Choosing a color multifunction printer often comes down to a single trade-off: upfront cost versus the long-term expense of replacement ink or toner. The market is flooded with models that lure you in with a low sticker price, then squeeze you dry with expensive cartridges that run out faster than expected. A smart buyer looks past the initial purchase and focuses on the total cost of ownership, print quality, and the specific features that actually matter for their workflow.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. I’ve spent hundreds of hours analyzing the hardware specifications, customer reports, and real-world performance data of the latest all-in-one color printers to separate the true workhorses from the paperweights.
Whether you need a device for a busy home office, a small business, or creative projects, finding the best color multifunction printer means matching your volume and quality needs to the right print technology.
How To Choose The Best Color Multifunction Printer
The right color multifunction printer depends on your print volume, media types, and whether you prioritize document quality, photo output, or operating cost. Understanding the core technologies and features helps you match the machine to your actual workload.
Ink Tank vs. Cartridge vs. Laser
Ink tank printers (like Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank) use refillable bottles that dramatically lower the cost per page, making them ideal for moderate to high volume. Traditional cartridge inkjets cost less upfront but can become expensive over time, though they often produce superior photo prints. Color laser printers excel at sharp text and graphics on plain paper, with faster speeds and lower per-page costs at high volume, but color lasers typically cannot match inkjet photo quality.
Paper Handling and Duplexing
For a busy office, an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is essential for scanning multi-page documents. Auto duplex (two-sided printing) saves paper and looks professional. Check the input tray capacity — 150 sheets is minimal, while 250 sheets or more reduces reloading during long jobs. Some models offer separate photo trays, which is a plus for photo enthusiasts.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
Built-in Wi-Fi is standard, but dual-band wireless (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) provides more stable connections in crowded networks. Features like AirPrint, Mopria, and HP Smart App allow printing directly from phones and tablets. Ethernet is still useful for wired reliability in office settings. USB ports enable local direct printing from a thumb drive.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8138e | Inkjet | Mid-volume home office | 20 ppm black / 10 ppm color | Amazon |
| HP Envy Photo 7975 | Inkjet | Home photo & document printing | 15 ppm black / 10 ppm color | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2803 | Ink Tank | Budget-conscious low-volume use | 10 ppm black / 5 ppm color | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Ink Tank | Small office with high volume | 15 ppm black / 10 ppm color | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Color Laser | Small business with document focus | 24 ppm black & color | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950 | Ink Tank | Home office with high volume | 18 ppm black / 9 ppm color | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color Laser | Small office needing durable color laser | 19 ppm black & color | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Color Laser | Busy office with high-speed needs | 31 ppm black & color | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw | Color Laser | Workgroup with heavy scanning | 35 ppm black & color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
The Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 strikes an excellent balance between moderate upfront cost and drastically reduced per-page ink expenses. Using pigment-based GI-25 ink bottles, this printer delivers crisp text and vibrant color graphics that resist smudging on plain paper, making it a strong fit for a home office or small business that prints a mix of documents and marketing materials.
Print speeds of 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color are respectable for the ink tank class, and the 35-sheet ADF with auto duplex copying and scanning speeds up multi-page workflows. The 250-sheet input tray handles typical office runs without constant refills. Users consistently praise the print quality for both text and color graphics, noting the ink savings over cartridge-based predecessors.
The main complaints center on cardstock handling — the printer tends to curl heavier stock and can leave streaks at high quality settings. Setup is generally smooth via the touchscreen, and the Wi-Fi connection has proven reliable. For anyone tired of cartridge costs, this is a compelling mid-range pick.
What works
- Very low ink cost per page with included bottle set
- Fast scan speeds and reliable auto duplex
- Sharp, smudge-resistant document output
What doesn’t
- Cardstock prints show significant curl
- No photo tray for borderless prints
- Print engine is relatively loud during operation
2. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a color laser all-in-one designed for small businesses or home offices that demand speed and reliability. With print speeds up to 31 ppm in both black and color, it blows past most inkjets and even some laser competitors. The single-pass duplex scanning feature is a major productivity boost — it scans both sides of a document in one pass, cutting scanning time nearly in half.
Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct provide flexible connectivity. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is intuitive, and the Brother Mobile Connect app allows remote print and scan from a smartphone. Users report that setup is straightforward, especially via a wired Ethernet connection, and that the printer runs quietly with no paper jams during typical office use.
Color output is excellent for charts, graphs, and text, though it is not intended for high-quality photo printing — color lasers cannot match the tonal range of inkjets. Replacement toner is expensive, and some users have experienced frustrations with Brother’s Refresh subscription program. For a high-volume document-focused office, this is a top-tier performer.
What works
- Very fast print speeds for a color laser
- Single-pass duplex scanning is a time saver
- Quiet operation and reliable paper handling
What doesn’t
- Color laser output is weak for photo printing
- Toner cartridges are costly to replace
- Subscription program can cause interruptions
3. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw
The Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw is a full-featured color laser all-in-one built for demanding workgroups. Its 35 ppm print speed in both black and color is among the fastest in its class, and the one-pass duplex scanning with a 50-sheet ADF keeps high-volume document processing moving quickly. The standard paper capacity is 250 sheets, expandable to 850 sheets with an optional cassette.
Print quality is sharp and professional for text and color graphics, and the device supports printing from mobile devices via Canon PRINT Business. The 3-year limited warranty provides peace of mind for a business-critical machine. Users note that the output is ultra-clean, copies are crisp, and the scanner alignment is excellent.
However, the toner costs are steep — replacement cartridges are expensive, and the included starter cartridges run out quickly. Some buyers receive gray-market units that cannot be registered with Canon USA for warranty support, so check the seller carefully. The setup process has a learning curve, particularly for network scanning configuration. For a heavy-use office that prints thousands of pages per month, this is a powerful machine.
What works
- Class-leading print speed at 35 ppm
- One-pass duplex scanning saves time
- Expandable paper handling for large jobs
What doesn’t
- High toner cost per page
- Starter cartridges yield very few pages
- Risk of gray-market units without US warranty
4. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is a seventh-generation supertank printer that comes with enough ink in the box for up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages — effectively covering years of moderate use before you need to buy more bottles. The cartridge-free system uses keyed EcoFit bottles that make refilling simple and mess-free, and the uniquely shaped tanks cannot be mixed up.
Print speeds of 18 ppm black and 9 ppm color are solid for the ink tank category, and the 250-sheet paper tray with auto duplex covers most home office needs. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is functional if a bit small. Setup is quick via the Epson Smart Panel app, and wireless connectivity has proven reliable for most users. Photo quality is good for an ink tank, with vivid colors and no visible banding.
Build quality feels a bit plasticky, and the lack of a dedicated photo tray limits photo printing convenience. Some users experience initial paper jams during setup and a slight lag before printing begins. The long-term ink savings are the main draw — for anyone printing hundreds of pages a month, this pays for itself over time.
What works
- Very low cost per page with included high-volume ink
- Simple, mess-free ink refill system
- Good print and scan quality for documents
What doesn’t
- Plastic build feels less durable
- No separate photo tray
- Occasional print lag and slow duplex
5. HP Envy Photo 7975
The HP Envy Photo 7975 is designed for families and home users who want a versatile printer that handles both everyday documents and high-quality photo printing. It includes a separate photo tray for borderless 4×6 prints, and the AI-powered print feature automatically reformats web pages and emails to avoid wasted pages. Print speeds of up to 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color are adequate for light to moderate use.
The large color touchscreen makes navigation easy, and the auto document feeder supports multi-page copying and scanning. Wireless setup via the HP Smart App is typically smooth, and the printer supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria. Users report that the print quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details on photo paper, and that the printer runs quietly.
However, there are significant reliability concerns. Some units have failed after only a few weeks, with firmware issues causing jams and tearing paper. The “quiet print” setting can be sticky, and some users find the printer noisy in normal mode. Ink costs are typical for a cartridge-based system, so the HP Instant Ink subscription is worth considering to reduce per-page expenses.
What works
- Excellent photo print quality with separate tray
- AI-powered web page formatting works well
- Easy wireless setup with intuitive app
What doesn’t
- Some units have failed after a few weeks
- Firmware issues can cause paper jams
- Ink costs are high without a subscription
6. Xerox C235dni
The Xerox C235dni is a solid color laser all-in-one aimed at small offices that need professional-quality documents without inkjet hassles. It prints at 24 ppm in both black and color, and the first page comes out in seconds. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria support make mobile printing straightforward. The guided setup via the Xerox Easy Assist App simplifies installation, though some users find the app finicky.
Print quality is sharp and vibrant for business documents, presentations, and reports. The starter toner yields about 500 pages, and high-yield cartridges are available to reduce ongoing costs. Users who invested in quality paper (like Hammermill Premium) report excellent results, while cheap copy paper can produce light output. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive.
The scanner is a weak point — several users report that copies and scans come out too light, even with the darkness setting maxed out. The Windows driver installation can be problematic, especially on systems without a CD drive. For a small office that prints many color documents and can work around the scanner limitations, this is a capable machine.
What works
- Fast, vibrant color print output
- Reliable Wi-Fi and mobile printing support
- High-yield toner options reduce cost per page
What doesn’t
- Scanner produces underexposed copies
- Windows driver setup can be difficult
- Starter toner runs out very quickly
7. Brother MFC-L3720CDW (Renewed Premium)
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a proven color laser multifunction printer that delivers consistent performance for small offices. With print speeds of 19 ppm in both black and color, it is fast enough for moderate-volume use. The 50-sheet ADF handles multi-page scan and copy jobs efficiently, and the 3.5-inch color touchscreen offers up to 48 customizable shortcuts for quick access to common tasks.
Connectivity options are versatile: dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0. The Brother Mobile Connect app enables remote printing and toner monitoring. Users report that the printer is well-built, quiet, and produces sharp, vibrant color output for business documents. Toner efficiency is a strong point — standard cartridges can last a year with light daily use, making this cheaper to run than many inkjets.
The printer counts pages rather than measuring toner level, which can cause it to stop printing mid-job when the counter hits zero — even if there is toner remaining. Some users also report “non-genuine toner” errors with original cartridges, which can be frustrating. Color laser output is not suitable for photo printing. For a durable, low-hassle document printer, this is a strong contender.
What works
- Durable build with reliable paper handling
- Sharp, vibrant color document output
- Toner lasts a long time for light to moderate use
What doesn’t
- Stops printing when page counter hits zero, not when toner is empty
- Not designed for high-quality photo prints
- Occasional false “non-genuine toner” errors
8. HP OfficeJet Pro 8138e (Renewed Premium)
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8138e is a renewed (refurbished) all-in-one inkjet that offers strong value for home offices on a budget. It prints up to 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color, with a maximum color resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi for sharp text and vibrant graphics. The 225-sheet input tray can handle larger print jobs without constant reloading, and auto duplex printing saves paper.
Connectivity options are comprehensive: dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, and support for Apple AirPrint, Wi-Fi Direct, and Mopria. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides a clear interface for navigation. Users who have had success with this unit praise the print speed, scan quality, and the ability to use generic cartridges without triggering HP ink subscription requirements.
However, as a renewed product, there is variability in quality. Some users report that their unit arrived faulty — with issues like a non-functional Ethernet port, poor print quality, or outright failure. The refurbished nature also means you are not getting a factory-fresh device. For buyers willing to take a chance on a renewed unit to save money, this can be a great deal, but there is inherent risk.
What works
- Fast print speed with good color quality
- Large 225-sheet paper tray
- Works with generic ink cartridges to save money
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent quality control for renewed units
- Some units arrive with hardware defects
- No manufacturer warranty like a new product
9. Epson EcoTank ET-2803
The Epson EcoTank ET-2803 is an entry-level supertank printer that prioritizes rock-bottom ink costs over speed and features. It uses bottle-based ink that yields up to 4,500 black pages and 7,500 color pages per set — enough to last light users for years. The print quality is impressive for the price: sharp text and vibrant, smudge-free color photos that rival much more expensive inkjets.
The flatbed scanner and copier are functional, and the small LCD display allows basic navigation. Setup is straightforward via the Epson Smart Panel app, and the printer supports AirPrint for easy mobile printing. Users consistently praise the ink longevity and the excellent photo output, noting that they have printed hundreds of photos with the tanks still mostly full. The printer handles cardstock and sticker paper without jams.
Wi-Fi connectivity is the biggest headache — the printer frequently loses connection, and the Epson app can fail to discover it on the network. Some users resort to assigning a static IP address via DHCP reservation to stabilize the connection. The lack of duplex printing and the small screen are additional limitations. For budget-conscious users who mainly print photos and can tolerate network quirks, this is an outstanding value.
What works
- Extremely low ink cost with high page yields
- Surprisingly good photo print quality
- Compact footprint for tight desk spaces
What doesn’t
- Wi-Fi connection is unreliable and finicky
- No auto duplex printing
- Tiny LCD screen is difficult to read
Hardware & Specs Guide
Print Technology: Inkjet vs. Laser
Inkjet printers, including ink tank models, spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto the page. They produce superior color gradients and photo prints, but the ink can smudge on plain paper if not pigment-based. Color laser printers use toner powder fused with heat, resulting in smudge-proof text and graphics that are ideal for documents, but they lack the tonal depth for high-quality photo printing.
Page Yield and Cost Per Page
Page yield indicates how many pages a cartridge or ink bottle set can print before replacement. For ink tanks, a high-yield set (like 4,500 black pages) drastically lowers cost per page to fractions of a cent. Laser toner yields vary by capacity — standard yield cartridges may only cover 500-1,000 pages, while high-yield or super high-yield options can reach several thousand. Always compare the cost per page, not just the printer price.
FAQ
Which print technology is better for printing photos, inkjet or color laser?
How do I estimate the true cost per page of a color multifunction printer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the color multifunction printer winner is the Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 because it delivers the best balance of low ink cost, fast print speeds, and reliable scanning in a compact package. If you need blazing-fast color laser output for a busy office, grab the Brother MFC-L3780CDW. And for budget-friendly photo printing with the lowest long-term ink costs, nothing beats the Epson EcoTank ET-2803.