Top 7 Best Color Printer For Beginners

The best color printers for beginners are models like the Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Printer for its cartridge-free printing and low running costs, the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Printer for versatile document handling, and the Brother Work Smart 1360 for small office efficiency.

For those new to printing, a good color printer offers To learn more about what makes a printer beginner-friendly, check out our guide to the best inkjet printer for beginners.user-friendly features, reliable performance, and straightforward setup, ensuring a smooth experience from the first page. These models stand out for their ease of use and ability to produce vibrant prints without a steep learning curve.

We’ve narrowed down the field to seven top picks after extensive hands-on comparison and evaluation. Our assessment focused on crucial factors such as setup simplicity, print quality, and overall value for new users. This guide will help you easily navigate the options and find the perfect color printer to meet your needs, with a detailed comparison table following to assist your decision.

3 Standout Picks: Cartridge-Free Printing, Document Handling, and Small Office

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

1
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Printer
Epson

Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Extremely low ink cost per page
  • Cartridge-free Supertank system
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  • High-quality borderless photo printing
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Supertank System
2
Canon PIXMA TR7120 Printer
Canon

Canon PIXMA TR7120 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Auto Document Feeder for efficiency
  • Automatic duplex printing
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  • Intuitive control panel
  • Wireless Color Inkjet
  • Auto Document Feeder
3
Brother Work Smart 1360
Brother

Brother Work Smart 1360

Main Highlights
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Clear 1.8” color display
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  • Good for home or small office
  • Wireless Color Inkjet
  • Automatic Duplex Printing
4
Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer
Canon

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Intuitive OLED display and controls
  • Automatic duplex printing saves paper
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  • Good print quality for photos and documents
  • Wireless Color Inkjet
  • Duplex Printing
5
Canon PIXMA TS4320 Printer
Canon

Canon PIXMA TS4320 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Very easy and quick setup
  • Compact design for small spaces
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  • Good value for basic functions
  • Wireless Color Inkjet
  • Print, Copy, Scan
6
HP Envy 6155 Printer
HP

HP Envy 6155 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Wireless and duplex printing
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  • All-in-one functionality
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Color Inkjet
7
HP DeskJet 2955 Printer
HP

HP DeskJet 2955 Printer

Main Highlights
  • Wireless connectivity for easy printing
  • All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy)
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  • Compact size fits small spaces
  • Wireless All-in-One
  • Color Inkjet

7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Printer

Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Printer
Cartridge-Free
Supertank
Low Ink
Cost
Borderless
Photo Printing
Cartridge-Free Printing
91
OVERALL
SCORE
Ink Economy
9.5
Print Quality
8.9
Features
8.7
Ease of Refill
9.2
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The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 stands out with its revolutionary cartridge-free Supertank system, offering incredible ink economy. You’ll love the convenience of refilling ink tanks instead of replacing cartridges, significantly reducing waste and long-term costs. It’s a versatile all-in-one capable of quality printing, scanning, and copying, perfect for busy households.

While the initial investment might be higher than cartridge-based printers, the long-term savings on ink are substantial. This printer is an excellent choice for anyone who prints frequently and wants to avoid the hassle and expense of traditional ink cartridges, but it might be overkill for very occasional users.

Pros

  • Extremely low ink cost per page
  • Cartridge-free Supertank system
  • High-quality borderless photo printing

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Slower print speeds than some
  • Ink filling can be messy if careless

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Ink System
Supertank (Cartridge-free)
Print Speed
Up to 10 ppm
Connectivity
Wireless
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#2. Canon PIXMA TR7120 Printer

Canon PIXMA TR7120 Printer
Auto Document
Feeder
Duplex
Printing
Intuitive
Controls
Document Handling
87
OVERALL
SCORE
Document Handling
9.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Print Quality
8.6
Compactness
8.5
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The Canon PIXMA TR7120 is an excellent choice for efficient document handling, featuring an Auto Document Feeder and automatic duplex printing. You’ll find it incredibly convenient for scanning and copying multi-page documents quickly and easily. Its intuitive control panel and compact design make it a versatile addition to any home office.

While it excels in document management, the photo print quality, though good, might not match dedicated photo printers. This printer is perfect for home users or small businesses that frequently deal with multi-page documents and need reliable all-in-one functionality, but it’s not the top pick if your primary need is professional photo printing.

Pros

  • Auto Document Feeder for efficiency
  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Intuitive control panel

Cons

  • Photo quality is good, not excellent
  • Ink costs can accumulate
  • Initial setup can be tricky

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
ADF
Included
Duplex Printing
Yes
Connectivity
Wireless
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#3. Brother Work Smart 1360

Brother Work Smart 1360
Automatic
Duplex Printing
Color
Display
Work Smart
Productivity
Small Office
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Productivity
8.8
Print Quality
8.5
Connectivity
8.7
Display
8.6
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The Brother Work Smart 1360 is an all-in-one powerhouse designed to boost productivity in a home or small office setting. You’ll benefit from its wireless color inkjet capabilities and the efficiency of automatic duplex printing, which saves paper and time on larger documents. The 1.8” color display makes navigation and settings adjustments straightforward.

While it offers robust features for its class, some users might find the initial setup slightly more involved than simpler models. This printer is an excellent choice for users needing reliable, feature-rich printing for both documents and occasional color graphics, but it might be overkill for those who only print a few pages a month.

Pros

  • Automatic duplex printing
  • Clear 1.8” color display
  • Good for home or small office

Cons

  • Initial setup can be complex
  • Ink cartridges can be costly
  • Larger footprint than basic models

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
All-in-One
Duplex Printing
Automatic
Display
1.8” Color
Ink Series
LC501
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#4. Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer

Canon PIXMA TS6520 Printer
Duplex
Printing
OLED
Display
Compact
Home Design
Intuitive Operation
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Print Quality
8.8
Ease of Use
9.0
Features
8.5
Design
8.7
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The Canon PIXMA TS6520 offers a user-friendly experience with its intuitive control panel and clear 1.42” OLED display. You’ll appreciate the convenience of wireless color inkjet printing and the efficiency of automatic duplex printing, saving paper and time. Its compact design makes it a great fit for any home office or study space. For more options tailored to everyday tasks, explore our recommendations for the best inkjet printers for home use.

While it excels in ease of use and general print quality, heavy users might find the ink cartridge yield a bit low for frequent, large print jobs. This printer is ideal for those seeking a reliable and straightforward all-in-one for everyday documents and vibrant photos, but consider alternatives if you need extremely high-volume printing.

Pros

  • Intuitive OLED display and controls
  • Automatic duplex printing saves paper
  • Good print quality for photos and documents

Cons

  • Ink cartridge yield could be higher
  • Not designed for very high volume
  • Setup can be slightly involved

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Display
1.42” OLED
Duplex Printing
Yes
Connectivity
Wireless
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#5. Canon PIXMA TS4320 Printer

Canon PIXMA TS4320 Printer
Easy
Setup
Multi-Function
Home Printer
Compact
Footprint
Cost-Efficient Home
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Ease of Setup
9.0
Value for Money
8.7
Print Quality
8.2
Compactness
8.9
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The Canon PIXMA TS4320 is an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-efficient multi-function printer for home use. You’ll find its setup process remarkably easy, getting you printing, copying, and scanning quickly. Its compact design ensures it won’t take up much space, making it perfect for smaller desks or apartments.

While it offers great value and ease of use, the print speeds are moderate, and it lacks advanced features like an automatic document feeder. This printer is ideal for students or light home users who need reliable basic functions and straightforward operation, but it’s not suited for high-volume office environments.

Pros

  • Very easy and quick setup
  • Compact design for small spaces
  • Good value for basic functions

Cons

  • No automatic document feeder
  • Slower print speeds
  • Basic feature set

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Copy, Scan
Connectivity
Wireless
Design
Compact
Setup
Easy
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#6. HP Envy 6155 Printer

HP Envy 6155 Printer
Duplex
Printing
Wireless
Connectivity
Modern
Design
Modern Home
80
OVERALL
SCORE
Design
8.5
Connectivity
8.2
Print Quality
7.9
Ease of Use
8.0
Check Price on Amazon

The HP Envy 6155 is a stylish and functional all-in-one color inkjet printer, perfect for modern homes. You’ll appreciate its wireless capabilities for seamless printing from any device and the convenience of automatic duplex printing to save paper. Its sleek design, in Portobello, blends well with contemporary decor.

While it offers good general performance for home use, frequent, high-volume printing might lead to higher ink costs over time. This printer is a great fit for users who value aesthetics alongside reliable printing, scanning, and copying, but it’s not the most economical choice for very heavy print loads.

Pros

  • Sleek, modern design
  • Wireless and duplex printing
  • All-in-one functionality

Cons

  • Ink can be expensive
  • Not for high-volume printing
  • Print speeds are average

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Duplex Printing
Yes
Connectivity
Wireless
Instant Ink Trial
3 Month Included
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#7. HP DeskJet 2955 Printer

HP DeskJet 2955 Printer
Wireless
Connectivity
All-in-One
Functionality
Compact
Design
Home Use
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Ease of Setup
8.5
Print Quality
7.8
Connectivity
8.0
Compact Design
8.2
Check Price on Amazon

The HP DeskJet 2955 is a reliable all-in-one printer designed for everyday home use. You’ll appreciate its wireless capabilities, making it easy to print from various devices without cumbersome cables. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with decent speed and satisfactory color output for documents and casual photos.

While it offers convenience and basic functionality, the print speed might not satisfy users with high-volume needs. It’s a solid choice for students or families needing a versatile and compact printer for occasional tasks, but skip if you require professional-grade photo prints or very fast document output.

Pros

  • Wireless connectivity for easy printing
  • All-in-one functionality (print, scan, copy)
  • Compact size fits small spaces

Cons

  • Moderate print speeds
  • Ink costs can add up
  • Basic photo quality

Specifications

Type
Color Inkjet
Functions
Print, Scan, Copy
Connectivity
Wireless
Instant Ink Trial
3 Month Included
AI-Capable
Yes
Check Price on Amazon

Your First Color Printer: Printing Made Easy

Bringing a color printer into your home can seem like a big decision, especially if you’re new to the world of printing. But with a little guidance, you can confidently choose a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank or causing frustration. It’s all about understanding what truly matters for a smooth printing experience right from the start.

Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations for Your First Color Printer

When you’re ready to dive into the world of color printing, keep these practical points in mind to ensure you pick a printer that’s a joy to use.

  • Ease of Setup: Look for models that promise a straightforward installation process, ideally with clear instructions or app-guided setup, so you can start printing without a headache.
  • Connectivity Options: Consider how you’ll connect. Wi-Fi is standard and convenient, but some models offer Bluetooth or even direct USB printing, which might suit your setup better.
  • Ink System: Investigate whether it uses individual ink cartridges for each color or a multi-color cartridge. Individual cartridges can sometimes be more economical in the long run as you only replace the color that runs out.
  • Print Speed: While not critical for occasional use, a decent print speed means less waiting. Check if it handles both black-and-white and color pages at an acceptable pace for your patience.
  • Paper Handling: Think about the types and sizes of paper you’ll use. Most beginners stick to standard letter paper, but if you envision printing photos or thicker cardstock, ensure the printer can accommodate it.
  • Sticking to your budget: Remember that the initial purchase price is only part of the equation. Factor in the cost of replacement ink cartridges over time to get a full picture of the ongoing expense.

Avoiding First-Time Printer Blunders

Don’t let common missteps derail your printing journey. A little foresight can save you a lot of trouble.

  • Overlooking ongoing ink costs: Many first-time buyers focus solely on the printer’s price, forgetting that ink can be a significant recurring expense. Research cartridge prices before committing.
  • Ignoring connectivity limitations: Assuming all printers connect easily to all devices can lead to frustration. Double-check compatibility with your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Buying more features than you need: It’s tempting to go for an all-singing, all-dancing model, but if you only plan to print documents and occasional photos, you might be paying for features you’ll never use.

Your First Color Printer: Making the Smart Choice

For those just starting their printing journey, we’ve covered some fantastic beginner-friendly color printers. The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is your champion for cartridge-free, supertank simplicity, perfect for everyday home use and borderless photos. If you need a versatile home printer with an auto document feeder and duplex printing, the Canon PIXMA TR7120 or Brother Work Smart 1360 are excellent picks. For a compact design with great photo capabilities, look to the Canon PIXMA TS6520 or the more budget-friendly Canon PIXMA TS4320. Finally, for those who appreciate subscription ink services and AI capabilities, the HP Envy 6155 and HP DeskJet 2955 offer compelling options.

Each of these printers offers a great entry point into color printing. To snag the best deal and ensure availability, hit those buttons above!

Final 3 Picks: Cartridge-Free Printing, Document Handling, and Small Office

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.

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