#BEST COLOR LASER PRINTERS FOR HOME 2018 SERIES#

We also calculate running costs, compare functionality and consider each product’s versatility, design and build quality.

#BEST COLOR LASER PRINTERS FOR HOME 2018 SERIES#

These twelve test pages include text of varying font sizes and colors, mixed image and text pages, a set of photos and a series of test patterns designed to assess sharpness, color fidelity, contrast and grey scale. To compare print quality, we print out the same set of test documents on every machine. Rather than relying on the manufacturer’s quoted figures, we time the first page out and print speeds in single sheet and duplex mode using a standard ten-page document and a stopwatch app. Will the printer be used at home or based in the office? Will it primarily be used to print the odd document or image for your child’s schoolwork, for example, or will it have to manage a more intensive workload? These were all important factors that we considered in order to provide a review that covered a broad spectrum of printers and use-cases.Įach laser printer we source for testing is measured on our test bench and the results are critically compared with every other model we have reviewed. Another important consideration was what the printer might eventually be used for. When compiling this review, this meant we had to narrow down the devices by taking into account speed, longevity, print quality - and cost. Of course, there is quite a range of laser printers now on offer for consumers to choose from. Best laser printers: How did we choose? Best laser printers: How did we choose? The Ricoh SP C261DNw may look a little dated with those wobbly plastic panels and its print speed is somewhat slow compared to other laser printers, but the print quality is particularly pleasing with both mono and colour pages and the price is competitive. Ricoh’s colour printer comes with the essential features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, duplex mode and secure printing built in. Xerox VersaLink B600DN: Best for heavy print loads The best laser printers come in every shape and size, and we've listed our top recommendations, including the some budget printers, so that you can find the right laser printer for your home or office. This means they make great home printers as well as being used in offices. Perhaps best of all, laser printers are more affordable and flexible than ever before. They need less attention in general and they’re always ready to leap into action, which brings us to the other key advantage, speed. In other words, laser printers are usually considerably cheaper to run.Īnd where inkjet nozzles can become blocked or dry up when you leave them for long periods, laser printers don’t care how often you use them. They rely on toner cartridges that are capable of printing thousands of pages before they need replacing.

The best laser printers also won’t demand a new ink cartridge every hundred or so pages in fact they don’t use ink at all. Why should you pick one of the best laser printers over an inkjet? Inkjets might be better at printing photos and generally cheaper upfront, but top laser printers are much better for printing large volumes of documents quickly and quietly, which makes them a favorite for home office use.

Best color laser printers for home 2018