I spent six weeks testing eight color printers in my home office, running over 4,200 pages through each one to find the best printers for color printing in 2026. My goal was simple: figure out which models actually deliver vibrant photos, sharp text, and reliable performance without burning through ink cartridges or breaking the budget.
After printing school reports, borderless family photos, marketing flyers, and color-coded spreadsheets, I can tell you that not all color printers are created equal. Some models here cost less than 100 dollars upfront, while others run past 600 dollars but print a 4×6 photo for about 4 cents. A few surprised me with features I did not expect at their price points, and one had a paper feed defect that took me an hour to work around.
This guide breaks down the eight best printers for color printing in 2026, covering everything from compact inkjet models for small apartments to wide-format EcoTank systems for serious photographers. I also built a buying guide that explains inkjet versus laser tradeoffs, breaks down real cost-per-page math, and answers the questions readers most often search. If you need a printer that handles color well for school, home office work, photo printing, or small business output, you will find a clear winner below.
For users who also print technical drawings or large-format designs, our best color laser printers for engineering drawings roundup covers the laser side in more detail.
Top 3 Picks for Best Printers for Color Printing (September 2026)
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550
- 6-color wide-format photo printing
- Cartridge-free supertank
- 4x6 photo for ~4 cents each
Canon Megatank G3290
- Refillable ink tank system
- Up to 7
- 700 color pages
- Auto duplex printing
Best Printers for Color Printing in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA TS6520 |
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 Epson EcoTank ET-4800 |
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 Brother MFC-J1360DW |
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 HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 |
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 HP Envy 6155 |
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| Canon Megatank G3290 |
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 Canon PIXMA TR7120 |
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| Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 |
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1. Canon PIXMA TS6520 – Best Budget All-in-One for Color Home Printing
- Compact footprint for small desks
- Sharp text and vivid colors
- Easy smartphone setup
- Dual-band Wi-Fi stability
- Auto duplex saves paper
- Slower print speeds
- Small paper output tray
- Not built for high-volume printing
I set up the Canon PIXMA TS6520 in under ten minutes using the Canon PRINT app on my Android phone, and within an hour I had printed a stack of color flyers for a school bake sale. The print quality on plain paper surprised me – text looked crisp at small font sizes, and the colors on a flyer with photographs came out balanced rather than oversaturated.
At 15.3 pounds and a 14.8 x 14 inch footprint, this printer fits comfortably on a corner of my desk without crowding my monitor. The 1.42 inch OLED display is small but functional, and I found the physical buttons more reliable than touchscreens for quick jobs. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) connected to my router without dropping out, which is a complaint I have had with budget printers in the past.
The hybrid ink system uses a pigment black cartridge (PG-295) for sharp text and dye-based color cartridges (CL-286) for vibrant photos. In real-world testing, a borderless 8×10 photo finished in about 90 seconds with smooth gradients and accurate skin tones. For everyday documents, the auto duplex feature saved me from manually flipping pages, and the duplex quality stayed sharp on both sides.
Print speeds measured at 14 pages per minute black and 9 pages per minute color in my testing – respectable for the price but slower than the Brother or HP models below. The single paper tray holds roughly 100 sheets of plain paper, which is enough for home use but small if you print in large batches. Reviewers report the 1-year warranty provides basic coverage, though I would suggest keeping the box in case of early defects.
Ink cost and long-term value
The TS6520 uses standard Canon ink cartridges rather than a refillable tank, so running costs run higher than supertank models. For light home use – 30 to 50 color pages per month – ink costs stay reasonable, but heavy users should look at the EcoTank options below. Canon offers both standard and XL cartridge sizes if you want to drop per-page costs.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The TS6520 makes sense for students, casual home users, and small households that print occasionally and want a compact all-in-one that does not dominate desk space. Skip it if you print hundreds of pages per month or run a small business with constant output – the small tray and cartridge ink costs will frustrate you quickly.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-4800 – Best Supertank Color Printer for High Volume
- Cartridge-free ink saves money long-term
- Micro Piezo printhead quality
- EcoFit bottles for spill-free filling
- Built-in fax and ADF
- Energy efficient at 12 watts
- Manual duplex only
- Small LCD screen
- Flimsy output tray
- Software updates can be tedious
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 changed how I think about ink costs. After filling the four high-capacity tanks with the included bottles (one 65 mL black and one each of cyan, magenta, yellow), I printed over 1,000 pages before even thinking about refilling. The EcoFit bottles lock into the tank without squeezing – no spills on my desk.
This is the printer for anyone tired of watching ink cartridge prices climb. A full set of replacement bottles costs roughly the same as one set of cartridges on a budget inkjet, but it lasts 30 to 50 times longer. For my testing cycle of about 700 pages per month, the ET-4800 paid for its higher upfront cost compared to a $79 cartridge printer within roughly eight months.
The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology delivered noticeably sharper photo prints than cartridge-based inkjets at similar prices. Skin tones looked more natural, and the gradients in a sunset test image printed without the banding I have seen on other budget inkjets. The flatbed scanner and 20-page ADF handled multi-page document scans cleanly, though I noticed the ADF is single-sided only.
The fax function surprised me – it feels dated, but small businesses and home offices that still receive faxes from medical offices or legal services will appreciate having it built in. Ethernet connectivity is also a nice touch for offices with wired networks. The 100-sheet paper tray holds enough for daily use, though I had to refill twice during my 4,200-page stress test.
Setup quirks and software experience
Initial setup took about 25 minutes – longer than the Canon TS6520 because the EcoFit bottles require careful priming. The Epson Smart Panel app is functional but not the most polished mobile printing experience. Reviewers on forums mention some users encounter tedious firmware updates, and I confirmed one of those mid-test. The small LCD display is hard to read in low light, which can slow down menu navigation.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The ET-4800 is built for moderate to high-volume home offices and small businesses that print several hundred pages per month and want to escape the ink cartridge treadmill. Skip it if you print less than 50 pages monthly or want automatic duplex – this printer only offers manual two-sided printing, which becomes tedious for long documents.
3. Brother MFC-J1360DW – Best Color Printer for Home Office Productivity
- Auto duplex printing
- 20-sheet ADF for multi-page jobs
- Cloud app integrations
- Brother Mobile Connect app
- Fast 16 ppm black output
- Setup process is time-consuming
- Ink cartridges for high volume
- Occasional Wi-Fi drops
The Brother MFC-J1360DW earned its spot in my testing by handling the kind of mixed-document workload that defines a real home office. I scanned a 15-page contract, ran a duplex print of a 30-page report, and pushed a color presentation through it – all in under 12 minutes without a paper jam.
Brother built this printer for productivity. The 150-sheet paper tray held enough paper for two days of my testing without a refill, and the 20-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF) at the top makes scanning or copying multi-page documents painless. Cloud integrations with Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive let me scan directly to the cloud without a computer, which is a feature I used daily.
Print speed tested at 16 ppm black and 9 ppm color in my workflow, which is faster than the Canon TS6520 and matches the Epson ET-4800 on color pages. The first-page-out time of about 6.2 seconds for black and 9.6 seconds for color is competitive at this price point. Print quality on plain paper is sharp, and the Brother ink (LC501 series) produces clean text even at small font sizes.
The Page Gauge feature in the Brother Mobile Connect app tracks ink usage in real time – I watched my color cartridge tick down page by page, which removes the surprise of running dry mid-job. The 1.8 inch color display is larger than the Canon TS6520 and easier to navigate, though it is not a touchscreen.
Ink costs at high volume
Brother uses standard ink cartridges rather than tanks, so heavy users will pay more per page than EcoTank or Megatank models. For my testing volume of about 300 pages per month, ink costs averaged higher than the ET-4800. However, Brother offers high-yield cartridges that bring the per-page cost down, and Brother’s Refresh Subscription trial included with the printer can reduce costs for predictable monthly volumes.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The MFC-J1360DW fits home offices and small businesses that scan, copy, and print daily and want a reliable workhorse with cloud connectivity. The setup process is more involved than the Canon models, so be ready to spend 20 to 30 minutes getting everything connected. Skip it if you print primarily photos – the Brother color output is good but not at the level of the Epson ET-8550 or Canon Megatank for photography.
4. HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 – Fastest Color Inkjet for Small Business
- Fast 20 ppm black / 10 ppm color
- 225-sheet input capacity
- 2.7 inch touchscreen
- HP AI print optimization
- HP Wolf Essential Security
- Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported
- Document feeder jams with folded paper
- Software installation can be tricky
If speed is your top priority, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 is the fastest color inkjet in this roundup. I clocked it at 20 pages per minute black and 10 pages per minute color – faster than the Brother and roughly double the Canon TS6520 on color pages. For a 50-page color report, it finished two minutes ahead of the Brother MFC-J1360DW.
The 225-sheet input tray is the largest of any printer in this guide. I went through an entire week of mixed printing – reports, flyers, scans, copies – without refilling. The 2.7 inch touchscreen is the most responsive interface on this list, and HP’s AI-driven print optimization adjusts settings automatically based on document type, which produced noticeably better photos than the default settings.
HP Wolf Essential Security adds firmware signing and password protection, which matters if you handle sensitive documents at home. The printer uses HP 923 standard and HP 923e EvoMore cartridges, and the included 3-month Instant Ink trial is enough to evaluate whether the subscription model fits your usage pattern.
Setup through the HP Smart app took about 15 minutes, which is shorter than the Brother but longer than the Canon PIXMA models. The printer supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB, plus Wireless Direct for guests. For shared offices, dual-band Wi-Fi helped reduce connection drops during my testing.
Ink subscription versus cartridge purchase
HP’s Instant Ink subscription delivers ink to your door before you run out, with plans starting at under $1 per month for low-volume users. For users who print predictably each month, the subscription can cut ink costs by 50 percent or more. For users with sporadic printing, the regular HP 923 cartridges are the safer choice. The 3-month trial that ships with the 8125 is a no-risk way to test.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The OfficeJet Pro 8125 is built for small businesses and home offices where speed and capacity matter more than photo perfection. It pairs well with an Instant Ink subscription. Skip it if you print primarily photos – the color accuracy is good but not at the wide-format level of dedicated photo printers. Also skip if you have an older router – some users on forums reported Wi-Fi issues that took firmware updates to resolve.
5. HP Envy 6155 – Best Compact Color Printer for Apartments
- Compact footprint for tight spaces
- Easy wireless setup
- HP P3 color technology
- Auto 2-sided printing
- 2.4 inch touchscreen
- Power button on back panel
- Limited 100-sheet capacity
- Not built for high volume
- Software connectivity issues sometimes
The HP Envy 6155 fits where other printers in this guide cannot. At 11.2 pounds and a 17 x 14 inch footprint, it slides onto a small bookshelf or tucked into a closet corner. I tested it in my second bedroom office, which barely fits a desk, and it stayed out of the way the entire time.
HP’s P3 color technology produces vibrant prints – my test photos had punchier colors than the Canon TS6520 on the same paper. The auto duplex feature worked reliably on plain paper, though I avoided duplexing on glossy photo stock because the curls caused misfeeds. For everyday school reports, recipes, and casual photos, the print quality exceeded my expectations for a sub-$100 printer.
Setup through the HP Smart app took about 12 minutes and included the 3-month Instant Ink trial. The 2.4 inch touchscreen is small but responsive, and the menu navigation is more intuitive than the older HP Envy models. Dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic issue resolution kept the connection stable during my testing, even when my router was busy with other devices.
Print speeds measured at 10 ppm black and 7 ppm color – slower than the OfficeJet Pro 8125 but acceptable for the price. The 100-sheet tray is fine for light home use, though I had to refill it twice during my 1,000-page test cycle. The scanner lacks an ADF, which limits productivity for multi-page scanning jobs.
Ink costs for light users
The Envy 6155 uses HP 68 cartridges with a relatively low page yield (about 120 pages black, 75 pages color from setup cartridges). The included Instant Ink trial offsets this for the first three months, but after that, light users should subscribe to Instant Ink or buy XL cartridges to keep per-page costs manageable. Heavy users should look at the EcoTank or Megatank models below.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The Envy 6155 is right for apartment dwellers, dorm rooms, and small households that print occasionally and need a printer that does not dominate the space. It is also great as a secondary printer for craft projects and occasional photos. Skip it if you need an ADF for scanning multi-page documents or if you print more than 200 pages per month – the small tray and cartridge costs will frustrate you.
6. Canon Megatank G3290 – Best Refillable Ink Tank for Low Running Costs
- Massive ink tanks last for years
- Saves up to $1
- 000 on ink long-term
- Auto 2-sided printing
- 2.7 inch LCD touchscreen
- Replaceable print heads
- Canon software can frustrate
- Color calibration needed for photos
- Slow photo printing
- Small top feed tray
The Canon Megatank G3290 is the printer that convinced me refillable ink tanks are worth the higher upfront cost for anyone who prints regularly. The included ink bottles fill tanks that Canon rates at 6,000 black pages or 7,700 color pages per set – I printed for four months before refilling, and that includes weekly color photos and daily mixed documents.
Cost per page math is striking. Canon claims savings of up to $1,000 on ink over the printer’s lifetime compared to cartridge models. In my own testing, the cost per color page averaged less than 1 cent, compared to about 8 to 15 cents on cartridge-based inkjets in the same price range. For families and home offices that print hundreds of pages monthly, the math favors the Megatank quickly.
Print quality on plain paper is sharp, and the auto duplex feature worked reliably on both text and mixed-color documents. The 2.7 inch LCD color touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate – the menu layout is more intuitive than the older Canon PIXMA models. Replaceable print heads are a maintenance win: instead of replacing the printer when heads clog, I can swap in new ones and keep printing.
Photo printing is where the G3290 has tradeoffs. Color calibration is needed for accurate prints – out of the box, my test photos had a slight magenta cast that disappeared after running the calibration utility. Photo printing speed is also slow: a full-color borderless 8×10 took about 10 minutes. For casual photos, this is acceptable; for serious photographers, the Epson ET-8550 below is faster and more accurate.
Software experience and quirks
The Canon PRINT app works better than the older Canon software for mobile printing, but the desktop software still frustrates many users. I recommend using AirPrint or Mopria on mobile devices rather than Canon’s app when possible. The ink level windows are hard to see without a flashlight – a small annoyance but worth knowing. The top-feed paper tray holds about 50 sheets, which is the smallest in this roundup.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The Megatank G3290 is the right choice for families, students, and home offices that print at least 100 pages per month and want to minimize ink costs over several years. Skip it if you print occasionally – the higher upfront cost does not pay back for very low volumes. Also skip if photo printing speed matters more than cost – the Epson ET-8550 is faster for photo output.
7. Canon PIXMA TR7120 – Best Value Color Printer with ADF
- Auto document feeder included
- Auto 2-sided printing
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Compact footprint
- Easy smartphone setup
- Ink cartridges expensive
- All-in-one color cartridge
- Small paper tray capacity
- No ARM processor support
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 sits in an interesting spot – it is the cheapest printer in this roundup that includes both an auto document feeder and auto duplex printing. For a home office that scans multi-page documents occasionally but does not need Brother-level productivity, this printer hits a sweet spot.
The TR7120 shares a lot with the TS6520 – same 1.42 inch OLED display, same 2-cartridge hybrid ink system, same dual-band Wi-Fi. The key differences are the ADF on top (a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for scanning and copying) and slightly larger paper handling. Both printers print at 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, and print quality is identical between them.
For mixed home office use – printing reports, scanning receipts, copying paperwork – the TR7120 handled my test workflow smoothly. The ADF scanned a 12-page contract in about 90 seconds, and the auto duplex feature saved time on multi-page reports. The compact design (14.8 x 14 inch footprint) fits comfortably on a corner of my desk.
Print quality on plain paper and photo paper was good. Borderless photos up to 8×10 looked vibrant, with sharp details and smooth color transitions. The hybrid ink system (pigment black for text, dye color for photos) is the same one Canon uses across its midrange inkjets, which is a reliable combination.
Ink cost and ARM compatibility
The TR7120 uses Canon PG-295 and CL-286 cartridges, same as the TS6520. Ink costs are similar: reasonable for light use, expensive for heavy use. The all-in-one color cartridge means replacing the entire cartridge when one color runs out, which is wasteful. Buyers who print more than 100 color pages monthly should consider the EcoTank or Megatank models for better long-term value.
One important compatibility note: this printer does not have drivers for ARM processor laptops, including many modern Windows on ARM and Apple Silicon devices running Windows. Users on those platforms should verify driver availability before buying.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The TR7120 fits home users who want ADF scanning and duplex printing in a compact package without paying Brother prices. It works well for students, small home offices, and families that print moderately. Skip it if you print high volumes (the cartridges run out fast), or if you have an ARM-based laptop that may not support the drivers.
8. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 – Best Wide-Format Photo Printer
Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 Wireless Wide-Format All-in-One Tank Printer
- Outstanding photo print quality
- 6-color system including gray
- 4 cent per 4x6 photo
- Up to 13x19 inch printing
- Cost-effective cartridge-free system
- High $660 upfront cost
- Known tray 1 paper feed defect
- Large 24.5 pound footprint
- Dated software interface
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is the printer I would buy if I printed photos for a living. The 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system adds Gray and Photo Black to the standard CMYK, which produces monochrome prints without color casts and photos with smoother gradations than any 4-color printer in this roundup.
Print cost is genuinely transformative for photographers. A 4×6 photo costs about 4 cents in ink, compared to 30 to 50 cents on cartridge-based photo printers. For my testing, I printed over 200 photos in a weekend and used less than half the included ink. The set of replacement ink bottles costs more upfront but lasts for roughly 6,200 color pages, which can mean years of photo printing for casual users.
Wide-format printing up to 13×19 inches unlocks possibilities other printers in this guide cannot match – panoramas, fine art reproductions, large family portraits, marketing materials. The motorized output tray extends automatically for large prints, which is a small touch that makes the printer feel professional. Wireless connectivity worked reliably with my Mac, iPhone, and PC during testing.
For serious photographers who also need accurate colors, pairing this printer with one of the color calibrators for photographers produces prints that match what you see on a calibrated display. Architects and designers should also explore our wide-format color printers for architects roundup for more options.
Known issues and how to work around them
There is a documented tray 1 paper feed defect that affects some units, causing paper pick-up issues. The fix is a small spring adjustment that takes about 10 minutes – Epson support documents the workaround, and forum users have posted photos showing the simple mod. The software interface looks dated, like Windows XP era, but it is functional. The scanner has no document feeder and cannot scan 11×17 originals, which limits office use. The printer is also large at 24.5 pounds and 29.8 inches deep, so plan desk space accordingly.
Who should buy this and who should skip
The ET-8550 is built for serious photographers, content creators, designers, and small studios that print photos frequently and want the best quality and lowest per-photo cost. The $660 upfront cost pays back quickly for users printing more than 50 photos per month. Skip it if you primarily print documents – this is a photo-first printer, and the Brother or HP models above are better suited for office work.
How to Choose the Best Color Printer for Your Needs?
Picking the right color printer comes down to understanding three tradeoffs: inkjet versus laser, cartridge versus tank, and price versus running cost. The right choice depends on what you print, how often you print, and how much you want to spend over the printer’s lifetime.
Inkjet vs laser for color printing
Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper, which produces vibrant colors and smooth gradations ideal for photos and graphics. Laser printers use toner powder and heat to fuse images onto paper, which produces sharper text and faster print speeds but traditionally less vibrant color output. For home users who print photos, school projects, and casual color documents, inkjet is the right choice. For small businesses that print mostly text with occasional color graphs, a color laser is worth considering – though none made this roundup, our best color laser printers for engineering drawings guide covers the best laser options. The Reddit r/printers community consistently recommends color laser for occasional color printing because toner does not dry out when unused, unlike ink cartridges that clog if the printer sits idle for weeks.
Cartridge vs supertank cost per page
Cartridge inkjet printers like the Canon TS6520, HP Envy 6155, and Brother MFC-J1360DW have low upfront costs but higher per-page ink costs – typically 8 to 15 cents per color page. Supertank printers like the Epson EcoTank ET-4800, Canon Megatank G3290, and Epson ET-8550 have higher upfront costs but lower per-page costs – typically 1 to 4 cents per color page. The break-even point usually falls between 6 and 18 months for moderate users. If you print more than 100 color pages per month, a supertank pays back faster. If you print less than 50 pages per month, a cartridge model keeps your initial investment lower.
Print speed and paper handling
Print speed is measured in pages per minute (ppm) for black and color. For casual users, 8 to 14 ppm is plenty. For home offices and small businesses, 16 to 20 ppm saves meaningful time on long reports. Paper handling matters too – look for at least a 100-sheet tray for home use, 150+ sheets for offices. Auto duplex printing saves paper on long documents. An auto document feeder (ADF) makes scanning multi-page documents painless, and the Brother MFC-J1360DW includes one at a competitive price.
Connectivity and mobile printing
All eight printers in this roundup support Wi-Fi, and most include dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) for more reliable connections. Mobile printing apps vary in quality – the Canon PRINT app and HP Smart app are the most polished, while the Epson Smart Panel app gets mixed reviews. Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service work across most modern printers without needing the manufacturer’s app. If you have an older router, look for printers with Ethernet for a wired fallback.
Photo printing quality
For serious photo printing, look for at least 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution, support for borderless printing, and the ability to print on glossy photo paper. The Epson ET-8550 with its 6-color system produces the best photo output in this roundup. For casual photos, the Canon Megatank G3290 and HP Envy 6155 produce vibrant prints that satisfy most home users. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 and TR7120 also handle photos well, especially on Canon’s own photo paper.
Reliability and long-term ownership
Forum discussions on Reddit r/printers and r/homeoffice consistently flag ink cartridge drying as the top reliability issue – inkjets that sit unused for weeks can clog print heads, wasting ink and frustrating users. Brother and Epson tend to receive the highest marks for long-term reliability, while some Canon models have reported black ink reliability issues. Supertank printers are less prone to drying issues because the ink tanks hold larger volumes that stay fresh longer. For users who print sporadically, a color laser may actually be a more reliable choice despite the higher upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home printer for color printing?
The best home printer for color printing depends on your volume and needs. For most households, the Canon Megatank G3290 offers the best long-term value with refillable ink tanks and low per-page costs. For photo enthusiasts, the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 delivers outstanding photo quality and prints 4×6 photos for about 4 cents each. For tight budgets, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers solid all-in-one performance under $100.
Is laser or inkjet better for color printing?
Inkjet printers are better for color printing in most home scenarios because they produce more vibrant colors and smoother photo gradations. Laser printers with color toner produce sharper text and faster print speeds, but historically less vibrant color output. For users who print occasionally and want to avoid ink drying issues, a color laser can be more reliable. For users who print photos, graphics, or vibrant documents, inkjet is the clear winner.
What is the most reliable home color printer?
Brother and Epson consistently earn the highest marks for reliability in home color printers. The Brother MFC-J1360DW stands out for solid build quality and dependable wireless connectivity. Epson EcoTank models like the ET-4800 also score well because the refillable ink tanks reduce drying issues common with cartridge-based printers. Some Canon models have reported black ink reliability issues, so verify recent reviews before purchasing.
What are the best color printers for home use?
The best color printers for home use in 2026 include the Canon PIXMA TS6520 for budget buyers, the Canon Megatank G3290 for low running costs, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 for high-volume users, the Brother MFC-J1360DW for home offices needing ADF and duplex, and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 for serious photographers. Each of these eight printers balances price, features, and ink efficiency differently – the right choice depends on whether you prioritize upfront cost, per-page cost, or photo quality.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Printers for Color Printing
After testing eight printers through thousands of pages, the best printers for color printing in 2026 deliver on different promises. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 earns our Editor’s Choice for photo quality and the lowest per-photo cost anywhere in this roundup. The Canon Megatank G3290 is the smartest buy for families and home offices that print regularly and want low long-term ink costs. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 is the right pick if you need a compact, reliable all-in-one under $100.
For home offices that scan and copy alongside printing, the Brother MFC-J1360DW combines ADF, auto duplex, and cloud integrations at a fair price. The HP OfficeJet Pro 8125 wins on speed and paper capacity for small businesses with daily print demands. And for tight spaces, the HP Envy 6155 packs solid color output into a footprint that fits anywhere.
Whatever your print volume, budget, or use case, one of these eight best printers for color printing will serve you well in 2026 and beyond. Pick based on whether you value upfront price, per-page cost, photo quality, or productivity features – and check the buying guide above if you want a deeper breakdown of the tradeoffs.