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You want one machine that prints in color, scans, and copies, but the real cost is not on the box—it is in the ink or toner you buy for years afterward. Some printers use cartridges you swap every few hundred pages; others use refillable ink bottles or laser toner that can last thousands of pages. This guide covers seven different ink systems so you can pick the one that matches your monthly volume and your budget over time, not just the purchase price.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
From cartridge-free supertanks that include three years of ink in the box to speed-demon laser printers built for small offices, here are the best options for anyone shopping for an all-in-one color printer that actually fits their life and printing habits.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best All-In-One Color Printer
Three factors separate a printer that saves you money over years from one that quietly bleeds your wallet dry every few months. Think about which one matters most to your specific situation.
Ink System: Cartridge, Tank, or Laser
The biggest long-term cost is almost never the printer itself—it is the ink or toner you buy afterward. Cartridge printers have a low up-front price but use small, expensive cartridges that run out quickly if you print a lot. Supertank printers (like the Epson EcoTank and Canon MegaTank lines) use big refillable bottles that last thousands of pages before you need a new bottle set. Laser printers use toner cartridges that cost more up front but last much longer and never dry out between uses, making them ideal for sporadic printing.
Speed: Pages Per Minute (PPM)
This tells you how fast the printer produces black-and-white or color pages. For a home office that prints a dozen pages a week, 8 to 15 ppm is plenty. For a small business printing batches of 50-page documents, you want 18 ppm or higher—especially if you dislike standing around waiting. Color speeds are typically slower than black speeds on inkjet models; laser printers often match them.
Paper Handling and Duplex
An auto document feeder (ADF — a slot on top that feeds a stack of originals automatically) lets you scan or copy multi-page documents without lifting the lid each time — a huge time-saver if you deal with contracts or forms. Automatic duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper) cuts paper use in half and is a must if you print multi-page documents. Also check paper tray capacity: 250 sheets or more means fewer refills.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Black PPM | Color PPM | Display | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson EcoTank ET-4950★ Best Overall | Supertank with features | 18 ppm | 9 ppm | 2.4″ color touch | $422.00$499.99Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3780CDWSpeed Demon | Fast small office | 31 ppm | 31 ppm | LED | $569.98Amazon |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Reliable laser workhorse | 19 ppm | 19 ppm | 3.5″ color touch | $459.99Amazon |
| Canon MegaTank GX2020 | Low-cost-per-page tank | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | 2.7″ color touch | $329.99$410.99Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-2980 | Entry-level supertank | 15 ppm | 8 ppm | Color touch | $229.99$329.99Amazon |
| HP Envy Photo 7975 | Photo and home use | 15 ppm | 10 ppm | Color touch | $159.89$239.99Amazon |
| Canon PIXMA TR7120 | Budget starter | 14 ppm | 9 ppm | 1.42″ mono OLED | $89.99$172.99Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Epson EcoTank ET-4950
Our pick — over 4★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
A supertank that ships with three years of ink and prints black pages at 18 ppm with zero warmup.
This Epson is the most feature-complete supertank in the list. It prints 18 ppm black and 9 ppm color; the Canon PIXMA TR7120 prints 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, per the comparison data. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen makes menu navigation simple, and the auto document feeder handles multi-page copy and fax jobs without you standing there. You get 6,600 black or 5,500 color pages from the included ink bottles, which Epson says equals roughly three years of typical home or home-office printing.
Buyers praise it. One review notes “the print speed is fast for monochrome printing and I really appreciate that.” Another calls it “the BEST printer for home office” and says setup via the Epson app took under ten minutes. The catch: while black text is excellent, some customers note that high-quality photo prints on glossy paper come out “garbled” and “completely unviewable.” If photo printing is your main reason for buying, this machine may frustrate you; for everyday documents and occasional color, it is a standout.
What Makes It Great
- 18 ppm black versus the Canon PIXMA TR7120’s 14 ppm
- Ink for up to 6,600 black/5,500 color pages in the box
- Auto duplex, 250-sheet tray, fax, and 2.4-inch color touchscreen
What to Consider
- Some users report unusable photo quality on glossy paper
- Setup can be tricky if you rely on wireless only; USB connection is more reliable
- Color speed (9 ppm) is slower than the HP Envy Photo 7975’s 10 ppm
Best for heavy document printing: If you print hundreds of pages a month and want years of ink included, this is your machine.
Skip if you print photos: Photo quality complaints make a tank or cartridge-based inkjet a safer bet for image work.
2. Brother MFC-L3780CDW
A color laser that prints both black and color pages at 31 ppm—no slowdown on color jobs.
If your small office moves through batches of 20-page proposals and you hate waiting for the printer to catch up, this Brother is the fastest pick here. It prints at 31 ppm (pages per minute) for both black and color, which is roughly 63% faster than the Epson EcoTank ET-4950’s 19 ppm combined pace, per the comparison data. A single-pass duplex scan and copy feature (which grabs both sides of a page in one pass through the auto document feeder) saves real time if you digitize stacks of double-sided contracts.
Buyers report that “this printer doesn’t suck” and that it was “easy as hell to set up.” They note the Wi-Fi connection works reliably and that AirPrint (a system that lets Apple devices print wirelessly) fires off pages instantly. The trade-off is the laser output: one reviewer mentions color photos are decent but “inferior to inkjet,” so if glossy photo prints are your main goal, an inkjet or supertank model handles gradients better. The 31 ppm speed makes this the go-to for high-volume document printing.
Workflow Wins
- 31 ppm black and color—fastest in this lineup
- Single-pass duplex copy/scan saves time on double-sided originals
- Wi-Fi Direct and Gigabit Ethernet for flexible office connections
Watch For
- Laser photo quality is fine but not as rich as inkjet for glossy prints
- Brother Refresh subscription complaints about billing bugs
- Higher up-front cost than cartridge or tank models
Best for busy offices: If you print 500+ pages a month and need documents out the door fast, this is the logical pick.
Not for photo enthusiasts: If your priority is high-quality color photos on glossy paper, a supertank inkjet will treat you better.
3. Brother MFC-L3720CDW
A color laser that pairs pro print quality with a 3.5-inch touchscreen and 48 customizable shortcuts.
For a small office that does not need the 31 ppm top speed but still wants laser reliability, this Brother hits a balance. It prints 19 ppm in both black and color — similar to the Epson ET-4950’s 18 ppm black, but with matching color speed so documents come out balanced without a pause between black and color pages. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts lets you program one-tap tasks like “scan to Google Drive” or “copy double-sided ID cards.”
Owners mention it “works great in my home office” with sharp print quality and vibrant colors. One reviewer called it “well-built, professional.” The speed is ample for most small teams. However, a few reviews mention paper-feed quirks: bulletins can double-feed, and hot rollers can curl the output. And one long-term owner hit a “Replace Waste Toner” error that bricked the printer after about two years — a risk to budget for if you keep machines past warranty.
Smart Office Features
- 19 ppm black and color with laser quality for crisp text
- 3.5-inch touchscreen with 48 customizable shortcuts for frequent jobs
- Dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 for multi-user setups
Potential Issues
- Occasional paper double-feed or curl with bulletins and lightweight paper
- Waste toner error could end the printer’s life prematurely
- Photo prints on glossy paper look decent but not inkjet-level
Solid for small teams: This is the pick if you want a durable, fast color laser with smart cloud shortcuts.
Risk to know: The waste toner issue is rare but can be expensive; consider an extended warranty if you plan to keep it past two years.
4. Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX2020
A refillable-tank Canon that prints 3,000 color pages per ink set with a 35-sheet auto document feeder.
This Canon is the tank-based alternative to the Epson supertanks, and it brings a couple of distinct advantages. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen feels roomier than the Epson ET-4950’s 2.4-inch screen, and the 35-sheet auto document feeder is bigger than the 20-sheet ADF on many home inkjets—handy for scanning a stack of forms. It prints 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color, which is 11% faster on color than the Epson ET-4950’s 9 ppm, as the comparison data shows.
Reviewers point out that “replacement ink is reasonably priced” and that the “MegaTank system is economical and eco-friendly.” One owner called it “the best printer for the price point” after switching from an HP with expensive ink plans. The catch: the paper tray is described as “thin and flimsy,” and one review warns that photos come out “blurry, dull images.” Like the Epson tanks, this printer is a documents-first device — fine for occasional color graphics but not for serious photo work.
Why Buy It
- 3,000 black and 3,000 color pages per ink set — very low cost per page
- 2.7-inch color touchscreen and 35-sheet ADF for easier scanning
- Color speed (10 ppm) edges the Epson ET-4950’s 9 ppm
Considerations
- Paper tray feels flimsy according to several owner reviews
- Photo print quality is poor — blurry and dull even on good paper
- Wi-Fi setup requires the Canon PRINT app, which some dislike
For budget-minded offices: If your main need is text documents with occasional color charts, the per-page cost is tough to top.
Not for photo printing: Photo quality is a weak point here; you would be better served by a dedicated photo inkjet.
5. Epson EcoTank ET-2980
The entry-level supertank that still includes three years of ink and auto duplex printing.
If you want the economy of a tank system — no cartridges to replace every month — but do not need the fax or the top speed of the ET-4950, this is the more accessible starting point. It prints 15 ppm black and 8 ppm color, which is a step down from the 18/9 of the ET-4950 but still perfectly usable for home or home-office printing. The EcoFit bottles are keyed so each color only fits its own tank, making refills nearly simple to use. With 6,600 black and 5,500 color pages included, you are covered for years.
Buyers consistently mention the easy setup. One wrote “the easiest set up. No issues. Printed 10 pages. Quick and perfect.” Another noted that print quality on HP Presentation paper looked deeper and more vibrant than on standard paper. However, several owners warn that if you do not print color often, the printhead (the part that sprays ink onto the paper) can clog, requiring cleaning cycles that sometimes fail. This is a common issue with inkjets and supertanks alike — occasional use can mean more maintenance.
What You Get
- Three years of ink included — 6,600 black/5,500 color pages
- Auto duplex printing saves paper on double-sided documents
- No-mess refill bottles that only fit the correct tank
Downsides
- Color speed (8 ppm) is the slowest in this lineup
- Printhead clogs can occur with infrequent color use
- No fax and no large paper tray (standard 250-sheet)
Good for home users: If you print a few pages most weeks and want the lowest long-term ink cost, this is a smart choice.
Skip if you print rarely: Infrequent use can lead to clogged printheads; a laser printer would be more reliable for sporadic use.
6. HP Envy Photo 7975
A photo-focused inkjet that prints 10 color pages per minute and includes AI-powered web-page formatting.
If your printing mix includes a fair number of photos, homework projects, and creative prints, this HP is the most photo-friendly option here. It prints 15 ppm black and 10 ppm color — matching the Canon MegaTank GX2020 on color speed and running 11% ahead of the Epson ET-4950’s 9 ppm color, per the comparison data. A separate photo tray means you can load glossy paper without swapping out the main paper tray, and the HP AI feature automatically strips out ads and awkward page breaks when you print a web page — a small but real convenience.
Shoppers say that “the colors of the ink look good” and call it “the best printer I ever had.” Another reviewer said it is “fast, easy to use, durable; ink doesn’t dry out quickly.” Some negative reviews, however, mention setup difficulties and that the printer occasionally loses its internet connection or becomes noisy. The cartridge system means you are buying HP 64 or 64XL cartridges over time — not as cheap per page as a tank or laser, but for a user who prints under 100 pages a month, it is manageable.
Photo-Friendly Features
- 10 ppm color — faster than the Epson ET-4950’s 9 ppm for color jobs
- Separate photo tray for glossy paper without changing trays
- HP AI trims web pages for clean printing without ads
Keep in Mind
- Cartridge-based system means higher per-page ink cost than tanks
- Some buyers report Wi-Fi disconnects and noise after a few months
- Initial page print time is 22 seconds — slower than laser models
Ideal for families: If you print photos, homework, and web content most weeks, this HP balances quality and speed.
Skip if you print high volume: The per-page cost adds up at 200+ pages per month; a tank or laser saves you money.
7. Canon PIXMA TR7120
A compact cartridge printer with a 1.42-inch OLED screen (a simple black-and-white display) that is easy to set up and surprisingly fast.
For the lowest entry cost, this Canon gets you print, scan, copy, and an auto document feeder in a small white footprint. It prints 14 ppm black and 9 ppm color, which is only 29% slower on black than the Epson ET-4950 (14 vs 18 ppm) for about one-fifth the up-front investment. The 1.42-inch monochrome OLED display shows ink levels and printer status at a glance. Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) keeps the connection stable.
Owners mention that they have “had it maybe 3 months now and have used it quite frequently” with no jams and easy wireless setup. Another review calls it “good value and quality, easy set up, nice compact footprint.” The main complaint is predictable: ink cost. One owner says “the ink is expensive” and notes the color cartridges combine cyan, magenta, and yellow into one unit, so when one color runs out you replace the whole cartridge. That makes this a low-volume printer — fine for a student or light home use, but not for a household that prints regularly.
Budget Appeal
- Compact size and easy wireless setup — out of box in minutes
- 14 ppm black is close to the Epson ET-2980 for a lower entry point
- Auto duplex printing and a small ADF for multi-page scanning
The Catch
- Ink is expensive and the color cartridges are combined — replace all three when one runs out
- Paper tray holds only about 50-100 sheets, so frequent refills are needed
- Starter cartridges run out quickly; replacement cartridges are a recurring cost
Best for occasional use: If you print a few pages a week and want a small, affordable machine, this Canon gets the job done.
Not for regular printing: Once you pass about 50 pages a month, the ink cost makes a tank or laser a better long-term value.
Understanding the Specs
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
This is the manufacturer’s measure of how many pages the printer can churn out in one minute of continuous printing. Black PPM is typically faster than color PPM on inkjet models because color prints require more passes of the printhead (the part that sprays ink). Laser printers often match black and color speeds since the toner process is the same for both. This number matters most if you print big batches regularly; for occasional single pages, even a 10 ppm difference is barely noticeable.
Auto Document Feeder (ADF)
An ADF is a slot on top of the scanner that holds a stack of original pages and feeds them one by one for scanning or copying. Without one, you have to lift the lid and place each page manually. If you regularly scan multi-page contracts, receipts, or school packets, an ADF is worth prioritizing — look for models with a 20-sheet or larger capacity. A 35-sheet ADF, like on the Canon MegaTank GX2020, handles thicker stacks.
FAQ
Will a supertank printer’s ink dry out if I do not use it for a month?
How many pages can I print before needing to buy more ink on the Epson EcoTank ET-2980?
Is a color laser printer better than a supertank for a home business?
Can I use the Canon PIXMA TR7120 with my iPhone or Android phone without a computer?
What does auto duplex printing mean and why should I care?
Does the HP Envy Photo 7975 work with HP’s Instant Ink subscription?
How loud are these printers when printing or scanning?
Can I print on both sides of the paper automatically with the Brother MFC-L3780CDW?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the all-in-one color printer winner is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW because it delivers the fastest speed (31 ppm black and color), reliable laser output, and a 50-sheet auto document feeder that keeps an office moving. If you want the lowest per-page cost for documents and do not mind slower color prints, grab the Epson EcoTank ET-4950 with its three years of included ink. And for photo-focused home use where print quality matters most, the standout is the HP Envy Photo 7975 with its separate photo tray and 10 ppm color speed.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gadgets Feed earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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