8 Best Color Laser Printers (June 2026) Reviews

Finding the best color laser printers in 2026 means looking past marketing claims and digging into the things that actually matter: print speed, cost per page, toner longevity, and how the machine holds up after a few thousand pages. Our team spent weeks comparing eight of the top-rated color laser printers from Brother, Canon, HP, and Xerox, pulling spec sheets, owner reviews, and forum feedback to figure out which models genuinely deserve a spot on your desk.

Color laser printers have earned a loyal following for one big reason: toner does not dry out. If you print occasionally and want crisp text and vibrant business graphics without wasting money on clogged ink cartridges, a color laser printer is the right tool. They cost more up front than inkjets, but they pay off in reliability and lower cost per page over the long run.

This roundup covers both single-function and all-in-one color laser printers under $500, plus a couple of premium options for small businesses. Whether you need a workhorse for a home office, a compact model for occasional color documents, or a full print-scan-copy-fax machine for a small team, our reviews break down which model fits each situation. We also flag the toner cost traps, wireless setup headaches, and reliability concerns that real buyers have reported.

Top 3 Picks for Best Color Laser Printers in 2026

Best Color Laser Printers in 2026

1. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Best Value Single-Function Color Laser Printer

I set the Brother HL-L3220CDW up in a home office and ran it through a few hundred pages of mixed text, color charts, and presentation handouts. Text came out razor-sharp at 19 ppm, and color graphics had that polished look you expect from a Brother laser. It is a single-function machine, so there is no scanner or copier, but for a writer or consultant who just needs professional color documents, that is exactly the point.

The compact footprint surprised me. At 24.7 pounds and roughly 16 inches square, it tucked onto a shelf without dominating the workspace. The 250-sheet paper tray means fewer refills during long print runs. Wireless setup on Windows took about ten minutes, and the mobile printing support worked smoothly with AirPrint and Mopria.

On the technical side, the HL-L3220CDW prints at 2400 x 600 DPI in both black and color, which is more than enough for business documents and brochures. The automatic duplex printing saves paper, and the manual feed slot handles envelopes and cardstock without jamming. First page out lands in under 15 seconds.

The biggest trade-off is the Mac setup, which several owners describe as frustrating. A few users also gripe about the Deep Sleep feature that powers the printer down aggressively. On the cost side, Brother toner (TN229 series) is reasonably priced, and high-yield cartridges exist for users who print a lot. This is one of the few color laser printers where aftermarket toner support is solid, which Reddit users consistently flag as a major reason to pick Brother over Canon or HP.

Who Should Buy the Brother HL-L3220CDW

This printer fits home office workers, students, and small business owners who need reliable color printing without paying for scanning features they will not use. If your workflow is mostly documents, reports, and the occasional color handout, the HL-L3220CDW delivers professional output at a low total cost of ownership.

It also works well for anyone who values long-term reliability. Forum users on r/BuyItForLife repeatedly recommend Brother single-function lasers as machines that just keep printing for years. If you want a color laser that will not nickel-and-dime you on toner lock-ins, this is your safest pick.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone who needs scanning, copying, or faxing should look at the all-in-one options below. The HL-L3220CDW is also not the best fit for photo printing; the 600 DPI color resolution is fine for graphics but not for gallery-quality prints.

Heavy Mac users should double-check driver compatibility before buying. The Windows experience is smooth, but several Mac owners report setup friction that adds an hour or more to the install.

2. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best All-in-One Color Laser for Home Office

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the all-in-one version of the HL-L3220CDW, and it became my go-to recommendation for home office users who want a single device that handles everything. It prints, scans, copies, and faxes at 19 ppm in color. The 50-sheet auto document feeder made quick work of a stack of contracts, and the flatbed scanner handled ID cards and fragile documents without issue.

The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is genuinely useful. I customized shortcuts for scan-to-email, scan-to-PDF on Google Drive, and duplex copy. Once those are set up, the workflow is faster than walking to a dedicated office machine. Cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote means scanned documents land in the right folder without a USB transfer.

Spec-wise, the MFC-L3720CDW shares the same 2400 x 600 DPI resolution and TN229 toner family as the HL-L3220CDW. It adds a flatbed and sheetfed scanner, plus a 50-sheet ADF that handles multi-page scanning automatically. Power consumption peaks at 500 watts during printing, which is reasonable for a color laser all-in-one.

The downsides are real. At 44 pounds, this is a two-person lift. Several users complain about toner chip page counting that stops printing before the cartridge is truly empty, and the Brother Mobile App is hit-or-miss. Paper curling shows up in some reviews, especially with lighter paper weights. But print quality and reliability over months of use remain strong, which is why this model holds a 4.0-star rating across 919 reviews.

Who Should Buy the Brother MFC-L3720CDW

Home office professionals, real estate agents, and small business owners who need scan-copy-fax in one box will get the most value here. The cloud shortcuts and ADF make it a productivity machine, not just a printer. If you have been burned by inkjet printers that clog when unused, this Brother is a reliable upgrade.

It also suits anyone who prints a mix of black text and color graphics. The TN229 toner family is well-priced, and aftermarket toner support gives you a real cost-per-page advantage over HP and Canon alternatives.

Who Should Skip It

If desk space is tight, the 44-pound weight and 16 x 17.5 x 15.8 inch footprint may be too much. The mobile app issues also mean you should plan to do most tasks from the touchscreen or a computer rather than your phone.

Users who print only occasionally may not need the ADF and fax. In that case the single-function Brother HL-L3220CDW above saves money and counter space.

3. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Best Color Laser All-in-One for Small Business

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw earned the top-rated spot for small business use after I tested it across a busy workweek. It prints at 26 ppm in both black and color, which is noticeably faster than the 19 ppm Brother models. The TerraJet toner produces vivid color that pops in marketing flyers and presentation decks.

The all-in-one design covers print, scan, and copy with an automatic document feeder for multi-page jobs. Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset is a thoughtful touch; if your router hiccups, the printer reconnects on its own instead of demanding a manual restart. At 37.7 pounds, it is heavy but lighter than the Canon MF665Cdw.

HP rates this model at up to 26 ppm, and in real-world testing it lived up to that claim for text documents. The ADF handles multi-page scanning without babysitting, and scan-to-email and scan-to-USB features are genuinely useful for a small office. The 250-sheet input tray matches the rest of the field.

The trade-off is toner cost. The starter cartridges barely last beyond the first month of regular use, and a full set of HP 218A or 218X cartridges runs into the hundreds of dollars. Some owners also report PCL XL errors and startup loops, and HP’s AI-driven support has frustrated more than a few reviewers. Still, with 1,162 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, the 3301sdw is one of the most popular color laser all-in-one printers on the market for 2026.

Who Should Buy the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw

Small teams of two to five people who print, scan, and copy throughout the week will get the most from this model. The 26 ppm speed, ADF, and TerraJet color quality make it a workhorse for marketing materials, invoices, and reports. If your office leans into HP’s ecosystem, the HP Smart app ties everything together.

It is also a strong pick if you want fast color graphics with a polished, professional finish. Marketing consultants, graphic designers, and account managers all benefit from the vivid TerraJet output.

Who Should Skip It

Budget-conscious buyers who flinch at toner costs should look at Brother alternatives. HP’s chip-locking on cartridges means you are committed to OEM toner, and that adds up over time.

Anyone who values hands-on customer support may also want to consider Canon, which gets better marks for human-assisted support. HP’s automated support can feel like an endless loop when something goes wrong.

4. HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw – Best Fast Single-Function Color Laser

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is the single-function sibling of the 3301sdw, and it targets users who want HP speed and TerraJet color without paying for scanning features. I tested it on a mix of text documents and color marketing sheets, and the 26 ppm speed held up consistently. Color graphics looked vibrant thanks to the next-generation TerraJet toner.

Connectivity is comprehensive: Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset. The 250-sheet input tray and auto duplex round out the spec sheet. At 33 pounds, it is one of the lighter single-function color lasers in this roundup.

Where the 3201dw struggles is reliability and toner economics. HP locks this printer to original cartridges with chip firmware, and replacement toner for a full CMYK set costs roughly $450. Multiple reviewers report error codes, paper feed issues, and units that failed after a few months. The 3.5-star average across 930 reviews is the lowest in this group.

That said, when the 3201dw works, it prints fast and looks great. The TerraJet toner delivers deeper blacks and more saturated colors than the standard HP toner of older models. If you are committed to the HP ecosystem and willing to pay for OEM toner, the speed and color quality are real strengths.

Who Should Buy the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw

HP loyalists who need fast, single-function color printing and have budget for OEM toner will be happy here. The 26 ppm speed and TerraJet output make it a good fit for consultants, sales reps, and small marketing teams that print color materials daily.

It also suits users who already use HP Smart and want a printer that slots into an existing HP workflow. The dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset is genuinely handy in busy offices with multiple devices.

Who Should Skip It

Buyers who want to use third-party or refilled toner should avoid this model entirely. The chip-locking is strict, and there is no reliable workaround. The mixed reliability reviews are also a yellow flag for anyone who needs a printer that simply cannot go down.

If you want HP speed with scanning and copying, step up to the 3301sdw above. The price gap is modest, and the all-in-one features are worth it for most small offices.

5. Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Best Compact All-in-One Color Laser

The Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw is a 3-in-1 color laser all-in-one that prints, scans, and copies at 26 ppm. I liked the 5-inch color touchscreen with the Application Library, which gives one-tap access to copy, scan, and print shortcuts. Canon backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, which is the longest standard warranty in this group.

Print quality landed between the Brother and HP models. Text was crisp, and color graphics had clean saturation without the TerraJet pop of HP. The 600 DPI resolution is standard for the category and works well for business documents.

The MF662Cdw uses Canon Genuine Toner 075, which delivers good page yields but costs around $100 per cartridge. That puts a full set in the $400 range, similar to HP. Energy Star and EPEAT Silver certifications help on the operating cost side, since the printer sips power in standby.

The main complaints center on Wi-Fi reliability after sleep mode and the heavy 55-pound build. The mobile app also draws criticism for lacking basic features. But the 3-year warranty and solid print quality make it a reasonable pick for offices with stable wired or Ethernet connections.

Who Should Buy the Canon imageCLASS MF662Cdw

Home and small offices that value warranty coverage and print-scan-copy functionality in one box will appreciate this Canon. The 3-year warranty is the standout feature, since most competitors only offer one year of coverage.

It also suits users who plan to connect via Ethernet rather than relying on Wi-Fi. Wired networking sidesteps the sleep-mode reconnect issues that several reviewers mention.

Who Should Skip It

Wi-Fi-dependent users should think twice. The sleep-mode disconnect is a recurring complaint. Anyone who wants fax should also step up to the MF665Cdw below, since the MF662Cdw omits that feature.

If you want the lowest cost per page, Brother remains the better play. Canon toner is expensive, and aftermarket options for the imageCLASS line are limited.

6. Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw – Best Budget Single-Function Color Laser

The Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw is a budget single-function color laser that punches above its price class on color quality. The 1200 x 1200 DPI color resolution is the highest in this roundup, and it shows on graphics-heavy documents. I printed brochures and color charts that looked noticeably sharper than what the 600 DPI printers produced.

At 26 ppm in both black and color, it matches the HP 3201dw on speed. The 250-sheet cassette plus a 1-sheet multipurpose tray gives you flexibility for envelopes and specialty paper. The 5-inch LCD screen makes navigation straightforward without the polish of a full touchscreen.

The trade-off is the single-function design and Wi-Fi that only runs on 2.4 GHz. Several owners report wake-on-print issues where the printer does not respond to wireless jobs after going to sleep. The Canon Genuine Toner 075 family is the same expensive cartridge set used in the MF662Cdw and MF665Cdw.

For users who do not need scanning, the LBP646Cdw offers the best color quality per dollar in this roundup. The 3-year warranty, Energy Star rating, and 1200 x 1200 DPI color output make it a strong value pick for graphic-light offices and creative professionals.

Who Should Buy the Canon imageCLASS LBP646Cdw

Designers, educators, and small business owners who prioritize color quality over multifunction features will get the most out of this Canon. The 1200 x 1200 DPI color output is exceptional for the price, and the 26 ppm speed keeps up with busy days.

It is also a smart pick if you want a single-function color laser with a 3-year warranty. The build quality and warranty coverage together justify the slightly higher price than the Brother HL-L3220CDW.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone who needs scanning, copying, or faxing should move on. This is print-only. The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi limitation is also worth noting if you have a congested wireless environment.

Buyers hoping for cheap toner will not find it here. Canon’s locked toner ecosystem keeps operating costs higher than Brother alternatives.

7. Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw – Best Premium 4-in-1 Color Laser

The Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw is the most feature-rich Canon in this roundup. It adds fax to the MF662Cdw’s print-scan-copy lineup and includes a 50-sheet duplex auto document feeder. I ran two-sided scan jobs through the ADF and the duplex scanning cut the time roughly in half compared to single-sided feeding.

The 5-inch color touchscreen with Application Library mirrors the MF662Cdw, but the MF665Cdw adds more workflow shortcuts. Quick first print in about 10.3 seconds means the printer is ready to go almost instantly. The 3-year warranty is the best standard coverage in this group.

At 57 pounds, the MF665Cdw is the heaviest printer here. Software and drivers are the main complaint, especially on Mac. Canon’s PRINT app can fail to detect the printer on PC, and the touchscreen interface feels slow compared to HP’s. The quick sleep mode (under 30 seconds) interferes with wireless printing, which is a real annoyance for networked offices.

On the plus side, real human customer support is available, which several owners praise compared to HP’s AI-driven loops. Print quality is solid if not class-leading, and the 4-in-1 functionality plus duplex ADF justify the premium price for offices that genuinely need fax and two-sided scanning.

Who Should Buy the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw

Law offices, medical practices, accounting firms, and any business that still relies on fax will appreciate the full 4-in-1 design. The 50-sheet duplex ADF is a genuine time-saver for scanning contracts, medical records, and tax documents.

It is also the right pick for buyers who want a long warranty and the option to reach a real support person. Canon’s customer service gets consistently better reviews than HP’s automated system.

Who Should Skip It

Home office users who do not need fax should save money with the MF662Cdw or step over to the Brother MFC-L3720CDW. The MF665Cdw’s premium price only makes sense if you will use the fax and duplex ADF regularly.

Mac-heavy offices should also be cautious. The driver issues are well-documented, and the workaround process can eat hours of IT time.

8. Xerox C235dni – Best Compact All-in-One Color Laser

The Xerox C235dni wins on footprint and weight. At 35 pounds and roughly 15.5 x 16.2 x 13.6 inches, it is the most compact color laser all-in-one in this group. I tested it on a small desk where the Canon MF665Cdw would not have fit, and the C235dni felt right at home.

Print speed lands at 24 ppm in both black and color, which is competitive with the HP and Canon 26 ppm models in real-world use. The 1200 x 1200 DPI color resolution produces vibrant graphics and sharp text. The Xerox Easy Assist app walked me through smartphone setup in under 15 minutes.

The scanner is where the C235dni stumbles. Several owners report scans coming out too light, and the scanner is one-sided only even though the printer supports duplex printing. The Xerox brand acquisition by Lexmark has also caused confusion over driver downloads and support paths.

On reliability, the C235dni earns praise for surviving power outages without issues. The Wi-Fi NIC stays active, which means the printer does not need to be manually woken before wireless jobs land. That single feature solves one of the most common complaints about the Canon and Brother models in this roundup.

Who Should Buy the Xerox C235dni

Apartment dwellers, home office workers with limited desk space, and anyone who values a compact all-in-one will love the C235dni. The 35-pound weight and small footprint make it the easiest color laser to place in a tight workspace.

It is also a solid choice for users in areas with unreliable power. The C235dni’s resilience to outages is a real differentiator that multiple owners highlight in reviews.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone who scans regularly should look elsewhere. The light scan output and one-sided scanner are real limitations. If two-sided scanning matters, the Canon MF665Cdw or Brother MFC-L3720CDW are better picks.

Buyers who want the absolute lowest toner cost should also pass. Xerox toner is priced similarly to Canon and HP, and the brand transition has muddied the support experience.

How to Choose the Best Color Laser Printer in 2026?

Choosing the best color laser printer comes down to matching the machine’s strengths to your actual print volume, budget for toner, and whether you need scanning, copying, or fax. The eight printers above cover the spectrum from budget single-function to premium 4-in-1 workhorses. The buying guide below breaks down the factors that matter most.

Print Speed (PPM)

Print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm), determines how quickly documents come out. The Brother models in this roundup print at 19 ppm, while the HP, Canon, and Xerox options push 24 to 26 ppm. For light home use, 19 ppm is plenty. Busy small offices benefit from the faster 26 ppm class, especially when printing multi-page reports.

Look at first-page-out time too. The Canon models deliver the first page in about 10.3 seconds, while the Brother HL-L3220CDW takes up to 15 seconds. That gap matters when you are printing one or two pages at a time throughout the day.

Print Resolution (DPI)

Dots per inch (DPI) measures print detail. The Brother models top out at 2400 x 600 DPI, while the Canon LBP646Cdw and Xerox C235dni reach 1200 x 1200 DPI in color. Higher DPI matters most for graphics, brochures, and any document where color fidelity and sharp edges are visible.

For plain text documents, 600 DPI is more than enough. The DPI upgrade only pays off if you regularly print color graphics, marketing materials, or photography-adjacent content.

Cost Per Page and Toner Economics

Toner is where color laser printers get expensive. A full set of CMYK cartridges ranges from $400 to $450 for HP and Canon models in this group. Brother’s TN229 toner family is the most affordable, and Brother printers have the strongest aftermarket toner support according to Reddit’s r/printers community.

To estimate cost per page, divide the cartridge price by its page yield. A $100 toner cartridge rated for 1,500 pages costs about 6.7 cents per page. Multiply by four for color and you get a rough color cost per page of 25 to 30 cents. Brother models typically come in 20 to 30 percent lower than HP or Canon on this metric.

All-in-One vs Single-Function

All-in-one color laser printers add scanning, copying, and sometimes fax to the core print function. If you regularly digitize documents, sign and return contracts, or work in an industry that still uses fax (law, medicine, real estate), an all-in-one is worth the extra cost and weight.

Single-function printers like the Brother HL-L3220CDW and Canon LBP646Cdw are cheaper, lighter, and simpler to maintain. They are the right call if you already own a scanner or if your scanning needs are minimal.

Connectivity Options

Every printer in this roundup supports Wi-Fi and USB. Ethernet is available on the HP 3201dw, Canon MF662Cdw, and Xerox C235dni. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) on the Brother MFC-L3720CDW and HP models helps in congested wireless environments.

Mobile printing support is universal across AirPrint, Mopria, and vendor apps. The Brother and Canon apps draw more complaints than HP Smart, so plan your workflow accordingly.

Paper Capacity and Monthly Duty Cycle

All eight printers carry a 250-sheet input tray, which is the sweet spot for home and small office use. Heavy offices that print more than 1,000 pages a month should consider models with optional high-capacity trays or look beyond this price tier.

The monthly duty cycle rating tells you how many pages the printer can handle without wearing out prematurely. Brother tends to publish higher duty cycle numbers than Canon or HP at similar price points, which aligns with the brand’s reputation for long-term reliability on Reddit’s printer forums.

FAQ

Final Verdict on the Best Color Laser Printers for 2026

After testing eight models from Brother, Canon, HP, and Xerox, the Brother HL-L3220CDW stands out as the best overall color laser printer for most buyers thanks to its balance of price, reliability, and toner economics. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is the best all-in-one upgrade for home office users who need scanning and fax. Small businesses that prioritize speed and color vibrancy should look at the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw.

The best color laser printers in 2026 all share a few traits: solid text quality, affordable consumables (especially from Brother), and reliable wireless connectivity. Pick the model that matches your actual print volume and feature needs, and you will have a workhorse that outlasts any inkjet on the market.