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10 Best Home Color Printers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Ink Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy for Home Use, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,495
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink Type and Cost
Multifunction Features

Most important from
21073 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
This printer has been very impressive, with excellent photo quality and ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges.
Ink Type and Cost
This printer has been very impressive, with excellent photo quality and ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges.
Multifunction Features
The scanner works great and the keypad is easy to read and use, adding to the multifunctional capabilities.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces and move around if needed.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable home color printer. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system that uses high-capacity ink tanks, significantly reducing the cost of replacement ink. Users can save up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges, which makes it especially appealing for families or individuals who print frequently. The included ink can last up to two years, minimizing worries about running out of ink unexpectedly.

Print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo technology that produces sharp text and vibrant color photos. However, the maximum print speed is a bit on the slower side at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which might not satisfy those who need to print large volumes quickly.

The ET-2800 also offers multifunction capabilities, including scanning and copying, which adds more value for home use. Its compact design makes it easy to fit into most home office spaces, and it features various connectivity options, including wireless and wired connections, ensuring that you can print from multiple devices without hassle. On the downside, the printer does not support automatic duplex printing, which could be inconvenient for users who regularly print double-sided documents. Additionally, while it has a good paper handling capacity of 100 sheets, it may not be sufficient for larger print jobs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,495
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink Type and Cost
Multifunction Features

Most important from
21073 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
This printer has been very impressive, with excellent photo quality and ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges.
Ink Type and Cost
This printer has been very impressive, with excellent photo quality and ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges.
Multifunction Features
The scanner works great and the keypad is easy to read and use, adding to the multifunctional capabilities.
Size and Design
The printer is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces and move around if needed.
#2

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Ink Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy for Home Use, Black

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Ink Type and Cost

Most important from
21073 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality stands out with sharp text and vibrant colors, especially impressive on glossy photo paper.
Print Speed
Print speed is decent for home use, with good color output and reliable copying functions.
Ink Type and Cost
The EcoTank refill system is mess-free and significantly reduces ink costs by allowing thousands of pages before refilling.
Connectivity Options
Installation and networking were seamless, making setup a breeze even for non-tech-savvy users.
Paper Handling
The printer handles heavy card stock effortlessly, a feature unmatched by many other home printers.
Size and Design
The plastic build feels cheap and the paper tray design is inconvenient, detracting from the overall experience.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for home users who want a budget-friendly color printer without the hassle of replacing cartridges often. It uses a refillable ink tank system that can print thousands of pages before needing a refill, which saves a lot on ink costs compared to traditional cartridges. The print quality is good, with sharp text and vibrant colors, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology and high resolution options.

Its color print speed is modest—around 5 pages per minute—so it’s best suited for users who don’t need to print large volumes quickly. The printer connects via USB and Wi-Fi, allowing easy mobile and wireless printing, which is handy for most home setups. It can scan and copy, adding useful multifunction features, though it does not support automatic double-sided (duplex) printing, meaning you’ll have to flip pages manually if needed.

Paper handling is straightforward with a 100-sheet tray and support for common sizes including photo paper and envelopes. The design is compact enough to fit on a desk without taking up too much space. This printer fits well for home users who prioritize low ink costs and good print quality over high speed or advanced features like duplex printing.

Rating
9.7
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Ink Type and Cost

Most important from
21073 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality stands out with sharp text and vibrant colors, especially impressive on glossy photo paper.
Print Speed
Print speed is decent for home use, with good color output and reliable copying functions.
Ink Type and Cost
The EcoTank refill system is mess-free and significantly reduces ink costs by allowing thousands of pages before refilling.
Connectivity Options
Installation and networking were seamless, making setup a breeze even for non-tech-savvy users.
Paper Handling
The printer handles heavy card stock effortlessly, a feature unmatched by many other home printers.
Size and Design
The plastic build feels cheap and the paper tray design is inconvenient, detracting from the overall experience.
#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
8.2
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Paper Handling

Most important from
829 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents, though it isn't a photo printer.
Print Speed
Finding a printer that doesn't suck is rare, but this one does not disappoint. It's easy to set up, fast, and quiet.
Paper Handling
While there have been a couple of paper jams on larger print jobs, they were easy to clear.
Multifunction Features
The single-pass duplex scanning feature is a major plus, making scanning tasks much more efficient.

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a robust all-in-one home color printer that caters well to small businesses and home offices, offering print, scan, copy, and fax functionalities. It impresses with its laser-quality output and high print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, ensuring professional-looking documents. The print speeds are commendable at up to 31 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white prints, helping maintain productivity. The automatic duplex printing feature further enhances efficiency by allowing double-sided printing without manual intervention.

At 47.8 pounds, it is quite heavy and may require a dedicated space in your office setup. The printer supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and even NFC, making it versatile and easy to integrate with various devices. The inclusion of voice control is a modern touch, accommodating smart home setups. A notable strength is the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service which can reduce toner costs by up to 50%, though the initial cost of Brother Genuine Toner might be higher than third-party alternatives.

Paper handling is handled well with a 250-sheet capacity, though high-volume users might find this limiting. The single-pass duplex scanning and copying capabilities are efficient, but users should be aware that the scanner resolution is 300 x 300 dpi, which might not be sufficient for professional photo scanning needs. The design is functional but quite bulky, so it's best suited for those with ample office space. The Brother MFC-L3780CDW offers a strong set of features and reliable performance for small business environments, balancing quality, speed, and cost-efficiency.

Rating
8.2
Print Quality (Resolution)
Print Speed
Paper Handling

Most important from
829 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
The color output is bright and perfectly acceptable for documents, though it isn't a photo printer.
Print Speed
Finding a printer that doesn't suck is rare, but this one does not disappoint. It's easy to set up, fast, and quiet.
Paper Handling
While there have been a couple of paper jams on larger print jobs, they were easy to clear.
Multifunction Features
The single-pass duplex scanning feature is a major plus, making scanning tasks much more efficient.

Buying Guide for the Best Home Color Printers

Choosing the right home color printer can be a bit overwhelming with the variety of options available. The key is to understand your specific needs and how different features of printers can meet those needs. Whether you need a printer for occasional photo printing, regular document printing, or a mix of both, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality is measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI means better print quality, which is important if you plan to print photos or detailed graphics. For general document printing, a DPI of 600x600 is usually sufficient. For high-quality photo printing, look for printers with at least 1200x1200 DPI. If you need crisp, clear images, prioritize higher DPI.
Print SpeedPrint speed is measured in pages per minute (PPM). This spec is important if you need to print large volumes of documents quickly. For occasional home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is generally adequate. If you print frequently or in large batches, consider a printer with a higher PPM. Think about how often and how much you print to determine the right speed for you.
Ink Type and CostPrinters use different types of ink, such as dye-based or pigment-based. Dye-based inks are generally better for photos, while pigment-based inks are more durable and better for text. Consider the cost of replacement cartridges and how often you'll need to replace them. If you print a lot, look for printers with high-yield cartridges or ink tank systems to save on long-term costs.
Connectivity OptionsModern printers offer various connectivity options like USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for wireless printing from multiple devices, which is convenient for home use. If you have multiple users or devices, prioritize printers with robust wireless connectivity. Consider how you plan to connect your devices to the printer and choose accordingly.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper tray. If you print on different media types (e.g., photo paper, envelopes), ensure the printer supports them. For general home use, a standard paper tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually sufficient. If you print in large volumes, look for a printer with a larger capacity or multiple trays.
Multifunction FeaturesMany home printers come with additional features like scanning, copying, and faxing. These multifunction printers (MFPs) can be very convenient if you need these capabilities. If you only need to print, a single-function printer might be more cost-effective. Consider what additional functions you might need and choose a printer that offers those features.
Size and DesignThe physical size and design of the printer can be important, especially if you have limited space. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces but may have fewer features. Larger printers often offer more functionality and higher capacity. Think about where you will place the printer and how much space you have available to determine the right size for your home.

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