A compact color laser printer can give your home office sharp text and color graphics without taking up space meant for work. The right choice depends on more than print speed: consider whether you need automatic two-sided printing, how you plan to connect, and how much paper the printer can hold. These three models focus on printing, with different strengths in speed, controls, and connectivity.
Quick Comparison
| Printer | Print speed | Notable features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xerox C240 Wireless Color Laser Printer | Up to 26 ppm | Dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint, Mopria, guided app setup | Simple wireless color printing |
| Brother HL-L3280CDW Wireless Compact Color Laser Printer | Up to 27 ppm | Automatic duplex, 250-sheet tray, color touchscreen, Ethernet | Regular printing and double-sided documents |
| Brother HL-L3295CDW Wireless Compact Digital Color Printer | Up to 31 ppm | Automatic duplex, NFC, color touchscreen, mobile printing | Faster document printing |
Our Picks: Best Compact Color Laser Printers For Home Offices reviews
1. Xerox C240: Straightforward Wireless Color Printing
The Xerox C240 is a print-only color laser printer designed for small offices and hybrid work. It prints at up to 26 pages per minute and is intended for use of up to 1,500 pages per month. That makes it a practical fit for a home office that prints work documents, reports, and color graphics on a regular basis.
Wireless setup is a central part of its appeal. The C240 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria, so you can send jobs from compatible laptops, phones, and tablets. Xerox’s Easy Assist app is designed to guide you through setup, which may be helpful if you would rather follow an on-screen process than work through a traditional manual.
The printer supports standard-yield toner for lighter use and high-yield options that may help lower the cost per page over time. The trade-off is that it is a print-only choice, so it is not the right fit if you need a single machine for scanning or copying. Its stated speed is also a little lower than either Brother option here.
Pros:
- Wireless printing with dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria
- Guided smartphone setup through the Xerox Easy Assist app
- Print speed of up to 26 pages per minute
- Standard- and high-yield toner options for different print volumes
Cons:
- Print-only, with no scanning or copying function listed
- Slower stated print speed than the two Brother models
Verdict: Choose the Xerox C240 if easy wireless setup and straightforward color printing matter more to you than duplex printing or the highest speed in this group.
2. Brother HL-L3280CDW: A Balanced Choice for Two-Sided Printing
The Brother HL-L3280CDW is a compact color printer for home offices that need dependable document output and convenient everyday features. Its listed speed is up to 27 pages per minute, and automatic duplex printing can produce double-sided pages without requiring you to turn the paper over yourself.
A 250-sheet paper tray is useful if you print often and do not want to reload paper after every small batch. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen provides access to cloud-based apps such as Google Drive and Dropbox. Connection choices include dual-band wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0, giving you options for a shared office setup or a direct connection to one computer.
The extra paper capacity and connection choices make this model more flexible than the Xerox for a busy desk or small shared workspace. However, it does not have the highest stated speed in this comparison. The listed features focus on printing; scanning and copying are not specified, so check the product listing if you need those functions.
Pros:
- Automatic duplex printing for double-sided documents
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Multiple connection options, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi Direct
- Color touchscreen with access to cloud-based apps
Cons:
- Its stated speed is lower than the HL-L3295CDW
- Scanning and copying functions are not listed
Verdict: The HL-L3280CDW is a strong fit if you want automatic two-sided printing, a larger paper tray, and several ways to connect without prioritizing top speed.
3. Brother HL-L3295CDW: The Fastest Option in This Group
The Brother HL-L3295CDW is a compact digital color printer with laser-quality output. Its headline advantage is speed: it is rated for up to 31 pages per minute, the fastest figure among these three picks. Automatic duplex printing is included, making it useful for reports and other documents where you want to save paper without manually flipping each page.
A 2.7-inch color touchscreen supports printing from cloud-based apps, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote. The printer also supports mobile printing and NFC. Brother lists its TN229 toner line in standard-, high-, and super-high-yield options, and its Refresh EZ Print subscription service may be worth considering if you want toner replenishment options.
Compared with the HL-L3280CDW, this model has a higher stated print speed and adds NFC. The HL-L3280CDW’s specifications, by contrast, call out a 250-sheet tray and Gigabit Ethernet; those features are not specified in the supplied details for the HL-L3295CDW. If those matter, check the full product listing before deciding. As with the other picks, scanning and copying are not listed among its functions.
Pros:
- Highest stated print speed in this comparison, up to 31 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing
- Color touchscreen with cloud-app printing
- NFC and mobile printing support
Cons:
- Paper tray capacity and Ethernet are not specified in the supplied details
- Scanning and copying functions are not listed
Verdict: Pick the HL-L3295CDW if fast color output, automatic duplexing, and mobile or cloud printing are your priorities; compare its full listing with the HL-L3280CDW if tray capacity or Ethernet is essential.
How to Choose a Compact Color Laser Printer for Your Home Office
Match the printer to your workload
Think about how often you print and what you print. The Xerox C240 is listed for use up to 1,500 pages per month, while the Brother models emphasize faster output and office-focused features. If your printing is occasional, a simple wireless setup may matter more than maximum speed. For frequent document batches, compare the stated pages-per-minute figures and the paper-handling details.
Look for automatic duplex printing
Automatic duplex printing makes double-sided pages without asking you to turn the paper manually. Both Brother models list this feature, which can save time on multipage documents and reduce paper use. The supplied details for the Xerox C240 do not list automatic duplex printing, so check its full specifications if that feature is important to you.
Check paper capacity and reload frequency
A larger tray can be useful when you print regularly or share the printer with others. The HL-L3280CDW lists a 250-sheet tray, while a tray capacity is not specified in the supplied details for the other two models. Consider how much desk space you have as well: product names describe these printers as compact, but the provided specifications do not include exact dimensions.
Choose connection options that fit your setup
For wireless use, the Xerox supports dual-band Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria. Both Brother models support mobile printing, and the HL-L3280CDW also lists Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0. The HL-L3295CDW adds NFC. Match these options to the devices and network you already use, and check compatibility before buying.
Consider toner costs and supply options
The purchase price is only one part of owning a laser printer; replacement toner also matters. Xerox lists standard- and high-yield toner options for the C240. Brother lists several yield choices for the HL-L3295CDW and offers its Refresh EZ Print service. Compare the current cost and expected yield of supplies for the model you choose, since those details can affect your long-term spending.
Decide whether you need more than printing
These picks are presented as printers, and the supplied feature details do not list scanning or copying. If your home office needs an all-in-one device, confirm those functions before ordering rather than assuming they are included. A dedicated printer can suit a workspace that already has a scanner, but it may not replace a multifunction machine.
FAQs
Which printer is fastest?
The Brother HL-L3295CDW has the highest stated speed at up to 31 pages per minute. The HL-L3280CDW is rated for up to 27 pages per minute, and the Xerox C240 for up to 26 pages per minute.
Which models support automatic double-sided printing?
Automatic duplex printing is listed for both Brother printers: the HL-L3280CDW and the HL-L3295CDW. It is not listed in the supplied details for the Xerox C240.
Which printer has the largest specified paper tray?
The Brother HL-L3280CDW lists a 250-sheet tray. The supplied details do not state tray capacity for the Xerox C240 or Brother HL-L3295CDW.
Can I print from a phone or tablet?
Yes, mobile printing is supported across these choices. The Xerox lists AirPrint and Mopria, while the Brother models list mobile printing and app-based features. Check the product listing for the specific compatibility details you need.
Do these printers scan or copy?
Scanning and copying are not listed in the supplied specifications for these models. If you need those functions, confirm them on the product listing or consider a printer that is clearly identified as an all-in-one.
Which one is best for a shared home office?
The HL-L3280CDW may suit a shared desk where a 250-sheet tray, duplex printing, and several connection options are useful. The HL-L3295CDW is a better match if speed is the main concern. Your best choice depends on which features your household will use most.
Final Recommendation
For the fastest stated output and a useful mix of duplex, mobile, and cloud-printing features, the Brother HL-L3295CDW is the leading pick. Choose the HL-L3280CDW if its specified 250-sheet tray and Ethernet connection better suit your office. The Xerox C240 is worth considering if you want a straightforward wireless printer with guided setup and toner options for different workloads. Before buying, confirm the listing’s availability, dimensions, and any features you consider essential.