Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Phomemo Thermal Label Printer, 4X6 Shipping Labels
Updated August 2026 — Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome leads on size and capacity.
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a versatile all-in-one printer ideal for office use, while the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer excels in cost-effective label printing for small businesses.
Why Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome is better
Multifunctionality
Brother offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
Print Speed
Brother prints up to 36 pages per minute.
User Interface
Brother features a 2.7-inch touchscreen for easy navigation.
Why Phomemo Thermal Label Printer, 4X6 Shipping Labels is better
Price
Phomemo is significantly cheaper at $75.99.
Running Costs
Phomemo uses thermal printing, eliminating toner costs.
Label Efficiency
Phomemo prints up to 72 labels per minute.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome | Phomemo Thermal Label Printer, 4X6 Shipping Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Print Type | Laser | Thermal |
| Max Print Speed | 36 ppm | 72 labels/min |
| Functions | Print/Scan/Copy/Fax | Label Printing |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Paper Capacity | 250 sheets | 1 roll |
Dimension comparison
Overview of Each Printer
The Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer are both excellent choices for those in need of printing solutions, but they serve different purposes. The Brother MFC-L2820DW is a multifunctional laser printer that offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, while the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer specializes in printing shipping labels efficiently. The Brother printer is priced at $279.99, whereas the Phomemo printer is about 73% cheaper at $75.99.
Print Quality and Speed
The Brother MFC-L2820DW excels in producing high-quality monochrome prints. It boasts a print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, making it suitable for high-volume printing tasks. In contrast, the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer focuses on label printing, achieving speeds of 150 mm/s, which translates to approximately 72 sheets of 4x6 labels per minute. While both printers deliver quality outputs, the Brother offers superior performance for document printing, while the Phomemo is optimized for label efficiency.
Functionality and Versatility
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is an all-in-one printer that combines multiple functions—printing, scanning, copying, and faxing—into one device. It includes a 50-page auto document feeder and a 250-sheet paper tray, enhancing its versatility for various office tasks. On the other hand, the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer is specialized for label printing and supports a variety of platforms like eBay and Shopify. It offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, making it adaptable for small business needs. If you require a multifunctional device, the Brother printer is the clear choice.
Connectivity Options
When it comes to connectivity, the Brother MFC-L2820DW provides multiple options, including dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, and USB connections. This flexibility allows easy integration into various office setups. The Phomemo Thermal Label Printer also supports wireless printing via Bluetooth and can connect through USB. While both printers offer solid connectivity, the Brother stands out with its more extensive options, making it suitable for larger teams or more complex setups.
User Experience and Interface
The Brother MFC-L2820DW features a 2.7-inch touchscreen that simplifies navigation and allows users to print directly from cloud-based applications like Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes it user-friendly and efficient for office environments. The Phomemo Thermal Label Printer focuses on ease of use as well, with an app available for both iOS and Android devices to facilitate printing from smartphones and tablets. While both devices are designed for convenience, the touchscreen of the Brother printer enhances the overall user experience.
Cost Efficiency and Running Costs
The Phomemo Thermal Label Printer is significantly more cost-effective, priced at $75.99, compared to the Brother MFC-L2820DW at $279.99, making it about 73% cheaper. Additionally, the Phomemo printer utilizes thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for expensive toner or ink, which can lead to long-term savings. The Brother printer, while offering superior functionality, requires Brother Genuine Toner, which can add to the overall running costs. For those primarily focused on budget, the Phomemo printer is the more economical option.
Target Audience
The Brother MFC-L2820DW is tailored for small office environments that require a multifunctional device capable of handling various tasks efficiently. Its high print speeds and robust features make it ideal for businesses that deal with significant document processing. Conversely, the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer is aimed at small business owners who need an efficient solution for shipping labels and package printing. Its compatibility with popular e-commerce platforms makes it a valuable tool for online sellers.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Phomemo Thermal Label Printer ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you require a multifunctional office printer with high print speeds and capabilities for various document types, the Brother printer is the better choice, despite its higher price of $279.99. However, if your primary need is for an efficient and budget-friendly label printer, the Phomemo, priced at $75.99, offers exceptional value, especially for small businesses focused on shipping and labeling.