6 Best Alternatives to the HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction (2026)
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The HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction delivers fast color printing, automatic duplexing, and faxing in a compact wireless package. If you need these specific capabilities, this model remains a strong contender. However, you might look for hp color laserjet pro multifunction alternatives if your priorities differ. You may want lower ink costs, a smaller footprint, or dedicated photo printing instead of office documents. Some users also prefer the simplicity of ink tank systems over traditional toner cartridges.
We selected these options because their specifications overlap with the original printer. Each alternative shares key traits like wireless connectivity and color output. The list includes budget-friendly choices for high-volume text and color jobs. It also features models focused on photo quality or mobile printing convenience. You can compare print speeds, scanning features, and physical dimensions to find the best fit. This guide helps you evaluate practical differences without relying on personal experience or pricing.
How Canon and Epson alternatives differ
Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One
The Canon MegaTank G3270 replaces toner cartridges with refillable ink tanks, which lowers the cost per page for high-volume color printing. You give up automatic two-sided printing and faxing, which the HP M479fdw includes. The Canon is also smaller and lighter, making it easier to fit in tight spaces. It lacks the advanced security features and dedicated fax hardware of the HP. If you do not need duplexing or faxing, this budget-friendly option offers significant savings on ink costs. It is best for home offices that prioritize color volume over professional networking features.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses a tank-based ink system instead of toner cartridges, reducing long-term supply costs. It is smaller and lighter than the HP M479fdw, fitting easily on smaller desks. However, it lacks automatic duplex printing and faxing capabilities. The HP model offers faster print speeds and more robust security features for business environments. The Epson is ideal for users who print moderate volumes of color documents and photos. It suits small offices that value low ink costs over speed and advanced multifunction features like faxing or two-sided printing.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 provides automatic duplex printing and an automatic document feeder, matching the HP M479fdw in these areas. It uses refillable ink tanks instead of toner, which lowers ongoing supply costs. However, it lacks faxing capabilities, which the HP model supports. The Epson is also more compact and lighter, making it suitable for smaller workspaces. It is a practical choice for teams that value low supply costs and wireless convenience over the advanced security and fax features of the HP. It fits offices that need scanning and copying without the need for faxing.
Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 prioritizes superior color fidelity and image quality over the speed and volume of the HP M479fdw. It is designed for high-quality photo printing, making it ideal for photographers and creative professionals. The HP model is better suited for general business documents with faster speeds and faxing capabilities. The Epson lacks the advanced security features and automatic duplexing of the HP. It is larger and heavier, requiring more desk space. Choose this alternative if you value image quality and media versatility over raw speed and professional office features like faxing.
Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw is a dedicated color laser printer that matches the HP M479fdw in print speed and automatic duplexing. It offers wireless connectivity and mobile printing features. However, it lacks the scanning, copying, and faxing functions of the HP multifunction device. The Canon is lighter and more compact, making it suitable for users who need fast color printing without the bulk of scanning hardware. It is ideal for teams that prioritize wireless color printing and duplexing over the comprehensive multifunction capabilities of the HP model.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 uses refillable ink tanks instead of toner, offering low-cost color printing for high-volume tasks. It supports automatic duplex printing and faxing, matching the HP M479fdw in these key areas. The Epson is more compact and lighter, fitting easily in smaller offices. It lacks the advanced security features and faster print speeds of the HP model. It is best for users who prioritize low ink costs and color output over raw speed. This alternative suits offices that print large volumes of color documents regularly and need faxing capabilities without the bulk of toner cartridges.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction
Best for: Secure, high-volume color office printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Multifunction
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy, fax
- Print Speed
- Up to 28 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct
View on Amazon: HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction Affiliate link
This HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw handles print, scan, copy, and fax tasks. It delivers up to 28 pages per minute with automatic two-sided printing. The 50-sheet auto document feeder supports single-pass duplex scanning. You get wireless connectivity and Wi-Fi Direct for mobile printing. Built-in security features help protect sensitive data. This unit suits offices needing fast, secure color output.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 28 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided printing and scanning
- 50-sheet auto document feeder
- Wi-Fi Direct for network-free mobile printing
- Embedded security features for data protection
Cons
- Uses standard HP 414A/414X toner cartridges instead of ink tanks
- Physical footprint is 23.5 inches wide and 19.6 inches deep
- No mention of native mobile app control in specifications
Good fit if
- You need reliable color laser printing with fax capability
- You require automatic two-sided scanning for efficiency
- You want strong security features for sensitive documents
Skip if
- You prefer cartridge-free ink tank systems for lower cost per page
- You need a compact printer for very small desks
- You only require black and white printing
Verdict: HP M479fdw Color Laser Multifunction is a secure, high-speed option for teams needing color output and faxing. It fits offices that value automatic duplexing and robust data protection over low-cost ink tank savings.
Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One
Best for: high-volume color printing without duplex
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
View on Amazon: Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One Affiliate link
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is a wireless all-in-one printer that supports print, copy, and scan functions. It features a MegaTank ink system with included ink lasting up to two years, yielding 6,000 black and white or 7,700 color pages. This model includes a 1.35-inch square LCD display. It is designed for users who prioritize low ink costs and high page yields over automatic duplex printing.
Pros
- MegaTank ink system included with ink for up to two years
- High page yield of 6,000 black and white or 7,700 color pages
- Wireless connectivity for print, copy, and scan operations
- Includes a 1.35-inch square LCD display
Cons
- Supports only single-sided printing without automatic duplex
- Limited to wireless scanning without wired Ethernet connection
- Small 1.35-inch display may be difficult to read
Good fit if
- You need high-volume color printing with low ongoing ink costs
- You prefer wireless setup and operation for a home office
- You do not require automatic double-sided printing
Skip if
- You need automatic duplex printing for professional documents
- You require a large display for easier navigation
- You need wired Ethernet connectivity for network stability
Verdict: Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless Color Printer offers high page yields and low ink costs for users who do not need automatic duplex printing. It is a practical choice for home offices prioritizing color volume over advanced networking features.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
Best for: Low-volume color printing and scanning
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Multifunction (all-in-one)
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Connectivity
- Wireless
View on Amazon: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer Affiliate link
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless color all-in-one printer featuring high-capacity ink tanks. It prints up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages with the included ink. The unit includes a flatbed scanner and a color display. It measures 14.8 by 22.8 inches and weighs 11.6 pounds. This system suits users who want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements.
Pros
- High-capacity ink tanks eliminate the need for standard cartridges
- Includes up to two years of ink in the box
- Prints up to 4,500 black pages or 7,500 color pages
- Built-in flatbed scanner and color display for navigation
Cons
- Lacks automatic duplex printing capability
- No mobile app support mentioned in specifications
- Print speed is not specified in the data
Good fit if
- You want to reduce the frequency of ink replacements
- You need basic scanning and copying functions alongside printing
- You prefer a compact wireless printer for home use
Skip if
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You need a high-volume office printer
- You rely on mobile app control
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One is a practical choice for home users who prioritize low ink costs over speed and automatic duplexing. It fits small offices that print moderate volumes of color documents and photos.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
Best for: low-cost color printing and scanning
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan, fax
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax
View on Amazon: Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One Affiliate link
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a wireless color multifunction printer that uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of cartridges. It prints, scans, and copies documents with sharp text and vibrant graphics. The unit includes a flatbed scanner and an automatic document feeder for batch jobs. Its cartridge-free design reduces waste and refilling costs. This model suits offices that prioritize low ongoing supply expenses and reliable daily output.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system for easy refilling
- Includes automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning
- Wireless connectivity for network printing
- Micro Piezo heat-free technology for sharp text
Cons
- Lacks fax functionality despite listing fax in attributes
- No mention of mobile app support
- Heavier build at 11 pounds compared to compact competitors
Good fit if
- You want to avoid buying expensive ink cartridges
- You need to scan or copy multi-page documents regularly
- You prefer a wireless all-in-one printer
Skip if
- You require a compact printer for tight spaces
- You need fax capabilities for your office
- You want a dedicated photo printer with high resolution
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Color All-in-One is a solid choice for small offices that need to print, scan, and copy without the hassle of replacing cartridges. It fits teams that value low supply costs and wireless convenience over compact size or advanced mobile features.
Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer
Best for: high-quality photo printing
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed
- Up to 16 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Supertank
View on Amazon: Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer Affiliate link
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a large wireless all-in-one printer designed for high-quality photo output. It uses a 6-color ink system for vibrant details and edge-to-edge printing. The unit includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen and supports wireless scanning. This supertank model eliminates cartridges for long-term savings. It handles cardstock, envelopes, and discs. This machine suits users prioritizing photo clarity over speed.
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system for vibrant colors
- Edge-to-edge printing capability
- 4.3-inch touchscreen interface
- Wireless scanning connectivity
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 24.1 inches deep
- Heavier build at 18.5 pounds
- No duplex printing mentioned in specifications
Good fit if
- You need edge-to-edge photo printing
- You want to print on diverse media like CDs
- You prefer a touchscreen interface
Skip if
- You require automatic duplex printing
- You have limited desk space
- You need fast document scanning
Verdict: The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 Wireless Printer delivers superior color fidelity for photographers. It fits users who value image quality and media versatility over compact size or high-volume speed.
Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer
Best for: Dedicated wireless color printing tasks
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function (print only)
- Supported Functions
- Print Speed
- 22 ppm (color and black)
- Connectivity
- Wireless
View on Amazon: Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw is a single-function wireless color laser printer designed for home or office use. It prints up to 22 pages per minute in both color and black. The device features automatic duplex printing and a 250-sheet standard cassette. It supports mobile printing and Chromebook compatibility. This model suits users who need fast color output without scanning or copying functions.
Pros
- Prints up to 22 pages per minute in color and black
- Automatic two-sided printing reduces paper usage
- Wireless connectivity for mobile and Chromebook devices
- 250-sheet standard paper cassette for higher capacity
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning and copying capabilities
- Heavier build at 35.3 pounds compared to multifunction units
- Standard one-year warranty is shorter than some competitors
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated wireless color laser printer
- You want automatic duplex printing for efficiency
- You do not require scanning or copying features
Skip if
- You need an all-in-one machine with scanning
- You require high-volume output over 22 pages per minute
- You prefer a lighter or more compact desktop unit
Verdict: The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw Wireless Color Laser is a solid choice for users who prioritize fast, wireless color printing and duplexing without the bulk of scanning hardware.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer
Best for: High-volume color printing without cartridges
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Print Speed
- 18 black/9 color ISO ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Duplex Printing
- Auto duplex
View on Amazon: Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer Affiliate link
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is a wireless color inkjet multifunction printer. It prints at 18 black and 9 color ISO ppm with zero warmup time. The cartridge-free ink tank system includes enough ink for up to 6,600 black pages. It supports auto duplex printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. This model suits users who want high-volume output without frequent cartridge replacements.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system for high-volume printing
- Prints up to 6,600 black pages from included ink
- Zero warmup time for immediate printing
- Auto duplex printing and scanning capabilities
- 250-sheet high-capacity paper tray
Cons
- Inkjet technology is slower than laser for black text
- Maximum 18 black ISO ppm print speed
- No mention of mobile app control in specifications
Good fit if
- You need a multifunction printer for color documents
- You want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements
- You value zero warmup time for quick jobs
Skip if
- You require the fastest possible black text output
- You prefer laser printer technology for sharp text
- You need a printer with no ink tank maintenance
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless Inkjet fits users who prioritize low ink costs and color output over raw speed. It is a practical choice for offices that print large volumes of color documents regularly.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction | Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer | Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One | Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer | Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer | Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | not stated | Inkjet | not stated | not stated | Laser | Inkjet |
| Print Output | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | Multifunction | All-in-One | Multifunction (all-in-one) | All-in-One | All-in-One | Single-function (print only) | not stated |
| Supported Functions | Print, scan, copy, fax | Print, Copy, Scan | Print, scan, copy | Print, copy, scan, fax | Print, scan, copy | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax | |
| Print Speed | Up to 28 ppm | not stated | not stated | not stated | Up to 16 ppm | 22 ppm (color and black) | 18 black/9 color ISO ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct | Wireless | not stated | Wireless, Ethernet | Wireless, USB | Wireless | Wireless |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Automatic 2-sided printing | Auto duplex |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner cartridges (HP 414A/414X) | Tank | Tank | Tank | Supertank | Toner 067 / 067 High-Capacity | Ink tank, cartridge-free |
| Features | not stated | Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier | Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax | Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Fax |
| Ideal For | not stated | not stated | Photos | not stated | Photos | not stated | not stated |
| Use Case | not stated | Office, Home | Home | Home | not stated | Office, Home | not stated |
| Scanner Type | not stated | Desktop | not stated | not stated | not stated | Portable | not stated |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Duplex Scanning | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Duplex | Duplex |
| Auto Document Feeder | not stated | not stated | not stated | ADF | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 19.6 × 23.5 × 19.3 inches | 21.9 × 16.4 × 10.6 inches | 22.8 × 14.8 × 10 inches | 11.8 × 14.8 × 6.7 inches | 24.1 × 15.9 × 13.7 inches | 16.5 × 17 × 11.3 inches | 13.7 × 14.8 × 9.4 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 13.2 pounds | 11.6 pounds | 11 pounds | 18.5 pounds | 35.3 pounds | 16.1 pounds |
| Size | One Size | One Size | Medium | One Size | Large | One Size | not stated |
| Color | White | Black | White | White | White | white | Black |
| Model | M479fdw | 5805C002 | C11CJ66202 | C11CJ65201 | ET-8500 | 5159C003 | C11CL40201 |
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the best automatic duplexing for color documents?
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw supports automatic duplex printing for both paper and scanning. It is a dedicated wireless color laser printer designed for offices. This model provides two-sided printing without the bulk of a full multifunction scanner. It is ideal if you need fast, wireless color output with automatic double-sided capabilities.
What is the best option for high-volume color printing without cartridges?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is designed for high-volume color printing without replacing cartridges. It features wireless scanning and duplex printing capabilities. This model fits users who prioritize low ink costs and regular color output over raw speed. It is a practical choice for offices that print large volumes of color documents regularly.
Which printer is best for users who do not need automatic duplexing?
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is a practical choice for users who do not need automatic duplex printing. It offers high page yields and low ink costs for home offices. This wireless color printer prioritizes color volume over advanced networking features. It is suitable if you value high output without the complexity of two-sided printing.
Which alternative is best for high-quality photo printing?
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 delivers superior color fidelity for photographers. It is ideal for users who value image quality and media versatility over compact size or high-volume speed. This wireless color printer is larger and heavier than standard office models. It fits those who prioritize photo results above all else.
What is a good choice for low-volume color printing and scanning?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a practical choice for home users who prioritize low ink costs. It supports wireless scanning and printing for moderate volumes of color documents. This model lacks automatic duplexing, making it suitable for small offices. It fits teams that print moderate volumes of color documents and photos without needing advanced speed.
Which model includes faxing capabilities for small offices?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 includes faxing capabilities alongside printing, scanning, and copying. It is a solid choice for small offices that need these functions without cartridge hassles. This wireless color all-in-one prioritizes low supply costs and wireless convenience. It fits teams that value comprehensive features over compact size or advanced mobile features.