10 Best Color Printer for Teachers: Reviews for 2021

Teachers have access to school printers for bulk printing, but still, if they want to prepare a lesson beforehand, it’s better to have one nearby.

But is printing costly?

Well, it depends on your choices. For teachers who are looking for an affordable printing solution, they can find it.

And if you’re looking for the industrial standard printer for school functioning, then you can get that too.

As this review is about the best color printer for teachers, we will be recommending devices that are affordable, quick, and portable. And for first-time buyers, we have a guide to inform them of what to expect.

10 Best Color Printer for Teachers

1. HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Classroom Printer

HP is one of the most recognized names in the tech industry. And their products are never not good. Hence, this particular printer was chosen for its overall usability, price, and multifunctionality.

This is more than a printer. Because with it, you can scan, copy, fax and do much more. But where teachers will really appreciate this is it’s also portable.

Therefore, you can keep it in your office room and then when you need to just put it in your bag and take it home. The wireless use adds major points to this.

For those who aren’t quite tech-savvy, this device will be easy to learn. The setup doesn’t take more than 15 minutes. And you can use this with your smartphone even. Simply scan the pictures from your phone and get it printed. It’s that easy.

Moreover, for easing the process, even more, you have an almost self-explanatory touchscreen. This also comes with the advanced auto feeder, so that you can print many papers without having to put them one at a time. Also, this has a noise-canceling mode for when you want to print in silence.

Finally, what sets this apart is you can sign up for HP’s instant ink package where you get free ink for the first two months, and then you have to pay a measly monthly charge. But keep in mind, this adds a limit to the number of prints you can make per month.

However, you can use it without taking this offer and can use other cartridges too.

Highlighted Features:

• Portable and easy to carry.
• Straightforward use and touchscreen display.
• Wireless and can be used with a smartphone.
• Sign up for HP’s instant ink package for free 2-month printing.

2. Epson EcoTank ET-4760 Teacher Printing

The Epson no-cartridge bargain is one that you will love to have in your office room. Epson has never been shy of trying new and innovative ways to help their customers, and their printer for office use is one that teachers will love.

However, this isn’t for individual use alone, and if you and your group are looking for something stable that you can all chip in on, then this is for you guys.

What makes this a favorite is it’s the best at what it does: printing. If you want to print loads of images, colored or not, this is the printer for the jobs. 

Of course, it doesn’t bring the same vibrance as a commercially printed picture, but if you’re not trying to nitpick, the color and vibrance will still amaze you.

Furthermore, as we mentioned before, this doesn’t use cartridges, which are small, and you can’t even finish each properly. Instead, you have a color bottle that optimizes your use and doesn’t wear out after a few prints.

One set of bottles can get you as many prints as 80 cartridges. So, save yourself multiple trips to the stationary and get work done in peace. Also, another thing that we appreciated about this is it’s very convenient for use. The paper tray, for one, can fit 250 sheets.

Unlike smaller printers where you have to readjust papers every other print, this saves time and headache. On top of that, the navigation is also self-explanatory. You won’t have to break a muscle; the intuitive touch screen will be as plain as day to comprehend.

If you’re worried about the inks drying during the break, well, don’t worry because each can last up to 2 years. But we do recommend using the printer at least once a week and use the recommended Epson ink.

Highlighted Features:

• High-quality color prints.
• Doesn’t use Cartridges; uses ink bottles.
• Inks don’t dry easily.
• Each set can print many pages.

3. Brother HL-L3210CW School Printer

Brother was always a fan favorite for their affordable and powerful devices. And when it comes to teaching, they have the best color printer for teachers who are looking for reasonable products.

If you want pages with colorful infographics, graphs, and images, this will do that for you because you get outcomes that are not only rich and vibrant but can also delve into a wide range of colors. This will make the work a lot more enjoyable for you and your students will also concentrate better.

Another advantage of this is you don’t need to connect it to a computer or laptop to print it. So, if you have looked at materials on your phone, then you can directly connect it to the printer to have it printed. This is a time saving and easy method of printing.

And this isn’t just a regular printer. That’s why the manual feeder can take in different sized papers. So, if you want broader prints or smaller, then you don’t have to confine yourself to the borders of an A4 paper. You can even print card stocks, envelopes, and different other sizes.

As this is a laser printer, this uses toner for printing. With the high functioning toner, you can get your colorful prints. And to make it more money and time saving, use the toner save mode to save the toner cost for when you’re printing for yourself.

Having the option of optimizing your prints to your needs is a unique and ergonomic method.

Highlighted Features:

• Laser printer comes with high-yield toner.
• Can print different sizes and types of paper.
• Wireless connection to many devices.
• Toner comes with save mode.

4. Canon TS8320 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer For Homeschool

Canon is one of the best tech brands for imaging. Ever since their inception, they have redefined how we view both printed and digital photos. And you can’t expect anything less from their printer within a reasonable rate. This is a printer for your everyday use.

One of the first things we liked about this printer is its stylish appearance. It has a sleek design that comes in three different colors. The one in red is a unique touch that we are not used to seeing, but we think many will love it.

For new users, there really isn’t much to learn. All you need to print is the device itself, some paper, and a smartphone or a laptop. The LCD touchscreen is much bigger and clearer than most other devices. On top of that, it even has a QR code scanner for easily setting up with any device.

And if you’re using this with your smartphone, avail of the Canon print app that lets you edit, crop, and scan your pages before printing them. It also has a memory card slot with which you can print even without connecting it to a device. It doesn’t get easier than this.

As for the feeding system, this has a dual paper tray. You can simultaneously use plain paper and photo paper by using the two different trays. And you don’t have to swap out one to use the other.

Highlighted Features:

• Has an app for both android and iOS to edit and print.
• Comes in three different looks.
• LCD touch panel is wide and easy to understand.
• Compatible with smartphones and has a memory card slot.

5. HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw

HP printers are always the best when you’re looking for efficiency. Unlike the previous one, this is for more rigorous use. As a teacher, you can set this up for the regular use of your department.

This printer can handle the job. With a capacity of 4000 pages a month, this won’t be exhausted easily. And with it, you can stay active as well. It has a fast printing speed as well. As it can print up to 28 standard pages per minute, you won’t be wasting any time either.

But this is more than a printing device. This is great for scanning and copying too. The two-sided scanning means you don’t have to manually check-in both sides while scanning documents. Even some of the commercial use scanners lack this system, but this multifunction device has it.

Another interesting feature of the LaserJet pro is you don’t have to re-type the settings for every print. You can save your choices and use that later using the touchscreen display. However, it isn’t complicated at all. The instructions are easy for anyone to understand.

Further, where HP has improved is security. You get notified instantly if an unknown user tries to attack the printer. And you can securely print your documents without having to worry about your data being stolen. So, if printing questions are needed, you can do so with this.

Highlighted Features:

• Can print 4000 pages a month.
• Very fast double-sided scanning and printing.
• Has better security measures.
• Use saved settings for future prints.

6. Epson Expression Premium Printer

We have been reviewing personal printers that can print a decent number of pages and then office printers, which are for heavy use. But this is a printer in the middle ground. If you want a heavy-duty printer that will quench all your printing needs, this is the printer for you.

This powerful device can print up to 14000 papers in black and 9000 in color from the ink provided on purchase. On average, this is enough to go on for about 2 years. And the best part is, you don’t have to fill in the cartridges; instead, you get ink bottles, which are much more convenient.

But if you don’t want to spend on the original ink, you get Canon’s replacement, which reduces the costs significantly.

Many people buy printers and then realize the ink costs much more and prints much less than their expectations. But if you purchase the low-cost ink, you won’t have to go through that.

Moreover, you can choose the quality of your prints. For the best quality and color contrast, the 5 colored ink is recommended.

As for the printer itself, it can handle different sizes and types, so you’re not restricted to letter-sized papers. And as with modern printers, you can use this even without a desktop. The USB and memory card slots can be used for wireless functioning.

Highlighted Features:

• Prints 14000 pages in black from the provided ink.
• Doesn’t use a cartridge system.
• Supports USB and memory cards.
• Can deliver high color contrasts.

7. HP ENVY 5055 Wireless All-in-One Photo Printer

This is one of the most affordable printers that you can find among the brand names. You know an HP printer is more than decent but adds that at a reasonable price, then this becomes way more valuable. But has it sacrificed its quality in the process?

No, it hasn’t. This still meets the high standard that HP and other well-known brands have set for themselves.

Firstly, as the name suggests, it’s an all in one printer, it really is so. Because you can scan borderless pages with this, so you won’t get prints with half the words cut off on the sides. Adding to that, this can also copy pages. So, if you want to enrich your teaching style, this is the device to do that with.

Setting up the printer requires no extra effort. You can do it easily by following the instruction and connecting it to your Wi-Fi.

Further, after downloading the HP app, you can get started on your print right away. However, you do have to sign up with HP in order to use this device. Otherwise, it won’t work.

However, if that doesn’t bother you, then using this is quite seamless. Once the printer notices it’s low on ink, it will automatically notify HP, and they will deliver ink to your place.

But you have to fee a monthly charge. This is a profitable plan for those who print regularly and have a set of pages they need monthly. If your pattern is too unscheduled, then this might not be the best deal for you. 

Highlighted Features:

• Offers affordable and lucrative monthly subscription.
• Easy to set up and seamless operation.
• Can scan, copy and print.
• Wireless printing; supports smartphones.

8. Brother Business Color Laser Printer

When it comes to professional printers, you need something that can handle the hard work. But does it mean you have to spend more than $500 to get it? Not if you buy this one.

For high-quality office use, your brother has just the right product for you. This device doesn’t force you to sign up anywhere nor pay monthly charges but is still cost-efficient.

You can print up 33 ppm and that too with utmost swiftness. The color quality of this printer is also top-notch. And to top it off, they also have automatic both side printing. So, you don’t have to turn the page to get ink on the other side.

The display on this device is pretty advanced. It has a color touchscreen, which makes the controls a lot more responsive. But where this truly gives the other brands a run for their money is the cartridge.

As you already know, cartridges are the reason why printer operating costs reach sky high and also the reason teachers avoid individual printing systems.

But with the innovation of Brother, you get toner cartridges that can work for about 6500 pages. That means fewer trips to the shop and less waste of ink.

On top of that, the paper tray also saves time as it can hold up to 250 pages at a time, a feature people who are always on the run will appreciate.

Lastly, you can designate who will be using the device by assigning cards. And the system has an NFC card reader that can authenticate users.

Highlighted Features:

• Intuitive color touchscreen.
• Can print 33 papers per minutes.
• Supports card reading to allow only designated users.
• Get 6500 pages with each paint fill.

9. HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Wireless Laser Printer

This is one of HP’s coolest designs and could very well be the best printer for teachers that HP has to offer, but it is a printer for those who are used to HP printers. As we have mentioned for previous HP products, they can prove to be quite the hassle when signing in and installing the driver.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a stable printer that can handle rigorous use and is easy to control, this can be it.

Why we rate this printer so high is because it’s well-built. It’s much heavier than the usual ones. And you can tell right away that this was made with a lot of thought and for using a long time. However, that also means we wouldn’t move it around too much. It’s heavy.

Regardless of that, this is a wireless printer, so you can use it wherever you want. An annoying problem with feeble printers is they take minutes to warm up before they can dish out the first page. But this device will start delivering within seconds.

Another interesting touch they have added to this is the display is set above the printer. And you can tilt it from a flat position to a vertical one. It’s, of course, a touchscreen display, but since it’s already in its own space, we would have liked it to be a bit bigger.

Connecting to the Wi-Fi with this will be easy, and once you are done with the setup, printing action is going to be seamless.

Highlighted Features:

• Tilting touchscreen display.
• It doesn’t take time to start.
• High-quality color and seamless printing.
• Uses toner cartridge and supports different paper sizes.

10. Canon Color Image CLASS LBP622Cdw

This printer is perfect for a small group of teachers who need regular printing. So, if your department needs a printer that has the settings to allow multiple users, this is the right device for you.

Canon’s color technology is second to none, and that’s why this printer will give you some of the most upbeat and vibrant colors.

On top of that, this works fast and wastes no time. It isn’t a device that’s going to lag and wait for you to slap it in order to work. This is a device that works efficiently. It can print up to 22 pages a minute, and the warm-up time is around 10 seconds.

And for this, you don’t have to buy separate color cartridges. You can buy the all-in-one cartridge to get quality prints. So, it saves cost and also the hassle of searching for the right inks.

Another thing to note is, you have the support of the Canon team to help you through the process. Their instructions are clear and precise. You won’t have trouble setting this up, and it will start giving you standard prints instantly.

Highlighted Features:

• Prints fast and efficiently.
• Warms up in about 10 seconds.
• Button controls with display.
• One toner cartridge needed.

Top 10 Best Printers for Teachers Comparison Chart

What To look Before Purchase Color Printer for Teachers

A printer is not something you buy regularly, and when you buy one, you want it to last long enough to not remember when you bought the previous one.

And with all the top and well-known brands making printers with a different price range, the decision is not easy. Adding to that, you have the operation cost too.

Especially for teachers who have to use it regularly, buying the right printer is of great importance.

Know Your Brand

This is the first suggestion that we have to offer. Because at the end of the day, even if you read all about the technical aspects, chances are you won’t understand it all anyway. But what you can understand is the brand.

Brands like Brother offer more generalized printers for a lower price. At the same time, Canon is known for its vibrant color prints.

Epson has multifunctioning and better high-end printers. HP has it all. So, go with the brand that best goes with the type of work you intend to accomplish with it.

All these brands are able to have the best color printer for teachers, but ultimately, it must suit your requirement.

Ink Type

Printers use different kinds of inks. And they all cost more than you want to pay for it.

While bigger ink bottles will cost more at a time, they will save you many trips to the stationary shop. Because they have huge ink in them, they can print many pages in one bottle. Another advantage of such inks is they don’t create much waste.

Since the whole bottle has a single fill, the use is metered, and you won’t lose much in the bottom. However, they often can dry out too if you don’t use regularly. This makes the loss bigger compared to cartridges.

Cartridge liquid is the other kind of popular ink. They give you more control. You can keep the use of simple black and white or choose color cartridges. These are refillable and much smaller. You will have a refill after a fixed number of uses.

An issue with this type is you have to buy more ink, and you can’t buy a huge chunk at once because then there’s a chance of the ink drying.

Also, when you’re using the colored cartridges, if one color that you need has finished, you won’t be able to print even if the rest is still there.

Toner

Laser printers use toner instead of liquid ink. Toner is a powder-like material that melts to create ink. This type of ink comes at a price but is usually long-lasting. Each toner can last up to 2 years. Since they don’t use liquid, they don’t dry up.

Printing Speed

Gone are the days where you have to wait for your printer to eject the paper. Nowadays, printers can print 20 and more pages a minute. They are faster and more efficient.

So, if you hear the device is slow, then maybe it’s not a good device. Always check the speed because if they are slow, you will be facing unnecessary delays.

Warm-Up Time

The first print of the day always takes longer. But for some device, it takes much longer to get started. The ideal warm-up time is 10-20 seconds. And the machine that takes longer is considered slow.

Auto Feeder System

You don’t have to manually feed papers and check if they have entered the printer anymore. Advanced printers will take in the pages themselves without making you play with it. Trays that hold 250 pages are considered standard nowadays.

Paper Size

Many printers can support different paper sizes and types. So, if your printer supports only A4, you might want to look at something better because you are likely to find one for the same price. Even if you don’t need a different size, it’s good to buy a device that has modern features at its hands.

Other Features

Printers are now wireless and support Wi-Fi and smartphones. On top of that, even compact-sized printers can have scanner and copier functions in them. If you’re paying anything above $200, you should look for a printer that has these useful features. Don’t settle for less.

On the topic of wireless use, you can also use USB or memory cards with them. And print directly from your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better, toner or ink?

Ink is cheaper and easier to refill. Toner lasts longer and is more expensive. In terms of quality, they both make good quality prints. But toner might smudge at times.

Which is better, laser or inkjet printer?

The laser printer is a lot faster and more precise. Inkjet is cheaper and good for personal use. Laser print will have more precision as it uses laser technology. Also, it doesn’t come with the hassle of changing cartridges so often.

Does printers take a long time to start?

Inkjet printers generally have a longer start time as they need to prepare the ink for printing. For instant print, laser printers do a better job.

Do inks dry out?

Yes, liquid ink dries out if they are not used. You should at least use the printer once a week to have it working smoothly.

Will not using my printer for a long time affect it?

It is best to keep using the printer. Otherwise, it can take longer to print, and you will waste pages and ink to get it running before you get the first proper page.

Final Words

Color printers are great for teachers who want to connect with their students better. But they shouldn’t always have to cost more.

That is why we reviewed different products for the best color printer for teachers and tried to include something for each price range with different ink types.

But do remember to keep the cartridges cost in mind. These are operational costs you will be making regularly, so you ought to know about it.

I hope you enjoyed reading and agreed with our list.

More Resources:

• Top quality printing checks printer buying guide.
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• Recommendations for a shipping label printer.