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Best Color Laser Printers for Mac: What to Know Before You Buy

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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For Mac users who want a color laser printer without a scanner, the Brother HL-L3295CDW is the clearest print-only candidate in the available manufacturer specifications. If you also need scanning, copying, or faxing, compare the Brother MFC-L3780CDW instead. Neither recommendation is based on independent print testing; treat published speeds and capacities as specifications, not a promise of real-world performance.

Which type of color laser printer fits your Mac setup?

Start with the jobs you need the printer to do. A print-only model keeps the choice focused on document output. A multifunction printer adds document handling, which can be useful at home or in a small office but is unnecessary if you already have a scanner or only print.

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  • Print-only: Consider the Brother HL-L3295CDW if you need color and black-and-white printing, automatic duplex printing, and AirPrint support.
  • Multifunction: Consider the Brother MFC-L3780CDW if you need print, scan, copy, and fax functions, including duplex scanning.

Print-only pick: Brother HL-L3295CDW

Brother lists the HL-L3295CDW as compatible with Mac and macOS and documents AirPrint support. The manufacturer specifies a maximum color and black print speed of up to 31 pages per minute, automatic duplex printing, and a 250-sheet standard input capacity. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results; actual output can vary with documents, settings, connection, and the user’s environment. See Brother’s product specifications and specification details.

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This is the more suitable candidate when the main requirement is printing rather than scanning or copying. Before buying, check that the model is currently available where you live and that its published Mac support covers your exact macOS version.

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Multifunction alternative: Brother MFC-L3780CDW

Brother documents AirPrint and macOS driver compatibility for the MFC-L3780CDW, which supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. It also offers duplex scanning, a useful distinction for people who regularly digitize two-sided documents. Review Brother’s MFC-L3780CDW information and confirm the current compatibility details for your Mac before purchase.

Another model to compare: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw

HP’s US store lists Apple AirPrint for the Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw and gives minimum Mac system requirements that include macOS 12 Monterey and macOS 13 Ventura. Those listed requirements do not establish support for every later macOS release, so check HP’s current support information for the exact Mac and operating system you plan to use. The model is a comparison option, not a claim of tested performance or a universal alternative.

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Check these details before choosing

AirPrint and macOS compatibility

AirPrint can simplify printing from a Mac without installing a separate printer driver, but support is model-specific. Confirm the exact printer model and operating system are supported rather than assuming that all printers from a manufacturer behave the same way.

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Duplex printing and scanning

Automatic duplex printing saves manually turning pages for two-sided print jobs. If you need to digitize two-sided originals, look specifically for duplex scanning; it is documented for the Brother MFC-L3780CDW.

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Paper capacity, speed, and connectivity

Match capacity and connectivity to your workload and office layout. The HL-L3295CDW’s listed standard input capacity is 250 sheets, and its stated maximum speed is up to 31 ppm for both color and black printing. Those figures are manufacturer specifications and should not be treated as a guarantee of the speed you will see. Check the full specifications for networking options and confirm they suit the way your Mac will connect.

Toner and maintenance supplies

Include replacement supplies in the cost of ownership, not just the printer’s purchase price. Brother lists TN229-series toner for the HL-L3295CDW, as well as replacement drum, belt, and waste toner units. The 2024 Brother brochure includes stated toner-yield figures, but those yields do not establish your costs: check the current supply options and prices for your location and expected page volume. Brother’s product information identifies the compatible supply series.

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Adding a printer to macOS

  1. Confirm the printer’s exact model supports AirPrint or identify the appropriate Brother driver or application for that model.
  2. On the Mac, open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
  3. Choose the option to add a printer, select the model, and choose the driver shown for it.
  4. If the model does not support AirPrint, follow Brother’s model-specific guidance; Brother points users to its iPrint&Scan application for models without AirPrint support.

Menu labels and available drivers can vary by macOS version. Consult Brother’s setup guidance and verify the instructions match your printer and macOS release.

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How to make the final choice

  • Choose a print-only model if printing is all you need; the HL-L3295CDW is the best-supported print-only candidate among the models covered here.
  • Choose a multifunction model if scanning, copying, or faxing is part of your routine; compare the MFC-L3780CDW’s documented functions with your workflow.
  • For any model, confirm current macOS support, local availability, networking, and the cost and availability of replacement toner and maintenance supplies before committing.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

AirPrintBrother printerscolor laser printersMacprinter buying guide

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