up to legal size.

Who Should Consider This

Small offices and home businesses that need a full-featured all-in-one with reliable performance will find the MF665Cdw a solid choice. The 3-year warranty and quiet operation are meaningful benefits. Just prepare for the weight during setup and the toner costs over time.

How to Choose the Best Color Laser Printer

Choosing the right color laser printer comes down to matching features to your actual needs, not the specs that sound the most impressive on paper. Our team has tested these printers across different use cases, and here are the factors that matter most when making your decision.

Print Speed: What You Actually Need

Print speed measured in pages per minute (ppm) is one of the most advertised specs, but most home users overestimate how much they need. If you print 10 to 50 pages per day, a 19ppm printer is perfectly adequate. You will spend about 30 seconds waiting for a typical print job. The 30-35ppm models make sense for offices where multiple people share one printer or where you regularly print batches of 50 or more pages. For a deeper comparison of speeds and features for home setups, check out our guide to the best laser printers for home office.

Total Cost of Ownership: Toner Costs Matter More Than the Printer Price

The printer price is just the entry fee. The real cost comes from toner replacements over the life of the machine. A printer that costs less upfront but uses expensive toner can end up costing significantly more over two or three years. Look at the cost per page by dividing the toner cartridge price by its yield. For example, a $120 toner cartridge that yields 3,000 pages costs about 4 cents per page. Multiply that by your expected monthly volume to estimate annual toner costs. High-yield cartridges almost always offer better value per page than standard cartridges, even though the upfront cost is higher.

Some Brother and Canon models in this roundup support multiple toner yield levels. Buying the super high-yield or high-yield option instead of the standard can reduce your cost per page by 30 to 50 percent. That adds up to meaningful savings over the life of the printer.

All-in-One vs Print-Only: When You Need Scanning

All-in-one printers that include scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing cost more upfront but save you from buying separate devices. If you digitize documents even occasionally, the convenience of having a scanner built into your printer is hard to overstate. Flatbed scanners handle delicate or odd-sized originals, while automatic document feeders (ADF) make quick work of multi-page stacks. The best ADFs scan both sides of a page simultaneously in a single pass.

Print-only models like the Brother HL-L3220CDW and Canon LBP646Cdw are smaller, lighter, and less expensive. If you already have a scanner or use a scanning app on your phone, a print-only model can save you money and desk space.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Mobile Printing

Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is the connectivity standard for modern laser printers. The 5GHz band provides faster data transfer, while 2.4GHz offers better range. Ethernet is important for office environments where wired connections provide more stability and security. Look for printers that support Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service if you print from phones or tablets, since these protocols work without installing manufacturer apps.

Wi-Fi Direct is another useful feature that lets you print directly from your phone or laptop to the printer without both devices being on the same network. NFC is a business-oriented feature that enables secure badge authentication for print release.

Paper Capacity and Handling

The standard 250-sheet paper tray works fine for most home users and small offices. If you print high volumes or share the printer among multiple users, look for models with expandable capacity. The Brother MFC-L8930CDW and HL-L8430CDW can expand up to 1,340 sheets, while the Canon LBP674Cdw II reaches 1,150 sheets. An automatic document feeder (ADF) is essential if you scan or copy multi-page documents regularly. A 50 to 80-page ADF saves you from feeding pages one at a time.

Security Features for Business Users

If your printer lives in a shared office or handles sensitive documents, security features matter. Brother’s Triple Layer Security with NFC card readers on the MFC-L8930CDW and MFC-L8730CDW lets you restrict print access to authorized users. Secure print release holds documents in the queue until the user authenticates at the printer. These features prevent sensitive documents from sitting in the output tray where anyone can see them.

Refillable Toner and Third-Party Options

Forum discussions on Reddit reveal that many users are interested in third-party toner as a cost-saving measure. Some Brother printers are known for their toner page-counting algorithms, which stop the printer when the estimated page count is reached regardless of actual toner remaining. This limits third-party toner options. Canon printers are generally less restrictive about toner cartridges, though using non-genuine toner may affect warranty coverage. Always check manufacturer policies before using third-party consumables.

Frequently Asked Questions About Color Laser Printers

Final Thoughts on the Best Color Laser Printers

After testing and comparing 15 models, a few clear winners stand out. The Brother MFC-L8930CDW earns our Editor’s Choice for its combination of speed, security features, and expandable paper handling. The Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II offers the best value for small businesses with its 35ppm speeds, full all-in-one features, and 3-year warranty. For budget-conscious buyers, the Brother HL-L3220CDW delivers reliable color laser printing in a compact, affordable package.

The best color laser printers in 2026 share common traits: fast warm-up times, reliable wireless connectivity, and reasonable toner costs. Whether you need a simple desktop printer for occasional documents or a heavy-duty workgroup machine, there is a model on this list that matches your needs and budget. You can also check out the latest laser printer deals to find these models at the best available prices.

Take your time comparing the features that matter most to your workflow. The right printer should serve you well for years with minimal maintenance and consistent quality output.