Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact vs Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless

Design and build quality

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is engineered with a compact footprint designed for small business environments. Its construction focuses on durability to handle extraordinary productivity within a monochrome laser framework. The Canon MegaTank G3270 utilizes an all-in-one wireless design typical of ink tank systems, prioritizing access to ink tanks for refilling. While Brother emphasizes a compact laser chassis, Canon integrates a 1.35 inch Square LCD display directly on the unit for navigation. Both devices are physical hardware intended for desktop placement, though their internal mechanisms differ significantly between laser and ink tank technologies.

Print Technology and Capabilities

A fundamental difference lies in the print technology employed by each device. The Brother unit is a Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 laser printer, meaning it cannot produce color documents. It combines laser printer, scanner, and copier functions in one unit. In contrast, the Canon MegaTank is capable of color printing, evidenced by its page yield specifications for color inks. This makes the Canon model more versatile for users who require color graphs, photos, or highlighted documents. The Brother model restricts output to black and white, which is suitable for text-heavy business documents but lacks the versatility of the Canon system.

Performance and Speed

Speed is a highlighted specification for the Brother DCP-L2640DW. It produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm. This high speed is engineered for productivity in busy office settings. The scan speeds are also documented at up to 23.6/7.9 ipm for black and color scanning respectively. The Canon product data does not specify a pages-per-minute rating in the provided information. For users where throughput time is critical, the Brother model offers a confirmed high-speed performance metric. The Canon model focuses its performance claims on page yield rather than speed velocity.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Both printers offer wireless connectivity, but the Brother DCP-L2640DW provides more flexible connection options. It features secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Users can also connect locally to a single computer via USB interface. The Canon model lists Wireless Print/Copy/Scan capabilities but does not specify dual-band support or Ethernet availability in the provided text. The Brother Mobile Connect App allows users to print, scan, and manage the wireless printer from mobile devices. Canon also supports wireless functions but the Brother unit provides a more robust suite of documented connection protocols including wired Ethernet.

Ink and Toner Efficiency

The Canon MegaTank G3270 offers significant advantages in terms of included supplies and yield. It comes with up to 2 years of ink included. Users can print up to 6,000 black & white and 7,700 color pages using a single set of inks. Canon claims this can save up to $1,000 on ink costs. The Brother model requires Brother Genuine Toner when supplies run low, but the provided data does not specify the page yield per toner cartridge or included supplies. For long-term operating costs and initial supply inclusion, the Canon model presents a clear value proposition regarding consumables.

Paper Handling and Features

Paper handling capabilities differ notably between the two units. The Brother DCP-L2640DW includes a 50-page auto document feeder. This allows for convenient, time-saving multi-page scanning and copying without manual intervention. The Canon product data does not mention an auto document feeder, suggesting manual placement for multi-page scans. Additionally, the Canon specifications note single-sided printing. The Brother unit's ADF is a significant feature for businesses processing multi-page contracts or invoices. This hardware feature gives the Brother model an edge in document workflow automation.

Price and Value

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is listed at a price of $209.99, while the Canon MegaTank G3270 is priced at $229.99. The Brother unit is the more affordable option upfront by twenty dollars. However, value must be weighed against the included consumables. Canon includes up to 2 years of ink, which offsets the higher initial price over time. Brother requires the separate purchase of genuine toner. If immediate budget is the primary constraint, Brother is cheaper. If total cost of ownership including ink is the metric, Canon's included supplies provide substantial long-term value despite the higher sticker price.

Which one should you buy?

Your choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and business features or color and ink savings. Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if you need fast monochrome printing, Ethernet connectivity, and a 50-page auto document feeder for high-volume text tasks. Choose the Canon MegaTank G3270 if you require color printing capabilities and want to minimize ink purchases with included supplies lasting up to two years. The Canon wins on versatility and consumable value, while the Brother wins on documented speed and document handling hardware.