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10 Best Color Printers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2803 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan, Copy and AirPrint Support

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,361
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Paper Handling

Most important from
20855 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
High print quality and ease of setup make this printer a favorite among users who have tried various brands.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi connectivity can be tricky to set up due to the need for a 2G connection, but once configured, it works reliably.
Paper Handling
Although the paper loading capacity is limited, the overall performance and print quality make up for this minor drawback.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 stands out for its cartridge-free ink system, eliminating the hassle of constantly replacing cartridges.
Size and Design
The printer's lightweight build initially raised doubts, but it proved to be durable and efficient over time.
Additional Features
The Epson Smart Panel app provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface, especially compared to previous experiences with other brands.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is a versatile color printer that addresses many key needs for both home and small office use. One of its major strengths is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which significantly reduces ink costs and environmental waste. With the high-capacity ink tanks, users can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 pages in color, making it highly economical. The print quality is impressive due to the Micro Piezo Heat Free technology, offering sharp text and vibrant color prints at a maximum resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi.

Additionally, the built-in scanner and copier provide convenient functionality for handling various document-related tasks. The connectivity options are modern and diverse, including Wi-Fi and USB, along with support for mobile printing via AirPrint and the Epson Smart Panel app, making it easy to print from various devices. A notable drawback is the print speed, which is relatively slow at 10 ppm for monochrome and 5 ppm for color, potentially making it less suitable for high-volume printing environments. The absence of duplex printing is another limitation, as it means manual intervention is required for double-sided prints.

On the design front, the printer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit in smaller spaces. However, the 100-sheet input capacity may not be sufficient for users with higher paper handling needs. In summary, the Epson EcoTank ET-2803 excels in cost-saving and eco-friendly printing, making it an excellent choice for users prioritizing low operational costs and high print quality, but it might fall short for those needing fast printing speeds and automatic duplex printing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,361
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Paper Handling

Most important from
20855 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
High print quality and ease of setup make this printer a favorite among users who have tried various brands.
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi connectivity can be tricky to set up due to the need for a 2G connection, but once configured, it works reliably.
Paper Handling
Although the paper loading capacity is limited, the overall performance and print quality make up for this minor drawback.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 stands out for its cartridge-free ink system, eliminating the hassle of constantly replacing cartridges.
Size and Design
The printer's lightweight build initially raised doubts, but it proved to be durable and efficient over time.
Additional Features
The Epson Smart Panel app provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface, especially compared to previous experiences with other brands.
#2

Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Duplex Print, Scan, Copy, Low-Cost Printing, and Advanced Security Features

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
97 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
This printer delivers exceptional print quality with sharp, well-defined text and accurate colors, making documents look professional and vibrant.
Print Speed
While the print speed is generally fast, the initial wake-up to first print can take up to 20 seconds, which may feel slow for urgent single pages.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is seamless across multiple devices, including Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets, supporting wired and wireless options without hassle.
Paper Handling
High-capacity paper handling accommodates various media types like cardstock and envelopes, with add-on trays available for larger workloads.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Toner cartridges have impressive longevity, helping to keep running costs low even with frequent, heavy use.
Duplex Printing
The duplex scanning and printing features work flawlessly, significantly speeding up multi-page document handling and saving paper.
Additional Features
The fax function and scan-to-email or cloud services integration are reliable and convenient, especially with customizable touchscreen shortcuts.

The Brother MFC-L8930CDW is a solid choice for small to medium-sized offices needing a reliable color laser all-in-one printer. It offers sharp print quality with a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, producing professional-looking color and black-and-white documents. It can print and copy quickly at speeds up to 33 pages per minute, helping to keep workflows moving smoothly. Connectivity is flexible, supporting wired Ethernet, USB, and dual-band Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect with laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Paper handling is convenient with a 1340-sheet capacity and a multipurpose tray that supports various media like envelopes and cardstock. Duplex (double-sided) printing and scanning are automatic, saving time and paper.

The printer includes cost-saving features such as high-yield toner cartridges that reduce the frequency of replacements, which is helpful for keeping printing costs down over time. The design is compact and about 25% smaller than its predecessor, though it is still relatively heavy at 71 pounds, so it’s best suited for a dedicated office space. Its 7-inch color touchscreen is user-friendly, allowing easy access to scanning, copying, and custom shortcuts. Advanced security features including NFC card reader support make it suitable for business environments where document protection is important.

On the downside, initial print times can be close to 10 seconds, which might feel a bit slow for urgent single pages, and it only has one USB port, which could limit multiple wired connections. The printer’s power consumption is moderately high at 630 watts, so it may be less energy-efficient during heavy use. This Brother model balances speed, quality, and cost-efficiency well, making it a practical and secure option for office users who need dependable color printing and scanning with some added business-focused features.

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
97 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
This printer delivers exceptional print quality with sharp, well-defined text and accurate colors, making documents look professional and vibrant.
Print Speed
While the print speed is generally fast, the initial wake-up to first print can take up to 20 seconds, which may feel slow for urgent single pages.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is seamless across multiple devices, including Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets, supporting wired and wireless options without hassle.
Paper Handling
High-capacity paper handling accommodates various media types like cardstock and envelopes, with add-on trays available for larger workloads.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Toner cartridges have impressive longevity, helping to keep running costs low even with frequent, heavy use.
Duplex Printing
The duplex scanning and printing features work flawlessly, significantly speeding up multi-page document handling and saving paper.
Additional Features
The fax function and scan-to-email or cloud services integration are reliable and convenient, especially with customizable touchscreen shortcuts.
#3

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
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
819 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
9.4
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
819 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.

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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