A color copier machine is worth it if your office regularly prints client-facing documents, marketing materials, charts or color-coded forms; if you mostly print text, a black-and-white copier is cheaper to run. Color pages typically cost several times more than black-and-white pages, so the key is controlling who prints in color and when. This guide covers when a color copier makes sense, what color printing costs, how to control color usage, and how to choose the right machine.
When a color copier makes sense
- You print proposals, presentations or reports for clients.
- Marketing prints flyers, brochures or event materials in-house.
- Teams rely on color charts, maps or highlighted documents.
- Your forms or filing use color coding.
If color is occasional, a black-and-white copier plus outsourcing the occasional color job may cost less.
What color printing costs
| Black and white | Color | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical service cost per page | Around 1 cent | Around 5 to 10 cents |
| Machine price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Text-heavy documents | Client-facing and marketing materials |
See how much a copy machine costs for machine prices and lease rates.
How to control color printing costs
- Set black and white as the default on every computer.
- Require login so color use is tracked by user or department.
- Limit color access to the teams that need it.
- Use secure release so forgotten jobs don’t print.
- Review usage reports every quarter and adjust.
How to choose a color copier
- Volume: monthly color and black-and-white pages.
- Color quality: request sample prints of your own documents.
- Paper handling: 11×17 and heavier stock for marketing pieces.
- Finishing: stapling and booklet making if you produce brochures.
- Calibration and color profiles to keep brand colors consistent. See CMYK explained.
Lease or buy a color copier?
Leasing is common for color copiers because the machines cost more and the service agreement covers expensive color toner and parts. Compare options in printer leasing vs. buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a color copier more expensive to maintain?
Yes, color machines use four toners and more parts, which is why color pages cost more under a service agreement.
Can a color copier print black and white?
Yes, and at the lower black-and-white rate.
Which brands make the best color copiers?
Canon, Konica Minolta, Xerox, Ricoh and Sharp are all known for strong color. See copy machine brands compared.
Color copiers for your office
Titan Office Solutions leases and services color copiers across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, with toner, calibration and service included and a guaranteed 4-hour onsite response. Explore copier leasing or get a free quote.