12 best color printers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Color printers are versatile office equipment that will be useful both when printing photos and when outputting documents to paper. In addition, they usually do not cost much more than black and white (and inkjet ones are even cheaper), but at the same time they offer more options and maximum practicality.

We have compiled a rating of 12 inkjet printer models that will be useful for both home or office use, and for printing photos or images with high detail. For maximum objectivity, we have included not only the best low-cost inkjet printers, but also laser and photo printers.

Ranking of the best color printers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best color inkjet printers for the home in terms of price-performance ratio	1	Canon Pixma Pro-100S	RUB 34,050
	2	Epson Stylus Photo 1500W	RUB 38,551
	3	Canon Pixma iX6840	RUB 15,790
	4	Epson L312	RUB 9,990
Best color laser printers for home and small office	1	Brother HL-3170CDW	19 370 rub.
	2	Canon i-Sensys LBP7018C	RUB 9 530
	3	HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn	RUB 27 914
	4	Xerox Phaser 6020	RUB 12,990
	5	Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN	RUB 5,971
Best Low Cost Color Photo Printers	1	Canon Pixma G1400	RUB 11,714
	2	Sony DPP-FP75	–
	3	Canon Selphy CP400	–

The best color inkjet printers for the home in terms of price-performance ratio

Canon Pixma Pro-100S

Rating: 4.9

Why # 1: Wireless 8-color inkjet printer up to A3.

Description: Canon Pixma Pro-100S is practically a studio-grade device. It uses inkjet printing and 8 toners for the most realistic hues. In addition, it has one of the highest resolutions in the rating – 4800 × 2400 dpi. Gradients, small details, transitions and halftones – all this is displayed on paper as the photographer intended. The printer uses ChromaLife100 + inks with natural tints and – if necessary – high contrast.

The model is also suitable for everyday printing. It features fast image output speed. So, it takes only 1.5 minutes to print a laboratory-quality A3 sheet with full filling.

The product prints on paper weights up to 350 g / m2, as well as photo paper and CDs. The connection uses USB, wired local area network (Ethernet) and wireless. Direct Print and AirPrint for mobile printing are also available.

Advantages

• Print resolution 4800 × 2400 dots per inch, 8 tones, ChromaLife100 + ink;

• Wireless connection and mobile application for printing from a smartphone;

• Printing on paper ranging from 10 × 15 cm to A3.

disadvantages

• Difficult Wi-Fi connection;

• Oversized;

• No screen and CISS.

Epson Stylus Photo 1500W

Rating: 4.8

Why runner-up: Print resolution 5760 × 1440 dpi, speed 16 ppm, but more expensive than the leader

Description: Epson Stylus Photo 1500W is another printer with almost studio quality photos. It uses a piezoelectric inkjet printing technique and 6 ink shades to reproduce halftones and gradients. And the maximum resolution is 5760 × 1440 dpi. One color cartridge lasts an average of 470 pages, black – 810.

The main advantage of the model is its high printing speed. It is capable of outputting up to 16 pages per minute with high coverage. The printer is compatible with paper weights up to 300 g / m2 and up to A3 size, as well as prints on photo paper and CDs.

The device supports wireless connection to Wi-Fi networks. It also communicates with a smartphone using Direct Print technology, so photos can be printed directly from mobile devices, without a USB connection to a computer.

Advantages

• Print speed up to 16 pages per minute with high coverage;

• Support for wireless network connection;

• Supports printing on paper up to A3 size.

disadvantages

• Expensive original cartridges;

• No CISS;

• Difficult Wi-Fi connection.

Canon Pixma iX6840

Rating: 4.8

Why third place: Resolution for black and white printing 600 × 600 dpi.

Description: Canon Pixma iX6840 is cheaper than previous models in the ranking, but this is due to the lower resolution when printing. So, for black and white images and text, it is 600 × 600 dpi. For color it is already 9600 × 2400 dpi, but this is not a native, but an extrapolated resolution. The printer uses thermal inkjet printing technique and 5 toner shades, in which CMYK is complemented by pigment black with greater contrast and depth.

The device prints on paper with a density of up to 300 g / m2 and a resolution of up to A3, as well as on photo paper. The color cartridge lasts 331 pages, the black one – 1645 pages. Print speeds up to 14 A4 black and white images per minute. For color, this parameter drops to 10.5 pages. The printer takes 36 seconds to output a 10×15 cm photo.

The model is connected via USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi. AirPrint support for printing from a smartphone is available.

Advantages

• Excellent color rendering;

• Support for wireless connection and AirPrint;

• Refillable ink cartridges and alternative ink compatibility.

disadvantages

• Difficulty in setting up;

• Sensitivity to paper quality;

• Long and slow loading (up to 3 minutes after switching on).

Epson L312

Rating: 4.7

Why fourth place: Only compatible with lightweight paper.

Description: Epson L312 is one of the best printers in the ranking of devices designed for home and office everyday use. Unfortunately, it is not very suitable for printing photographs – even despite the resolution of 5760 × 1440 dpi. The printer uses four-color cartridges and piezoelectric inkjet technology.

The main advantage of the model is the built-in continuous ink supply system. The capacity of the container with color toner will be enough for 7,500 pages, black – for 4,500 pages. Containers with toner are located in a special block outside the printer body.

The device prints on paper with a density of up to 250 g / m2 and a resolution of up to A4. It is also compatible with photo paper. Print speed is up to 33 pages per minute in black and white and up to 15 in color. It takes 69 seconds to render a 10 × 15 cm photo with full fill.

The model does not connect to local networks and does not support AirPrint.

Advantages

• Fast printing;

• CISS and inexpensive ink;

• Quiet when working.

disadvantages

• May not work with paper heavier than 180 g / m2;

• Unrealistic, 'runaway' colors, which will not be noticeable in the document, but not in the photograph;

• Poor assembly of the paper picker.

Best color laser printers for home and small office

Brother HL-3170CDW

Rating: 4.9

Why First Place: A budget-friendly, four-color laser printer with a resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi.

Description: Laser printer Brother HL-3170CDW tops the rating due to the excellent combination of price and reliability. At the same time, he has order with other characteristics. The printer supports four-color LED printing with a resolution of up to 2400 × 600 dpi in CMYK mode.

The device has a high print speed – up to 22 pages per minute in full color with medium coverage. Compatible with matte and glossy papers up to 163 g / m2. The resource of complete color cartridges is enough for 1400 pages each, black-and-white – for 2500. You can buy an increased capacity, there are enough of them for 2200.

The model is connected to a computer via USB and to a network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Supports AirPrint for printing from a mobile device. Compatible with PostScript languages ​​that speed up paper output, especially when transferring over a wireless network.

Advantages

• Fast and easy setup;

• Supports double-sided printing;

• High printing speed.

disadvantages

• Poor for printing highly detailed images and photographs. uses LED technology;

• Expensive cartridges (although refillable);

• Large dimensions of the printer itself.

Canon i-Sensys LBP7018C

Rating: 4.8

Why second place: Slower print speed than the leader of the rating – up to 16 pages per minute in black and white.

Description: The Canon i-Sensys LBP7018C printer uses laser printing technology. This increases the quality of the image on the paper – even the smallest details remain smooth and neat. But the print speed decreases – in black and white it is up to 16 pages per minute, in color – up to 4. Warm-up takes 66 seconds, and the first print out – up to 25 seconds.

The maximum print resolution is 600 x 2400 dpi. The printer handles glossy and matte paper up to 220 g / m2. Uses 4 toners (CMYK), each cartridge lasts 1000-1200 pages.

The device does not connect to a local network (but can be used as a shared means Windows), does not support PostScript – it uses CAPT instead, and does not communicate with mobile devices via Picture Bridge and AirPrint.

Advantages

• Low price of the printer itself and consumables for it;

• Support for refueling the cartridge;

• Compact dimensions and low noise level.

disadvantages

• Slow print speed, especially when waking up from sleep mode;

• There is no support for USB 3.0 interfaces and the possibility of using a router in the print server;

• Unsuccessful print drivers, difficult to adjust color palette or connect printer to Linux.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn

Rating: 4.7

Why Third Place: An enterprise-class printer with fast print speeds, LCD and Auto Duplex, but more expensive than the rest of the rankings.

Description: The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn printer is designed for use in small offices. It supports installation as a network over Ethernet port, prints at up to 33 pages per minute (both in color and black and white) and is equipped with an LCD information display. It uses laser technology and the maximum resolution is 1200 x 1200 dpi. A nice feature of the printer is the support for automatic two-sided printing.

The device handles matte and glossy papers up to 220 g / m2. The resource of the complete cartridges is enough for 5-6 thousand pages, if necessary, you can buy high-capacity consumables – color for 9,500 pages and black for 12,500 pages.

The model is connected to a computer via USB, and to a local network via Ethernet. Supports PostScript. RAM – 1 GB.

Advantages

• High printing speed;

• High capacity of cartridges;

• Optimal print quality with genuine cartridges.

disadvantages

• Expensive consumables;

• Low quality of cheap compatible qualities;

• Heavy and oversized.

Xerox Phaser 6020

Rating: 4.6

Why fourth place: One of the cheapest office printers in the ranking, but with a slow print speed.

Description: The Xerox Phaser 6020 printer, like its predecessor, is focused on use in small offices – the device resource is 30 thousand pages per month. It adopts LED printing technology, and the maximum resolution is 1200 × 2400dpi.

The device prints relatively slowly – up to 12 pages per minute in black and white and up to 10 in color. It takes 10 seconds for the first sheet to come out. The printer handles matte and glossy paper up to 220 g / m2. Uses 4 CMYK toners, complete color cartridges last 1000 pages, black – 2000 pages.

The model supports connection to a local wireless network Wi-Fi and AirPrint technology. Xerox even has a dedicated app for iOS to print photos and documents directly from your phone.

There is no PostScript support, but there are predefined font layouts (81). The printer has 128 MB of RAM.

Advantages

• Low price;

• Availability of compatible non-original consumables;

• Supports Wi-Fi connection.

disadvantages

• High cost of original consumables;

• Sensitivity to paper quality and difficulty in setting up printing images;

• Printing is very slow with AirPrint.

Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN

Rating: 4.6

Why fifth place: The cheapest model in the ranking, but large, noisy and with expensive consumables.

Description: The Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN printer is suitable for use in a very small office – the resource of the device is 10 thousand pages per month. It also supports Ethernet LAN connection and automatic duplex printing. The maximum resolution is 3600 x 1200 dpi.

The model works with glossy and matte paper up to 256 g / m2. Uses a four-color CMYK toner, color cartridges last 2200 pages, black – 2500. The maximum print speed is 29 pages per minute, while the first page out takes up to 6.5 seconds. Warm-up time when switching on or waking from sleep mode is 35 seconds.

The device is connected to a computer via USB, to a local network – via Ethernet. It does not support PostScript languages, and unlike PCL 5c and 6, there is no AirPrint, Picture Bridge, or direct printing.

Advantages

• Cheap;

• Fast printing (both color and black and white);

• Work as a network printer.

disadvantages

• Expensive consumables and no compatibility with non-original toners;

• Large size and high noise level;

• Ink takes a long time to dry and may run along the grain of the paper.

Best Low Cost Color Photo Printers

Canon Pixma G1400

Rating: 4.8

Why first place: Low price, high print resolution, built-in continuous ink supply system (CISS).

Description: Canon Pixma G1400 – the cheapest printer in the rating with a built-in continuous ink supply system. This reduces the cost of toner and cartridges and helps you quickly understand how many consumables are left.

The model uses thermal inkjet printing technology. The maximum resolution is 4800 x 1200 dpi. Works with glossy and matte paper up to 275 g / m2, photo paper, up to A4 size inclusive. Print speed is up to 9 pages per minute in black and white. It takes 60 seconds to display a full-filled 10 × 15 cm photo. Uses four CMYK colors, a full color toner container lasts 7000 pages, and black toner lasts 6000 pages.

The printer is connected only to a computer via USB, can be used as network means Windows. PostScript, AirPrint and direct printing are not supported.

Advantages

• Built-in continuous ink supply system;

• Cheap consumables;

• The heads do not dry out, and regular maintenance is not required.

disadvantages

• Relatively noisy;

• Sensitive to paper quality;

• Low printing speed.

Sony DPP-FP75

Rating: 4.7

Why Second Place: A compact photo printer designed exclusively for printing photographs and nothing else.

Description: Sony DPP-FP75 is the only desktop photo printer in the ranking, designed exclusively for printing pictures. The maximum compatible paper size is A6. The device takes 63 seconds to print such a picture.

The device uses sublimation printing technology, which produces the brightest and most saturated colors. However, the maximum resolution is 300 x 300 dpi. The printer only accepts photo paper and uses proprietary sublimation toners.

The model is connected to a computer via USB. Supports direct printing from cameras and mobile devices, with a memory card slot. The printer includes a 3.5-inch LCD screen for photo preview. Also, the device has built-in special software to improve the quality and quickly edit images before printing.

Advantages

• Sublimation printing technology (studio quality images);

• Convenient software;

• High resolution swivel LCD screen.

disadvantages

• Compatible with certain toners only;

• Package does not include toner and paper;

• High cost.

Canon Selphy CP400

Rating: 4.6

Why third place: A three-color portable photo printer with a slower print speed than the previous model in the ranking.

Description: Canon Selphy CP400 is a portable photo printer. Those. it does not need to be placed on the table, but you can take it with you and print pictures on the go. The device uses sublimation technology, which provides high quality images, realistic colors and rich hues. Branded tri-color ink cartridges are used, and the maximum print resolution is 300 x 300 dpi.

Like other dye-sublimation photo printers, the Canon Selphy CP400 only works with photo paper. The maximum compatible size is A6, which is approximately equal to 10 × 15 centimeters. The device takes 81 seconds to print one sheet.

The model can be used as a desktop and connected to a computer via USB. It supports AirPrint and direct printing, but does not have a memory card slot. The device does not have a liquid crystal screen either.

Advantages

• Relatively high print speed;

• Compact dimensions;

• High print quality thanks to sublimation technology.

disadvantages

• Limited driver functionality;

• No LCD screen or memory card slot;

• Compatible with certain brands of paper and toner only.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.