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10 Best Color Printers 2025 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

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - White, Medium

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,318
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
18302 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent with no ink smudges or off colors, delivering bright and vivid photos.
Connectivity Options
Connecting the printer via app can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to errors or difficulty in printing.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink longevity is impressive; even after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, taking up less desk space and easy to move around.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a color printer designed primarily for home use, featuring a unique cartridge-free system that utilizes high-capacity ink tanks. This innovative approach greatly reduces ink costs, allowing users to save up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges, making it an economical choice for those who print frequently. With the ability to print up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages from the initial ink supply, it promises long-lasting usage without the constant need for replacements. The print quality is commendable, thanks to the Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology that delivers sharp text and vibrant colors across various paper types.

For connectivity, the ET-2800 offers both wired and wireless options, making it flexible for different home setups. It also includes scanning and copying capabilities, adding to its functionality as an all-in-one device. However, the printer does have some limitations; its print speed is relatively slow at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which may not satisfy users with high-volume printing needs. Additionally, duplex printing is manual, requiring users to flip the pages themselves, which could be a hassle for those looking for convenience.

The design is compact and weighs about 8.8 pounds, fitting well in most home offices. However, some users might find the 100-sheet input tray a bit limiting for larger print jobs. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious users who print regularly but may not be ideal for those needing high-speed or automated double-sided printing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,318
Print Quality (Resolution)
Connectivity Options
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield

Most important from
18302 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent with no ink smudges or off colors, delivering bright and vivid photos.
Connectivity Options
Connecting the printer via app can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to errors or difficulty in printing.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink longevity is impressive; even after printing hundreds of photos, the ink tanks are still mostly full.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, taking up less desk space and easy to move around.
#2

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)

Rating
9.1
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
781 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print and color quality is superb and setup is easy.
Print Speed
Prints fast and the quality of the copies is amazing, capturing even the faintest details.
Connectivity Options
Connecting to Wi-Fi was painless and the drawer feed feature eliminates paper jams.
Paper Handling
Connecting to Wi-Fi was painless and the drawer feed feature eliminates paper jams.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The black ink cartridge lasts long despite heavy daily printing.
Size and Design
Setup took only a few minutes and it looks very nice.

The HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw is tailored for small office teams, offering robust performance with high-quality color printing, scanning, and copying. With print speeds up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color documents, it ensures efficient workflow. The TerraJet toner technology enhances print quality with vivid colors, which is great for professional documents. Connectivity is a strong point, with dual-band Wi-Fi and USB options, plus an easy-to-use mobile app for printing from smartphones.

The auto-duplex feature and 250-sheet input tray support bulk printing and save paper, while the 100-sheet output capacity is somewhat limited for larger print jobs. Security is well-covered with HP Wolf Pro Security, protecting against cyber threats and malware. The printer is also environmentally friendly, holding Energy Star and EPEAT certifications, and offers toner recycling options.

However, the cost of toner cartridges, especially the high-yield ones, might be a concern for budget-conscious users. Its size and weight (37.7 pounds) are on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for those with limited space. Despite these minor flaws, this HP model stands out as a reliable, high-performance option for office environments requiring frequent, high-quality color printing.

Rating
9.1
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
781 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print and color quality is superb and setup is easy.
Print Speed
Prints fast and the quality of the copies is amazing, capturing even the faintest details.
Connectivity Options
Connecting to Wi-Fi was painless and the drawer feed feature eliminates paper jams.
Paper Handling
Connecting to Wi-Fi was painless and the drawer feed feature eliminates paper jams.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The black ink cartridge lasts long despite heavy daily printing.
Size and Design
Setup took only a few minutes and it looks very nice.
#3

Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-format Color All-in-One Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen

Rating
8.8
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2072 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality on Epson ultra premium paper is exceptional, producing the finest gloss prints.
Print Speed
Despite some initial setup frustrations, the printer's performance in terms of print quality and speed is highly satisfactory.
Connectivity Options
The touch screen and wireless print functions are very convenient, allowing easy printing from phones and tablets.
Paper Handling
Printing on various materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and holographic paper is handled with great accuracy and speed.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink tanks are huge, transparent, and last a long time, making printing more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Additional Features
The touch screen and wireless print functions are very convenient, allowing easy printing from phones and tablets.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one color printer that excels in producing high-quality photos and graphics while being cost-effective. A standout feature is its cartridge-free printing system, which utilizes high-yield ink bottles instead of traditional cartridges. This can save users a significant amount on printing costs—up to 80%—making it ideal for those who frequently print photos and creative projects. The ability to print vibrant, borderless photos up to 13"x19" adds to its appeal for photographers and artists alike.

In terms of print quality, the ET-8550 utilizes Epson's Claria ET Premium 6-color inks, ensuring sharp text and vivid colors. The printer’s speed is respectable, with a maximum of 12 pages per minute for color printing, which should meet the demands of most casual and even semi-professional users. Additionally, the printer supports auto duplex printing, which saves paper and is environmentally friendly.

There are some drawbacks. At 24.5 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which may limit its placement options in smaller spaces. The initial cost can be higher than traditional printers, even though the long-term savings on ink make it more economical. While the touch display and mobile connectivity features are convenient, some users might find the setup and app integration a bit complex if they aren't tech-savvy. The warranty is commendable, but Epson's strict recommendation for using genuine ink can be a downside for those who prefer cheaper alternatives. The EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is particularly well-suited for photography enthusiasts and creatives who value high-quality prints and cost efficiency in the long run.

Rating
8.8
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
2072 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality on Epson ultra premium paper is exceptional, producing the finest gloss prints.
Print Speed
Despite some initial setup frustrations, the printer's performance in terms of print quality and speed is highly satisfactory.
Connectivity Options
The touch screen and wireless print functions are very convenient, allowing easy printing from phones and tablets.
Paper Handling
Printing on various materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and holographic paper is handled with great accuracy and speed.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink tanks are huge, transparent, and last a long time, making printing more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Additional Features
The touch screen and wireless print functions are very convenient, allowing easy printing from phones and tablets.

Buying Guide for the Best Color Printers

Choosing the right color printer can be a daunting task, but with a little guidance, you can find the perfect one to meet your needs. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your specific requirements. Whether you need a printer for home use, a small office, or a large business, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines how sharp and detailed the printed images and text will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. For professional photo printing or high-quality graphics, look for printers with 1200 x 1200 DPI or higher. Consider what you will be printing most often to decide the level of print quality you need.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents regularly. For home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is typically adequate. For office environments, look for printers with speeds of 20-40 PPM or higher. Assess your typical print volume to determine the appropriate print speed for your needs.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. For home use, Wi-Fi connectivity is convenient for wireless printing from multiple devices. In an office setting, Ethernet connectivity might be preferred for a stable and fast connection. Consider how you plan to connect your printer and choose one that offers the necessary options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. If you need to print on various paper sizes or types, such as envelopes or cardstock, ensure the printer supports them. For home use, a standard paper tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually enough. For office use, look for printers with larger capacities or multiple trays to reduce the frequency of refilling.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldThe cost and yield of ink or toner cartridges can significantly impact the overall cost of owning a printer. Yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before needing replacement. High-yield cartridges may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run. Research the cost and yield of cartridges for the printers you are considering and factor this into your decision, especially if you print frequently.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows a printer to automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper. This feature can save paper and reduce printing costs. It is particularly useful for office environments where large documents are printed regularly. For home use, it is a convenient feature but not always necessary. Consider whether duplex printing is important for your typical printing tasks.
Size and DesignThe size and design of a printer can affect where you can place it and how it fits into your workspace. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces or home offices, while larger printers may be better suited for dedicated office environments. Think about the available space you have and choose a printer that fits comfortably without being obtrusive.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to your printer. All-in-one printers that include these functions can be very convenient, especially in a home office or small business setting. Consider whether you need these extra features and how often you will use them to determine if an all-in-one printer is the right choice for you.

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