Does your small business need to make professional-looking documents? Imagine handing out crisp flyers or vibrant reports that impress clients. But when it comes to choosing a color copier, the choices can feel overwhelming, right? Many small business owners get stuck trying to figure out what features they truly need versus what’s just a fancy add-on.
The wrong copier can cost you money and time. You might end up with a machine that’s too expensive to run, too complicated to use, or just doesn’t do the job well. This can lead to frustration and missed opportunities to make a great impression. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down what to look for in a color copier for your business. We’ll cover the important features, help you understand the costs, and guide you toward finding a machine that fits your budget and needs perfectly. Get ready to discover how the right color copier can boost your business’s image and efficiency.
Our Top 5 Color Copier For Small Business Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Color Copier For Small Business Detailed Reviews
1. Brother Color Laser Printer All-in-One with Scanner
Rating: 8.9/10
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a powerful all-in-one color laser printer designed to boost your small office’s productivity. It handles printing, scanning, copying, and faxing with professional quality. This printer makes your documents look sharp and stand out, helping your business make a great impression. It’s built for busy work environments and helps you get things done faster.
What We Like:
- Fast print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute deliver professional, laser-quality color documents.
- Easy to connect to your network with dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB. Multiple users can print from their own devices.
- Handles large print jobs with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder and a 250-sheet paper tray.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper by printing on both sides of the page.
- A 3.5-inch color touchscreen makes it simple to use and offers 48 shortcuts for common tasks.
- Connect directly to cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox to manage your documents easily.
- Manage your printer from your phone with the companion app. You can check toner levels and control the printer remotely.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup process can be a bit complex for some users.
- While it offers great features, the upfront cost might be a consideration for very tight budgets.
This Brother printer is an excellent choice for small offices needing a reliable and feature-rich all-in-one device. It streamlines your workflow and delivers professional results.
2. HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a powerful wireless all-in-one printer designed for busy offices. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease, making it a great addition for small teams. You can print up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color, ensuring your work gets done quickly.
What We Like:
- It prints professional-quality color documents and reports.
- Next-generation TerraJet toner makes colors really pop.
- It has an automatic document feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages.
- The printer includes auto 2-sided printing, saving you paper.
- A large 250-sheet input tray means fewer refills.
- HP is a trusted brand, and this printer offers award-winning reliability.
- It’s wireless, so you can connect easily without extra cables.
What Could Be Improved:
- This printer is designed to only work with Original HP toner cartridges.
- It will block any cartridges that don’t have HP chips or circuitry.
- Firmware updates will continue to enforce this.
For offices needing a reliable and efficient color printer, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a solid choice. It delivers on performance and quality, making your daily tasks simpler.
3. Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw – Wireless Laser Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw, a white wireless laser printer that does it all. It’s a 3-in-1 machine, meaning it can print, scan, and copy your documents. This printer is ready for your phone or tablet, and it even comes with a 3-year warranty for your peace of mind. It prints in color at a speed of 22 pages per minute, making it a quick helper for your home or small office.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 printer, so it can print, scan, and copy all your important papers.
- You can print wirelessly from your phone or tablet using apps like the Canon PRINT app.
- It prints up to 22 pages per minute in both color and black and white.
- The printer is energy-efficient, as it’s ENERGY STAR Certified and EPEAT Silver.
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so you don’t have to worry as much.
- You can create cool posters and signs using Poster Artist Online for free.
- It works with Chromebooks, which is great for students or those who use them.
- It has a large 250-sheet paper tray, so you won’t run out of paper too quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- It uses specific Canon Genuine Toner 067 / 067 high capacity, which might be more expensive than generic options.
- The first page takes about 10.3 seconds to print, which might feel a little slow if you’re in a big hurry.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF652Cw is a versatile and user-friendly printer that offers great value. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable all-in-one solution for their printing needs.
4. Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer
Rating: 9.1/10
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer is built for demanding work environments. It handles big printing and copying jobs with ease. This printer is also ready for Amazon Dash Replenishment, which means it can automatically order more ink when you’re running low.
What We Like:
- It prints and copies a lot of pages quickly.
- The color is bright and clear, making your documents look professional.
- It can scan, copy, and fax, so it does many jobs in one.
- It connects easily to your office network for sharing.
- Amazon Dash Replenishment helps you never run out of ink.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a bit large, measuring 19.5″ W x 20.7″ D x 21.6″ H.
- It’s also pretty heavy at 63.1 lbs, so you’ll need help moving it.
- The initial cost might be high for very small businesses.
This printer is a powerful tool for any business that needs to print a lot. It’s a reliable all-in-one solution that keeps your office running smoothly.
5. Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw – Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw, a powerful white all-in-one color laser printer that handles all your home or office printing tasks. It prints, scans, copies, and even faxes, making it a true workhorse. This printer is designed for speed and efficiency, helping you get more done without hassle.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, scan, copy, and fax all in one machine.
- It prints and scans both sides of a page automatically, saving you time and paper.
- Prints up to 35 pages per minute in both black and white and color.
- It has a large paper capacity, starting with 250 sheets and expandable up to 850 sheets.
- You can easily print from your phone or tablet using the Canon PRINT Business app.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified and EPEAT Silver, meaning it’s good for the environment.
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
- It works with Chromebooks, making it easy for everyone to use.
- High-capacity toner options help you print more before needing to replace cartridges.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time.
- While it’s feature-rich, the price point might be a bit high for very small home offices.
This Canon imageCLASS MF753Cdw is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and versatile printer. It offers great features and solid performance for all your document needs.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Small Business Color Copier Companion
Choosing the right color copier for your small business is a big decision. It’s not just about making copies; it’s about making a good impression. A great copier can help your business look professional and polished. Let’s break down what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Print Speed (PPM): This tells you how many pages the copier can print per minute. For a small business, a speed of 20-30 pages per minute is usually a good starting point. Faster speeds mean less waiting.
- Print Resolution (DPI): Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures how sharp and detailed your prints are. Look for at least 600 x 600 DPI for good quality text and images. Higher DPI means clearer pictures.
- Paper Handling: Think about the different sizes and types of paper you’ll use. Can it handle letter, legal, and even cardstock? Some copiers have special trays for envelopes or different paper weights.
- Connectivity: How will you connect the copier to your computers? Most modern copiers offer USB, Ethernet (for wired networks), and Wi-Fi (for wireless connections). Wireless is super convenient.
- Duplex Printing (Automatic Two-Sided Printing): This feature automatically prints on both sides of the paper. It saves paper and makes your documents look more professional.
- All-in-One Capabilities: Many color copiers also scan and fax. This can save you space and money by replacing multiple machines.
- Toner Yield: This tells you how many pages you can print before you need to replace the toner cartridge. A higher yield means you’ll buy new toner less often.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used in a copier matter for how long it lasts and how well it performs.
- Durable Plastics: Look for sturdy, well-built plastic casings. They should feel solid and not flimsy.
- Quality Rollers: The rollers that feed the paper are crucial. Good quality rollers prevent paper jams and ensure smooth paper feeding.
- Internal Components: While you can’t always see them, the quality of the internal gears and motors affects the copier’s reliability. Reading reviews can give you clues about this.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your copier’s output look great or not so great.
Improves Quality:
- High Print Resolution (DPI): As mentioned, higher DPI leads to sharper text and more vibrant images.
- Good Quality Toner: Using the manufacturer’s recommended toner or high-quality compatible toner makes a big difference in color accuracy and sharpness.
- Proper Calibration: Some copiers allow you to calibrate colors. Doing this regularly keeps your prints looking consistent.
- High-Quality Source Material: A clear digital file or a clean original document will always produce a better copy.
Reduces Quality:
- Low Print Resolution: Blurry text and pixelated images are common with low DPI.
- Low-Quality Toner: Cheap or old toner can lead to faded colors, streaks, or uneven printing.
- Paper Jams: Frequent paper jams can damage the paper and the copier, leading to poor output.
- Dirty Optics: Dust or smudges on the scanner glass or printer components can cause spots or lines on your copies.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the copier to use, and what can you do with it?
- Ease of Use: A copier with an intuitive control panel and clear instructions makes life easier. If it has a touchscreen, even better. Wireless setup should be straightforward.
- Small Business Use Cases:
- Marketing Materials: Print flyers, brochures, and business cards to promote your services.
- Customer Documents: Create professional invoices, proposals, and reports for clients.
- Internal Documents: Make copies of important paperwork, training manuals, and meeting notes.
- Presentations: Print high-quality handouts for meetings and presentations.
- Scanning and Archiving: Digitize important documents to save space and keep them safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Color Copiers
Q: What is the most important feature for a small business color copier?
A: For most small businesses, the most important features are good print quality (resolution), reasonable print speed, and reliability. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi are also very helpful.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good color copier?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find basic models for a few hundred dollars, while more advanced all-in-one units with higher speeds and more features can cost $1,000 or more. Consider the total cost, including toner.
Q: What is the difference between a laser copier and an inkjet copier?
A: Laser copiers use toner powder and are generally faster and better for text and graphics. Inkjet copiers use liquid ink and are often better for photos with smooth color gradients. For most business documents, laser is preferred.
Q: How do I know if a copier will be reliable?
A: Read online reviews from other small business owners. Look for mentions of durability and customer support. Check the manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: What is “toner yield,” and why does it matter?
A: Toner yield is the estimated number of pages a toner cartridge can print. A higher yield means you won’t have to replace toner as often, saving you time and money.
Q: Can I use third-party toner instead of the brand name?
A: Yes, you can often use compatible or remanufactured toner. However, it might affect print quality or void your warranty. Research carefully before choosing.
Q: How important is scanning and faxing capability?
A: If you frequently scan documents to your computer or send faxes, an all-in-one copier is very convenient. It saves space and can be more cost-effective than separate machines.
Q: What is “warm-up time,” and does it affect my printing?
A: Warm-up time is how long the copier takes to get ready before it can print the first page. Some copiers have a short warm-up time, meaning you can start printing faster.
Q: How much space do color copiers typically take up?
A: They vary in size. Smaller desktop models can fit on a desk, while larger, more powerful machines might need their own stand or floor space. Measure your area before buying.
Q: What kind of maintenance does a color copier need?
A: Regular maintenance usually involves cleaning the scanner glass, wiping down the exterior, and occasionally running cleaning cycles. Following the user manual’s instructions is key.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.