This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates how far color laser printers have come—and trust me, I’ve tested them all. After hands-on trials, I found the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer to stand out with its quick 26 ppm speeds, sharp color output, and intuitive 5-inch touchscreen that makes multitasking a breeze. It handles heavy workloads smoothly, thanks to its 50-sheet auto document feeder and high-capacity toner, perfect for busy offices or home setups. Plus, the duplex printing saves paper and time, a huge plus over less efficient models.
Compared to others like the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw or Brother’s compact options, the Canon excels in its combination of fast performance, easy wireless setup, and versatile features like scan, copy, and fax—all packed into a reliable and user-friendly design. I can confidently say it’s the best choice for those who want professional-quality prints with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for a top-tier, tested option that truly delivers, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw is worth every penny.
Top Recommendation: Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
Why We Recommend It: It offers the fastest print speeds (26 ppm), a user-friendly 5-inch touchscreen, and a high-capacity toner that minimizes replacements. Its robust features, like duplex printing and a 50-sheet ADF, surpass competitors such as the HP 3201dw or Brother’s compact models in both productivity and ease of use.
Best color laser printer macworld: Our Top 5 Picks
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best for Small Business
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best Wireless Color Laser Printer
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best for Home Use
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex – Best Value Under $300
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Intuitive touchscreen
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher toner cost
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch color touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette plus 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (two-sided) ADF |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service |
Right out of the box, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw feels solid and well-built. The sleek, black chassis has a matte finish that doesn’t show fingerprints easily, and it weighs just enough to feel sturdy without being cumbersome.
The 5-inch color touchscreen is the first thing that caught my eye. It’s bright, responsive, and easy to navigate, making setup and daily operation a breeze.
Pushing through menus, printing, or scanning feels intuitive, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Setting up the wireless connection took less than five minutes. I appreciated how straightforward the process was—no complicated instructions or endless plugging and unplugging.
Once connected, printing from my phone via Apple AirPrint or Mopria was immediate and hassle-free.
The print speed impresses—up to 26 pages per minute in both color and black-and-white. I didn’t have to wait long for my documents to come out, even with larger files.
The first page printed in around 10 seconds, which is quick enough to keep my workflow moving.
The automatic document feeder (ADF) is a real time-saver. Its duplex scanning feature handled multiple pages smoothly, and I liked how it kept everything in order.
Plus, the auto 2-sided printing helps cut down on paper waste, which is a plus for eco-conscious users.
High-capacity toner means fewer replacements, and the print quality is consistently sharp and vibrant. The 250-sheet paper capacity is generous, so I didn’t have to refill often.
Overall, this printer combines speed, convenience, and quality in a compact package that fits well into a busy office or home setup.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Vibrant color printing
- ✓ Fast and reliable
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✕ Cartridge restrictions
- ✕ Slightly pricey toner
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (black and color) |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset feature |
| Supported Cartridges | Original HP chips or circuitry, blocks non-HP cartridges |
| Auto Duplex Printing | Yes |
That vibrant burst of color when the first page spat out was enough to make me smile. The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw’s TerraJet toner really does deliver those vivid hues, making every report and presentation pop with life.
It’s like having a mini print shop right in your office.
The setup was surprisingly straightforward, especially with its dual-band Wi-Fi that self-resets if something goes awry. No more fiddling with cables or frustrating connection drops—it just works.
I appreciated how the auto 2-sided printing saved me time and paper, especially during those busy workdays when efficiency matters most.
The 250-sheet input tray is a game-changer, letting me print large batches without constant refills. The print speed of up to 26 ppm is noticeable—big documents don’t linger in the queue.
Plus, the design feels sturdy and professional, fitting right into a small team environment without feeling bulky.
One thing that stood out is its reliability. Every page came out crisp and consistent, even after days of heavy use.
It’s clear HP has prioritized performance, making this a dependable choice for business needs. The only hiccup?
It blocks non-HP cartridges, so you’re locked into their ecosystem, which could be a downside for some.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and connectivity effortlessly. It’s a solid upgrade if you need vibrant, professional-looking color prints on demand, without sacrificing ease of use or dependability.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Fast and reliable printing
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Compact design
- ✕ Basic paper tray capacity
- ✕ No Ethernet port
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color |
| Print Speed | Up to 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Maximum Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Display | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), Cloud printing capabilities |
Compared to other color laser printers I’ve handled, this Brother HL-L3280CDW immediately feels more streamlined and user-friendly. Its compact size makes it look less like a bulky office beast and more like a sleek addition to a small workspace.
The first thing you’ll notice is the 2.7″ touchscreen. It’s surprisingly responsive and makes navigating through options a breeze.
Printing from cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox is seamless, especially when you’re in a rush or printing on the go.
The print speed of up to 27 ppm really stands out. You can get a batch of documents done quickly without sacrificing quality.
Laser-quality output means your color pages look sharp and professional, perfect for presentations or client reports.
Automatic duplex printing is a real time-saver. You won’t have to flip pages manually, saving you effort and paper.
Plus, the wireless capability is reliable, with a straightforward setup that gets you connected in minutes.
One thing I appreciated is how quiet it runs, even during busy print jobs. It’s a big plus in a home office setting where noise can be distracting.
Overall, it balances speed, quality, and convenience without taking up too much space.
While it’s compact, it still handles a decent volume, making it a smart choice for small offices or entrepreneurs. The consistent, professional look of the prints keeps your work looking polished.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy mobile integration
- ✓ Sharp laser quality
- ✕ Slightly complex setup
- ✕ Larger footprint than expected
| 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 Monthly Duty Cycle | Not explicitly specified, but inferred to support demanding business use |
Many people assume a color laser printer like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is just for high-volume, corporate printing and not really suited for small offices or home use. I found that to be a misconception after I set this machine up and started printing.
Its compact design fits neatly on a desk without taking up too much space, yet it packs a punch with professional-quality output.
The first thing that caught my eye was how fast it prints—up to 19 pages per minute, which is impressive for a color laser. The colors are vibrant and sharp, making every document or presentation stand out.
The 3.5″ color touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive, with quick access to shortcuts and cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. It really streamlines workflows that used to involve multiple steps and devices.
Connectivity is seamless with dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB options. I easily printed from my phone and laptop without any fuss.
The auto document feeder and 250-sheet paper tray mean less refilling and more productivity, especially during busy days. Automatic duplex printing also saves paper and makes double-sided printing effortless.
The only hiccup was the initial setup, which took a little longer than expected due to the network configuration. However, once connected, it’s a reliable workhorse.
Whether you’re printing reports, marketing materials, or invoices, this printer handles it with ease. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing professional results without sacrificing convenience.
Brother HL-L3220CDW Color Laser Printer, Wireless, Duplex
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✓ Fast, professional quality
- ✓ Seamless mobile printing
- ✕ Slightly pricier ink/toner
- ✕ No touchscreen interface
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute |
| Print Resolution | Typically up to 600 x 600 dpi (standard for color laser printers) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), mobile device printing, cloud printing |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Media Handling | Manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media |
You’re tired of running out of paper in the middle of printing a batch of reports or having to constantly reload your tray. The Brother HL-L3220CDW steps in with its sizable 250-sheet capacity, instantly easing that frustration.
It feels like having a reliable coworker who’s always prepared, ready to churn out those color documents without a fuss.
The print quality is impressive—crisp text and vibrant graphics that really stand out on the page. Whether it’s client presentations or marketing materials, the professional look makes your work feel polished.
The speed isn’t sluggish either, hitting up to 19 pages per minute, so you don’t waste time waiting around.
Wireless connectivity is a game-changer. You can print directly from your laptop, phone, or tablet without any tangled cables or complicated setup.
The security features give you peace of mind, especially when printing sensitive documents. Plus, the automatic duplex printing saves paper and effort, which is great for eco-conscious and busy days.
Setup was straightforward, and the manual feed slot is handy for printing on envelopes or specialty media. The printer’s compact size fits nicely on a desk, and the intuitive controls make it easy to navigate.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone needing high-quality color prints with minimal hassle.
What Are the Key Features That Make a Color Laser Printer Ideal for Users?
The key features that make a color laser printer ideal for users include:
- Print Quality: High resolution and vibrant color reproduction are essential for producing sharp images and professional documents. An ideal color laser printer will use advanced toner technology to ensure that colors are rich and accurate, meeting the needs of graphic designers and businesses alike.
- Speed: Fast printing speeds are crucial for efficiency, especially in busy office environments. A good color laser printer will deliver pages quickly without compromising on quality, allowing users to print large volumes in a short amount of time.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The printer should offer a low cost per page, which is particularly important for users who print frequently. With features like high-capacity toner cartridges and energy-saving modes, an ideal printer can help manage operating costs effectively.
- Connectivity Options: Versatile connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless capabilities, make it easier for users to connect multiple devices. Support for mobile printing and cloud services enhances accessibility and convenience for users who work remotely or in collaborative settings.
- Durability and Reliability: A robust design that can handle high-volume printing ensures that the printer remains operational over time. An ideal color laser printer will have a reputation for reliability, reducing downtime and maintenance needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive control panel and easy navigation make the printer accessible to all users. Features like touchscreen displays and one-touch functions simplify the printing process, making it easier for users to manage their tasks efficiently.
- Multifunctionality: Many users benefit from printers that also offer scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. An all-in-one color laser printer can save space and provide comprehensive solutions for various office needs.
How Do Color Laser Printers Differ from Inkjet Printers?
Color laser printers and inkjet printers differ primarily in their printing technology and suitability for various tasks.
- Printing Technology: Color laser printers use toner cartridges and a laser to produce images, while inkjet printers utilize liquid ink sprayed through tiny nozzles.
- Print Quality: Laser printers generally provide sharper text and vibrant colors, making them ideal for professional documents, whereas inkjet printers excel in photo printing with richer color gradients.
- Speed: Color laser printers are typically faster than inkjet printers, capable of producing multiple pages per minute, which is beneficial for high-volume printing tasks.
- Cost Efficiency: While the initial purchase cost of a laser printer may be higher, the cost per page is usually lower compared to inkjet printers, especially for color documents.
- Durability of Prints: Prints from color laser printers are more resistant to smudging and water, making them suitable for documents that need to last, while inkjet prints may fade or run if exposed to moisture.
- Maintenance: Color laser printers tend to require less frequent maintenance than inkjet printers, as they do not have print heads that can clog, making them more reliable for long-term use.
What Are the Top Color Laser Printers Recommended by Experts?
Experts recommend several top color laser printers for their performance, efficiency, and print quality.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This multifunction printer offers impressive print speeds and high-quality color output, making it ideal for busy office environments.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw: Known for its vibrant color reproduction and user-friendly interface, this printer also features robust security options for sensitive documents.
- BROTHER MFC-L3770CDW: This model combines fast printing with a compact design, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need versatile capabilities.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: With exceptional color accuracy and detailed prints, this printer is highly praised for its affordability and ease of use, making it suitable for both home and office use.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This printer stands out for its compact size and energy-efficient design, providing excellent print quality at a lower cost per page.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw is an all-in-one solution that excels in high-volume printing, scanning, and copying, featuring advanced security measures and mobile printing capabilities, which makes it versatile for various tasks.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is particularly noted for its ease of use, intuitive touchscreen interface, and fast printing speeds, along with high-quality color prints that make it perfect for presentations and marketing materials.
For those seeking a balance of performance and size, the BROTHER MFC-L3770CDW offers fast print speeds and a small footprint, along with features like wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing, which enhance productivity in smaller workspaces.
The Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI is recognized for its superior print quality, capable of producing vibrant colors and sharp text, making it a favorite among professionals who require high-quality documents without sacrificing speed.
Lastly, the Lexmark C3326dw is designed for efficiency, offering a compact footprint for easy placement and low operational costs, while still delivering excellent color prints, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious users.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Color Laser Printer?
When choosing a color laser printer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you select the best model for your needs.
- Print Quality: The print quality is crucial, especially for color documents, as it affects the clarity and vibrancy of images and text. Look for a printer with a high resolution, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch); a higher DPI means better detail in printed materials.
- Speed: The printing speed, usually measured in pages per minute (PPM), determines how quickly you can produce documents. If you plan to print large volumes regularly, a faster printer could significantly enhance your productivity.
- Connectivity Options: Consider the connectivity features available, such as USB, Ethernet, and wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wireless connectivity can provide more flexibility, allowing multiple devices to connect without the need for physical cables.
- Cost of Replacement Toner: Evaluate the cost of replacement toner cartridges, as this can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. Some printers may have a lower upfront price but high ongoing costs due to expensive toner, so factor this into your budget.
- Size and Design: The physical size and design of the printer are important, especially if you have limited space. Ensure that the printer fits your workspace and matches your aesthetic preferences, as well as being easy to access for maintenance.
- Paper Handling: Look into the paper handling capabilities, including the types of media supported and the size of the paper trays. A printer with multiple trays and support for various paper sizes can be more versatile for different printing tasks.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of the brand and read customer reviews. Well-reviewed models are often more reliable and offer better customer support, making your purchase more secure.
- Energy Efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the printer, which can lower long-term operating costs and reduce your environmental impact. Look for models that have energy-saving features or certifications like ENERGY STAR.
What Is the Typical Price Range for High-Quality Color Laser Printers?
The price of high-quality color laser printers varies significantly based on features, brand, and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of the typical price range:
-
Budget Models ($150 – $300): These printers are suitable for home or small office use, offering basic features and decent printing quality. Brands like Brother and HP often have reliable options in this range, ideal for users with low to moderate printing needs.
-
Mid-Range Models ($300 – $600): This price point introduces enhanced features, such as faster print speeds, higher monthly duty cycles, and better paper handling. Models from Canon and Xerox are common here, providing solid performance for small to medium businesses that require more consistent color quality.
-
Professional Models ($600 and above): Designed for higher volume printing and professional quality output, these printers often include advanced features such as duplex printing, extensive color calibration options, and robust security features. Brands like Lexmark and Ricoh typically dominate this segment, catering to graphic designers and larger organizations.
Investing in a color laser printer should align with specific printing needs and budget, ensuring you choose a device that meets both operational demands and quality expectations.
What Benefits Can You Expect from Using a Color Laser Printer?
Versatile media handling allows users to print on a variety of materials, expanding the printer’s functionality. From standard documents to specialty papers, color laser printers can accommodate diverse printing needs, making them ideal for creative projects and professional presentations.
Related Post: