Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless

Overview

When comparing the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw, the key differences lie in their printing capabilities and intended use. The Brother printer is monochrome and focuses on efficiency for small offices, while the HP model offers color printing, making it suitable for teams that require vibrant documents. The Brother is priced at $279.99, whereas the HP comes at a higher price of $439.99, making it about 57% more expensive.

Print Quality

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw delivers professional-quality color documents with vivid colors, catering to businesses that require high-impact visuals. In contrast, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is designed for monochrome printing, producing sharp and clear black and white documents. While the Brother excels in producing crisp text at speeds of up to 36 pages per minute, the HP provides color prints at a speed of 26 pages per minute. Thus, if color output is crucial for your business, the HP may be the better choice, while the Brother is ideal for high-volume black and white printing.

Functionality

Both printers serve as all-in-one devices, effectively combining printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. The Brother MFC-L2820DW has a 50-page auto document feeder and a 250-sheet paper tray, allowing efficient handling of multi-page documents. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw also features an auto document feeder and a 250-sheet input tray, but it offers the added benefit of color printing and enhanced document security through HP Wolf Pro. This makes the HP a better fit for offices that need comprehensive features along with color capabilities.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity options are robust in both models, but they differ in their offerings. The Brother MFC-L2820DW includes dual-band wireless connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB interface, making it versatile for various office setups. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw also supports wireless and Ethernet connections but emphasizes the ease of connecting through the HP app, which allows for mobile printing and scanning. If mobile accessibility is essential for your workflow, the HP offers a streamlined solution, whereas the Brother provides more traditional connection methods.

User Experience

User experience is enhanced in both printers with intuitive features. The Brother MFC-L2820DW boasts a 2.7-inch touchscreen for easy navigation and access to cloud-based applications like Google Drive and Dropbox. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw, while lacking a touchscreen, focuses on reliability and ease of use with its app integration. The Brother’s user interface may appeal more to those who prefer direct control from the device, while the HP’s reliance on app connectivity may suit users who prefer managing tasks from mobile devices.

Running Costs

When considering running costs, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is a more economical choice, especially for black and white printing. With a starting price of $279.99 and the option for a toner subscription that can save users up to 50% on Brother Genuine Toner, it offers significant savings. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw, although more expensive at $439.99, utilizes Original HP toner cartridges that may incur higher ongoing costs. Businesses focused on budget management might find the Brother more appealing in the long run.

Sales Rank and Market Position

In terms of sales rank, the Brother MFC-L2820DW holds a rank of 1854, while the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw ranks slightly better at 1718. This suggests that the HP may have a stronger market presence and perceived reliability among users, particularly for color printing needs. However, both printers are positioned well within their respective niches, attracting specific user bases based on their unique features.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw hinges on your specific printing needs. If your office primarily requires high-volume black and white printing with a focus on cost-efficiency, the Brother model at $279.99 is the clear choice. However, if you need a versatile all-in-one printer capable of producing high-quality color documents and enhanced connectivity features, the HP at $439.99 may be worth the investment despite its higher price. Consider your business requirements to select the printer that best aligns with your operational goals.