Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You need a color printer and scanner that does not eat its own weight in ink every month and does not stage a rebellion the moment you need a double-sided print job. The real challenge in this category is finding a machine whose running costs stay low while its print quality does not drop off a cliff — and that is where most printers trip up. This guide cuts past the marketing to show you exactly which models deliver sharp color documents, reliable scanning, and ink bills you can stomach, based on published specs and what actual buyers report.
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.
The short answer: if you print often, the Epson EcoTank ET-2980 turns ink refills into a once-every-few-years event, while the Brother MFC-L3780CDW chews through pages at professional speed for a small office. Every model reviewed here fits a different use for a color printer and scanner, so you can match the right one to how much — and what — you actually print.
Quick Picks
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW — Best Overall
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 — Lowest Running Cost
- Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 — Best Value Inkjet
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW — Business Class Laser
- HP Envy Photo 7975 — Home Photo Specialist
- Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW) — Entry-Level All-In-One
- Canon PIXMA TR7120 — Budget Compact
How To Choose The Best Color Printer And Scanner
Picking the right all-in-one color printer starts with one honest question: how many pages do you print in a typical month? Your answer will immediately steer you toward either an inkjet or a laser engine, and that choice determines nearly everything else — from how much you spend on supplies to how fast your documents come out.
Print Volume and Cost Per Page
If you print a few dozen pages a week, a standard inkjet like the Canon PIXMA TR7120 keeps the upfront cost low. If you print hundreds of pages each month, a supertank inkjet (Epson EcoTank) or a color laser (Brother MFC-L3780CDW) will save you real money over time because you are buying ink bottles or toner instead of small cartridges every few weeks. A supertank printer includes enough ink in the box to last up to three years for typical home use.
Paper Handling
An automatic document feeder (ADF) lets you scan or copy a stack of multi-page documents without standing at the machine feeding each page by hand. A 35-sheet ADF, like the one on the Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020, is a serious productivity boost for a busy home office. Automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the page) cuts your paper usage in half and is worth having on any model you consider.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) gives you a more stable wireless connection, especially in homes with many devices. A color touchscreen makes daily tasks — scanning to email, checking ink levels, selecting paper type — much faster than button-and-menu navigation. Mobile printing apps like Brother Mobile Connect or the Canon PRINT app let you print from your phone without touching the printer itself.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (Black/Color) | Duplex Printing | Auto Document Feeder (ADF) | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | High-Volume Small Office | 31 / 31 ppm | Automatic | Single-pass Duplex | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Business Color Laser | 19 / 19 ppm | Automatic | 50-sheet | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | Low Running Costs | 15 / 8 ppm | Automatic | — | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Home Office Value | 15 / 10 ppm | Automatic | 35-sheet | Amazon |
| HP Envy Photo 7975 | Photo Printing at Home | 15 / 10 ppm | Automatic | Auto Document Feeder | Amazon |
| Brother Work Smart 1410 | Entry-Level Home Office | 16 / 9 ppm | Automatic | 20-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Budget Home Use | 14 / 9 ppm | Automatic | Auto Document Feeder | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
The office workhorse that prints both sides of a page in a single pass.
You get laser-quality digital color printing at 31 ppm for both black-and-white and color documents — a speed that leaves every other printer on this list behind. The single-pass duplex copy and scan feature grabs both sides of a page in one go, which saves minutes when you are processing a thick stack of double-sided originals. Built-in dual-band wireless and Gigabit Ethernet give you flexible placement, and the 3.5-inch color touchscreen makes daily navigation quick.
Owners mention that setup is easy and the WiFi printing from PCs and Android phones has been reliable with no jams. One owner noted the color is bright for documents but not photo-level, which is typical for a laser. The main trade-off is that the “Refresh” ink subscription, while optional, has frustrated some users when billing issues locked the printer — so you may prefer to buy toner directly. At this speed and build quality, it is tough to beat for a busy small office that prints in volume.
Unlike the slower Brother MFC-L3720CDW which prints at 19 ppm, the 3780 prints at 31 ppm without adding complexity, making it the clear pick if every minute of your day counts.
Print Speed Leader
- 31 ppm black/color — fastest in this roundup
- Single-pass duplex copy/scan saves massive time
- Reliable wireless setup, customers note “no jams”
The Ink Catch
- Toner subscription program can lock printer on billing errors
- Color is document-grade, not photo-grade
Take it if: You run a small office and print hundreds of pages a month at professional speed.
Consider the alternative: skip it if your monthly volume is under 200 pages — you will benefit more from a lower-cost inkjet with cheaper entry.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2980
The refillable tank that slashes your ink spending for years.
Instead of swapping cartridges every few months, you pour ink from a bottle into supersized tanks — and the box comes with enough ink to print up to 6,600 pages black and 5,500 color. That is equivalent to about 90 individual cartridges. The EcoFit bottles are designed so they only fit the correct tank and stop automatically, so there is no mess. Print speed reaches 15 ppm in black and 8 ppm in color, and automatic duplex printing saves paper.
Reviewers point out that print and copy quality is sharp for everyday documents, and the ink system is genuinely clean to refill. One reviewer noted that the auto-output tray opens when printing, a nice convenience. The catch is there is no automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning, and the LCD screen is small with a narrow viewing angle. One owner also reported that duplex printing did not work correctly and the printer felt slow. For light to moderate home use where you want to forget about buying ink for years, this is the clear value champion.
When compared to the Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020, the ET-2980 lacks the 35-sheet ADF but costs significantly less upfront.
Ink Relief
- Up to 6,600 black or 5,500 color pages with included ink
- Mess-free, automatic-stop ink bottle refill
- Auto 2-sided printing and compact 13.7″D x 14.8″W footprint
Trade-offs
- No automatic document feeder for scanning stacks
- Some shoppers say slow print speeds and duplex printing issues
- Small LCD with narrow viewing angle
Best for: Home users who print frequently and want the lowest ink cost per page.
Look elsewhere if: You need to scan multi-page documents regularly — the lack of an ADF is a real bottleneck.
3. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The home-office inkjet that prints up to 3,000 color pages before refilling.
You get a refillable MegaTank system that prints up to 3,000 black-and-white or 3,000 color pages using a single set of ink bottles, slashing your cost-per-page well below any cartridge-based inkjet. The 35-sheet automatic document feeder and auto 2-sided printing turn scanning and copying a stack of documents into a hands-free job, and the 2.7-inch color touchscreen simplifies menu navigation. Print speeds hit 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color.
Buyers rave about the excellent print quality for documents, clean scanning, and outstanding ink efficiency. One owner reported sharp text, deep blacks, and vibrant colors, calling the setup easy and the Wi-Fi stable. However, a few reviewers flagged blurry, dull photos and issues with cardstock feeding — one owner noted that after six months, the printer ink was down only one-third after hundreds of pages, but the machine was loud. If your work is mostly document-centric with occasional photo printing, this is the best value inkjet that also gives you a real ADF, unlike the cheaper Epson EcoTank ET-2980.
Unlike the cartridge-based Canon PIXMA TR7120, the GX2020 eliminates the recurring cost of cartridge replacements entirely, making it far more economical for anyone printing more than a few dozen pages a month.
Cost-Efficient Workflow
- Up to 3,000 black or 3,000 color pages per ink set
- 35-sheet ADF for hands-free scanning
- Sharp print quality, easy wireless setup
Photo Limitations
- Photo print quality is blurry and dull per several buyers
- Cardstock feeding can be problematic
Pick this if: You scan multi-page documents often and want low ink costs without moving to a laser.
pass on it if: You print high-quality photos — a dedicated photo inkjet will serve you better.
4. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
The color laser that brings professional print speeds to your office desk.
This machine delivers print speeds up to 19 ppm in both black and color — a solid pace for a busy workgroup, and notably slower than the 31 ppm of the MFC-L3780CDW, but still faster than any inkjet on this list. The 50-sheet auto document feeder makes short work of scanning multi-page documents, and the 250-sheet adjustable paper tray keeps interruptions low. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen gives you 48 customizable shortcuts, so one tap can reach a scan-to-Google Drive or a regular copy job.
Buyers love the easy setup, reliable wireless connection, and sharp, vibrant print quality. One owner reported that the scanner works great for multi-page documents and that the toner cartridges last much longer than inkjet cartridges. The main complaint is the waste toner box error that can brick the printer — one buyer mentioned the printer became unusable after about 1,000 pages over two years due to a “No Waste Toner Detected” error even after installing a genuine replacement. This is a known risk with laser printers, though most owners experience trouble-free long-term use. For a medium-volume office that wants laser reliability and crisp color documents, this is a strong mid-range contender.
Workgroup Ready
- 19 ppm black/color laser printing — reliable speed
- 50-sheet ADF for efficient scanning
- 3.5″ color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts
The Laser Risk
- Some units brick on waste toner box error after moderate use
- Paper feed can occasionally pull two sheets
- Not photo-quality output
Choose for: A small office that needs reliable color laser printing and scanning speed under a mid-range budget.
Consider carefully: The waste toner box issue is a real risk; the higher-cost MFC-L3780CDW may offer better long-term reliability.
5. HP Envy Photo 7975
The color inkjet that is designed to make your photos pop without a separate photo lab.
You get print speeds up to 10 ppm in color and 15 ppm in black, with a separate photo tray that handles borderless prints from the get-go. The printer includes an automatic document feeder for copying and scanning stacks, and HP’s AI-enabled feature is designed to clean up web printouts by removing unwanted content. A large color touchscreen helps you navigate options without digging through menus.
One buyer called it the best printer they ever had, reporting that the ink does not dry out quickly and that occasional head cleaning fixes clogs. Another said setup took under 10 minutes via the app. However, a very different experience was reported by a user whose unit died after four weeks, with frequent paper jams, faint lines on photos, and an annoyingly loud “quiet print” mode that cannot be disabled. This split in reviews suggests quality control is inconsistent. If you find a good unit, the photo quality and ease of use are excellent for a home. The 10 ppm color speed also beats the Brother Work Smart 1410’s 9 ppm color rate, which lifts it above entry-level options.
Photo Focus
- Separate photo tray for borderless prints
- AI cleaning of web page printouts
- Some buyers report long-lasting, quality prints
Reliability Risk
- Multiple reports of units dying within weeks
- Frequent paper jams on some units
- Quiet print mode is loud and cannot be disabled
Reach for this if: You prioritize photo quality at home and are comfortable with a potential reliability gamble.
Look elsewhere if: You need a printer that works reliably every time — inconsistent quality control is a real concern.
6. Brother Work Smart 1410 (MFC-J1410DW)
The budget-friendly inkjet that keeps things simple for a home office.
This all-in-one prints at 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, with a 2.7-inch color touchscreen that gives you access to cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox directly from the display. A 20-sheet single-sided automatic document feeder and a 150-sheet paper tray keep the workflow moving, and automatic duplex printing saves paper without your input. The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage printing, scanning, and ink monitoring from your phone.
Owners mention that it is the fastest color printer they have owned, quiet, and reliable over six months of use, though they note minor network setup issues and tricky firmware updates. One owner highlighted the great value. However, another reviewer experienced paper jamming and the machine stopping after weeks, with no customer service response. The print speed in color is slightly behind the HP Envy Photo 7975’s 10 ppm, but the 16 ppm black output is a step ahead for fast document printing. For an entry-level price, it delivers good core functionality with a couple of common drawbacks.
Solid Starter
- 16 ppm black is fast for the price tier
- 2.7″ touchscreen with cloud app access
- Buyers call it quiet and reliable over months of use
Entry-Level Limits
- Some units experience paper jamming and early failure
- Network setup can be tricky per owner reports
- 20-sheet ADF is single-sided only
Best for: A light home office user who needs a low-cost entry point with a touchscreen and cloud printing.
Consider upgrading if: You rely on your printer daily — the reliability concerns and slower color speed may frustrate you over time.
7. Canon PIXMA TR7120
The compact inkjet that packs auto duplex into a budget-friendly frame.
You get a compact all-in-one that prints at 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, with automatic 2-sided printing to cut paper waste. The 2-cartridge hybrid ink system delivers sharp text and vivid colors for both documents and photos, and the 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display lets you check ink levels and printer status at a glance. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) provides a stable connection, and mobile printing via Apple AirPrint and the Canon PRINT app is straightforward.
One owner reported owning the printer for almost 4 months and being blown away by the performance — it was still running on the original ink cartridge and printing perfectly with no complaints. Another noted that the ink is expensive and the color comes in one cartridge, so you replace the whole thing when one color runs out. The paper tray is also small, holding only about 50-100 sheets. For a budget home user who prints mostly text and the occasional color page, this is a solid, compact choice that delivers good quality without a big investment.
Compact and Capable
- Auto duplex printing saves paper in a small footprint
- Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable wireless
- Customers note excellent print quality and long-lasting starter ink
The Ink Trap
- Expensive ink — color is all in one cartridge, so you replace the whole thing
- Very small paper tray (50-100 sheets)
Best for: Occasional home printing where you value a compact size and reliable auto duplex over low ink costs.
If you print a lot: Look at the Canon MegaTank GX2020 or Epson EcoTank — your ink budget will thank you.
Understanding the Specs
Print Speed (Pages Per Minute)
A printer’s pages per minute (ppm) rating tells you how fast it prints one side of a page. Black-and-white ppm is always higher than color ppm on inkjets. An inkjet scoring 15 ppm black and 9 ppm color is typical for a home office; a laser at 31 ppm in both colors is a speed demon for a busy workgroup. Do not compare inkjet and laser ppm directly — laser engines handle continuous paper feed much better over long runs.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF lets you place a stack of pages into the scanner tray and walk away — the machine feeds each page through automatically. This is a huge time saver for scanning or copying multi-page documents. A 20-sheet ADF is entry-level; a 35-sheet or 50-sheet is more useful for a small office. A single-pass duplex ADF scans both sides of a page in one pass, which is the fastest option available.
FAQ
How do I choose between an inkjet and a laser color printer for home use?
Will a cheap color printer and scanner cost me more in the long run?
What does automatic duplex printing mean and do I need it?
What size paper can a home color printer handle?
Can I print from my phone without connecting to a computer?
How long does the ink last in a supertank printer?
What does an automatic document feeder do for scanning?
Is a color laser printer good for printing photos?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the color printer and scanner winner is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW because it delivers professional laser speed, single-pass duplex scanning, and the reliability a busy home office needs. If you want the lowest ink costs in the long run, grab the Epson EcoTank ET-2980. And for a small office that needs a capable color laser without the highest price tag, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the solid middle-ground choice.
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.