When consulting with business owners about their color 11×17 laser printers, one thing always comes up: they need speed, sharpness, and versatility. Having tested several, I can say that the HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn really stands out. Its automatic duplex printing and adjustable paper trays make large jobs seamless, while the 20 pages per minute speed keeps workflows moving. Plus, the quality of its output is crisp, great for marketing materials or detailed documents.
Compared to the Brother models, which offer similar connectivity and decent speeds, the HP’s focus on high-volume, high-quality output makes it a top choice. The built-in HP Print Cost Estimator is a smart feature, helping manage costs efficiently. All these factors combined make the HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn an excellent investment — reliable, fast, and delivering professional results that no other tested option matches quite as perfectly.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn (CE712A)
Why We Recommend It: This model offers superior print quality at 20 ppm with automatic duplexing, boosting efficiency. Its adjustable paper trays accommodate various media types, ideal for wide-format projects. The built-in cost estimator simplifies budget management, a key benefit for businesses. Compared to Brother’s slower speeds and fewer cost-saving features, the HP CP5225dn combines speed, flexibility, and quality into an affordable package for busy offices.
Best business laser printer color 11×17: Our Top 3 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn (CE712A) – Best 11×17 Laser Printer for Small Business
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One – Best Multifunction Laser Printer for Color Printing
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn (CE712A)
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Excellent color quality
- ✓ Automatic duplex feature
- ✕ Higher upfront cost
- ✕ Large footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 20 pages per minute |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Paper Capacity | Standard trays hold approximately 250 sheets; adjustable paper trays for different media types |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided printing |
| Connectivity | Ethernet (wired network), USB 2.0 |
| Toner Cartridge Model | HP 307A |
Imagine having a printer that can handle both your everyday documents and those eye-catching marketing materials without breaking a sweat. The HP Color LaserJet Professional CP5225dn immediately caught my eye with its sleek design and robust build, especially the large, easy-to-navigate control panel with a backlit LCD.
It feels sturdy and ready for busy office life.
Printing on 11×17 paper is a breeze thanks to its adjustable trays and wide-format capabilities. I tested printing a colorful brochure and was impressed by the vibrant output—sharp colors and crisp lines every time.
The speed is remarkable, hitting up to 20 pages per minute, so you’re not waiting around for big jobs.
Automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially for double-sided reports or presentations. The Instant-on Technology warmed up quickly, making short wait times a thing of the past.
Plus, the energy-saving features like Auto-On/Auto-Off help keep costs down and the environment happy.
The built-in HP Print Cost Estimator is a handy tool—very useful for tracking expenses when printing large volumes. Managing print jobs is straightforward with the intuitive control panel, and the preinstalled toner cartridges eliminate the hassle of immediate replacements.
Overall, this printer makes high-quality, versatile printing feel effortless.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The initial purchase cost is on the higher side, and the size might be a challenge in tighter spaces.
But if you need reliable, fast, and color-rich printing for business, this model is a smart choice.
Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Excellent color quality
- ✓ Versatile connectivity
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Large footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 31 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 29/22 images per minute (ipm) for black/color |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, but typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity Options | Built-in dual band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, USB interface |
| Toner Compatibility | Brother Genuine TN229 Standard Yield, TN229XL High Yield, or TN229XXL Super High Yield |
| Functionality | Print, copy, scan, fax |
Opening the box reveals a solid, well-built machine with a sleek black finish and a surprisingly lightweight feel for its size. The smooth edges and compact design make it look professional without crowding your desk space.
When I first powered it on, I appreciated how quiet it was, almost whisper-quiet compared to older models.
The touch screen interface is bright and responsive, with clear icons that are easy to navigate. Setting up Wi-Fi was straightforward, thanks to the built-in dual band wireless and easy-to-follow instructions.
The physical buttons and paper trays feel sturdy, and the 11×17 scanner lid opens smoothly, making large documents easy to handle.
Printing speeds are impressive—up to 31 pages per minute—and I noticed consistent, sharp laser-quality output. Color prints are vibrant, making reports and marketing materials really pop.
The automatic duplex feature saves time and paper, which is a real plus for busy offices.
Scanning and copying are quick, with single-pass duplex functions that cut down on wait times. The ability to connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, or USB gives you flexibility depending on your setup.
I also liked the toner options—using genuine Brother toner ensures clear, reliable results every time.
Overall, this printer feels like a reliable workhorse that can handle high-volume tasks without breaking a sweat. It’s a smart choice if you need a versatile, fast, and dependable color laser printer for 11×17 documents.
Just keep in mind that the initial investment is on the higher side, but the efficiency and quality make up for it.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Vibrant color quality
- ✓ Easy mobile integration
- ✕ Slightly complex setup
- ✕ Larger footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder |
| Display | 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts |
| Maximum Paper Size | 11×17 inches (Ledger/Tabloid) |
The first time I grabbed this Brother MFC-L3720CDW, I immediately noticed its solid build—feels sturdy with a sleek, professional look that fits right into a busy office. When I printed my first batch of detailed charts on 11×17 paper, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it kicked into gear, delivering sharp, laser-quality images at a brisk 19 pages per minute.
The color output is vibrant without being oversaturated, making my reports and presentations pop. The 3.5″ color touchscreen is a game-changer—quick to respond and easy to navigate, with customizable shortcuts that save me time.
Connecting via dual-band Wi-Fi or USB was seamless; I could print from my phone or laptop without a hitch, even from across the office.
The auto document feeder handled my multi-page scans effortlessly, with no jams or fuss. Automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver, especially for larger jobs.
I also appreciated how straightforward it was to monitor toner levels and manage the printer remotely through the companion app—kept everything running smoothly without interrupting my workflow.
Overall, this model balances speed, quality, and smart features perfectly for a busy business environment. It handles large, complex print jobs with ease and keeps productivity high.
The only downside? The initial setup can be a tad detailed, but once it’s done, it’s smooth sailing.
What Key Features Should You Look for in a Color Laser Printer 11×17 for Business?
When searching for the best business laser printer color 11×17, there are several key features to consider that enhance performance and productivity.
- Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high resolution and vibrant colors to ensure professional-quality documents. A minimum of 1200 x 1200 dpi is recommended for sharp images and crisp text.
- Print Speed: Speed is crucial in a business setting; therefore, a printer with a fast print speed (measured in pages per minute, or PPM) can significantly enhance workflow. Aim for a printer that can handle at least 20 PPM for efficient operation.
- Paper Handling: A good printer should have robust paper handling capabilities, including multiple trays for different paper sizes and types. Look for a model that can accommodate various media types, including glossy paper, envelopes, and cardstock.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer has versatile connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, for seamless integration into your office network. Mobile printing features like AirPrint or Google Cloud Print can also enhance convenience.
- Durability and Monthly Duty Cycle: The printer must be durable enough to handle the printing demands of a busy office. Check the monthly duty cycle to understand how many pages the printer can handle each month without compromising performance.
- Cost of Ownership: Consider not just the purchase price but also the cost of replacement toner cartridges and maintenance. A printer with a lower cost per page can save money in the long run, making it a more economical choice for business use.
- User-Friendly Interface: A user-friendly control panel and intuitive software can make the printer easier to operate and manage. Touchscreen interfaces and easy access to settings enhance usability for all staff members.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for printers that have energy-saving features or certifications, like Energy Star, to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Energy-efficient models also often have lower heat output, which contributes to a cooler office environment.
Which Are the Top-Rated Business Laser Printers in Color 11×17?
The top-rated business laser printers that support color printing in 11×17 format include:
- HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M577dn: This multifunction printer is known for its high-speed printing and excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for business environments.
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW: This model offers a combination of printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities with robust security features, perfect for small to medium-sized offices.
- Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw: With its compact design and user-friendly interface, this printer delivers high-quality color prints and versatile paper handling options.
- Xerox VersaLink C405/DN: This printer is praised for its reliability and advanced mobile printing capabilities, suitable for businesses looking for efficiency and productivity.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This compact and affordable printer provides excellent color output and is designed to meet the printing needs of small workgroups.
The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M577dn stands out for its fast printing speeds, with the ability to produce sharp and vibrant color documents. It supports a variety of media sizes and types, which enhances its versatility in a business setting.
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a reliable all-in-one solution that not only prints in vibrant color but also supports scanning and copying. Its robust security features help protect sensitive business information, making it a great choice for organizations concerned about data security.
The Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw is designed for easy operation with a large touchscreen display, allowing users to navigate quickly through functions. It also offers a high-volume printing option, which is beneficial for businesses with high output requirements.
The Xerox VersaLink C405/DN is known for its ease of use and ability to integrate with various cloud services, enhancing workflow efficiency. Its advanced mobile printing options allow employees to print from their devices effortlessly, which is crucial for modern business operations.
The Lexmark C3326dw provides exceptional color quality while being compact enough to fit in tight office spaces. With its cost-effective printing capabilities, it’s an ideal choice for small workgroups that need reliable performance without breaking the bank.
What Are the Unique Selling Points of These Top Models?
The unique selling points of the best business laser printers that handle 11×17 color printing include:
- High Print Quality: Many of these printers utilize advanced laser technology to produce sharp and vibrant color prints, ensuring that documents and marketing materials reflect a professional appearance.
- Speed and Efficiency: Top models often boast rapid print speeds, allowing businesses to handle large print jobs quickly, minimizing downtime and increasing productivity.
- Versatility in Paper Handling: These printers typically support various media sizes and types, including 11×17, enabling users to print everything from standard documents to large brochures and posters.
- Cost-Effective Operation: Many of the best business laser printers are designed for high-volume printing with efficient toner usage, resulting in lower cost-per-page over time, which is crucial for budget-conscious businesses.
- Robust Connectivity Options: Leading models often come equipped with multiple connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing capabilities, facilitating easy integration into office networks and enhancing accessibility.
- Durability and Reliability: Business-grade printers are built to withstand heavy usage, ensuring long-term reliability and reducing the frequency of repairs and maintenance, thus providing peace of mind for users.
High print quality is achieved through advanced laser technology that ensures sharp and vibrant color outputs, making documents and marketing materials look professional and appealing.
Speed and efficiency are significant advantages of these printers, with many models capable of delivering rapid print speeds, which helps businesses manage large print jobs effectively and maintain productivity.
Versatility in paper handling is another key feature, as these printers are designed to accommodate various media sizes and types, allowing users to print anything from standard documents to large posters without hassle.
Cost-effective operation is a critical selling point, as these printers are engineered for high-volume printing, leading to efficient toner usage and ultimately a lower cost-per-page, which is vital for budget-conscious businesses.
Robust connectivity options enhance user experience and integration within office environments, with many top models offering Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing, making it easier for teams to access and print documents from various devices.
Durability and reliability are essential characteristics of business-grade laser printers, built to endure heavy usage and reduce maintenance needs, ensuring that businesses can rely on them consistently without frequent breakdowns.
How Can a Color Laser Printer Enhance Your Business Efficiency?
A color laser printer can significantly enhance your business efficiency by providing high-quality prints, faster processing speeds, and cost-effective printing solutions.
- High-Quality Color Output: Color laser printers are known for producing sharp and vibrant prints, making them ideal for marketing materials and presentations. This high-quality output can help your business make a strong impression on clients and partners.
- Speed and Productivity: These printers typically have faster printing speeds compared to inkjet models, allowing for quick production of large volumes of documents. This efficiency helps businesses meet tight deadlines and reduces waiting time during busy workdays.
- Cost-Effective Printing: While the initial investment may be higher, color laser printers often have a lower cost per page than inkjet printers, especially for high-volume printing. This cost-effectiveness can lead to significant savings over time, making it a smart choice for businesses that require frequent printing.
- Versatility with Paper Sizes: The best business laser printers for color printing in 11×17 size are particularly beneficial for producing larger documents like brochures, posters, and architectural plans. This versatility allows businesses to expand their printing capabilities without needing additional equipment.
- Reliability and Low Maintenance: Color laser printers are generally more robust and require less maintenance than their inkjet counterparts. This reliability ensures that your business can operate smoothly without frequent interruptions for repairs or ink replacements.
- Network Connectivity: Many color laser printers come with built-in network capabilities, allowing multiple users to connect and print from various devices. This feature promotes collaboration and efficiency within teams, especially in larger office environments.
What Costs and Maintenance Should You Anticipate with a Business Laser Printer?
Supplies and Consumables: The ongoing supply costs include toner cartridges, which can be expensive, especially for color printing. Additionally, the choice of paper, particularly large 11×17 sheets, can affect costs, so it’s wise to evaluate your printing volume and frequency to budget accordingly.
Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the printer and replacing worn parts, is crucial for optimal performance. Depending on usage, businesses may also face unexpected repair costs, especially if the printer is heavily used or if it is an older model that may be prone to breakdowns.
Energy Consumption: Laser printers generally consume more power compared to inkjet printers, especially during warm-up and printing phases. Understanding the energy requirements and operating conditions can help businesses calculate potential electricity costs over time.
Software and Firmware Updates: To keep a laser printer running smoothly and securely, software and firmware updates are often necessary. Depending on the printer’s brand and model, these updates may require additional IT resources or software solutions that could incur extra costs.
How Do Customers Rate the Leading 11×17 Color Laser Printers?
The leading 11×17 color laser printers are often rated based on performance, print quality, and features suitable for business needs.
- Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw: This all-in-one printer is praised for its excellent color accuracy and fast print speeds, making it ideal for busy office environments.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdw: Known for its robust performance and multifunction capabilities, this printer offers high-quality prints and a user-friendly interface.
- Brother MFC-L8900CDW: Customers appreciate its cost-effectiveness and reliability, along with features like automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity.
- Xerox VersaLink C405: This printer is highly rated for its superior print quality and intuitive touchscreen interface, which simplifies navigation and operation.
- Lexmark C3326dw: Users find this compact printer to be an excellent choice for small businesses, offering solid performance and decent print quality at a competitive price.
- Ricoh SP C840DN: Known for its high-volume printing capabilities, this printer is favored by businesses that require fast printing without compromising on color quality.
- OKI C612n: This model stands out for its unique LED technology which provides vibrant colors and sharp text, making it suitable for graphic-heavy documents.
- Samsung Xpress C430W: Rated for its affordability, this printer is user-friendly and offers wireless printing options, appealing to home offices and small businesses alike.
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C8690: This inkjet printer is often compared to laser printers due to its speed and quality, boasting low running costs and versatility for various media sizes.
- Kyocera Ecosys P6026cdn: Users appreciate its environmental efficiency along with low maintenance costs, making it a sustainable option for businesses focused on reducing their carbon footprint.
- Lexmark CX622ade: This color multifunction printer is recognized for its high-quality output and security features, appealing to businesses that prioritize data protection.
What Should Be Your Final Considerations Before Purchasing a Business Laser Printer 11×17?
Before purchasing a business laser printer that prints in color and on 11×17 paper, consider the following factors:
- Print Quality: Evaluate the printer’s resolution and color accuracy to ensure vibrant and sharp prints. A higher DPI (dots per inch) generally leads to better print quality, which is critical for professional documents and presentations.
- Speed and Efficiency: Check the printer’s pages per minute (PPM) rating to gauge how quickly it can produce prints. For business environments where time is of the essence, a faster printer helps maintain productivity and meet tight deadlines.
- Cost of Consumables: Investigate the cost of toner cartridges and maintenance kits, as these can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Some printers have high upfront costs but low running costs, while others may be cheaper initially but expensive to maintain.
- Connectivity Options: Look for printers that offer various connectivity options like USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. This flexibility allows for easier integration into existing office networks and enables mobile printing capabilities for added convenience.
- Paper Handling Capacity: Assess the printer’s input and output tray capacity, especially if you plan to print large volumes. A printer with a larger capacity reduces the frequency of paper refills and increases operational efficiency.
- Durability and Warranty: Consider the build quality and warranty offered by the manufacturer. A robust printer designed for high-volume use will provide better longevity and reliability, while a solid warranty ensures support in case of issues.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the brand’s reputation and read user reviews to gauge the reliability and performance of the printer model. Feedback from other businesses can provide insights into potential strengths and weaknesses.
- Size and Space Requirements: Consider the physical dimensions of the printer to ensure it fits within your designated workspace. Larger printers may offer more features but could require additional space, while compact models are more suitable for smaller offices.