We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Color Printers 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer - Black, Medium

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,313
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Size and Design

Most important from
13065 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent for both documents and photos, with vibrant colors and no smudges.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink tank system is satisfying and eco-friendly, with ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges and reduces plastic waste.
Size and Design
This printer is impressive with its compact size and lightweight design, taking up less desk space than expected.

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a versatile, all-in-one color printer best suited for home use. One of its standout features is its cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks, leading to significant savings on ink costs. The ink bottles can print up to 4,500 pages in black and 7,500 in color, which means fewer replacements and less waste compared to traditional cartridges. This makes it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for those who print frequently. The print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo Heat-Free technology, which ensures sharp text and vibrant color prints on various paper types.

The built-in scanner and copier add convenience for home users who need more than just printing capabilities. Connectivity options are modern and flexible, including Wi-Fi and USB, and it supports mobile printing via apps and voice-activated commands. However, its print speed is relatively slow, with a maximum of 10 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 5 ppm for color, which might not be ideal for users who need fast printing. The paper handling capacity is moderate, with a 100-sheet input tray, which should be sufficient for home use but may require frequent refills for heavier tasks.

The printer’s size and design are compact, making it easy to fit into most home office spaces. While the initial cost of the printer might be higher than some alternatives, the long-term savings on ink can justify the investment. Additionally, using genuine Epson ink is recommended to maintain optimal performance and avoid warranty issues. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is perfect for home users looking for an economical, high-quality printer with added scanning and copying functions, although its slower print speed and moderate paper handling capacity might be limiting for more demanding tasks.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,313
Print Quality (Resolution)
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Size and Design

Most important from
13065 reviews

Print Quality (Resolution)
Print quality is excellent for both documents and photos, with vibrant colors and no smudges.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
The ink tank system is satisfying and eco-friendly, with ink that lasts significantly longer than traditional cartridges and reduces plastic waste.
Size and Design
This printer is impressive with its compact size and lightweight design, taking up less desk space than expected.
#2

Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Mobile Device and Duplex Printing, Refresh Subscription and Works with Alexa

Rating
9.6
Connectivity Options
Size and Design
Duplex Printing

Most important from
7367 reviews

Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and smooth, with quick installation and easy connection to Wi-Fi and mobile devices for printing on the go.
Size and Design
The compact size and enclosed paper tray make it ideal for small spaces and keep paper protected from dust.
Duplex Printing
Automatic two-sided printing works reliably after a brief learning curve, helping to save paper and increase efficiency.
Print Speed
Print speed is fast for black-and-white draft documents, though color photo printing is noticeably slower and more detailed.
Additional Features
The printer operates quietly, a welcome improvement compared to older models.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Ink subscription service offers a cost-effective solution for low-volume users, with seamless page monitoring and automatic deliveries, though cartridges become unusable if the subscription lapses.
Paper Handling
The automatic document feeder handles standard paper well, but the paper tray capacity is limited to about 150 sheets to avoid jams.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a compact all-in-one color inkjet printer designed for home and small office environments where space and budget are important. It offers impressive print quality with a high resolution (up to 6000 x 1200 dpi on Windows), delivering sharp color and black-and-white prints. Print speeds are decent for its class, with up to 17 pages per minute for monochrome and about 9.5 ppm for color, suitable for moderate daily printing tasks.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, making it easy to connect from smartphones, PCs, or laptops. The included Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies printing and scanning from mobile devices, which is handy for users who prefer wireless convenience. Paper handling is versatile, featuring a 150-sheet adjustable tray and a 20-page automatic document feeder, which helps speed up copying and scanning jobs without frequent paper refills. Automatic duplex (double-sided) printing is a valuable feature that helps save paper and adds to its efficiency.

In terms of design, it’s compact and lightweight for easy placement on limited desk space. However, one consideration is ink cost and yield; like many inkjet printers, replacement cartridges may add up over time, so subscribing to the Refresh subscription service could be beneficial for frequent users. While it supports borderless printing and offers a helpful touchscreen display, it may not be the fastest color printer available, so those with heavy color printing needs might look elsewhere. This printer is well-suited for users who want a reliable, feature-rich device for everyday color printing, copying, and scanning in a small footprint without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.6
Connectivity Options
Size and Design
Duplex Printing

Most important from
7367 reviews

Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and smooth, with quick installation and easy connection to Wi-Fi and mobile devices for printing on the go.
Size and Design
The compact size and enclosed paper tray make it ideal for small spaces and keep paper protected from dust.
Duplex Printing
Automatic two-sided printing works reliably after a brief learning curve, helping to save paper and increase efficiency.
Print Speed
Print speed is fast for black-and-white draft documents, though color photo printing is noticeably slower and more detailed.
Additional Features
The printer operates quietly, a welcome improvement compared to older models.
Ink/Toner Cost and Yield
Ink subscription service offers a cost-effective solution for low-volume users, with seamless page monitoring and automatic deliveries, though cartridges become unusable if the subscription lapses.
Paper Handling
The automatic document feeder handles standard paper well, but the paper tray capacity is limited to about 150 sheets to avoid jams.

Buying Guide for the Best Color Printers

Choosing the right color printer can be a daunting task, but with a little guidance, you can find the perfect one to meet your needs. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your specific requirements. Whether you need a printer for home use, a small office, or a large business, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
Print Quality (Resolution)Print quality, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines how sharp and detailed the printed images and text will be. Higher DPI values mean better print quality. For general home use, a resolution of 600 x 600 DPI is usually sufficient. For professional photo printing or high-quality graphics, look for printers with 1200 x 1200 DPI or higher. Consider what you will be printing most often to decide the level of print quality you need.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce documents. This is important if you need to print large volumes of documents regularly. For home use, a speed of 10-20 PPM is typically adequate. For office environments, look for printers with speeds of 20-40 PPM or higher. Assess your typical print volume to determine the appropriate print speed for your needs.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your printer to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. For home use, Wi-Fi connectivity is convenient for wireless printing from multiple devices. In an office setting, Ethernet connectivity might be preferred for a stable and fast connection. Consider how you plan to connect your printer and choose one that offers the necessary options.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate, as well as the capacity of its paper trays. If you need to print on various paper sizes or types, such as envelopes or cardstock, ensure the printer supports them. For home use, a standard paper tray capacity of 100-150 sheets is usually enough. For office use, look for printers with larger capacities or multiple trays to reduce the frequency of refilling.
Ink/Toner Cost and YieldThe cost and yield of ink or toner cartridges can significantly impact the overall cost of owning a printer. Yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print before needing replacement. High-yield cartridges may have a higher upfront cost but can be more economical in the long run. Research the cost and yield of cartridges for the printers you are considering and factor this into your decision, especially if you print frequently.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing allows a printer to automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper. This feature can save paper and reduce printing costs. It is particularly useful for office environments where large documents are printed regularly. For home use, it is a convenient feature but not always necessary. Consider whether duplex printing is important for your typical printing tasks.
Size and DesignThe size and design of a printer can affect where you can place it and how it fits into your workspace. Compact printers are ideal for small spaces or home offices, while larger printers may be better suited for dedicated office environments. Think about the available space you have and choose a printer that fits comfortably without being obtrusive.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features such as scanning, copying, and faxing can add versatility to your printer. All-in-one printers that include these functions can be very convenient, especially in a home office or small business setting. Consider whether you need these extra features and how often you will use them to determine if an all-in-one printer is the right choice for you.

FAQ