10 Best Entry Level Color Laser Printer in 2026

Choosing the right entry level color laser printer can transform your workspace productivity. These devices offer vibrant output without the high cost of enterprise models.

We evaluated ten leading models based on print speed, connectivity options, and overall reliability. Our goal is to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Each selection highlights unique strengths and potential trade-offs. Please note that availability and pricing may fluctuate depending on retailer and location.

Top 3 Picks for Best Entry Level Color Laser Printer

Top 10 Best Entry Level Color Laser Printer in 2026 Compared

This table provides a side by side overview of key specifications across all ten selected models to help you make an informed decision quickly.

1. Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw – Best Overall Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.3Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw

22 PPM color print

Wireless 3 in 1

250 sheet cassette

ENERGY STAR certified

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw stands out as a top contender for entry level needs. With a strong rating and versatile features, it balances performance and cost effectively.

Pros

• High quality output
• Easy mobile setup
• Free design suite
• Solid warranty
• Fast first print

Cons

• No fax capability
• Manual feed only

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Its 22 PPM speed ensures documents are ready quickly while the wireless 3 in 1 functionality covers all bases. The free Poster Artist Online suite adds creative value for small teams.

While it lacks a fax function, the trade-off is minimal for most modern offices. The manual feed tray is small but sufficient for occasional envelope printing.

This printer is ideal for small businesses needing reliable color output without high overhead. We highly recommend it for its balance of speed and usability.

Creative Printing Options

The included Poster Artist Online suite allows users to design professional signage directly from the web.

Reliable Warranty

A three year limited warranty provides peace of mind and long term support for your investment.

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2. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw – Best Budget Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.1Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw

26 PPM print speed

Single function only

High capacity toner

Wireless duplex

For those strictly needing printing, the Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw offers exceptional value. Its high rating reflects consistent performance and user satisfaction.

Pros

• Very affordable price
• Fast printing speed
• Simple setup
• Energy efficient
• Compact footprint

Cons

• No scanning features
• Small display screen

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It delivers 26 PPM speeds which is impressive for this price bracket. The high capacity toner reduces maintenance frequency and keeps costs manageable over time.

The lack of scanning means you will need a separate device for digitizing documents. However, for pure print jobs, it remains a strong and reliable choice.

This model is perfect for home offices focused on document output. We suggest it for anyone seeking speed and savings without extra bells and whistles.

Cost Effective Operation

Using high capacity toner cartridges helps lower the cost per page significantly compared to standard options.

Simple Wireless Setup

Connecting to your network takes only a few steps allowing you to start printing almost immediately.

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3. Brother MFC-L3720CDW – Best Premium Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.0Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Brother MFC-L3720CDW

19 PPM print speed

50 sheet ADF

3.5 inch touchscreen

Dual band wireless

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW delivers premium features often found in higher end machines. Its rating indicates strong reliability and user satisfaction in office settings.

Pros

• Advanced touchscreen
• Fax included
• Large paper capacity
• Cloud integration
• Robust connectivity

Cons

• Slightly slower print
• Higher price point

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With a 3.5 inch touchscreen and dual band wireless, management is intuitive and secure. The 50 sheet ADF streamlines scanning multi page documents efficiently.

While it prints at 19 PPM, the added functionalities justify the trade-off for many users. The price is higher but justified by the versatility it offers.

We recommend this for teams needing fax and scanning capabilities alongside printing. It is a robust choice for growing businesses requiring full workflow support.

Workflow Efficiency

The auto document feeder saves significant time when scanning or copying multi page documents regularly.

Cloud Access

Direct access to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive makes file management seamless and quick.

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4. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Professional Home Office Entry Level Color Laser Printer

3.9Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Brother HL-L3220CDW

19 PPM output speed

250 sheet tray

Wireless duplex

Mobile compatible

The Brother HL-L3220CDW targets professional home offices needing reliable output. Its rating reflects steady performance though some users report connectivity nuances.

Pros

• Crisp text output
• Built-in security
• Mobile integration
• Automatic duplex
• Professional design

Cons

• Average speed rating
• Limited manual feed

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It delivers crisp text and vibrant graphics at 19 PPM. Security protocols ensure sensitive documents are protected during wireless transmission effectively.

The 250 sheet tray reduces refills which is great for moderate volume printing. Manual feed supports specialty media but is not designed for bulk loads.

This model is best for users prioritizing security and text clarity. We suggest it for professionals needing consistent and secure document output daily.

Secure Printing

Built-in security protocols safeguard sensitive documents during transmission to prevent unauthorized access effectively.

High Volume Capacity

A generous paper tray minimizes interruptions by allowing more pages to be printed before refilling is needed.

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5. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Office Focused Entry Level Color Laser Printer

3.7Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw

26 PPM black color

TerraJet toner

Auto document feeder

250 sheet tray

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is designed for small teams needing professional reports. Its rating shows strong productivity but strict cartridge rules exist.

Pros

• Vivid color output
• 26 PPM speed
• Reliable performance
• Auto 2-sided
• HP support

Cons

• Toner cartridge locks
• Firmware updates block

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With 26 PPM speeds and vivid TerraJet toner, output is visually impressive. The auto document feeder adds essential scanning convenience for busy offices.

Users must use original HP chips which ensures quality but limits third party options. Firmware updates maintain this system which some find restrictive over time.

We recommend this for teams trusting HP reliability and quality. It is ideal if you prioritize consistent output and standard workflow features.

Productivity Boost

Fast print speeds and automatic double-sided printing save time on every document you handle daily.

Original Cartridges

Using original HP toner ensures maximum print quality and protects your printer warranty effectively.

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6. Brother HL-L3280CDW – Efficient Small Office Entry Level Color Laser Printer

3.9Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Brother HL-L3280CDW

27 PPM speed

Compact design

2.7 inch touch

Cloud app print

The Brother HL-L3280CDW combines speed with efficiency for small offices. Its rating highlights dependability while offering modern connectivity features.

Pros

• Fastest in class
• Ethernet included
• Compact footprint
• Touchscreen
• Cloud app ready

Cons

• No scanner built in
• Refresh trial limit

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At 27 PPM, it outpaces many rivals in its entry level category. The touchscreen and cloud app integration simplify printing from various sources seamlessly.

Ethernet support ensures stable connections when Wi-Fi is unavailable. However, the lack of scanning limits it to pure print tasks only.

We suggest this for users needing high speed print jobs. It is perfect for entrepreneurs wanting quick turnaround on documents.

Speed Efficiency

Automatic duplex printing combined with 27 PPM speeds maximizes output speed and reduces paper usage significantly.

Cloud Printing

Integrated cloud apps like Dropbox and Google Drive allow direct printing without downloading files first.

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7. Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Balanced Multi Function Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.0Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw

26 PPM print speed

5 inch touchscreen

3 in 1 functions

Chromebook support

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw offers a balanced suite of features. Its rating reflects satisfaction with speed and ease of use for daily tasks.

Pros

• Quick first print
• Intuitive screen
• High capacity toner
• Chromebook ready
• 3 year warranty

Cons

• Single paper tray
• No fax option

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With 26 PPM speeds and a 5 inch touchscreen, navigation is smooth. Chromebook compatibility ensures broader device support across your team.

High capacity toner keeps maintenance intervals low and costs predictable. The main trade-off is the lack of fax functionality for some legacy needs.

We recommend this for small offices needing scan copy and print. It delivers solid performance and user friendly controls for all users.

Device Support

Chromebook compatibility ensures you can print directly from Chrome OS devices without additional drivers.

User Friendly

An intuitive touchscreen simplifies access to features making the device easy to use for everyone.

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8. HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw – Reliable Team Entry Level Color Laser Printer

3.4Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw

26 PPM speed

Self reset Wi-Fi

Dual band

TerraJet toner

The HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw is built for team efficiency. Its rating suggests mixed experiences but strong hardware performance overall.

Pros

• Vivid color output
• Auto 2-sided
• 250 sheet tray
• Dual band support
• Office focused

Cons

• Lower user rating
• Chip restrictions

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Dual band Wi-Fi with self reset ensures connectivity stability during busy periods. TerraJet toner delivers vivid colors that make reports stand out.

Chip restrictions maintain quality but limit cartridge options which may affect long term costs. The 250 sheet tray supports steady workflow demands.

We suggest this for teams valuing output quality and speed. It is a strong choice for daily professional document printing tasks.

Connectivity Stability

Dual band Wi-Fi with self reset helps detect and resolve connection issues automatically.

Output Quality

TerraJet toner technology ensures vivid colors and professional quality on every document.

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9. Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II – High Capacity Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.2Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II

4 in 1 functions

Duplex printing

Wireless capable

Fax included

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II extends functionality with fax capabilities. Its rating reflects high user satisfaction and robust performance features.

Pros

• 4 in 1 capability
• Fax function
• Duplex printing
• Wireless ready
• Strong rating

Cons

• Higher complexity
• Larger footprint

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With 4 in 1 capabilities, it consolidates multiple tasks into one device. This helps streamline office workflows significantly without adding extra hardware.

The larger footprint may require dedicated space but offers substantial functionality. Duplex printing saves paper and supports eco-friendly office practices.

We recommend this for offices needing fax and print in one. It provides excellent value for teams needing comprehensive document handling.

Consolidated Workflow

4 in 1 capability lets you handle printing scanning copying and faxing in one single device.

Space Saving

Combining multiple functions into one unit reduces clutter and saves valuable desk space.

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10. Xerox C240 – Simple Fast Entry Level Color Laser Printer

4.6Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Xerox C240

26 PPM speed

Easy smartphone setup

AirPrint ready

Standard toner

The Xerox C240 boasts the highest rating in this list. Users appreciate its simplicity and reliable performance for daily printing tasks.

Pros

• Highest rated
• Fast setup
• AirPrint support
• Brilliant color
• Low cost ownership

Cons

• Print only model
• Small feed tray

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Easy smartphone setup and AirPrint support make it accessible for mobile users quickly. High yield toner helps lower total cost over time significantly.

Lack of scanning limits use to those only needing hard copy output. The small feed tray is manageable for light to moderate workloads.

We recommend this for teams prioritizing ease of use. It is perfect for quick reliable color printing without complex features.

Smartphone Setup

Xerox Easy Assist App simplifies guided installation eliminating complex manuals and driver hurdles.

Total Cost

High yield toner options help lower total cost of ownership over time compared to standard cartridges.

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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Entry Level Color Laser Printer

Choosing the right printer involves weighing several critical factors to ensure it meets your specific workflow and budget needs.

Print Speed

Print speed determines how quickly your documents are ready. For busy environments, aim for 20 PPM or higher to avoid waiting around.

Look for models offering speeds above 20 PPM to keep your workflow moving smoothly without bottlenecks.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity like Wi-Fi and Ethernet allows seamless integration into your network. Mobile printing support is essential for modern work habits.

Prioritize models with dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile app support for maximum flexibility and convenience.

Paper Capacity

A larger paper tray reduces the frequency of refills which is vital for uninterrupted work. Consider 250 sheets or more for office use.

Choose a model with at least a 250-sheet tray to minimize downtime caused by empty paper trays.

Total Cost of Ownership

Toner yield and replacement frequency impact long-term expenses. High-capacity toners reduce the frequency of changing cartridges and maintenance costs.

Select printers with high yield toners to ensure lower operational costs over the device lifespan.

Multi Functionality

3-in-1 or 4-in-1 units save space by combining printing scanning and copying. Fax options may still be necessary for some industries.

Decide if scanning or copying is required to avoid paying for unused features in your setup.

Warranty Support

A strong warranty offers peace of mind and reduces repair risks. Look for models with at least one year of manufacturer coverage included.

Ensure your chosen model includes a solid warranty to protect against potential technical issues or malfunctions.

Physical Footprint

Compact designs are better for small desks or home offices. Consider dimensions to ensure it fits your workspace comfortably.

Measure your available space and choose a compact unit that fits easily on your desk or counter.

How to Use and Care for Your Entry Level Color Laser Printer

Connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network using the on-screen menu or app. Ensure your device is on the same network before sending print jobs.

Use the printer software or mobile app to manage paper trays and toner levels. Replace cartridges as soon as the printer alerts you to low supplies.

Keep the printer in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents toner clumping and extends the life of internal components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Entry Level Color Laser Printer

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