Lexmark CS331dw Color Laser Printer with Ethernet, Mobile-Friendly, Wireless Office Printer with Automatic Two-Sided Printing (3-Series)(40N9020)
3.9Editor score
Fast 26 ppm output
Wireless and Ethernet ready
Automatic two-sided printing
In this guide
Finding a cheap color laser printer does not mean sacrificing quality or speed. These devices deliver crisp text and vibrant graphics while keeping running costs low for small teams and home offices.
We evaluated ten popular models based on print speed, wireless connectivity, paper capacity, and overall value. Each pick balances affordability with professional output to help you choose the right machine.
Every review highlights key specs, pros, and cons so you can make an informed decision. Note that prices and availability may change, so check the current listing before buying.
Top 3 Picks for Best Cheap Color Laser Printer
Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw – Wireless Laser Printer, Multifunction with Scanner, Copier, Mobile Ready, 3 Year Limited Warranty, 22 PPM Color, White
4.3Editor score
Print scan copy all-in-one
22 ppm color speed
Three-year limited warranty
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)
3.7Editor score
ADF auto document feeder
26 ppm black color
TerraJet vivid colors
Top 10 Best Cheap Color Laser Printer in 2026 Compared
This side-by-side comparison shows key specs for each model to help you quickly identify the right fit for your workflow and budget.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Best Budget
Brother HL-L3220CDW
19 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
Wireless enabled
Automatic duplex
3.9Editor score
Editor's Choice
Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw
26 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
Wireless enabled
Auto 2-sided
4.0Editor score
Editor's Choice
Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw
22 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
3-in-1 functions
Mobile ready
4.3Editor score
Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw
26 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
5-inch touchscreen
Auto 2-sided
3.9Editor score
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw
26 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
ADF included
Duplex printing
3.7Editor score
Brother HL-L3280CDW
27 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
Touchscreen panel
Cloud apps
3.9Editor score
Xerox C235dni
24 ppm speed
All-in-one
Wireless setup
Mobile print
3.8Editor score
Xerox C240
26 ppm speed
Print only
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Easy setup
4.5Editor score
HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw
26 ppm speed
Duplex printing
250-sheet tray
Dual-band Wi-Fi
3.4Editor score
Lexmark CS331dw
26 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
Full security
Energy certified
3.9Editor score
1. Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw – Best Overall Color Laser Printer
Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw
22 ppm print speed
250-sheet capacity
Wireless connectivity
3-year warranty
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw delivers fast color printing with solid wireless integration. It earns strong ratings for its ability to handle both text and graphics efficiently.
Pros
- Fast color output
- Three-in-one functions
- High quality prints
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- Bulky design
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Key strengths include a 22 ppm speed, versatile mobile printing options, and a generous three-year limited warranty. The all-in-one design supports scanning and copying without extra peripherals.
Honest trade-offs include its higher upfront cost and larger footprint compared to single-function units. These are acceptable for users who need multifunction reliability and long-term support.
This printer suits home offices needing reliable scanning and printing. It remains a top pick for those valuing warranty coverage and consistent output quality.
Versatile Mobile Printing
Use the Canon PRINT app with Apple AirPrint for seamless mobile and cloud printing options.
Long-Term Reliability
The three-year limited warranty ensures peace of mind against defects and maintenance issues.
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2. HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw – Best Premium Office Printer
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw
26 ppm output
Auto document feeder
Wireless setup
TerraJet toner
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw stands out with fast speeds and advanced office features. It brings vivid color and efficiency to professional teams.
Pros
- High speed output
- Document feeding
- Vivid colors
- Robust features
Cons
- Limited cartridge compatibility
- Higher maintenance cost
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Its TerraJet toner delivers vibrant prints while the auto document feeder simplifies batch scanning. Reliable performance and dual-band wireless ensure consistent connectivity for busy workspaces.
Trade-offs include strict HP cartridge compatibility and higher toner replacement costs. These trade-offs are manageable for businesses prioritizing print quality and workflow speed.
Buy this if you need top-tier scanning and printing. It suits offices where efficiency and reliable output are more important than initial cost.
High Productivity Output
The auto document feeder and 26 ppm speed reduce time spent on document handling.
Color Quality Focus
Next-generation TerraJet toner produces vivid, professional-grade color prints consistently.
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3. Lexmark CS331dw – Best Budget Color Laser Printer
Lexmark CS331dw
26 ppm output
Wireless enabled
250-sheet tray
Compact design
The Lexmark CS331dw offers reliable color printing at a competitive entry price. It delivers strong performance for small offices seeking value.
Pros
- Low purchase price
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- Full security
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Basic interface
- Lower yield
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Key strengths include built-in wireless and Ethernet, automatic two-sided printing, and Lexmark's full-spectrum security. It meets high monthly page volumes without breaking the bank.
Trade-offs include a basic control interface and standard-yield toner. These are acceptable for users focused on cost savings and straightforward network integration.
This printer suits budget-conscious teams needing secure and fast output. Choose it if you want solid color printing without expensive features.
Dual Connectivity
Standard Wi-Fi and Ethernet ensure reliable network access for multiple users.
Security First
Full-spectrum security keeps documents safe across all points in your workflow.
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4. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw – Best Print Only Laser
Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw
26 ppm speed
Print only model
Auto duplex
5-inch LCD
The Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw provides fast printing without scanning features. It suits users who need high-speed color output only.
Pros
- Fast output
- Large display
- Easy setup
- Compact size
Cons
- No scanner
- Limited functions
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Its 26 ppm speed and 5-inch LCD screen simplify navigation and reduce wait times. High-capacity toner keeps page costs reasonable for daily tasks.
Trade-offs include the lack of scanning and copying. This is acceptable if you already have separate scanning tools and want a dedicated print machine.
Buy this if you need a fast standalone printer. It works well for home offices focused on color document printing.
High-Capacity Toner
Uses Genuine Toner 075 high-capacity to reduce replacement frequency.
Simple Interface
Navigate features quickly using the 5-line LCD screen layout.
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5. Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw – Best All-in-One Value
Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw
26 ppm output
5-inch touchscreen
Wireless enabled
3-year warranty
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw delivers fast speed with a modern touchscreen interface. It meets diverse office needs with scanning and copying support.
Pros
- Fast speed
- Large touchscreen
- Three-in-one functions
- Long warranty
Cons
- Costly consumables
- Larger footprint
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Key strengths include a 26 ppm speed, 5-inch color touchscreen, and a three-year limited warranty. The device supports cloud printing and mobile apps seamlessly.
Trade-offs include higher toner costs and bulkier size. These are acceptable for users prioritizing speed and a responsive control interface.
This printer suits teams needing quick scans and prints. It remains a strong pick for professional environments requiring reliable multifunction output.
Responsive Control
The 5-inch color touchscreen provides intuitive access to common tasks.
Extended Warranty
The three-year limited warranty covers defects and ensures long-term usage.
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6. Brother HL-L3280CDW – Best Compact Home Printer
Brother HL-L3280CDW
27 ppm speed
Compact footprint
Cloud apps
Auto duplex
The Brother HL-L3280CDW is a compact unit delivering fast laser quality. It integrates cloud apps and Ethernet for flexible workspace options.
Pros
- Fast output
- Small size
- Cloud integration
- Ethernet ready
Cons
- Small display
- High initial cost
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Key strengths include a 27 ppm speed, automatic duplex printing, and a 2.7-inch touchscreen for cloud access. It keeps productivity high in tight office spaces.
Trade-offs include a small display and higher initial cost. These are acceptable for users who value speed and space-saving designs.
This printer suits home offices needing quick color output. It is ideal for users who print frequently and want mobile flexibility.
Cloud Integration
Print directly from Google Drive or Dropbox using the touchscreen.
Efficiency Features
Automatic duplex reduces paper usage and lowers printing costs.
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7. Brother HL-L3220CDW – Best Reliable Home Office Unit
Brother HL-L3220CDW
19 ppm speed
250-sheet tray
Wireless enabled
Duplex printing
The Brother HL-L3220CDW delivers reliable performance with a large paper capacity. It secures documents while supporting mobile printing tasks.
Pros
- High capacity
- Mobile compatible
- Reliable output
- Security built
Cons
- Moderate speed
- Bulky form
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Key strengths include a 250-sheet tray, built-in security protocols, and wireless connectivity. It ensures continuous output for daily business documents.
Trade-offs include moderate speed and bulkier size. These are acceptable for users needing high capacity and secure connections.
This printer suits teams prioritizing reliability and security. It works well for home offices requiring steady volume without frequent refills.
Security Protocols
Built-in security safeguards sensitive business documents during wireless transmission.
High Capacity
The 250-sheet tray minimizes refills for busy workloads.
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8. Xerox C235dni – Best Small Office All-in-One
Xerox C235dni
24 ppm output
All-in-one
Easy setup
Low costs
The Xerox C235dni offers reliable all-in-one functionality for small offices. It ensures professional prints at low running costs.
Pros
- Low running costs
- Wireless setup
- Quick install
- Professional prints
Cons
- Average speed
- Setup complexity
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Key strengths include high-yield toner support, wireless setup, and fast 24 ppm speed. The brand trust ensures consistent performance for business needs.
Trade-offs include average speed and setup steps. These are acceptable for users seeking cost-effective scanning and printing.
This printer suits small teams needing reliable output. It works well for businesses focusing on cost savings and quality.
Low Running Costs
High-yield toner options reduce long-term expenses per page.
Quick Setup
The Xerox Easy Assist App simplifies installation and device setup.
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9. Xerox C240 – Best Dedicated Print Device
Xerox C240
26 ppm speed
Print only
Dual-band Wi-Fi
High yield
The Xerox C240 delivers fast speeds and vibrant graphics. It is designed for professionals needing reliable output without extra features.
Pros
- Fast speed
- Professional quality
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Low ownership cost
Cons
- No scanning
- High upfront cost
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Key strengths include high-yield toner, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 26 ppm speed. The brand ensures consistent throughput for hybrid workers.
Trade-offs include the lack of scanning and a higher upfront cost. These are acceptable for users focusing solely on printing speed.
This printer suits teams needing dedicated color output. It works well for offices where scanning is handled by a shared device.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Stay connected reliably with dual-band wireless across your network.
High Yield Toner
Standard and high-yield toners support lighter and heavier usage.
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10. HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw – Best Standard Office Printer
HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw
26 ppm speed
Wireless print
250-sheet tray
Auto duplex
The HP Color Laserjet Pro 3201dw provides standard office performance with vivid colors. It supports seamless wireless printing for small teams.
Pros
- Fast output
- Self-reset Wi-Fi
- Vivid colors
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Firmware restrictions
- Low rating
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Key strengths include a self-reset Wi-Fi feature and fast 26 ppm speed. TerraJet toner ensures your business looks good on paper.
Trade-offs include firmware restrictions and low rating. These are acceptable for users prioritizing speed and brand reliability over cost.
This printer suits teams needing consistent output. It works well for offices requiring reliable color documents with minimal setup.
Self-Reset Wi-Fi
Automatically detects and resolves connection issues for better uptime.
Vivid Colors
TerraJet toner brings your business documents to life.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Cheap Color Laser Printer
Choosing the right cheap color laser printer requires balancing speed, features, and cost. This guide covers key factors to help you find the best model for your needs.
Print Speed
Print speed determines how quickly your documents output. Look for models with 20+ ppm to reduce wait times for busy users.
Prioritize speed if you print daily reports or graphics.
Functionality
All-in-one units combine printing with scanning and copying. Single-function printers are cheaper but lack these essential office features.
Choose all-in-one if you need scans and copies regularly.
Paper Capacity
A 250-sheet tray is standard for home offices. Larger capacities mean fewer refills during peak usage times.
Opt for higher tray sizes to maintain productivity.
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi support enables printing from mobile devices and laptops. Some models also include Ethernet for secure wired connections.
Ensure your model supports mobile printing standards like AirPrint.
Toner Costs
High-yield toners cost more upfront but lower the cost per page. Check if the brand offers affordable replacements.
Calculate total toner costs before buying.
Duplex Printing
Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and time. Ensure the model includes duplex for professional double-sided docs.
Look for duplex to reduce manual flipping.
Warranty
A three-year warranty offers long-term protection against defects. Many cheaper models only include a single year.
Check warranty length to avoid repair costs.
Security
Security features protect documents in office networks. Full-spectrum architecture keeps data safe from device to output.
Prioritize security for sensitive business data.
How to Use and Care for Your Cheap Color Laser Printer
Set up your printer on a stable surface and connect to your Wi-Fi network. Use the manufacturer app for simple configuration steps.
Load the 250-sheet tray with high-quality paper to avoid jams. Store paper in a dry area to maintain optimal performance.
Run weekly cleaning cycles and use genuine toner for clear prints. Update firmware regularly to prevent connectivity issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per page for cheap color laser printers?
The average cost per page ranges from 6 to 10 cents for color. High-yield toners and proper usage can lower this further over time.
Are cheap color laser printers suitable for home offices?
Yes, many models support reliable home office use. They offer wireless printing and duplex features ideal for small teams.
Do these printers support mobile printing?
Most modern units support mobile printing via AirPrint or dedicated apps. Check the product specs for specific connectivity options.
How long do color laser printers last?
With regular maintenance, these printers can last 3 to 5 years. Firmware updates and toner management extend their lifespan.
What should I look for in toner cartridges?
Look for high-yield cartridges and check replacement costs. Ensure the printer accepts both standard and high-capacity options.
Is a three-year warranty better than a one-year?
Yes, a three-year warranty offers more protection against defects. It reduces long-term repair costs significantly for small offices.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Cheap Color Laser Printer
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw and Lexmark CS331dw lead the list for value and versatility. Each offers strong performance for daily needs.
Prioritize speed and connectivity to ensure your workflow stays smooth. All-in-one features save space and cost in the long run.
Check current listings before buying since prices change often. Compare warranty terms to find the best protection for your purchase.