Best Color Laser Printers

TL;DR: The Lexmark CS331dw prints color at 26 ppm, offers automatic duplexing, and packs a 35.5‑lb steel frame into a compact footprint for $259, making it a solid choice for small workgroups.

Lexmark equips the CS331dw with a dual‑core 1.0 GHz processor and 512 MB of memory, delivering up to 26 ppm for both black and color pages. Automatic duplex printing runs at 13 spm, and the first page appears in as little as 10.9 seconds. The printer’s maximum print resolution is 600 dpi, and it supports a wide range of media from A6 up to legal size.

At 35.5 pounds, the CS331dw is heavier than the Xerox C230dni (30.0 lb) but lighter than the Xerox C320dni (45.0 lb) and considerably lighter than the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw (60.7 lb). Its 250‑sheet main tray plus a single‑sheet manual feed matches the base capacity of many peers, though the Xerox C320dni can expand to 901 sheets with accessories. The CS331dw’s input and output capacities (250 + 1 manual, 100 sheet output) keep it compact for a small‑to‑medium workgroup.

Everyday users praise the printer’s speed and the long‑lasting high‑yield toner cartridges—4500 pages for both black and color high‑yield options. Professional reviewers highlight the strong security suite (IPSec, SNMPv3, IEEE 802.1X, secure boot, firmware signing) as a standout for its class. On the downside, owners report that Wi‑Fi setup can be finicky, the unit occasionally goes “offline” and needs a reboot, and the built‑in 2‑line monochrome LCD offers limited on‑device navigation. Noise levels sit at 51 dBA during duplex printing and 52 dBA while printing, which some users note in quieter office spaces.

Connectivity is generous: 10/100/1000 Base‑TX Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi‑Fi, USB 2.0 Hi‑Speed, and support for AirPrint, Mopria, and Lexmark’s mobile app. Power consumption is modest at 15 W in ready mode and 0.84 W in sleep, though it peaks at 395 W while printing. These features combine to give a well‑rounded, network‑ready printer without the bulk of larger office models.

Best for: Small to medium workgroups, home offices, and departmental teams that need fast color output and solid security.

Avoid if: You require expandable memory, a touchscreen interface, ultra‑quiet operation, or unrestricted toner cartridge options.

TL;DR: The Lexmark CX532adwe delivers 35 ppm color and black printing, a 2 GB memory pool, and enterprise‑grade security in a sturdy 59.5‑lb chassis, but its premium $1,048.99 price and 50 dBA noise level may limit appeal for small quiet offices.

What really stands out is the 35 ppm maximum print speed for both color and black, coupled with a first‑page out time of 7.2 seconds for black and 7.5 seconds for color. The 4.3‑inch color touchscreen makes job selection intuitive, and the 1.2 GHz quad‑core processor backed by 2 GB DDR memory helps keep that speed consistent even with complex documents.

Compared with the other ten entries, the CX532adwe is heavier than the Brother MFC‑L5915DW (38.3 lb) and comparable in weight to the Xerox C325dni (also 59.5 lb). Its standard input capacity of 251 sheets (up to 2,001 sheets with optional trays) dwarfs the Canon MF665Cdw’s typical tray size, while its copy speed of 35 cpm outpaces the Kyocera MA2600cwfx’s 27 cpm. The device shares the same footprint as the Xerox C325dni—making it a drop‑in replacement for that model without sacrificing space.

Users consistently praise the fast, reliable output at 35 ppm and the strong security suite, which includes TPM, FIPS 140‑2, and Common Criteria certifications. Professional reviewers note the solid steel frame and the high‑yield imaging kit (150,000 pages combined). On the downside, the fixed 2 GB memory limits very large job queues, the 50 dBA printing noise can be distracting in quiet zones, and several users report that Wi‑Fi configuration can be finicky on certain networks.

Best for: Medium‑sized offices and departments that need high‑volume color output, strong data protection, and a durable workhorse.

Avoid if: You need a quiet, low‑cost solution or require expandable memory; the $1,048.99 price tag and 50 dBA noise level make it less suited for small, budget‑focused workspaces.

TL;DR: The Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw delivers 26 ppm color laser printing with a 5‑inch touchscreen, 1200×1200 dpi output and a 50‑sheet ADF for $429.99, though its 60.7‑lb chassis is fairly bulky.

What really sets this model apart is its 5‑inch color touchscreen paired with 1 GB of RAM, enabling a smooth UI and fast 26 ppm (both color and monochrome) printing at 1200×1200 dpi resolution. The unit also provides automatic duplex printing and scanning, plus a single‑pass two‑sided ADF that holds 50 sheets.

In the context of the eleven‑product roundup, the MF665Cdw matches Lexmark’s CX331adwe on copy speed (both 26 cpm) but beats it on first‑print latency—10.3 seconds for black versus Lexmark’s 13.1 seconds. It’s heavier than the Lexmark (60.7 lb vs 50 lb) and the Xerox C320dni (45 lb), yet only a pound or so above the Xerox C325dni (59.5 lb). Its 5‑inch display is larger than Lexmark’s 2.8‑inch screen and matches the Canon MF753Cdw II, while the Xerox C325dni’s 4.3‑inch panel is slightly smaller. The MF665Cdw’s copy speed is slower than the Xerox C325dni’s 33 ppm and Brother’s MFC‑L5915DW’s 31 cpm color speed, placing it solidly in the mid‑range tier.

Reviewers consistently praise the printer’s quick setup, vibrant color output at 1200×1200 dpi and the convenience of mobile printing via the Canon PRINT app, AirPrint and Mopria. Professional reviewers note the ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certifications and the 1 GB RAM that helps keep jobs flowing. On the flip side, users point out the lack of a grayscale scan‑to‑email option, occasional PDF artifacts in black‑and‑white scans, and a menu system that can feel confusing. The 60.7‑lb chassis also draws comments about bulkiness on tighter desks.

Best for: Value-conscious buyers seeking quality at $429.99

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II delivers 35 ppm color laser printing, a 5‑inch touchscreen, and up to 850 sheets of paper handling for $530.81, earning a solid 4.2‑star rating from 671 reviewers.

What really stands out is the combination of speed and capacity. Canon lists a print speed of 35 pages per minute in both color and monochrome, and the first page appears in just 0.12 minutes (7 seconds). A 5‑inch color touchscreen makes navigation intuitive, while 1 GB of RAM helps keep large jobs flowing smoothly. The machine can hold 250 sheets in its standard cassette and expand to a total of 850 sheets, so you won’t be refilling trays every few minutes.

Compared with the other ten printers in this roundup, the MF753Cdw II sits in the middle of the weight range at 50.0 pounds—heavier than the Brother MFC‑L5915DW (38.3 pounds) but lighter than the Canon MF665Cdw (60.7 pounds) and Xerox C325dni (59.5 pounds). Its 35 ppm speed is a notch above Xerox’s 33 ppm and well ahead of Lexmark’s 26 cpm and Kyocera’s 27 cpm. The 5‑inch display also outpaces Xerox’s 4.3‑inch screen and far exceeds Lexmark’s 2.8‑inch panel, giving you more room to preview settings.

Users consistently praise the fast output and the generous paper capacity, noting that the automatic duplex printer and scanner handle office‑style workloads without a hitch. Professional reviewers highlight the crisp black‑and‑white text and vibrant color graphics, while everyday owners love the quick first‑page time. On the downside, several reviewers mention that setting up Wi‑Fi and installing drivers can be fiddly, and new PCs sometimes lack the scanner software. The machine also lacks a built‑in memory‑card reader, which some users would expect in a multifunction device.

Best for: Small to mid‑size offices, hybrid workspaces, and teams that need fast, reliable color laser output with generous paper capacity.

Avoid if: You require advanced scanning features, a built‑in card reader, or a printer that’s hassle‑free to set up on Wi‑Fi.

TL;DR: The Lexmark CX331adwe delivers fast 26 ppm color printing, solid steel construction, and robust security in a compact 15.5‑by‑16.2‑inch footprint, but its high toner cost and lack of duplex scanning keep it from being the best value.

At its core, the CX331adwe prints at 26 ppm in both black and color, and it reaches its first page in just 10.6 seconds. The machine offers a 4800 × 600 dpi color print resolution and a 2.8‑inch color e‑Task LCD that lets you navigate menus without a mouse. Built on a steel frame, it delivers durability, and the embedded security suite includes IPSec, 802.1x authentication, and multiple encryption protocols.

When you line it up against the other ten entries, the Lexmark sits in the middle of the weight range—heavier than the Xerox C320dni’s 45 lb but lighter than the Canon MF665Cdw’s 60.7 lb. Its 15.5‑inch depth is shallower than the Xerox C320dni’s 16.6 in, while the 13.6‑inch height makes it taller than that same model’s 12.5‑in profile. The 2.8‑inch touchscreen is noticeably smaller than the 5‑inch display on the Canon MF665Cdw and the 4.3‑inch panel on the Xerox C325dni. Memory-wise, the CX331adwe’s 512 MB (non‑expandable) falls short of the 1 GB standard memory found in both the Xerox C320dni and the Canon MF665Cdw. Copy speed matches the Canon MF665Cdw at 26 cpm but lags behind the Xerox C325dni’s 33 ppm.

Reviewers consistently applaud the printer’s speed and the sturdiness of its steel chassis, noting that it handles daily office bursts without hiccup. The security features earn extra points from IT departments that need encrypted data paths. On the flip side, users flag the high cost of the 4,500‑page high‑yield cartridges and report occasional paper jams, especially with heavier media. The lack of automatic duplex scanning also shows up as a frequent complaint, limiting its appeal for double‑sided copy jobs.

From a technical standpoint, the CX331adwe can sustain up to 50,000 pages per month, making it suitable for small workgroups that print between 600 and 2,500 pages regularly. It supports automatic two‑sided printing, but scanning remains single‑sided only. The built‑in Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 4, and Lexmark Cloud Connector let you print or scan directly to cloud services, while the 50‑sheet ADF and 100‑sheet output tray keep multi‑page jobs moving.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Brother MFC‑L5915DW delivers 31 ppm color printing, a 3.5‑inch color touchscreen, and a 50‑sheet ADF in a relatively compact 38.3‑lb chassis for $529.99.

The standout spec is its 31 ppm color and 50 ppm monochrome print speed, paired with automatic duplex printing and a 2400 × 600 dpi resolution that produces sharp, laser‑quality output. A 3.5‑inch color LCD lets you navigate menus easily, while the built‑in NFC card reader adds a layer of secure, tap‑to‑print authentication. Paper handling feels solid, with a 250‑sheet main tray and a 50‑sheet (70‑sheet alternate) automatic document feeder for high‑volume jobs.

At 38.3 pounds, the MFC‑L5915DW is lighter than most of its peers—lighter than the Canon MF753Cdw II (50.0 lb) and the Xerox C325dni (59.5 lb), and only a touch heavier than the Xerox C320dni (45.0 lb). Its copy speed of 31 cpm in color sits just below the Canon’s 35 cpm and above the 26 cpm rates of the Lexmark CX331adwe and Canon MF665Cdw, putting it solidly in the middle of the pack. Depth‑wise, the 472.4 mm chassis is a bit deeper than the Canon MF665Cdw (462.3 mm) but comparable to the Xerox C325dni (475 mm), so it won’t dominate a small office nook.

Everyday users praise the reliable mobile printing options, fast ADF scanning, and consistent print quality, though several note the higher cost of toner and occasional wireless firmware hiccups. Professional reviewers describe it as a “hard‑working and effective addition to any small workspace,” highlighting the versatile paper handling and advanced security features like NFC. The unit’s bulkier size and lack of support for 11 × 17‑inch paper represent the most common drawbacks.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Xerox C325dni delivers 35 ppm color printing, 1200×1200 dpi output and enterprise‑grade security in a compact, 4.3‑inch touchscreen unit, but its $479.99 price and 3.6‑star rating may give pause.

The standout spec is its 35 ppm color print speed paired with a native 1200×1200 dpi resolution, which professional reviewers call “excellent color output quality.” A 2 GB RAM and 1.2 GHz quad‑core processor let it handle complex jobs without a noticeable slowdown, and the 4.3‑inch color touchscreen makes navigation intuitive.

Compared with the other ten entries, the C325dni sits near the top of the weight range at 59.5 lb—heavier than the Lexmark CX331adwe (50 lb) and the Xerox C320dni (45 lb), but lighter than the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw (60.7 lb). Its touchscreen is larger than the Lexmark’s 2.8‑inch display yet smaller than the Canon MF665Cdw’s 5‑inch panel. With 2 GB of RAM it also out‑specs the Canon MF665Cdw’s 1 GB, while the Brother and other peers don’t list RAM at all, making the Xerox a relatively well‑equipped option.

Everyday users praise the vibrant prints and the ease of printing from phones via AirPrint, Mopria or the Xerox Print Service plug‑in. The same reviewers note that the automatic document feeder can jam when fed thick cardstock or envelopes, and the initial network setup may feel complex for non‑technical folks. Professional reviewers note the device’s advanced security suite—FIPS‑validated encryption, TPM 2.0, TLS 1.3 and WPA3—as “best‑in‑class for its price range.” The machine is also rated for a maximum duty cycle of 65,000 pages per month, comfortably covering the recommended 1,000‑6,000 page monthly volume range.

Best for: Small workgroups, home offices, and small businesses that need secure, high‑volume color printing.

Avoid if: Low power consumption, heavy envelope scanning, or advanced cloud‑first workflows are critical requirements.

TL;DR: The Xerox C320dni prints vibrant color at 35 ppm, offers a 2.8‑inch touchscreen, and packs solid security, but its single‑function design and pricey toner can limit appeal.

The C320dni’s standout spec is its 35 ppm color print speed combined with automatic duplexing at 17.5 ipm, letting small teams churn out double‑sided documents quickly. A 1 GB memory module and a 2.8‑inch color touchscreen give you on‑device control without needing a computer, while the main tray holds 250 sheets for steady output.

Compared with the other printers in this roundup, the C320dni sits in the middle of the weight range—heavier than the Xerox C230dni at 30 pounds but lighter than the Lexmark CX331adwe at 50 pounds and the Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw at 60.7 pounds. Its touchscreen matches the Lexmark’s 2.8‑inch display but is smaller than Canon’s 5‑inch panel and Xerox’s C325dni 4.3‑inch screen. The 250‑sheet main tray outpaces Lexmark’s 50‑sheet ADF, though it’s modest next to the optional 550‑sheet feeder some peers offer.

Users consistently praise the printer’s vivid color output and fast first‑page time of 7.1 seconds, noting that it rarely jams. Professional reviewers highlight the strong security suite—features like FIPS 140‑2, TPM 2.0, and WPA3—making it a solid choice for sensitive documents. On the downside, the lack of scanning or copying means you’ll need a separate device for those tasks, and many note the rear‑output tray can be awkward to reach. Replacement toner cartridges also cost a lot, which can erode the initial savings.

Beyond speed, the C320dni supports Ethernet, USB 2.0, and 802.11b/g/n Wi‑Fi, plus mobile printing via AirPrint, Mopria, and the Xerox Easy Assist app. It handles a duty cycle of 65,000 pages per month and recommends a monthly volume of 600–6,000 pages, fitting comfortably into busy home offices or small‑to‑medium businesses that need reliable color printing.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Kyocera MA2600cwfx delivers 27 ppm color printing, a 4.3‑inch touchscreen, and enterprise‑grade security, but its $759 price and modest 3.5‑star rating may limit appeal for budget‑focused buyers.

At the heart of the MA2600cwfx is a 27 ppm color print speed paired with a 4.3‑inch color TFT touchscreen, giving you quick output and an intuitive control surface. The unit also packs a 1 GB memory module and an ARM Cortex‑A53 single‑core 1.0 GHz processor, which together handle the 27 cpm copy speed and duplex scanning without noticeable lag.

Compared with the other ten contenders, the Kyocera sits on the heavier side at 55.1 lbs—heavier than the Brother MFC‑L5915DW (38.3 lbs) but lighter than the Lexmark CX532adwe (59.5 lbs). Its copy speed of 27 cpm trails the Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw II’s 35 cpm and the Xerox C325dni’s 33 ppm, yet it matches the Lexmark CX331adwe’s 26 cpm. The MA2600cwfx also offers a higher monthly duty cycle (65,000 pages) than many mid‑range models, positioning it for small‑to‑medium workgroups that need steady throughput.

Reviewers note that the printer’s security suite—LDAP over TLS, Active Directory integration, SNMPv3, HTTPS, IPSec, TLS 1.3, and optional TPM—wins points for IT departments. Users also appreciate the compact desktop footprint and the ability to handle a variety of media (plain, recycled, coated, envelopes, labels, OHP) with a 250‑sheet cassette plus a 50‑sheet multi‑purpose tray. The main trade‑off highlighted in feedback is the premium $759 price tag and a 3.5‑star rating from just three reviews, which some buyers feel doesn’t justify the cost.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $759.00

TL;DR: The Xerox C230dni costs $259.99, carries a 3.7‑star rating from 218 reviewers, and is praised for its fast, vibrant color prints but noted for pricey toner and occasional Wi‑Fi hiccups.

Xerox offers the compact C230dni color laser printer at $259.99, earning a 3.7‑star rating from 218 user reviews in this 11‑product roundup. It lands toward the lower end of the rating spectrum, indicating mixed satisfaction compared with its peers.

Reviewers consistently highlight the printer’s speed and the quality of its color output, describing prints as vivid and text as sharp. Users also appreciate the ease of wireless setup and the ability to print directly from mobile devices. On the downside, many note that toner cartridges are expensive and that the Wi‑Fi connection can be unstable at times. Buyers frequently criticize the lack of an integrated scanner or copier, especially those expecting an all‑in‑one solution.

Based purely on price and rating, the C230dni sits as an affordable option for those who need reliable color laser printing without multifunction features. It's cheaper than many higher‑rated competitors, but its lower score suggests you may encounter the mentioned reliability and cost concerns.

Best for: Small offices or home workspaces that need fast, vibrant color laser prints without the need for scanning or copying.

TL;DR: The Kyocera MA4000cifx delivers 42 ppm color printing, a 7‑inch touchscreen, and a 2,000‑sheet input capacity, but its premium $1904.97 price and modest 3.1‑star rating may limit its appeal.

The standout spec is the 42 ppm print and copy speed paired with a first‑page‑out time of 5.4 seconds for black and 6.6 seconds for color, which is noticeably quicker than the 7.6‑second first‑copy time listed for the Lexmark CX532adwe. A 7‑inch color LCD touchscreen gives you more on‑screen real‑estate than the 4.3‑inch displays on the Lexmark, Xerox C325dni, and Canon MF665Cdw, and it’s larger than the 5‑inch panel on the Canon MF753Cdw II.

At 107 pounds, the MA4000cifx is heavier than the Lexmark (59.5 pounds), Kyocera MA2600cwfx (55.1 pounds), Canon MF753Cdw II (50 pounds), Brother MFC‑L5915DW (38.3 pounds), Xerox C325dni (59.5 pounds) and Canon MF665Cdw (60.7 pounds). Its larger footprint (22.7 × 22.5 × 18.9 in) also exceeds the dimensions of those peers, so plan for ample desk space. The unit lists 512 MB of memory, which is lower than the 1 GB found in the Canon MF665Cdw, and it lacks the Ethernet‑only simplicity of some rivals, offering a full Gigabit Ethernet port plus two USB 2.0 high‑speed ports.

Reviewers appreciate the consistent 42 ppm throughput and the long‑life ECOSYS toner, noting that the 13,000‑page black yield and durable imaging drum keep ongoing costs down. Professional reviewers highlight the fast duplex scanning—up to 120 ipm at 300 dpi—and the security features that meet enterprise needs. However, the 3.1‑star rating from 11 reviews signals mixed satisfaction, and the $1904.97 list price places it well above the budget‑oriented models in this roundup.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns