10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2026 in the United States

The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a multifunctional color laser printer designed primarily for office use, making it an appealing choice for small teams needing reliable and quality color printing, scanning, and copying. One of its standout features is the print speed, which reaches up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color, ensuring efficiency during busy workdays. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi allows for seamless wireless printing, while the HP app facilitates easy mobile management.

The print quality is enhanced by the next-generation TerraJet toner, providing vivid colors and professional results, which is beneficial for businesses producing colorful documents. The printer also includes practical features like automatic two-sided printing and a 250-sheet input tray, minimizing the frequency of paper refills and enhancing productivity.

On the downside, the printer's weight of 37.7 pounds may make it less portable, and some users might find the upfront costs associated with purchasing toner cartridges a bit high, especially if printing in high volume. The toner cartridges (HP 218A and 218X) can be expensive over time, impacting cost-effectiveness compared to inkjet alternatives. While the printer is designed with sustainability in mind, users should also consider the environmental impact of using toner and the necessity for proper recycling options. The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw stands out for its reliability and performance, making it a solid option for small offices looking for a dependable color printer. Its built-in security features also provide peace of mind against cyber threats.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for a budget-friendly color printer, especially for home use. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-capacity ink tanks. This design not only means that you won't have to deal with the hassle of replacing small, expensive cartridges but can also save you up to 90% on replacement ink costs over time. With enough ink included to print approximately 4,500 black and 7,500 color pages, it significantly reduces the frequency of ink purchases, making it a great option for light to moderate printing needs.

In terms of print quality, the ET-2800 performs well, producing sharp text and vibrant images thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology. It’s versatile enough to handle various paper types, which is a bonus if you plan to print different projects. The built-in scanner and copier add functionality, making it an all-in-one solution for basic document needs, and the color display helps with navigation. Connectivity options are also flexible with both wired and wireless capabilities, allowing you to print from various devices, including smartphones.

However, there are some limitations to consider. The print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute for black and only 5 pages per minute for color prints. If you have a high volume of printing, this might be a drawback. Additionally, while the size is manageable, it might still take up more space than some compact printers, particularly if you have a smaller workspace. Lastly, while the warranty provides peace of mind, some users may prefer traditional cartridges for convenience and speed of replacement. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is particularly appealing for users looking to save on ink costs while enjoying decent print quality and multifunction capabilities, but it may not meet the needs of those requiring high-speed printing.

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a comprehensive all-in-one color printer that stands out for its laser-quality print output and multifunctionality, making it particularly suitable for small businesses and home offices. Its print speed of up to 31 pages per minute (both color and monochrome) is impressive, ensuring rapid document production. The single-pass duplex feature for copying and scanning adds to its efficiency, saving time and effort. Connectivity options are robust, with Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and NFC making it adaptable to various devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

The printer's design, although slightly bulky at 47.8 pounds, is built to handle a variety of media types and sizes, making it versatile for different printing needs. One of its significant advantages is the support for genuine Brother toner cartridges, which, when paired with the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, can potentially reduce toner costs by up to 50%. However, the initial cost of these cartridges can be higher compared to other brands. The print resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi ensures clear and professional quality prints.

The size and weight of the printer might be cumbersome for smaller spaces. Additionally, while the multifunction features are a plus, users who primarily need basic printing might find it over-featured. In essence, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW offers strong print quality and multifunction capabilities, but its larger footprint and higher toner costs might not be ideal for everyone.