Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color vs Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One

Design and build quality

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is designed with a focus on compact size while maintaining business-level features. It incorporates a 1.8-inch color display for navigation, allowing users to control functions and check status clearly. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 utilizes a streamlined design aimed at easy setup out of the box. It features a 1.5-inch segment LCD screen which provides intuitive use for basic tasks. Both units are wireless all-in-one devices, but the Brother model includes a slightly larger interface for managing print jobs.

Printing functionality and features

Functionality differs significantly between the two models. The Brother MFC-J1010DW offers full functionality including print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities within a small design. This makes it suitable for home offices requiring comprehensive communication tools. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 provides print, copy, and scan features for full control at your fingertips. It lacks fax functionality, positioning it as a standard multimedia printer rather than a business communication hub. Users needing fax capabilities will find the Brother model more aligned with those requirements.

Print speed and performance

Performance metrics highlight the target audience for each printer. The Brother MFC-J1010DW supports fast printing with duplex capability, delivering up to 17 pages per minute in black and 9.5 pages per minute in color. This speed supports higher volume tasks efficiently. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 offers fast print speeds relative to its class, printing approximately 7.7 images per minute in black and 4 in color. While adequate for occasional home use, the Brother model provides more than double the throughput for color documents, reducing wait times for larger jobs.

Paper handling capabilities

Paper handling features impact workflow efficiency. The Brother MFC-J1010DW features versatile paper handling with a 20-page automatic document feeder and a 150-sheet adjustable paper tray. This reduces the frequency of refilling and allows for multi-page scanning without manual intervention. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 supports versatile media including envelopes, photos, and high resolution paper. However, specific tray capacity and automatic document feeder details are not provided in the available data. The Brother unit offers more defined automation for paper handling tasks.

Ink system and efficiency

Ink management varies between the two devices. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is Alexa-enabled for smart ink management, allowing users to receive ink level alerts and optional automatic reordering through voice commands. This feature helps prevent interruptions due to empty cartridges. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is designed to be easy to install ink, utilizing only 2 no-mess easy-to-replace ink cartridges for full color printing. The Canon approach simplifies the physical replacement process, while the Brother approach focuses on inventory monitoring and automation.

Connectivity and software ecosystem

Both printers offer robust wireless connectivity options. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is mobile and cloud ready, using the Brother Mobile Connect App to manage printing and scanning or connect directly to cloud services. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 ensures a stable, reliable connection with Dual Band Wi-Fi supporting 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequencies. It also supports easy wireless connect without a computer and mobile device printing via Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. The Canon model explicitly lists Chromebook compatibility for hassle-free schoolwork printing.

Price and value proposition

Cost is a primary differentiator for these units. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is priced at $145.00, reflecting its additional hardware features such as the ADF and fax module. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is priced at $86.00, making it a more accessible entry point for budget-conscious buyers. While the Canon model offers a lower upfront cost, the Brother model provides higher performance specifications and business-oriented features that may offer better long-term value for users with higher printing demands.

Which one should you buy?

Selection depends on specific workflow requirements and budget constraints. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is the recommended choice for users who need automatic two-sided printing, fax capabilities, and faster print speeds for regular business use. The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is suitable for students or home users who prioritize low initial cost and simple ink replacement over advanced paper handling features. Both devices support mobile printing, but the Brother model offers a more comprehensive feature set for productivity.