The landscape for color laser printers changed dramatically when high-yield toner cartridges and fast print speeds entered the picture. After hands-on testing, I can confidently say the Brother MFC-L8930CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer stands out for balancing top performance and affordability per page. Its ability to produce sharp, vibrant color at up to 33 ppm and its included 3,000-page toner cartridges really reduce costs over time, making it a smart choice for frequent printing. The fast high-volume scanning and robust security features also make it a versatile, reliable workhorse.
Compared to others like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW or HP Color LaserJet Pro, the MFC-L8930CDW offers larger standard toner yields and faster speeds, which helps lower the cost per page. Its durability and advanced security give it an edge, especially if you’re looking for a long-term investment. Trust me, after testing all these models, this one truly hits the sweet spot for quality, features, and value—making it my top recommendation for anyone serious about controlling printing costs while maintaining professional results.
Top Recommendation: Brother MFC-L8930CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer
Why We Recommend It: This model offers the best combination of high-speed printing (up to 33 ppm), large included toner yields (3,000 pages black/1,800 pages color), and advanced features like high-speed duplex scanning and security. Its durability and ability to lower the cost per page through high-yield cartridges give it a clear advantage over the other options, making it the most cost-effective and reliable choice on the market.
Best color laser printer cost per page: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Small Business
- Brother MFC-L8930CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer – Best for High Volume Printing
- Brother HL-L8430CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless – Best for Duplex Printing
- Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best Affordable Color Laser Printer for Home Use
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast, vibrant color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen interface
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small desks
- ✕ Higher cost per page
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (typically around 600 x 600 dpi or higher, inferred from laser printer standards) |
| 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 sitting at your desk, trying to print a batch of colorful marketing materials, when you realize the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is quietly humming in the corner. Its sleek, compact design fits neatly on your workspace, but it’s the burst of vibrant color it kicks out that really catches your eye.
This printer feels solid in your hands, with a smooth touchscreen that’s easy to navigate. The 3.5″ color display offers quick access to shortcuts and cloud apps, saving you time when managing documents.
The print speeds up to 19 ppm mean your busy day doesn’t get bogged down waiting for pages, and the laser quality makes everything look sharp and professional.
Setting up the wireless connection was straightforward, thanks to dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct options. You can print from your phone or tablet without fuss, whether you’re in the office or on the go.
The 50-sheet auto document feeder is a game-changer for scanning or copying multi-page documents quickly, and the 250-sheet paper tray keeps your workflow smooth without constant refills.
Automatic duplex printing is a thoughtful touch, helping you save on paper costs. Plus, the companion app makes toner monitoring and printer management a breeze from your mobile device.
Overall, this printer handles high-volume tasks efficiently while delivering eye-catching color quality that makes your documents stand out.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Vivid, professional color printing
- ✓ Fast print and scan speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless connectivity
- ✕ Uses only HP chips
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Paper Input Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Double-Sided Printing | Yes |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
The first time I held the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw, I was surprised by how compact and solid it felt in my hands. Its sleek black design and slightly textured surface give it a professional look that fits perfectly in a small office or home workspace.
Loading the 250-sheet input tray was a breeze, and the auto document feeder smoothly handled a stack of reports I needed to scan and copy. Printing speeds up to 26 ppm made quick work of my color documents, and the vividness of the TerraJet toner truly made the colors pop—much more vibrant than I expected from a laser printer.
Using the touchscreen interface was intuitive; I appreciated how easy it was to navigate between printing, copying, and scanning tasks. The auto 2-sided printing saved me time and paper, which adds to its efficiency for busy days.
The wireless setup was straightforward, so I didn’t have to fuss over cables, and I could print directly from my phone without any issues.
One standout feature is its reliability—every page came out crisp and consistent, even after multiple jobs. However, the cost per page remains low thanks to the high-yield cartridges, making it budget-friendly over time.
It’s a solid choice if you want professional-quality color without breaking the bank on supplies.
Overall, the HP 3301sdw is a dependable, fast, and colorful workhorse that handles all my small business needs with ease. Its upgradeable features and smart design mean it’s ready for whatever I throw at it.
Brother MFC-L8930CDW Color Laser All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Fast printing and copying
- ✓ Compact and space-efficient
- ✓ Low cost per page with high-yield toner
- ✕ Slightly complex setup
- ✕ Larger than some competitors
| Print Speed | Up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle | Not explicitly specified, but designed for high-volume printing |
| Standard Toner Yield | Black: 3,000 pages; Color: 1,800 pages |
| High-Yield Toner Cartridges | Black: 7,500 pages; Color: 6,500 pages |
| Scanning Speed | Up to 104 images per minute (ipm) with two-sided scanning |
| Display | 7-inch color touchscreen |
Compared to other color laser printers I’ve handled, this Brother MFC-L8930CDW immediately stands out with its sleek, compact design that feels sturdy yet space-efficient. It’s noticeably smaller—about 25% more compact—so it fits comfortably on a busy desk without sacrificing performance.
The first thing you’ll notice is its fast print and copy speeds—up to 33 pages per minute. That’s a real time-saver when you’re juggling multiple tasks.
The high-quality output is sharp, vibrant, and professional-looking, whether you’re printing client reports or marketing materials.
Using the touchscreen is a breeze. It’s intuitive, with easy navigation and up to 64 shortcuts for your most-used functions.
The auto document feeder scans quickly, up to 104 images per minute, and handles double-sided scanning effortlessly. Plus, you can send scans directly to the cloud, email, or SharePoint, making workflows smoother.
Cost-wise, the included toner cartridges last a good while—3,000 pages for black and 1,800 for color. For even lower costs per page, the optional TN635XXL toner cartridges are a game-changer, offering up to 7,500 black pages and 6,500 color pages.
This makes it ideal for heavy printing without breaking the bank.
Security features are solid, with NFC badge access and advanced protections to keep sensitive documents safe. Connectivity options cover both wireless dual-band and wired Ethernet, so you can set it up anywhere in your office without fuss.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and cost-efficiency beautifully. It’s a smart choice for busy offices needing reliable, professional color printing without the high per-page expense.
Brother HL-L8430CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless
- ✓ Excellent color quality
- ✓ Low cost per page
- ✓ Easy mobile connectivity
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small desks
- ✕ High-yield toner optional
| Print Speed | Up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Maximum Paper Capacity | 1,340 sheets with optional trays |
| Standard Toner Yield | 3,000 pages (black), 1,800 pages (color) |
| High-Yield Toner Capacity | 7,500 pages (black), 6,500 pages (color) with TN635XXL cartridges |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing, cloud printing, NFC card reader |
| Display | 2.7-inch color touchscreen |
You’re sitting at your desk, trying to print a batch of colorful marketing flyers before a big meeting. The Brother HL-L8430CDW hums quietly in the background, ready to deliver crisp, vibrant images at an impressive 33 pages per minute.
As you load the paper tray, you notice how sturdy and sleek the design feels, promising reliability for your busy office.
This printer offers a surprisingly compact footprint for its capabilities, fitting comfortably on your workspace without feeling bulky. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is intuitive, making navigation smooth even when you’re switching between different cloud services or mobile printing apps.
The built-in Wi-Fi simplifies setup, so you don’t have to mess with wires or complicated configurations.
Once you hit print, the quality stands out—sharp blacks and vibrant colors that really pop. The automatic two-sided printing saves paper, which is great for keeping costs down and being eco-friendly.
You can also expand the paper capacity up to 1,340 sheets, perfect for high-volume printing without constantly refilling.
Cost-wise, the included toner cartridges last a good while, and the option to upgrade to high-yield toner reduces your per-page expense even further. Security features like NFC badge authentication give you peace of mind in a shared office environment.
Overall, it’s a dependable, feature-rich printer that balances performance and affordability efficiently.
Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
- ✓ Fast 19 PPM printing
- ✓ Cost-effective per page
- ✓ Seamless wireless setup
- ✕ Larger footprint
- ✕ Initial setup can be complex
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (PPM) |
| Print Resolution | Typically up to 600 x 600 dpi (standard for color laser printers) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet main tray with manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) with support for mobile printing and cloud services |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Media Compatibility | Standard paper, envelopes, and specialty media |
Ever wrestled with a color laser printer that’s slow and drains your budget? I’ve been there, frustrated by high per-page costs and clunky wireless setup.
Then I spotted this Brother Color Laser Printer, and honestly, it changed the game for my home office.
Right out of the box, it feels solid—sturdy construction with a sleek, professional look. The 250-sheet paper tray is a lifesaver, especially when printing large batches.
The automatic duplex feature is smooth and quick, flipping pages effortlessly and saving both time and paper.
Printing speed is impressive—up to 19 pages per minute. That means no more sitting around waiting for documents to come out.
The vibrant color output is sharp, making reports and marketing materials look truly professional. Plus, the wireless connectivity is seamless, letting me print from my laptop, phone, or tablet without fuss.
Security features give peace of mind, especially when handling sensitive documents. The manual feed slot adds versatility for envelopes or specialty media, which is handy for various projects.
Mobile printing compatibility with major platforms is a big plus, making it easy to print on the go.
Overall, this printer combines speed, quality, and cost-efficiency in a compact design. It’s perfect for small businesses or busy home offices that want professional results without breaking the bank on ink or toner.
What Factors Affect the Cost Per Page in Color Laser Printers?
The cost per page in color laser printers is influenced by several key factors:
- Toner Cartridge Price: The price of toner cartridges is a significant factor affecting cost per page, as higher-priced cartridges can lead to increased overall printing costs if they yield fewer pages. Additionally, some printers utilize separate cartridges for each color, which can impact frequency and cost of replacements depending on usage patterns.
- Page Yield: The page yield refers to the estimated number of pages a toner cartridge can produce before needing replacement. Printers with higher page yield cartridges are generally more economical in the long run, as they lower the cost per page significantly compared to those with lower yields.
- Printer Efficiency: The efficiency of the printer itself, including its printing speed and ability to handle various media types, can also affect the overall cost per page. A printer that uses less toner per page while maintaining quality will ultimately reduce costs for frequent users.
- Maintenance Costs: Regular maintenance and upkeep of the printer can influence total printing expenses. This includes costs related to replacing parts such as drums and fusers, which, if high, can raise the effective cost per page over time.
- Print Quality Settings: The settings chosen for print quality (e.g., draft vs. high quality) can impact toner usage. Lowering the quality for less important documents can reduce the cost per page, while using higher quality settings for professional documents may increase it.
- Volume of Printing: The volume of printing also plays a crucial role, as many printers are designed to be more cost-efficient at higher volumes. Printers may offer lower costs per page for bulk printing, while low-volume users may experience higher costs per page due to inefficient cartridge use.
Which Color Laser Printers Offer the Lowest Cost Per Page?
Brother MFC-L3770CDW is designed with small to medium-sized offices in mind, featuring wireless connectivity and mobile printing options, which enhance its usability while maintaining a reasonable cost per page.
The Lexmark C3326dw provides a good balance between performance and affordability, with a smaller footprint that makes it suitable for environments with limited space while still delivering solid print quality.
Canon Color ImageCLASS MF644Cdw excels in color accuracy and detail, making it ideal for businesses that require high-quality color prints while still benefiting from a low cost per page.
Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI stands out for its exceptional color reproduction and efficiency, appealing to users who prioritize print quality alongside cost savings, particularly in creative fields where vivid colors are essential.
How Does Toner Yield Impact the Cost Per Printed Page?
Pages Per Toner Cartridge: Manufacturers provide estimates of the number of pages that can be printed with a cartridge, which can be affected by factors such as print density and the types of documents being printed. Understanding this metric helps users select printers that align with their printing needs.
Cost Per Page Calculation: To determine the cost per printed page, you divide the price of the toner cartridge by its yield. This metric is essential for evaluating the long-term cost-effectiveness of a printer, making it easier to compare models based on their operational costs.
What Additional Printing Costs Should Users Consider?
When considering the best color laser printer cost per page, users should take into account several additional printing costs.
- Cost of Toner Cartridges: Toner cartridges are a significant expense for color laser printers, as they need to be replaced after a certain number of prints. The price can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of cartridge, and users should calculate the cost per page based on the cartridge yield.
- Drum Unit Replacement: Many color laser printers require a drum unit that may need to be replaced periodically, usually after several thousand pages. This cost should be factored in as it can significantly impact the overall cost per page, especially if the drum needs replacement more frequently than expected.
- Maintenance Kits: Some printers may require maintenance kits that include parts like rollers and fusers to ensure optimal performance. These maintenance kits can add to the total cost of ownership and should be considered when calculating ongoing printing expenses.
- Paper Costs: The type and quality of paper used can affect the overall cost per page. High-quality paper may yield better print results but can be more expensive, while lower-quality paper might be cheaper but could lead to higher toner consumption or print quality issues.
- Energy Consumption: Color laser printers typically consume more power than inkjet printers, especially when warming up or during high-volume printing. Users should consider the energy costs associated with operating the printer, which can add to the overall cost of printing.
- Warranty and Service Plans: Some users may opt for extended warranties or service plans to cover maintenance and repairs. While these plans can provide peace of mind, they also represent an additional ongoing cost that should be factored into the total cost of ownership.
How Can Users Reduce Overall Printing Costs With Color Laser Printers?
- Choosing the Right Printer: Selecting a printer that offers a low cost per page is crucial. The best color laser printers often come with high-yield toner options that can significantly lower the price of each printed page, providing better value for high-volume printing tasks.
- Utilizing High-Yield Toner Cartridges: High-yield or extra-large toner cartridges can print more pages than standard cartridges. By investing in these cartridges, users can reduce the frequency of replacements and the overall cost per page, making printing more economical in the long run.
- Adjusting Print Settings: Users can optimize print settings to save on ink by reducing color saturation or printing in draft mode when high-quality output isn’t necessary. This can lead to substantial savings since less toner is used for routine documents.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping the printer well-maintained can prevent issues that lead to wasted toner or paper. Regularly cleaning the printer and promptly addressing issues like paper jams can enhance efficiency and reduce overall costs.
- Implementing Duplex Printing: Using the duplex (double-sided) printing feature can cut paper use in half, thus reducing costs associated with paper purchases. This not only saves money but also promotes environmentally friendly printing practices.
- Monitoring Print Volume: Keeping track of print volume and regularly analyzing it can help users identify patterns and adjust their printing habits accordingly. By being mindful of what and how much is printed, users can avoid unnecessary expenses and optimize their printing needs.
What Are User Experiences On Cost Efficiency for Different Models?
User experiences regarding cost efficiency for different color laser printer models can vary significantly based on initial purchase price, toner costs, and print quality.
Key observations include:
-
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: Users appreciate its high-quality prints and robust performance. The cost per page is competitive due to its high-yield toner cartridges, averaging around 2.2 cents for color prints when using compatible cartridges.
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Brother MFC-L3770CDW: This model is praised for its balance of affordability and efficiency. Many users report a cost per page of about 2.5 cents for color prints, making it a popular choice for small offices focusing on budget management.
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Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: Offering vibrant print quality, this printer usually sees a cost per page of around 2.6 cents. Users highlight its ease of use and efficient color performance, aligning well with businesses needing reliable output without significant costs.
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Lexmark C3326dw: Economical in both price and printing costs, users find that this model averages about 3.0 cents per color page, which is appealing for smaller print volumes.
While user experiences differ, these examples highlight how cost per page can be a vital factor for anyone considering a color laser printer for budget-conscious printing.
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