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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
A color printer that costs less to feed than the last one is the real win. You already know cartridges are a racket. This guide is about finding the machine where the upfront price isn’t a trap — where the per-page cost is low enough that you stop flinching every time you hit print.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Finding a color printer that fits your budget and workload can be tricky. This roundup covers every price tier so you can match a printer to your home, office, or small business needs.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Color Printer
The right color printer isn’t about the sticker price. It is about the total cost of ownership — how much you pay over the first year as you run through ink or toner. You also need to match print speed, paper handling, and connectivity to your actual daily use. Here’s how to sort the options.
Ink Tank vs. Cartridge vs. Laser
Ink tank (supertank) printers come with refillable bottles that yield thousands of pages before you need a refill. Cartridge-based inkjets cost less upfront but hit you with expensive replacements — especially for color. Laser printers use toner powder, not liquid ink, and are generally faster and better for high-volume text documents, though they cost more to buy and color laser output isn’t as vibrant for photos.
Print Speed — Black & White vs. Color PPM
Manufacturers quote separate pages-per-minute (ppm) speeds for black text and for color. A printer that runs at 18 ppm black may drop to 9 ppm color. If you print mostly spreadsheets or reports with color charts, the color ppm matters more. If you mostly print text documents, black ppm is what counts.
Paper Handling and Duplex
A printer with automatic duplex (double-sided) printing cuts paper use in half without you flipping pages manually. An auto document feeder (ADF) lets you scan or copy multi-page stacks in one go — a must for any home office. Check the input tray capacity, too; a 100-sheet tray means refilling often.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Black PPM | Color PPM | Paper Tray | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950★ Best Overall | High-volume home office | 18 ppm | 9 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120Best Value | Budget duplex printing | 14 ppm | 9 ppm | ~50-100 sheets | Amazon |
| HP Envy 6155Smart Home Choice | Low-volume home use | 10 ppm | 7 ppm | 100-sheet | Amazon |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 | Home office productivity | 20 ppm | 10 ppm | 225-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother INKvestment MFC-J1365DW | Compact color with ADF | 16 ppm | 9 ppm | 150-sheet | Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | Cartridge-free value | 15 ppm | 8 ppm | — | Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 | Small office color printing | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | — | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Color laser reliability | 19 ppm | 19 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Fast laser for office | 24 ppm | 24 ppm | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless All-in-One Supertank
Our pick — over 4★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The tank that keeps printing long after cartridges would have you buying again.
This is the printer you choose when you want to stop thinking about ink for a very long time. It comes with enough ink in the box to print up to 6,600 black pages and 5,500 color pages — each replacement bottle set is equivalent to about 80 cartridges. That means your cost per page drops dramatically compared to any cartridge machine.
You get black pages at 18 ppm (pages per minute) and color at 9 ppm — that is 80% faster on black pages than the HP Envy 6155, and also faster on color. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen, auto duplex (double-sided) printing, and a 250-sheet paper tray make it a true home office workhorse. Buyers report that setup took 45 minutes due to a paper jam, though once running, the wireless connectivity was smooth and the refill system was easy.
Why pick this one
- Ink for up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages included in the box
- Fast 18 ppm black print speed with zero warmup time
- Auto document feeder and fax built in
Know before you buy
- Initial setup took some buyers 45 minutes due to paper jam issues
- Photo quality on glossy paper drew complaints from some users
Grab it if: you print hundreds of pages a month and want the lowest ink cost in the long run.
Look elsewhere if: you rarely print — the upfront investment makes sense only for moderate-to-heavy use.
2. Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Color Inkjet
A compact duplex printer that costs little upfront and prints surprisingly well.
You don’t need to pay premium money for automatic double-sided printing and a color printer. The TR7120 delivers 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color — that is 29% faster on color pages than the HP Envy 6155 — in a footprint small enough for a cramped desk. The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED screen keeps you informed of ink levels at a glance.
Owners mention that they had to print nearly 500 pages right after buying it, and the unit handled the load without a single jam. The catch is that this is a cartridge-based printer, and unlike some competitors, the three color inks are combined in one cartridge — when one runs out, you replace the whole thing. For light-to-moderate home use, the trade-off is worth it.
Reasons to love it
- Automatic duplex printing at a budget-friendly price
- Reliable dual-band Wi-Fi with easy setup, per buyer feedback
- Compact size fits small workspaces
Reasons to think twice
- Color inks are in one cartridge — replacing any color means replacing all three
- Paper tray capacity is small, around 50-100 sheets
Reach for this if: you need duplex printing on a budget and your print volume is light-to-moderate.
Pass if: you print hundreds of color pages each month — the cartridge cost will add up fast.
3. HP Envy 6155 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
An affordable all-in-one that keeps it simple with a big touchscreen and HP’s AI smarts.
For a home that prints homework, photos, and the occasional document, the Envy 6155 wraps everything in an easy-to-use package. It prints at 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color, has a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, and includes HP’s P3 color technology for prints that look closer to what you see on screen. The Instant Ink subscription trial (3 months included) can lower ink costs if you print regularly.
Customers note they were replacing an HP Envy that had lasted over 10 years, and the setup was straightforward — though one reviewer struggled with Wi-Fi connectivity and returned the unit. The power button being on the back is a small annoyance some owners flagged. This is a good pick if you print occasionally and value brand familiarity.
What works
- Easy-to-use 2.4-inch touchscreen interface
- HP’s P3 technology for vibrant photo prints
- 3-month Instant Ink trial included
What to watch
- Slow print speeds vs. other picks — 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color
- Some buyers experienced Wi-Fi connectivity issues during setup
Best for: families who print occasionally and want a simple, brand-name all-in-one.
Not for: anyone who prints more than a few hundred pages a month — the cost per page is high.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet
Speed and security for the home office that sends professional documents.
At 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color, this is one of the faster cartridge-based inkjets on the list. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen feels phone-like to navigate, and the 225-sheet input tray means fewer refill breaks. It also includes an auto document feeder (ADF), auto duplex, and HP Wolf Essential Security for data protection — features small businesses actually need.
Reviewers point out the setup was easy and they could print from any device on their home network. The trade-off is the same as any cartridge printer: the HP 923 ink cartridges are expensive, and some shoppers say the build feels cheaper than previous OfficeJet Pro versions. If you need speed and security but print moderately, this is a strong mid-range option.
Where it shines
- Fast 20 ppm black and 10 ppm color with auto document feeder
- Large 225-sheet paper tray reduces refill frequency
- HP Wolf Essential Security for network protection
Where it struggles
- High ink cartridge costs can pile up quickly
- Some users found the build less sturdy than previous Pro models
Choose this if: you need fast color prints and an ADF for a busy home office.
skip it if: you plan to print heavily — the ink costs will make you wince.
5. Brother INKvestment MFC-J1365DW Wireless Color Inkjet
A compact inkjet with front-loading cartridges and a surprisingly small footprint.
Brother’s INKvestment system gives you a 1,200-page black cartridge and a 500-page color cartridge in the box — enough to get started without buying ink immediately. At 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color, it is competitive for a home office. The 150-sheet front-loading paper tray is the reason the printer stays compact, and the 20-page ADF handles multi-page scan jobs.
Buyers report the print quality is excellent, with one user saying it looks as good as laser printing. The front-loading cartridge access was praised as one of the best maintenance features on a desktop inkjet. Setup was smooth for some but a nightmare for others — connectivity issues with Wi-Fi and WPS PIN caused a few returns.
Standout features
- Includes a 1,200-page black and 500-page color cartridge
- Front-loading cartridge access for easy maintenance
- Compact design with a front-loading paper tray
Potential pitfalls
- Wi-Fi setup can be finicky, with some users unable to connect
- Brother pushes ink subscription sign-ups during setup
Reach for this if: you want a compact inkjet with good starter cartridge yield and easy maintenance.
Pass if: you have a weak Wi-Fi signal in your office — the connectivity may frustrate you.
6. Epson EcoTank ET-2980 Wireless All-in-One Color Supertank
The entry-level tank that still gives you years of ink in the box.
This is the most affordable way to get into the EcoTank ecosystem. It comes with enough ink for up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages, and each replacement bottle set is equivalent to about 90 cartridges. It prints at 15 ppm black and 8 ppm color, with auto duplex (double-sided) printing included.
Owners mention the setup was the easiest they had ever experienced with a printer, and the auto output tray was a welcome upgrade. The catch is there is no auto document feeder, so scanning multi-page documents means feeding each page manually. The small LCD has a narrow viewing angle too. If you can live without an ADF, this is a fantastic value.
Why it’s a steal
- Up to 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages included in the box
- Each replacement bottle set is equivalent to about 90 cartridges
- Auto output tray is a nice convenience upgrade
What you give up
- No auto document feeder — one page at a time for scanning
- Small LCD with a narrow viewing angle
Best for: budget-conscious buyers who want tank-level ink savings and don’t need to scan stacks.
Not for: anyone who regularly scans multi-page documents — you’ll miss the ADF.
7. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020 All-in-One Wireless Printer
A refillable tank system built for small offices that print a lot of color.
Canon’s MegaTank system gives you up to 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per set of ink bottles — no cartridges to swap. It prints at 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, and the 35-sheet auto document feeder handles stacks of multi-page jobs. The 2.7-inch color LCD touchscreen and automatic duplex printing round out a strong package for a home office.
Customers note that the setup was straightforward with the guided touchscreen, and the print quality for text and graphics is excellent. One reviewer who switched from HP said it was worth every penny. However, some users complain that photo printing is blurry and dull, so if glossy photo output matters to you, this isn’t the right machine.
What makes it great
- Up to 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per ink set
- 35-sheet auto document feeder for scanning and copying
- Excellent text and graphics output for business documents
Where it falls short
- Photo quality on glossy paper is subpar, per some buyers
- Higher upfront cost than cartridge-based alternatives
Choose this if: you need a tank-based printer with an ADF for business documents and presentations.
pass on it if: you want to print high-quality photos on glossy paper — look at a photo-centric inkjet instead.
8. Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer (Renewed Premium)
Fast, consistent laser output with a big touchscreen and a 50-page ADF.
This color laser printer delivers 19 ppm in both black and color — meaning the color speed is the same as the black speed, something inkjets rarely match. It has a 50-page auto document feeder, a 250-sheet paper tray, and a 3.5-inch color touchscreen that gives you up to 48 custom shortcuts. The laser technology means toner doesn’t dry out if the printer sits idle for weeks.
Reviewers point out that wireless setup was quick and the print quality is sharp with vibrant colors. One owner mentioned paper feed issues with double-feeding. The critical caveat from some users: once the waste toner box fills, the printer may stop working even after replacing it, and Brother support was not helpful for out-of-warranty units.
Why professionals like it
- Same speed for black and color — 19 ppm both ways
- 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page jobs
- 3.5-inch color touchscreen with custom shortcuts
Potential dealbreakers
- Waste toner error can brick the printer after a few thousand pages
- Laser photo prints are decent but inkjet is better for photos
Great for: offices that print mostly documents and need reliable color output without ink drying out.
Not for: photo enthusiasts or high-volume users who may hit the waste toner issue.
9. Xerox C235dni Wireless Color Laser All-in-One
The fastest color laser here — 24 ppm both black and color.
If your office needs speed above all, the Xerox C235dni prints at 24 ppm in both black and color, making it the quickest printer on this list. It uses laser toner (starter toner yields 500 pages), supports high-yield cartridges to reduce running costs, and is rated for up to 1,500 pages per month. Built-in Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria make mobile printing simple.
Shoppers say that the laser prints sharp text and brilliant color graphics for professional documents. One reviewer called it the “best printer I’ve owned yet” and noted it survives power outages. However, the starter toner runs out quickly — one owner reported ink ran low after fewer than 15 pages — and the Xerox Easy Assist App setup can be hit-or-miss.
Speed and reliability
- Fastest speed on the list — 24 ppm black and color
- Laser quality means no ink drying out
- Built-in Wi-Fi with AirPrint and Mopria support
Watch out for
- Starter toner yield is only 500 pages — replacements are expensive
- Setup app can be unreliable; some users needed manual configuration
Best for: small offices that want fast color laser output and don’t mind higher toner costs.
it’s not for you if: you need photo-quality color prints or want a printer with lower consumable costs.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
This is how fast a printer can produce pages, typically measured in black-and-white and color separately. A higher black ppm means faster text documents. The color ppm is often lower because the printer lays down multiple layers of ink or toner. For example, the Epson ET-4950 runs at 18 ppm black but drops to 9 ppm color — that’s normal.
Duplex (Double-Sided) Printing
A printer with automatic duplex can print on both sides of a page without you flipping the paper manually. This cuts paper use in half and saves money over time. All the printers on this list have auto duplex as a standard feature, but it’s worth confirming before you buy.
FAQ
What is the difference between ink tank and cartridge printers?
Is color laser better than color inkjet for home use?
How many pages should a color printer last?
What does an auto document feeder (ADF) do?
Can I print photos on a color laser printer?
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct on a printer?
Will a budget-friendly color printer work for a small business?
How do I know if a color printer supports automatic duplex printing?
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for printers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the color printer winner is the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 because it combines the lowest long-term ink cost with fast print speeds, an auto document feeder, and a generous 250-sheet paper tray — everything a home office needs. If you want a compact tank printer for budget-friendly color printing, grab the Epson EcoTank ET-2980. And for speed-driven offices that need laser reliability, the Xerox C235dni delivers 24 ppm in both black and color.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.