7 Best Lexmark Color Laser Printers (November 2026)
The best Lexmark color laser printers include the Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer for compact black-and-white work, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II for fast color multifunction work, and the HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw for small connected teams.
On this page (6 sections)
- Which Lexmark color laser printer is the best match?
- The best Lexmark color laser printers and alternatives
- Lexmark color printer vs black-and-white laser printer
- What features matter most in a Lexmark color laser printer?
- How to set up and care for a color laser printer
- Final verdict on the best Lexmark color laser printer
The best Lexmark color laser printer is the Lexmark CX331adwe for shoppers who want color output, automatic duplex printing and print, copy and scan functions in one office machine. The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is faster for color work, while the Brother and HP options suit offices that mainly print black-and-white pages.
This comparison includes one direct Lexmark color pick and several useful alternatives. Some are monochrome models, so they make sense when speed, paper handling or document functions matter more than color.
The right pick depends on how you actually work day to day. A small office that prints charts, labels and client facing pages will get more value from color than a home office that mostly prints text reports.
Size and setup matter just as much as output mode. Compact models fit a home desk with little fuss, while larger multifunction machines need a stable stand, room for trays and space for cables and ventilation.
If you need a quick primer first, read What Is a Color Laser Printer? A Quick Overview.
That overview helps you judge whether color hardware is worth the extra footprint for your workload.
For a different brand, compare these picks with the best Canon color laser printer. Canon is the stronger choice here when you want faster color output plus scanning, copying and faxing in one unit.
Think about who will use the printer and how often. A shared office benefits from automatic duplexing, wired and wireless connections and a document feeder, while a single user may prefer a lighter print only model.
Paper handling is another clear dividing line. A 250 sheet tray means fewer refills for routine jobs, and a manual or multipurpose feed helps with envelopes and specialty paper when those jobs appear.
Honest trade offs run through this list. Monochrome printers are simpler and often faster for text, but they cannot produce colored charts or forms, and color multifunction printers are heavier and larger.
Use the sections below to match speed, functions and footprint to your space. If color is not required for most pages, a black and white model may be the more practical choice overall.
Start with the Lexmark CX331adwe if the brand and color output are your priority. Otherwise, let your daily print volume, scanning needs and desk space guide the final decision.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for compact black-and-white workBrother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for fast color multifunction workCanon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Check itLexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer
Best for true Lexmark color printing - 5
Best for high-volume monochrome printingCheck it - 6
Check itLexmark MS431dw Black and White Laser Printer
Best for compact Lexmark office printing - 7
Check itLexmark MX431adw Laser Monochrome MFP Printer
Best for Lexmark document workflows
Which Lexmark color laser printer is the best match?
The Lexmark CX331adwe is the best fit for true Lexmark color printing, while the monochrome Lexmark models are better for text-heavy offices. The Canon is the strongest alternative when you need faster color output and more multifunction capacity.
We compared the listed output modes, print speeds, automatic duplex features, paper handling, connections and office functions. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
The Brother HL-L2405W leads this list because its compact design, wireless printing and 30 ppm output make it useful for everyday home-office documents. It is not a color printer, so choose it only when black-and-white output meets your needs.
The Canon and HP models both print at up to 35 ppm in black and white. Canon adds color output at the same stated speed, while HP focuses on a small-team monochrome workflow with scanning, copying, faxing and automatic document feeding.
Lexmark's CX331adwe is the direct color choice. Its 26 ppm color and black-and-white output is slower than Canon's stated speed, but automatic duplexing, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet and multifunction features make it a balanced office option.
The best Lexmark color laser printers and alternatives
The products below are ordered by score, with the strongest overall fit first. Read the badge beside each name to see the use case that shaped its position.
| Product | Best for | Output | Connections | Paper handling | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | compact black-and-white work | Black and white, up to 30 ppm | Dual-band wireless and USB | 250-sheet tray and manual feed slot | 9.7 |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II | fast color multifunction work | Color and black and white, up to 35 ppm | Wireless and USB | 250-sheet cassette and 50-sheet multipurpose tray | 9.4 |
| HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw | small connected teams | Black and white, up to 35 ppm | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and Bluetooth | 9.4 | |
| Lexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer | true Lexmark color printing | Color and black and white, up to 26 ppm | Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet | 9.0 | |
| Brother Laser Printer | high-volume monochrome printing | Black and white, up to 50 ppm | Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless | 8.9 | |
| Lexmark MS431dw Black and White Laser Printer | compact Lexmark office printing | Black and white, up to 42 ppm | Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB | 8.7 | |
| Lexmark MX431adw Laser Monochrome MFP Printer | Lexmark document workflows | Black and white, up to 42 ppm | Ethernet and wireless support | 8.6 |
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer: Best for compact black-and-white work
- 30 ppm black-and-white output
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Dual-band wireless
- Manual feed slot
This compact Brother printer is a strong fit for homes and home offices that mainly print black-and-white documents. Wireless connections and a 250-sheet tray reduce daily setup work.
Pros
- Compact 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 in body
- 30 ppm output
- Wireless mobile printing
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Duplex printing is manual
The Brother HL-L2405W is a good choice for a home office that prints mostly letters, reports and forms. Its 30 ppm black-and-white output gives it enough speed for routine work without taking up much desk space.
The printer measures 14.2 x 14 x 7.2 in and weighs 15.1 lb. A 250-sheet tray reduces refill frequency, while the manual feed slot supports envelopes and specialty paper.
Built-in dual-band wireless works on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. You can also connect one computer through USB, and the Brother Mobile Connect app supports mobile printing and toner tracking.
This model is print-only and uses manual duplexing, so double-sided jobs need more attention than they would on an automatic duplex printer. Brother lists TN830, TN830XL and TN830XL 2PK toner as compatible options.
Choose it when a compact wireless printer is more important than color. If you need color pages, move to the Lexmark CX331adwe or Canon model instead.
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II: Best for fast color multifunction work
- 35 ppm color and black-and-white output
- Automatic duplex printing
- Print, scan, copy and fax
- 5-inch color touchscreen
Canon's color multifunction printer suits a small office that needs fast output, scanning, copying and faxing in one machine. Automatic duplexing and a 50-sheet duplex document feeder support recurring office workflows.
Pros
- Fast color output
- Automatic duplexing
- 4-in-1 functionality
Cons
- 50 lb body needs a sturdy location
- Larger footprint than compact printers
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II is the strongest alternative for a small office that needs fast color output and four office functions. It prints, scans, copies and faxes, with color and black-and-white output up to 35 ppm.
Automatic duplex printing supports two-sided documents, and the 50-sheet duplex automatic document feeder helps with recurring scan and copy jobs. The standard cassette holds 250 sheets, while the multipurpose tray holds 50 sheets.
Wireless printing works with computers and mobile devices. A 5-inch color touchscreen gives you a direct control point, and the printer includes Canon Genuine Toner 069 starter cartridges, documentation, a fax cable and a power cord.
At 18.2 x 16.8 x 17 in and 50 lb, this is one of the larger choices here. Plan the stand or desk location before delivery, with enough room to open trays and connect cables.
Choose Canon when color speed and multifunction work matter more than owning a Lexmark. For a direct Lexmark comparison, the CX331adwe is smaller and prints color at 26 ppm.
HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw: Best for small connected teams
- 35 ppm black-and-white output
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Print, scan, copy and fax
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw is aimed at small teams that need black-and-white documents, scanning, copying and faxing. Its automatic duplexing and broad connection choices support shared use.
Pros
- Automatic document feeder
- Built-in security features
- Wireless printing from mobile devices
Cons
- Black-and-white output only
- Uses cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw suits a small team that needs black-and-white printing, scanning, copying and faxing. HP positions it for up to 7 people, and its 35 ppm single-sided black-and-white speed supports shared office work.
Automatic two-sided printing and an automatic document feeder reduce handling for repeated jobs. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB and Bluetooth give you several ways to connect computers and mobile devices.
HP includes Wolf Pro Security features with customizable settings. The printer works with laptops, PCs and smartphones, and HP lists support for Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android and Chromebook environments.
The 16.5 x 12.3 x 15.7 in body is larger than the compact Brother HL-L2405W. It also uses cartridges with original HP chips or circuitry, which is a practical supply detail to check before choosing it.
This is not a color printer. Pick it for a connected small team that prints black-and-white documents and wants automatic duplexing, rather than for color charts or marketing pages.
Lexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer: Best for true Lexmark color printing
- 26 ppm color and black-and-white output
- Print, copy, scan and optional cloud fax
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet
The CX331adwe is the clearest match for shoppers who specifically want a Lexmark color laser printer. It combines color printing with scanning, copying and automatic two-sided output in a compact office design.
Pros
- Color output from a Lexmark model
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wired and wireless connections
Cons
- Slower than the fastest color pick here
- 42.8 lb body
The Lexmark CX331adwe is the direct match for a Lexmark color laser printer in this group. It prints color and black-and-white pages at up to 26 ppm, then adds copying, scanning and optional cloud fax.
Automatic duplex printing helps reduce manual page turning. Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet support office sharing, while the Lexmark Mobile Print app supports mobile printing.
The printer measures 15.5 x 16.2 x 13.6 in and weighs 42.8 lb. Its steel frame is designed for small-business use, so place it on a stable surface that can support the machine and leave access to the paper and toner areas.
Lexmark also highlights security across the device, network and document path. Automatic two-sided printing supports paper-saving workflows, and the printer can use up to 100% recycled paper.
Choose it when the Lexmark brand, color output and multifunction features belong together in your buying decision. If you need the fastest color speed here, Canon reaches up to 35 ppm.
Brother Laser Printer: Best for high-volume monochrome printing
- 50 ppm black-and-white output
- 520-sheet main tray
- 100-sheet multipurpose tray
- Automatic duplex printing
The Brother HL-6210DW is for busy offices that print many black-and-white pages. Its 520-sheet main tray, 100-sheet multipurpose tray and 50 ppm speed make it a practical color-printer alternative when color is not required.
Pros
- Fastest output in this group
- Large standard paper capacity
- Automatic duplex printing
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Office-size footprint
The Brother HL-6210DW is the best alternative for an office that prints large volumes of black-and-white documents. Its 50 ppm output is the fastest stated speed in this group.
Paper handling is its main advantage. The main tray holds 520 sheets, the multipurpose tray holds 100 sheets, and optional trays can expand total capacity to 1,660 sheets.
Automatic duplex printing supports two-sided documents. Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless let offices share the printer across wired or wireless networks, and mobile printing is supported with an additional download.
The printer measures 15.3 x 14.7 x 11.4 in and weighs 29.8 lb. It includes a TN920 toner cartridge, a DR920 drum unit and an AC power cord.
Brother lists TN920UXXL as a compatible ultra-high-yield toner option.
There is no color output, so this is not a substitute when your work needs color. Choose it when speed, paper capacity and network access matter more than color pages.
Lexmark MS431dw Black and White Laser Printer: Best for compact Lexmark office printing
- 42 ppm black-and-white output
- Automatic two-sided printing
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB
- Steel frame
The MS431dw is a compact Lexmark choice for offices that need speed and network access but not color. Automatic duplexing and a two-line display keep routine document work simple.
Pros
- 42 ppm output
- Small 14.3 x 14.5 x 8.7 in body
- Wireless and wired networking
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Optional 550-sheet tray costs extra
The Lexmark MS431dw is a compact Lexmark option for offices that need fast black-and-white printing without color. It reaches up to 42 ppm and includes automatic two-sided printing.
Its 14.3 x 14.5 x 8.7 in size makes it easier to fit on a smaller desk than the color multifunction models. Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connections support both mobile and wired office setups.
A steel frame and long-life imaging components are designed for regular office use. The two-line display gives you a simple way to configure and monitor printer information.
Lexmark lists a recommended monthly page volume of 800 to 8,000 pages. An optional 550-sheet paper tray is available when the standard paper setup is not enough for your routine.
Choose the MS431dw if you want Lexmark hardware and automatic duplexing in a smaller monochrome printer. For color pages, the CX331adwe is the relevant Lexmark pick.
Lexmark MX431adw Laser Monochrome MFP Printer: Best for Lexmark document workflows
- 42 ppm black-and-white output
- Print, scan, copy and analog fax
- Automatic two-sided scanning
- 250-sheet capacity
The MX431adw suits offices that want Lexmark hardware for more than printing. Automatic two-sided scanning, copying, faxing and a 250-sheet capacity support document-heavy routines.
Pros
- Automatic two-sided scanning
- 42 ppm output
- Multifunction office design
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- 31 lb body
The Lexmark MX431adw is the better choice when your office needs scanning, copying and analog faxing as well as black-and-white printing. It reaches up to 42 ppm and includes automatic two-sided scanning.
A 250-sheet capacity suits regular office documents. The printer has a touchscreen, Ethernet and wireless support, and its functions are built around document handling rather than color output.
The body measures 14.4 x 16.2 x 13.3 in and weighs 31 lb. Lexmark lists a range of media sizes, including A6, A4, Legal, A5, Letter, Executive, envelopes and universal media.
Automatic two-sided printing supports paper-saving work, while the steel-frame design is intended for small-business use. Toner cartridges are included, so you can begin setup with the supplied consumable.
This is a monochrome multifunction printer, not a color laser printer. Choose it when scanning and copying are central to your workflow and color pages are not required.
Lexmark color printer vs black-and-white laser printer
Choose a Lexmark color laser printer when your documents need colored charts, forms, labels or other visual differences. Choose a black-and-white model when most pages are text and you want to prioritize speed, simple output and office document volume.
The CX331adwe is the only direct Lexmark color pick here. The MS431dw and MX431adw keep the Lexmark connection but focus on black-and-white printing, while the Brother HL-6210DW reaches the highest stated speed.
Color laser printers also tend to be larger because they carry more toner and imaging hardware. Measure your available surface, check the printer's weight and leave room for paper access, cables and routine supply changes.
Color output is not just about appearance for its own sake. It helps separate categories at a glance in charts, makes forms easier to scan quickly and keeps labels readable when color codes carry meaning.
Monochrome output has its own strengths for office work. Text reports, invoices and internal documents stay crisp and easy to read, and a print only model has fewer parts for a single user to manage.
Speed differences show up in busy routines. The Brother HL-6210DW is listed at up to 50 ppm for black and white work, while the Lexmark CX331adwe prints color and black and white at up to 26 ppm.
Automatic duplexing matters for both types. It reduces manual page turning for two sided reports and helps keep longer documents in order without extra handling from the user.
Paper capacity also shapes the choice. Larger trays suit shared offices that print many pages between refills, while a compact tray suits a home office with lighter daily use.
Multifunction features change the calculation further. Scanning, copying and faxing in one machine saves desk space, but it adds weight and size that a simple printer does not need.
Care and setup are similar across the group. Keep paper dry, load it within the guides and use the manual feed path for envelopes or specialty paper when the model offers one.
Confirm the correct toner family before ordering supplies. Each brand specifies its own compatible cartridges, so checking the exact name avoids wasted orders and setup delays.
If you are deciding between color and monochrome output, our guide to the advantages of a laser printer explains where laser printing fits. You can also review the disadvantages of a laser printer before choosing a color multifunction machine.
Match the output mode to your most common pages, not your occasional ones. If color appears only rarely, a faster black and white printer may save space and simplify daily use.
What features matter most in a Lexmark color laser printer?
Automatic duplexing, color speed, connection options and multifunction features matter most for a shared office. Paper capacity and physical size matter just as much when the printer will handle daily work.
The CX331adwe includes automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet. That combination suits an office where several users may print from computers or mobile devices.
Color speed is the main difference between the two color-capable machines here. The Canon reaches up to 35 ppm in color and black and white, while the Lexmark reaches up to 26 ppm in both modes.
Multifunction features save space when you need scanning or copying. Canon, HP and both multifunction Lexmark models include more than print-only operation, while the Brother HL-L2405W and HL-6210DW focus on printing.
Connection choice affects setup and daily sharing. Wireless suits mobile users and flexible desk placement, while Ethernet gives a fixed office location a stable wired path for shared jobs.
Paper capacity determines how often someone refills the machine. A larger main tray helps a busy office, while a multipurpose tray adds flexibility for mixed paper sizes and specialty media.
Physical size and weight should be checked before ordering. A heavier multifunction printer needs a sturdy surface and clear access to toner and paper areas for routine care.
For duplex-specific comparisons, see our guide to the best Canon duplex laser printer. If your office rarely needs color, our best black and white laser printers guide may point you toward a better fit.
How to set up and care for a color laser printer
Start by placing the printer on a stable surface with enough room for paper trays, cables and ventilation. Connect it through the network or USB, install the required software, and print a basic alignment or test page if the setup instructions request one.
Use the correct toner family for the model. The Lexmark CX331adwe uses Canon?
No. It uses Lexmark supplies, so confirm the exact cartridge name before ordering.
For the other models, Brother, Canon and HP each specify their own compatible toner requirements.
Keep paper dry and load it within the tray guides. When using envelopes or specialty paper, use the printer's manual or multipurpose feed path when the model provides one.
Automatic duplexing helps reduce paper use, but check the document settings before a large job. A two-sided setting can change how pages are arranged, especially for forms, booklets and documents with mixed page orientations.
Do not choose a printer only by color wording. Match the output mode, speed, paper capacity, scanning functions and connection type to the work you actually print.
Final verdict on the best Lexmark color laser printer
The best Lexmark color laser printer is the Lexmark CX331adwe if you want Lexmark color output, automatic duplexing and print, copy and scan functions. Choose Canon if you need faster color output, Brother HL-6210DW if you print high black-and-white volumes, or Lexmark MS431dw for compact monochrome office work.
For the simplest home-office setup, the Brother HL-L2405W is compact and wireless. For a document-heavy Lexmark workflow with scanning, copying and faxing, the MX431adw is the better match even though it prints only in black and white.
The CX331adwe balances color, duplexing and multifunction use without chasing maximum speed. Its Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet options make shared office setup straightforward for computers and mobile devices.
Canon suits a small office that wants color at up to 35 ppm plus scanning, copying and faxing. Automatic duplexing and a 50 sheet duplex document feeder help with recurring office jobs, but the 50 lb body needs a sturdy location.
Brother HL-6210DW suits busy black and white work at up to 50 ppm. Its 520 sheet main tray and 100 sheet multipurpose tray reduce refills, and optional trays can expand capacity for higher volume routines.
Lexmark MS431dw suits a smaller desk where color is not required. At 42 ppm with automatic two sided printing and Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB, it keeps routine office printing simple in a compact frame.
Brother HL-L2405W suits a home office that prints mostly text. Its 15.1 lb weight, 250 sheet tray and dual band wireless make daily setup light, though duplexing is manual and output is monochrome only.
HP LaserJet Pro 3101fdw suits a small team that needs scanning, copying and faxing in black and white. Automatic two sided printing and broad connections help shared use, but there is no color output.
Lexmark MX431adw suits document heavy work with automatic two sided scanning. It adds copying and analog faxing to 42 ppm black and white printing, which helps offices that handle paper documents daily.
Measure your space and weigh your most common pages before you decide. If color is central, start with the CX331adwe or Canon, and if text volume is central, a monochrome model will likely fit your routine better.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for compact black-and-white work
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for fast color multifunction work
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw II
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Lexmark color laser printer?
The Lexmark CX331adwe is the best Lexmark color laser printer in this comparison because it provides color and black-and-white output up to 26 ppm, automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying and optional cloud fax. Choose it when color documents and Lexmark features matter more than maximum speed.
Does Lexmark make color laser printers?
Yes. The Lexmark CX331adwe is a color laser printer with print, copy and scan functions, automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet.
It prints color and black-and-white pages at up to 26 ppm, making it suited to small offices that need color documents.
Is a color laser printer better than a black-and-white laser printer?
A color laser printer is better when charts, forms, labels or other documents need color. A black-and-white model is usually the simpler choice when you print mostly text, reports and invoices.
The Brother HL-6210DW and Lexmark MS431dw focus on fast monochrome work.
What should you check before buying a Lexmark color laser printer?
Check color speed, automatic duplexing, scanning needs, paper capacity, connections and the printer's size. The CX331adwe offers color at 26 ppm with Wi-Fi, USB and Ethernet.
Also measure your work area, because color multifunction printers are larger and heavier than basic monochrome models.
