Best Color Laser Printers For Small Business

For small businesses, every penny counts. Investing in the right tools is crucial, and a color laser printer is no exception. A high-quality printer can boost productivity, create professional-looking documents, and ultimately impact your bottom line.

This review is tailored for value-conscious shoppers like you, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and office managers seeking the best color laser printer without breaking the bank. We'll analyze top contenders, weighing price against performance to help you make a smart investment.

Why Color Laser Printers Matter for Small Businesses

Color laser printers offer several advantages over inkjet models, particularly for businesses. They are known for their speed, durability, and cost-effectiveness when printing in large volumes. This makes them ideal for businesses that regularly print marketing materials, reports, or client presentations.

The crisp text and vibrant colors produced by laser printers project a professional image, essential for building credibility. Furthermore, laser printers typically have a lower cost per page compared to inkjet printers, saving you money in the long run.

Shortlist: Top Color Laser Printers for Small Businesses

Here's a curated list of color laser printers catering to different needs and budgets:

Best Overall: Brother HL-L3290CDW - A reliable workhorse offering excellent print quality and duplex printing.
Best Budget Option: HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw - A compact and affordable printer for smaller offices.
Best for High Volume: Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw - A feature-rich all-in-one printer with fast printing speeds.
Best for Photo Quality: Xerox VersaLink C400/DN - Exceptional color accuracy and image clarity for professional-grade photos.

Detailed Reviews

Brother HL-L3290CDW

The Brother HL-L3290CDW stands out as a well-rounded color laser printer for small businesses. It offers a good balance of price, performance, and features. With print speeds of up to 25 pages per minute (ppm), it can handle moderate printing volumes efficiently.

It also includes automatic duplex printing, which saves paper and reduces costs. The printer is also easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and mobile printing capabilities.

HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is an excellent choice for businesses on a tight budget. Despite its affordable price, it delivers impressive print quality and speed. The compact design makes it ideal for small offices with limited space.

It supports mobile printing, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. The printer also features a built-in security system to protect sensitive information.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a powerful all-in-one printer designed for businesses with high printing demands. It offers fast printing speeds, automatic duplex printing, and a large paper capacity. This ensures that your business operations run as smoothly as possible.

In addition to printing, it also offers scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. The printer also has a touchscreen display for easy navigation and a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.

Xerox VersaLink C400/DN

The Xerox VersaLink C400/DN is the top pick for businesses that prioritize photo quality. It produces exceptional color accuracy and image clarity, making it suitable for printing marketing materials or presentations. The printer also offers a wide range of features, including mobile printing, a touchscreen display, and advanced security features.

It's a bit more expensive than other models on this list, but the investment is worthwhile if color accuracy is paramount. This is because the printer delivers top-tier results in quality that is unmatched by its competitors.

Side-by-Side Specs Table

Here's a comparison of the key specifications of the reviewed printers:

Feature	Brother HL-L3290CDW	HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw	Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw	Xerox VersaLink C400/DN
Print Speed (Color)	25 ppm	22 ppm	28 ppm	36 ppm
Duplex Printing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile Printing	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
All-in-One	No	No	Yes	No
Recommended Monthly Page Volume	300 - 1,500 pages	150 - 2,500 pages	750 - 4,000 pages	Up to 5,000 pages
Approximate Price	$300	$250	$600	$700

Practical Considerations

Before making a purchase, consider your specific printing needs. Estimate your monthly printing volume to determine the appropriate printer capacity.

Think about the types of documents you'll be printing. This can help determine if color accuracy is more important than a high print volume.

Consider the printer's connectivity options and mobile printing capabilities. Do you need Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB connectivity? Do you want to be able to print directly from your smartphone or tablet?

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right color laser printer for your small business requires careful consideration. Assess your printing needs, budget, and desired features before making a decision. The Brother HL-L3290CDW is a solid all-around choice, while the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw offers excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers.

For high-volume printing, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a worthy investment, and for exceptional photo quality, the Xerox VersaLink C400/DN stands out. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each model based on your unique business requirements.

Make an Informed Decision

By carefully considering the factors discussed in this review, you can confidently choose the color laser printer that best suits your small business needs. A well-informed decision will lead to increased productivity, cost savings, and a more professional image for your business.

Take the next step towards enhancing your business operations by researching the models mentioned and comparing them to your specific requirements. You can also consider reading user reviews to get insights from other small business owners.