Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Compact vs Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color

Design and build quality

Both printers are engineered for compact environments, making them suitable for home offices and small teams. The Brother HL-L2460DW is designed as a monochrome laser printer, focusing on a streamlined footprint for consistent document production. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is an all-in-one multifunction unit, incorporating scanning and copying hardware into a similarly compact chassis. While specific dimensions are not provided in the data, both units emphasize space efficiency. The Work Smart 1360 includes a 1.8-inch color display for onscreen menu navigation, providing a visual interface that the HL-L2460DW does not explicitly list in its feature set.

Print technology and quality

The core difference lies in the printing technology. The HL-L2460DW utilizes monochrome laser technology, which is engineered for clear, crisp black and white documents that are easy to review and share. This technology is typically associated with sharp text quality suitable for professional documents. The Work Smart 1360 uses inkjet technology, capable of producing beautiful prints that stand out, including color outputs. While the laser model excels in text sharpness, the inkjet model offers versatility for color materials. The HL-L2460DW is backed by a 1-year limited warranty, ensuring support for the hardware.

Speed and performance

Performance metrics highlight a significant divergence in throughput. The Brother HL-L2460DW prints at speeds up to 36 pages per minute (ppm), making it exceptionally efficient for high-volume tasks. In contrast, the Brother Work Smart 1360 is engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 ppm in black and up to 9 ppm in color. For users prioritizing rapid document turnover in black and white, the laser model offers more than double the speed of the inkjet multifunction unit. The automatic duplex printing feature on both models saves time and reduces paper waste by handling two-sided printing automatically.

Paper handling and capacity

Paper management capabilities differ between the two models. The HL-L2460DW features a 250-sheet capacity paper tray, allowing users to tackle high-volume black and white printing with less frequent refilling. It also includes a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper. The Work Smart 1360 includes a 150-sheet paper tray and a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). The ADF on the Work Smart 1360 facilitates multi-page copying and scanning without manual page turning, a feature not listed for the HL-L2460DW. The larger main tray on the laser model supports longer print runs without intervention.

Connectivity options

Connectivity is robust on both devices, catering to modern wireless needs. The HL-L2460DW connects with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or via USB interface to a single computer. The inclusion of Ethernet provides a stable wired network option often preferred in office settings. The Work Smart 1360 allows users to interface with the printer on a wireless network or via USB. While both support wireless printing, the dual-band support and Ethernet port on the HL-L2460DW offer more flexible network integration options for varied infrastructure setups.

Software and ecosystem

Both printers integrate with the Brother Mobile Connect app, enabling users to manage their wireless printer remotely and print from mobile devices anytime. This app allows users to order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete work on-the-go. The Work Smart 1360 extends this functionality with cloud app connections, allowing users to print from and scan to popular Cloud apps including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive directly from the printer display. The HL-L2460DW focuses on mobile management and remote printing without explicit mention of direct cloud scanning integration in the provided data.

Price and value

Pricing is a major differentiator for these two units. The Brother Work Smart 1360 is listed at $109.98, positioning it as a budget-friendly option for home users. The Brother HL-L2460DW is priced at $179.98, reflecting its higher speed and laser technology. For users requiring color printing, scanning, and copying, the Work Smart 1360 offers a lower entry cost with broader functionality. However, for users focused solely on high-speed black and white document production, the higher cost of the HL-L2460DW buys significant performance gains in speed and paper capacity.

Which one should you buy?

The choice depends on specific workflow requirements. Choose the Brother HL-L2460DW if you need high-speed black and white printing with a larger paper tray and Ethernet connectivity for a small team or busy home office. Choose the Brother Work Smart 1360 if you require color printing, scanning, and copying capabilities at a lower price point. The Work Smart 1360 is best for home and home office users who need an all-in-one solution for varied tasks, while the HL-L2460DW is best for consistent, premium print quality in monochrome.