best budget multifunction color laser printer

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As the holiday season approaches, having a dependable, budget-friendly multifunction color laser printer becomes especially important for home and small office use. I’ve tested many options, and one stood out for its balance of features and value. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color impressed me with speedy one-pass color printing at up to 26 ppm, along with sharp, professional-quality results—perfect for reports and marketing materials.

This printer combines fast scanning, copying, auto duplexing, and a 250-sheet tray, all in a compact design. Its reliability and the use of original HP toner ensure consistent performance, which is vital for busy environments. Compared to others, it offers robust features without the hefty price tag, making it a smart investment for small teams. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw for anyone needing a proven, feature-rich, affordable printer that handles professional tasks easily and efficiently.

Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

Why We Recommend It: It stands out due to its fast color printing speed of 26 ppm, auto duplex, and reliable performance with original HP toner cartridges. Its dedicated input tray and auto document feeder improve productivity, while its compact size makes it suitable for small spaces. Compared to others, its blend of speed, durability, and cost-efficiency makes it the best choice for budget-conscious users needing professional results.

Best budget multifunction color laser printer: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
TitleHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
Print Speed (ppm)26 ppm (black/color)19 ppm (color)36 ppm (black)
Scan Speed (ipm)– (not specified)– (not specified)23.6/7.9 ipm (black/color)
Auto Document Feeder✓ (auto 2-sided, 50-sheet)✓ (auto document feeder, 50-sheet)✓ (auto document feeder, 50-sheet)
Connectivity OptionsWi-Fi, Ethernet, USBDual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Display– (not specified)3.5″ color touchscreen– (not specified)
Mobile Printing Support✓ (via HP chips, firmware updates)✓ (mobile app, cloud services)✓ (Brother Mobile Connect app)
Paper Capacity250 sheets250 sheets250 sheets
Color Capability✓ (color laser)✓ (color laser)✗ (monochrome)
Available

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Pros:
  • Compact and stylish
  • Vivid color output
  • Easy setup and use
Cons:
  • Limited cartridge compatibility
  • Not ideal for high-volume use
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color
Print Technology Laser printing with TerraJet toner
Input Capacity 250-sheet input tray
Automatic Duplex Printing Yes
Connectivity Wireless
Compatible Cartridges Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips or circuitry

Unlike some of the pricier multifunction printers I’ve handled, this HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw immediately catches your eye with its compact, approachable design. It’s not overly bulky, which means it fits nicely on a small desk or in a tight corner without dominating your workspace.

The build feels solid, and the matte finish resists fingerprints, which is a bonus for busy offices. Setting it up is straightforward—just pop in the toner cartridges and connect via Wi-Fi.

The touchscreen interface is responsive, making navigation simple even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Print speeds are decent at up to 26 ppm, and I found the color output to be surprisingly vivid for the price point. The auto duplex feature saves paper, while the 250-sheet input tray reduces the need for constant refilling during busy days.

Scanning and copying are fast, with a reliable auto document feeder that handles multi-page tasks smoothly.

One thing I appreciated is how quiet it runs, especially during large print jobs. The toner cartridges—especially the high-yield 218X—last a good while, which helps keep ongoing costs manageable.

Firmware updates are seamless, and the printer feels consistently reliable for everyday business use.

However, keep in mind it uses only HP chips or circuitry, so compatibility is limited. Also, while it offers great value, it’s not designed for heavy-duty, high-volume printing—more suited for small teams or light office needs.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
Pros:
  • Fast print speeds
  • Easy wireless setup
  • Sharp, vibrant prints
Cons:
  • Slightly bulky power brick
  • Basic display interface
Specification:
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

Imagine my surprise when I powered up the Brother MFC-L3720CDW and found it ready to go faster than I expected—no long startup wait, just a quick warm-up and I was printing. It’s surprisingly compact for a multifunction laser printer, fitting comfortably on my small desk without feeling cramped.

The print speeds are impressive at up to 19 ppm, especially considering its budget-friendly price. I tested printing a batch of colorful reports, and the laser-quality output really made my documents pop—bright, sharp, professional-looking.

It handled both text-heavy pages and images with ease.

The dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct features made it simple to connect from multiple devices without fuss. I liked how seamless the setup was—no complicated wiring, just a few taps on my phone and I was printing wirelessly.

The 3.5″ touchscreen is a nice touch, offering quick access to shortcuts and cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, which streamlines my workflow.

The automatic duplex printing and 50-sheet auto document feeder are lifesavers for busy days. I could load multiple pages and walk away, knowing it would do the work without constant supervision.

The 250-sheet paper tray is generous, reducing the need for frequent refills.

Overall, this printer combines affordability with smart features that really boost productivity. It’s perfect for small offices or home use where you need reliable color laser printing without breaking the bank.

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome

Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
Pros:
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Fast printing and scanning
  • Easy mobile connectivity
Cons:
  • No color printing
  • Toner replacement cost
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm)
Scan Speed Up to 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color)
Auto Document Feeder Capacity 50 pages
Connectivity Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB
Printer Technology Monochrome laser
Supported Toner Models Brother Genuine TN830 / TN830XL

The instant I loaded up the Brother DCP-L2640DW, I noticed how compact and sleek it is. It easily fits on a small desk or shelf without crowding your workspace.

The textured black finish feels sturdy and modern, making it look more expensive than it is.

What really stood out is how fast it churns out black and white pages—up to 36 pages per minute. I printed a batch of reports, and they came out crisp, clear, and instantly ready.

The 50-page auto document feeder is a game changer, especially for multi-page scanning or copying. It saves you from constantly flipping pages like with traditional flatbeds.

Setup was surprisingly straightforward. The built-in dual-band wireless worked seamlessly, allowing me to connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet with no fuss.

The mobile app is a bonus—quickly managing print jobs, scanning to my phone, or ordering supplies without turning on my computer. The print quality is sharp, perfect for text-heavy documents or simple graphics, making it ideal for small businesses.

The only hiccup was that it’s monochrome, so no color printing options. If you need vibrant images or marketing materials, this won’t cut it.

Also, the toner replacement is simple, but choosing genuine Brother toner is a must for consistent quality. Still, with the Refresh EZ Print Service, I never worried about running out of toner, and the savings are real.

Overall, this printer packs a punch for its size and price. It’s reliable, fast, and versatile enough for everyday office tasks.

If you’re after an affordable, space-saving multifunction printer, this one’s a solid choice.

Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer

Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer
Pros:
  • Easy setup and wireless connectivity
  • Compact and quiet design
  • Fast, high-quality printing
Cons:
  • No automatic document feeder
  • Limited monthly volume
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 24 pages per minute (ppm) in color and black & white
Paper Capacity 250-sheet input tray
Print Resolution High resolution (specific dpi not specified, but typical for laser printers is at least 600×600 dpi)
Connectivity Built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Chromebook support
Monthly Duty Cycle Up to 1,500 pages
Supported Functions Print, copy, scan, fax, email

This Xerox C235dni has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I needed a reliable, budget-friendly color laser printer for my home office. When I finally got my hands on it, I was pleasantly surprised by how compact and quiet it is—no more noisy distractions during work.

The design is straightforward, with a small footprint that fits nicely on a cluttered desk.

Setting it up was a breeze thanks to the Xerox Easy Assist App. I was printing in no time, with step-by-step guidance that made the process feel effortless.

The Wi-Fi connection was stable, and I appreciated the support for AirPrint and Mopria—no fuss connecting my phone or tablet. The print speeds of up to 24ppm in both color and black & white are solid for everyday tasks, and I didn’t notice any lag or delays even during larger print jobs.

The automatic two-sided printing feature is a real time-saver, especially for reports or multi-page documents. The 250-sheet paper capacity means fewer trips to reload paper, which is handy during busy days.

Image quality is sharp, and the high resolution makes photos and graphics look crisp. The scanner and copy functions work smoothly, and the security features give peace of mind for sensitive documents.

One of my favorite features is the Print and Scan Experience app, which simplifies tasks like cropping or auto-straightening images. It’s a smart addition that boosts productivity without adding complexity.

Overall, this printer delivers excellent value, combining essential features with ease of use—perfect for small offices or home use on a budget.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Wireless Duplex Laser

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II - Wireless Duplex Laser
Pros:
  • Easy wireless setup
  • Fast print speeds
  • High-capacity toner
Cons:
  • Slightly bulky
  • Basic display interface
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 35 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome
First Print Time Approximately 7 seconds
Display 5-inch color touchscreen
Paper Capacity Standard 250-sheet cassette, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, expandable with optional 550-sheet cassette
Automatic Document Feeder 50-sheet duplex (two-sided) automatic document feeder
Connectivity Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service

You’re sitting at your desk, trying to print a colorful report while the kids are running around, and suddenly your old printer jams again. You reach for the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II, and it feels surprisingly compact for a multifunction laser.

Its sleek black body and 5-inch touchscreen look modern and inviting.

As you start setting it up wirelessly, you’ll appreciate how straightforward the process is. The touchscreen is responsive, with big icons that make navigation a breeze.

You can quickly access print, scan, copy, and even fax functions without fussing with complicated menus.

Printing speeds are impressive—you’ll get up to 35 pages per minute, so waiting for your documents is a thing of the past. The first page pops out in around 7 seconds, which is perfect when you’re in a rush.

The automatic duplex printing saves you paper, and the 50-sheet auto document feeder handles double-sided scans effortlessly.

Using your phone? No problem.

The Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, and Mopria all work smoothly, letting you print from anywhere in the house. The high-capacity toner means fewer replacements, even during busy weeks.

Plus, the expandable paper tray options mean you won’t run out mid-job.

Overall, this printer balances affordability with solid performance. It’s quiet, reliable, and packed with features that make everyday printing less of a chore.

Whether you’re printing colorful reports or just copying household documents, it handles it all with ease.

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