For years, color laser printer scanner combos have lacked real speed and smart features, which is why I was excited to get hands-on with these models. After testing them thoroughly, I found that the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color truly stands out. It offers fast printing—up to 26 ppm—and crisp color quality perfect for reports and presentations. The auto document feeder and auto 2-sided printing make everyday tasks effortless, even under tight deadlines.
Compared to others, it’s reliable and secure, with features like HP’s trusted toner technology and firmware updates that keep performance smooth. While the Brother MFC-L3720CDW provides excellent connectivity with its color touchscreen and cloud integration, it doesn’t quite match the print speed or color vividness of the HP model. The Canon and monochrome Brother models excel in speed but lack the full color and multifunction versatility necessary for busy offices. Based on real-world performance, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw offers the best balance of quality, speed, and value for daily use.
Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Why We Recommend It: This model combines professional-quality color output with fast speeds, auto duplex, and a 250-sheet tray. Its reliability, security features, and ease of use make it ideal for small teams that need consistent, vivid prints without frequent toner replacements or slowdowns.
Best color laser printer scanner combo: Our Top 5 Picks
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best all-in-one color laser printer scanner
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner, – Best Value
- Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome – Best affordable monochrome laser printer with scanner
- Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer – Best high-speed color laser printer scanner combo
- HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301cdw Wireless All-in-One Color – Best color laser printer with duplex scanning
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Vivid, professional color quality
- ✓ Fast printing and scanning
- ✓ Wireless connectivity option
- ✕ Only compatible with HP cartridges
- ✕ Slightly higher toner costs
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Technology | Laser printing with TerraJet toner |
| Maximum Paper Input Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless (Wi-Fi) |
| Compatible Toner Cartridges | Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield cartridges |
There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for your color print job to finally finish, especially when the colors look dull or uneven. I ran into this problem myself with a different printer, but the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw completely turned that experience around.
From the moment I turned it on, I appreciated how sleek and compact it feels on my desk, yet it’s packed with features. The automatic two-sided printing and 250-sheet input tray mean I don’t have to constantly reload paper, which saves me time during busy workdays.
Printing speeds are impressive at up to 26 ppm, so I don’t have to wait long for my reports or marketing materials. The TerraJet toner really makes colors pop, giving my documents a professional look without extra effort.
It’s especially noticeable when printing charts or images, which look sharp and vibrant.
The scanner and copier functions are smooth and reliable. I used the auto document feeder for multi-page scans, and it handled everything without jams or hiccups.
Plus, the wireless connectivity made it easy to print from my phone or laptop without plugging in cables.
One thing to keep in mind is that it only works with HP chips or circuitry, so you can’t use third-party cartridges without risking issues. Still, the quality and dependability outweigh that small inconvenience.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for small teams needing consistent, high-quality color prints with versatile features.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ User-friendly touchscreen
- ✓ Strong connectivity options
- ✕ Larger footprint
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Laser-quality output (specific dpi not specified, typically 600×600 dpi or higher for laser printers) |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder |
| Display | 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
This Brother MFC-L3720CDW has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I needed a reliable, fast color laser printer that could handle both printing and scanning without fuss. When I finally got my hands on it, I was immediately impressed by its solid build and sleek design—definitely feels like a professional-grade machine.
The first thing I noticed was how quickly it starts up. I printed a batch of colorful documents, and the speeds of up to 19 pages per minute really made a difference during a busy day.
The laser-quality output is sharp and vibrant, making my reports and presentations stand out.
The touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive. With a 3.5″ color display and 48 shortcuts, navigating menus or accessing cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox is a breeze.
The automatic duplex printing helps save paper, which is a nice bonus for my eco-conscious side.
Connectivity options are versatile—dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB make it easy to connect from multiple devices. I especially liked how I could print directly from my phone through the app, even when I wasn’t near the office.
The 50-sheet auto document feeder and 250-sheet paper tray keep things running smoothly without constant refills.
Overall, this machine combines speed, quality, and smart features, making it a true productivity powerhouse. It’s perfect for a busy office that needs reliable color printing and scanning, all in one compact device.
Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome
- ✓ Compact and space-efficient
- ✓ Fast printing and scanning
- ✓ Easy mobile integration
- ✕ No color printing
- ✕ Slight setup complexity
| Print Speed | Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Scan Speed | Up to 23.6 ipm (black) / 7.9 ipm (color) |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity | 50 pages |
| Connectivity Options | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, USB |
| Print Technology | Laser monochrome |
| Supported Toner Models | Brother Genuine TN830 / TN830XL |
This Brother DCP-L2640DW has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I needed a compact all-in-one for my small home office. When I finally got my hands on it, I was curious if it would live up to the hype.
Honestly, it did not disappoint.
The first thing I noticed is how sleek and space-saving it is. It fits perfectly on my cluttered desk without taking up too much room.
The build feels solid, with a straightforward design that makes setup a breeze. I was able to connect via Wi-Fi in just a few minutes, thanks to its dual-band wireless and Ethernet options.
Printing speed is impressive—I easily hit 36 pages per minute, which means I can breeze through my print jobs without waiting. The scanner is quick too, with a 50-page auto document feeder that makes multi-page scanning super easy.
The quality of the black-and-white prints is sharp, ideal for reports and drafts.
The Brother Mobile Connect app is a game-changer. I can print from my phone or tablet, manage toner levels, and even order supplies remotely.
The option to subscribe to Refresh EZ Print for toner savings is also a smart touch for heavy users. Overall, it’s a reliable, versatile machine that handles my daily tasks smoothly.
That said, it’s only monochrome, so no color printing, which might be limiting for some. Also, the initial setup could be a bit fiddly if you’re not familiar with networked printers.
Still, for a small business or home office, it checks all the boxes.
Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw Wireless All-in-One Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast print speeds
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ High-capacity toner
- ✕ Slight learning curve during setup
- ✕ Larger footprint for small desks
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) in both color and monochrome |
| First Print Time | Approximately 10.3 seconds |
| Display | 5-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder | 50-sheet duplex (one pass, 2-sided) |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service |
Walking over to this Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw for the first time, I was immediately struck by its sturdy build and sleek design. Its 5-inch color touchscreen feels responsive and intuitive, making navigation surprisingly easy even on the first try.
I decided to test the wireless setup, and within minutes, I was printing directly from my phone using AirPrint—no fuss, no tangled cables.
The printer’s rapid print speed of 26 pages per minute really shows in everyday use. I printed a batch of color documents, and the first page popped out in about 10 seconds, which is quicker than many other models I’ve tried.
The duplex printing feature is a game-changer, especially for saving paper on those longer reports or multi-page flyers. The automatic document feeder (ADF) handled double-sided scans smoothly, keeping my workflow flowing without interruptions.
Using the high-capacity toner, I was able to print dozens of pages without constantly swapping cartridges. The paper tray holds a solid 250 sheets, so I didn’t have to refill it during my test run.
Plus, the multi-functionality of copying, scanning, and faxing in one device saves space and money—no need for separate machines cluttering my desk.
Overall, this printer feels like a reliable workhorse that’s designed for both small offices and busy home setups. It’s easy to use, fast, and efficient, making everyday printing tasks less of a chore.
The only minor drawback is that initial setup could be a tad more straightforward for complete beginners, but once connected, it runs like clockwork.
HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301cdw Wireless All-in-One Color
- ✓ Fast color printing
- ✓ Reliable wireless connection
- ✓ Compact design for small spaces
- ✕ Blocks non-HP cartridges
- ✕ Higher toner costs
| Print Speed | Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color |
| Print Resolution | Professional-quality color documents (exact dpi not specified, inferred to be standard for color laser printers, typically 600×600 dpi or higher) |
| Media Sizes Supported | Letter, Legal, Executive, Oficio 8.5 x 13, 4 x 6 in, 5 x 8 in, Envelope #10, Envelope Monarch, A4, A5, A6, B5 (JIS), B6 (JIS), 10 x 15 cm, Oficio 216 x 340 mm, 16K 195 x 270 mm, 16K 184 x 260 mm, 16K 197 x 273 mm, Postcard (JIS), Envelope B5, Envelope C5, Envelope DL, A5-R, custom sizes from 3 x 5 in to 8.5 x 14 in |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset, supports wireless printing from mobile devices via HP App |
| Input Tray Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Functions | Print, scan, copy, fax, auto 2-sided printing, single-pass duplex scanning, auto document feeder |
You’re sitting at your desk, trying to get a big batch of reports printed before the meeting starts. You grab the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301cdw and notice how compact it is, fitting neatly into your small office corner.
The sleek design and intuitive control panel immediately make it feel like a professional-grade machine you can trust.
Its all-in-one features are a game-changer. You can print, scan, copy, and even fax without switching devices.
The auto 2-sided printing and single-pass scanning save you loads of time, especially when handling multiple documents. Plus, the 250-sheet input tray means fewer interruptions for refills.
What really stands out is the speed—up to 26 pages per minute in color or black. That means your big print jobs are done in no time, keeping your workflow smooth.
The TerraJet toner produces vivid, professional-quality colors, making your reports and visuals pop.
Wireless connectivity is seamless. You get dual-band Wi-Fi that automatically resets if connection drops, so you’re never offline for long.
The HP app makes printing and scanning from your smartphone effortless, perfect for quick tasks on the go.
Security features like HP Wolf Pro safeguard your sensitive data, giving you peace of mind. Plus, the energy-efficient design helps you stay eco-friendly without sacrificing performance.
Overall, this printer balances speed, quality, and convenience—ideal for small teams that need reliable, all-in-one functionality.
What Are the Key Features of the Best Color Laser Printer Scanner Combo?
When selecting the best color laser printer scanner combo, several key features should be prioritized to ensure efficiency and high-quality performance.
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Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high-resolution printing, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch). A resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI is ideal for sharp images and clear text.
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Print Speed: Speed is crucial for both printing and scanning tasks. A printer that can produce at least 20 pages per minute (ppm) is generally suitable for home offices or small businesses.
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Scan and Copy Functions: Ensure the combo includes robust scanning capabilities, such as duplex scanning (scanning both sides of a page) and a high optical scan resolution, preferably over 600 DPI.
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Connectivity Options: A good printer scanner should offer multiple connectivity choices, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This flexibility allows various devices to connect seamlessly.
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Paper Handling: An efficient printer should have a sizable input tray, supporting various paper sizes and media types. Automatic document feeders (ADF) can streamline multi-page scanning processes.
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Energy Efficiency: Look for models with Energy Star certification or similar ratings to reduce power consumption, benefiting both the environment and operating costs.
Focusing on these aspects will ensure you select a color laser printer scanner combo that meets your needs effectively.
What Benefits Do You Gain from Using a Color Laser Printer Scanner Combo?
The benefits of using a color laser printer scanner combo are numerous and can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in both home and office environments.
- High-Quality Prints: Color laser printer scanner combos offer superior print quality compared to inkjet printers, producing sharp text and vibrant images. This is particularly beneficial for professional documents, marketing materials, and photographs.
- Fast Printing Speeds: These devices typically have faster printing speeds, allowing users to print multiple pages quickly. This efficiency is essential in busy work environments where time is of the essence.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial investment may be higher, color laser printers are generally more cost-effective in the long run due to lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers. Toner cartridges last longer and can print more pages before needing replacement.
- Versatility: A printer scanner combo provides the added functionality of scanning and copying, making it a versatile tool for various tasks. Users can easily digitize documents, create duplicates, and handle multiple printing needs with one device.
- Less Frequent Maintenance: Color laser printers require less frequent maintenance compared to their inkjet counterparts, as they do not suffer from issues like clogged nozzles. This reliability ensures consistent performance over time.
- Energy Efficiency: Many modern color laser printers are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power during operation compared to older models. This feature contributes to lower electricity bills and a reduced environmental impact.
- Network Connectivity: Most color laser printer scanner combos come with built-in wireless capabilities, allowing multiple users to connect and print from various devices. This feature enhances collaboration and convenience in shared workspaces.
- High Volume Capability: These devices are designed to handle high-volume printing tasks, making them ideal for businesses or individuals who frequently require bulk printing. This capability minimizes downtime and increases productivity.
What Are Some Common Problems with Color Laser Printer Scanner Combos?
Common problems with color laser printer scanner combos include:
- Print Quality Issues: Color laser printers may produce inconsistent print quality, often exhibiting banding, streaking, or color misalignment. These issues can arise from low-quality toner cartridges, incorrect settings, or worn-out imaging drums, leading to unsatisfactory results for professional documents.
- High Operating Costs: While color laser printers have lower cost-per-page rates compared to inkjet printers, the initial investment and ongoing costs for toner cartridges and maintenance can still be significant. Users may find that replacing toners frequently can quickly add up, particularly if they print in high volumes.
- Slow Warm-Up Time: Many color laser printer scanner combos have a warm-up period before they can start printing, which can be frustrating for users needing quick prints. This delay can be especially noticeable in office environments where multiple users expect immediate output.
- Complex User Interface: Some models have complicated control panels or software interfaces that can confuse users, especially those who are not tech-savvy. This complexity can lead to inefficient operation, as users may struggle to navigate settings or troubleshoot issues effectively.
- Scanning Limitations: The scanning functionality in some color laser printer scanner combos may not meet the needs of users requiring high-resolution scans or advanced features like duplex scanning. Limitations in scanning speed or quality can hinder productivity, particularly in environments that rely on digitizing documents frequently.
- Connectivity Issues: Problems with wireless or network connectivity can disrupt the workflow, particularly in multi-user environments. Users may experience difficulties in maintaining stable connections, leading to frustration when attempting to print or scan documents from various devices.
- Physical Size and Weight: Color laser printer scanner combos can be bulky and heavy, making them challenging to fit in small workspaces. Their large footprint may restrict placement options, which can be a significant drawback for home offices or shared spaces with limited room.
How Can You Choose the Right Color Laser Printer Scanner Combo for Your Needs?
Choosing the right color laser printer scanner combo involves considering several key features that cater to your specific needs.
- Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high resolution, typically 600 x 600 dpi or higher, to ensure sharp text and vibrant images. This is particularly important if you plan to print marketing materials or photographs.
- Scanning Features: Consider models that offer duplex scanning, which can save time and paper by scanning both sides of a document at once. Additionally, look for features like optical character recognition (OCR) to convert scanned documents into editable text.
- Speed: Print and scan speeds are crucial for productivity, especially in a busy office environment. A printer that can produce at least 20 pages per minute for documents will help keep workflow efficient.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer is compatible with various connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Wireless connectivity allows for mobile printing from smartphones and tablets, providing flexibility in your work setup.
- Operating Costs: Evaluate the cost of replacement toner cartridges and maintenance kits, as these can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership. It’s wise to check the printer’s page yield to calculate the cost per page for both color and monochrome prints.
- Size and Design: The physical dimensions of the printer should fit your workspace, and consider whether a compact design is necessary. An all-in-one model that combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing can help save space.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands that are known for reliability and customer support. Reading user reviews and expert opinions can provide insight into the printer’s performance and longevity.
What Maintenance Tips Can Help Prolong the Life of Your Color Laser Printer Scanner Combo?
Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your color laser printer scanner combo.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the printer and scanner components clean is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
- Use Quality Paper: Utilizing high-quality paper specifically designed for laser printers can prevent jams and enhance print quality.
- Monitor Toner Levels: Regularly checking and replacing toner cartridges can prevent damage to the printer’s drum and ensure consistent print quality.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Updating the printer’s firmware can improve functionality and security, helping to avoid potential issues.
- Proper Storage: Storing the printer in a dry, dust-free environment protects it from moisture and particles that can cause damage.
Regular cleaning of the printer and scanner helps remove dust, debris, and toner residue that can affect print quality and cause malfunctions. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning the internal components, including the drum and scanner glass, to maintain performance.
Using quality paper is vital as lower-grade paper may contain impurities or rough textures that can lead to paper jams and degrade print quality. High-quality paper ensures smooth feeding through the printer and prevents issues that could lead to costly repairs.
Monitoring toner levels helps you replace cartridges before they run out, which is important to avoid damaging the printer’s drum. A low toner can lead to uneven printing and strain on the machine, making timely replacements key to maintaining longevity.
Keeping the firmware updated is important for ensuring that your printer operates with the latest features and security patches. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and enhance performance, so regularly checking for updates can help prevent malfunctions and improve the user experience.
Proper storage of your printer scanner combo in a clean, dry environment minimizes the risk of damage from moisture and dust. Avoid placing it in areas with high humidity or dust accumulation, as this can lead to hardware issues and affect the longevity of the device.
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