Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless

Price Comparison

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is priced at $209.99, while the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw costs $439.99. This means the Brother printer is about 52% cheaper than the HP model. For small businesses looking to save on upfront costs, the Brother DCP-L2640DW presents a significant financial advantage. The price difference could be pivotal for companies that need to manage tight budgets but still require high-quality printing capabilities.

Printing Technology

The Brother DCP-L2640DW utilizes laser printing technology for monochrome outputs, delivering sharp black-and-white documents. It is tailored for high-volume printing, boasting speeds of up to 36 pages per minute (ppm). In contrast, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw offers color laser printing with speeds of up to 26 ppm for both black and color documents. If your business needs primarily revolve around color printing, the HP model may be the better choice, although it sacrifices some speed compared to the Brother printer.

Functionality

Both printers offer multifunction capabilities, but their focus differs. The Brother DCP-L2640DW serves as a printer, scanner, and copier, making it an excellent choice for offices that primarily require black-and-white documents. Conversely, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw not only prints, scans, and copies but also emphasizes color output, making it ideal for businesses that require vibrant presentations and reports. This difference in functionality could influence your decision based on the specific needs of your office.

Connectivity Options

The Brother DCP-L2640DW boasts flexible connectivity options including dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB, allowing multiple devices to connect easily. On the other hand, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw also supports wireless and Ethernet connections, but it emphasizes integration with the HP app for mobile printing. If your business relies heavily on mobile connectivity, the HP model's app may offer a more streamlined experience, while the Brother printer provides broader connectivity versatility.

Speed and Efficiency

In terms of speed, the Brother DCP-L2640DW has the upper hand with print speeds reaching up to 36 pages per minute (ppm), compared to the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw's maximum of 26 ppm. This makes the Brother printer more efficient for high-volume black-and-white printing tasks. Furthermore, the Brother model features a 50-page automatic document feeder, which adds convenience when scanning or copying multi-page documents, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.

Toner and Maintenance

The Brother DCP-L2640DW uses Brother Genuine Toner, which can be ordered through the Brother mobile app, ensuring that you have the supplies you need without interruptions. Additionally, it offers a Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service that can save users up to 50% on toner over time. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw relies on Original HP 218A and 218X toner cartridges. While HP also provides reliable cartridges, users may find that the subscription service offered by Brother can lead to significant long-term savings.

User Experience

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is designed with small businesses in mind, delivering ease of use through its mobile app and straightforward design. It is particularly suited for those who need reliable black-and-white printing and scanning. In contrast, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw focuses on delivering professional-quality color documents and boasts upgraded features that enhance productivity. If your business requires consistent high-quality color outputs, the HP printer may provide a better user experience, despite its higher cost.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Brother DCP-L2640DW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw largely depends on your specific needs. If your office primarily requires monochrome printing and aims to minimize costs, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is a clear winner, being about 52% cheaper. However, if your operations demand high-quality color printing and a range of multifunction capabilities, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw justifies its higher price with its performance and features. Consider your business requirements and budget to make the best choice for your printing needs.