Comparing the Brother HL-L3280CDW and DCP-L2640DW: Which Printer is Right for You?
- Vincenzo Giambalvo
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Choosing the right printer can be a challenge, especially when options come from a trusted brand like Brother. Two popular models, the Brother HL-L3280CDW and the Brother DCP-L2640DW, offer different features tailored to specific needs. This article breaks down their capabilities, helping you decide which printer fits your home or small office setup best.
Design and Build Quality
Both printers are compact and designed to save space, but they serve different purposes.
Brother HL-L3280CDW
This model is a color laser printer with a sleek, modern look. It fits well in small workspaces and offers wireless and Ethernet connectivity. Its compact size does not sacrifice functionality, making it a solid choice for users who need color printing without a bulky machine.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
This is a monochrome multi-function laser printer that combines printing, copying, and scanning. It has a slightly larger footprint due to its multi-function capabilities but remains compact enough for home offices. The design is straightforward, focusing on utility.
Printing Features and Quality
Understanding the printing capabilities is key to choosing the right device.
Brother HL-L3280CDW
- Prints in full color with laser-quality output
- Supports duplex (double-sided) printing
- Mobile printing options including Wi-Fi Direct and Ethernet
- Works with Alexa for voice-activated printing
- Includes a 2-month Refresh Subscription Trial for toner replacement
The color output is sharp and vibrant, suitable for presentations, marketing materials, and everyday documents. Duplex printing helps reduce paper use, which is a plus for cost-conscious users.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Prints in black and white only
- Multi-function: print, copy, scan
- Duplex printing supported
- Wireless and mobile printing capabilities
- Also works with Alexa and includes a Refresh Subscription Trial
This model excels in producing crisp black-and-white documents quickly. Its scanning and copying functions add versatility, making it ideal for users who need more than just printing.
Speed and Efficiency
Speed matters when handling daily printing tasks.
Brother HL-L3280CDW
Prints up to 25 pages per minute in both color and black-and-white. The warm-up time is minimal, so you get your documents fast. Duplex printing is automatic, saving time on manual paper flipping.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Prints up to 30 pages per minute in black and white, slightly faster than the HL-L3280CDW. Copying and scanning are efficient, with a flatbed scanner for detailed document capture.
Connectivity and Ease of Use
Both printers offer modern connectivity options but differ slightly.
Brother HL-L3280CDW
Connects via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. It supports mobile printing through Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Mopria. Alexa compatibility allows voice commands for printing tasks.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Offers Wi-Fi and USB connections. Mobile printing is supported through similar apps and services as the HL-L3280CDW. Alexa integration is also available, making it easy to print hands-free.
Both printers have intuitive control panels and easy setup processes, suitable for users who want quick installation without technical headaches.
Cost and Consumables
Understanding the ongoing costs helps manage your budget.
Brother HL-L3280CDW
Color laser printers typically have higher toner costs. The included 2-month Refresh Subscription Trial helps reduce initial expenses by delivering toner when needed. Toner cartridges last for thousands of pages, but color cartridges will need replacement more often than black.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Monochrome laser printers generally have lower running costs. The Refresh Subscription Trial is included here as well. Toner cartridges are affordable and yield high page counts, making this model economical for heavy black-and-white printing.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Choosing between these printers depends on your specific needs.
Choose the Brother HL-L3280CDW if you:
- Need high-quality color printing for documents and graphics
- Want duplex printing to save paper
- Prefer a compact printer with wireless and Ethernet options
- Appreciate mobile and voice-activated printing features
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if you:
- Primarily print black-and-white documents
- Need a multi-function device for copying and scanning
- Want faster print speeds for text-heavy jobs
- Value lower running costs and toner efficiency
Final Thoughts
Both the Brother HL-L3280CDW and DCP-L2640DW offer strong features for their target users. The HL-L3280CDW stands out for color printing and connectivity, while the DCP-L2640DW provides multi-function versatility and speed in monochrome printing. Consider your printing volume, color needs, and whether scanning or copying is important before making a decision.
If you want vibrant color prints and duplex functionality, the HL-L3280CDW is a great choice. For efficient black-and-white printing with added scanning and copying, the DCP-L2640DW fits well. Both models include a Refresh Subscription Trial to help manage toner costs, making them practical options for home or small office use.
Explore these printers further to find the one that matches your workflow and budget. Your ideal printer is waiting to make your daily tasks easier and more productive.
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