10 Best Photo Quality Color Laser Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one color printer, designed especially for photo enthusiasts and creative projects. One of its biggest strengths is the high-quality, lab-grade photo printing achieved through its 6-color Claria ET Premium inks, ensuring vibrant and sharp images. The wide-format capability, supporting up to 13" x 19" prints, and the ability to handle various media types (including cardstock and CDs/DVDs), make it suitable for creative professionals and hobbyists alike.

With a print speed of up to 15 seconds for a 4" x 6" photo, it’s fairly quick for a photo printer, although other tasks might take longer due to its maximum color print speed of 12 ppm. The printer boasts significant cost savings with its cartridge-free EcoTank system, reducing the cost per photo and offering up to two years of ink included, which is a huge plus for frequent users. Connectivity options are robust, featuring wireless, Ethernet, USB, and compatibility with smartphone apps, making it easy to operate and integrate into various setups.

However, the printer is relatively bulky at 24.5 pounds and has a limited paper input capacity of 100 sheets, which might not be ideal for high-volume printing environments. Additionally, the upfront cost of the printer may be higher compared to traditional models, but the long-term savings on consumables can offset this. The intuitive 4.3-inch color touchscreen and voice-activated printing add to its user-friendly experience. In summary, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize high-quality photo printing and cost-efficiency over sheer printing speed and compactness.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw offers a solid package for small teams in an office setting needing photo-quality color prints. With a print resolution of 600x600 dpi, it delivers satisfactory detail for professional documents, though it might not be the highest resolution available for photo-quality prints. The next-generation TerraJet toner claims to enhance color vividness, making it a strong candidate for color accuracy, crucial for reports and marketing materials.

Print speeds of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color prints ensure quick output, beneficial in fast-paced environments. Paper handling is well-supported with a 250-sheet input tray and duplex printing capabilities, which helps with large print jobs and saving paper. Connectivity is robust, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet options, making it versatile for various office setups. The HP Wolf Pro Security suite enhances data protection, essential for sensitive business information.

The cost of consumables could be a concern, as it only works with original HP cartridges, which might be pricier than third-party alternatives. Additional features like ADF, copier, scanner, fax, and compatibility with a convenient HP app make it a comprehensive all-in-one device. The sustainable design is a bonus for environmentally-conscious users. A drawback to consider is its relatively heavy weight at 37.7 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some office spaces. This printer is ideal for offices that prioritize professional-quality prints, robust connectivity, and comprehensive multifunction capabilities.

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw is a versatile all-in-one color laser printer that offers printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. Its print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi ensures sharp and detailed prints, making it suitable for high-quality color documents and photos. The print speed of 22 pages per minute (ppm) for both color and black & white is decent, but not the fastest in its class. However, the quick first print time of approximately 10.3 seconds is impressive for a laser printer.

The 250-sheet capacity and the 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) with duplex scanning add convenience for handling larger print jobs and double-sided documents efficiently. Connectivity options are robust, including Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, along with mobile printing support through Canon PRINT Business, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. The printer's energy efficiency certifications (ENERGY STAR, EPEAT Silver) are a plus, promoting eco-friendly use. The 3-year limited warranty provides added peace of mind.

On the downside, the cost of consumables, such as the toner cartridges, can be relatively high, especially if you opt for the high-capacity versions. The printer's weight of 48.5 pounds makes it less portable, and its dimensions require a dedicated space. The LCD touchscreen interface, while functional, may not be as intuitive as some other models on the market. This printer is ideal for small to medium-sized offices that need a reliable and feature-rich color laser printer capable of handling various tasks efficiently.