Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS331dw?

The Brother HL-L3280CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 6% cheaper per page (3.2¢ vs 3.4¢ mono).

Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS331dw?

The Lexmark CS331dw is about $74 cheaper upfront based on current prices.

Is the Brother HL-L3280CDW worth the higher price?

It costs about $74 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 39,146 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.

What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L3280CDW and the Lexmark CS331dw?

Print speed (mono): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS331dw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS331dw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother HL-L3280CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CS331dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): Brother HL-L3280CDW 40,000 pages, Lexmark CS331dw 50,000 pages.

Brother HL-L3280CDW vs Lexmark CS331dw

Name: Brother HL-L3280CDW
Brand: Brother
SKU: HL-L3280CDW
Price: 344.98 USD
Availability: InStock

Brother HL-L3280CDW costs $74 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 39,146 pages.

Cheaper to run

Brother HL-L3280CDW

Price: $344.98
Cost per page (mono): 3.2¢/pg

Buy — $344.98

Lower price

Lexmark CS331dw

Price: $270.56
Cost per page (mono): 3.4¢/pg

Buy — $270.56

Cost to run

Your print volume: 500 pages/month

Total cost of ownership	Brother HL-L3280CDW	Lexmark CS331dw
After 1 year	$538	$475
After 2 years	$730	$679
After 3 years	$923	$883

Brother HL-L3280CDW costs more upfront but 0.2¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark CS331dw on total cost after about 39,146 pages — roughly 79 months at your 500 pages/month.

Specs compared

Show only differences (8)

Spec	Brother HL-L3280CDW	Lexmark CS331dw
Print technology	laser	laser
Color support	color	color
Device type	single-function	single-function
Functions	print	print
Print speed (mono)	27 ppm	26 ppm
Print speed (color)	27 ppm	26 ppm
Resolution	2400 x 600	Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi)
Duty cycle (monthly)	40,000 pages	50,000 pages
Recommended volume	3,000 pages/mo	2,500 pages/mo
Automatic duplex	Yes	Yes
Automatic document feeder	No	No
Display	—	2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display
Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Ethernet	Yes	Yes
USB	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	No	No
Paper sizes	Letter, Legal	Letter, Legal, A4
Weight (kg)	15.38	16.1

Cartridges & running cost

Brother HL-L3280CDW

Cheapest to run: Brother TN229XLBK High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $96.29 · 3.2¢/page · 3,000pg yield

Lexmark CS331dw

Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX331 Black Return Program 4.5K Print Cartridge — $152.99 · 3.4¢/page · 4,500pg yield

Which should you buy?

High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother HL-L3280CDW — about 6% lower cost per page (3.2¢ vs 3.4¢).
A lower upfront budget: Lexmark CS331dw — $74 less to buy — it would take about 39,146 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.

Where to buy

Brother HL-L3280CDWBuy — $344.98

Lexmark CS331dwBuy — $270.56

Compare with other models

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS331dw?: The Brother HL-L3280CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 6% cheaper per page (3.2¢ vs 3.4¢ mono).
Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS331dw?: The Lexmark CS331dw is about $74 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
Is the Brother HL-L3280CDW worth the higher price?: It costs about $74 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 39,146 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L3280CDW and the Lexmark CS331dw?: Print speed (mono): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS331dw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS331dw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother HL-L3280CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CS331dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): Brother HL-L3280CDW 40,000 pages, Lexmark CS331dw 50,000 pages.