Best Color Inkjet Printers for 2025 for Vibrant, Cost-Effective Printing

When it comes to producing eye-catching documents, photos, or marketing materials, choosing the right color inkjet printer is just as crucial as selecting the best ink cartridges to keep costs low and quality high. At Swift Ink, we’re experts in providing affordable, high-quality aftermarket ink cartridges that pair perfectly with today’s top printers, ensuring you get brilliant colors without breaking the bank. The color inkjet printers we’ve highlighted below for 2025 are compatible with our cost-saving replacement ink, offering substantial savings over pricey OEM (original equipment manufacturer) options.

Many modern inkjet printers, especially from brands like HP, come with firmware updates that can block third-party ink. To keep enjoying the savings from Swift Ink cartridges, we recommend disabling automatic firmware updates on your printer. Need help with that? Contact us for easy, step-by-step guidance. Investing in a color inkjet printer that works seamlessly with our aftermarket ink can transform your printing experience—whether you’re after vivid photo prints, professional-grade graphics, or everyday color documents. Swift Ink has you covered with affordable ink options for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and more. Let’s dive into our top picks for 2025!


Why Choose a Color Inkjet Printer?

Color inkjet printers shine when you need versatility and vibrancy. Unlike laser printers, which excel at sharp text and high-volume monochrome printing, inkjets deliver rich, detailed color output perfect for photos, flyers, and creative projects. They’re often more affordable upfront than laser models and can handle a variety of media types, from glossy photo paper to cardstock. Paired with Swift Ink’s budget-friendly ink, these printers offer a compelling blend of quality and economy for home offices, small businesses, or hobbyists.


Our Top Color Inkjet Printer Picks for 2025

Here are our recommendations for the best color inkjet printers in 2025, chosen for their performance, features, and compatibility with Swift Ink’s cost-effective ink solutions.


1. Epson EcoTank ET-2850 – Best Overall for Low-Cost Color Printing

  • Price Range: $250–$300
  • Key Features:
    • Cartridge-free EcoTank system with refillable ink tanks
    • Prints up to 7,500 color pages from a single set of ink bottles
    • Wireless printing, auto-duplexing, and a 1.44-inch color display
  • Why We Love It: The Epson EcoTank ET-2850 eliminates the hassle of frequent cartridge swaps with its high-capacity ink tanks. With Swift Ink’s compatible ink bottles, you’ll enjoy ultra-low printing costs—think pennies per page—while producing vibrant photos and crisp documents. It’s perfect for families, students, or small offices needing consistent color output without the expense.
  • Cost-Saving Tip: Pair it with Swift Ink’s aftermarket ink bottles to stretch your budget even further.

2. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e – Best All-in-One for Small Businesses

  • Price Range: $200–$250
  • Key Features:
    • Print, scan, copy, and fax capabilities
    • Fast color printing at up to 10 pages per minute (ppm)
    • 225-sheet input tray and automatic document feeder (ADF)
  • Why We Love It: This all-in-one inkjet strikes a balance between affordability and professional-grade performance. It churns out vivid color prints for presentations or marketing materials, and its robust feature set makes it a small-business workhorse. Swift Ink’s compatible HP 910XL ink keeps operating costs low, even with frequent use.
  • Firmware Note: Disable automatic updates to ensure compatibility with our ink—reach out if you need assistance!

3. Canon PIXMA TR8620a – Best for Photo Enthusiasts

  • Price Range: $180–$220
  • Key Features:
    • 5-ink system for rich, photo-quality prints
    • Compact design with a 4.3-inch touchscreen
    • Supports borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches
  • Why We Love It: The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is a dream for anyone who loves printing photos or creative projects. Its 5-ink setup (including pigment black for sharp text) delivers stunning color accuracy and detail. Swift Ink’s compatible Canon CLI-281 and PGI-280 inks ensure you can print gallery-worthy images without the premium price tag.
  • Bonus: Its small footprint fits easily into home offices or craft rooms.

4. Brother MFC-J4335DW – Best Budget-Friendly Option

  • Price Range: $150–$180
  • Key Features:
    • High-yield INKvestment Tank system
    • Prints up to 19 ppm in color
    • Duplex printing and a 20-sheet ADF
  • Why We Love It: For those on a budget, the Brother MFC-J4335DW offers impressive value. Its INKvestment Tank system comes with enough ink for about a year of moderate use right out of the box. Pair it with Swift Ink’s affordable Brother LC401XL ink for long-term savings and reliable color performance—ideal for students or home users.
  • Pro Tip: The high-yield option keeps costs as low as 5 cents per color page.

How to Maximize Savings with Swift Ink

  • Disable Firmware Updates: Prevent your printer from rejecting third-party ink by turning off automatic updates. We’re here to help if you’re unsure how.
  • Choose High-Yield Ink: Opt for Swift Ink’s XL or XXL ink options for more prints per cartridge or bottle, reducing how often you need to restock.
  • Recycle & Save: Send us your empty cartridges for recycling, and enjoy exclusive discounts on your next purchase.

Final Thoughts

Color inkjet printers are the go-to choice for anyone who needs vibrant, high-quality prints without sacrificing versatility. Whether you’re printing family photos, business flyers, or school projects, our 2025 picks—paired with Swift Ink’s affordable ink—deliver exceptional results at a fraction of the cost of OEM supplies. From the eco-friendly Epson EcoTank ET-2850 to the budget-savvy Brother MFC-J4335DW, there’s a printer here for every need. Ready to start printing in brilliant color? Explore our ink options and find the perfect match for your new printer today!