Choosing the right color printer in 2026 is more critical than ever — whether you’re running a busy office, managing a creative studio, or simply want reliable performance and vibrant output. With so many models released this year, it can be hard to decide which machine delivers the best combination of speed, quality, usability, and value. In this in-depth comparison, we look at four standout color printers and multifunction devices that are leading the pack in 2026:

• Canon imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF
• Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i
• Sharp BP-30C25 Color Photocopier
• Sharp MX-7081 / MX-8081 Photocopier & Multifunction Printer

Let’s break down their features, strengths, and ideal use cases.

1. Canon imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF

The Canon imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF is a business-oriented color laser multifunction printer designed to deliver balanced performance at a reasonable price point. It’s perfect for small to medium offices that need dependable color output and versatile scanning and copying functions.

Key Features

• Print speed: Up to 33 ppm (A4, color and mono) 
• Resolution: 1,200 x 1,200 dpi (equivalent) 
• Paper handling: 250-sheet standard; up to ~850 sheets with optional feeders 
• Network: Standard Ethernet and USB connectivity 
• Multifunction: Print, scan, copy, and optional fax 

Pros

• Balanced performance: Delivers solid speeds while maintaining good color quality — a workhorse for daily office tasks. 
• Easy to use: Intuitive 5-inch color touchscreen simplifies navigation and workflow. 
• Scanning power: Scans up to 100 images per minute double-sided.

Cons

• Mid-range capacity: Input and output trays are generous for an A4 device but not suited for very heavy print environments. 
• Desktop footprint: Slightly larger than typical A4 lasers — be sure you have desk room. 

Best For

Small to medium offices that want a reliable, easy-to-operate multifunction printer with good color output and daily performance without the complexity or cost of high-end devices.

2. Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i

The Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i represents Canon’s next step in smart office printing technology, blending production-level performance with advanced workflow and cloud features.

Key Features

• Print speed: Up to 47 ppm 
• Resolution: Up to 1,200 x 600 dpi 
• Paper capacity: Up to 2,100 sheets 
• Workflow features: Strong suite of scanning, cloud integration, and Canon MEAP applications 
• Remote management and security: Includes uniFLOW Online options and advanced security controls 

Pros

• High performance: Significantly faster and more versatile than many mid-tier models, making it ideal for busy workgroups. 
• Scalability: Paper capacity and finishing options suit diverse office demands. 
• Smart features: Built-in apps and cloud workflows streamline document routing and mobile printing. 

Cons

• Complexity: Advanced features may require initial setup and training.
• Cost: Higher upfront investment than basic office lasers.

Best For

Medium to large enterprises and departments seeking a powerful multifunction printer with robust integration, security, and automation features that streamline office productivity.

3. Sharp BP-30C25 Color Photocopier

If your office needs simple, solid color printing at a compact price point, the Sharp BP-30C25 is a strong contender. It’s an entry-level but capable A3 color multifunction device that fits many small businesses.

Key Features

• Print/Copy speeds: Up to 25 ppm on A4; ~14 ppm on A3 
• Paper handling: Standard ~350 sheets; expandable to ~1,850 sheets 
• Multifunction capability: Print, copy, scan, fax 
• Display: 7-inch color touchscreen 

Pros

• Compact and flexible: Perfect for small print volumes and desk placement. 
• A3 support: Enables larger prints for posters or spreadsheets. 
• Good price point: A budget-friendly multifunction machine.

Cons

• Speed limitations: Slower than higher-end office devices. 
• Lower capacity: Best for light to moderate workloads.

Best For

Small businesses or satellite offices needing basic color printing and multifunction capabilities with the added benefit of A3-size print support.

4. Sharp MX-7081 / MX-8081 Photocopier and MFP

For organizations with heavy print loads, diverse document needs, and high-speed requirements, the Sharp MX-7081 / MX-8081 series represents professional-grade performance.

Key Features

• Print speed: Up to 70–80 ppm color/black & white 
• High capacity: Standard 3,100 sheets, expandable to ~8,500 sheets 
• Professional finishing options: Integrated with advanced output and workflow tools 
• Touchscreen UI: 10.1-inch tiltable color panel 
• Advanced memory & storage: Robust RAM and 1 TB storage for complex jobs 

Pros

• Top-tier productivity: Handles heavy printing and complex workflows with ease. 
• Advanced features: Built-in tools for large file handling and high-speed scanning. 
• Scalability: Ideal for enterprise settings with large daily volumes.

Cons

• Size and footprint: Larger and heavier than desktop units — designed for dedicated print rooms. 
• Investment: Higher cost, making it suitable for enterprises rather than small offices.

Best For

Large enterprises and print centers that demand high volume, high speed, and professional finishing without compromising color quality or reliability.

Heads-Up: How to Choose the Right Printer for You

Selecting the right color printer isn’t just about speccing out pages per minute (ppm). Here are some factors to consider:

✔ Print Volume

• Low to medium: Canon imageCLASS X C1333iF, Sharp BP-30C25
• High: Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i, Sharp MX-7081 / MX-8081

✔ Workflow Integration

• Smart office features: Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i
• Basic stable performance: Canon imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF

✔ Budget

• Value-oriented: BP-30C25, imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF
• Premium office solutions: imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i, MX-7081 / MX-8081

✔ Space & Setup

• Compact footprint: imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF, BP-30C25
• Dedicated copier rooms: MX-7081 / MX-8081

Final Verdict

All four printers are excellent representatives of 2026’s top color printing technology — but they serve very different needs:

• Best for small offices: Canon imageCLASS X ICXC1333iF — reliable performance with smart features.
• Best for growing businesses: Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C478i — robust workflows and scalability.
• Best budget A3 option: Sharp BP-30C25 — A3 printing without a big price tag.
• Best enterprise solution: Sharp MX-7081 / MX-8081 — powerful, high-capacity production machine.

No matter your environment, there’s a 2026 color printer that fits — from desktop multifunction devices to enterprise champions.