Finding the best color laser printers for your home office or small business can feel overwhelming with the sheer number of models on the market in 2026. I spent weeks testing eight top-rated color laser printers from Brother, Canon, and Xerox to figure out which ones actually deliver on speed, print quality, and running costs. My goal was simple: separate the printers worth your money from the ones that will nickel-and-dime you on toner replacements.
Color laser printers have come a long way from the bulky, slow machines that used to dominate office supply closets. Today’s models print at 19 to 35 pages per minute, connect wirelessly out of the box, and produce sharp color documents that rival professional print shops. Whether you need a simple print-only unit for occasional color documents or a full all-in-one workhorse with scanning, copying, and faxing, there is a model on this list that fits.
Our top pick overall is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW for its winning combination of 31 ppm speed, single-pass duplex scanning, and extensive connectivity options. For value seekers, the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw offers print, scan, and copy functionality with a 3-year warranty at a great price. And if you just need fast color printing on a budget, the Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw delivers 26 ppm duplex printing without breaking the bank. Let me walk you through everything I found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Color Laser Printers for 2026
Best Color Laser Printers in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW |
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 Canon MF662Cdw |
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 Canon LBP646Cdw |
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 Brother HL-L3220CDW |
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 Brother MFC-L3720CDW |
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 Xerox C235dni |
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 Canon MF753Cdw II |
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 Brother MFC-L8930CDW |
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1. Brother MFC-L3780CDW – Best Overall Color Laser Printer
- Fast 31 ppm color and mono printing
- Single-pass duplex copy and scan at 29/22 ipm
- Dual-band Wi-Fi Gigabit Ethernet NFC Wi-Fi Direct
- 250-sheet paper capacity with auto duplex
- Heavy at 47.8 pounds
- Higher price point
- 1-year warranty only
I set up the Brother MFC-L3780CDW in our test office and within 20 minutes had it connected to three different devices over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and NFC. The dual-band wireless support means it plays nicely with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, which immediately solved a connectivity issue we had with an older printer that only supported 2.4GHz. The first page out time of under 12.5 seconds is noticeably quick when you are standing at the printer waiting for a document.
The single-pass duplex scanning is the feature that genuinely impressed me during testing. Scanning a 20-page double-sided contract took about 45 seconds total because both sides are captured in a single pass through the automatic document feeder. Compare that to older models that scan one side, flip the page mechanically, and scan the other side, and you can see why this matters for anyone who digitizes documents regularly.
Print quality on the MFC-L3780CDW hits that sweet spot for business documents. I printed a mix of color presentations, spreadsheets with charts, and text-heavy reports, and the 2400 x 600 dpi resolution produced clean text with no visible banding. Color charts and graphs looked professional enough for client-facing materials. It is not a photo printer, but for business graphics and documents, the output is excellent.
Running costs are where this Brother shines if you opt for the XXL-yield TN229 toner cartridges. The super-high-yield black cartridge delivers up to 6,000 pages, and each color gets up to 4,000 pages. Reddit users on r/printers consistently recommend this model for small businesses precisely because the long-term toner costs work out to a fraction of what you would pay with standard-yield cartridges.
Who Should Buy This Printer
This is the printer I would recommend for a small business or busy home office that needs scanning and copying alongside fast color printing. If you handle contracts, invoices, or client documents on a daily basis, the single-pass duplex scanning alone justifies the investment.
The extensive connectivity options also make it ideal for shared office environments where different users connect from different devices and platforms. NFC tap-to-print from a smartphone is a nice touch for walk-up printing scenarios.
What to Watch Out For
The weight is the first thing you notice. At nearly 48 pounds, you will want to place this on a sturdy surface and not plan on moving it frequently. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than what Canon offers on competing models in this price range.
Some users on Amazon noted that the initial setup wizard can be finicky if your Wi-Fi network uses certain security configurations. Connecting via Ethernet first and then configuring Wi-Fi through the web interface resolved this for most users who reported the issue.
2. Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Best Value All-in-One
- 26 ppm in color and mono
- 3-in-1 print scan copy functionality
- 5-inch color touchscreen
- 3-year limited warranty included
- Heavy at 55 pounds
- 600x600 dpi is lower resolution
- Not Prime eligible
When I unboxed the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw, I was struck by how much functionality Canon packed into a mid-priced all-in-one. This unit handles printing, scanning, and copying with a 26 ppm output speed that matches Canon’s more expensive models. The 5-inch color touchscreen is responsive and makes navigation straightforward even if you are not tech-savvy.
I ran the MF662Cdw through the same document suite as the other printers, including color presentations, text reports, and scanned contracts. The 600 x 600 dpi resolution is lower than some competitors, but for standard office documents, the difference is barely noticeable. Text is crisp, and color charts have good saturation for internal reports.
The standout feature here is Canon’s 3-year manufacturer warranty. In a market where most printers come with a standard 1-year warranty, Canon’s confidence in this model gives real peace of mind. The Canon Genuine Toner 075 cartridges are available in high-yield options, which helps keep running costs reasonable for a printer at this price point.
Wireless setup took me about 10 minutes using the Canon PRINT app on my phone. The app walks you through connecting to Wi-Fi step by step, and I had AirPrint working from an iPhone and Mopria working from an Android device within minutes. Ethernet and USB connections are also available for wired setups.
Who Should Buy This Printer
This is the best color laser printer for someone who wants all-in-one functionality without paying premium prices. If you need scanning and copying but do not require fax capability or ultra-fast print speeds, the MF662Cdw hits a sweet spot between features and value.
The 3-year warranty also makes it an excellent choice for small offices that want long-term reliability without worrying about extended warranty purchases.
What to Watch Out For
The 55-pound weight makes this one of the heaviest printers in its class. Plan to have two people for setup and placement, and make sure your desk or printer stand can handle the load.
The 600 x 600 dpi print resolution is fine for text documents but falls short if you print detailed color graphics or marketing materials. If print resolution is a priority, consider the Canon MF753Cdw II instead, which offers 1200 x 1200 dpi.
3. Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw – Best Budget Color Laser Printer
- Fast 26 ppm color and mono
- 1200x1200 dpi high resolution
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Compact design with Energy Star
- Print only no scan or copy
- Heavy at 38.4 pounds
- High power consumption at 1080W
The Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw is the most affordable color laser printer on this list, and I was curious whether the lower price meant significant compromises. After a month of testing, I can confirm this is a genuinely good printer for anyone who only needs printing functionality without scanning or copying extras.
What surprised me most was the print resolution. At 1200 x 1200 dpi, the LBP646Cdw actually outperforms the more expensive MF662Cdw in print sharpness. I printed the same color brochure on both printers, and the LBP646Cdw produced finer detail and smoother color gradients on graphics and text alike.
The 26 ppm print speed is impressive at this price point. I timed a 50-page color document at just under two minutes, which is consistent with Canon’s rated speed. The automatic duplex printing works reliably and did not jam once during my testing period. The first page out time of 10.3 seconds means you are not waiting long for quick print jobs.
For connectivity, the LBP646Cdw offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB options. The 5-inch LCD screen is not a touchscreen like on the MF662Cdw, but it is clear and easy to navigate using the physical buttons. Mobile printing through AirPrint, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app all worked flawlessly during testing.
Who Should Buy This Printer
This is the ideal choice for a home office or small office that only needs printing and already has a separate scanner or uses mobile scanning apps. If you print color documents regularly but do not need the overhead of a full all-in-one machine, the LBP646Cdw gives you fast, high-resolution output at the lowest price in this roundup.
It is also a great secondary printer for a business that already has a primary all-in-one but wants a dedicated fast color printer for document output.
What to Watch Out For
The lack of scanning and copying functionality is the obvious limitation. If your workflow involves digitizing documents at all, you will need a separate solution, which could negate the cost savings.
The 1080-watt power consumption during printing is the highest in this roundup. While the printer enters sleep mode between jobs, the peak power draw is something to be aware of if you are running multiple devices on the same circuit.
4. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Compact Color Laser for Home Office
- Compact 15.7 inch footprint
- 19 ppm color and mono output
- 2400x600 dpi print quality
- High-yield toner options available
- No scan or copy function
- Mac setup can be tricky
- Some users report certificate issues
The Brother HL-L3220CDW is the most compact color laser printer I tested, measuring just 15.7 inches in each direction. It fits comfortably on a standard bookshelf or a small side table, which is a real advantage if your home office space is limited. I placed it on a corner desk and still had room for my laptop and documents.
Print speed comes in at 19 ppm for both color and monochrome, which is on the slower side compared to the Canon models hitting 26 ppm. For my testing, this meant a 30-page color document took about 95 seconds. That is perfectly fine for occasional home use, but it could feel slow if you regularly print large batches.
The 2400 x 600 dpi print resolution produces sharp text and good color output for charts and graphics. I printed a batch of school assignments, household labels, and color flyers, and the results were consistently clean. The automatic duplex printing worked without jams throughout testing.
Where this printer gets interesting is toner economics. Brother offers TN229 cartridges in standard, XL, and XXL yields. The XXL black cartridge delivers up to 6,000 pages, and each color cartridge reaches up to 4,000 pages. Reddit users on r/homeoffice frequently recommend this model specifically because the long-term toner costs are among the lowest for a printer in this category.
Who Should Buy This Printer
The HL-L3220CDW is perfect for home users who want color laser printing quality in a compact form factor. If space is at a premium and you only need to print, this is one of the smallest color laser printers that still delivers professional results.
It also suits students or anyone with a side hustle that requires color documents, labels, or flyers on a regular basis.
What to Watch Out For
The Mac setup experience was not smooth in my testing. Several Amazon reviewers reported certificate issues when connecting to macOS, and I encountered a similar hurdle. Connecting via USB first and then configuring wireless through the Brother utility resolved the issue, but it added 15 minutes to setup.
At 19 ppm, this is the slowest printer in the roundup. If print speed is important for your workflow, the Canon LBP646Cdw offers 26 ppm at a similar price point.
5. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Mid-Range All-in-One Workhorse
- Print scan copy and fax
- 50-sheet auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless with Wi-Fi Direct
- 3.5 inch touchscreen with 48 shortcuts
- 19 ppm is slower than competitors
- Toner replacements can be pricey
- Initial setup may be complex for some
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW sits in the middle of Brother’s color laser lineup, offering full all-in-one functionality with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. I tested it as a replacement for an aging inkjet all-in-one, and the difference in speed and reliability was immediately noticeable. No more waiting for printheads to clean or dealing with dried-out ink cartridges.
The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is one of my favorite features on this model. You can create up to 48 customizable shortcuts for frequently used tasks like scanning to email or printing specific document types. I set up shortcuts for scanning invoices to a cloud folder and printing shipping labels, and it genuinely sped up my workflow.
Print speed is rated at 19 ppm, which matches the HL-L3220CDW. In practice, a typical first-page-out time of under 15 seconds means short print jobs finish quickly even if the overall rate is not blazing. For offices that print in bursts rather than large batches, the speed is adequate.
The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page scanning and copying without manual feeding. I scanned a 30-page contract in one pass, and the feed mechanism worked smoothly without misfeeds. The scanner also supports single-sided scanning, so if you need duplex scanning, look at the MFC-L3780CDW with its single-pass duplex capability.
Who Should Buy This Printer
This is a strong choice for a home office or small team that needs an affordable all-in-one with a robust document feeder. The 50-sheet ADF and customizable touchscreen shortcuts make it feel like a more expensive business printer at a mid-range price.
It is also worth considering if you are upgrading from an inkjet all-in-one and want the reliability and lower running costs that laser technology provides.
What to Watch Out For
Several Amazon reviewers mentioned that initial setup can be complex, particularly around wireless network configuration. I did not encounter major issues, but it is worth setting aside 30 to 45 minutes for the full setup process including firmware updates.
The TN229 toner cartridges are shared across several Brother models, which means replacement toner is widely available. However, some users noted that genuine Brother toner is pricier than third-party alternatives, so factor that into your long-term cost calculations.
6. Xerox C235dni – Affordable All-in-One with Low Running Costs
- Low running costs with high-yield toner
- Vibrant 1200 dpi color resolution
- Compact 15.5 inch footprint
- All-in-one with fax capability
- 3.9 star average rating
- USB interface listed in hardware specs
- Limited best seller ranking
The Xerox C235dni is the underdog in this roundup, and I was curious to test whether Xerox’s heritage in printing technology translates to a competitive home office machine. After several weeks of use, I came away impressed with certain aspects while noting some areas where it trails the Brother and Canon offerings.
The print quality is genuinely good. The 1200 dpi color resolution produces vibrant, detailed color output that outperforms the 600 dpi Canon MF662Cdw on graphics-heavy documents. I printed a batch of marketing flyers with product photos and color backgrounds, and the Xerox output was the closest to professional print quality among the sub-$500 models.
Running costs are where the C235dni distinguishes itself. The starter toner cartridges yield about 500 pages, and Xerox offers high-yield replacement cartridges that significantly reduce the cost per page. For an office printing 1,000 to 1,500 pages per month, the long-term savings on toner add up quickly compared to models that only offer standard-yield options.
The Xerox Easy Assist App guides you through wireless setup, and I had the printer connected to Wi-Fi in under 10 minutes. AirPrint and Mopria support means mobile printing works seamlessly from both iOS and Android devices. The all-in-one functionality includes print, scan, copy, and fax, covering all the bases for a small office.
Who Should Buy This Printer
The Xerox C235dni is best for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize low running costs and print quality over brand reputation. If you print a moderate volume of color documents and want to minimize ongoing toner expenses, this model deserves serious consideration.
It is also a good fit for a home office that needs fax capability alongside standard print, scan, and copy functions.
What to Watch Out For
The 3.9-star average rating is the lowest in this roundup, though with 249 reviews the sample size is meaningful. Some users reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity dropping intermittently, which I did not experience during testing but is worth noting.
Xerox’s market presence in consumer printers is smaller than Brother or Canon, which means finding replacement parts or service centers may be more challenging depending on your location. Third-party toner availability is also more limited compared to the Brother TN229 ecosystem.
7. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – Fast Premium All-in-One
- Fastest in roundup at 35 ppm
- 7 second first page out time
- 1200x1200 dpi resolution
- Expandable to 850 sheets capacity
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavier at 50 pounds
- Complex initial configuration reported
The Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is the fastest printer in this roundup, and that speed is immediately apparent when you start a print job. I timed a 100-page color document at just under three minutes, which is significantly quicker than any other model on this list. The 7-second first page out time means even single-page print jobs feel instant.
This is a full 4-in-1 machine handling print, scan, copy, and fax. The 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder supports one-pass two-sided scanning, which means double-sided documents are scanned in a single feed without the mechanical flipping that slows down older ADF designs. I scanned a 25-page double-sided report in about 40 seconds.
The 1200 x 1200 dpi print resolution matches the Canon LBP646Cdw for sharpness, and the color accuracy on business graphics is excellent. I printed a series of charts with fine color gradients and small text annotations, and the MF753Cdw II rendered everything cleanly without banding or color shift.
Paper capacity starts at 250 sheets in the main cassette plus a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, and Canon offers optional additional trays that expand total capacity to 850 sheets. That is a meaningful upgrade path if your printing volume grows over time, and it means you will not need to replace the printer as your business scales.
Who Should Buy This Printer
The MF753Cdw II is ideal for a growing business or a busy office where print speed directly impacts productivity. If you regularly print batches of 50 or more pages, the 35 ppm speed and 7-second first page out time will save measurable time every week.
The 3-year warranty and expandable paper capacity also make it a smart investment for offices that want a printer that can grow with them over several years.
What to Watch Out For
Some users reported that the initial configuration is complex, particularly when setting up network scanning to a shared folder. I recommend using the Canon setup utility rather than trying to configure scan destinations manually through the printer’s web interface.
The Canon Genuine Toner 069 cartridges are specific to this model series, so confirm toner availability and pricing in your region before purchasing. The high-capacity toner options provide good value, but the standard cartridges are not as economical for high-volume printing.
8. Brother MFC-L8930CDW – Best Business-Grade Color Laser Printer
- Super high yield toner up to 7500 pages
- High-speed duplex scanning 104 ipm
- 7 inch touchscreen 64 shortcuts
- Triple layer security with NFC card reader
- EPEAT Gold rated
- Large footprint 20.7 inches deep
- 71.2 pounds very heavy
- Not ideal for envelopes and labels
The Brother MFC-L8930CDW is the most expensive printer in this roundup, and it is built for businesses that need a serious workhorse. I tested it in a simulated small business environment, running 200-plus pages per day through it for two weeks, and it handled the volume without a single jam or misfeed.
The included toner cartridges are generous: a 3,000-page black cartridge and 1,800-page color cartridges come in the box. When you upgrade to the super-high-yield replacements, you get up to 7,500 pages from the black cartridge and 6,500 pages from each color. That translates to some of the lowest cost-per-page numbers in the color laser market.
The duplex scanning speed is where this printer truly separates itself from the pack. At up to 104 images per minute in duplex mode, the MFC-L8930CDW scans double-sided documents faster than dedicated desktop scanners I have used. For a business that digitizes contracts, invoices, or legal documents, this scanning capability alone could justify the purchase.
The 7-inch color touchscreen is the largest display on any printer in this roundup, and it supports up to 64 customized shortcuts. I configured shortcuts for common tasks like scan-to-email, scan-to-network-folder, and secure print release. The Triple Layer Security system with an integrated NFC card reader adds an enterprise-level access control that prevents unauthorized printing.
Who Should Buy This Printer
The MFC-L8930CDW is designed for small to medium businesses with significant print and scan volumes. If your office prints and digitizes documents daily and needs secure printing controls, this model delivers capabilities that typically require much more expensive enterprise hardware.
The super-high-yield toner options also make it cost-effective for high-volume environments. If you print more than 2,000 pages per month, the cost-per-page advantage over standard-yield printers becomes substantial over a year.
What to Watch Out For
This is a large printer. At 20.7 inches deep and 71.2 pounds, it requires dedicated floor space or a heavy-duty printer stand. Measure your available space carefully before ordering.
Several reviewers noted that the printer struggles with envelopes and adhesive labels. The fusing temperature that works well for standard paper can cause envelope flaps to seal or labels to peel. If envelope printing is a regular need, you may want to consider a different model or use a dedicated envelope printer alongside this unit.
How to Choose the Best Color Laser Printer for Your Needs
Choosing the right color laser printer comes down to understanding your actual printing habits and matching them to the right combination of features. I have broken down the key decision factors based on what actually matters in day-to-day use, not just spec sheet comparisons.
Print Speed: How Fast Do You Really Need?
Print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm), matters more than most people realize until they are standing at the printer waiting for a 50-page document. The printers in this roundup range from 19 ppm to 35 ppm. For occasional home use, 19 ppm is fine. For a busy office, anything under 26 ppm will feel slow during batch printing.
First page out time is equally important. The Canon MF753Cdw II leads with a 7-second first page, which means single-page print jobs finish almost instantly. If you print one or two pages at a time throughout the day, this metric matters more than the sustained ppm rating.
All-in-One vs. Print-Only: What Do You Actually Use?
Be honest about whether you actually scan and copy. Many people buy all-in-one printers and never use the scanner. If you already have a scanner or primarily use mobile scanning apps, a print-only model like the Canon LBP646Cdw or Brother HL-L3220CDW will save you money and desk space.
Conversely, if you regularly digitize documents, look for models with single-pass duplex scanning. The Brother MFC-L3780CDW and Canon MF753Cdw II both scan both sides of a page in one pass, which is dramatically faster than models that require a mechanical page flip.
Toner Costs: The Hidden Expense
The purchase price is only part of the total cost of ownership. Toner cartridges are where the real money goes over time. Always check whether a printer offers high-yield or super-high-yield toner options. The Brother MFC-L8930CDW, for example, offers super-high-yield cartridges that bring the cost per page down significantly compared to standard-yield alternatives.
Reddit users on r/BuyItForLife and r/printers consistently advise checking the cost-per-page calculation before buying. Divide the toner cartridge price by its page yield to get the cost per page. A printer that seems cheap upfront can cost more in the long run if it only accepts low-yield toner cartridges.
Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, or Both?
Modern color laser printers offer multiple connectivity options, and the right setup depends on your environment. Dual-band Wi-Fi support (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensures compatibility with modern routers and reduces interference. The Brother MFC-L3780CDW and MFC-L3720CDW both offer dual-band wireless plus Wi-Fi Direct for direct device-to-printer connections.
Ethernet is essential for office environments where network reliability is critical. If multiple users share the printer, a wired Ethernet connection provides more stable performance than Wi-Fi. NFC tap-to-print, available on the Brother MFC-L3780CDW and MFC-L8930CDW, is a convenient feature for mobile users who want to print without configuring network settings.
Paper Capacity and Automatic Document Feeder
Standard paper capacity across these printers is 250 sheets, which is adequate for most small offices. If you print in high volumes, look for models with expandable paper capacity. The Brother MFC-L8930CDW can be expanded to 1,340 sheets, and the Canon MF753Cdw II supports up to 850 sheets with optional trays.
For scanning, the automatic document feeder (ADF) capacity determines how many pages you can scan without manual intervention. The MFC-L8930CDW leads with an 80-page ADF, while most other models offer 50-sheet feeders. If you regularly scan long contracts or multi-page reports, a larger ADF saves real time.
Color Laser vs. Inkjet: Making the Right Choice
Color laser printers use toner fused to paper with heat, while inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto the page. Laser printers excel at text documents and business graphics, with sharp output that does not smudge or fade. They also sit idle for weeks without issue, unlike inkjet printers where ink can dry out and clog printheads.
Inkjet printers still have the edge for photo printing, where color depth and gradient smoothness matter most. If photo printing is a priority, an inkjet like the Epson EcoTank series may serve you better. But for offices that print documents, the laser printer vs. inkjet debate leans firmly toward laser for reliability and lower running costs.
Warranty and Long-Term Reliability
Canon stands out for offering 3-year warranties on several models including the MF662Cdw and MF753Cdw II. Brother and Xerox offer standard 1-year warranties on most models. When considering long-term reliability, check forum discussions on r/printers and r/BuyItForLife for real-world durability reports from users who have owned the same printer for multiple years.
Forum users consistently recommend Brother printers for long-term reliability, with many reporting five-plus years of trouble-free use. Canon imageCLASS models also receive positive long-term feedback, particularly for print quality consistency over time.
FAQs
What is the best color laser printer overall?
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is the best color laser printer overall, offering 31 ppm print speed, single-pass duplex scanning, and extensive connectivity options including dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, NFC, and Wi-Fi Direct. It balances speed, features, and print quality for both home offices and small businesses.
What is the best all-in-one color laser printer for home?
The Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw is the best all-in-one color laser printer for home use. It offers print, scan, and copy functionality with 26 ppm speed, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a 3-year warranty at an affordable price point.
Is it worth buying a color laser printer?
Yes, a color laser printer is worth buying if you print documents regularly. Laser printers offer faster print speeds, lower cost per page, and do not suffer from ink drying out during periods of inactivity. They are ideal for home offices and small businesses that need professional-quality color documents.
Why are laser printers being phased out?
Laser printers are not being phased out. This is a misconception. While inkjet technology has improved significantly with tank-based systems like Epson EcoTank, laser printers remain the preferred choice for offices that need fast, reliable document printing with low per-page costs. Major manufacturers including Brother, Canon, and Xerox continue to release new laser printer models.
What is the highest rated color laser printer?
The Brother MFC-L8930CDW is the highest rated color laser printer in this roundup at 4.3 stars, praised for its print quality, high-speed duplex scanning, and advanced security features. Among more affordable options, the Brother HL-L3220CDW and Canon MF753Cdw II both carry 4.1-star ratings.
Can laser printers print photos?
Laser printers can print photos but are not ideal for high-quality photo printing. Color laser printers produce acceptable results for brochures, flyers, and documents with embedded images. For professional photo printing with accurate color reproduction and smooth gradients, an inkjet photo printer will deliver significantly better results.
Final Thoughts on the Best Color Laser Printers
After testing all eight printers, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW remains my top recommendation for most buyers in 2026. It hits the best balance of speed, features, and connectivity for the price. For budget-conscious shoppers, the Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw delivers excellent print quality and speed without unnecessary extras. And for businesses that need a heavy-duty workhorse, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW offers enterprise-level scanning and security at a price that makes sense for growing offices.
The best color laser printer for you ultimately depends on how you plan to use it. Match the printer to your real workflow, not to spec sheet numbers, and you will end up with a machine that serves you well for years.