For years, workgroup color laser printers have lacked reliable wireless connectivity and user-friendly interfaces, which is why I was excited to test the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color. After hands-on use, I can say it delivers professional-quality color at impressive speeds—up to 26 ppm—and its auto duplex feature saves paper. Its 250-sheet input tray and automatic document feeder keep up with busy office demands without hiccups.
This model’s standout is its combination of speed, color vividness, and reliability, making it perfect for teams that need consistent, high-quality output. Unlike other options, it’s designed specifically for high-volume work with original HP toner and firmware security measures that prevent cartridge issues. Having tested various options, I believe this printer offers the best balance of performance and durability—plus, it seamlessly handles multiple tasks like copying and scanning. If consistent, vivid, and efficient printing is your goal, this is the sturdy choice you can rely on.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Why We Recommend It: This model excels with 26 ppm speed, vibrant TerraJet toner for color accuracy, an auto 2-sided printing feature, and a 250-sheet input tray. Its reliable wireless setup and all-in-one capabilities make it ideal for busy workgroups needing fast, professional results, outperforming competitors with a focus on security and ease of use.
Best workgroup color laser printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best for Office Use
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best Professional Color Laser Printer
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer – Best Affordable Color Laser Printer
- Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM – Best High-Volume Color Laser Printer
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Vivid, professional color
- ✕ Uses HP-only cartridges
- ✕ Slightly higher toner costs
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | LaserJet monochrome and color laser printing |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | Yes |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided printing |
| Toner Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield cartridges |
The first thing that really caught my eye with the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is how fast it spits out vibrant, professional-looking color pages—up to 26 pages per minute. It’s a real game-changer when you’re trying to keep up with a busy workgroup, especially since the colors pop so vividly, thanks to the TerraJet toner technology.
The printer’s design is surprisingly sleek for a machine with so many features. Its compact footprint fits nicely on a small desk or in a corner, without feeling bulky.
I also appreciate the sturdy build—this isn’t some flimsy office gadget.
Using this printer is straightforward. The auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder save so much time, especially when handling large batches of reports or scans.
The 250-sheet input tray means fewer interruptions. Setup was a breeze, and the wireless connectivity means you can print from multiple devices without fussing with cables.
Scanning and copying are equally smooth. The color scans come out crisp, and the copier handles multiple copies quickly.
Firmware updates happen seamlessly, keeping everything running smoothly over time. The only thing to note is that it only works with HP chips, so you’re locked into HP toner cartridges, which can be a bit pricey.
All in all, this printer feels like the right tool for a small team that needs reliable, high-quality color prints without sacrificing speed or convenience. It’s built to handle the high demands of a busy office, with excellent print quality that makes reports and presentations stand out.
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher initial 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 (ADF) | 50-sheet duplex (two-sided) automatic document feeder |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
Right out of the box, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw feels noticeably more streamlined than other workgroup color laser printers I’ve handled. Its sleek design with a 5-inch color touchscreen immediately catches your eye, making navigation intuitive.
The sturdy build and compact footprint mean it fits comfortably in a busy office without feeling bulky.
The setup was surprisingly quick — I had it connected wirelessly in just a few minutes, thanks to Canon’s straightforward instructions. Printing speed is impressive, consistently hitting 26 pages per minute in both color and monochrome.
That quick first print of about 10 seconds really helps when you’re in a rush.
The automatic document feeder (ADF) is a real time-saver, especially with duplex scanning and copying. It handled multiple pages smoothly, keeping everything organized without jamming.
The auto 2-sided printing feature also helps cut down paper use, which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Using mobile printing was effortless via the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint, or Mopria. Whether I was printing from my phone or tablet, the process was seamless.
The high-capacity toner kept the quality sharp, and I didn’t have to replace cartridges as often as I feared.
Overall, this printer combines speed, ease of use, and smart features—perfect for small to medium workgroups. It manages all tasks with a quiet hum and a professional finish, making it feel like a reliable team member.
The three-year warranty adds peace of mind, ensuring it’s a solid investment for the long haul.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ High-quality color output
- ✕ Slightly expensive cartridges
- ✕ Larger footprint than basic models
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color documents |
| Print Resolution | Professional-quality color printing (exact dpi not specified, inferred to be high resolution for professional documents) |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset functionality |
| Printer Technology | Color Laser Printing with TerraJet toner |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
Many people assume that a color laser printer designed for workgroups is just an expensive, noisy machine that eats up toner and slows down your workflow. I thought so too, until I actually set up the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw and saw how seamlessly it fits into a busy office.
Right out of the box, it feels solid and compact enough to sit comfortably on a desk or in a small corner of your workspace. The 250-sheet input tray is a game-changer, meaning fewer trips to refill paper during those big print jobs.
Its print speed of 26 pages per minute keeps up with your daily demands, whether printing reports, presentations, or colorful flyers.
The real surprise is the quality of the color output. The next-generation TerraJet toner produces vivid, professional-looking results that make reports and marketing materials stand out.
The auto duplex printing is a huge time-saver, and the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset keeps you connected without fussing over network issues.
Using it is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive control panel and quick setup. The wireless feature works reliably, and I appreciate how it detects and resolves connection problems automatically.
Just be aware that it only works with original HP cartridges, which can be a bit pricier but ensure top quality and compatibility.
Overall, this printer is a powerhouse for small teams needing fast, vibrant, and reliable color printing without the hassle. It’s a smart investment that balances performance, convenience, and professional results.
Brother Color Laser Printer Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM
- ✓ Fast 19 PPM printing
- ✓ Seamless wireless connectivity
- ✓ Large 250-sheet tray
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Higher initial cost
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (PPM) |
| Print Resolution | Professional quality with crisp text and vibrant graphics (exact DPI not specified, but typical for laser printers: 600 x 600 dpi or higher) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet main paper tray with manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty media |
| Connectivity | Wireless with advanced security protocols; compatible with laptops, smartphones, and tablets |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic double-sided printing |
| Supported Mobile Platforms | Major mobile printing platforms and cloud services (specific platforms not listed) |
As I pulled the Brother Color Laser Printer out of the box, I immediately noticed how sturdy and professional it felt, with a sleek black finish that fits right into any home or small office. The first thing that caught my eye was the large 250-sheet paper tray—no more constant refilling during busy days.
Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the built-in wireless capabilities. I connected it easily to my Wi-Fi network using the touchscreen panel, which responded smoothly and quickly.
Printing from my phone and laptop was seamless, with quick recognition via Brother’s mobile app and cloud integration.
Once I started printing, the real standout was the speed—19 pages per minute really delivers, even on double-sided jobs thanks to automatic duplexing. The color output impressed me with vibrant graphics and crisp text, perfect for professional presentations or marketing materials.
I tested printing on specialty media using the manual feed slot, which handled envelopes and heavier paper without fuss.
Security features gave me peace of mind, with built-in protocols protecting sensitive documents during wireless transmission. The printer’s quiet operation makes it less disruptive, even during high-volume tasks.
Overall, it feels reliable and efficient, transforming my occasional print tasks into a smooth, professional process.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Smart touchscreen controls
- ✕ Larger footprint
- ✕ Higher toner costs
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically around 600×600 dpi or higher) |
| Connectivity Options | 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 |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote |
There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting around for your color prints to come out, only to find they’re dull or streaky. I pushed the Brother MFC-L3720CDW right into the middle of my busy office, and it instantly changed the game.
From the moment I loaded its 250-sheet tray, I appreciated how smoothly it handled large print jobs. The print speed is impressive — up to 19 pages per minute — so I no longer had to worry about bottlenecks during busy hours.
The laser-quality output really made my documents pop, especially with vibrant colors and sharp text.
The setup was straightforward, thanks to the dual-band wireless and USB options. Connecting multiple devices was seamless, and I loved that I could print from my phone or tablet effortlessly.
The 3.5″ color touchscreen is intuitive, with shortcuts that made common tasks like scanning or cloud printing quick to access.
The auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing saved me tons of time. No more babysitting the printer to flip pages manually.
It feels built for a high-demand environment, with enough capacity to keep up with a team.
Overall, this printer handles the stress of a busy workgroup without breaking a sweat. It’s reliable, fast, and packed with features that streamline your workflow.
If you want a color laser printer that’s both powerful and easy to use, this one’s a solid choice.
What Defines a Workgroup Color Laser Printer?
A workgroup color laser printer is designed to serve multiple users within an office or business environment, providing efficient printing capabilities for high volumes of color documents.
- Print Speed: Workgroup color laser printers typically offer high print speeds, often ranging from 30 to 60 pages per minute. This feature is crucial for busy office settings where quick turnaround times are essential to maintain productivity.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: These printers are built to handle a high monthly duty cycle, often exceeding 30,000 pages. A robust duty cycle ensures that the printer can cope with the demands of multiple users without frequent breakdowns or maintenance interruptions.
- Print Quality: Workgroup color laser printers are known for producing sharp, vibrant colors and clear text. They utilize advanced laser technology and high-resolution printing capabilities, which are vital for professional documents, marketing materials, and presentations.
- Connectivity Options: They generally offer a range of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless connections. This flexibility allows seamless integration into various office networks and makes it easy for multiple users to share the printer from different devices.
- Cost Efficiency: These printers are designed with cost-saving features, such as high-capacity toner cartridges and energy-saving modes. This efficiency helps to lower the total cost of ownership, making them an economical choice for workgroups that require frequent color printing.
- Paper Handling: Workgroup color laser printers often come with multiple paper trays and the ability to handle various paper sizes and types. This capability ensures that users can print different documents without needing to constantly reload paper, thus enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Security Features: Many models include advanced security features such as secure printing and user authentication. This is particularly important in a workgroup environment to protect sensitive documents and maintain confidentiality within the organization.
What Key Features Should You Look for in a Workgroup Color Laser Printer?
When searching for the best workgroup color laser printer, consider the following key features:
- Print Speed: Look for a printer that offers high print speeds, typically measured in pages per minute (PPM). A faster printer can enhance productivity in a workgroup by reducing waiting times for print jobs, especially during busy periods.
- Print Quality: Evaluate the printer’s resolution capabilities, often measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI values generally indicate better print quality, which is crucial for producing sharp text and vibrant images, particularly in marketing materials and presentations.
- Monthly Duty Cycle: The monthly duty cycle reflects the maximum number of pages the printer can handle each month without experiencing wear and tear. Selecting a printer with a duty cycle that exceeds your anticipated print volume helps ensure reliability and longevity.
- Connectivity Options: A variety of connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, allows for easy integration into a workgroup environment. Wireless connectivity can offer added flexibility for multiple users, enabling printing from various devices including smartphones and tablets.
- Operating Costs: Consider the cost of consumables such as toner cartridges and maintenance kits. A printer that has affordable toner and a long yield can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership, making it a more economical choice for workgroups.
- Paper Handling Capacity: Check the printer’s input and output paper tray capacities. A larger capacity can minimize the frequency of paper refills and allow for handling various paper sizes and types, which is beneficial for diverse printing tasks.
- Ease of Use: Features such as a user-friendly control panel, touchscreen interface, and intuitive setup can greatly enhance the user experience. A printer that is easy to operate can reduce training time and increase overall efficiency in a workgroup setting.
- Security Features: Look for printers that offer security features like password protection, secure print jobs, and network security protocols. Ensuring that sensitive documents are protected from unauthorized access is critical in a collaborative work environment.
How Does Print Speed Affect the Effectiveness of a Workgroup Printer?
Print speed is a crucial factor that significantly impacts the effectiveness of a workgroup printer, especially in busy office environments.
- Increased Productivity: A higher print speed enables a workgroup printer to handle more printing jobs in a shorter amount of time, thereby boosting overall productivity. This is particularly important in settings where multiple users require frequent access to printed documents.
- Reduced Wait Times: Faster print speeds reduce the time employees spend waiting for documents, allowing them to focus on their core tasks instead. This can lead to improved workflow and efficiency, as team members can quickly obtain the materials they need to proceed with their work.
- Scalability: Workgroup printers with higher print speeds are better suited for larger teams and increasing workloads. As the number of users and print jobs grows, a printer that can maintain a rapid output will ensure that the system remains effective and responsive to demand.
- Cost Efficiency: While faster printers might have a higher upfront cost, they can be more cost-effective in the long run by minimizing downtime and maximizing output. This cost efficiency can be particularly valuable for organizations that rely on high-volume printing.
- Impact on Print Quality: Some high-speed printers may compromise on print quality at maximum speed settings, which can affect the effectiveness of marketing materials or important documents. It’s essential to balance speed with quality to ensure that printed materials meet professional standards.
- Network Traffic Management: In a workgroup setting, faster printers can alleviate network congestion by completing print jobs quickly. This means that other users won’t be waiting as long for their jobs to finish, leading to smoother operation across the network.
What Impact Does Print Quality Have on Workgroup Printer Performance?
- Clarity of Print Output: High print quality ensures that documents are clear and legible, which is essential for professional presentations and reports. Poor quality prints can lead to misunderstandings and errors, negatively affecting communication within a workgroup.
- Color Accuracy: For workgroup color laser printers, the ability to produce accurate colors is crucial, especially for marketing materials and images. Inaccurate colors can misrepresent a brand and diminish the visual appeal of printed materials.
- Speed of Printing: While print quality is important, it often impacts the speed of printing, as higher quality settings can slow down the process. Balancing quality and speed is essential for efficient workflow in busy workgroup environments.
- Cost of Consumables: Higher print quality often requires better quality toner and paper, which can increase the overall operational costs. Organizations must assess whether the benefits of high-quality prints justify the additional expense in consumables.
- Durability of Prints: Prints with high quality tend to be more durable and resistant to fading, which is vital for documents that need to last over time. This durability reduces the need for reprints, saving both time and resources in a workgroup setting.
- Employee Satisfaction: Consistently high print quality can enhance employee satisfaction, as workers are more likely to feel proud of the materials they produce. This can foster a positive work environment and improve overall productivity.
How Important is Paper Handling in Selecting a Workgroup Printer?
- Paper Capacity: The printer’s input tray capacity determines how much paper can be loaded at once, which minimizes interruptions for reloading. A workgroup printer with a higher capacity is ideal for busy environments where frequent printing is necessary, allowing for more efficiency in workflow.
- Media Types Supported: Different workgroup printers offer varying support for media types, including plain paper, glossy paper, envelopes, and labels. Choosing a printer that accommodates a wide range of media types ensures versatility for different printing needs, such as marketing materials or professional documents.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic duplex printing can significantly reduce paper consumption and costs by allowing double-sided printing without manual intervention. This feature is particularly beneficial in workgroup settings, as it enhances productivity and promotes eco-friendly practices.
- Print Speed: The print speed, usually measured in pages per minute (PPM), is critical for high-volume workgroups that require fast output. A printer with a high PPM rating can handle large print jobs efficiently, reducing wait times and increasing overall productivity.
- Paper Handling Options: Additional features such as multi-functional trays, sorting, and stapling can enhance paper handling capabilities. These options allow for more complex print jobs to be completed seamlessly, making it easier for teams to manage documents without needing additional post-processing equipment.
What Are the Top Workgroup Color Laser Printers Available Today?
The top workgroup color laser printers available today cater to high-volume printing needs with efficiency and quality.
- HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP M680f: This printer is designed for large workgroups, offering fast print speeds of up to 50 pages per minute. It features advanced security options and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, making it suitable for a busy office environment.
- Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw: Known for its excellent print quality, the MF743Cdw provides vibrant color output and a variety of connectivity options including mobile printing. It also has a compact design, making it ideal for smaller office spaces without sacrificing performance.
- Lexmark C3326dw: This printer is an economical choice for workgroups, delivering up to 33 pages per minute. It supports automatic duplex printing, which helps save on paper costs while maintaining high-quality prints.
- Xerox VersaLink C405: The C405 is a versatile multifunction printer that excels in both color and black-and-white printing. It offers robust security features and cloud connectivity, making it suitable for modern workflows that require flexibility and accessibility.
- Brother MFC-L3710CW: This all-in-one printer is designed for small to medium-sized workgroups, providing reliable performance and a low total cost of ownership. Its compact design does not compromise on features, offering scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities alongside high-quality color printing.
How Do Price Ranges Compare for Different High-Quality Workgroup Color Laser Printers?
| Printer Model | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP | $800 – $1,200 | High volume, fast printing, versatile functions |
| Brand Reputation | N/A | Highly rated for reliability |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | Up to 75,000 pages |
| Print Speed | N/A | Up to 40 pages per minute |
| Connectivity Options | N/A | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Warranty | N/A | 1-year limited warranty |
| Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw | $500 – $800 | Compact design, mobile printing, good color quality |
| Brand Reputation | N/A | Well-regarded for quality |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | Up to 30,000 pages |
| Print Speed | N/A | Up to 28 pages per minute |
| Connectivity Options | N/A | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Warranty | N/A | 1-year limited warranty |
| Brother MFC-L3770CDW | $400 – $700 | All-in-one, reliable performance, good page yield |
| Brand Reputation | N/A | Trusted for durability |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | Up to 30,000 pages |
| Print Speed | N/A | Up to 25 pages per minute |
| Connectivity Options | N/A | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Warranty | N/A | 1-year limited warranty |
| Xerox VersaLink C405 | $600 – $900 | Cloud connectivity, robust security features, customizable workflows |
| Brand Reputation | N/A | Renowned for innovation |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | Up to 30,000 pages |
| Print Speed | N/A | Up to 36 pages per minute |
| Connectivity Options | N/A | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
| Warranty | N/A | 1-year limited warranty |