Lexmark MC3326i vs MC3426i vs CX431adw: Choosing the Right A4 Colour Laser MFP
If you are looking for a reliable A4 colour laser multifunction printer, Lexmark currently offers three excellent options in this category:
- MC3326i – Entry value workgroup model
- CX431adw – Balanced mid-range performer
- MC3426i – Higher specification for heavier use
All three models deliver professional colour printing, scanning, copying and network connectivity. The key differences come down to usage intensity, feature depth and long-term workload.
Quick Positioning Overview
| Model | Positioning | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MC3326i | Entry-level workgroup | Home office / small teams |
| CX431adw | Mid-range balanced model | Growing small businesses |
| MC3426i | Higher-spec business model | Heavier scanning & print users |
Deeper Technical Spec Comparison (MC3326i vs MC3426i vs CX431adw)
| Category | Lexmark MC3326i | Lexmark MC3426i | Lexmark CX431adw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Entry-level colour workgroup MFP | High-end / heavy user workgroup colour MFP | Modern compact colour MFP (small workgroup) |
| Duplex printing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Duplex scanning (Single-pass) | ❌ (Not single-pass; ADF scanning is not DADF) | ✅ Yes — single-pass 2-sided | ✅ Yes — DADF (Single Pass Duplex) |
| Best for | Occasional duplex print + everyday colour office use | High-volume scanning, admin teams, finance, contracts | Small teams needing easy deployment + duplex scan |
| Stock / lifecycle | Limited qty, EOL – while stock lasts | Limited qty, EOL – while stock lasts | Current model – large clearance target before Jul 2026 |
Why single-pass duplex scan matters: For double-sided documents, DADF scanners capture both sides in one pass. That means faster batch scanning, fewer feed errors, and less mechanical wear over time — a real advantage for business workflows.
Toner Type & Running Cost (What Really Impacts Total Ownership)
All three are business-class colour laser MFPs, but they do not all use the same toner family. The key “shared consumables” link is between MC3326i and MC3426i.
Shared toner family: MC3326i + MC3426i
Example: Lexmark C3210K0 (Black Return Program Cartridge) is listed as compatible with both MC3326i and MC3426i. This confirms these two models share the same base consumable family.
| Model group | Toner family (example) | Notes | How to estimate running cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC3326i + MC3426i | C3230 series (e.g. C3230K0) | Shared consumables simplify stocking and long-term supply planning. | Cost / 1,000 pages = (Toner price ÷ yield) × 1000 |
| CX431adw | 20N30 series (commonly listed for CX431adw) | Different consumable family from MC3326i/MC3426i. (We’ll align your SKU links in the CTA section so customers can bundle printer + toner.) | Use the same formula, but compare standard vs high yield to reduce cents-per-page. |
Pro tip for buyers: If you print regularly, choosing high-yield toner usually reduces cost-per-page and frequency of toner changes — which matters most in busy offices.
Want us to calculate your running cost?
Tell us your estimated monthly pages and typical colour coverage (light / medium / heavy). We’ll recommend the best model and the most economical toner option for your workflow.
Lexmark MC3326i – Smart Entry Value
The MC3326i is ideal for users who need professional colour output without over-investing.
- Strong colour quality for marketing documents
- Reliable network connectivity
- Compact footprint
- Cost-effective shared consumables platform
With limited stock remaining, this is an excellent opportunity for home offices or light business users who want corporate-level hardware at entry pricing.
Lexmark CX431adw – The Balanced Choice
The CX431adw represents the “sweet spot” for many businesses.
- Reliable A4 colour laser performance
- Automatic duplex printing
- ADF scanning
- Business-ready security features
It offers a refined balance between price and long-term durability, making it a strong choice for growing small businesses and shared office environments.
Lexmark MC3426i – Built for Higher Workload
The MC3426i is designed for heavier daily use, especially where scanning volume is higher.
- Stronger duty cycle
- Enhanced business-class performance
- Shared consumable platform with economical toner options
With limited remaining stock, this is ideal for users who want business-grade colour printing without stepping into enterprise pricing.
Running Cost Advantage
One of the biggest advantages across these models is Lexmark’s toner strategy.
- High-yield toner options available
- Shared consumables across models
- Competitive cost-per-page compared to many competitors
This makes them particularly attractive for users printing consistent monthly volumes.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Lower volume, tighter budget? → MC3326i
- Balanced everyday business use? → CX431adw
- Higher workload & heavier scanning? → MC3426i
Need help choosing? We’ll recommend the best fit.
Tell us how many pages you print per month, whether you scan multi-page documents, and how many people share the printer. We’ll point you to the right model instantly.
Stock note: MC3326i and MC3426i are limited “while stock lasts” units. CX431adw has stronger ongoing availability.
*Pricing and availability may change. Please check product pages for the latest details.