The 8 Best Brother Color Laser Printers in 2023 – Reviews and Comparison

Laser technology is as old as 1969. Laser printers are preferred to inkjet printers when it comes to high volume but cost-effective printing particularly among business enterprises. They are fast, less noisy, durable, and low-cost printers with admirable performance when put to proper use. The really good ones will reproduce high-quality documents. While they may not produce the best photograph prints, some still deliver an amazing resolution that’s comparable to inkjet-produced photographs.

A laser printer can either be:

• monochrome or colored
• Single-function or multi-functional

At the center of laser printers production, is Brother International. Brother International has over the years produced a wide variety of printers with many admirable features. However, common to all is their robust construction, reliability, and easy set-up.

Brother boasts of color laser printers that can produce quality high-resolution images on documents. They are also among the most efficient and economical laser-printers.

Check out some of the best laser printers that Brother International has to offer:

1. Brother HL-L3230CDW Compact Digital Color Printer

This printer is suited for your home or small office and features wireless connectivity allowing you to print from mobile devices. If you are looking for a versatile color printer with the remarkable print speed, Brother’s HL-L3230CDW model is undoubtedly one to consider.

Features

• 25 pages per minute print speed
• Automatic duplex printing
• 250 sheet paper tray
• 1,400 replacement toner cartridges
• Manual feed slot
• Integrated wireless technology

Review

HL-L3230CDW digital color printer by Brother is a high-speed printer that features both wireless and wired connections. This is through USB, Ethernet, and WiFi interfaces which allows you to print from several devices. It runs a decent 25 page-per-minute print speed for both colored and black prints and comes with automatic duplex printing capabilities for those who desire to save on paper.

Built with a deep 250-sheet tray that adjusts to fit letter or legal-size papers, it has a manual feed-slot that one can adjust to fit different types and sizes of paper to meet different printing needs including card stock, envelopes, and photo paper. This makes this printer quite a versatile option.

It also features an LCD backlit display which gives the user easy access to the printer’s controls including the high-yield and toner save options for cost-effective functionality. Overall, the HL-L3230CDW printer is designed to produce sharp colored laser-like prints. It is also compact, well-built and will give you considerable years of service with good care.

Perhaps the only downturn for this printer is that it is not enabled with Brother’s cloud applications.

2. Brother HL-L8360CDW Business Color Laser Printer

The HL-L8360CDW laser printer by Brother is a good option for high-output printing. Not just that, it comes with in-built authentication and network security features making it a good fit for the busy office environment.

Features

• 33 pages per minute print speed
• Automatic duplex printing
• Adjustable tray capacity up to 250 sheets with optional expandable input of up to 1300 sheets with additional trays
• Wireless, GB Ethernet, USB, and NFC connectivity
• 6,500 replacement toner cartridge

Review

The HL-L8360CDW laser printer is packed with features that make it suitable for the busy office environment with bulk printing needs. It features a remarkable printing speed of 33 pages per minute for both black and color printing. Coupled with a 250-sheet capacity paper tray that adjusts for letter and legal size papers and an additional 50-sheet multipurpose tray which is expandable to 1300 sheets with additional trays, this printer will handle high-volume high-speed printing demands quite effectively.

HL-L8360CDW printer model also features high-yield 6,500-page toner cartridges in line with ISO/IEC 19798 (letter/A4) standard for low-cost printing. This printer is designed with impressive security features to prevent unauthorized access. Both the NFC card reader and the Active Directory Support limit user access through badge or network login while controlling printing by setting a user or group maximum.

This printer is highly versatile with three connectivity options. GB Ethernet, a wireless connection that includes NFC connectivity and 802.11b/g/n which allows you to print from devices or cloud-based networks, as well as USB connection through the Hi-Speed USB port. The 2.7-inch color LCD touch screen lets you control all the printer functions with the tap of a finger. Overall this is a great high-capacity printer with amazing both color and black print quality.

3. Brother HL-L3210CW Compact Digital Color Printer

Brother’s HL-L3210CW presents a good option if you are looking for a basic printer with excellent color reproduction for your home or small office use.

Features

• 19 pages per minute print speed
• 250-sheet paper tray
• Manual feed slot
• 6,500 replacement toner cartridge on standard printing

Review

Just like the other printers by Brother, the HL-L3210CW model comes with a 250-sheet paper tray that adjusts for letter and legal paper sizes. With a printing speed of 19 pages per minute and a manual feed slot that works with a variety of papers including card stock, envelopes, and more. It also comes with both high-yield and toner saver settings for economical printing.

This printer features wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connectivity to give the user flexible printing options. All settings are accessible on the simple-to-use touch screen. An advantage it has going for it is that it produces good quality laser-like documents. On the other hand, however, this printer lacks Ethernet connectivity and auto-duplex printing options. These shouldn’t be deal-breakers if you are looking for something basic.

4. Brother HL-2270DW Compact Laser Printer with Wireless Networking

Brother HL-2270DW is one printer model with remarkable printing speed. It comes as a good bet for a home or office user in need of a monochrome printer with great performance features and quality build.

Features

• 27 pages per minute print speed
• Wireless, Ethernet and USB interfaces
• Automatic duplex printing
• 250-sheet paper tray

Review

This little compact printer is quite a performer. With 27 pages per minute printing speed, a 250-sheet paper tray adjustable for letter or legal-size papers, a manual feed slot to accommodate printing tasks on thick paper for instance card stocks and envelopes, and an automatic duplex printing function, this printer lets you do your job just the way you like it.

It features three connectivity options including 802.11b/g wireless, Ethernet, and USB interfaces allowing you to print from different networks and devices. It includes a 2,600 toner cartridge with high-yield and toner save mode for economical printing.

Overall, this is a decent, compact printer with top performance features. It is compatible with Windows XP/2000/Vista/7 and Mac OS X systems. Take note, however, that this printer is designed for monochrome printing.

5. Brother HL-L3290CDW Compact Digital Color Printer with Convenient Flatbed Copy & Scan

HL-L3290CDW is one of Brother’s color printer models with innovative features that extend its functions beyond an ordinary printer. It is not designed for the fast-paced office with volumes of printing. Still, this printer will deliver perfect quality for low-volume printing tasks.

Features

• 25 pages per minute print speed
• 250- sheet adjusting paper tray
• Automatic duplex printing
• Manual feed slot
• Airprint enabled
• Copy and scan functions incorporated

Review

The HL-L3290CDW printer is first of all multifunctional. Besides printing, this printer is designed to handle copying and scanning efficiently thanks to its flatbed scan glass. It offers wireless, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity, and is compatible with several mobile device apps including Airprint, Google Cloud Print, Brother’s very own iPrint & Scan, Mopria, and Wi-Fi direct making it a very versatile printer.

25 pages per minute printing speed is an agreeably reasonable speed for the professional on a budget who prefers quality output over volumes. With a 250-sheet adjustable paper tray and a manual feed slot like most others, the HL-L3290 printer equips it to handle A4, legal, card stock, envelopes, and other thick paper types.

Control settings are accessible on the uncomplicated 2 line LCD screen with both high-yield and toner saving modes available for economical printing.

6. Brother MFC-L8850CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer

If capacity and multifunctionality matter most to you, Brother’s MFC-L8850CDW model would be your best bet.

Features

• 32 pages per minute print speed
• Duplex printing capabilities
• Integrated scanning, copying, and faxing functions
• Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity
• 250-sheet capacity tray adjustable and expandable
• Secure Function Lock feature

Review

The MFC-L8850CDW laser printer is packed with excellent versatility features. Featuring a 250-sheet paper tray adjustable for letter or legal paper sizes, a 50-sheet multi-purpose tray, plus an optional 500-sheet paper tray, this printer can handle high-volume printing demands for the busy office.

With a print speed of 32 pages per minute, functionality that extends to copying, scanning, and faxing this happens to be one of the most versatile of Brother’s printers. Print and scan from the cloud, PC, Android, Apple, and other Windows devices, from USB flash memory drive, and other sources through a USB, Ethernet, and wireless interfaces. The MFC-L8850CDW printer is also designed with duplex capability for all its functions.

Additionally, the MFC-L8850CDW printer model comes with amazing scanning features and capabilities allowing users to scan to several destinations and servers including their email server3, Microsoft Sharepoint2, USB flash drive, and other destinations.

Other impressive features we cannot overlook in this printer are its 4.85-inch color touchscreen for fast and easy navigation, high-yield 4,000 toner cartridge, several security features including the Secure Function Lock feature which lets you limit the number of printable pages per group or person in a session.

7. Brother MFC-L8900CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One Printer

The MFC-L8900CDW is a decent multifunctional mid-range printer for the small but busy office in need of professionally printed documents. It has impressive features going for it which makes it a go-to printer if speed and low operating costs matter.

Features

• 33 pages per minute print speed
• Multifunctional with print, scan, and
• Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB interfaces
• 250-sheet adjustable paper tray
• 70-page automatic document feeder
• Automatic duplex printing

Review

This multifunctional printer is equipped to handle not just printing but also copying, scanning, and faxing tasks. A 250-sheet paper tray expandable to 1300 pages with additional trays, a 50-sheet multipurpose tray together with 33 pages per minute printing speed and up to 58 ipm scanning speed could be rated as decent for a small busy office with average printer demands.

Again, it comes with excellent connectivity options including 802.11b/g/n wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB connections. This offers the flexibility of printing and scanning from several networks and mobile devices through Brother’s iPrint & Scan, SharePoint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print, and other applications. With all these, security detail hasn't been left out either. The NFC card reader and network sign-in functions have been integrated to prevent unauthorized access.

This printer comes outfitted with a 5-inch 2-line mono LCD screen with customizable settings and a-simple-to-use menu. It also features a high-yield 6,500-page replacement toner, an automatic 70-page document feeder, and an automatic duplex function which is why it is an economical printer with impressive performance.

8. Brother MFC-L3710CW Compact Digital Color All-in-One Printer

The MFC-L3710CW laser printer is a good option if you are looking for a basic but multifunctional printer for small volume printing.

Features

• 19 pages per minute print speed
• 250-sheet adjustable paper tray
• Multifunctional with additional copy, scan, and fax capabilities
• Wireless, USB

Review

The MFC-L3710CW model makes a good entry-level printer option. However, it has quite a lot going for it given that it is designed with additional functions beyond printing. This printer will also copy, fax, and scan documents to meet the needs of a small business. It features reliable 19 pages per minute speed and comes with a 250-sheet adjustable paper tray along with a 50-sheet automatic document feeder. A manual feed slot has been incorporated to accommodate different paper sizes and types including bond paper, colored paper, envelopes, thick, and thin paper.

It also comes with several connectivity options including the integrated wireless, Wi-Fi, and a USB interface allowing you to print, scan or fax your documents from various devices and cloud-supported applications.

Coming with a 3.7-inch touchscreen, navigating through the controls is simple plus it lets you save your shortcuts for faster navigation. On the downside, however, this printer lacks an automatic duplex printing function and Ethernet connectivity.

Here are some of the incredible features you should look out for when shopping, if you have to make an informed decision.

1. Monochrome or colored printer?


Initially, laser printers were built to produce only white and black print-outs until recently when laser printers designed for color production were invented. Most people will go for color printers which are today widely available.


2. Print-only or multifunctional printer?


Multifunctional printers also come with scanning, faxing, and copying capabilities.


3. Duty-cycle


This refers to the maximum number of pages a printer can print in a month. Constantly printing beyond this number can damage the printer due to overuse.


4. Print speed


Print speeds vary widely from printer to printer with some printers having over 30 pages per minute print speed which makes them best suited for the busy office with high-volume printing demands.


5. Paper tray capacity


Paper tray capacity varies from printer to print. However, most color laser printers manufactured by Brother International come with a 250-sheet capacity paper tray. Others may have an expandable capacity with additional trays which makes it easier to handle as no frequent refilling of the tray will be required.


6. Automatic duplexing function


This is an important paper-saving function that lets you print both sides of the paper automatically once set.

Conclusion

Laser printers are great investments for small businesses or home use since they are capable of high-volume printing and are pretty efficient. They are also very economical in terms of the cost of printing per page. However, how good a printer will be, depends on whether or not you have picked the right one for your needs.