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10 Best Color Laser Printer For Photos 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q5F)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,172
Color Accuracy
Connectivity Options
Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
4858 reviews

Color Accuracy
The printer delivers beautiful color prints and is highly compatible with macOS.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity works flawlessly, and the HP app is easy to use on both MacBook and HP laptops.
Toner Cost and Yield
Despite being a bit pricey, the genuine HP toner cartridges last a long time, making it worth the investment.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a versatile all-in-one printer that excels in delivering professional-quality color documents, making it a strong choice for small teams and office use. It boasts impressive print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white, which is beneficial for busy environments where efficiency is key. The inclusion of next-generation TerraJet toner enhances color accuracy and vibrancy, making it suitable for printing photos and other visually rich materials. With an auto document feeder and duplex printing capabilities, it streamlines workflow by allowing users to handle multiple tasks without constant supervision.

Connectivity options are robust, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it easy to integrate into various office setups. The HP app adds convenience, allowing users to manage printing tasks directly from their smartphones. Safety features like HP Wolf Pro Security also help protect sensitive information, which is particularly advantageous for businesses concerned about data security.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The printer is relatively heavy at 37.7 pounds, which may limit its portability. Additionally, the printer requires original HP toner cartridges, which can lead to higher operational costs if you're used to using third-party cartridges. While the print resolution is satisfactory for most office needs, it may not meet the highest standards for professional photo printing, especially compared to dedicated photo printers. Also, the setup may involve a learning curve for those who aren't tech-savvy.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,172
Color Accuracy
Connectivity Options
Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
4858 reviews

Color Accuracy
The printer delivers beautiful color prints and is highly compatible with macOS.
Connectivity Options
Wireless connectivity works flawlessly, and the HP app is easy to use on both MacBook and HP laptops.
Toner Cost and Yield
Despite being a bit pricey, the genuine HP toner cartridges last a long time, making it worth the investment.
#2

Brother Color Laser Printer with Wireless Printing Fast 19 PPM Output, Duplex Feature, Mobile Device Compatible, 250-Sheet Paper Tray for Professional Home Office Printing (HL-L3220CDW)

Rating
9.6
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3905 reviews

Print Resolution
Print quality is sharp for documents and 'good enough' for casual photo prints, but not for professional framing.
Print Speed
Prints fast and quiet enough to blend into background noise.
Connectivity Options
Effortless Wi-Fi setup allows printing from PC or phone, improving workflow significantly.
Toner Cost and Yield
Toner cartridges can be costly, but if printing is infrequent, they last a while.

The Brother HL-L3220CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer offers several features that cater to users looking for a color laser printer for photos. It boasts a decent print resolution, which is crucial for photo quality, but it may not match the precision of dedicated photo inkjet printers. Color accuracy is generally reliable for everyday use, though professionals might find it lacking for high-end photo prints. Print speed is efficient at 19 ppm for both monochrome and color, making it suitable for users who need quick outputs without compromising too much on quality.

The auto-duplex feature is a nice addition for saving paper and time when printing double-sided documents. Paper handling is robust, accommodating various sizes and types, which is beneficial for diverse photo printing needs. Connectivity options are extensive, with Wi-Fi and USB, allowing easy access from multiple devices, including mobile printing.

However, the toner cost and yield might be a concern for users who print high volumes of photos, as laser printer toner can be more expensive over time compared to inkjet alternatives. The printer weighs 24.7 pounds, making it a bit bulky but still compact enough for small office spaces. This product is particularly suitable for users who need a versatile printer for both office documents and occasional photo printing rather than specialized photo prints.

Rating
9.6
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
3905 reviews

Print Resolution
Print quality is sharp for documents and 'good enough' for casual photo prints, but not for professional framing.
Print Speed
Prints fast and quiet enough to blend into background noise.
Connectivity Options
Effortless Wi-Fi setup allows printing from PC or phone, improving workflow significantly.
Toner Cost and Yield
Toner cartridges can be costly, but if printing is infrequent, they last a while.
#3

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Best-for-Office

Rating
9.5
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Paper Handling

Most important from
4393 reviews

Print Resolution
The printer has worked flawlessly for ten months and it's fast, with perfect print quality.
Print Speed
The printer has worked flawlessly for ten months and it's fast, with perfect print quality.
Paper Handling
The printer has recurring issues with paper jams and electrical parts, leading to significant frustration and regret.
Toner Cost and Yield
Expensive toner, but comparable to alternatives.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw offers a robust solution for small teams needing a versatile all-in-one device. It stands out with its fast color print speed of up to 33-35 pages per minute, making it efficient for high-volume tasks. Additionally, the auto 2-sided printing and auto document feeder enhance productivity for scanning and copying large documents quickly. The printer's print resolution is impressive, delivering sharp details and vibrant colors, which is crucial for photo printing.

The printer supports multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless printing, allowing flexibility in different office setups and easy printing from mobile devices. HP Wolf Pro Security ensures data protection, which is a significant advantage for office environments.

One potential drawback is the weight; at 45 pounds, it may be cumbersome to move or reposition. This model is best suited for small office teams needing a reliable, secure, and fast all-in-one color laser printer, but those looking for a dedicated photo printer might need to evaluate the specific photo printing capabilities further.

Rating
9.5
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Paper Handling

Most important from
4393 reviews

Print Resolution
The printer has worked flawlessly for ten months and it's fast, with perfect print quality.
Print Speed
The printer has worked flawlessly for ten months and it's fast, with perfect print quality.
Paper Handling
The printer has recurring issues with paper jams and electrical parts, leading to significant frustration and regret.
Toner Cost and Yield
Expensive toner, but comparable to alternatives.

Buying Guide for the Best Color Laser Printer For Photos

Choosing the right color laser printer for photos can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, you can find a model that meets your needs. The key is to understand the specifications that matter most for photo printing and how they align with your specific requirements. Here are the key specs you should consider and how to evaluate them to make the best choice.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines the level of detail and clarity in your printed photos. Higher DPI values mean more detailed and sharper images. For photo printing, a resolution of at least 1200 x 1200 DPI is recommended. If you need professional-quality prints, look for printers with even higher resolutions, such as 2400 x 2400 DPI. Consider what level of detail you need in your photos to choose the right resolution.
Color AccuracyColor accuracy refers to how well a printer can reproduce the colors in your photos. This is crucial for photo printing, as you want your prints to look as close to the original image as possible. Look for printers that offer advanced color management features and use high-quality toner. Some printers are specifically designed for photo printing and offer better color accuracy. If you are a professional photographer or need prints for display, prioritize color accuracy.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce prints. While not as critical for photo quality, it can be important if you need to print large volumes of photos quickly. Color laser printers typically have slower print speeds for photos compared to text documents. If you need to print a lot of photos in a short time, look for a printer with a higher PPM for color prints. For occasional photo printing, print speed may be less of a concern.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate. For photo printing, you will need a printer that can handle various photo paper sizes and types, such as glossy or matte finishes. Check the printer's specifications to ensure it supports the paper sizes you plan to use, such as 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 inches. If you plan to print on different types of photo paper, make sure the printer can handle them without issues.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. For photo printing, wireless connectivity can be very convenient, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer without needing to connect cables. Some printers also offer mobile printing apps and support for cloud services. Consider how you plan to connect to the printer and choose one with the appropriate connectivity options.
Toner Cost and YieldToner cost and yield refer to the price of replacement toner cartridges and how many pages they can print before needing to be replaced. This is important for managing the ongoing cost of printing photos. High-yield toner cartridges can print more pages and may be more cost-effective in the long run. Check the cost of toner cartridges for the printer you are considering and compare the yield to estimate your printing costs. If you print photos frequently, look for a printer with affordable toner and high yield.

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