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Every home office and small business hits the same wall: the printer that prints beautifully for three months, then quietly bleeds your budget on cartridges. A truly great color printer balances vivid output with ink costs you can actually stomach over years of use. This guide cuts through the marketing to identify which machines deliver on that promise.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I’ve spent hundreds of hours dissecting print engine technologies, analyzing per-page ink costs, and comparing real-world user feedback across the widest range of color printers available today.
The right choice depends entirely on your volume and output needs. For most households and small teams, the best color printer is one that pairs low-cost refills with reliable wireless performance and solid photo quality.
How To Choose The Best Color Printer
Color printers are not commodity purchases. The engine technology — inkjet vs. laser — determines your per-page cost, print speed, and media flexibility. Deciding between them is the single most important choice you’ll make.
Print Engine Technology: Inkjet vs. Laser
Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed through microscopic nozzles. They excel at photo-grade output on glossy paper and typically have a lower upfront cost. The downside: ink dries out if unused for weeks, and standard cartridges carry a high cost per page. Laser printers use toner powder fused by heat. They produce sharp text, run faster, and handle long idle periods without issue. Color lasers cost more upfront but deliver a lower cost per page for text-heavy documents.
Ink Delivery System: Cartridge vs. Supertank
Standard cartridge printers require replacement after every few hundred pages. A supertank printer uses refillable ink reservoirs that hold enough liquid for thousands of pages before refilling. The supertank model substantially reduces per-page ink cost, making it the right choice for anyone printing more than a few hundred color pages per month.
Key Connectivity and Workflow Features
Automatic duplex printing (two-sided output) halves paper usage. An auto document feeder (ADF) allows multi-page scan and copy without manual page flipping. Wireless connectivity with AirPrint and Mopria support lets you print from any phone or tablet without a computer. For shared offices, Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi ensures stable connections under load.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Small teams, high volume | 19 ppm color, 3.5″ touchscreen | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Supertank Inkjet | Home, low-cost color | 6,600 page tank, 18 ppm mono | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Supertank Inkjet | Office, document focus | 3,000 page tank, 35-sheet ADF | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Small office, presentations | 24 ppm color, auto duplex | Amazon |
| Brother HLL3280CDW | Color Laser | Print-only, speed priority | 27 ppm color, 2.7″ touchscreen | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw | B&W Laser | B&W teams, 1-5 users | 30 ppm mono, dual-band Wi-Fi | Amazon |
| HP Envy Photo 7975 | Inkjet | Photo-focused home use | 15 ppm mono, 10 ppm color | Amazon |
| Epson Workforce WF-2960 | Inkjet | Home office, occasional use | 14 ppm mono, PrecisionCore tech | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Inkjet | Budget home, light printing | 15 ppm mono, 2.7″ touchscreen | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a color laser all-in-one built for the demands of a small team. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes at 19 pages per minute in color, with a 50-sheet auto document feeder and automatic duplex on every function. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen provides 48 customizable shortcuts, making repetitive tasks a one-tap operation.
Connectivity options include dual-band wireless (2.4/5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and Ethernet. The Brother Mobile Connect app allows remote printing and toner monitoring. Users consistently report sharp text, vibrant color graphics, and reliable performance with few paper jams. The 250-sheet paper tray handles high-volume jobs without constant refilling.
Some users encountered a waste toner error after extended use that required service intervention. The printer supports high-yield cartridges (TN229XL and TN229XXL) that significantly reduce cost per page, making it the most cost-effective color laser for offices printing 1,000+ pages per month. The generous warranty and strong Brother support network add long-term peace of mind.
Why it’s great
- Fast 19 ppm color with auto duplex
- 3.5-inch color touchscreen with shortcuts
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet standard
- High-yield toner for low cost per page
Good to know
- Periodic waste toner error may require service
- Larger footprint than inkjet alternatives
- No USB port for direct flash drive printing
2. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 eliminates cartridge waste with massive ink reservoirs that print up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages per set of bottles. This seventh-generation EcoTank includes uniquely keyed EcoFit bottles that prevent accidental mis-filling. Print speeds reach 18 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color with zero warmup time.
Features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, 250-sheet paper tray, auto document feeder, fax, and automatic duplex printing. Wireless connectivity is robust, with users reporting seamless setup via smartphone app and reliable remote printing. The 48-bit color depth input delivers smooth gradations in photos, especially on glossy paper.
A few users experienced a 20-minute paper jam during initial setup and noted that some photo prints lacked the vibrancy of dedicated photo printers. The build quality feels plastic-light compared to laser alternatives. Long-term owners praise the ink longevity, with some reporting over a year of moderate use before needing additional bottles. The per-page ink cost is among the lowest available.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-low ink cost with 6,600-page tank
- Zero warmup, fast 18 ppm mono printing
- 48-bit color depth for smooth gradients
- Seamless wireless and mobile printing
Good to know
- Photo output may not rival dedicated photo printers
- Plastic chassis feels less durable than laser
- Initial setup can include a paper jam
3. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 is a supertank all-in-one designed for high-volume document output. It prints up to 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per ink bottle set, using pigment-based inks that resist water and smudging. Print speeds hit 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, with a 35-sheet auto document feeder for multi-page jobs.
The 2.7-inch LCD color touchscreen navigation is responsive, and the compact desktop footprint saves desk space. Users report excellent print quality for plain paper documents and decent output on photo paper. The automatic duplex printing works reliably, and the 250-sheet tray handles a full ream without needing refill. Setup is straightforward on both Mac and PC.
Some users found that cardstock prints exhibited curl and streaking at high-quality settings. The printer is louder than many inkjets during operation. A small number of units struggled to print vibrant colors after extended use, requiring deep-cleaning cycles that wasted ink. For text-heavy office work and occasional color graphics, the MAXIFY delivers a strong cost-per-page advantage over cartridge-based rivals.
Why it’s great
- 3,000-page tank for low refill frequency
- Pigment-based, water-resistant ink
- 35-sheet ADF for multi-page scanning
- Reliable duplex printing
Good to know
- Cardstock prints may curl
- Audible during operation
- Some color vibrancy issues over time
4. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni is a color laser all-in-one (print, scan, copy, fax) that produces sharp text and vibrant color graphics at 24 pages per minute for both black and color. It includes a 50-sheet auto document feeder and automatic duplex printing. The starter toner cartridges yield about 500 pages, while high-yield replacements reduce ongoing costs significantly.
Wireless setup is streamlined through the Xerox Easy Assist App. Users report connection to WiFi succeeds quickly via the front panel when the app falters. Print quality on standard office paper is excellent, with crisp lines and saturated color. The printer supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria, making it easy to print from mobile devices without drivers.
Some users encountered light output when using generic copy paper; switching to premium inkjet/laser paper resolved the issue. A few reported the cartridge access door hinges felt weak, and one unit arrived appearing used. The Ethernet port provides a stable connection for shared office environments. For small offices needing professional-quality presentations and reports, the C235dni delivers consistent results.
Why it’s great
- 24 ppm color laser output
- Easy smartphone setup via app
- AirPrint and Mopria mobile support
- High-yield cartridges available
Good to know
- Light output on low-quality paper
- Cartridge access door feels fragile
- Starter toners yield only ~500 pages
5. Brother HLL3280CDW
The Brother HLL3280CDW is a print-only color laser that prioritizes speed: 27 pages per minute in both black and color. It includes automatic duplex printing and a 250-sheet paper tray. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides access to cloud-based apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, and EverNote. This is a pure printer — no scanner, copier, or fax.
Setup takes about 10 minutes with Brother Mobile Connect on a smartphone. Dual-band wireless (2.4/5 GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 provide flexible connectivity. Users transitioning from inkjet printers praise the sharp text, vibrant colors, and quiet operation. The large paper tray holds close to half a ream, reducing refill frequency.
Some users reported defective units that experienced ink splatter or failure to print within the warranty period, with Brother support refusing coverage on the drum unit as a consumable. Cardstock jams when using duplex, and single-sided cardstock prints tend to curl. The lack of scanning capability is a meaningful omission for anyone needing all-in-one functionality. For high-volume, print-only color output, the speed is hard to beat.
Why it’s great
- Fastest color laser at 27 ppm
- Multiple connectivity options
- Cloud app integration via touchscreen
- Quiet operation
Good to know
- Print-only, no scan or copy
- Cardstock duplex jams
- Warranty coverage exceptions on drum
6. HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw
The HP LaserJet MFP M234sdw is a monochrome laser all-in-one designed for small teams printing 1-5 users. It prints up to 30 black-and-white pages per minute with automatic duplex printing. Features include a flatbed scanner, 50-sheet auto document feeder, copy and scan functions, and dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset that automatically resolves connectivity issues.
Users consistently praise easy setup via the HP Smart app, stable wireless connections, and fast output with no smudging. The compact footprint fits on a small desk. The built-in security features protect against network attacks. Ethernet connectivity is included for wired office networks. HP Instant Ink eligibility reduces ongoing supply costs.
Some users noted that the control panel is mounted on the paper tray, making it less stable when the tray is extended. The product is monochrome only — no color output whatsoever. For teams whose primary need is crisp, fast black-and-white documents with occasional scanning and copying, the M234sdw is a reliable workhorse.
Why it’s great
- Fast 30 ppm monochrome printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset
- Compact footprint
- Instant Ink eligible
Good to know
- Control panel on paper tray is wobbly
- Monochrome only, no color printing
- No USB port for direct printing
7. HP Envy Photo 7975
The HP Envy Photo 7975 is an inkjet all-in-one designed for photo-centric home use. It prints borderless photos up to 8.5×11 inches, with a dedicated photo tray for specialty paper. Print speeds reach 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color. The printer features an auto document feeder, automatic duplex, and a large color touchscreen.
The AI-enabled web printing feature removes extraneous ads and layouts from web pages before printing. Wireless setup through the HP Smart app is straightforward, and a three-month Instant Ink trial is included. Users report bright, crisp photo prints with good color accuracy. The printer connects reliably to Wi-Fi from both phones and laptops.
Some users experienced hardware failure within weeks, including paper jams and faint vertical lines in photos. The “quiet print” mode cannot be disabled according to some reports, leading to slower output. The ink costs for standard cartridges are higher than supertank alternatives. For families printing a mix of school documents and occasional high-quality photos, the Envy Photo 7975 delivers where it counts.
Why it’s great
- Dedicated photo tray for borderless prints
- AI-enabled web page cleaning
- Easy wireless setup
- Three-month Instant Ink trial
Good to know
- Some units dead within weeks
- Quiet mode slows print speed
- Standard cartridges are expensive
8. Epson Workforce WF-2960
The Epson Workforce WF-2960 is an inkjet all-in-one using PrecisionCore technology for sharp text and vibrant color graphics. It prints up to 14 pages per minute in black and 7.5 in color. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen provides easy navigation, and the 150-sheet paper tray handles moderate-volume jobs. Features include automatic duplex, a 30-sheet auto document feeder, fax, and Ethernet connectivity.
The printer supports voice-activated printing via Alexa and Siri, plus mobile printing from Android and iOS. Individual ink cartridges allow you to replace only the color that runs out. Users report fast setup via the Epson Smart Panel app and good initial print quality. The compact size fits small desks.
Several users reported ink nozzle clogging after 2-3 months, with self-cleaning cycles failing to resolve the issue. Ink consumption is high, with color ink used even during black-and-white prints. The printer refuses to print if any single color cartridge is empty. For very light, infrequent use the WF-2960 is adequate, but heavy users will find the per-page cost unacceptable.
Why it’s great
- Sharp PrecisionCore print quality
- Voice-activated printing (Alexa, Siri)
- Individual ink cartridges
- Compact with touchscreen
Good to know
- Frequent nozzle clogs reported
- High ink consumption
- Won’t print if any one color is empty
9. Canon PIXMA TS7720
The Canon PIXMA TS7720 is a compact inkjet all-in-one that prints, copies, and scans. It achieves 15 pages per minute in black and 10 in color, with automatic duplex printing. The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen provides intuitive control. It uses only two ink cartridges (PG-285 black and CL-286 color), simplifying replacement.
The printer handles a variety of media via its front and rear paper feeds. Users report good print quality for text and acceptable output for 4×6 and 8×10 photos, though colors may be less vivid than five-ink tank models. Wireless setup is relatively quick via the Canon app, though some users struggled with Windows 8.1 connectivity.
The trial ink cartridges included in the box have lower capacity than standard replacements, leading to more frequent early changes. The default auto power-off after 4 hours can be adjusted via printer preferences. Some users reported the printer becoming unresponsive after a few months, unable to connect or print. The TS7720 is a decent entry-level option for very light home use, but the per-page cost of two-cartridge ink systems adds up quickly.
Why it’s great
- Very compact footprint
- Intuitive 2.7-inch touchscreen
- Simple two-cartridge system
- Automatic duplex printing
Good to know
- Trial cartridges run out fast
- Colors less vivid than 5-ink models
- Some units fail after 3 months
FAQ
Is a color laser or inkjet better for photos?
How much does it actually cost to print a color page?
Why does my color printer refuse to print when one cartridge is empty?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best color printer winner is the Brother MFC-L3720CDW because it combines fast color laser output, a full suite of office features, and the lowest cost per page among color lasers. If you want ultra-low ink costs and print mostly from home, grab the Epson EcoTank ET-4950. And for high-speed, print-only color output, nothing beats the Brother HLL3280CDW.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.