10 Best Home Color Printers 2025 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable home color printer. One of its standout features is the innovative cartridge-free printing system that uses high-capacity ink tanks, significantly reducing the cost of replacement ink. Users can save up to 90% compared to traditional cartridges, which makes it especially appealing for families or individuals who print frequently. The included ink can last up to two years, minimizing worries about running out of ink unexpectedly.

Print quality is impressive, thanks to Epson’s Micro Piezo technology that produces sharp text and vibrant color photos. However, the maximum print speed is a bit on the slower side at 10 pages per minute for monochrome and 5 pages per minute for color, which might not satisfy those who need to print large volumes quickly.

The ET-2800 also offers multifunction capabilities, including scanning and copying, which adds more value for home use. Its compact design makes it easy to fit into most home office spaces, and it features various connectivity options, including wireless and wired connections, ensuring that you can print from multiple devices without hassle. On the downside, the printer does not support automatic duplex printing, which could be inconvenient for users who regularly print double-sided documents. Additionally, while it has a good paper handling capacity of 100 sheets, it may not be sufficient for larger print jobs.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is designed for small businesses and home offices, making it a strong contender in the home color printer category. Its standout feature is the six months of Instant Ink included, which allows you to print up to 700 pages each month and receive ink only when you need it, potentially saving you money on ink costs. The print quality is impressive, with a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI, making it suitable for professional-looking color documents like reports and brochures.

Print speeds are decent, with up to 18 pages per minute for black and 10 for color, and it also offers a range of multifunction features including copying, scanning, and two-sided printing. The auto document feeder is a practical addition, enhancing efficiency for larger tasks. Connectivity is user-friendly with dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing you to print from mobile devices through the HP Smart App.

On the downside, the printer only works with original HP cartridges, which may be a limitation for those looking for third-party alternatives. The need for an HP account and internet connection for full HP+ functionality might also be seen as an inconvenience. Additionally, while it is fairly compact, weighing around 18 pounds, it may still take up noticeable space in smaller home offices. Security features such as basic encryption and password protection are beneficial for protecting sensitive documents, but firmware updates could potentially restrict the use of non-HP cartridges due to the printer's blocking feature. The HP OfficeJet 8015e is best suited for users who require reliable print quality and multifunction capabilities in a small office setting.

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a versatile and compact color inkjet printer ideal for home or small office use. It offers a good balance of print quality with a maximum resolution of 6000 x 1200 dpi for Windows and 3600 x 1200 dpi for Mac users, making it suitable for detailed color prints. However, its print speed is moderate, with 17 ppm for monochrome and 9.5 ppm for color, which may not be fast enough for high-volume tasks.

The printer supports automatic duplex (dual-sided) printing and has a 150-sheet paper tray, reducing the need for frequent refills, which is convenient for home users. The 20-page automatic document feeder is a helpful feature for scanning and copying documents efficiently. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet, allowing easy setup and use with various devices such as smartphones, PCs, and laptops.

The Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies printing and managing tasks directly from mobile devices, enhancing user convenience. Ink costs can add up, but the option for a refresh subscription and Amazon Dash Replenishment can help manage and automate refills. With a compact design (15.7 x 13.5 x 6.6 inches) and weighing 16.4 pounds, it fits well in small spaces without sacrificing essential functionalities. While it may not be the fastest printer on the market, its combination of features, ease of use, and reliability make it a strong candidate for home and small office environments.