Top Color Printers For Small Business
In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to produce high-quality, professional-looking documents in-house is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. For small businesses, a reliable color printer can be a game-changer, allowing them to create marketing materials, presentations, and client documents without relying on expensive external printing services.
This review is tailored for value-conscious small business owners and managers who need a color printer that balances performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. We understand that every dollar counts, and choosing the right printer can significantly impact your bottom line.
Why a Color Printer Matters for Your Small Business
A color printer isn't just about aesthetics; it's about communication. Color can enhance the impact of your marketing materials, improve the clarity of your presentations, and create a more professional image for your brand.
From brochures and flyers to internal reports and client proposals, a color printer allows you to control the quality and turnaround time of your printed materials.
Moreover, it often proves more cost-effective than outsourcing print jobs, especially for smaller print runs.
Shortlist of Top Color Printers for Small Businesses
Here's a quick overview of our top picks, categorized to suit different needs and budgets:
- Best Overall: Brother HL-L3290CDW - A well-rounded printer offering a great balance of print quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Canon PIXMA MG3620 - An affordable all-in-one option perfect for light-duty printing and scanning needs.
- Best for High-Volume Printing: Epson EcoTank ET-4850 - Features a refillable ink tank system for significantly lower running costs.
- Best for Photo Printing: HP ENVY Photo 7155 - Delivers exceptional photo quality with convenient mobile printing options.
Detailed Reviews
Brother HL-L3290CDW
The Brother HL-L3290CDW stands out as a solid all-around choice for small businesses. It offers fast print speeds, producing up to 25 pages per minute in both color and black and white.
Its print quality is excellent for everyday business documents, with sharp text and vibrant colors. The wireless connectivity and mobile printing support make it easy to print from various devices.
Automatic duplex printing helps save on paper costs, and the relatively compact design makes it suitable for smaller office spaces.
Canon PIXMA MG3620
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is an excellent entry-level option for businesses on a tight budget. This all-in-one printer offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities at an affordable price.
While its print speed is not the fastest, it delivers decent print quality for everyday documents and photos. Wireless connectivity allows for easy printing from smartphones and tablets.
The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a simple and reliable printer, ideal for light-duty printing tasks.
Epson EcoTank ET-4850
For businesses with high-volume printing needs, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 is a standout choice. Its refillable ink tank system dramatically reduces printing costs compared to traditional cartridge-based printers.
The initial investment is higher, but the savings on ink over time can be substantial. The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 also offers fast print speeds, excellent print quality, and a range of convenient features, including wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing.
It also features a built-in scanner and copier for added versatility.
HP ENVY Photo 7155
If photo printing is a priority for your business, the HP ENVY Photo 7155 is an excellent option. It delivers exceptional photo quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
The printer also offers convenient mobile printing options, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet. While its text printing quality is adequate for everyday documents, it excels in producing stunning photos.
The HP ENVY Photo 7155 is ideal for businesses that need to create high-quality marketing materials with visually appealing images.
Side-by-Side Specs Table
| Printer Model | Print Speed (Black/Color) | Print Quality (Text/Photo) | Monthly Duty Cycle | Connectivity | Cost per Page | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L3290CDW | 25 ppm / 25 ppm | Good / Good | Up to 30,000 pages | Wi-Fi, USB | Moderate | 8.5/10 |
| Canon PIXMA MG3620 | 9.9 ppm / 5.7 ppm | Decent / Decent | Up to 1,000 pages | Wi-Fi, USB | Moderate | 7.0/10 |
| Epson EcoTank ET-4850 | 15 ppm / 8 ppm | Good / Good | Up to 5,000 pages | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Very Low | 9.0/10 |
| HP ENVY Photo 7155 | 14 ppm / 9 ppm | Decent / Excellent | Up to 1,000 pages | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB | Moderate | 8.0/10 |
Practical Considerations
Beyond the specs, consider these practical factors when choosing a color printer:
- Ink Costs: Factor in the cost of ink cartridges or refill bottles, as this will significantly impact your long-term printing expenses.
- Paper Handling: Check the printer's paper capacity and the types of paper it supports.
- Connectivity: Ensure the printer offers the connectivity options you need, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.
- Size and Footprint: Consider the printer's physical dimensions and whether it will fit comfortably in your office space.
- Warranty and Support: Look for a printer with a good warranty and reliable customer support.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right color printer for your small business requires careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. The Brother HL-L3290CDW offers a great balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. If you're on a tight budget, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is a solid option. For high-volume printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 can save you significant money on ink. And if photo printing is a priority, the HP ENVY Photo 7155 delivers exceptional results.
Remember to consider factors such as ink costs, paper handling, and connectivity when making your decision. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a color printer that meets your business needs and helps you save money in the long run.
Make an Informed Decision Today
Ready to upgrade your printing capabilities? Take the next step and research your top choices thoroughly. Visit the manufacturer's websites, read customer reviews, and compare prices to find the best deal for your business.
Investing in the right color printer can significantly improve your business's efficiency and professionalism. Don't wait, make an informed decision today and start enjoying the benefits of high-quality in-house printing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between inkjet and laser printers?
Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed onto the paper, while laser printers use toner powder fused to the paper with heat. Laser printers are generally faster and more cost-effective for high-volume text printing, while inkjet printers excel at photo printing.
Q: How important is print speed?
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm). If you print frequently or in large quantities, a faster printer can save you valuable time.
Q: What is a "duplex printing"?
Duplex printing refers to the ability to automatically print on both sides of the paper. This can save you money on paper costs and reduce your environmental impact.
Q: How do I calculate the cost per page?
To calculate the cost per page, divide the cost of the ink cartridge or toner by the estimated number of pages it will print. This will give you a rough estimate of your printing expenses.
Q: What is a monthly duty cycle?
The monthly duty cycle is the maximum number of pages a printer is designed to print in a month. It's important to choose a printer with a duty cycle that matches your printing volume to ensure its longevity.
