Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet Printer

Design and Build Quality

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 has a compact and stylish design, making it an excellent fit for any workspace. In contrast, the Brother MFC-L2820DW focuses on functionality with a more utilitarian appearance. The Canon’s small footprint is particularly beneficial for home users or students who require a printer that blends seamlessly into their environment. The Brother printer, while also compact, is designed primarily for office use, emphasizing efficiency and productivity over aesthetics.

Printing Performance

When it comes to printing speed, the Brother MFC-L2820DW excels with black and white output speeds of up to 36 pages per minute (ppm). This high speed is a significant advantage for small offices that demand fast document handling. In comparison, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 is designed for versatility in color printing but does not specialize in speed, making it more suitable for occasional printing tasks, especially for photos and color documents. Users looking for high-volume printing will find the Brother printer's performance more appealing.

Print Quality

The Canon PIXMA TS6520 delivers impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its hybrid ink system that produces sharp text and vibrant colors. This feature is particularly advantageous for families and students who may need to print reports or creative projects. On the other hand, the Brother MFC-L2820DW focuses on monochrome printing, providing crisp and clear black and white documents. If you require high-quality color printing, the Canon should be your go-to, whereas the Brother is ideal for straightforward, high-volume black and white printing.

Connectivity Options

The Brother MFC-L2820DW offers versatile connectivity options, including dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB connectivity. This flexibility is crucial for small offices that may have multiple devices needing access to the printer. The Canon PIXMA TS6520 also features dual-band Wi-Fi, ensuring reliable wireless connections throughout your home or office. Both printers excel in connectivity, but the Brother's additional Ethernet and USB options provide more flexibility for various setups.

Additional Features

In terms of additional features, the Brother MFC-L2820DW includes a 50-page auto document feeder, making it efficient for multi-page tasks like copying and scanning. This feature is invaluable in office settings. The Canon PIXMA TS6520, while lacking an auto document feeder, compensates with its intuitive 1.42” OLED display for easy monitoring and control of printer settings. Each printer has strengths in different areas; the Brother is built for efficiency, while the Canon prioritizes user-friendliness.

Pricing

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is priced at $279.99, while the Canon PIXMA TS6520 comes in significantly lower at $140.00. This makes the Canon about 50% cheaper than the Brother printer, appealing to budget-conscious users or those who do not require the advanced features of the Brother model. The price difference may be a decisive factor for families or students who need reliable printing without breaking the bank.

Sales Rank

The Brother MFC-L2820DW has a bestseller rank of 1854, indicating its popularity among small office users who value its multifunction capabilities. In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 ranks even higher at 397, suggesting it is favored by home users and students for its affordability and versatility. The higher sales rank of the Canon could reflect its broader appeal to various consumer needs, particularly for those who prioritize cost and ease of use.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Canon PIXMA TS6520 ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require fast, high-volume black and white printing with multifunction capabilities, the Brother is the better option. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly printer that excels in color quality for home use, the Canon is an excellent choice. The substantial price difference and varying functionalities make these two printers appealing to different user demographics.