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10 Best Color Photo Printers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner, Copier, ADF, Duplex, Best-for-Office (499Q3F)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Print Speed
Color Accuracy
Ink Type

Most important from
756 reviews

Print Speed
Switching to this laser printer significantly improved printing speed and reliability, making it a true workhorse for home office use.
Color Accuracy
Prints deliver vibrant colors without oversaturation and crisp text, suitable for client presentations and basic photo prints.
Ink Type
Toner cartridges last much longer than traditional ink, though they come at a higher price point.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward, with the HP Smart app simplifying wireless connection despite occasional router restarts.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is designed primarily for office use, offering solid features for small teams needing color printing, scanning, and copying. It delivers decent print speeds up to 30 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white, which helps keep up with busy workloads. The print resolution of 600x600 dpi is adequate for everyday documents and charts, but it might not capture the fine details or smooth gradients expected in high-quality photo prints.

Using HP's original 218A and 218X toner cartridges ensures reliable color reproduction with vivid tones, thanks to a special toner technology, but this also means you’ll need to stick with HP supplies, which could be pricier over time. The printer supports automatic double-sided printing and has a good paper capacity with a 250-sheet input tray, making it convenient for larger print jobs without frequent refills. Connectivity options include USB, Ethernet, and wireless, plus smartphone compatibility, allowing flexible setup in an office environment.

The color accuracy and resolution are better suited for professional documents rather than detailed color photos. Additionally, being a laser printer, it uses toner instead of ink, which is great for sharp text and faster printing but not ideal for photo-quality color depth. The cost of consumables might add up if you print color documents often, especially since the printer blocks non-HP cartridges. This model is a dependable and efficient choice for offices needing quick, reliable color prints and multifunction features, while those looking for premium photo print quality might want to explore dedicated photo printers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Print Speed
Color Accuracy
Ink Type

Most important from
756 reviews

Print Speed
Switching to this laser printer significantly improved printing speed and reliability, making it a true workhorse for home office use.
Color Accuracy
Prints deliver vibrant colors without oversaturation and crisp text, suitable for client presentations and basic photo prints.
Ink Type
Toner cartridges last much longer than traditional ink, though they come at a higher price point.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward, with the HP Smart app simplifying wireless connection despite occasional router restarts.
#2

Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use, Print, Scan and Copy

Rating
9.7
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Ink Type

Most important from
4815 reviews

Print Resolution
The print quality is excellent, and while the speed isn't the fastest, it's more than adequate for home use.
Print Speed
The print quality is excellent, and while the speed isn't the fastest, it's more than adequate for home use.
Ink Type
Canon's MegaTank system is very cost-effective, saving a significant amount of money on ink in the long run.
Connectivity Options
The printer works great with both desktop and mobile devices, offering versatility for different needs.
Cost of Consumables
Canon's MegaTank system is very cost-effective, saving a significant amount of money on ink in the long run.

The Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a versatile option for home use, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. Its standout feature is the MegaTank system, which includes up to 2 years of ink, allowing you to print up to 6,000 black & white and 7,700 color pages from a single set of inks. This can save you up to $1,000 on ink costs, making it very economical in the long run. The printer boasts a high print resolution of 4800 x 1200, ensuring detailed and vibrant color photos.

However, its print speed is moderate, with a maximum of 11 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome and 6 ppm for color, which may not be ideal if you require fast printing speeds. The G3270 supports a variety of paper sizes and types, although it only offers single-sided printing, which could be a drawback if double-sided printing is essential for you. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi and USB, providing flexibility for different devices, including smartphones and PCs. The 1.35” LCD display is small but functional for basic navigation.

The cost of consumables is low due to the MegaTank system, though the initial cost might be higher compared to standard inkjet printers. With its Energy Star qualification, the printer is also energy efficient. The Canon MegaTank G3270 is well-suited for those seeking a cost-effective, high-resolution color-photo printer with good connectivity options, though you might need to compromise on print speed and the lack of duplex printing.

Rating
9.7
Print Resolution
Print Speed
Ink Type

Most important from
4815 reviews

Print Resolution
The print quality is excellent, and while the speed isn't the fastest, it's more than adequate for home use.
Print Speed
The print quality is excellent, and while the speed isn't the fastest, it's more than adequate for home use.
Ink Type
Canon's MegaTank system is very cost-effective, saving a significant amount of money on ink in the long run.
Connectivity Options
The printer works great with both desktop and mobile devices, offering versatility for different needs.
Cost of Consumables
Canon's MegaTank system is very cost-effective, saving a significant amount of money on ink in the long run.
#3

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer with Laser Quality Output, Single Pass Duplex Copy & Scan | Includes 2 Month Refresh Subscription Trial, Works with Alexa

Rating
9.4
Color Accuracy
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
606 reviews

Color Accuracy
Color output is vibrant and perfectly suitable for documents, even if it doesn't match the richness of dedicated photo printers.
Print Speed
Prints come out fast and quietly, eliminating frustrating delays and paper jams common in other printers.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the printer is effortless, with wireless connectivity that works seamlessly without needing complicated software.
Cost of Consumables
The printer’s efficiency and ease of use make the cost worthwhile, especially when compared to the hassles of inkjet printers and subscription models.

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a solid choice for small businesses and home offices needing a reliable color photo printer that also copies, scans, and faxes. It uses laser technology, which means prints come out sharp and crisp with a maximum resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi for both color and black-and-white, offering decent detail for photos and documents. Color accuracy is generally good for a laser printer, but it might not match the vibrancy and subtlety of high-end inkjet photo printers, especially for professional photo prints.

The print speed is impressive at up to 31 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white, making it efficient for busy environments. It handles various paper types, including card stock, envelopes, and glossy photo paper, and supports up to 8.5 x 14 inch paper size, which covers most standard photo and document needs. The printer offers flexible connectivity options including wireless dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and even Wi-Fi Direct, allowing easy printing from computers, smartphones, or tablets. It also features automatic duplex printing and scanning, which saves time and paper.

Consider the cost of consumables: it uses Brother’s genuine toner cartridges that provide reliable performance but can be pricier compared to inkjets, especially if you print photos frequently. The included Refresh subscription service helps manage toner supply but adds ongoing cost. For those who need the fastest, most dependable all-in-one laser printer capable of decent photo quality alongside everyday office tasks, this Brother model is a fitting choice. Photo print enthusiasts seeking the highest color precision and smooth gradients may want to explore specialized photo printers.

Rating
9.4
Color Accuracy
Print Speed
Connectivity Options

Most important from
606 reviews

Color Accuracy
Color output is vibrant and perfectly suitable for documents, even if it doesn't match the richness of dedicated photo printers.
Print Speed
Prints come out fast and quietly, eliminating frustrating delays and paper jams common in other printers.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the printer is effortless, with wireless connectivity that works seamlessly without needing complicated software.
Cost of Consumables
The printer’s efficiency and ease of use make the cost worthwhile, especially when compared to the hassles of inkjet printers and subscription models.

Buying Guide for the Best Color Photo Printers

Choosing the right color photo printer can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a model that perfectly suits your needs. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they impact the printer's performance and output quality. By focusing on what you need the printer for, you can make an informed decision that will ensure you get the best results for your photo printing projects.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), determines the level of detail and clarity in your printed photos. Higher DPI values mean more detailed and sharper images. For general photo printing, a resolution of 300 DPI is usually sufficient. However, if you are looking to print professional-quality photos, you might want to consider printers with resolutions of 1200 DPI or higher. Your choice should depend on how critical image detail is for your prints.
Color AccuracyColor accuracy refers to how well a printer can reproduce the colors in your photos. This is crucial for ensuring that your prints look as close to the original image as possible. Printers with a wider color gamut and more ink cartridges (such as those with additional colors beyond the standard CMYK) tend to produce more accurate colors. If you are a professional photographer or need precise color matching, look for printers that are known for their color accuracy.
Print SpeedPrint speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), indicates how quickly a printer can produce prints. While this might not be as critical for occasional home use, it becomes important if you need to print large volumes of photos quickly. For casual use, a lower PPM is acceptable, but for professional or high-volume printing, look for printers with higher PPM values to save time.
Ink TypeThe type of ink used by a printer can affect the quality and longevity of your prints. Dye-based inks are known for their vibrant colors and are suitable for everyday photo printing. Pigment-based inks, on the other hand, offer better longevity and are more resistant to fading, making them ideal for archival-quality prints. Consider what is more important for your needs: vibrant colors or long-lasting prints.
Paper HandlingPaper handling refers to the types and sizes of paper a printer can accommodate. Some printers are versatile and can handle various paper sizes and types, including glossy, matte, and specialty photo papers. If you plan to print on different types of media or need to print larger formats, ensure the printer supports these options. For standard photo printing, a printer that handles common photo paper sizes like 4x6 and 8x10 should suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your devices to the printer. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for wireless printing from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, which can be very convenient. If you prefer a more traditional setup, USB connectivity might be sufficient. Choose a printer with the connectivity options that best match your workflow and devices.
Cost of ConsumablesThe cost of consumables, such as ink cartridges and photo paper, can add up over time. It's important to consider the long-term costs associated with the printer you choose. Some printers have more affordable consumables, while others might be more expensive to maintain. Look into the cost and availability of replacement ink and paper for the models you are considering to ensure it fits within your budget for ongoing use.

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