Brother HL-L2480DW vs Lexmark MS331dn
Lexmark MS331dn costs $19 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 1,582 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother HL-L2480DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $447 | $393 |
| After 2 years | $643 | $518 |
| After 3 years | $840 | $642 |
Lexmark MS331dn costs more upfront but 1.2¢ less per page. It overtakes Brother HL-L2480DW on total cost after about 1,582 pages — roughly 4 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother HL-L2480DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy | |
| Print speed (mono) | — | 40 ppm |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 | Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 35,000 pages | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 5,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 10.07 | 9.34 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother HL-L2480DW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN830XL High Yield Toner — $98.29 · 3.3¢/page · 3,000pg yield
Lexmark MS331dn
Cheapest to run: Lexmark MS/MX331, 431, MX432 Return Program 15K Toner Cartridge — $311.20 · 2.1¢/page · 15,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark MS331dn — about 37% lower cost per page (2.1¢ vs 3.3¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Brother HL-L2480DW — $19 less to buy — it would take about 1,582 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning and copying: Brother HL-L2480DW — it adds scanning and copying, which the Lexmark MS331dn doesn't do.
Where to buy
Brother HL-L2480DWBuy — $249.99
Lexmark MS331dnBuy — $269.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L2480DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Lexmark MS331dn — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 37% cheaper per page (2.1¢ vs 3.3¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L2480DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Brother HL-L2480DW is about $19 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark MS331dn worth the higher price?
- It costs about $19 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 1,582 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L2480DW and the Lexmark MS331dn?
- Device type: Brother HL-L2480DW multifunction, Lexmark MS331dn single-function. Functions: Brother HL-L2480DW print, scan, copy, Lexmark MS331dn print. Resolution: Brother HL-L2480DW 1200 x 1200, Lexmark MS331dn Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi. Duty cycle (monthly): Brother HL-L2480DW 35,000 pages, Lexmark MS331dn 50,000 pages.