Brother MFC-J1010DW Wireless Color vs HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color

Design and build quality

The Brother MFC-J1010DW is designed with a compact footprint that accommodates business-level features within a small structure. It emphasizes a budget-friendly design without sacrificing core functionality, aiming to fit into smaller workspaces while maintaining durability. In contrast, the HP Envy 6155e is positioned as a home-focused device, perfect for everyday quality color documents. Its design prioritizes aesthetics suitable for home environments where homework and borderless photos are common printing tasks. Both units feature wireless capabilities, but the physical build of the Brother suggests a focus on utility, whereas the HP emphasizes user interaction through its interface design.

Print Performance and Speed

When evaluating raw output speed, the Brother MFC-J1010DW demonstrates a clear advantage in throughput. It is capable of printing up to 17 pages per minute in black and 9.5 pages per minute in color. This performance level supports faster completion of multi-page documents. The HP Envy 6155e offers print speeds up to 7 ppm for color and 10 ppm for black. While sufficient for casual home use, the Brother model provides nearly double the color printing speed and significantly faster black text output. For users who frequently print large batches of documents, the Brother's speed metrics indicate less waiting time per job.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper management is a key differentiator between these two models. The Brother MFC-J1010DW features a 150-sheet adjustable paper tray, which allows for less frequent refilling during heavy usage cycles. Additionally, it includes a 20-page automatic document feeder, facilitating easier scanning and copying of multi-page documents without manual intervention. The HP Envy 6155e is equipped with a 100-sheet input tray, which is standard for entry-level home printers but requires more frequent attention than the Brother's larger capacity. The absence of a listed automatic document feeder on the HP model means multi-page scanning must be done manually, one page at a time.

Display and Interface

Navigation and control are handled through onboard displays on both printers. The Brother MFC-J1010DW utilizes a 1.8-inch color display designed for easy navigation. This screen allows users to control functions, check status, and manage print jobs with a simple, clear interface. The HP Envy 6155e features a larger 2.4-inch touchscreen, described as HP's most intuitive color touchscreen. The larger size and touch capability on the HP model may offer a more modern interaction experience, allowing users to smoothly navigate settings. However, the Brother's screen is sufficient for managing core business functions effectively.

Connectivity and Mobile Features

Both printers offer robust wireless connectivity options to suit modern workflows. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is mobile and cloud ready, allowing users to utilize the Brother Mobile Connect App to manage printing and scanning. It also connects directly to cloud services, ensuring flexibility for remote work. The HP Envy 6155e stays connected via reliable dual-band Wi-Fi, which automatically detects and resolves connection issues. This feature aims to reduce downtime caused by network instability. Both devices support wireless printing, ensuring users can print from various devices without physical cables, though the specific app ecosystems differ between Brother and HP.

Smart Features and Automation

Automation features vary based on the intended user base for each printer. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is Alexa-enabled for smart ink management, working with Alexa for ink level alerts and optional automatic reordering. This integration helps prevent running out of ink during critical business tasks. The HP Envy 6155e introduces HP AI for perfectly formatted prints, removing unwanted content from web pages and emails to prevent wasted pages. It also offers 3 months of Instant Ink with HP+ activation, delivering ink directly to the door before supply runs out. While Brother focuses on voice assistant integration, HP focuses on print formatting AI and subscription delivery.

Price and Value

Cost is a significant factor in the decision-making process for these printers. The Brother MFC-J1010DW is priced at $145.00, reflecting its additional business-oriented hardware such as the fax capability and automatic document feeder. The HP Envy 6155e is priced significantly lower at $79.89, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious home users. While the HP model includes a 3-month Instant Ink trial, the Brother model requires optional setup for automatic reordering. The lower entry price of the HP model provides immediate savings, but the Brother model offers more hardware features for the higher investment, potentially providing better long-term value for high-volume users.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these models depends on your specific printing environment and needs. If you require business-level functionality such as faxing, automatic document feeding, and faster print speeds, the Brother MFC-J1010DW is the superior choice despite the higher price. Its 150-sheet tray and 17 ppm black print speed support heavier workloads efficiently. However, if your primary needs involve home printing of homework and photos with a focus on budget and ease of use, the HP Envy 6155e is the better fit. Its lower cost, larger touchscreen, and AI formatting tools cater well to casual users who do not require fax or high-speed duplex scanning capabilities.