Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet

Price Comparison

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is significantly cheaper, priced at $109.98, while the Brother MFC-L2820DW costs $279.99. This makes the Work Smart 1360 about 61% less expensive than the MFC-L2820DW. For users on a budget or those who only require basic printing functionalities, the lower price of the Work Smart 1360 makes it an attractive option. However, the higher price of the MFC-L2820DW may be justified by its additional features and capabilities, particularly for small office settings that need robust performance and functionality.

Print Quality

When it comes to print quality, the Brother MFC-L2820DW excels with its monochrome laser printing capabilities. It delivers crisp, clear black and white documents at speeds up to 36 pages per minute. In contrast, the Brother Work Smart 1360, an inkjet printer, offers color printing but at slower speeds of up to 16 pages per minute for black and 9 pages per minute for color. Users seeking high-volume black and white printing will likely prefer the MFC-L2820DW, whereas those who need vibrant color prints for documents or photos might find the Work Smart 1360 more suitable.

Functionality

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a versatile all-in-one printer offering print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities, making it ideal for small offices. It features a 50-page automatic document feeder, which enhances productivity. The Brother Work Smart 1360 also offers multifunctionality but is primarily designed for home or small office use, featuring a 20-sheet automatic document feeder. For users needing comprehensive office functions, the MFC-L2820DW stands out with its additional capabilities, while the Work Smart 1360 is adequate for lighter, everyday tasks.

Connectivity Options

Both printers provide multiple connectivity options, but the Brother MFC-L2820DW offers slightly more flexibility. It supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections, allowing for secure and versatile connectivity to various devices. The Brother Work Smart 1360 also supports wireless and USB connections but lacks Ethernet. This difference could impact users in office settings where wired connections are preferred for stability and speed. The added wireless options of the MFC-L2820DW may appeal more to users looking for a range of connection methods.

User Interface

Navigating the Brother MFC-L2820DW is made simple with its 2.7-inch touchscreen, which facilitates easy access to various functions and cloud services. The Brother Work Smart 1360 comes with a smaller 1.8-inch color display, which, while functional, may not offer the same ease of use as the MFC-L2820DW. The larger touchscreen of the MFC-L2820DW provides a better user experience, especially for those who will frequently interact with the printer's features. This could be a significant advantage for users who prioritize ease of navigation and access to functionalities.

Mobile Printing

Both printers come with mobile printing capabilities, but the Brother Work Smart 1360 might have the edge due to its emphasis on ease of use with the Brother Mobile Connect app. This app allows users to manage printing, copying, and scanning directly from their mobile devices. While the MFC-L2820DW also supports mobile printing through its app, the enhanced features of the Work Smart 1360, like monitoring ink usage with Page Gauge, may appeal to users who frequently print from mobile devices. Thus, for those prioritizing mobile functionality, the Work Smart 1360 could be the better choice.

Sustainability Features

The Brother MFC-L2820DW includes several sustainability features, such as automatic duplex printing to reduce paper waste and a Toner Save Mode to extend toner cartridge life. It is also ENERGY STAR compliant and EPEAT Silver rated, making it a more eco-friendly option. While the Brother Work Smart 1360 does not specify its sustainability features to the same extent, it does offer automatic duplex printing, which is a positive aspect for environmentally conscious consumers. However, the additional sustainability certifications of the MFC-L2820DW could sway environmentally aware customers toward this model.

Which should you buy?

The decision between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Brother Work Smart 1360 largely depends on your specific needs. If you require a robust, high-volume monochrome printer with multifunction capabilities and advanced connectivity options, the MFC-L2820DW is worth the higher investment at $279.99. Conversely, if your needs are more basic, particularly for home use or small office tasks involving color printing at a lower cost, the Work Smart 1360 at $109.98 is a compelling choice. Ultimately, consider your printing habits, budget, and required features to make the best decision.