What To Know
- The Brother MFC-L3710CW features a standard paper tray with a capacity of 250 sheets, accommodating both letter and legal-sized paper.
- However, if color printing is a priority and you can forgo the additional functionality, the DCP-L3550CDW offers superior color output with its laser technology.
- The Brother DCP-L3550CDW offers a faster printing speed of up to 18ppm for both color and monochrome documents.
In the realm of office equipment, Brother has established itself as a leading manufacturer, renowned for its reliable and efficient devices. Among their offerings, the Brother MFC-L3710CW and Brother DCP-L3550CDW stand out as popular choices for home and small business users. While both printers share similarities, they also have distinct features that cater to specific needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Brother MFC-L3710CW vs Brother DCP-L3550CDW, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Functionality
The Brother MFC-L3710CW boasts a versatile 4-in-1 functionality, combining printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. This all-in-one design streamlines your workflow and eliminates the need for multiple devices. In contrast, the Brother DCP-L3550CDW is a dedicated color laser printer, focusing solely on high-quality printing tasks.
Printing Technology
The Brother MFC-L3710CW utilizes monochrome laser technology, delivering crisp and professional-looking black-and-white documents at speeds of up to 30ppm. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW, on the other hand, employs color laser technology, producing stunning color prints with vibrant hues and sharp details. Its printing speed reaches 18ppm for both color and monochrome documents.
Paper Handling
The Brother MFC-L3710CW features a standard paper tray with a capacity of 250 sheets, accommodating both letter and legal-sized paper. Additionally, it offers a 50-sheet multipurpose tray for specialty paper types. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW boasts a larger standard paper tray with a capacity of 520 sheets, allowing for extended printing sessions without frequent refills.
Connectivity Options
The Brother MFC-L3710CW offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and NFC. This versatility enables seamless integration with your home network, computers, and mobile devices. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW also supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity, providing ample flexibility for various printing scenarios.
Additional Features
The Brother MFC-L3710CW includes a flatbed scanner with a resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi, enabling clear and detailed scans. It also features a 2.7-inch color LCD touchscreen for intuitive operation. The Brother DCP-L3550CDW lacks scanning capabilities but compensates with a duplex printing feature, allowing for automatic double-sided printing.
Price and Availability
The Brother MFC-L3710CW and Brother DCP-L3550CDW are both competitively priced in their respective categories. The MFC-L3710CW is generally more affordable, while the DCP-L3550CDW commands a premium for its color printing capabilities. Both printers are readily available from various online and retail outlets.
Which Printer is Right for You?
The choice between the Brother MFC-L3710CW and Brother DCP-L3550CDW ultimately depends on your specific requirements. If you need a versatile all-in-one device for black-and-white printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, the MFC-L3710CW is an excellent choice. However, if color printing is a priority and you can forgo the additional functionality, the DCP-L3550CDW offers superior color output with its laser technology.
In-depth Comparison of Key Features
| Feature | Brother MFC-L3710CW | Brother DCP-L3550CDW |
| — | — | — |
| Functionality | 4-in-1 (Print, Copy, Scan, Fax) | Dedicated Color Laser Printer |
| Printing Technology | Monochrome Laser | Color Laser |
| Printing Speed | Up to 30ppm (Black) | Up to 18ppm (Color and Monochrome) |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet Standard Tray, 50-sheet Multipurpose Tray | 520-sheet Standard Tray |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, NFC | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Additional Features | Flatbed Scanner, 2.7-inch Color LCD Touchscreen | Duplex Printing |
| Price and Availability | More Affordable, Widely Available | Slightly More Expensive, Widely Available |
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which printer has a higher printing speed?
A: The Brother DCP-L3550CDW offers a faster printing speed of up to 18ppm for both color and monochrome documents.
Q: Can I print photos on both printers?
A: The Brother DCP-L3550CDW is specifically designed for color printing, making it a better choice for printing photos. However, the Brother MFC-L3710CW can also print photos, but the output will be in black and white.
Q: Which printer is more energy-efficient?
A: Both printers are Energy Star certified, indicating their compliance with energy efficiency standards. However, the Brother MFC-L3710CW may have a slight edge in energy consumption due to its monochrome printing technology.
