Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer,

Design and Build Quality

The Brother MFC-L2820DW features a compact design tailored for small offices, while the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is also designed for home use but offers a slightly different aesthetic. The Brother printer is built with functionality in mind, providing a robust footprint that integrates seamlessly into any workspace. Its dimensions allow it to fit snugly on desks without taking up too much space. On the other hand, the Canon PIXMA TR4720, while also compact, prioritizes user-friendly features such as easy cartridge installation. Both printers have a sleek black finish, making them visually appealing for modern office environments.

Printing Performance

When it comes to printing performance, the Brother MFC-L2820DW excels with a print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, making it significantly faster than the Canon PIXMA TR4720, which has a print speed of 8.8 images per minute. This means that the Brother printer can handle high-volume printing needs efficiently, making it an excellent choice for busy offices. Additionally, the Brother model focuses solely on monochrome printing, ensuring high-quality text documents. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 supports color printing and can produce borderless prints up to 8.5” x 11”, catering to users who require versatility in their printing tasks.

Multifunctionality

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a versatile all-in-one printer capable of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, which is ideal for comprehensive office tasks. It includes a 50-page auto document feeder, enhancing its efficiency for multi-page jobs. In comparison, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 also serves as a 4-in-1 device with similar functions but focuses on home use. It includes an auto document feeder and supports mobile printing, making it convenient for casual users. However, the Brother's robust performance in multiple functions makes it a more suitable option for small businesses that require reliability and speed.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is crucial for modern printers, and both the Brother MFC-L2820DW and Canon PIXMA TR4720 offer different solutions. The Brother printer features built-in dual-band wireless connectivity (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB, allowing for flexible connections to various devices. This is particularly useful in office settings where multiple users need access to the same printer. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 supports wireless printing and can connect to Alexa for smart reordering of ink, but lacks Ethernet support. This makes the Brother printer a better choice for environments needing robust and varied connectivity options.

Operating Costs

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is priced at $279.99, reflecting its advanced features suitable for small offices. Its unique Refresh Print Subscription Service can help users save up to 50% on toner costs, making it more economical in the long run for high-volume printing. In comparison, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is significantly cheaper at just $69.00, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. However, users should consider that the operating costs might vary depending on ink usage, as the Canon model uses ink cartridges that may need frequent replacements compared to the Brother's toner system designed for higher page yields.

User Experience

User experience is a significant factor when evaluating printers. The Brother MFC-L2820DW features a 2.7-inch touchscreen, enhancing navigation and usability. This intuitive interface allows users to print from and scan to popular cloud-based applications, adding convenience for tech-savvy environments. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 also offers ease of use with its design for simple ink cartridge replacement and Alexa compatibility for smart notifications. However, the Brother's touchscreen provides a more interactive experience, which could be beneficial in a professional setting.

Energy Efficiency

Both printers emphasize energy efficiency, but they do so in different ways. The Brother MFC-L2820DW is ENERGY STAR compliant and features a Toner Save Mode, which can help extend the life of toner cartridges and reduce paper waste through automatic duplex printing. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 also carries the ENERGY STAR certification but operates at a lower power consumption of 7 watts during active use and even less in standby. While both printers are energy-efficient, the Brother model’s additional features aimed at reducing operational costs may appeal more to users concerned about long-term sustainability.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a printer that excels in high-speed monochrome printing, multifunctionality, and connectivity options, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is the superior choice despite its higher price of $279.99. However, for users who need a budget-friendly option for home use with the capability for color printing and mobile functionality, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at $69.00 is an attractive alternative. Consider your printing needs, volume, and budget to make the best decision for your situation.