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Inkjet printers clog the moment you look away, but a color laser printer and scanner fixes that for good. These machines use toner powder (a dry plastic-based powder) instead of liquid ink, so they can sit idle for weeks and still fire off crisp pages the minute you need them. Not every model handles speed, color accuracy, and scanning the same way — some churn through 35 pages a minute while others struggle at 19, and the cost of replacement toner can quietly undo any savings from a low purchase price.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. 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.
This roundup of the best color laser printer and scanner models cuts through the noise to show you which ones actually deliver on speed, print quality, and long-term value. If you run a home office, manage a small team, or just need dependable color documents and a reliable flatbed scanner (a glass pane that holds a page still while the scanner moves across it), these picks tell you what works and what doesn’t.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Color Laser Printer And Scanner
A color laser printer and scanner is a purchase you will likely live with for years, so picking the right one matters. Before you jump into the reviews, understand the three specs that define your daily experience: print speed, toner cost, and scanning features.
Print Speed — What 19 ppm vs. 35 ppm Actually Means
Pages per minute (ppm) tells you how fast the engine runs (a 35 ppm printer processes 35 pages every 60 seconds). A 19 ppm model is fine for a single user printing a few pages a day — that means a 10-page document takes about 32 seconds. If you share the printer with a small team, you will feel the wait. A 35 ppm machine like the Canon or the faster Xerox models empties a print queue in seconds (a 10-page job in about 17 seconds), which keeps everyone moving.
Toner Yield and Cost Per Page
Toner cartridges are rated by page yield — for example, a “2,100 yield” black cartridge means it is designed to print roughly 2,100 pages before running out. Starter cartridges that ship with the printer often hold far less toner (sometimes as low as 500 pages), so budget for a set of standard or high-yield replacements soon after buying. High-yield cartridges cost more upfront but drop the cost per page significantly because you buy fewer cartridges over time.
The Scanner Matters More Than You Think
A flatbed scanner (a glass pane you lift a lid to place a page on) is standard on every all-in-one, but the automatic document feeder (ADF) is what saves you time. A 50-sheet simplex ADF (feeds one side of each page at a time, requiring you to flip the stack for the second side) works for occasional use. A duplex ADF (scans both sides in a single pass) cuts multi-page scanning time in half. If you regularly scan stacks of double-sided documents, a single-pass duplex ADF is a feature you really want.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Print Speed (Color) | ADF Type | Paper Capacity | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imageCLASS MF751Cdw★ Best Overall | Overall Speed & Reliability | 35 ppm | 50‑sheet simplex | 250 + 50 (expandable to 850) | Amazon |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdwBest Value | Refurbished Value | 26 ppm | 50‑sheet duplex single‑pass | 250‑sheet tray | Amazon |
| Lexmark CX331adweBuilt Tough | Build Quality & Security | 26 ppm | — | — | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Low Running Costs | 24 ppm | — | — | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Smart Integration & Touchscreen | 19 ppm | 50‑sheet simplex | 250‑sheet tray | Amazon |
| Xerox C325dni | High‑Speed Business Printing | 35 ppm | — | — | Amazon |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw | Fax & Full Office Suite | 26 ppm | 50‑sheet duplex single‑pass | 250‑sheet tray | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw | One‑Pass Duplex Scanning | 35 ppm | 50‑sheet duplex single‑pass | 250 + 50 (expandable to 850) | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Versatile Office Workhorse | 31 ppm | 50‑sheet duplex single‑pass | 250‑sheet tray | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon imageCLASS MF751Cdw
Our pick — over 4★ from 250+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The fastest printer in this lineup, at 35 ppm, keeps a small office queue from ever backing up — a 10-page document prints in about 17 seconds, which is 9 seconds faster than the 26 ppm HP models here.
The headline number here is 35 pages per minute for both black-and-white and color (ppm — how many pages the printer can produce in 60 seconds). That is 35% faster than the 26 ppm models from HP in this roundup, so a ten-page document turns into a 17-second wait instead of 23 seconds. Buyers report that the wireless connectivity and duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper automatically) work flawlessly, and the 50-sheet ADF (automatic document feeder — a tray that feeds pages into the scanner without you having to place each one manually) makes multi-page scanning a hands-off chore. The build is heavy and solid, and the 3-year limited warranty adds genuine long-term confidence.
The catch is the inevitable toner cost — starter cartridges are short-lived, a standard practice across the industry, but high-yield 069H cartridges (cartridges rated to print more pages, such as 4,000 pages for black) stretch your runtime significantly. The front multipurpose tray (a small tray for feeding one-off pages or envelopes) feels a bit flimsy given the otherwise tank-like build, but owners note that once you get past the initial network setup (USB works smoothly if Wi-Fi gives you trouble), the printer just runs. As buyers put it: “No issues after nearly a year.”
Reviewers most frequently praise the print quality — over 50 buyers single it out. The print speed is the second most-discussed win, with 27 mentions. For a home office or a small team that prints in bursts, this Canon is the balanced pick that checks every box.
Fast color prints
- 35 ppm color — fastest in this lineup
- Solid 3-year limited warranty
- Expandable paper capacity up to 850 sheets
- Vibrant, accurate color even on plain paper
Higher ink costs
- Starter toner yields are low; budget for high-yield replacements
- Front paper feed feels a bit flimsy
- Network setup can be finicky on Windows 10
Speed seekers: A small office or home workspace that needs fast, reliable color printing and scanning without fuss.
Budget buyers: You plan to print mostly photos — color lasers do text and graphics well, not photo-grade prints.
2. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw (Renewed)
A certified refurbished office machine that undercuts the competition on price — it includes genuine parts, toner, and a one-year warranty, not the gamble that third-party refurb units can be.
This is an official HP refurbished unit, which means it comes with genuine parts, toner, and a one-year warranty — not the gamble that third-party refurb units can be. It prints at 26 ppm in both black and color (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document takes about 23 seconds), which is noticeably slower than the Canon above but still quick enough for a shared office desk. The real standout here is the single-pass duplex ADF (automatic document feeder that scans both sides of a document in one pass), a feature that saves time if you process stacks of double-sided contracts or reports — it cuts scanning time roughly in half compared to a simplex ADF.
Owners highlight the easy Wi-Fi setup and the fact that the printer sits idle for long periods without any clogging issues — a classic laser advantage because toner powder doesn’t dry out. The HP Wolf Pro Security suite (a built-in software package that protects the printer from network threats) is built in, so network protection is handled at the hardware level. The catch is that this printer is designed to block non-HP toner cartridges, so you are locked into HP’s supply chain. A few buyers also note that the included toner runs low faster than expected, so plan for that early replacement.
Affordable color: You get a nearly-new machine with pro features like single-pass duplex scanning and a one-year warranty at a fraction of the retail price.
Cost savers: You want HP reliability and advanced security but need to keep the upfront cost low.
Reliability first: You prefer the freedom to use third-party toner — HP firmware blocks non-HP cartridges.
3. Lexmark CX331adwe
This printer’s steel frame makes it feel like it could survive a move down a flight of stairs — at 42.8 pounds, it is a tank that owners consistently praise for its build quality.
At 42.8 pounds, this Lexmark is a tank, and owners consistently praise its build quality. It prints at 26 ppm in color and black (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document takes about 23 seconds), matching the HP 3301cdw, but the Lexmark’s selling point is its rugged durability and built-in security features that protect data on the device and over the network. The wireless and mobile printing setup works well, and the automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper) is standard.
The trade-off is that some units have reported a failure around the 10-month mark, according to reviews, and the “scan to computer” utility is not the most intuitive — it takes a little patience to configure. Toner is also expensive, a common laser complaint. If you need a printer that sits in a busy workshop or a shared industrial space and can take a beating, the steel frame and solid build make this a serious contender — it is more durable than the lighter Canon or HP models.
Small offices: A workshop, warehouse, or any environment where the printer gets knocked around.
Heavy users: You need an easy “scan to PC” workflow — the software requires some setup patience.
4. Xerox C235dni
A low-running-cost color laser that wants to keep your monthly expenses down — the brand says it supports high-yield cartridges, which dramatically reduce the cost per page once you move past the starter set.
The Xerox C235dni is designed for offices printing up to 1,500 pages per month, and it ships with a starter toner rated for 500 pages. The big selling point is that it supports high-yield cartridges, which the brand claims dramatically reduce the cost per page once you move past the starter set. Print speed is 24 ppm (pages per minute — a 10-page document takes about 25 seconds), a step behind the Canon and HP options, but still respectable for a single-user or two-person setup.
The print quality is the most-praised aspect — 35 owners note crisp text and vibrant color graphics. That said, this printer does not support 5GHz Wi-Fi (a faster, less crowded radio frequency band for wireless networks), so you will need a 2.4 GHz network for wireless setup. A few buyers also found that light prints were fixed by switching to a quality paper brand and disabling Eco mode (a power-saving setting that reduces energy use but can produce lighter prints). If you budget for high-yield toner from day one, this Xerox keeps your ongoing costs low.
Security focused: A small office on a tight ongoing budget that wants professional-looking color documents.
High volume: Your network runs only on 5GHz Wi-Fi — this printer needs a 2.4 GHz band.
5. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
A connected office hub with a colorful touchscreen and cloud shortcuts — the 3.5-inch color touchscreen lets you set up 48 customizable shortcuts and link directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote without touching a computer.
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW prints at 19 ppm in both black and color (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document takes about 32 seconds) — the slowest speed in this lineup, but owners consistently praise its sharp, vibrant output and reliable wireless performance. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is a genuine productivity upgrade: you can set up 48 customizable shortcuts and link directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote without touching a computer.
The scanner handles multi-page jobs cleanly with a 50-sheet ADF (automatic document feeder — a tray that feeds pages into the scanner automatically), and duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper) is standard. Where this model stumbles is the toner system — some owners mention that the printer stops based on page count rather than actual toner level, forcing early replacements. That frustration is a minority experience, but worth knowing if you print in high volume. For a moderate-use home office that values convenient cloud scanning, this Brother is a natural fit.
Dependable team: A home office that scans to cloud services regularly and wants a modern, intuitive interface.
Modern features: You print very high volumes — the page-count-based toner logic may trigger early warnings.
6. Xerox C325dni
A high-speed 35 ppm beast paired with a massive 4.3-inch touchscreen — it matches the Canon MF751Cdw for speed, making it one of the fastest printers you can get in this category.
The Xerox C325dni matches the Canon MF751Cdw at 35 ppm for both black and color (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document takes about 17 seconds), making it one of the fastest printers you can get in this category. It is built for busy offices printing up to 2,500 pages per month, and it comes with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen that makes navigation feel modern. The starter toner offers a 1,500-page black yield and 1,000-page color yield (the number of pages a cartridge is rated to print), which is generous compared to the paltry starters on many competitors.
The catch is the mixed feedback on reliability and build — the C325dni shows the lowest rating in this lineup, and some customers note that the toner runs out far sooner than the rated yield. The unit is also heavy at 59.5 pounds, so this is a place-it-and-forget-it machine, not something you move around. If you need raw speed and a large touch interface, this Xerox delivers — just factor in higher toner costs.
Scan heavy: A busy office where print speed is the top priority and you have a permanent spot for a heavy machine.
Quiet spaces: You are sensitive to toner costs — some reviewers point out faster-than-expected depletion.
7. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
The full fax-equipped office workhorse with fast dual-band Wi-Fi that self-resets — the dual-band radio (supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks) automatically detects and fixes connection drops, a real time-saver in a busy office.
The 3301fdw is the fax-enabled sibling of the 3301cdw, sharing the same 26 ppm engine (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document takes about 23 seconds) and single-pass duplex ADF (automatic document feeder that scans both sides in one pass). The upgrade here is the addition of fax and a dual-band Wi-Fi radio with a self-reset feature that automatically detects and fixes connection drops — a real time-saver in a busy office. According to the manufacturer, the next-generation TerraJet toner is designed to produce more vivid colors than previous HP laser engines.
However, this model has the most polarized reviews in the lineup. Some shoppers say severe print defects (streaks, toner not fusing to the paper) that HP support could not resolve, while others call the print quality excellent and the speed impressive. The introductory toner is notoriously short-lived — one owner reported depletion after roughly 50 pages. HP also locks the firmware to reject non-HP cartridges, so you are in the HP ecosystem for good.
Mobile users: An office that needs fax capabilities and wants a printer with self-healing Wi-Fi.
Cost conscious: You want the freedom to use affordable third-party toner — HP firmware blocks it.
8. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw
The one-pass duplex scanner that cuts your double-sided scanning time in half — the 50-sheet duplex ADF (automatic document feeder) scans both sides in a single pass, something the MF751Cdw cannot do.
The MF753Cdw takes the same 35 ppm engine (ppm — pages per minute, so a 10-page document in about 17 seconds) as the MF751Cdw and adds fax capability plus a 50-sheet duplex ADF that scans both sides in a single pass. That single-pass duplex scanning is the feature that owners rave about — it is genuinely fast and eliminates the manual flip-and-rescan workflow that simplex ADFs (which scan one side at a time) require. Print quality is the most-discussed positive aspect, with owners calling it sharp, vibrant, and reliable.
The catch is the setup experience. While some buyers report a smooth 75-minute installation, others describe the configuration menus as non-intuitive, with hidden settings and a clunky “Application Library” interface. Wireless connectivity issues are the most common complaint, so a wired Ethernet connection (a cable that plugs directly into your router) is the safer bet for consistent performance. This Canon is a fantastic machine once configured, but expect a steeper learning curve than the MF751Cdw.
Busy offices: An office that frequently scans double-sided documents and wants the fastest possible workflow.
Small desks: You are not comfortable with complex network configuration — wired Ethernet is recommended.
9. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
A fast 31 ppm color laser that scans two sides in a single pass — it splits the difference between the 35 ppm Canon and the 26 ppm HP crowd, making it one of the more balanced performers in terms of speed.
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW splits the difference between the 35 ppm Canon and the 26 ppm HP crowd at 31 ppm (pages per minute — a 10-page document takes about 19 seconds), making it one of the more balanced performers in terms of speed. It features a single-pass duplex ADF (automatic document feeder that scans both sides in one pass), so double-sided scanning is as fast as single-sided, and the built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks) gives you flexible connectivity. Owners praise the easy setup and the quiet, reliable operation — one simply said, “This printer doesn’t suck.”
The main downside is the Brother Refresh subscription program (a service that delivers toner automatically for a monthly fee). A few owners mention that a payment issue with the subscription disabled the printer entirely, and Brother’s support was unavailable during the outage. If you avoid the subscription and buy Brother Genuine TN229 toner outright, this printer is a straightforward, fast, and well-built machine. The single-pass duplex scanning alone justifies the upgrade over the slower MFC-L3720CDW for busy offices.
Budget teams: An office that wants a fast, versatile color laser with true single-pass duplex scanning and flexible Wi-Fi.
Speed critical: You are tempted by the Refresh subscription — owning the toner outright avoids the service-disruption risk.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is the engine speed — how many letter-size pages the printer can churn out in one minute. A 35 ppm machine like the Canon MF751Cdw empties a 10-page document in about 17 seconds, while a 19 ppm model like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW takes roughly 32 seconds. The difference matters most when multiple people are sending jobs to the same printer, turning a 17-second wait into a 32-second one per job.
Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
A simplex ADF (feeds one side of each page, then you flip the stack and feed it again for the other side) works for occasional use but adds time. A duplex ADF scans both sides in a single pass. The Canon MF753Cdw and the HP 3301cdw/fdw models offer single-pass duplex scanning, which literally halves the time spent on double-sided originals — so a 20-page double-sided document takes about 18 seconds with a duplex ADF versus 36 seconds with a simplex ADF.
FAQ
Will a color laser printer and scanner work with my laptop and phone?
How often do I need to replace toner in a color laser printer?
Can I use third-party toner in an HP or Canon laser printer?
What is the difference between simplex and duplex scanning?
How much paper can these printers hold at once?
Do these printers work with Windows 11 and Mac?
What is a “starter” toner cartridge?
Is a color laser printer good for printing photos?
How heavy are these printers? Can I move one easily?
What warranty coverage do these printers come with?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the best color laser printer and scanner winner is the Canon imageCLASS MF751Cdw because it delivers the fastest 35 ppm print speed, a solid 3-year warranty, and expandable paper capacity — all at a balanced price point. If you want true single-pass duplex scanning and fax capability, grab the Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw. And for a budget-friendly refurbished option with professional security features, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw is the one to reach for.
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, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.