12 best color printers
Color printers - universal office equipment, which will be useful when printing photos, and when displaying documents on paper. In addition, they are usually not much more expensive than black and white (and inkjet ones are cheaper at all), but at the same time they offer more features and maximum practicality.
We have compiled a rating of 12 models of inkjet printers, which will be useful both for home or office use, as well as for printing photos or images with high details. For maximum objectivity, we have included not only the best low-cost inkjet printers, but also laser, as well as photo printers.
Top color printers rating
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| The best color inkjet printers for the home in terms of price-quality ratio | 1 | Canon Pixma Pro-100S | 34 050 ₽ |
| 2 | Epson Stylus Photo 1500W | 38 551 ₽ | |
| 3 | Canon Pixma iX6840 | 15 790 ₽ | |
| 4 | Epson L312 | 9 990 ₽ | |
| The best color laser printers for home and small office | 1 | Brother HL-3170CDW | 19 370 ₽ |
| 2 | Canon i-Sensys LBP7018C | 9 530 ₽ | |
| 3 | HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn | 27 914 ₽ | |
| 4 | Xerox Phaser 6020 | 12 990 ₽ | |
| 5 | Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN | 5 971 ₽ | |
| Best affordable color photo printers | 1 | Canon Pixma G1400 | 11 714 ₽ |
| 2 | Sony DPP-FP75 | - | |
| 3 | Canon Selphy CP400 | - |
The best color inkjet printers for home in terms of price-quality ratio
Canon Pixma Pro-100S
Rating: 4.9
Why first place: 8-color inkjet printer with wireless network connection and support for paper sizes up to A3.
Description: Canon Pixma Pro-100S is practically a studio-class device. It uses inkjet printing and 8 toners for the most realistic shades. 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 intended by the photographer. The printer uses ChromaLife100 + ink with natural shades and - if necessary - high contrast.
The model is suitable for everyday printing. It has a high speed image output. So, it takes only 1.5 minutes to print a lab-quality A3 sheet with full filling.
The device prints on paper with a density of up to 350 g / m2as well as on photo paper and compact discs. USB, wired local area network (Ethernet) and wireless are used for connection. Direct Print and AirPrint for mobile printing are also available.
Virtues
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Print resolution 4800 × 2400 dpi, 8 tones, ink ChromaLife100 +;
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Wireless connection and mobile application for printing from a smartphone;
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Printing on paper ranging in size from 10 × 15 cm to A3.
disadvantages
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Difficult connection to Wi-Fi;
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Oversized;
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No screen and ciss.
Epson Stylus Photo 1500W
Rating: 4.8
Why second place: Print resolution is 5760 × 1440 dots per inch, speed 16 pages per minute, but more expensive than the leader of the rating
Description: Epson Stylus Photo 1500W is another printer with practically studio-quality photos. It uses a piezoelectric inkjet printing technique and 6 ink shades to convey halftone and gradients. And the maximum resolution is 5760 × 1440 dots per inch. One color cartridge lasts an average of 470 pages, black - 810.
The main advantage of the model is high print speed. It can display up to 16 pages per minute with high filling. The printer is compatible with paper weight up to 300 g / m2 and sizes up to A3, as well as prints on photo paper and compact discs.
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.
Virtues
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Print speeds up to 16 pages with high fill per minute;
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Wireless network support;
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Print support for paper sizes up to A3.
disadvantages
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Expensive original cartridges;
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No CISS;
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Difficult connection to Wi-Fi.
Canon Pixma iX6840
Rating: 4.8
Why third place: Resolution for black and white printing is 600 × 600 dpi.
Description: Canon Pixma iX6840 is cheaper than previous models in the rating, but this is due to a lower print resolution. So, for black and white images and text, it is 600 × 600 dpi. For color - already 9600 × 2400 dpi, but this is not the native, but an extrapolated resolution. The printer uses a thermal inkjet printing method and 5 shades of toners, in which CMYK is complemented with pigment black with greater contrast and depth.
The device prints on paper with a density of up to 300 g / m2 and resolution up to A3, as well as on photo paper. Color cartridge is enough for 331 pages, black - for 1645 pages. Print speed is up to 14 black and white A4 images per minute. For color, this parameter drops to 10.5 pages. It takes 36 seconds for the printer to print a photo of 10 × 15 centimeters.
The model is connected via USB, Ethernet and Wi-Fi. AirPrint support for printing from a smartphone is available.
Virtues
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Excellent color rendering;
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Wireless support and AirPrint;
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Refillable cartridges and alternate ink compatibility.
disadvantages
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Difficult to set up;
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Sensitivity to paper quality;
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Long and slow loading (up to 3 minutes after power on).
Epson L312
Rating: 4.7
Why fourth place: Compatible with low density paper only.
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 suitable for printing photos - even despite the resolution of 5760 × 1440 dpi. The printer uses four-color cartridges and a piezoelectric inkjet technique.
The main advantage of the model is an integrated ink supply system. Capacities of a container with color toner will be enough for 7500 pages, black - for 4500. Containers with toners are located in a special block, which is taken out of the printer.
The device prints on paper with a density of up to 250 g / m2 and resolution 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 print a photo of 10 × 15 cm in size with full filling.
The model does not connect to local networks and does not support AirPrint.
Virtues
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Quick printing;
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Ciss and low cost ink;
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Quiet at work.
disadvantages
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May not work with paper with a density higher than 180 g / m2;
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Unrealistic, "runaway" colors, which the document will not noticeably, but not in the photo;
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Poor paper grab assembly.
The best color laser printers for home and small office
Brother HL-3170CDW
Rating: 4.9
Why first place: Budget four-color laser printer with a resolution of 2400 × 600 dpi.
Description: The Brother HL-3170CDW laser printer heads the rating due to the excellent combination of price and reliability. At the same time and with other characteristics of his order. 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 mode with medium filling. Compatible with matte and glossy paper with a density of 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 additional capacity, they are enough for 2200.
The model is connected to the computer via USB and to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Supports AirPrint for mobile printing. Compatible with PostScript languages that speed paper output, especially when transmitting over a wireless network.
Virtues
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Quick and easy setup;
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Support duplex printing;
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High print speed.
disadvantages
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Poorly suited for printing highly detailed images and photos, because uses LED technology;
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Expensive cartridges (although refillable);
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The large size of the printer.
Canon i-Sensys LBP7018C
Rating: 4.8
Why second place: Slower print speed than the leader of the ranking - 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 application of the image on the paper - even the smallest details remain smooth and neat. But print speed is reduced - in black and white mode it is up to 16 pages per minute, in color - up to 4. Warming up takes 66 seconds, and the output of the first print - up to 25 seconds.
The maximum print resolution is 600 × 2400 dpi. The printer works with glossy and matte paper with a density of up to 220 g / m2. 4 toners (CMYK) are used, each cartridge lasts for 1000-1200 pages.
The device does not connect to the local network (but can be used as a common means of Windows), does not support PostScript — it uses CAPT instead, and does not communicate with mobile devices via Picture Bridge and AirPrint.
Virtues
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Low price of the printer and consumables for it;
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Cartridge refueling support;
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Compact size and low noise.
disadvantages
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Low print speed, especially when exiting sleep mode;
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No support for USB 3.0 interfaces and the possibility of using a router in the print server;
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Unsuccessful print drivers, difficult to customize the color palette, or connect a printer to Linux
HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn
Rating: 4.7
Why third place: Corporate-class printer with high print speed, LCD display and automatic two-sided mode, but more expensive than other models in the rating.
Description: The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M552dn printer is focused on use at small offices. It supports installation as a network through an Ethernet port, prints at speeds of up to 33 pages per minute (both in color and in black and white) and is equipped with an information LCD display. It uses laser technology, and the maximum resolution is 1200 × 1200 dpi. A nice feature of the printer is support for automatic duplex printing.
The device works with matte and glossy paper with a resolution of up to 220 g / m2. The resource of complete cartridges is enough for 5-6 thousand pages, if necessary, you can buy consumables of increased capacity - color for 9500 pages and black for 12500 pages.
The model is connected to the computer via USB, and to the local network - via Ethernet. Supports PostScript. RAM - 1 GB.
Virtues
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High print speed;
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High capacity cartridges;
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Optimum print quality when using original cartridges.
disadvantages
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Expensive consumables;
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Low quality cheap compatible qualities;
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Heavy and large.
Xerox Phaser 6020
Rating: 4.6
Why fourth place: One of the cheapest office printers in the ranking, but with a low print speed.
Description: The Xerox Phaser 6020 printer, like its predecessor, is designed for use in small offices - the device's resource is 30 thousand pages per month. It uses LED printing technology, and the maximum resolution is 1200 × 2400 dpi.
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 to exit the first sheet. The printer works with matte and glossy paper with a density of up to 220 g / m2. Uses 4 toners CMYK, complete color cartridges is enough for 1000 pages, black - for 2000.
The model supports connection to a local wireless network Wi-Fi and AirPrint technology. Xerox even has a special iOS app to print photos and documents directly from your phone.
There is no PostScript support, but there are predefined font layouts (81). RAM in the printer - 128 MB.
Virtues
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Low price;
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Availability of compatible non-original consumables;
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Support for connecting to Wi-Fi.
disadvantages
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The high cost of original consumables;
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Sensitivity to paper quality and difficulty in customizing image printing;
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Very slow printing in AirPrint mode.
Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN
Rating: 4.6
Why fifth place: The cheapest model in the ranking, but large, noisy and with expensive consumables.
Description: Printer Ricoh Aficio SG 3110DN is suitable for use in a very small office - the resource of the device is 10 thousand pages per month. It also supports Ethernet connectivity and automatic two-sided printing. The maximum resolution is 3600 × 1200 dpi.
The model works with glossy and matte paper with a density of up to 256 g / m2. It uses CMYK four-color toner, color cartridges are enough for 2,200 pages, black ones - for 2500. The maximum print speed is 29 pages per minute, while the output of the first sheet takes up to 6.5 seconds. The warm-up time when turned on or out of sleep mode is 35 seconds.
The device is connected to the computer via USB, to the local network - via Ethernet. PostScript languages it does not support, in contrast to the PCL 5c and 6, modes AirPrint, Picture Bridge or direct printing are missing.
Virtues
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Cheap;
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Fast printing (both color and black and white);
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Work as a network printer.
disadvantages
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Expensive consumables and no compatibility with non-original toners;
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Large size and high noise level;
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The ink dries for a long time and can spread across the fibers of the paper.
Best affordable color photo printers
Canon Pixma G1400
Rating: 4.8
Why the first place: Low price, high print resolution, built-in continuous ink supply system (CISS).
Description: Canon Pixma G1400 is the cheapest printer in the ranking with an integrated continuous ink supply system. This reduces the cost of toner and cartridges, and also helps to quickly understand how many consumables are left.
The model uses thermal inkjet printing technology. The maximum resolution is 4800 × 1200 dpi. Works with glossy and matte paper with a density of up to 275 g / m2, photographic paper, size - up to A4 inclusive. Print speed is up to 9 pages per minute in black and white. It takes 60 seconds to print a photo of size 10 × 15 centimeters with full filling. Four CMYK colors are used; the filled container for color toner is 7000 pages long, for black - 6000.
The printer is connected only to the computer via USB, it can be used as a network using Windows. There is no support for PostScript, AirPrint and direct printing.
Virtues
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Built-in continuous ink supply system;
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Cheap supplies;
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The heads do not dry out, regular maintenance is not required.
disadvantages
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Relatively noisy;
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Sensitive to paper quality;
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Low print speed.
Sony DPP-FP75
Rating: 4.7
Why second place: Compact photo printer, designed exclusively for printing photos, and nothing more.
Description: Sony DPP-FP75 - the only one in the rating desktop photo printer designed exclusively for printing images. Maximum compatible paper size - A6. The device takes 63 seconds to print such a snapshot.
The device uses sublimation printing technology, which provides the most vivid and rich shades. However, the maximum resolution is 300 × 300 dpi. The printer works only with photo paper and uses branded sublimation toners.
The model is connected to the computer via USB. Supports direct printing from cameras and mobile devices, is equipped with a slot for memory cards.The design of the printer includes a 3.5-inch LCD screen for previewing photos. Also, special software is built into the device to improve the quality and quickly edit images before printing.
Virtues
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Sublimation printing technology (studio image quality);
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Convenient software;
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High resolution swivel LCD screen.
disadvantages
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Only compatible with certain toners;
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Package does not include toner and paper;
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High cost.
Canon Selphy CP400
Rating: 4.6
Why third place: A three-color portable photo printer with a lower 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 color reproduction and rich shades. Branded tri-color cartridges are used, and the maximum print resolution is 300 × 300 dpi.
Like other sublimation photo printers, the Canon Selphy CP400 works only with photo paper. The maximum compatible size is A6, approximately equal to 10 × 15 centimeters. To print a single sheet, the device takes 81 seconds.
The model can be used as a desktop and connected to a computer via USB. It supports AirPrint and direct printing, but is not equipped with a memory card slot. The device also does not have a liquid crystal screen.
Virtues
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Relatively high print speeds;
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Compact size;
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High print quality thanks to sublimation technology.
disadvantages
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Limited driver functionality;
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No LCD screen and memory card slot;
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Only compatible with certain types of paper and toner.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.
