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.
You want a colour all-in-one laser printer that delivers sharp documents without constant setup hassles or surprise running costs — fast, reliable, and subscription-free. But the technical specs can make choosing feel like a second job, so here is the short answer: the Canon MF665Cdw is the best value for most offices because it combines 26 ppm speed, a 3-year warranty, and low cost per page.
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.
Here is a look at the top contenders to find the right best colour all-in-one laser printer for your specific needs, from high-speed workhorses to budget-friendly all-rounders.
Quick Picks
- Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw — Best Overall
- Brother MFC-L8930CDW — Top Performer
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw — Smart Office
- Brother MFC-L3780CDW — Fast CPM
- Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw — Speed Leader
- HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw (Renewed) — Budget Pick
- Xerox C235dni — Entry Level
- Brother MFC-L3720CDW — Reliable Choice
How To Choose The Best Colour All-in-One Laser Printer
A color laser all-in-one is a serious investment. A few key specs separate the daily workhorses from the frustrating mistakes. Here is what to focus on.
Print Speed
Look at both black-and-white (B&W) and color pages per minute (ppm). For a busy office, you want at least 24 ppm. Slower models (around 19 ppm) work fine for light home use but will bottleneck a small team. The fastest models here push up to 35 ppm in both color and monochrome.
Toner Costs and Yield
The printer is cheap; the toner is the real expense. Every machine comes with “starter” cartridges that hold less toner than standard ones. Check the page yield (pages per cartridge) and the price of standard and high-yield replacements. Some brands lock you into expensive proprietary cartridges, while others let you use more affordable alternatives.
Paper Handling
The standard paper tray is usually 250 sheets. If you often switch between letterhead, envelopes, and legal-size documents, look for a model with a multipurpose tray. A duplex automatic document feeder (ADF) that scans both sides of a page in one pass saves serious time during multi-page copying or scanning.
Connectivity
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) ensures a stable connection in busy homes or offices. Ethernet is a must for a wired office network. AirPrint and Mopria support make printing from phones and tablets easy without installing extra apps.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | B&W Speed | Color Speed | Paper Tray | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon imageCLASS MF665Cdw | Fast all-around office work | 26 ppm | 26 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L8930CDW | High-volume business printing | 33 ppm | 33 ppm | 250-sheet + multipurpose | Amazon |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw | Security-conscious small teams | 26 ppm | 26 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Speed and duplex scanning | 31 ppm | 31 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw | Very high speed, expandable | 35 ppm | 35 ppm | 250-sheet + 50-sheet tray | Amazon |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw | Refurbished budget value | 26 ppm | 26 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Xerox C235dni | Low-cost starting point | 24 ppm | 24 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Reliable entry-level office | 19 ppm | 19 ppm | 250-sheet | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw
The balanced workhorse that delivers 26 ppm in color without breaking your workflow.
This Canon prints both black-and-white and color at 26 ppm — the same 26 ppm that makes it a 37% faster option for color documents than the Brother MFC-L3720CDW, which manages 19 ppm. The first page comes out in about 10.3 seconds, so you are not standing around waiting. It includes a 5‑inch color touchscreen, which buyers report is handy once you get past the occasional slow menu response.
Owners mention it is “heavy, well-built, easy setup,” and the built quality feels solid on a desk. It comes with a 3‑year limited warranty, and the 250‑sheet standard cassette plus a 1‑sheet multipurpose tray handle most daily jobs. The duplex automatic document feeder scans both sides of a stack in one pass, a real time-saver for multi-page contracts. Buyers on Mac and Linux report setup took a bit of patience — one reviewer noted the Canon software felt lacking, but the touchscreen Wi-Fi setup worked fine.
Image quality is strong, though one buyer mentioned colors were “slightly less vivid than HP.” Still, for a fast, reliable all-in-one with a 3-year warranty, this Canon is tough to top for a busy office — skip it if you need the most vibrant colour output for marketing materials.
What Stands Out
- Fast 26 ppm color and B&W printing with quick first page.
- Duplex ADF for efficient two-sided scanning.
- 3‑year limited warranty provides solid confidence.
The Trade-offs
- Software on Mac can cause random stops and double-sided printing issues.
- Starter toner yields are low (500 CMY / 700 Black).
Your best bet if: You want a fast, well-built machine with a great warranty and don’t mind a slightly clunky software setup on a Mac.
Look elsewhere if: You need the absolute fastest speed above 30 ppm or prefer an interface that feels snappy from the first tap.
2. Brother MFC-L8930CDW
A high-speed business machine that puts speed and security in one compact body.
For heavy users, this Brother prints at 33 ppm in both color and black-and-white — a strong step up from the 26 ppm models. The first page appears in just 9.9 seconds, so it starts fast and keeps going. It is 25% smaller than the previous model, a meaningful space saver for a crowded office desk.
Customers note excellent speed and print quality, with easy setup and smooth printing from both computers and iPhones. The 7‑inch colour touchscreen is one of the biggest in this class, and it supports up to 64 customised shortcuts for common tasks. For security, it includes an integrated NFC card reader (a tap-to-authenticate badge reader) and triple-layer security features. The included toner cartridges are generous: 3,000-page black and 1,800-page colour standard yield, with super high-yield options that reach 7,500 pages for black — so you replace toner less often than with the Canon MF665Cdw’s 3,000-page black standard yield.
One real catch: it is not very envelope-friendly. Reviewers point out that printing on envelopes or unusual paper sizes requires the rear feed and can be frustrating. The scanner is also noticeably loud during operation. But for standard document printing, this machine is a powerhouse.
Strengths
- Fast 33 ppm print speed in both color and B&W.
- Large 7‑inch color touchscreen with customizable shortcuts.
- Advanced triple-layer security and NFC badge support.
Weaknesses
- Poor handling of envelopes and unusual paper sizes.
- Scanner is loud during operation.
Reach for this if: You run a busy office and need fast, secure color printing with a big, easy-to-navigate screen.
Pass if: You frequently print envelopes or need a quiet scanner for a shared workspace.
3. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw
HP’s trust and security bundled with vivid TerraJet toner and fast 26 ppm prints.
This HP delivers the same 26 ppm speed in colour and B&W as the Canon MF665Cdw, but it adds HP Wolf Pro Security — a built-in suite of tools designed to protect your network from cyber threats and malware. The TerraJet toner is designed to produce more vivid colours, and buyers confirm the print quality is excellent, with sharp text and vibrant graphics — making it the better pick if colour accuracy matters more than the Canon’s longer warranty.
Setup is faster than older HP models, according to reviews, and the dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset automatically fixes connection drops. The 250‑sheet tray and automatic duplex printing cover basic needs well. Shoppers say the printer is “quiet” and “sleek,” with a slightly smaller footprint than previous generations. The included toner cartridges are starter units, and one owner reported the introductory toner depleted after roughly 50 pages.
The major catch: this printer blocks any cartridges that do not use genuine HP chips. Periodic firmware updates enforce this. One buyer warned that “firmware/software updates can brick printer; rejects non-HP toner” and advises disabling automatic updates. Toner directly from HP is expensive but reliable.
Why It Shines
- Vivid color output with next-gen TerraJet toner.
- HP Wolf Pro Security for small-team network protection.
- Fast, quiet, and easy to set up for non-experts.
The Catch
- Blocks non-HP toner cartridges; firmware updates can cause issues.
- Starter toner runs out very quickly (one buyer cited ~50 pages).
Ideal for: Small teams that prioritize security, vivid color, and don’t mind buying official HP toner.
Avoid if: You want the freedom to use affordable third-party cartridges or dislike proprietary lock-ins.
4. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
A speed demon for small businesses that need fast duplex scanning and printing.
This Brother pushes print speeds to 31 ppm in both color and black-and-white, which is a noticeable jump from the 26 ppm Canon and HP models. It also offers single-pass duplex copy and scan, meaning it can scan both sides of a document in one pass without flipping the pages manually. Scan speeds reach 29 ipm (images per minute) for black and 22 ipm for color.
Buyers praise the easy setup with AirPrint and note the printer is fast and quiet with no paper jams during light home office use. The color output is described as “acceptable for documents,” though not for photo-quality prints. The built-in dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct give you flexible connection options for any office setup.
A few owners flagged the Brother Refresh subscription program as problematic — one owner reported the printer was disabled after a failed payment due to a lost credit card, with poor support options. The standard toner yields are fine, but you can save money by moving to high-yield or super high-yield cartridges (TN229XL or TN229XXL).
Advantages
- Fast 31 ppm color and B&W printing.
- Single-pass duplex scan saves time on multi-page documents.
- Quiet operation and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
Disadvantages
- Brother Refresh subscription can cause issues if payment fails.
- Color output is fine for documents, not for high-quality photos.
Choose this if: You need fast duplex scanning and high print speeds without wanting to pay for a premium flagship.
Skip if: You rely on automatic subscription toner delivery and worry about payment-related service interruptions.
5. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw
The fastest standard speed here at 35 ppm, built for high-volume offices that cannot wait.
This Canon is the outright speed king of the list, hitting 35 ppm in both color and black-and-white — faster than the Brother MFC-L8930CDW at 33 ppm and well ahead of the 26 ppm class. It uses Canon Toner 069 / 069 High Capacity cartridges, and the standard yield black toner delivers 2,100 pages, with color toners starting at 1,100 pages. The 50‑sheet multipurpose tray and the 250‑sheet cassette handle most jobs, and you can expand the total paper capacity to 850 sheets with an optional cassette.
Buyers report it produces “ultra-clean sharp prints” and the auto-feeder and scanning alignment are excellent. Setup is reported to take about 45 minutes. The touchscreen is a color LCD, though one reviewer found it “slightly awkward” but adaptable. However, a significant warning: several buyers reported receiving a gray-market unit that cannot be registered with Canon USA, voiding the US warranty and support. Second, replacement toner cartridges can cost between and each, a very high ongoing expense.
Network connectivity issues were also reported, with one reviewer noting the printer “regularly lost network connectivity” and that Canon support had extremely long hold times. If you buy this, buy from an authorized dealer you trust.
Key Perks
- Fastest print speed of the group: 35 ppm color and B&W.
- Expandable paper capacity up to 850 sheets.
- Excellent print quality and fast duplex scanning.
Risks
- Gray-market units voiding US warranty may be shipped.
- Replacement toner cartridges are very expensive (– each).
Best for: A high-volume office that needs maximum speed and is prepared for high toner costs and careful sourcing.
Not for: Anyone who wants predictable long-term costs or cannot verify an authorized US seller before purchase.
6. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw (Renewed)
A factory-refurbished HP that brings premium speed and security at a budget-friendly price.
This is the same HP 3301 platform (26 ppm color and B&W, TerraJet toner, Wolf Pro Security) but sold as a certified refurbished unit with a 1‑year warranty. That means you get the same fast print speed, vivid color, and security features as the brand-new 3301fdw, but at a notably lower entry cost. Owners mention the unit arrived in a brown box with toner installed and the setup via wired Ethernet was easy and quick.
One customer observed the unit is “compact, quiet, easy setup via Wi-Fi” and that the self-alignment produced perfect color prints right away. However, there is a recurring complaint: one user highlighted “very low on toner” warning after less than 500 pages in 30 days — the starter toner runs out fast. Another review mentioned an initial smudging problem that was resolved by cleaning the toner rollers. A third owner experienced very poor color quality and poor customer service. The HP toner lock-in applies here too: it only works with genuine HP cartridges.
Still, for the price, this is a compelling way to get a fast, well-built office color laser printer if you are comfortable with the refurbished route and the HP cartridge ecosystem.
Pros
- Same 26 ppm speed and HP Wolf Pro Security as the new model.
- Refurbished price with a 1‑year warranty.
- Customers note fast setup and excellent print quality initially.
Cons
- Starter toner runs out very quickly (under 500 pages per one buyer).
- Locks you into expensive genuine HP toner cartridges.
- Refurbished quality control can be inconsistent.
Grab this if: You want HP’s performance and security at a lower upfront cost and are okay with the HP toner ecosystem.
Skip if: You need predictable toner costs from the start or prefer a printer that does not block third-party cartridges.
7. Xerox C235dni
Xerox brand reliability with low running costs for small offices printing up to 1,500 pages a month.
This Xerox prints at 24 ppm in both color and B&W — a solid, if not class-leading, speed. Its real selling point is the low running cost. It comes with starter toner (500-page yield), and supports high-yield cartridges that help keep ongoing expenses down. For a small office printing up to 1,500 pages per month, this makes financial sense. Wireless printing is supported through Apple AirPrint and Mopria, and the Xerox Easy Assist App promises a simple guided setup.
Buyer experiences are mixed. Several reviewers point out it is the “best printer I’ve owned yet” and praise the easy setup and excellent output quality. However, one shopper added an important red flag: “Printer arrived looking used/refurbished.” The same reviewer said the cartridge door hinges were weak and jammed, and print speed felt slower than advertised. Another buyer resolved washed-out prints by using Hammermill Premium paper and disabling Eco mode, and noted the app failed to save settings. If you are willing to tweak settings and use quality paper, this is a capable machine.
Overall, it is a competitive entry-level option if you catch it on a good day and inspect the unit carefully upon arrival.
High Points
- Low running costs with high-yield toner support.
- 24 ppm speed and easy smartphone printing via AirPrint.
- Xerox brand reputation for durability.
Low Points
- Some units arrive looking used or refurbished.
- Setup can be finicky and requires quality paper for best results.
Choose this if: You are budget-conscious, print under 1,500 pages a month, and are willing to invest in good paper.
Look elsewhere if: You want a guaranteed brand-new unit with no setup quirks or tweaking.
8. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
A dependable entry-level office printer that keeps costs down with efficient toner use.
This Brother runs at 19 ppm in both colour and black-and-white — slower than the Canon MF665Cdw (26 ppm) and the Xerox C235dni (24 ppm), but perfectly adequate for a home office or light small-business workload. Buyers consistently praise its reliability: “Sharp print, vibrant colours, fast, no jams.” The 3.5‑inch colour touchscreen offers 48 customisable shortcuts and direct access to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote — a solid budget-friendly choice if speed is less critical than jam-free dependability.
Wireless setup is straightforward, and the printer supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0. The 50-sheet auto document feeder and 250-sheet adjustable paper tray cover basic needs. One reviewer noted that the printer is “toner efficient, saves money,” which aligns with Brother’s reputation for lower running costs. However, there is a notable failure mode: one owner reported a “Replace Waste Toner” error that persisted even after installing a genuine new waste toner box, effectively bricking the printer after around 1,000 pages over two years. Brother support was unable to help.
If you want a simple, quiet, and reliable printer for basic color documents and you are not printing at high volume, this is a solid, budget-friendly choice.
Highlights
- Reliable, quiet, and efficient with toner usage.
- Easy wireless setup with 3.5‑inch touchscreen shortcuts.
- Compatible with high-yield and super high-yield toner cartridges.
Concerns
- Slow print speed at 19 ppm compared to faster options.
- Potential waste toner error can brick the printer with limited support.
Perfect for: Light home office use where reliability and low running costs matter more than raw speed.
Pass if: You need to print more than a few hundred pages a month or want a faster 26+ ppm machine.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (ppm)
This is the raw print speed — how many pages the printer can push out in one minute. A higher number means less waiting. For a home office, 19–24 ppm is fine. For a busy small team, 26–35 ppm makes a real difference when you are printing a stack of reports.
Toner Yield
Toner cartridges come in “starter” (low yield), standard, high-yield (XL), and super high-yield (XXL) versions. Starter cartridges often hold about half the toner of a standard cartridge. Always check the page yield (e.g., 2,100 pages for black) and the price per page to understand your true cost of printing.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF lets you load a stack of pages and have the printer scan or copy them automatically, without you standing there feeding each sheet. A “duplex” or “single-pass duplex” ADF scans both sides of a page in one pass — a huge time-saver for double-sided documents.
Duplex Printing
Automatic duplex printing means the machine flips the paper itself to print on both sides. This cuts paper use in half and is nearly standard on every all-in-one printer today. If you mostly print single-sided documents, it is less critical, but it is a great feature to have.
FAQ
Can I use third-party toner in these printers?
How many pages does a starter toner cartridge print?
What is the difference between 19 ppm and 35 ppm in real life?
Do I need a duplex ADF?
Are refurbished printers a safe buy?
Can these printers print photos?
How do I connect these printers to my wireless network?
How long do color laser printers last?
What paper sizes do these printers support?
Is a color laser printer worth it for a home office?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the colour all-in-one laser printer that wins is the Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw because it combines 26 ppm speed, a 5‑inch touchscreen, a 3‑year warranty, and reliable performance without locking you into expensive subscriptions. If you need maximum speed, go with the Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw at 35 ppm — just watch out for gray-market units and high toner costs. And if you want the best balance of speed, security, and low running costs, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW is a powerful choice with a big 7‑inch touchscreen and excellent paper handling.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
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.
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