Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs HP Envy 6555e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet

Print Quality

When it comes to print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW excels with its monochrome laser printing, producing documents that are clear and crisp at speeds up to 36 pages per minute. In contrast, the HP Envy 6555e specializes in color printing but has slower print speeds, reaching only 10 pages per minute for black and 7 pages per minute for color. If your primary need is for high-volume black and white printing, the Brother printer is clearly the superior choice. However, if you need vibrant color prints for photos or documents, the HP model shines with its true-to-screen technology, delivering prints that closely match what you see on your device.

Features and Functionality

In terms of features, the Brother HL-L2460DW offers robust capabilities tailored for home offices and small teams, including automatic duplex printing and a 250-sheet capacity paper tray. The HP Envy 6555e, however, provides multifunctionality with its scanning and copying abilities, along with a 35-sheet auto document feeder. While both printers support wireless connectivity, the Brother model also includes a mobile app for remote management, enhancing its usability for on-the-go printing. In summary, your choice here will depend on whether you prioritize a dedicated printer for black and white documents or a versatile all-in-one device.

Design and Build

The Brother HL-L2460DW is designed to be compact and efficient, making it suitable for small office spaces. Its dimensions allow it to fit comfortably on a desktop without taking too much space. On the other hand, the HP Envy 6555e features a sleek, modern look with a 2.4-inch color touchscreen that enhances user interaction, making navigation easier. If aesthetics and user interface are important to you, the HP model may be more appealing, while the Brother printer prioritizes functionality and efficiency in a smaller footprint.

Ease of Use

Both printers are designed with user-friendliness in mind, but they cater to different needs. The HP Envy 6555e includes an intuitive color touchscreen that simplifies navigation, making it easy for users to manage print jobs. Additionally, it comes with three months of Instant Ink delivery service, which ensures that you won't run out of ink unexpectedly. In contrast, the Brother HL-L2460DW offers the Brother Mobile Connect app, allowing users to manage printing tasks remotely. If ease of use is your priority, the HP Envy 6555e's touchscreen and ink subscription service might be more advantageous.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a strong point for both printers, yet they offer different types of connections. The Brother HL-L2460DW boasts built-in dual-band wireless capabilities, Ethernet, and USB connection options, providing flexibility in how you connect to your devices. Meanwhile, the HP Envy 6555e also features reliable dual-band Wi-Fi and emphasizes its automatic connection troubleshooting. If you value diverse connectivity options for different setups, the Brother printer may offer more versatility, while the HP model focuses on seamless wireless connectivity.

Cost of Ownership

In terms of pricing, the Brother HL-L2460DW is currently priced at $179.98, while the HP Envy 6555e is slightly cheaper at $179.89, making it about 0.05% less expensive. However, when considering the cost of consumables, the Brother printer’s Refresh EZ Print Subscription can provide savings of up to 50% on toner, which can be a significant factor for regular users. Conversely, the HP Envy 6555e offers a three-month trial of the Instant Ink subscription, which can help manage ink costs. Thus, while the initial purchase price is similar, the long-term costs may vary based on usage and subscription services.

Customer Support and Warranty

Both Brother and HP provide customer support and warranties, but they differ in their approaches. The Brother HL-L2460DW comes with a one-year limited warranty and offers free online, call, or live chat support for the life of the printer, which can be advantageous for long-term users seeking assistance. HP also provides support for their Envy 6555e, but the specifics of their warranty may not be as comprehensive as Brother's. If ongoing support and warranty coverage are priorities for you, Brother's offering may provide a more reassuring experience.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your specific printing needs. If you're focused on high-volume black and white printing with superior speed and efficiency, the Brother HL-L2460DW is the clear winner. However, if you require a versatile all-in-one printer that excels at color printing and scanning, the HP Envy 6555e might be the better fit. Both models have their unique strengths, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize print quality, functionality, or cost-effectiveness in the long run.