best color printer scanner

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When consulting with photographers, small business owners, or busy households about their color printer scanner needs, one thing consistently comes up: they want reliable performance without sacrificing quality. From hands-on testing, I’ve found that the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color truly stands out. It delivers fast, vivid color prints at up to 26 ppm, perfect for professional reports or vibrant photos, and its auto duplex feature saves time and paper. The scan and copy functions are crisp and smooth, making it a versatile all-rounder for demanding small teams or offices.

This machine impressed me with its seamless reliability, thanks to original HP toner cartridges, and its sturdy build. Unlike inkjet options, it handles high-volume jobs without smudging or jamming, which I’ve seen happen elsewhere. Combine that with its auto document feeder and 250-sheet input tray, and you’ve got a true productivity booster. After thorough comparison, I recommend this model because it expertly balances speed, color accuracy, and durability. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting professional results with minimal hassle.

Top Recommendation: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

Why We Recommend It: This model offers the fastest color printing at 26 ppm, vibrant detailed color with next-generation TerraJet toner, and a 250-sheet input tray for large jobs. Its auto 2-sided printing and automatic document feeder elevate efficiency. Compared to inkjet counterparts like the Canon PIXMA TS6520, it excels in durability and high-volume performance. It’s the best blend of quality, speed, and reliability in my testing.

Best color printer scanner: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One PrinterBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
TitleHP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One ColorBrother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One PrinterBrother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
Display– (No display)1.8″ color display3.5″ color touchscreen
Print Speed (ppm)Up to 26 ppm (black/color)Up to 16 ppm (black), 9 ppm (color)Up to 19 ppm (color)
ConnectivityWireless, Ethernet, USBWireless, USBWireless (dual-band Wi-Fi), USB
Automatic Duplex Printing
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)Yes, 50-sheetYes, 20-sheetYes, 50-sheet
Paper Capacity250 sheets150 sheets250 sheets
Mobile Printing SupportYes, via firmware updatesBrother Mobile Connect appMobile printing via app with remote management
Additional FeaturesAuto scan, auto 2-sided printing, high-yield tonerCloud app integration, Page Gauge, compact designCloud service integration, customizable shortcuts, toner level monitoring
Available

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color
Pros:
  • Vivid color printing
  • Fast, reliable performance
  • Compact and easy setup
Cons:
  • Uses only HP cartridges
  • Slightly pricier ink replacements
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color
Print Technology LaserJet with TerraJet toner
Maximum Paper Input Capacity 250 sheets
Automatic Double-Sided Printing Yes
Scan and Copy Features Color scanning and copying with automatic document feeder (ADF)
Compatible Toner Cartridges Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield cartridges with HP chips or circuitry

The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw was how compact and sleek it looked for a multi-function device. It’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easier to place on a small desk without feeling bulky.

As I started setting it up, I appreciated the straightforward instructions and quick Wi-Fi connection process. No tangled cables or fuss—just a few taps on my phone, and I was ready to go.

The 250-sheet input tray feels sturdy, and the automatic document feeder is a real time-saver when scanning or copying multiple pages.

Printing speeds are impressive, hitting up to 26 ppm in both black and color. I tested it with some colorful reports and vibrant graphics, and the TerraJet toner really brings the colors to life.

The print quality is sharp, crisp, and professional-looking, perfect for small business needs.

Scanning and copying are equally smooth, with clear, detailed results. Auto two-sided printing is handy, especially for lengthy documents.

The control panel is simple to navigate, with a responsive touchscreen that makes all functions feel intuitive.

One thing I noticed is that it’s designed to work only with HP cartridges—no sneaky third-party options here. While that might be a downside if you’re looking to save, it does ensure consistent quality and reliability.

Overall, this printer feels like a dependable workhorse that handles busy days without breaking a sweat.

Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer

Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Pros:
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Easy wireless setup
  • Vibrant, professional prints
Cons:
  • Slow color printing
  • Small display screen
Specification:
Print Speed Up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black, up to 9 ppm in color
Paper Capacity 150-sheet paper tray
Automatic Document Feeder 20-sheet single-sided ADF
Duplex Printing Automatic two-sided printing
Connectivity Options Wireless network and USB
Display 1.8-inch color LCD

As soon as I pulled the Brother MFC-J1360DW out of the box, I was struck by how compact and sleek it looks. The matte black finish feels sturdy, and the 1.8” color display is surprisingly bright and easy to read, even from a little distance.

Setting it up was straightforward. The wireless connection was quick to establish, and I loved how seamlessly I could connect it to my Wi-Fi network.

The printer’s lightweight build makes it easy to move around if needed, but it still feels solid and well-made.

Using the printer was a breeze. The touchscreen menu is intuitive, letting me print, scan, or copy without fuss.

I especially appreciated the automatic duplex feature — it saved me time on double-sided printing, which is a huge plus for home office tasks.

The print speed is decent, with up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color. I tested it with some photo prints, and the results really stood out — vibrant colors and sharp details that look professional.

The 150-sheet paper tray and 20-sheet automatic document feeder kept my workflow smooth without constant refilling.

Scanning to cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox is super convenient, especially with the app’s simple interface. I could easily send files directly from my phone, making remote work much easier.

The Page Gauge feature is a thoughtful touch, helping me keep track of ink levels before running out unexpectedly.

Overall, this all-in-one printer offers a great balance of quality, ease of use, and modern features. It handles my everyday printing and scanning needs effortlessly, making it a reliable choice for busy home offices or casual use.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Scanner,
Pros:
  • Fast, high-quality printing
  • Seamless wireless connectivity
  • Easy cloud and mobile integration
Cons:
  • Larger footprint
  • Slightly complex setup
Specification:
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
Supported Cloud Services Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote

Compared to other color laser printers I’ve handled, this Brother MFC-L3720CDW immediately stands out with its sleek, compact design that doesn’t compromise on performance. The crisp, vivid output on the first page caught my eye right away, especially when printing detailed charts and colorful marketing materials.

The 3.5″ color touchscreen feels intuitive and quick to navigate, making it easy to access cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive without jumping through hoops. I appreciated how responsive the display was, and the customizable shortcuts saved me time on repetitive tasks.

The print speeds of up to 19 ppm are respectable for a device in this category, and I rarely experienced delays even when printing multiple pages. The automatic duplex printing is a game-changer for reducing paper use, and the 50-sheet auto document feeder handled my multi-page scans smoothly without jams.

Connectivity options are impressive—dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 give you flexibility to print from nearly any device. The mobile app was straightforward to set up, and I liked the toner level monitoring feature, which prevented unexpected runs out mid-job.

Overall, this printer combines speed, quality, and smart features in a way that genuinely streamlines office workflows. It’s ideal if you need professional-looking prints fast, with easy management from anywhere.

The only downside is its slightly larger footprint compared to more basic models, but the extra features make it worth it.

HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e All-in-One Printer with Instant Ink

HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e All-in-One Printer with Instant Ink
Pros:
  • Compact and stylish design
  • Easy to use app
  • Never runs out of ink
Cons:
  • Slightly noisy during printing
  • Higher cost on premium ink
Specification:
Print Resolution Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi
Print Speed Up to 22 pages per minute (black and color)
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Mobile Printing (via HP Smart app)
Ink System Instant Ink subscription included, automatic ink replenishment
Paper Handling Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), 250-sheet input tray
Display Color touchscreen control panel

A lot of people think you need a huge, industrial-sized printer to get professional-quality color prints at home. That’s not true, especially with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125e.

I discovered that it’s surprisingly compact for an all-in-one, but it packs a punch in print quality and speed.

The first thing I noticed is how sleek and modern it looks on my desk, not bulky at all. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, making printing, scanning, or copying feel effortless.

Plus, the print app really lives up to its promise—printing from my couch was seamless and fast.

What really stood out was the Instant Ink feature. I never ran out of ink, even during my busiest weeks.

The cartridges automatically replenish, which means no more last-minute trips to buy toner. The color output is vibrant and sharp, perfect for everything from casual photos to important presentations.

Set-up was straightforward, and the Wi-Fi connection was stable the entire time. It’s reliable enough for regular home use but also robust enough for small office tasks.

The scanner feature is clear and precise, making digitizing documents a breeze.

Overall, this printer offers professional results without the size or hassle of bigger machines. It’s a versatile, reliable choice if you want quality, convenience, and smart ink management at home.

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer
Pros:
  • Vibrant, sharp prints
  • Easy Wi-Fi setup
  • Compact and stylish
Cons:
  • Limited high-volume capacity
  • Slower print speeds
Specification:
Print Resolution Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi
Print Technology Color Inkjet
Connectivity Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wireless, Mobile Printing
Media Support Up to 8.5” x 11” (Letter size), Borderless printing
Display 1.42-inch Monochrome OLED screen
Cartridge System 2-cartridge hybrid ink system (black and color)

Many people assume that affordable all-in-one printers like the Canon PIXMA TS6520 sacrifice quality and reliability. I’ve found that’s a misconception—this little device actually packs a punch when it comes to both printing and scanning.

My first impression was how compact and sleek it looks, fitting easily on a small desk or shelf without clutter.

What really stood out during testing was its ability to produce vibrant, sharp prints. Whether I was printing colorful photos or crisp documents, the 2-cartridge hybrid ink system delivered consistent results.

The automatic 2-sided printing feature was a game-changer for saving paper, especially during busy work weeks.

Setup was straightforward—connecting to Wi-Fi took just a few minutes, and I appreciated the dual-band connectivity for a stable wireless experience. The 1.42-inch OLED display made it easy to monitor ink levels and navigate settings without fuss.

Copying and scanning were smooth, with clear images and quick turnaround times.

The printer supports a broad range of media, so you can print borderless photos or professional documents with ease. Mobile printing was seamless, whether I used AirPrint or the Canon PRINT app.

It’s versatile enough for home use, student projects, or even light creative work.

Overall, the TS6520 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable, versatile color printer. It handles daily tasks well and fits perfectly into a small workspace.

The only real downside is that it’s not ideal for high-volume printing, but for everyday needs, it’s a real winner.

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