Best Multifunction Color Laser Printers (2026)
Multifunction color laser printers (print/scan/copy—often fax) are the “get work done” choice for home offices and small teams: crisp text, consistent color for charts, and no ink-drying drama.
But picking the right model is less about “max ppm” and more about scan workflow, toner strategy, and paper handling.
This 2026 guide focuses on what matters in real use: duplex scanning, ADF quality, speed you actually feel, and long-term costs.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best overall for most small offices: Brother MFC‑L8905CDW
- Best compact workhorse (smaller footprint): Brother MFC‑L8395CDW
- Best modern SMB pick with great usability: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw
- Best fast all‑rounder value: Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II
- Best lower-cost compact Canon MFP: Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw
- Best for security / IT-managed environments: Lexmark CX431adw
- Best “step up” for faster scanning + higher yields: Lexmark CX532adwe
What matters most in a color laser all‑in‑one
1) Duplex scanning is the biggest quality-of-life feature
Many printers duplex print. Fewer duplex scan.
If you scan contracts, invoices, school packets, or client paperwork, look for:
- DADF / single‑pass duplex ADF (scans both sides in one pass)
2) Toner strategy decides your real cost
Don’t buy only on the sticker price. Check:
- availability of high‑yield / super‑high‑yield cartridges
- whether consumables are easy to find in your region
3) Paper handling prevents daily annoyance
- A decent main tray (250 sheets is common)
- A multipurpose/bypass slot for labels/envelopes
- Reliable duplexing for document sets
4) Speed you feel = first page out + scan workflow
For real office use, warm-up time, first page out, and scanning efficiency matter more than a “peak ppm” claim.
Best Multifunction Color Laser Printers (2026)
Brother MFC‑L8905CDW
Why it’s here: A true small‑office workhorse with a strong ADF workflow and the kind of reliability people buy lasers for.
Who it’s for: Busy home offices and small businesses that scan/print frequently.
What it solves:
- Fast day‑to‑day printing (rated up to 33 ppm)
- Automatic 2‑sided scanning from the ADF (duplex scan)
- Larger ADF capacity (great for packets and forms)
Trade‑offs: Big footprint. Priced like a serious office machine.
Brother MFC‑L8395CDW
Why it’s here: A more compact “modern Brother” pick with excellent scan workflow, strong cartridge yield options, and an easier fit on a home-office desk.
Who it’s for: Home offices that want business features without a massive printer.
What it solves:
- Compact all‑in‑one design with a real ADF workflow
- Single‑pass, 2‑sided scanning (fast for double‑sided documents)
- Strong “scan to destinations” options (email/cloud/SFTP, etc.)
Trade‑offs: Smaller capacity and duty expectations than the larger business models.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw
Why it’s here: A very modern SMB all‑in‑one with a strong touchscreen workflow and fast duplex scanning.
Who it’s for: Teams and pros who want a current‑gen office experience with strong connectivity and easy scanning.
What it solves:
- Modern UI + strong wireless/Ethernet setup
- Duplex ADF scanning (great for double‑sided paperwork)
- Good all‑round usability for offices
Trade‑offs: Ongoing toner cost varies a lot by region—check pricing before committing.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II
Why it’s here: One of the most satisfying “fast color” all‑rounders—sharp output and a very practical feature set.
Who it’s for: Home offices and small businesses that want speed + a complete feature set.
What it solves:
- Fast print speeds (rated up to 35 ppm)
- 2‑sided (duplex) scan via ADF
- Great for mixed jobs: text + charts + handouts
Trade‑offs: Running cost depends on toner availability and yield options in your country.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw
Why it’s here: A lower‑cost, compact Canon MFP that still gives you the “real office” essentials (ADF + duplex print) and a very friendly touchscreen workflow.
Who it’s for: Home offices that want a smaller, simpler color laser all‑in‑one.
What it solves:
- Compact footprint
- ADF workflow that’s easy to use
- Excellent document quality for the class
Trade‑offs: Slower than the MF753 class (it’s built for lighter workloads).
Lexmark CX431adw
Why it’s here: Lexmark tends to do well in security-conscious, IT-managed environments. This model is compact and office-friendly.
Who it’s for: Offices that care about security posture, manageability, and consistent business printing.
What it solves:
- Business deployment + management friendliness
- Solid printing for small workgroups
- Strong reliability approach for office use
Trade‑offs: Not the fastest in class, and supplies pricing varies by region.
Lexmark CX532adwe
Why it’s here: A step up for faster scanning and bigger office throughput. If scanning is central to your workflow, this class is worth paying for.
Who it’s for: Scan-heavy offices (invoices, contracts, onboarding packets, admin workflows).
What it solves:
- Faster, single-pass duplex scanning
- Better productivity for busy teams
- More “office fleet” friendly than consumer all‑in‑ones
Trade‑offs: Higher upfront cost; overkill for light home use.
Recommended picks by real use-case
- Best overall small office: Brother MFC‑L8905CDW
- Best compact business choice: Brother MFC‑L8395CDW
- Best modern SMB UI/workflow: HP 4301fdw
- Best fast all‑rounder value: Canon MF753Cdw II
- Best compact Canon for home office: Canon MF656Cdw
- Best for managed/security environments: Lexmark CX431adw
- Best for scan-heavy throughput: Lexmark CX532adwe
Comparison Table
| Printer | Best for | Biggest strength | Main trade‑off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC‑L8905CDW | Best overall | Workhorse + duplex scan | Large footprint |
| Brother MFC‑L8395CDW | Compact office | Single‑pass duplex scan | Smaller capacity |
| HP 4301fdw | Modern SMB | Workflow + duplex scan | Toner cost varies |
| Canon MF753Cdw II | All‑round value | Fast color + features | Toner pricing varies |
| Canon MF656Cdw | Compact budget‑leaning | Easy, practical MFP | Slower class |
| Lexmark CX431adw | Security/IT-friendly | Manageability posture | Not fastest |
| Lexmark CX532adwe | Scan-heavy teams | High duplex scan speeds | Higher cost |
Conclusion
If you want one “safe choice” that does everything well for a busy office, the Brother MFC‑L8905CDW is the best all‑rounder.
If space matters and you still want a serious scan workflow, the Brother MFC‑L8395CDW is the compact workhorse pick. If you want a modern interface and easy office setup, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301fdw is excellent. And if you want fast, sharp color output with a very practical feature set, Canon’s MF753Cdw II remains one of the most appealing all‑in‑one color lasers.
Choose based on your real workload:
- print a lot → check high‑yield toner pricing
- scan a lot → prioritize single‑pass duplex ADF
- space matters → compact models win
Here is the list in case you are looking for Best Printers with USB Port – Wired & USB-Drive Picks.
