Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact vs Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One

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 demands within a limited space. The unit combines a laser printer, scanner, and copier into one chassis, prioritizing function over aesthetic flair. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 features a design streamlined for home use. It emphasizes easy setup and accessibility, with a form factor that fits comfortably on a home desk. The Canon includes a 1.5 inch segment LCD screen for intuitive control, whereas the Brother relies on interface navigation that complements its business-oriented feature set. Both units are physical hardware designed for reliability, but the Brother suggests a heavier build suited for higher volume tasks.

Print Technology and Quality

These two devices utilize fundamentally different printing technologies. The Brother DCP-L2640DW uses monochrome laser technology, which is typically associated with sharp text and high-volume document processing. Laser toner is generally resistant to smudging and ideal for professional correspondence. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 utilizes inkjet technology with two easy-to-replace ink cartridges. This system allows for full-color printing, including photos and high-resolution paper. While the Brother excels in black and white text quality suitable for business records, the Canon offers versatility for creative projects and schoolwork requiring color graphics. The choice here depends heavily on whether color is a requirement for your daily output.

Performance and Speed

Performance metrics show a significant divergence between the two models. The Brother DCP-L2640DW produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm for black and white pages. This speed is engineered for efficiency in busy office settings where time is critical. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 prints approximately 7.7 images per minute in black and 4 images per minute in color. While adequate for light home use, the Canon is substantially slower than the Brother. For users processing large batches of documents, the Brother's speed advantage reduces wait times significantly. The Brother also boasts scan speeds up to 23.6 ipm in black, further enhancing its productivity profile compared to the Canon's standard scanning capabilities.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a strong suit for the Brother DCP-L2640DW, which offers flexible connection options to navigate changing business demands. It features secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Ethernet. Additionally, it supports local connection to a single computer via a USB interface. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 provides stable and reliable connection with Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and emphasizes easy wireless setup without the need for a computer. However, the Canon specifications provided do not list Ethernet connectivity. For offices requiring wired network stability, the Brother provides a more robust infrastructure compatibility.

Features and Functionality

Feature sets differ based on the intended user base. The Brother DCP-L2640DW includes a 50-page auto document feeder, which allows for convenient, time-saving multi-page scanning and copying. This is a critical feature for digitizing physical records efficiently. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 focuses on all-in-one print, copy, and scan features for full control at your fingertips but notes single-sided printing only. The Brother's inclusion of an ADF gives it a distinct advantage in document workflow management. The Canon compensates with versatile media support, capable of printing envelopes and photos, which the Brother does not explicitly highlight in its business-focused feature list.

Software and Ecosystem

Both manufacturers provide mobile solutions to manage printing tasks remotely. The Brother Mobile Connect App allows users to print, scan, and manage the wireless printer from almost anywhere. It also enables users to order Brother Genuine Supplies and track toner usage. Canon offers the free Canon PRINT app, along with compatibility with Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service. The Canon TS3720 also works with Chromebook, facilitating hassle-free printing for students. Both ecosystems support modern mobile workflows, ensuring that users are not tethered to a desktop computer to complete basic printing jobs. The Brother app adds supply management, which is useful for business inventory tracking.

Price and Value

The price difference between these two printers is substantial. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is listed at $209.99, reflecting its business-grade features and laser technology. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is priced at $86.00, making it accessible for budget-conscious home users. While the Canon offers a lower entry cost, the Brother provides higher speed and document handling features that may justify the investment for high-volume users. Value is subjective here; the Canon offers color and photo capabilities at a low price, while the Brother offers speed and durability. Long-term value also depends on the cost of genuine toner versus ink cartridges, though specific yield numbers are not provided in the current data.

Which one should you buy?

Your decision should depend on your specific printing volume and color requirements. If you run a small business or home office that primarily prints black and white documents in high volumes, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is the superior choice. Its 36 ppm speed, Ethernet connectivity, and 50-page auto document feeder streamline professional workflows. However, if you are a student or home user who needs to print color photos, schoolwork, and envelopes on a budget, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is the appropriate device. It delivers essential all-in-one functionality at a fraction of the cost. For pure productivity and business features, the Brother takes the win, but for home versatility and price, the Canon remains competitive.