Ever feel like your printer is holding your important work hostage? You need to print that school report or that crucial family photo, but your machine sputters, jams, or just refuses to cooperate. Choosing a new printer can feel like navigating a confusing maze, especially when you land on a brand as popular and diverse as Brother.
Brother printers are everywhere! They offer everything from basic home models to powerful office all-in-ones. This wide range is great, but it also creates a real headache. Do you need an inkjet or a laser? Should you focus on speed or print quality? These questions often lead to wasted time and money on a machine that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best Brother printers available today. You will learn exactly which model matches your printing habits, whether you print ten pages a month or hundreds. By the end of this article, you will confidently select the perfect Brother companion for your desk.
Top Printer Brother Recommendations
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Get all your work done with an all-in-one multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one compact printer for home use and home offices. Brother inkjet printers produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED PRINTING FEATURES: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- DELIVERING FULL FUNCTIONALITY IN A SMALL SPACE. There’s no sacrificing features with this welcome addition to any home, home office or small office space. This compact inkjet all-in-one delivers full functionality plus fast print and scan speeds.
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICE AND SMALL OFFICE: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax —all in one compact printer. Includes one 1,800-page yield black cartridge and 750-page yield cartridges each color cyan, yellow, and magenta(2).
- WIRELESS, MOBILE, AND USB CONNECTIVITY: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB. Enhance your workflow with Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print wirelessly even without an external network connection.
- CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(3), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more with an impressive 1.8” color display that enhances clarity and ensures effortless operation.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, 150-sheet paper tray, 20-page single-sided automatic document feeder (ADF), 1-sheet manual feed slot(4). Prints at fast speeds up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) black/19 ppm color(5).
- BEST FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, and scan—all in one compact printer. Includes one 1,200-page yield black cartridge and one 500-page yield cartridge for each color in cyan, yellow, and magenta(2).
- WIRELESS, MOBILE, AND USB CONNECTIVITY: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB. Enhance your workflow with Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print wirelessly even without an external network connection
- CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(3), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more, from an impressive 1.8” color display that enhances clarity and ensures effortless operation.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: A 150-sheet paper tray(4), 20-page single-sided automatic document feeder (ADF)(4), and automatic duplex (2-sided) printing. Prints at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) black/9 ppm color(5).
- BEST FOR SMALL OFFICES – Combining space-saving efficiency and premium monochrome (black & white) print quality with affordability, the Brother MFC-L2820DW delivers dynamic laser print, copy, scan, and fax multi-functionality in a compact footprint
- EFFICIENT PRINTING & SCANNING – Produces black & white documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (bk/cl). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page copy, scan, and fax
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- 2.7" TOUCHSCREEN – The intuitive 2.7” touchscreen enables effortless navigation with the added ability to print-from and scan-to popular Cloud-based apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneNote, and more(5)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your New Brother Printer
Brother printers are popular choices for homes and offices. They offer reliable printing, scanning, and copying. Choosing the right model can feel tricky. This guide helps you pick the best Brother printer for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Brother printer, certain features really matter. Think about what you print most often.
Print Speed and Volume
Look at the Pages Per Minute (PPM) rating. Faster PPM means less waiting. If you print hundreds of pages weekly, a higher PPM is crucial. Home users usually need 15-20 PPM. Offices might need 30+ PPM.
Connectivity Options
How will you connect the printer? Most Brother models offer USB. Wi-Fi is very important today. It lets multiple devices print easily. Some models even have Ethernet for wired office networks. Check for mobile printing apps, too. These let you print right from your phone.
Duplex Printing (Automatic Two-Sided)
Duplex printing prints on both sides automatically. This saves paper and money. It is a must-have feature for heavy users.
All-in-One Capabilities
Do you need more than just printing? Most Brother machines are All-in-One (AIO). They print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax. Ensure the scanner quality meets your needs, especially if you scan photos.
2. Important Materials and Build Quality
Brother printers use sturdy plastics for their outer shells. The internal components determine longevity.
Focus on the **duty cycle**. This number shows how many pages Brother recommends printing per month. A higher duty cycle means the printer handles heavy use better. Low-cost models might have a lower duty cycle. They break down faster under stress.
Ink and Toner Types: Brother primarily uses two systems:
- Inkjet: Uses liquid ink cartridges. Great for vibrant photos and lower initial cost.
- Laser: Uses toner powder. Better for fast, sharp text documents and lower cost per page over time.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in printing relates to resolution and consistency.
Resolution (DPI)
Dots Per Inch (DPI) measures print detail. Higher DPI means sharper images and text. For crisp documents, look for 600 x 600 DPI minimum. For good photos, aim for 1200 x 4800 DPI or higher.
Ink/Toner System Efficiency
The number of separate ink cartridges affects color accuracy. Models using four or more separate cartridges (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) usually produce better color blending than those with combined cartridges.
Tip: Using genuine Brother ink or toner usually improves print quality and keeps the warranty valid. Third-party supplies sometimes clog nozzles or fade quickly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Your daily use dictates the best machine. Think about where and how you print.
Home User (Light Use)
You need reliability and low upfront cost. An affordable Inkjet AIO with Wi-Fi access is perfect. You might not need super-fast speed.
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)
Speed and low running costs matter here. A monochrome (black and white only) Laser printer is often the best choice. They handle high volumes of text documents very efficiently.
Creative/Photo Printing
If you print many photos, choose a dedicated Photo Inkjet model. These often feature five or more ink colors for superior gradients and true-to-life tones.
Setup should be simple. Good Brother models feature intuitive touchscreens and easy-to-follow setup wizards. Read reviews about how quickly the machine connects to your home network.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brother Printers
Q: Are Brother printers expensive to run?
A: It depends on the model. Laser printers often have a lower cost per page for text. Inkjet models vary widely. Check the yield of the cartridges or toner to calculate running costs.
Q: Should I buy an Inkjet or a Laser Brother printer?
A: Buy Inkjet if you print photos or need color occasionally. Buy Laser if you print mostly black and white documents quickly and need low cost per page.
Q: Does every Brother printer have Wi-Fi?
A: No. Many newer models include Wi-Fi, but budget or older models might only have USB connections. Always check the connectivity section on the box.
Q: What does “Monochrome” mean?
A: Monochrome means the printer only prints in black and white. These are usually laser printers built for speed and text.
Q: How often do I need to replace the drum unit?
A: The drum unit lasts much longer than the toner cartridge. A typical Brother drum unit lasts for thousands of pages, usually replacing it every year or two depending on usage.
Q: Can I print directly from my smartphone?
A: Yes, most modern Brother printers support mobile printing through apps like Brother iPrint&Scan or via Apple AirPrint/Mopria.
Q: What is the difference between a cartridge and a toner?
A: Cartridges hold liquid ink for Inkjet printers. Toner is a fine powder used in Laser printers.
Q: How do I improve print quality if my text looks fuzzy?
A: First, check the DPI setting in your print preferences. Second, ensure you are using the correct paper type setting for the paper you loaded.
Q: Are Brother AIO scanners good for documents?
A: Yes. Most Brother All-in-One scanners offer good optical resolution (usually 600 or 1200 DPI), which is excellent for making clear digital copies of documents.
Q: What happens if I use non-Brother ink?
A: The printer might still work, but print quality can suffer. Sometimes, it can cause clogs or void your manufacturer warranty coverage for print-related issues.
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