Choosing the right color laser printer for a small business involves balancing speed, quality, and features. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW stands out as the best all-in-one option for those needing multifunction capabilities with high-quality color. Meanwhile, the Brother HL-L3280CDW offers a compact, reliable design perfect for smaller spaces. For larger teams or heavy document loads, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw provides fast, versatile performance, while the Canon LBP646Cdw is ideal if you’re seeking a dedicated, cost-effective color printer. Lastly, the HP 3201dw balances speed and wireless convenience, suited to busy teams with a focus on wireless workflow.
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Key Takeaways
- All-in-one models like Brother MFC-L3720CDW offer multifunctionality but come at a higher cost and complexity.
- Compact, reliable printers such as Brother HL-L3280CDW suit small offices with limited space and basic needs.
- Heavy-duty, fast printers like HP Pro 3301sdw excel for larger teams but are heavier and pricier.
- Single-function options like Canon LBP646Cdw focus on speed and quality, suitable for small-volume, high-quality printing.
- Wireless connectivity and duplex printing are common features that improve efficiency across all choices.
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity |  | Best All-in-One for Small Business | Print Speed: up to 19 ppm | Scan Speed: up to 29/22 ipm (black/color) | Paper Capacity: 250 sheets | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Duplex, Mobile Printing, Ethernet, Includes 2-Month Trial |  | Best Compact Reliable Printer | Print Speed: 27 pages per minute | Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing: Automatic | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer |  | Best for Fast, Versatile Office Use | Printer Type: Laser | Print Speed: Color 30 ppm, B&W 26 ppm | Maximum Copy Speed: 26 ppm | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw Wireless Laser Printer – White |  | Best Single-Function for Speed and Cost-Effectiveness | Print Speed: 26 ppm | First Print Time: 10.3 seconds | Connectivity: Wireless | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer |  | Best for Speed and Wireless Ease | Printer Type: Laser | Print Speed: 26 ppm | Input Tray Capacity: 250 sheets | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| color laser printers for small business | Print Speed | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless | up to 19 ppm | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless C | 27 pages per minute | Wireless, Ethernet, Mobile Printing |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301 | Color 30 ppm, B&W 26 ppm | Wireless, Ethernet |
| Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646C | 26 ppm | Wireless |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw W | 26 ppm | Wireless, Ethernet |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Scanner, Copier, Fax, Auto Duplex, 250-Sheet Capacity
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW shines for small offices needing a comprehensive multifunction device. It combines fast printing speeds of up to 19 ppm with an intuitive 3.5-inch color touchscreen, making everyday tasks straightforward. Compared to single-function printers, this model offers the advantage of scanning, copying, and faxing in a single unit, saving space and streamlining workflows. However, it does require enrollment in a subscription service for some advanced features, which could increase ongoing costs. The initial investment is higher than basic printers, but the added functionality justifies it for busy environments.
Pros:- Fast print speeds and high-quality color output
- Versatile connectivity including wireless and cloud integration
- Automatic duplex printing saves time and paper
- Intuitive touchscreen for easy operation
Cons:- Requires enrollment in a subscription for some features
- Complex setup process for some users
- Higher initial cost compared to basic printers
Best for: Small offices needing an all-in-one device with high-quality color output and versatility.
Not ideal for: Those on a tight budget or seeking only basic printing functions without additional features.
- Print Speed:up to 19 ppm
- Scan Speed:up to 29/22 ipm (black/color)
- Paper Capacity:250 sheets
- Auto Document Feeder:50 sheets
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0
- Touchscreen:3.5-inch color touchscreen
Our verdict“A versatile all-in-one choice that balances speed, quality, and multifunctionality for small business needs.”
Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer, Duplex, Mobile Printing, Ethernet, Includes 2-Month Trial
The Brother HL-L3280CDW offers a solid balance of speed and size, making it perfect for small or home offices with limited space. It prints up to 27 ppm, which is impressive for its compact footprint. Its wireless and mobile printing capabilities make it convenient for teams on the move, while automatic duplexing reduces paper use. That said, some features require a subscription service, and the paper capacity is limited to 20 lb. media, which might be restrictive for high-volume needs. Still, this model’s reliability makes it a dependable workhorse for smaller setups.
Pros:- Fast print speeds up to 27 ppm
- Wireless and mobile device compatibility
- Automatic duplex printing
- Compact design suitable for small spaces
Cons:- Requires subscription for full feature set
- Limited paper capacity of 20 lb. media
- Some features depend on internet connection and app downloads
Best for: Small teams or home offices needing a space-efficient, reliable color laser printer.
Not ideal for: High-volume printing environments or users requiring extensive paper capacity and multifunction features.
- Print Speed:27 pages per minute
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet, Mobile Printing
- Duplex Printing:Automatic
- Touchscreen:2.7-inch
- Warranty:1 year
Our verdict“A compact, dependable printer suited for small offices with space constraints and moderate printing needs.”
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw is designed for growing small teams that need fast, high-quality color printing and versatile functions. It offers print speeds of up to 30 ppm in color, along with scanning, copying, and auto duplexing—covering most office document needs. Its wireless and Ethernet options provide flexible placement options, but its weight at nearly 38 pounds could pose challenges during relocation. It’s limited to HP cartridges with chips, which might add to ongoing costs, but overall, it provides professional-grade performance for busy offices.
Pros:- Fast printing and copying speeds
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- All-in-one functions including scan and copy
- Auto duplexing to save paper
Cons:- Heavy at 37.7 pounds, difficult to move
- Limited to HP cartridges with chips
- No high-yield toner options mentioned
Best for: Small teams requiring a fast, all-in-one color laser printer with robust features.
Not ideal for: Those with very limited space or seeking a lightweight, portable option.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Print Speed:Color 30 ppm, B&W 26 ppm
- Maximum Copy Speed:26 ppm
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet
- Weight:37.7 pounds
- Warranty:Limited
Our verdict“A high-performance, versatile printer suited for active small teams needing fast, professional results.”
Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw Wireless Laser Printer – White
The Canon LBP646Cdw is a straightforward, fast monochrome printer designed for users who prioritize speed and quality over multifunctionality. It boasts a 26 ppm print rate and a 10.3-second first print time, making it suitable for high-volume, single-function printing. Its wireless setup is simple, and it features a 5-inch LCD for easy navigation. However, this model only prints, with no scanning or copying, and is limited to 250 sheets capacity, which may not suit high-volume environments. It’s best for those who want a dedicated, reliable color printer for basic but fast printing.
Pros:- Fast print speeds and high-quality output
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
- Automatic duplex printing
- Cost-effective for high-volume printing
Cons:- Print-only functionality
- Limited to monochrome or basic color models
- Small capacity for high-volume needs
Best for: Small offices needing a dedicated, quick color printer with minimal additional functions.
Not ideal for: Teams that require scanning, copying, or high-volume capacity.
- Print Speed:26 ppm
- First Print Time:10.3 seconds
- Connectivity:Wireless
- Display:5-inch LCD
- Paper Capacity:250 sheets
Our verdict“A cost-efficient, fast printer ideal for simple, high-volume color printing without extra features.”
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless Color Laser Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw balances speed and wireless convenience, making it a strong choice for active small teams. It offers a quick 26 ppm in color and black-and-white, with automatic duplexing to reduce paper costs. Its built-in Wi-Fi and high-quality color output make it a versatile option, though it weighs around 33 pounds, which can make repositioning challenging. It strictly uses HP cartridges with chips, which could raise ongoing expenses. For teams prioritizing fast, wireless printing with professional results, this model hits a sweet spot.
Pros:- Fast speeds suitable for busy offices
- Wireless with auto-reconnect feature
- Automatic duplex printing
- High-quality color output
Cons:- Heavy at 33 pounds, difficult to move
- Limited to one input tray
- Requires original HP cartridges with chips
Best for: Small teams needing fast, wireless, professional color printing with easy setup.
Not ideal for: High-volume environments where bulk paper capacity is critical or for users seeking multifunction features.
- Printer Type:Laser
- Print Speed:26 ppm
- Input Tray Capacity:250 sheets
- Connectivity:Wireless, Ethernet
- Color:Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Our verdict“A reliable, fast, wireless printer that’s ideal for small teams focused on efficiency and professional color output.”
How We Picked
Our selections are based on a combination of print speed, connectivity options, multifunction capabilities, size, and cost. We prioritized models with reliable performance tailored for small business environments—balancing speed and quality with ease of use. Each product was evaluated for its role within small offices, considering tradeoffs like weight, capacity, and feature set. We aimed to include a variety of options to match different needs—from basic single-function printers to high-capacity all-in-one systems—ensuring that each choice offers clear advantages for specific scenarios.
| color laser printers for small business | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless C | Wireless, Ethernet, Mobile Printing |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301 | Wireless, Ethernet |
| Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646C | Wireless |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw W | Wireless, Ethernet |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Color Laser Printers For Small Business
When selecting a color laser printer for a small business, it’s important to consider how many functions you need, the volume of printing, space constraints, and ongoing costs. Multifunction models save space and add versatility but tend to be more expensive and complex. Single-function printers may excel in speed and cost-efficiency if scanning or copying isn’t essential. Wireless connectivity and duplexing are must-haves for efficiency, but weigh your capacity needs against weight and size. This guide helps clarify what to look for based on your workflow and budget.
Key Features to Consider
Speed, capacity, and multifunctionality are primary. For fast, high-volume printing, look for models with speeds of 26 ppm or more. Capacity matters if you print large batches—aim for at least 250 sheets. Multifunction devices combine printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, saving space but increasing cost and complexity. Wireless and Ethernet options provide flexibility, especially for layouts where mobility matters. Duplex printing reduces paper use and costs, making it a standard feature in most models today.
Size and Portability
Small offices or home setups benefit from compact models like the Brother HL-L3280CDW, which fit easily on desks or shelves. Heavier, all-in-one printers like the HP Pro 3301sdw may offer more features but can be harder to move. Consider your workspace and whether your printer needs to be relocated frequently, and choose accordingly.
Cost and Ongoing Expenses
Initial costs vary widely—single-function printers tend to be cheaper upfront, but multifunction models or those requiring special cartridges may add to ongoing expenses. Be aware of cartridge compatibility; models requiring proprietary or chipped cartridges can increase costs over time. High-yield toner options are worth considering if you print in large volumes regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of multifunction color laser printers?
Multifunction color laser printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing into a single device, saving space and streamlining workflows. They are ideal for small offices that need versatile functionality without purchasing multiple devices, though they often come with a higher initial price and more complex setup.
Are wireless connectivity features worth it in small business printers?
Wireless connectivity provides significant convenience, allowing multiple users to print from various devices without the clutter of cables. It facilitates flexible placement and supports mobile printing, which is especially valuable in dynamic small office environments. However, it can introduce security considerations and may depend on a stable Wi-Fi network.
How important is print speed for small business printers?
Print speed directly impacts efficiency, especially during busy periods. For most small businesses, a speed of at least 26 ppm in color and black-and-white is desirable to keep up with workflow. Faster speeds reduce wait times but often come with higher costs, so balancing speed with budget constraints is key.
Should I choose a color laser printer over inkjet?
Color laser printers generally provide sharper, more consistent color for professional documents, with faster print speeds and higher durability for office use. Inkjet printers may be cheaper initially but tend to be slower, less durable, and more expensive per page, making lasers a better long-term investment for small businesses with regular color printing needs.
What ongoing costs should I consider?
Ongoing costs primarily include toner cartridges, which can be expensive, especially if proprietary or chipped cartridges are required. High-yield toner options can reduce per-page costs, but initial cartridge prices vary. Also consider energy consumption and maintenance costs, especially with multifunction models that have more components.
Conclusion
For small business owners prioritizing multifunction capabilities and all-in-one versatility, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW offers excellent value despite a higher initial price. Those with limited space or primarily mono-color needs should consider the Canon LBP646Cdw for speed and affordability. Larger teams or fast-paced environments will benefit from the HP Pro 3301sdw or HP 3201dw for their speed and wireless features. Budget-conscious users who only need basic color printing might opt for the Canon model, while those seeking a compact, reliable device will find the Brother HL-L3280CDW a strong fit. Your choice should hinge on your specific workflow, volume, and space considerations.
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