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Brother Digital Color All-in-One Printers: Laser or Inkjet?

By Sofia Carmichael 23 September, 2026 11 min read

Brother Digital Color All-in-One Printers: Laser or Inkjet?

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Brother has established a commanding presence in the desktop printing landscape by focusing on mechanical reliability, crisp document output, and straightforward network connectivity. Whether producing contracts in a legal satellite office or printing marketing handouts from a dedicated workroom, selecting a brother digital color printer all in one allows professionals to consolidate printing, copying, and digitizing into a single piece of equipment. The lineup balances robust build quality with versatile document feeders, automated two-sided handling, and connectivity suites that support both desktop workstations and handheld devices.

While every model in this lineup shares the brand focus on office productivity, they diverge across core print technology, chassis dimensions, operating speed, and monthly volume tolerance, separating compact home-office inkjets from heavy-duty business laser workhorses.

The line-up at a glance

Brother Color All-in-One Printers Compared

Model Print Engine Print Speed Paper Tray Capacity Dimensions and Weight
Brother MFC-L3780CDW Laser Up to 31 ppm Not listed 16.1 x 18.2 x 15.8 inches, 47.8 pounds
Brother HL-L3300CDW Laser Up to 19 ppm Not listed 16.1 x 17.5 x 14.0 inches, 40.8 pounds
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Laser Up to 19 ppm 250-sheet adjustable tray 16.1 x 17.5 x 15.8 inches, 44.0 pounds
Brother MFC-L8930CDW Laser Up to 33 ppm Multipurpose tray included 20.7 x 16.1 x 21.6 inches, 71.2 pounds
Brother Work Smart 1360 Inkjet Up to 16 ppm black / 9 ppm color 150-sheet tray 13.5 x 15.4 x 7.2 inches, 16.8 pounds
Brother INKvestment 5010 Inkjet Up to 28 ppm black / 26 ppm color 250-sheet tray 17.3 x 17.1 x 10.7 inches, 30.9 pounds

No. 1 of 6 · Brother

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One for High-Velocity Offices

4.5 Amazon buyer average

Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One
Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One

Best for: Fast-paced small offices needing duplex scans

What the listing says

  • Best for Small Businesses: The Brother MFC L3780CDW small business printer is a wireless multi-function digital…
  • AMPLIFY YOUR PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS.
  • MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY WITH ALL-IN-ONE FUNCTIONALITY.
  • RELIABLE RESULTS WITH BROTHER GENUINE TONER.
  • Flexible Connection Options Brother laser color printer has built-in dual band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz)(5), Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi…

Pros

  • Single-pass duplex copy and scan
  • Fast 31 ppm print speed
  • Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band wireless

Cons

  • Substantial 47.8-pound weight
  • Maximum 250 copies per run

The Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One is engineered specifically for fast-moving professional spaces that demand rapid turnaround on double-sided paperwork. Operating as a four-in-one digital color laser system, it combines print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities into a sturdy desktop station. Documents output at brisk speeds up to 31 pages per minute, while the sheetfed scanner processes dual-sided sheets in a single pass at rates up to 29 images per minute in black and 22 images per minute in color. Navigation is centered around a responsive 3.5-inch color touchscreen, allowing users to initiate scan-to-file tasks and manage up to 250 copies per run without interacting with a desktop computer.

Connectivity options ensure reliable integration across varied office networks. The printer features built-in dual-band wireless on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, Wi-Fi Direct for mobile pairing without an external router, Gigabit Ethernet for low-latency network performance, and standard USB for direct workstation tethering. Media handling supports plain paper, glossy photo paper, card stock, labels, and envelopes. When managing toner replenishment, the unit accommodates standard TN229 cartridges, high-yield TN229XL options, or super high-yield TN229XXL cartridges, and is compatible with the Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service.

This model is an exceptional fit for small business owners and busy administrative teams who require fast output and advanced two-sided document capture. However, those with minimal desk real estate or lighter scanning requirements may prefer the more compact HL-L3300CDW, which eliminates the auto document feeder to shave off vertical bulk.

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No. 2 of 6 · Brother

Brother HL-L3300CDW Wireless Digital Color Multi-Function for Dedicated Personal Desks

4.5 Amazon buyer average

Brother HL-L3300CDW Wireless Digital Color Multi-Function
Brother HL-L3300CDW Wireless Digital Color Multi-Function

Best for: Solopreneurs and hybrid workers in tight spaces

What the listing says

  • Best for Small Offices and Work from Home, the Brother HL-L3300CDW wireless compact 3-in-1 digital color…
  • UPGRADE YOUR PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS.
  • EFFECTIVE PRODUCTIVITY WITH THREE-IN-ONE FUNCTIONALITY.
  • FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS.

Pros

  • Space-saving 14-inch tall profile
  • Dual-band wireless and Wi-Fi Direct
  • Automatic duplex printing

Cons

  • Flatbed glass lacks sheetfed feeder
  • Moderate 19 ppm print speed

Designed for consultants, hybrid workers, and solopreneurs, the Brother HL-L3300CDW Wireless Digital Color Multi-Function provides laser-quality text and graphics in a streamlined three-in-one design. By incorporating a flatbed scan glass and omitting a bulky sheetfed automatic document feeder, the unit maintains a reduced vertical profile measuring 14 inches high while weighing 40.8 pounds. It delivers clean, smudge-free color and monochrome documents at speeds up to 19 pages per minute, handling automatic duplex printing to cut down paper consumption during long document runs.

Wireless versatility allows users to operate smoothly without trailing network cables across the office floor. Equipped with dual-band wireless connections across 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB terminal links, the system easily bridges laptops, smartphones, and tablets running Android or PC platforms. It handles various media types, including envelopes, card stock, labels, and glossy sheets. The hardware also integrates with Alexa voice services and includes an introductory two-month trial for the Brother Refresh toner subscription program.

Users who need reliable color laser printing without paying for unused multi-sheet faxing or scanning hardware will appreciate this practical setup. Small business owners who are also assessing multi-brand setups can review our comparison of hp wireless color all in one printer hardware to evaluate differences in mobile connectivity and desktop footprints. If your daily routine involves digitizing multi-page contracts, step up to the feeder-equipped MFC-L3720CDW.

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No. 3 of 6 · Brother

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer for Standard Administrative Workflows

4.8 Amazon buyer average

Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer

Best for: Home businesses handling multi-page documents

What the listing says

  • Professional Performance Dominate your business printing with this Brother Genuine color laser printer delivering exceptional print speeds up…
  • Advanced Connectivity Take command of your workflow with dual-band wireless networking (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 interface,…
  • Productivity Powerhouse Maximize efficiency with the 50-sheet auto document feeder, 250-sheet adjustable paper tray, and automatic duplex printing,…
  • Smart Integration Transform your workflow with the intuitive 3.5" color touchscreen featuring 48 customizable shortcuts and direct access…
  • Mobile Command Center Leverage the power of mobile printing with remote access capabilities, toner level monitoring, and complete printer…

Pros

  • 50-sheet auto document feeder
  • 250-sheet adjustable paper tray
  • 5-inch color touchscreen with shortcuts

Cons

  • 19 ppm print speed
  • Maximum 99 copies per run

The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer strikes a functional balance between full-featured office management and everyday desktop practicality. Delivering print speeds up to 19 pages per minute, this four-in-one system includes print, copy, scan, and fax utilities supported by a generous 250-sheet adjustable paper tray. A built-in 50-sheet auto document feeder handles multi-page packets efficiently, complementing a scanning engine that clocks speeds up to 29 images per minute in monochrome and 22 images per minute in color.

Central to its productivity workflow is the 3.5-inch color touchscreen interface, which hosts 48 customizable shortcut keys for repetitive tasks. Users can scan directly to popular cloud storage environments, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote, without routing files through a local workstation. Modern dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB 2.0 options support office-wide sharing, while the dedicated mobile companion application delivers complete device control, ink-level monitoring, and remote job submission from handheld devices.

This printer suits home-based offices and boutique agencies that routinely digitize multi-page reports and require reliable laser-sharp clarity. It handles runs of up to 99 copies per session. Teams that handle enterprise-level volumes or require heavier security credentials, however, should evaluate the larger MFC-L8930CDW.

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No. 4 of 6 · Brother

Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One for High-Demand Workgroups

4.6 Amazon buyer average

Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One
Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One

Best for: High-volume teams requiring enterprise security

What the listing says

  • Updated design, professional results.
  • Maximize printing budgets.
  • Advanced scanning. High-speed, two-sided scanning up to 104ipm(3) with 80-page auto document feeder(4) and legal-size glass.
  • Productivity-enhancing features.
  • Triple Layer Security. Advanced security features to help keep devices secure, protect documents in transit to…
  • Sustainability features: EPEAT Gold rated, ENERGY STAR certified, EPS-free (expanded polystyrene) packaging, 11% Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) material.

Pros

  • Blazing print speed up to 33 ppm
  • 80-page ADF with legal glass
  • Triple Layer Security with NFC reader

Cons

  • Substantial 71.2-pound chassis
  • Requires deep 20.7-inch desk clearance

Built for demanding business workgroups and high-throughput environments, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW Business Color Laser All-in-One delivers commercial-grade output and comprehensive administrative control. It achieves rapid print and copy speeds up to 33 pages per minute, backed by a robust chassis that is 25 percent smaller than its direct predecessor while weighing 71.2 pounds. A legal-size flatbed glass and an 80-page automatic document feeder power high-speed two-sided scanning at up to 104 images per minute, converting physical archives directly into searchable and editable Microsoft Office documents.

Operational control is managed via an expansive 7-inch color touchscreen capable of storing up to 64 custom workflow shortcuts, complete with scan-preview capabilities. Connectivity includes dual-band wireless and Gigabit Ethernet for high-bandwidth office LANs. Security is a primary engineering pillar, featuring Triple Layer Security to safeguard files in transit, protect hardware configurations, and restrict access through an integrated NFC card reader for physical employee badge authentication. It utilizes TN635 series toner, including super high-yield TN635XXL cartridges that deliver up to 7,500 pages in black and 6,500 pages in color.

Workgroups comparing heavy-duty office printers against alternatives like hp laser printers all in one wireless will note that Brother emphasizes physical shortcut keys and onboard security hardware. This model is ideal for corporate teams and multi-user environments with strict compliance demands. For single-user desks or light home tasks, its substantial physical profile is better swapped for an inkjet model like the Work Smart 1360.

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No. 5 of 6 · Brother

Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color for Compact Home Desktops

4.1 Amazon buyer average

Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Print, Scan, Copy

Best for: Everyday home printing and compact study desks

What the listing says

  • AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer…
  • EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including…
  • FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided…
  • MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
  • MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing,…

Pros

  • Lightweight 16.8-pound frame
  • 20-sheet automatic document feeder
  • Automatic two-sided printing

Cons

  • Modest 9 ppm color print speed
  • Compact 1.8-inch display screen

The Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color provides an ultra-compact footprint for users working within restricted spaces, such as apartment study corners, dorm rooms, or temporary home workstations. Tipping the scales at a modest 16.8 pounds and standing just 7.2 inches high, this versatile inkjet all-in-one provides print, scan, and copy utilities without overcrowding your desk. It outputs black documents at up to 16 pages per minute and color pages at up to 9 pages per minute, while automatic two-sided printing ensures tidy document runs.

Despite its space-saving proportions, the printer incorporates practical office features, including a 150-sheet input tray, a 20-sheet automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning, and a 1.8-inch color display. Users can print from and scan to cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Box, and Dropbox directly through the interface. The Brother Mobile Connect application incorporates Page Gauge monitoring to accurately track remaining liquid ink, alongside mobile printing standards such as AirPrint and Mopria.

For home offices evaluating cartridge versus tank designs, our separate look at brother inkjet printer all in one units breaks down page yields across liquid ink lineups. The Work Smart 1360 represents the ultimate choice for personal document printing, school assignments, and light daily recordkeeping. If your monthly document volume requires higher print speeds and heavier duty cycles, the INKvestment 5010 is the logical next step.

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No. 6 of 6 · Brother

Brother INKvestment 5010 Wireless Color Inkjet for High-Yield Document Flow

4.3 Amazon buyer average

Brother INKvestment 5010 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic 2-Sided Copy & Scan with 2.7” Color Touchscreen (MCF-J5010DW)

Best for: High-volume inkjet offices wanting fast output

What the listing says

  • BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS Print, copy, scan, and fax with one powerful device, with advanced security features for business.
  • PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES A 250-sheet paper tray, 50-page single-pass duplex (2-sided) automatic document feeder (ADF), and automatic duplex printing…
  • SUPERIOR PRINTING Engineered with the Brother PerfectPrint Auto Detection System, which helps ensure reliable, consistent print quality and…
  • SEAMLESS CONNECTIONS Simplify your workflow with Wi-Fi Direct and multiple connection options, including wireless network interfacing, Ethernet, and USB.
  • THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP Put the power of printing at your fingertips.
  • BROTHER GENUINE INK Reliable performance you can count on.

Pros

  • Fast 28 ppm black and 26 ppm color
  • 50-page single-pass duplex ADF
  • Includes high-yield starter ink cartridges

Cons

  • Chassis weighs 30.9 pounds
  • Broad 17.3-inch depth profile

Bridging the gap between inkjet running efficiency and business-tier paper capacity, the Brother INKvestment 5010 Wireless Color Inkjet delivers high productivity in a clean desktop footprint. Engineered with the Brother PerfectPrint Auto Detection System, it generates crisp text and rich graphics at speeds up to 28 pages per minute in monochrome and 26 pages per minute in color. It arrives with high-yield ink supplies in the box, delivering an included 1,800-page black cartridge and 750-page color cartridges across cyan, magenta, and yellow using the LC506 ink formulation.

This four-in-one machine manages copy, scan, and fax tasks through a 50-page single-pass duplex automatic document feeder. It supports automated two-sided printing on paper sizes up to 8.5 by 14 inches, fed by a 250-sheet paper drawer. Interface navigation relies on a 2.7-inch color touchscreen with direct cloud connectivity, while network linking is handled via dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB. Handheld control remains seamless through the Brother Mobile Connect app, allowing team members to execute print jobs and configure settings from phones or tablets.

The INKvestment 5010 is the premier match for home-based enterprises and commercial studios that print daily color materials and demand low-maintenance fluid refills. When high-speed toner fused output is non-negotiable for archive-grade permanence, buyers should migrate toward the MFC-L3780CDW laser system.

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Before you choose

How to Choose the Right Brother Color All-in-One Printer

Choosing the ideal printing hardware requires examining the balance between physical office dimensions, document throughput, media types, and ongoing consumable handling. Conducting a proper Brother printer comparison starts with evaluating your available workspace. The lightweight Work Smart 1360 measures only 7.2 inches tall, sliding effortlessly onto narrow bookshelves or shared desks. Conversely, commercial color laser options like the MFC-L8930CDW weigh over 70 pounds and require dedicated utility credenzas with ample ventilation.

The fundamental divide across this lineup centers on print technology. A Brother color laser all in one uses dry toner powders fused through heat, producing instant-dry, smudge-resistant records that are ideal for contracts, formal proposals, and multi-page manuals. Laser models such as the MFC-L3780CDW and MFC-L3720CDW excel at high-speed text production. On the other hand, liquid ink systems found in the Brother Work Smart and Brother INKvestment lines deliver vibrant presentation color and photographs across glossy sheets, offering distinct advantages for creative collateral and casual family documents.

Document digitizing capabilities represent another major decision point. If your workflow involves double-sided legal documents or stack scanning, single-pass duplex auto document feeders—present on the MFC-L3780CDW, MFC-L8930CDW, and INKvestment 5010—capture both sides of a page simultaneously, saving substantial administrative time. For occasional scanning of single pages, receipts, or bound books, the flatbed glass on the HL-L3300CDW provides a simpler, lower-profile mechanism without moving mechanical feeder parts.

Finally, consider how multiple team members will connect to the hardware. Every printer in this selection provides wireless capabilities and direct mobile printing, but workgroups with congested networks benefit significantly from the dual-band 5GHz wireless support and Gigabit Ethernet ports available on the MFC-L3780CDW, MFC-L8930CDW, and INKvestment 5010. Determining which Brother printer to buy ultimately hinges on matching these technical capacities against your typical monthly paper volume and network demands.

Questions people ask

FAQ

How does Brother laser output compare to inkjet printing for everyday documents?

Brother digital color laser machines melt toner powder directly onto paper fibers, resulting in crisp, smudge-proof black text and sharp line graphics that will not bleed if exposed to highlighters or moisture. Inkjet models spray fine droplets of liquid ink, which can yield richer color transitions on glossy photo paper but may require a few moments to dry completely on standard office bond paper.

Which Brother printer to buy for a micro home office with minimal desk space?

The Brother Work Smart 1360 is the most compact option in the lineup, weighing 16.8 pounds and standing only 7.2 inches high, making it easy to store in tight spaces. For buyers who insist on laser text clarity, the Brother HL-L3300CDW provides a compact 14-inch tall footprint by using a flatbed scanner glass rather than a tall sheetfed feeder.

Can these Brother multifunction devices scan two-sided pages automatically?

Several models in this selection include single-pass duplex scanning through their automatic document feeders, including the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, Brother MFC-L8930CDW, and Brother INKvestment 5010. These units scan both sides of a sheet in a single feed cycle. The Work Smart 1360 features a single-sided feeder, while the HL-L3300CDW relies entirely on manual flatbed glass placement.

What connectivity options are available across the Brother wireless lineup?

All six reviewed printers support dual-band or standard wireless networking, Wi-Fi Direct for mobile printing without an existing router, and local USB connectivity. Advanced enterprise and workgroup models, including the MFC-L3780CDW, MFC-L8930CDW, and INKvestment 5010, also incorporate Gigabit Ethernet jacks for secure, high-speed wired office networks.

How do standard and high-yield toner cartridges affect long-term maintenance?

Laser printers like the MFC-L3780CDW and MFC-L8930CDW support multiple cartridge capacities, ranging from standard yield to super high-yield cartridges that print thousands of pages before replacement. Opting for high-yield toner reduces the frequency of cartridge swaps, minimizes packaging waste, and supports uninterrupted operation in busy work settings.

Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Every score is the average rating Amazon buyers left for that item; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.

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