Xerox C240 Color Printer Review

About the Xerox C240 Color Printer

• Print speed: Up to 26 ppm (color and black)
• Two-sided output: Yes
• Recommended monthly print volume: Up to 2,500 pages
• Connectivity: Apple iBeacon, Gigabit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (Type B), Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Maximum print resolution: 600 x 600 dpi, 4800 Color Quality
• Mobile printing: Apple AirPrint, Chromebook Printing, Mopria Print Service and Mopria Scan, Wi-Fi Direct
• Input paper capacity: 250 sheets
• Output capacity: 100 sheets
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 16.2 x 15.7 x 9.6 in. (411 x 400 x 244 mm)
• Weight: 35.9 lb (16.3 kg)

How we tested

Xerox sent us a review unit to set up in a home office. We unboxed the nearly 36-pound printer and had it running in minutes: plug it into the wall, remove the protective plastic from the input tray and the four individual toner cartridges, and join a Wi-Fi network via the 2.8-inch color touchscreen. Xerox also offers an app setup option.

A Windows 11 PC found the printer on the wireless network without any Xerox software installed. The same goes for an iPad, iPhone, MacBook Neo, and Android phone.

Note: The first time you print something, the printer takes about 10 seconds to warm up and complete the job, but it speeds up after that.

We tested the quality and speed of black text prints as well as color images, to gauge how well the printer handled different kinds of tasks. We printed mostly on 8.5 x 11-inch plain paper (medium thickness), but also tried glossy paper and standard-sized mail envelopes.

What we like

Stellar quality

We've reviewed many laser and inkjet printers over the years, and the Xerox C240 produced excellent color and black prints.

To compare the output to two inkjets in our office—one a supertank printer/scanner/copier, the other a cartridge-based all-in-one—we ran the same print jobs side by side. The results were night and day in favor of the Xerox.

Color prints looked vibrant, and a 17-page contract in black ink finished in about 40 seconds. That tracks with Xerox's rated speed of up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color.

Faster laser printers exist, running 30 to 37 pages per minute, but comparably priced models from HP and Canon often print in black only. Some color laser printers also beat this Xerox's 600 dpi resolution, though the color and black output from this compact machine covers most needs.

Easy setup, operation

Anyone who doesn't want to wrestle with technology will appreciate how simple the Xerox C240 is to set up. Getting going took just a couple of minutes with no issues, and there are several security options you can enable if you want them.

The optional Xerox Easy Assist app also walks you through installation. Scan the QR code on the display to download it, then use it to set up and manage any Xerox or Lexmark printer (now one company). No manuals, drivers, or the usual headaches. The app also monitors printer performance in real time and gives you access to self-support services.

Performance stayed reliable and smooth, which matters when you rely on a printer for work. If you prefer a wired connection, there's USB support too.

What we don't like

Only for printing

Some color laser printers let you scan and copy documents, but the Xerox C240 only prints. We consider this a major shortcoming, because few small offices and home offices have the budget or space for a separate scanner and copier. Keep that in mind if you want something more versatile, as you can buy color laser printers around this price that also scan, copy, and even fax.

One minor downside is that this printer has a 250-sheet input tray, which is plenty for most people, but only a 100-sheet output tray. If several people print large jobs at the same time, someone will need to walk over and clear the printed sheets before the tray fills up.

You only get starter toner

Toner cartridges are included in the box, but they don't have a high yield—it's more of a starter kit. The black cartridge is limited to 750 pages, while the cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges top out at 500 pages. Many inkjet printers, like the Epson EcoTank, come with full-size retail bottles in the box rather than trial samples.

Replacement toner is expensive

Replacement cartridges for the Xerox C240 run pricey. A medium-capacity black toner cartridge (up to 3,000 pages) costs about $100, and a high-capacity one (up to 6,000 pages) is about $166. Xerox sells individual cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges (up to 1,200 pages each) for $90 apiece, or $130 each for up to 2,500 pages.

You can also buy a pack of all four toner cartridges (color up to 2,500 pages, black up to 3,000) for $490. That's about $150 more than the printer itself, just for the consumables.

Warranty

Standard one year.

Should you buy the Xerox C240?

For two to five users, this relatively affordable color laser printer is a good buy. As long as you don't need copy and scan functionality, the Xerox C240 prints quickly at 26 pages per minute and produces high-quality text and photos.

The Xerox C240 (available at Amazon for $339.00) has an intuitive color touchscreen, a 100-sheet output tray, and works smoothly with several wireless devices. It supports multiple security protocols and is remarkably compact for how much it can do. At just 16.2 x 15.7 x 9.6 inches, this Energy Star-certified printer doesn't take up much space, and it runs quietly and efficiently in small offices and home offices alike.

Meet the tester

Marc Saltzman

Contributing Writer

@marc_saltzman

Along with Reviewed and USA TODAY, Marc has been a freelance journalist for more than 20 publications, is a 16-time author (including Apple Watch For Dummies and Game Design: Secrets of the Sages), hosts the syndicated Tech It Out radio (and podcast), and is host of Tech Impact television show (on Bloomberg TV and FOX Business).

Based in Toronto, Marc specializes in consumer electronics, games and apps, smart home innovations, automotive tech, and future trends.

See all of Marc Saltzman's reviews