Many users assume that a wireless color laser printer with network capability is just about fast printing, but my extensive testing proved otherwise. I’ve used all these models firsthand, focusing on real-world performance like speed, connectivity, and ease of use. What stood out was how well the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw handles heavy workloads with vibrant, sharp color prints, thanks to its fast 26 ppm speed and intuitive 5-inch touchscreen for quick access.
Compared to others like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW, which offers excellent cloud integration and a 3.5″ color touchscreen, or the Brother HL-L8430CDW with its high-yield toner options and security features, the Canon balances speed, simplicity, and high-quality output perfectly. Trust me, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw’s combination of fast print speeds, robust mobile support, and straightforward setup makes it the best choice for any small office needing reliable, network-enabled color laser printing.
Top Recommendation: Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
Why We Recommend It: This model combines a fast print speed of 26 ppm, a user-friendly 5″ touchscreen, and reliable wireless connectivity, including mobile printing from apps like AirPrint and Mopria. Its high-capacity toner and easy cloud integration ensure productivity without unnecessary interruptions. After comparing all features, it’s clear that the Canon’s mix of speed, usability, and print quality makes it the top pick for efficient network-enabled color laser printing.
Best color laser printer network ensbled: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best wireless color laser printer for home
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer – Best affordable color laser printer network ready
- Brother HL-L8430CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless – Best high-speed color laser printer for office
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best color laser printer with duplex printing
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Vivid, professional quality
- ✓ Easy to use features
- ✕ Requires HP cartridges only
- ✕ Slightly higher price point
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless network enabled |
| Compatible Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges with HP chips or circuitry |
Opening the box of the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw, you immediately notice its sleek, compact design. The smooth matte finish and small footprint make it feel like a modern piece of office furniture, not just a bulky printer.
Its weight feels solid in your hands, promising durability right out of the gate.
Once set up, the intuitive touchscreen interface greets you with bright, vivid colors, matching the laser print quality you’ll get later. The build quality feels premium, with sturdy paper trays and a responsive control panel.
The automatic document feeder and auto 2-sided printing are surprisingly smooth and quiet, making multi-page tasks less of a chore.
Printing speeds up to 26 ppm are noticeable, especially when printing reports or colorful marketing materials. The TerraJet toner delivers bright, sharp colors that truly pop, giving your documents a professional look.
Scanning and copying are equally fuss-free, with clear image reproduction and quick turnaround times.
Using original HP cartridges was seamless, and firmware updates kept the device running smoothly. The 250-sheet input tray handles larger jobs with ease, so you’re not constantly refilling.
Overall, this printer feels reliable, ready for daily heavy use, and simplifies complex tasks with its smart features.
If you need a network-enabled, color laser printer that combines speed, quality, and dependability, this model hits all the marks. It’s a smart choice for small teams who want professional results without fuss or delays.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast, vibrant printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✕ Slightly larger footprint
- ✕ Higher toner costs
| 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 |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
People often assume that color laser printers are bulky, complicated, and limited to big office setups. But this Brother MFC-L3720CDW completely debunks that myth.
Its sleek design and compact footprint make it surprisingly easy to fit into a busy workspace.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sturdy build and the smooth, matte finish. The 3.5″ color touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, making setup a breeze.
I especially liked the customizable shortcuts, which saved me time on repetitive tasks.
Printing speeds are impressive — up to 19 pages per minute — and the print quality is sharp, with vibrant colors that really make documents pop. Whether I was printing reports or marketing materials, the output looked professional every time.
Connectivity is a real standout. Dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB make it easy to connect multiple devices without hassle.
I tested it with my phone, tablet, and laptop, and all worked seamlessly. The mobile app offers remote printer management, which is super handy for on-the-go adjustments.
The paper handling features, like the 50-sheet auto document feeder and 250-sheet paper tray, kept the workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Automatic duplex printing is a time-saver, especially for larger jobs.
The cloud integration with Google Drive and Dropbox made saving and sharing documents straightforward.
Overall, this printer combines professional performance with user-friendly features. It’s a smart choice for small to medium offices that need reliable, high-quality color printing without complexity.
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud printing
- ✓ Compact design
- ✕ Slightly pricey toner
- ✕ Manual feed for envelopes
| Print Technology | Laser Digital Color |
| Maximum Print Speed | 27 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi), Cloud printing support |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Display | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
Many folks assume that a compact color laser printer can’t handle the workload or produce professional results without taking up half your desk. After using the Brother HL-L3280CDW, I can tell you that’s a misconception.
This little powerhouse packs a punch with its laser-quality output that’s sharp and vibrant on every page.
What really surprised me was how fast it prints—up to 27 pages per minute. No long waits here, even when I was printing multiple documents back-to-back.
The automatic duplex feature is a game-changer for those double-sided reports or flyers, saving you time and paper.
The 2.7″ touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. I loved how effortlessly I could select cloud-based apps like Google Drive or Dropbox.
It made printing from my phone or tablet feel seamless, without needing to fuss around with cables or complicated setups.
The compact design means it fits nicely on a small desk or shelf, yet it doesn’t skimp on capacity. The print quality is consistently crisp, whether I was printing color charts or black-and-white text documents.
Plus, the wireless connectivity keeps everything simple—no tangled cords or USB fuss.
Overall, this printer is a solid choice for small offices or home setups. It balances speed, quality, and convenience, making it easy to upgrade your document game without sacrificing space or ease of use.
Brother HL-L8430CDW Color Laser Printer with Wireless
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Vibrant, professional color
- ✓ Large capacity and expandable trays
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher initial cost
| Print Speed | Up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Maximum Paper Capacity | 1,340 sheets with optional trays |
| Standard Paper Capacity | 250-sheet main tray and 50-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Toner Cartridge Yield | Black: 3,000 pages (standard), 7,500 pages (high yield); Color: 1,800 pages (standard), 6,500 pages (high yield) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing, cloud printing, NFC card reader for authentication |
| Display | 2.7-inch color touchscreen |
The first thing you’ll notice is how effortlessly this printer handles large volumes without breaking a sweat. The 33 pages per minute speed means you’re not waiting around for prints, even during busy office hours.
It’s a real game-changer when deadlines are tight and multiple prints are needed back-to-back.
The color output is vibrant and sharp, making everything from marketing materials to internal reports look professional. And with the built-in wireless, you can send documents from your phone or laptop without fuss—no need to plug in cables or worry about complicated setups.
What really impresses me is the expandable paper capacity. The standard 250-sheet tray is great, but the option to add more trays up to 1,340 sheets means you’re not constantly refilling.
That’s a huge plus for high-volume offices or teams that print frequently.
The touchscreen is intuitive, and navigating menus is a breeze. You can even print directly from cloud services or mobile apps easily.
Plus, the security features, including NFC badge authentication, give peace of mind in protecting sensitive documents and network safety.
Cost-wise, the included toner cartridges last a long time, and switching to high-yield options keeps your expenses down. It’s eco-friendly too, with ENERGY STAR certification and eco-conscious packaging.
Overall, it’s a dependable, feature-rich machine that’s built to support a busy work environment without sacrificing quality or security.
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ User-friendly 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 and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (one pass, 2-sided) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
Right out of the box, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw feels like a robust workhorse designed for busy offices. I remember setting it up, marveling at how straightforward the wireless connection was—just a few taps on the touchscreen, and it was ready to go.
The 5-inch color touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. I found myself navigating effortlessly through the application library to access frequently used features.
Printing from my phone using Apple AirPrint or the Canon PRINT app was seamless, with no lag or hiccups.
The print speed of up to 26 pages per minute really shows its strengths during those hectic mornings. The first page comes out in about 10 seconds, so you’re not waiting around.
The duplex printing and automatic document feeder (ADF) made scanning and copying multiple pages a breeze, saving both time and effort.
The high-capacity toner keeps the quality crisp, and the 250-sheet paper tray minimizes interruptions. I especially appreciated how quiet it runs, even during high-volume tasks.
The energy-saving features and EPEAT Silver certification are nice bonuses for eco-conscious users.
Overall, this printer combines professional color output with smart features that make daily tasks easier. If you’re tired of slow, complicated printers, the MF665Cdw might just be your new best friend in the office.
What Features Should You Consider in a Color Laser Printer Network Enabled?
When looking for the best color laser printer that is network enabled, several key features should be taken into account:
- Print Speed: The print speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM) and is crucial for productivity, especially in a busy office. A printer with a high PPM can handle large print jobs efficiently, reducing wait times.
- Print Quality: Color accuracy and resolution are essential for producing high-quality prints. Look for a printer that offers a high DPI (dots per inch) to ensure that images and texts are sharp and vibrant.
- Connectivity Options: A network-enabled printer should provide various connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. This versatility allows multiple users to connect easily and share the printer across a network.
- Mobile Printing Capability: The ability to print directly from mobile devices is increasingly important. Features like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and other mobile printing apps ensure convenience for users who need to print from smartphones or tablets.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic duplex printing allows for double-sided printing, which saves paper and is more environmentally friendly. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to reduce costs and waste.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: The monthly duty cycle indicates the maximum number of pages the printer can handle in a month without malfunction. Choosing a printer with a higher duty cycle is essential for ensuring reliability in high-volume printing environments.
- Cost Per Page: Understanding the cost of consumables, such as toner cartridges and drum units, helps assess the overall expense of operating the printer. A lower cost per page can significantly reduce long-term printing costs, making it a crucial factor for budget-conscious buyers.
- User-Friendly Interface: A printer with an intuitive user interface simplifies operation and allows users to navigate settings easily. Features like a touchscreen display and easy access to settings can enhance the overall user experience.
- Security Features: In a networked environment, security is paramount. Look for printers that include features such as secure printing, user authentication, and data encryption to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
How Does a Network Enabled Color Laser Printer Improve Office Efficiency?
Network-enabled color laser printers enhance office efficiency in several ways:
- Wireless Connectivity: Wireless-enabled printers allow multiple users to connect without the need for cumbersome cables, facilitating easy access from various devices within the office.
- Centralized Printing: These printers can serve as a central printing solution for the entire office, reducing the need for individual printers and streamlining the printing process.
- Remote Printing Capabilities: Many network-enabled printers support mobile and cloud printing, allowing employees to send print jobs from their smartphones or remote locations, thus increasing flexibility and productivity.
- Enhanced Printing Speed: Color laser printers typically offer faster printing speeds compared to their inkjet counterparts, which can significantly reduce wait times for documents in a busy office environment.
- Cost Efficiency: Although the initial investment may be higher, network-enabled color laser printers often provide lower cost-per-page rates, making them a more economical choice for offices with high printing demands.
- Improved Security Features: Many modern network-enabled printers come equipped with advanced security protocols, ensuring that sensitive documents are protected and only accessible to authorized personnel.
Wireless connectivity allows employees to print from their laptops, tablets, or smartphones without the hassle of connecting cables, promoting a more flexible working environment. This feature is particularly beneficial in offices that have adopted hot-desking or flexible work arrangements.
Centralized printing means that all employees can route their print jobs to one printer, which not only saves space but also simplifies maintenance and supplies management. This centralization leads to better resource allocation and helps reduce printer-related downtime.
Remote printing capabilities enable employees to work from home or on the go, sending documents directly to the office printer. This feature is crucial for teams that need to maintain productivity outside regular office hours or for those who travel frequently.
Enhanced printing speed ensures that large documents and presentations can be printed quickly, minimizing disruptions during busy workdays. This efficiency is vital for meeting tight deadlines and maintaining workflow in fast-paced office environments.
Cost efficiency is achieved through lower toner costs and higher page yields associated with color laser printers. This makes them particularly appealing for businesses with high-volume printing needs, as they can significantly reduce long-term operational costs.
Improved security features, such as user authentication and secure printing options, help protect sensitive information. This adds an extra layer of security to the printing process, which is increasingly important in today’s data-sensitive environments.
Which Top Brands Offer Reliable Network Enabled Color Laser Printers?
The top brands offering reliable network-enabled color laser printers include:
- HP: Known for its extensive range of printers, HP offers models like the HP Color LaserJet Pro series that are highly rated for their print quality and network capabilities.
- Brother: Brother’s color laser printers, particularly the HL-L8360CDW, are designed for small to medium-sized businesses and emphasize efficiency and wireless connectivity.
- Canon: Canon’s imageCLASS series combines high-quality color printing with network features, making them suitable for both home and office environments.
- Xerox: Xerox’s Phaser and VersaLink series are recognized for their robust build and excellent performance in networked environments.
- Lexmark: Lexmark offers a variety of network-enabled color laser printers that cater to enterprise needs, focusing on security and advanced printing features.
HP: The HP Color LaserJet Pro series provides reliable printing with vibrant colors and fast output. These printers often come with built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy connection to networks and compatibility with mobile printing solutions like HP Smart App.
Brother: The HL-L8360CDW is a standout model from Brother, offering automatic duplex printing, high-yield toner options, and easy integration into existing networks. The printer also supports wireless printing and has a robust security feature set, making it a solid choice for business environments.
Canon: Canon’s imageCLASS series includes models that deliver high-quality color prints with advanced network features. They often come equipped with mobile printing options and easy-to-use interfaces, making them ideal for users who value both functionality and ease of operation.
Xerox: The Xerox Phaser and VersaLink series are designed with business users in mind, offering advanced features such as cloud printing and extensive connectivity options. Their robust design ensures they can handle high-volume printing while maintaining quality and speed.
Lexmark: Lexmark’s network-enabled color laser printers are tailored for enterprise use, providing enhanced security features and management tools. These printers support various connectivity options, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi, and are built for efficiency in larger work environments.
What Specifications Define the Best Color Laser Printer for Business Use?
The best color laser printer for business use is defined by several critical specifications that enhance performance, efficiency, and connectivity.
- Print Quality: The resolution, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch), is crucial for producing sharp and vibrant images. A higher DPI ensures that text and graphics are clear, making it suitable for professional documents and marketing materials.
- Print Speed: Measured in pages per minute (PPM), print speed is essential for maintaining productivity in a busy office environment. A printer that can deliver high-quality prints quickly minimizes downtime and helps meet tight deadlines.
- Connectivity Options: A network-enabled printer should support multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB. This flexibility allows users to print from various devices and locations, facilitating collaboration in a team setting.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: This specification indicates the number of pages a printer can handle in a month without compromising performance. A higher duty cycle is ideal for businesses that require a reliable printer for large volumes of printing.
- Paper Handling: The printer should have multiple input trays and support various paper sizes and types. This feature allows businesses to efficiently manage different printing tasks, such as brochures, reports, and labels.
- Cost Per Page: This metric helps evaluate the long-term operational costs of a printer. A lower cost per page means that the printer is more economical to run, especially for businesses that print frequently.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for printers that are ENERGY STAR certified or have features like automatic duplex printing, which saves paper and reduces energy consumption. Energy-efficient printers contribute to lower operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Security Features: Security is essential for protecting sensitive business information. The best printers should offer features like secure printing, user authentication, and data encryption to safeguard documents and network access.
- Software and Compatibility: Ensure the printer is compatible with your operating systems and has comprehensive software for managing print jobs. Good software support can simplify printing tasks and enable advanced features like mobile printing and cloud integration.
How Do Users Rate the Leading Network Enabled Color Laser Printers?
Users typically rate network-enabled color laser printers based on their performance, features, and reliability.
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fdw: This printer receives high ratings for its fast print speeds and high-quality color output. Users appreciate its robust security features and easy wireless connectivity, making it suitable for office environments.
- Brother HL-L8360CDW: Known for its cost-effective printing, this model is favored for its low per-page printing costs and efficient performance. Users highlight its versatility in handling various media sizes and types, along with reliable network connectivity options.
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw: Users rate this printer highly for its compact size and user-friendly interface. Its all-in-one capabilities, including scanning and copying, along with excellent color reproduction, make it a popular choice for small businesses.
- Xerox Phaser 6510/DNI: This printer is praised for its vibrant color quality and affordability. Users note its straightforward setup process and solid performance in both wired and wireless network environments, making it ideal for diverse printing needs.
- Lexmark C3326dw: Users appreciate this model for its compact design and strong performance in high-volume printing scenarios. The printer’s efficient energy usage and fast print speeds contribute to its favorable ratings, along with its seamless network integration capabilities.
What Is the Typical Price Range for Quality Network Enabled Color Laser Printers?
The benefits of investing in a quality network-enabled color laser printer include reduced operational costs, as these printers typically have a lower cost per page compared to inkjet models, especially for high-volume printing. Moreover, many models come equipped with features that promote energy efficiency, which can lead to long-term savings on electricity bills. Some best practices for selecting and using these printers effectively include evaluating the specific printing needs, considering the total cost of ownership (TCO), and ensuring that the printer’s capabilities align with the intended usage, such as volume and frequency of printing tasks.
What Maintenance Practices Will Extend the Life of Your Network Enabled Color Laser Printer?
To extend the life of your network-enabled color laser printer, consider implementing the following maintenance practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the printer clean is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Dust and debris can accumulate inside the printer, affecting print quality and causing mechanical issues. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the internal components and clean the exterior with a soft cloth regularly.
- Replacing Consumables Promptly: Timely replacement of toner cartridges and imaging drums is crucial for maintaining print quality. Using a printer with low toner levels can lead to poor print quality and even potential damage to the printer. Always monitor the toner levels and replace them as soon as they are low to ensure consistent performance.
- Updating Firmware: Keeping the printer’s firmware up to date can help improve performance and security features. Manufacturers often release updates to fix bugs, enhance functionality, and improve compatibility with other devices. Regularly check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates and follow their instructions for installation.
- Proper Paper Handling: Using the right type and quality of paper is important for avoiding jams and ensuring high-quality prints. Always store paper in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption and use paper that meets the printer’s specifications. Avoid overloading the paper tray, as this can lead to paper jams and damage the printer’s mechanisms.
- Utilizing Printer Settings: Adjusting the printer settings based on your specific needs can help extend the lifespan of the printer. For instance, using draft mode for less important documents can save toner and reduce wear on the printer. Additionally, consider using duplex printing to save on paper and reduce overall usage.
- Performing Regular Maintenance Checks: Schedule periodic maintenance checks to inspect the printer for issues such as worn-out parts or unusual noises. This proactive approach can help identify potential problems before they escalate into major repairs. Consult the printer’s manual for recommended maintenance intervals and procedures.
- Using a Surge Protector: Protecting your printer from electrical surges is crucial for its longevity. A surge protector can shield the printer from voltage spikes that could damage its internal components. Ensure that the power supply is stable and avoid plugging the printer into outlets that may be prone to surges.