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The 9 Best Color Laser Printers in 2026

July 3, 2026-By The Top Zone

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Start by deciding whether you need printing alone, scanning and copying, or larger office equipment. This list includes all three, so the highest overall score does not automatically identify the right machine for your desk.

The Brother HL-L3295CDW is a print-only option. Canon imageCLASS and the Brother MFC, HP MFP and Lexmark CX models add multifunction capabilities. The Kyocera M8124cidn and Ricoh MP C4504 belong in a separate size and installation discussion, especially when larger paper formats matter.

Check the exact configuration, available space and expected monthly print volume before comparing toner costs. For other types, see our laser-printer comparison.

Quick Overview

Our Top Picks

#1. Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Laser Printer

Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Laser Printer
Our Score 8.3 / 10 Score details
Performance8.4
Print Quality8.6
Paper Handling8.2
Connectivity8.3
Reliability7.7
Value8
How we research & score
BrandCanon
Output ColorColor
Print Speed26 ppm
First Page Out Time10.3 sec
Max Resolution1200 x 1200 dpi
Paper Capacity250 sheets
Duplex PrintingAutomatic
ConnectivityWi-Fi
  • Multifunction desktop model

    Multifunction desktop model. Canon's MF665Cdw manual lists a 425 × 461 × 397 mm unit. Check clearance for the scanner and paper handling.

    Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

    → Read full review

    #2. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw Laser Printer

    Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw Laser Printer
    Our Score 8.2 / 10 Score details
    Performance8.3
    Print Quality8.5
    Paper Handling8.2
    Connectivity8.2
    Reliability7.7
    Value7.9
    How we research & score
    BrandCanon
    Output ColorColor
    Print Speed35 ppm
    First Page Out Time7 sec
    Max Resolution1200 x 1200 dpi
    Paper Capacity250 sheets
    Duplex PrintingAutomatic
    ConnectivityWi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi
    • Print, copy, scan and fax

      Print, copy, scan and fax. The MF753Cdw combines these functions; choose it for the functions you will use rather than its headline speed alone.

      Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

      #3. Brother HL-L3295CDW Laser Printer

      Brother HL-L3295CDW Laser Printer
      Our Score 8.1 / 10 Score details
      Performance8.3
      Print Quality8.5
      Paper Handling8.2
      Connectivity8.3
      Reliability7.1
      Value8
      How we research & score
      BrandBrother
      Output ColorColor
      Print Speed31 ppm
      First Page Out TimeLess than 12.5 sec
      Monthly Duty CycleUp to 50,000 pages/month (maximum)
      Paper Capacity280 sheets
      Duplex PrintingAutomatic
      ConnectivityMobile & Ethernet
      • Print-only desktop model

        Print-only desktop model. The HL-L3295CDW suits a workflow that already has scanning covered. Its recommended volume is up to 4,000 pages per month.

        Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

        → Read full review

        #4. Brother MFC-L3780CDW Laser Printer

        Brother MFC-L3780CDW Laser Printer
        Our Score 8.1 / 10 Score details
        Performance8.1
        Print Quality8.2
        Paper Handling8.3
        Connectivity8.2
        Reliability7.9
        Value7.9
        How we research & score
        BrandBrother
        Output ColorColor
        Print Speed31 ppm
        Max Resolution2400 x 600 dpi
        Monthly Duty Cycle50000 pages/month
        Paper Capacity250 sheets
        Duplex PrintingAutomatic
        ConnectivityWi-Fi, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, NFC
        • Multifunction model

          Multifunction model. The MFC-L3780CDW belongs in the all-in-one comparison. Confirm the exact regional configuration and the scanning workflow you need.

          Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

          #5. Brother MFC-L8900CDW Laser Printer

          Brother MFC-L8900CDW Laser Printer
          Our Score 8.1 / 10 Score details
          Performance8.3
          Print Quality8
          Paper Handling8.2
          Connectivity8.2
          Reliability7.9
          Value7.7
          How we research & score
          BrandBrother
          Output ColorColor
          Print Speed33 ppm
          Max Resolution2400 x 600 dpi
          Monthly Duty Cycle60000 pages/month
          Paper Capacity250 sheets
          Duplex PrintingAutomatic
          ConnectivityUSB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC
          • Business all-in-one

            Business all-in-one. The MFC-L8900CDW combines printing and scanning functions for shared office use. Check the supported connections and workload against your team.

            Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

            #6. Kyocera ECOSYS M8124cidn Laser Printer

            Kyocera ECOSYS M8124cidn Laser Printer
            Our Score 7.9 / 10 Score details
            Performance8.1
            Print Quality8.1
            Paper Handling8.2
            Connectivity7.6
            Reliability7.6
            Value7.4
            How we research & score
            BrandKYOCERA
            Output ColorColor
            Print Speed24 ppm
            First Page Out Time8 sec
            Max Resolution1200 x 1200 dpi
            Monthly Duty Cycle100000 pages/month
            Duplex PrintingAutomatic
            ConnectivityUSB
            • Larger A3 office multifunction machine

              Larger A3 office multifunction machine. The M8124cidn can handle larger paper formats. Plan installation, space and the required options before treating it as a desktop-printer substitute.

              Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

              #7. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Laser Printer

              HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Laser Printer
              Our Score 7.9 / 10 Score details
              Performance8.1
              Print Quality8.6
              Paper Handling7.3
              Connectivity7.7
              Reliability7.3
              Value7.9
              How we research & score
              BrandHP
              Output ColorColor
              Print Speed26 ppm
              First Page Out Timeunder 10 seconds
              Max Resolution600 x 600 dpi
              Monthly Duty Cycle40000 pages/month
              Paper Capacity250 sheets
              Duplex PrintingAutomatic
              ConnectivityWi-Fi
              • Office multifunction model

                Office multifunction model. The 3301fdw includes print, copy, scan and fax functions. Compare those requirements separately from a print-only device.

                Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

                #8. Lexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer

                Lexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer
                Our Score 7.6 / 10 Score details
                Performance7.6
                Print Quality8.1
                Paper Handling8
                Connectivity7.2
                Reliability6.6
                Value7.9
                How we research & score
                BrandLexmark
                Output ColorColor
                Print Speed26 ppm
                First Page Out Time10.6 sec
                Max Resolution600 dpi
                Monthly Duty Cycle50000 pages/month
                Paper Capacity251 sheets
                Duplex PrintingAutomatic
                ConnectivityWi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
                • Color multifunction model

                  Color multifunction model. The CX331adwe adds document handling beyond printing. Check its scanner and paper-format limits against your actual jobs.

                  Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

                  #9. Ricoh Aficio MP C4504 Laser Printer

                  Ricoh Aficio MP C4504 Laser Printer
                  Our Score 7.6 / 10 Score details
                  Performance7.8
                  Print Quality8.1
                  Paper Handling7.8
                  Connectivity7.1
                  Reliability6.9
                  Value7.3
                  How we research & score
                  BrandRicoh
                  Output ColorColor
                  Print Speed45 ppm
                  First Page Out Timeless than six seconds
                  Max Resolution1200 x 1200 dpi
                  Paper Capacity1200 sheets
                  Duplex PrintingAutomatic
                  ConnectivityWi-Fi
                  • Office copier-class multifunction machine

                    Office copier-class multifunction machine. The MP C4504 should be assessed as an installed office machine. Confirm configuration, delivery and support, especially if the seller offers a renewed unit.

                    Manufacturer specifications are the reference for the model. Check the linked seller's condition and included equipment. The listed editorial score is not a hands-on test, and we have not calculated a comparable toner cost for this offer.

                    What to Look For

                    Functions and space: A print-only unit cannot replace a scanner. Compare unit dimensions rather than shipping-box dimensions, and leave the manufacturer's required operating clearance. Brother lists the HL-L3295CDW at 15.7 × 17.6 × 10.8 inches. Canon lists the MF665Cdw at 425 × 461 × 397 mm.

                    Workload: Use recommended monthly print volume, not the maximum duty cycle, for routine planning. Brother recommends up to 4,000 pages per month for the HL-L3295CDW; its 50,000-page maximum duty cycle is a different figure. Do not transfer these numbers to another model.

                    Larger office equipment: The Kyocera M8124cidn datasheet lists 590 × 590 × 753 mm and A3/Ledger capability. Confirm regional equipment and options. A larger copier may need more space, delivery planning and service support than a desktop printer.

                    Toner costs: Compare the price and declared yield of each replacement cartridge for the exact machine, with the same coverage assumptions. Include drums and other consumables where applicable. Starter cartridges are not a substitute for replacement-cartridge yields. We do not have a complete set of comparable current cartridge prices, so a precise cost-per-page ranking would be misleading.

                    Worked example: A hypothetical $90 cartridge rated for 3,000 pages gives $90 ÷ 3,000 = $0.03 per page for that cartridge alone. This is not a quote for a listed printer, and excludes other colors, drums, paper and differences in actual coverage.

                    How We Picked

                    This desk-research shortlist includes different classes of color toner printers. The scores are editorial assessments, not measured print-quality or reliability results. Use the documented functions, footprint and recommended workload to shortlist within the class you need. We have not established a like-for-like running-cost winner for every model.

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    Should I compare maximum duty cycles?

                    Use the recommended monthly volume to plan normal use. Maximum duty cycle is a different limit and should not be treated as the recommended workload.

                    Which models also scan?

                    The Canon imageCLASS MF, Brother MFC, HP MFP, Lexmark CX, Kyocera M8124cidn and Ricoh MP C4504 entries are multifunction models. The HL-L3295CDW is print-only.

                    Which printer has the cheapest color pages?

                    This research does not establish a like-for-like winner. Compare current exact-cartridge prices and yields, including other consumables and your coverage assumptions.

                    See Also