Brother HL-L3280CDW vs Lexmark CS431dw
Lexmark CS431dw costs $35 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 4,808 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother HL-L3280CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $538 | $529 |
| After 2 years | $730 | $678 |
| After 3 years | $923 | $827 |
Lexmark CS431dw costs more upfront but 0.7¢ less per page. It overtakes Brother HL-L3280CDW on total cost after about 4,808 pages — roughly 10 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother HL-L3280CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | single-function | single-function |
| Functions | ||
| 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 | 75,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 3,000 pages/mo | 5,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | No | No |
| Display | — | 2.8 inch (7.2 cm) LCD touch panel |
| 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 CS431dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX431 Black Return Program 6K Print Cartridge — $148.89 · 2.5¢/page · 6,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark CS431dw — about 23% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 3.2¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Brother HL-L3280CDW — $35 less to buy — it would take about 4,808 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
Where to buy
Brother HL-L3280CDWBuy — $344.98
Lexmark CS431dwBuy — $379.99
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Lexmark CS431dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 23% cheaper per page (2.5¢ vs 3.2¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L3280CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Brother HL-L3280CDW is about $35 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CS431dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $35 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 4,808 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L3280CDW and the Lexmark CS431dw?
- Print speed (mono): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother HL-L3280CDW 27 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother HL-L3280CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CS431dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): Brother HL-L3280CDW 40,000 pages, Lexmark CS431dw 75,000 pages.