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10 Best Cheapest Color Printer 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ricoh Aficio MP C4504 A3 Color Laser Multifunction Copier - 45ppm, Copy, Fax, Print, Scan, Auto Duplex, Network, WIFI, 4 Trays and Comes with Pre-Installed Postscript 3 Supplement (Renewed)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
10 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality and speed meet professional standards, making it suitable for offices with high-volume demands.
Print Speed
Print quality and speed meet professional standards, making it suitable for offices with high-volume demands.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like built-in Wi-Fi and USB ports provide convenient wireless and direct printing.
Paper Handling
Large paper capacity and multifunction features add significant flexibility and efficiency for varied office tasks.
Multifunction Features
The printer delivers excellent value with reliable performance once properly equipped, such as adding a fax module when needed.

The Ricoh Aficio MP C4504 is a multifunction color laser printer with strong features that suit small to medium offices needing reliable and fast printing. It delivers sharp print quality at 1200 x 1200 dpi for both color and black-and-white documents, which means your prints will look clear and professional. It prints quickly at 45 pages per minute in both color and monochrome, making it a good choice if you often have large print jobs. Connectivity is convenient with built-in Wi-Fi and USB ports, so you can print wirelessly or directly from your computer. The printer supports automatic duplex printing, which saves paper by printing on both sides without extra effort.

It offers four paper trays with a large total capacity of up to 4700 sheets, suitable for handling various paper sizes including A3, so you get flexibility for different printing needs. Multifunction features include copying, scanning with a flatbed scanner, and faxing, all controlled via a large 10.1-inch smart touch panel for easy operation.

On the downside, as a laser printer, its initial cost is higher, and while toner costs can be reasonable for volume printing, replacement cartridges might be more expensive than inkjets. It’s also a fairly large machine, so it requires ample space in your office. The 90-day limited warranty is relatively short compared to typical printer warranties, which might be a consideration if you want longer support. Despite not being the cheapest upfront, its speed and multifunction capabilities help save time and paper, making it a practical investment if you prioritize efficiency and print volume over initial cost.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,414
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
10 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality and speed meet professional standards, making it suitable for offices with high-volume demands.
Print Speed
Print quality and speed meet professional standards, making it suitable for offices with high-volume demands.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like built-in Wi-Fi and USB ports provide convenient wireless and direct printing.
Paper Handling
Large paper capacity and multifunction features add significant flexibility and efficiency for varied office tasks.
Multifunction Features
The printer delivers excellent value with reliable performance once properly equipped, such as adding a fax module when needed.
#2

Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer with Duplex Print, Scan, Copy, Low-Cost Printing, and Advanced Security Features

Rating
7.3
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
114 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent, producing crisp and vivid color documents.
Print Speed
The printer delivers fast printing with bright, vibrant colors and reliable two-sided printing.
Connectivity Options
Wireless and remote printing work seamlessly and quickly, enhancing convenience.
Size and Design
The large, easy-to-read color touchscreen makes navigation and setup straightforward.
Multifunction Features
Multifunction features including fax, copy, and scan operate smoothly and efficiently.

The Brother MFC-L8930CDW is a color laser all-in-one printer designed mainly for office and business use, offering sharp and professional print quality at a resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi. It prints both black and color pages quickly, at up to 33 pages per minute, which helps keep your tasks moving without long waits. Connectivity is flexible with options including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, making it easy to print from various devices like laptops or smartphones.

One of its biggest advantages is the low printing cost, thanks to high-yield toner cartridges that can print thousands of pages, reducing how often you need to replace ink and lowering the overall cost per page. It also handles paper well with a sizable 250-sheet tray (expandable to 1340) and supports legal-size documents. The multifunction features include fast duplex scanning and copying, an automatic document feeder, and a user-friendly 7-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation and shortcuts. It even has advanced security features and sustainability certifications, which are nice bonuses for businesses.

This model is fairly large and heavy compared to some home printers, weighing over 70 pounds and designed more for a dedicated office space. Though it may have a higher upfront cost than some inkjet models, its durability and low running costs make it a smart choice if you print frequently and need dependable color output without expensive ink refills.

Rating
7.3
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
114 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent, producing crisp and vivid color documents.
Print Speed
The printer delivers fast printing with bright, vibrant colors and reliable two-sided printing.
Connectivity Options
Wireless and remote printing work seamlessly and quickly, enhancing convenience.
Size and Design
The large, easy-to-read color touchscreen makes navigation and setup straightforward.
Multifunction Features
Multifunction features including fax, copy, and scan operate smoothly and efficiently.
#3

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer with Laser Quality Output, Single Pass Duplex Copy & Scan | Includes 2 Month Refresh Subscription Trial, Works with Alexa

Rating
7.3
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
827 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
While not a photo printer, the color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents.
Print Speed
Incredibly fast and quiet compared to older models like the Canon MX. No more paper jams!
Connectivity Options
Finding a printer that doesn't suck is rare, but this one is a gem. Easy setup and Airprint works instantly.
Paper Handling
Incredibly fast and quiet compared to older models like the Canon MX. No more paper jams!
Multifunction Features
Single-pass duplex scanning is a standout feature, making it light years ahead in terms of quality and ease of use.

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.

Rating
7.3
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
827 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
While not a photo printer, the color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents.
Print Speed
Incredibly fast and quiet compared to older models like the Canon MX. No more paper jams!
Connectivity Options
Finding a printer that doesn't suck is rare, but this one is a gem. Easy setup and Airprint works instantly.
Paper Handling
Incredibly fast and quiet compared to older models like the Canon MX. No more paper jams!
Multifunction Features
Single-pass duplex scanning is a standout feature, making it light years ahead in terms of quality and ease of use.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheapest Color Printer

Choosing the right color printer involves understanding your specific needs and how different features will meet those needs. Whether you need a printer for home use, a small office, or a larger business, there are several key specifications to consider. By understanding these specs, you can make an informed decision and find a printer that offers the best value for your requirements.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality is measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI means better print quality, which is important for printing detailed images and professional documents. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. For high-quality photo printing, look for printers with at least 1200 x 1200 DPI. Consider what you will be printing most often to determine the necessary print quality.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). Faster print speeds are important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. For occasional home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is typically adequate. For office environments where printing is frequent, look for printers with speeds of 20-30 PPM or higher. Assess how often and how much you print to choose the right speed.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. USB connections are standard for direct computer-to-printer setups. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are ideal for networked environments, allowing multiple devices to connect to the printer. Bluetooth is useful for printing from mobile devices. Consider how you will connect to the printer and choose one with the appropriate options.
Ink/Toner CostsInk and toner costs can add up over time, so it's important to consider the cost per page. Some printers have lower upfront costs but higher ink/toner prices. Look for printers with high-yield cartridges or consider ink tank printers for lower long-term costs. Think about your printing volume and budget for ongoing supplies.
Paper HandlingPaper handling includes the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of the paper tray. For basic home use, a standard tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually enough. For offices, look for larger capacities and the ability to handle various paper sizes and types. Consider what types of documents you will print and how often you will need to refill the paper tray.
Multifunction FeaturesMultifunction printers (MFPs) can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. These are useful if you need to perform multiple tasks with one device. For home use, an MFP can save space and money. For office use, it can increase productivity. Determine if you need these additional functions and choose accordingly.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the printer can affect where you place it and how it fits into your space. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces, while larger printers may offer more features. Consider the available space in your home or office and choose a printer that fits comfortably.

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