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10 Best Color Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer with Laser Quality Output, Single Pass Duplex Copy & Scan | Includes 2 Month Refresh Subscription Trial, Works with Alexa

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,352
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
561 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
While not a photo printer, the color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents.
Print Speed
Print speed is impressively fast and quiet, with no jamming issues.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly easy, and Airprint works instantly.
Paper Handling
Though there were a couple of jams on larger print jobs, they were easy to clear.
Duplex Printing
The single-pass duplex scanning feature is a significant productivity boost.

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a robust color printer ideal for small businesses and offices. It delivers high print quality with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi, ensuring clear and vibrant documents. Its print speed is impressive at 31 pages per minute, both for color and monochrome, which is efficient for high-volume tasks. Additionally, the single-pass duplex copy and scan functionalities contribute to productivity by allowing simultaneous double-sided operations.

Connectivity options are versatile, with dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB interfaces, making it easy to integrate into various network environments. The printer also supports mobile device connections, which is convenient for on-the-go printing needs. However, its size and weight (47.8 pounds) may be cumbersome for smaller spaces and could require a dedicated spot.

The cost and yield of the replacement toner cartridges are worth considering, especially for businesses with high printing demands, as they might drive up the operational costs. The inclusion of a 4-month Refresh Subscription Trial can be a cost-effective start but monitoring long-term costs is essential. The machine's paper handling is decent with a 250-sheet capacity, though heavy users might need the optional additional paper tray. Automatic duplex printing is a significant plus, reducing paper usage and manual intervention. The LED display is straightforward but might lack the sophistication of a touchscreen interface.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,352
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
561 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
While not a photo printer, the color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents.
Print Speed
Print speed is impressively fast and quiet, with no jamming issues.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly easy, and Airprint works instantly.
Paper Handling
Though there were a couple of jams on larger print jobs, they were easy to clear.
Duplex Printing
The single-pass duplex scanning feature is a significant productivity boost.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
17739 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent with no ink smudges or off colors, delivering bright and vivid photos.
Connectivity Options
Connecting the printer via app can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to errors or difficulty in printing.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink longevity is impressive; even after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, taking up less desk space and easy to move around.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a color printer designed primarily for home use, featuring a unique cartridge-free system that utilizes high-capacity ink tanks. This innovative approach greatly reduces ink costs, allowing users to save up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges, making it an economical choice for those who print frequently. With the ability to print up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages from the initial ink supply, it promises long-lasting usage without the constant need for replacements. The print quality is commendable, thanks to the Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology that delivers sharp text and vibrant colors across various paper types.

For connectivity, the ET-2800 offers both wired and wireless options, making it flexible for different home setups. It also includes scanning and copying capabilities, adding to its functionality as an all-in-one device. However, the printer does have some limitations; its print speed is relatively slow at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which may not satisfy users with high-volume printing needs. Additionally, duplex printing is manual, requiring users to flip the pages themselves, which could be a hassle for those looking for convenience.

The design is compact and weighs about 8.8 pounds, fitting well in most home offices. However, some users might find the 100-sheet input tray a bit limiting for larger print jobs. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users who print regularly but may not be ideal for those needing high-speed or automated double-sided printing.

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
17739 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent with no ink smudges or off colors, delivering bright and vivid photos.
Connectivity Options
Connecting the printer via app can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to errors or difficulty in printing.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink longevity is impressive; even after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, taking up less desk space and easy to move around.
#3

Canon Megatank G3290 All-in-One Wireless Supertank [Megatank] Printer | Print, Copy Scan | Mobile Printing |2.7" LCD Color Touchscreen | Auto Duplex

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
4617 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The printer delivers sharp, clear prints with vibrant colors and excellent black-and-white text quality, making it ideal for everyday home or office use.
Print Speed
Print speeds are moderate—about 11 pages per minute in black and 6 in color—sufficient for typical use but slower than higher-end models.
Connectivity Options
While Wi-Fi connectivity works well once set up, some users prefer USB connections for privacy and reliability, though the single hidden USB port can be hard to locate.
Paper Handling
The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit into small spaces, though the rear paper tray requires additional vertical clearance for loading paper.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The MegaTank ink system is a standout feature, offering easy, mess-free refills with keyed bottles that prevent color mix-ups and enable printing hundreds of pages before needing a refill.
Duplex Printing
Automatic duplex printing is not supported; double-sided printing requires manual paper flipping, which may be inconvenient for larger print jobs.
Size and Design
The small, low-contrast color touchscreen is difficult to read and navigate during setup, which can be frustrating, but most tasks can be managed via the companion app or computer software afterward.
Additional Features
The printer offers useful software options including deep cleaning, ink level monitoring with graphical displays, and page counts to help manage maintenance and supplies.

The Canon Megatank G3290 is an all-in-one color inkjet printer suitable for home and office users seeking low-cost printing with decent quality. It delivers sharp prints at a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi, making photos and documents look good. The print speed is moderate, producing about 11 black-and-white and 6 color pages per minute, which fits everyday use but may not satisfy very fast or heavy printing needs. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, allowing easy printing from smartphones and computers without complicated setup. Paper handling is straightforward with a single 100-sheet tray supporting various sizes, including standard letters and envelopes.

A standout feature is the huge ink capacity, enabling thousands of pages before a refill, which can save significantly on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. Automatic duplex (double-sided) printing is built in, helping reduce paper use and adding convenience. The printer’s design is compact and lightweight (just over 14 pounds), with a user-friendly 2.7-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation. Additional benefits include borderless printing and mobile device compatibility. On the downside, the color print speed might feel slow for large volume users, and the single USB port limits wired connection options. While the ink tank system lowers running costs, initial setup may be more complex than cartridge-based printers for some users. For those wanting a budget-friendly, versatile printer for moderate daily tasks and low ink expenses, the Canon Megatank G3290 is a strong candidate.

Rating
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
4617 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The printer delivers sharp, clear prints with vibrant colors and excellent black-and-white text quality, making it ideal for everyday home or office use.
Print Speed
Print speeds are moderate—about 11 pages per minute in black and 6 in color—sufficient for typical use but slower than higher-end models.
Connectivity Options
While Wi-Fi connectivity works well once set up, some users prefer USB connections for privacy and reliability, though the single hidden USB port can be hard to locate.
Paper Handling
The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit into small spaces, though the rear paper tray requires additional vertical clearance for loading paper.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The MegaTank ink system is a standout feature, offering easy, mess-free refills with keyed bottles that prevent color mix-ups and enable printing hundreds of pages before needing a refill.
Duplex Printing
Automatic duplex printing is not supported; double-sided printing requires manual paper flipping, which may be inconvenient for larger print jobs.
Size and Design
The small, low-contrast color touchscreen is difficult to read and navigate during setup, which can be frustrating, but most tasks can be managed via the companion app or computer software afterward.
Additional Features
The printer offers useful software options including deep cleaning, ink level monitoring with graphical displays, and page counts to help manage maintenance and supplies.

Buying Guide for the Best Color Printers

Choosing the right color printer can be a daunting task, but with a little guidance, you can find the perfect one to meet your needs. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your specific requirements. Whether you need a printer for home use, a small office, or a large business, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines how sharp and detailed the printed images and text will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. For professional photo printing or high-quality graphics, look for printers with 1200 x 1200 DPI or higher. Consider what you will be printing most often to decide the level of print quality you need.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents regularly. For home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is typically adequate. For office environments, look for printers with speeds of 20-40 PPM or higher. Assess your typical print volume to determine the appropriate print speed for your needs.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. For home use, Wi-Fi connectivity is convenient for wireless printing from multiple devices. In an office setting, Ethernet connectivity might be preferred for a stable and fast connection. Consider how you plan to connect your printer and choose one that offers the necessary options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. If you need to print on various paper sizes or types, such as envelopes or cardstock, ensure the printer supports them. For home use, a standard paper tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually enough. For office use, look for printers with larger capacities or multiple trays to reduce the frequency of refilling.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldThe cost and yield of ink or toner cartridges can significantly impact the overall cost of owning a printer. Yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before needing replacement. High-yield cartridges may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run. Research the cost and yield of cartridges for the printers you are considering and factor this into your decision, especially if you print frequently.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows a printer to automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper. This feature can save paper and reduce printing costs. It is particularly useful for office environments where large documents are printed regularly. For home use, it is a convenient feature but not always necessary. Consider whether duplex printing is important for your typical printing tasks.
Size and DesignThe size and design of a printer can affect where you can place it and how it fits into your workspace. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces or home offices, while larger printers may be better suited for dedicated office environments. Think about the available space you have and choose a printer that fits comfortably without being obtrusive.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to your printer. All-in-one printers that include these functions can be very convenient, especially in a home office or small business setting. Consider whether you need these extra features and how often you will use them to determine if an all-in-one printer is the right choice for you.

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