Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet

Overview of the Brother MFC-L2820DW and HP Envy 6155e

The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a monochrome laser printer designed for small offices, while the HP Envy 6155e is an inkjet printer tailored for home use. The Brother printer is priced at $279.99, making it significantly more expensive than the HP Envy 6155e, which costs $79.89—about 71% cheaper. This price difference reflects the distinct target markets and functionalities of these two printers.

The Brother MFC-L2820DW excels in high-volume black and white printing, offering impressive speeds of up to 36 pages per minute. In contrast, the HP Envy 6155e focuses on color printing, delivering up to 10 pages per minute for black and white documents. Each printer serves different needs, catering to both office and home environments.

Printing Capabilities

The Brother MFC-L2820DW stands out with its high-speed monochrome printing capabilities, ideal for producing large volumes of documents efficiently. With a maximum print speed of 36 pages per minute, it is designed for a fast-paced work environment. This printer is particularly well-suited for businesses that require quick and reliable document handling.

On the other hand, the HP Envy 6155e emphasizes versatility with its color inkjet printing. It can print up to 7 pages per minute in color and 10 pages per minute in black. This makes it a great option for households needing to print documents, photos, and other colorful materials. The inkjet technology allows for vibrant prints but may not match the speed of Brother's laser capabilities.

Functionality and Features

When it comes to functionality, the Brother MFC-L2820DW offers an all-in-one solution with printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. Its 50-page auto document feeder and 250-sheet paper tray are excellent for minimizing manual tasks. The printer also includes an intuitive 2.7” touchscreen for easy navigation, which enhances user experience.

Conversely, the HP Envy 6155e provides similar multifunctionality but focuses more on home use. It includes an automatic duplex printing feature and a 100-sheet input tray, making it convenient for everyday printing tasks. The 2.4” color touchscreen on the Envy 6155e offers an intuitive user interface, allowing users to navigate seamlessly through printing options.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is crucial for modern printers, and both the Brother MFC-L2820DW and HP Envy 6155e provide robust options. The Brother model supports dual-band wireless connections, Ethernet, and USB, allowing for a variety of device connections and network setups. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in office environments where multiple users need access to the printer.

In contrast, the HP Envy 6155e excels in wireless capabilities, featuring reliable dual-band Wi-Fi that automatically resolves connection issues. It also integrates seamlessly with smartphones and tablets through the HP app, making it a great choice for home users who prioritize mobile printing. The ease of connectivity in the HP model is particularly appealing for families or individuals who print from multiple devices.

Cost of Operation

The Brother MFC-L2820DW has a higher initial purchase price, but it is designed for high-volume printing, which can lead to lower costs per page over time. It supports Brother Genuine Toner and offers a Refresh EZ Print Subscription that can save users up to 50% on toner costs. This makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses that regularly produce a large number of documents.

In comparison, the HP Envy 6155e is more affordable upfront, but ink costs can add up over time, especially for color printing. The included 3-month Instant Ink trial is a great incentive, as it ensures users won’t run out of ink unexpectedly. After the trial, a monthly fee applies, which can vary based on print volume, potentially increasing ongoing costs.

Print Quality

Print quality is a significant factor when choosing a printer. The Brother MFC-L2820DW produces sharp, crisp black and white prints, making it ideal for text-heavy documents. Its laser technology ensures that prints are smudge-free and professional-looking, which is essential for business use.

On the other hand, the HP Envy 6155e shines in color printing, offering true-to-screen technology that ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction. This is particularly advantageous for printing photos or colorful documents. However, the quality of black and white prints may not match the precision offered by the Brother laser printer.

Sustainability

Sustainability is increasingly relevant in today’s market. The Brother MFC-L2820DW is ENERGY STAR® compliant and EPEAT® Silver rated, highlighting its eco-friendly design. It features a Toner Save Mode to extend cartridge life and reduce waste, making it a suitable choice for environmentally conscious offices.

The HP Envy 6155e also emphasizes sustainability, being made with at least 60% recycled plastic. HP’s commitment to environmental responsibility includes initiatives to protect and manage forests for every printed page. While both printers have sustainable features, the HP model is particularly appealing for consumers focused on a greener footprint.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the HP Envy 6155e largely depends on your specific needs. If you require a printer for a small office that demands high-volume black and white printing, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is the superior choice with its fast print speeds and multifunction capabilities. However, if your primary need is for home use with occasional color printing, the HP Envy 6155e offers an economical and versatile solution. Ultimately, consider your printing volume, color requirements, and budget to make the best choice for your situation.