10 Best Color Laser Printers of 2021
Even though printing technologies have evolved over the years, laser printing remains one of the most popular for many reasons. In terms of speed, for instance, laser printers are faster than inkjet ones. Therefore, they are among the best to use in high traffic offices and business settings. The print quality of the best color laser printers is also amazing. They draw precisely without spilling ink or bloating, as low-quality inkjet printers often do. If you are updating the printing department of your office, do not hesitate to buy one.
List of the Best Color Laser Printers of 2021
Last update on 2020-10-22 / Source: Amazon Affiliates / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW color laser printer is not suitable for personal use at home due to its sheer size. However, if you have a printing bureau or an office that processes a lot of paperwork, this is one of the best color laser printers to use. Its business-grade all-in-one design can print and scan via computers and phones. It supports duplex and wireless printing and has an exceptional print quality, which has attracted a lot of attention all over the globe. Its 800MHz central processing unit (CPU), for instance, can print up to 33 ppm and scan up to 58 IPM double-sided pages. Brother MFC-L8900CDW handles a print volume of 4000 pages monthly.
Brother MFC-L8900CDW has a novel wireless printing system that eliminates the need for wires in offices. Via an 802.11b/g/n wireless adapter, you can pair many smart devices to it and print wirelessly in demand. You can also set up a network via its Gigabit port and customize printing jobs effortlessly via a 5-inch color touchscreen.
What We Like
- Wireless and wired printing
- Advanced scanning ability
- Color touchscreen (5-inches)
- High print speed (33 ppm)
Our Verdict
Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a business-grade color laser printer with a fast system (33ppm) and an advanced scanning ability. It is easy to set up, durable and has a print volume of 4000 pages per month.
2. HP W1A80A Color LaserJet Pro
HP W1A80A LaserJet Pro is a premium printer that takes color laser printing to the next level. If you are updating the old printer in your office, here are few features you might like about this item: First, you are getting an all in one business-grade printer than can fax and scan as well. Each of the systems delivers HD results and is easy to operate via a high-speed wireless adapter that is in-built.
HP W1A80A LaserJet Pro printer is one of the best-in-class in terms of security. Its suite of security features includes pull/PIN printing and instant threat notifications whenever there is a hack attack. This system ensures that your data is always safe, especially if you have linked the printer to a public wireless connection. HP W1A80A LaserJet Pro takes up little desk space (16.8 x 25.7 x 16.3 inches), supports duplex printing in a single pass, and has a high capacity document feeder (250 sheets). Its top speed is approximately 28 ppm.
What We Like
- Small footprint (size/power)
- 250-sheet document feeder
- Secure wireless system
- Supports mobile printing
- Fast system (28 ppm)
Our Verdict
Despite its small footprint, HP W1A80A can print up to 28 ppm in full color and high definition (HD). It supports mobile printing and can fax and scan documents as well without a dip in quality.
We also reviewed portable printers check this out: 10 Best Portable Printers!
3. Brother HL-L8360CDW Business Color Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L8360CDW supports color printing of documents and photographs at speeds of up to 33 ppm. Thus, it is a beneficial printer in business settings, as it saves its people time without a dip in quality. The printer is also easy to set via a Gigabit Ethernet network or a wireless technology. In wireless mode, you do not have to set up wires to print from your phone or computer. Once linked to a Wi-Fi adapter, employees with smartphones and laptops can print quickly without jamming its system of sacrificing data security.
Brother HL-L8360CDW can read a range of genuine Brother Toners, which includes the TN431, TN433, and TN436 models. Thus, when the OEM one that came with your printer runs out, you can find a replacement quickly offline or online. Brother HL-L8360CDW also supports automatic duplex printing and is, therefore, affordable.
What We Like
- Super-fast system (33 ppm)
- Reliable wireless printing
- Two-sided printing (automatic)
- Secure wireless network
Our Verdict
Brother HL-L8360CDW is a fast wireless printer (laser) with a top speed of 33 ppm. It is easy to set up, low maintenance and has an automatic two-sided printing technology that saves paper and cash.
4. Brother HL-L3290CDW Compact Digital Color Printer
Traditionally, laser printers are bulky and therefore frustrating to use in small areas such as dorm rooms. The compact Brother HL-L3290CDW model lacks such a limitation. It fits and works well in small spaces. Moreover, its versatility is terrific, as the printer can copy, scan, and print duplex pages in full color. Thus, for a few dollars, you get an all-in-one solution for printing or copying jobs.
Laser printers are famous for their speed. However, even though Brother HL-L3290CDW cannot handle 33 ppm, as some brands on our list, its functionality is desirable. Its print speed is modest (25 ppm). It also has a 250-sheet paper tray with a manual feed slot that handles different print speeds. Finally, via its 2-line LCD, you can set it to copy or scan, set up cloud print, or set up its system to create custom prints. You can print documents via USB as well.
What We Like
- Modest speed (25 ppm)
- 20-sheet paper tray
- Supports duplex printing
- Copies and scans
- Google cloud and Air Print
Our Verdict
Brother HL-L3290CDW has everything you will need in a color laser printer. It scans, copies, and prints in HD at speeds of up to 25 ppm. Brother also has mobile, wireless, and mobile printing.
5. Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw Laser Printer
Canon, like Brother, has manufactured high-quality laser printers for years that have had a significant impact in homes and offices. The imageCLASS MF644Cdw, for instance, is a mobile-ready laser printer that supports duplex printing. It also has a mid-size wireless design with a white aesthetic theme that blends well with offices.
The versatility of the Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw makes it an ideal personal and commercial printer. In one compact pack, you get a versatile device that can copy, print, fax, and scan with good accuracy. You can also make a direct hotspot from the printer and streamline workflow in your office, as it is fast and dependable. Set up well, it can print the first full-color page in 10.3 seconds. Then, it prints subsequent pages at over 20 ppm, which is modest.
What We Like
- Copy, print, fax, and scan
- Duplex printing system
- Space-saving (mid-sized)
- Mobile-ready laser printer
Our Verdict
Canon Color imageCLASS MF644Cdw is a mobile-ready printer that can scan and faxes in seconds. It is compact and has security features such as an administrator login and short term memory.
6. HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw Printer
HP has come up with many quality products over the years, which includes the best Thermaltake computer cases. Its LaserJet printers are of high quality with the HP Color M454dw model ranked among the best in 2021. It prints in color via a wireless adapter that you can link to your computer or phone. Print quality is fantastic (HD), while its suite of security systems keeps data safe from hackers. You can set pull/pin printing or instant threat notification easily.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw color laser printer has a high print speed of 28 ppm in full color. It supports duplex printing and has a USB plug-and-use interface that you can use without installing software or setting up a wired or wireless network. Its functionality is simple – you save a document is a USB drive, set your print parameters via an LCD, and print in color in seconds. HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw has a 1-year warranty on hardware.
What We Like
- USB and wireless printing
- Fast printer (28 ppm)
- Novel security system
- 250-sheet input tray
- Limited warranty (1-year)
Our Verdict
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw handles most printing jobs like a charm in offices and homes. It is safe and has a 1-year warranty.
7. Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw Printer
Mid-sized printers such as Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw not only take up little space but also delivers. If you print full-color reports or documents often, for instance, you will appreciate the quality it offers. Its mobile-ready design, for example, prints the first page is 10. 3 seconds and successive ones at speeds of up to 28 ppm. Thus, printing a 280-page thesis or report in full color takes you 10 minutes. Its monthly print capacity is 750-400 pages.
The reliability of a Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is terrific, as most components last for years. Its wireless system maintains the safety of sensitive data, while the 3-year warranty offered for all parts attests its value. Order yours worry-free for your office.
What We Like
- Mobile-friendly design
- Fast system (28 ppm)
- High print capacity
- Three-year warranty
- Duplex printing
Our Verdict
Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a mobile-friendly product that can generate up to 28 ppm in color in HD. It is easy to set up, super reliable and has a secure wireless system that delivers.
8. Brother MFC-L3750CDW Digital Color All-in-One Printer
Do you want a fast and reliable laser printer that can also scan in both black and color? Brother MFC-L3750CDW is a renowned digital model that works seamlessly in all areas. At work, you can use it to print in black or color at speeds of up to 25 ppm. It can also scan black (26 ipm) and color (22 ipm) images and customize its output via a 3.7-inch touchscreen. The display enables you to adjust color balance (vivid or rich). You can also use it to find and print files from cloud apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Ever note.
Brother MFC-L3750CDW has a modest memory of about 512 Mb, and is, therefore, less prone to hanging while in use. It also reads most original Brother Toners and has a USB interface for printing directly from thumb drives. Thus, it is perfect for traveling as well.
What We Like
- Mobile and USB printing
- Fast printing (25 ppm)
- Scans (22-26 ipm)
- Duplex printing
- Good memory (512Mb)
Our Verdict
Brother MFC-L3750CDW is a dependable digital printer that scans in HD as well. It supports duplex printing and takes up little space.
These most popular dual monitor stands of 2021 can organize and make your workspace looks clean as well, check it out.
9. Brother MFC-L3710CW Compact Digital Color Printer
Brother MFC-L3710CW produces high-quality prints of documents and photographs while saving over 10% of ink. It is space-saving (compact) and has a wireless system that enables you to print from computers and phones via a wire-free connection. Overall, an MFC-L3710CW laser printer can handle up to 19 ppm. Although slightly low for a commercial setting, it is a suitable item for personal use. It can also scan at 29 imp in black and around 22 imp in color.
The 250-sheet paper tray (adjustable) of a Brother MFC-L3710CW saves people time. While handling heavy-duty projects, you do not have to refill it often, as some tabletop laser printers often require. It also has a touchscreen (3.7-inches) for setting up scanning and printing jobs and a USB interface for printing from thumb drives.
What We Like
- Touchscreen (3.7 inches)
- Adjustable paper tray
- High-speed USB interface
- Prints and scans fast
Our Verdict
Brother MFC-L3710CW is a compact digital printer that supports both wired and wireless printing. It also has USB printing and has a high-speed system that handles up to 19 ppm and 22-29 ipm.
10. Brother MFC-L3770CDW Compact Wireless Digital Printer
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW digital printer handles most printing jobs at speeds of up to 25 ppm. It also scans fast (20-22 imp) and has a duplex printing system that saves paper and money in the end. If you are on the market for a cost-effective printer for heavy-duty printing, it is also one of the best. Once set up, it works for years maintenance-free. All you have to do is change its toner when it runs out, which is a one-minute job. Its document feeder secures 250 sheets and its multipurpose tray 30. The auto document feeder fits 50.
Brother MFC-L3770CDW can read most original Brother Toners in the market. Thus, you will never struggle to find replacement ink whenever its OEM toner runs out. It also has a responsive screen (touch) for setting up printing jobs and supports cloud printing.
What We Like
- Supports cloud printing
- Large document tray (250 sheets)
- Fast printing (25 ppm)
- Fast scanning (20-22 imp)
Our Verdict
Brother MFC-L3770CDW is a compact laser printer that is fast and can scan as well. Parts are robust and design to offer value for cash.
Buying Guides for the Best Color Laser Printer
The best laser printers deliver interesting results in homes and offices due to their quality. They not only print better than inkjet printers but are also durable and have premium add-ons that better the experience if their users. Whether you print documents often of have a crafts shop where you create or print cards for a profit, buying one might be an excellent decision. Take care, though. In this era of fakes, do not order the first product you come across in an online or offline store. Follow this guide to find the best for day-to-day use.
Print Quality
Laser printing is a valuable technology that has helped millions of people to prepare quality documents at home and work. If you are shopping for one, pay keen attention to the print quality of your product of choice before you reach for your pocket. For instance, how many dots per inch (dpi) does your printer of choice deliver while in use? For high definition (HD) printing of full color photos or images, look for a product with the highest dpi in your local shop or favorite online store. Many contemporary brands have a resolution of about 2400 dpi but will cost you slightly more cash. However, for heavy-duty text printing at home or in your office, a laser printer with a print resolution of 300-600 dpi will deliver the best experience. They are cheaper but effective.
While judging the quality of your printer or choice, you should also pay keen attention to its color options. Though cheap, monochrome laser printers are primarily for text printing and printing black and white text. Individuals who print reports with colored text and or graphics might not benefit much from such a product. If you are one of them, you should pay slightly more money on a full-color laser printer that can use magenta, cyan, black, and yellow tonner, to name a few. Such printers have a clear output on all types of paper. They are also perfect for printing flyers, charts, and or graphics in full color.
Print Speed
Whether you are shopping for a printer for work or your business, the print speed of your product of choice will influence your productivity. Check this and order a laser printer that you will enjoy using on a day-to-day basis. A color laser printer with a print speed of up to 40 pages per minute (ppm) at a resolution of 1200 dpi will boost the quality of documents that you print daily. At full capacity, they can churn out up to 40 full-color pages without flaws. However, if you print letters and or reports occasionally, a color laser printer that can produce 20-30 pages in high definition will never let you down.
Many factors influence the speed and productivity of laser printers, which you should check out. While printing, for instance, laser printers store your work as digital pages in a Random Access Memory (RAM) before printing. The size of the virtual storage space determines the number and size of pages that the device can store and thus print per minute. Thus, for the best results, order a product with large in-built memory. Moreover, well-engineered color laser printers with upgradeable memories (via a RAM module) offer value for money.
Paper Handling
Paper handling of your color laser printer of choice depicts the experience that you will have at home and or your office. Thus, one you have ascertained and liked the print quality and speed of your printer of choice, check these:
- Paper Size: What is the maximum size of the paper that you can feed into your color printer of choice without it jamming and or smudging? Most brands of laser printer can read and print on stacks of 8.5×11-inch printing papers. However, you should also check if your brand or laser printer can print on glossy paper, which are the best for charts and flyers. You should also check if it can print on index cards, legal envelops, and specialty papers of different weights, sizes, or textures without smudging or jamming. They offer the best results always.
- Paper Feeder: Apart from paper size, check the paper feeder of your laser printer of choice and make sure that it is optimal. Overall, heavy-duty laser printers with input trays that can hold up to 250 pages offer the best experience in most settings. You do not have to refill them often to keep printing, which is invaluable in a high-traffic environment. The best color laser printers with smaller trays are ideal for light-duty printing as they take up little space and cost less money.
- Duplex Printing: Duplex printing is a breakthrough technology that saves people money in printing costs. Instead of printing a single page per paper, the system enables you to print on both sides of the paper, which minimizes wastage. Moreover, instead of flipping papers manually, it handles the process automatically to save people time and effort while printing large projects. While choosing a new color laser printer, opt for a product that supports duplex printing. They are not only easy to use but also save people a lot of time and money while in use.
Yield
Are you conscious of your spending? While ordering the cheapest laser printer sounds like a good idea for most people, it is not always the best. To save cash in the long-term, check the yield of your printer of choice as well. How many documents can it print per cartridge without dipping quality? Standard color laser printers have a maximum output of around 2,200 pages per toner. If you can find a product with a higher level, you will get a lower cost per page.
Connectivity Options
The connectivity options of your color laser printer of choice depict the sourced from which you can print your documents. Standard laser printers have a plug-and-use USB interface for printing directly from PCs and Mac. While this is sufficient for most individuals, a printer with add-on connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet offers the best results in offices and or homes. Ethernet ports, for instance, enable people to set up network printing in large homes and offices. As such, instead of buying one printer for each of your computers, you can use one laser printer to print from many computers.
If you can follow these rules religiously, you will get a valuable laser printer.
