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When invoices, client proposals, and marketing flyers need to look sharp without eating your margin, a color printer for small business has to deliver speed, low cost per page, and tough reliability. The wrong pick — usually a cheap inkjet — will bleed you dry on cartridges and jam at the worst moment. This guide cuts through the noise to show you the nine laser printers that actually make sense for a working office.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
We placed the most versatile, reliable, and cost-efficient models side-by-side, looking at print speed, paper handling, total cost of ownership, and real owner feedback to find the best color printer for small business.
Quick Picks
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW — Best Overall
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw — Full Office Suite
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw — Best Value All-in-One
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw — Durable Workgroup
- Brother HL-L3280CDW (Renewed Premium) — Best Bang for the Buck
- Brother HL-L3280CDW (New) — Compact Print-Only
- Xerox C235dni — Low-Cost All-in-One
- HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw — Trusted Brand, Print Only
- Lexmark CS331dw — Secure Network Printing
How To Choose The Best Color Printer For Small Business
Buying a printer for your business is different from buying one for your home. You are looking at daily volume, multiple people connecting, and the real cost of consumables over time. Here are the three things that matter most.
Print Speed: Pages Per Minute (PPM)
You won’t wait long for prints with a speed of 24 to 27 ppm (pages per minute, the number of single-sided sheets the printer can produce in one minute) in both black and color. That range is fast enough for a small office with a few people, so no one stands around waiting, without paying for a high-speed production machine. The comparison below shows most picks cluster right in that range.
Duplex Printing: Automatic Double-Sided
Every printer here has automatic duplex — it flips the page and prints on the back without you touching anything. This halves your paper cost and makes multi-page proposals look professional. The key is “automatic” (the printer does the work) versus manual (you flip the stack yourself). All nine models are automatic.
All-in-One vs. Print Only
Decide if you need a scanner, copier, and fax on the same machine. A print-only unit like the Brother HL-L3280CDW saves desk space and upfront cost. An all-in-one like the Canon MF665Cdw adds a scanner and automatic document feeder (ADF, a tray that feeds multiple pages automatically) so you can digitize contracts quickly. If you regularly email signed documents, the all-in-one pays for itself in convenience.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (Color) | Functions | Paper Tray | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Fastest All-in-One | 31 ppm | Print/Copy/Scan/Fax | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon MF665Cdw | Full Office Suite | 26 ppm | Print/Copy/Scan/Fax | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon MF662Cdw | Best Value All-in-One | 26 ppm | Print/Copy/Scan | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw | Durable Workgroup | 26 ppm | Print/Copy/Scan/Fax | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW (Renewed) | Best Bang for the Buck | 27 ppm | Print Only | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW (New) | Compact Print-Only | 27 ppm | Print Only | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Low-Cost All-in-One | 24 ppm | Print/Copy/Scan/Fax | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw | Trusted Brand, Print Only | 26 ppm | Print Only | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Lexmark CS331dw | Secure Network Printing | 26 ppm | Print Only | 250-sheet | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
The fastest color laser in the list, built to keep a whole team running.
This Brother cranks out 31 ppm (pages per minute) in both black and color — a clear lead over the 26–27 ppm class, and real help when a stack of reports lands on your desk at 4:45. It also offers single-pass duplex copy and scan, meaning it flips each page once for both sides, saving you time when digitizing a double-sided contract.
Buyers report that setup with AirPrint is quick and that the printer runs quietly with no jams. A few owners mention that Brother’s “Refresh” toner subscription can cause issues if a payment is missed, so you may prefer to buy standard or high-yield TN229 cartridges directly. The web interface is also less polished than some competitors, but for raw speed and print quality, this is the most capable machine here.
The Speed Advantage
- Prints 31 ppm, the fastest of any pick in this guide.
- Single-pass duplex scan for quick two-sided copying.
- Works with high-yield TN229XXL cartridges to reduce per-page cost.
The Trade-offs
- Subscription service (Refresh) can be buggy according to some owners.
- Larger footprint than print-only models.
For the busy office: If your team prints and scans dozens of pages daily, the speed and duplex scan make this the best investment.
A real limitation: You must remove hidden sheet protectors under starter toner cartridges or you will get blank pages — an easy fix once you know.
2. Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw
A complete print, scan, copy, and fax station wrapped in a 3-year warranty.
The MF665Cdw is a 4-in-1 model that includes a 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder — a feature that lets you load a stack of double-sided pages and have them scanned or copied in one pass. You get the same fast 26 ppm speed as its sibling, plus a 5-inch color touchscreen with customizable shortcuts via the Application Library.
Unlike the MF662Cdw, this model adds fax, which matters if clients or vendors still use phone-line documents. It uses Canon Genuine Toner 075 / 075 high-capacity cartridges, and the 3-year limited warranty gives you breathing room. Note that the large footprint requires a dedicated desk or cart.
For the paper-heavy office: If you regularly scan multi-page contracts, the 50-sheet ADF saves real time. The 3-year warranty also beats the typical 1-year coverage from most brands.
3. Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw
All the core office features without the fax module, at a sharper entry price.
This is essentially the MF665Cdw minus fax and the ADF capacity drops to a 1-sheet multipurpose tray alongside the 250-sheet cassette. You still get the same fast 26 ppm speed, the same 5-inch color touchscreen, and the same 3-year limited warranty. For a small business that occasionally scans single pages, this covers your needs without paying for hardware you will not use.
Customers note setup is straightforward and that duplex printing works well. One reviewer noted the first print time is about 10.3 seconds, so you are not waiting for the machine to wake up. The catch, as with any color laser, is that replacement cartridges are costly — the starter set is 500/700 yield, so plan for high-yield 075 cartridges when you reorder.
The sensible middle ground: Skip the fax and the big ADF, keep the speed and print quality. Best for teams that print, copy, and scan without heavy batch work.
4. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
HP’s workhorse all-in-one with dual-band Wi-Fi that fixes itself when it drops.
The 3301fdw matches the 26 ppm speed of other picks, but adds a single-pass duplex scanner and an auto document feeder (ADF) for fast two-sided copying. HP’s TerraJet toner is designed to produce more vivid colors than previous generations, and the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically detects and resolves connection issues without you touching a button.
One major caution: this printer is designed to block non-HP cartridges, and firmware updates maintain that block. Buyers who tried third-party toner reported poor print quality or complete failure. Factor that into your long-term cost planning — original HP 218a cartridges are expensive, with a full set costing hundreds.
Why It’s a Workhorse
- Self-resetting Wi-Fi reduces downtime.
- Single-pass duplex scan and ADF for efficient copying.
- TerraJet toner for vivid color output.
The Catch
- Firmware locks out non-HP cartridges.
- Replacement toner is among the most expensive in this guide.
For the HP loyalist: If you prefer HP’s ecosystem and service network, this is a reliable all-in-one.
Look elsewhere if: You want flexibility to use third-party toner to save money — the lock-in is real and costly.
5. Brother HL-L3280CDW (Renewed Premium)
A premium renewed unit that delivers the same 27 ppm speed as new for less.
This is the same Brother HL-L3280CDW as the new unit below, but sold as “Renewed Premium” — meaning it has been inspected and tested to work like new. You get the same 27 ppm in both black and color, the same 2.7-inch color touchscreen, the same automatic duplex, and the same 250-sheet tray. Reviewers point out fast Wi-Fi setup and excellent print quality on 24lb 97-brightness paper.
Compared to the new unit at a higher price, this is the smarter move if you want to put savings toward toner. Be aware that some owners experienced Wi-Fi dropouts and a critical part failure after warranty. The renewed route also carries a shorter or different warranty than a brand-new unit, so check the seller’s return policy.
Smart money move: If you only need a print-only machine and want the fastest color speed at the lowest entry cost, the renewed premium model is worth considering — just budget for a possible repair down the road.
6. Brother HL-L3280CDW (New)
A fast, clean print-only unit that fits a small desk without the scanner footprint.
This is the new-in-box version of the Brother HL-L3280CDW. It hits 27 ppm in both black and color, compared with 26 ppm for the other print-only models here. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen lets you print from cloud apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote without a computer. It also supports dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0.
Buyers praise the easy Wi-Fi setup and sharp, vibrant color output. One owner noted it is “fast and quiet” and that the large paper tray holds half a ream. The main complaints mirror the renewed version — intermittent Wi-Fi disconnects and the high cost of a full toner replacement later on.
What You Get
- 27 ppm speed versus 26 ppm for several other picks.
- Cloud app printing from the front touchscreen.
- Supports high-yield TN229XL and XXL cartridges.
What to Watch
- Some units reported Wi-Fi dropping requiring a power cycle.
- No scanner, copier, or fax — print only.
For the team that only prints: If you already have a scanner or rarely need one, this is the fastest, most compact print-only laser.
skip it if: You need to scan or copy regularly — you will want an all-in-one.
7. Xerox C235dni
A budget all-in-one that asks you to be patient with setup and paper choice.
At 24 ppm, the Xerox C235dni is the slowest print speed in this guide, compared with 26 ppm for many other picks. It includes print, scan, copy, and fax, with starter toner rated for 500 pages and support for high-yield cartridges to bring down per-page costs over time.
The setup process has been the main friction point for owners. One detailed review described a multi-day struggle with light printing that was eventually solved by switching to higher-quality paper (Hammermill Premium Inkjet and Laserjet). Another reviewer noted that the front panel setup was more reliable than the app. If you are willing to dial in the settings and use the right paper, this is a capable machine at a reasonable price.
For the budget-conscious tinkerer: If you do not mind spending an afternoon on setup and testing paper types, the savings are real. The scanner is single-sided only, so keep that in mind for double-sided originals.
8. HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw
A fast print-only printer from America’s most trusted printer brand, but locked to HP toner.
This HP delivers 26 ppm in both black and color, matches the 26 ppm class standard, and features fast color printing, auto 2-sided printing, and a 250-sheet input tray. It uses HP’s next-generation TerraJet toner for more vivid colors, and the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically fixes connection issues.
The critical problem, according to multiple verified buyers, is the toner lock-in. Several reviewers report that after the starter cartridges ran out, replacement HP 218a cartridges (costing – for a full set) produced faded, unreadable output. One buyer called it “unusable” after spending over on toner. The printer blocks non-HP cartridges entirely. If you are comfortable with HP’s supply chain costs, it is a fast machine; otherwise, the Brother print-only units are a safer bet.
The Upside
- Reliable wireless with self-reset Wi-Fi.
- Compact size for a color laser.
The Downside
- Aggressive firmware lock on non-HP cartridges.
- Multiple reports of poor output quality from genuine replacement toner.
Consider this if: You are already deeply in the HP ecosystem and trust the warranty support.
But be warned: The total cost of ownership with HP toner is substantially higher than Brother or Canon equivalents based on owner feedback.
9. Lexmark CS331dw
A compact print-only model with enterprise-grade security and a 1-GHz dual-core processor.
The Lexmark CS331dw prints 26 ppm in both black and color, matching the 26 ppm class, and includes a 1-GHz dual-core processor with 512 MB of memory for handling complex print jobs without slowdown. It offers standard Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, plus mobile support via Lexmark’s mobile print app, Mopria, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
Lexmark markets this printer with full-spectrum security architecture, meaning data is encrypted from the document to the device and over the network. It is rated EPEAT Silver and Energy Star certified. The recommended monthly page volume is 600 to 2500 pages. Bear in mind that Lexmark has been acquired by another company, which may affect driver availability and long-term support, though the core printer hardware is solid.
For the security-conscious office: If your business handles sensitive client data and needs an encrypted print path, the Lexmark is the strongest choice here. Otherwise, the Brother print-only models offer similar speed with a more straightforward user experience.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed (PPM)
Pages per minute tells you how fast the printer can run. The range in this guide is 24 to 31 ppm for color documents. In real life, a 27 ppm machine prints a 10-page proposal in about 22 seconds, while a 24 ppm machine takes about 25 seconds — you feel the difference when you have a stack of 50-page reports.
Automatic Duplex
This means the printer automatically flips the paper to print on both sides. Every printer here has automatic duplex, so you can low-maintenance. It cuts paper use in half for multi-page documents and makes your printed materials look more professional without any extra effort from you.
FAQ
What is the difference between standard yield and high-yield toner?
Do I need an all-in-one or a print-only printer?
Will a color laser printer work with any paper?
Can I use third-party toner cartridges in these printers?
How long does a color laser toner cartridge last?
What is the difference between 26 ppm and 31 ppm in real use?
Do these printers support AirPrint and Mopria?
How much desk space do I need for a small business color laser printer?
Is a color laser printer good for printing photos?
What is a duplex automatic document feeder (ADF)?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the color printer for small business winner is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW because it is the fastest at 31 ppm, includes a single-pass duplex scanner, and has the most flexible toner options with high-yield TN229XXL cartridges. If you want a compact print-only unit that costs less, grab the Brother HL-L3280CDW. And for a full 4-in-1 office suite with a 3-year warranty and a 50-sheet ADF, the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw is a strong choice for teams that need scan and copy daily.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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.