Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact vs Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless

Design and build quality

The Brother HL-L2405W is engineered as a compact monochrome laser printer suitable for homes and home offices. Its build focuses on consistency and premium print quality for text documents. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a multifunctional design housed in a compact form factor. It includes an auto document feeder and supports borderless prints up to 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Both units carry a 1-year limited warranty from their respective manufacturers. The physical footprint of each device caters to limited desk space, though the Canon integrates scanning and faxing hardware which may affect internal layout.

Print technology and output

Product A utilizes monochrome laser technology, delivering sharp and crisp black and white prints. This technology is generally preferred for high-volume text documents due to toner longevity and smudge resistance. Product B uses ink technology capable of producing quality documents and photos. It supports borderless printing, which the laser model does not explicitly feature in the provided data. The Canon model is designed for easy ink cartridge installation and replacement, facilitating maintenance for users who require color or photo output capabilities alongside standard document printing.

Speed and performance

When measuring raw output speed, the Brother HL-L2405W holds a significant advantage. It prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30 pages per minute. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 operates at 8.8 ipm for black and 4.4 ipm for color. This difference makes the Brother model more suitable for users who prioritize rapid turnover of large text documents. The Canon speed is adequate for light home use but may bottleneck during heavy workload sessions. Performance consistency is highlighted by Brother for everyday printing tasks.

Paper handling and capacity

Paper management differs notably between the two devices. The Brother unit features a 250-sheet paper tray along with a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper. This reduces the frequency of refills during bulk printing jobs. The Canon model offers a 100-sheet capacity, which is half that of the Brother tray. While sufficient for occasional use, the lower capacity requires more frequent attention. Both models support standard letter-sized media, but the Brother manual feed slot adds versatility for non-standard media types without swapping trays.

Energy efficiency and operation

Energy consumption data is explicitly provided for the Canon PIXMA TR4720, which consumes 7W during operation, 0.8W in standby, and 0.3W when off. It carries an ENERGY STAR rating. The Brother HL-L2405W does not list specific wattage figures in the provided data. Lower power consumption can lead to reduced operating costs over time, particularly for devices left in standby mode. The Canon model also integrates with Alexa for low ink notifications, helping users manage supplies efficiently without wasting resources on unnecessary replacements.

Software and ecosystem

Connectivity options are robust on the Brother HL-L2405W, featuring built-in dual-band wireless supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. It also includes a USB interface for local connection. The Brother Mobile Connect app allows remote management, toner tracking, and mobile printing. The Canon model supports wireless connections and integrates with Alexa for smart reorders from Amazon. Both ecosystems enable mobile device printing, though Brother emphasizes secure connections to multiple devices. Canon focuses on supply management through voice assistant integration.

Price and value

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is priced at $69.00, significantly lower than the Brother HL-L2405W at $139.99. Despite the lower upfront cost, the Canon offers four functions including print, copy, scan, and fax. The Brother model is a dedicated printer without scanning or copying capabilities listed. Value depends on user needs; the Canon provides more features for less money, while the Brother charges a premium for laser speed and capacity. Long-term value also considers the cost of toner versus ink cartridges over the lifespan of the device.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the Brother HL-L2405W if your primary need is high-volume black and white text printing. The 30ppm speed and 250-sheet tray support heavier workloads efficiently. Select the Canon PIXMA TR4720 if you require multifunction capabilities like scanning and faxing on a budget. The auto 2-sided printing and lower price point make it ideal for general home tasks. Both printers include a 1-year limited warranty. Your decision should hinge on whether print speed and paper capacity outweigh the versatility and cost savings of the all-in-one inkjet model.