Brother HL-L8430CDW vs Lexmark CS431dw
Brother HL-L8430CDW costs $15 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 2,691 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother HL-L8430CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $606 | $624 |
| After 2 years | $722 | $773 |
| After 3 years | $838 | $922 |
Brother HL-L8430CDW costs more upfront but 0.5¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark CS431dw on total cost after about 2,691 pages — roughly 6 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother HL-L8430CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | single-function | single-function |
| Functions | ||
| Print speed (mono) | 33 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 33 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 2400 x 600 | Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 60,000 pages | 75,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 5,000 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) | 20.82 | 16.1 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother HL-L8430CDW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN635XXLBK Super High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $144.99 · 1.9¢/page · 7,500pg 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: Brother HL-L8430CDW — about 22% lower cost per page (1.9¢ vs 2.5¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark CS431dw — $15 less to buy — it would take about 2,691 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Brother HL-L8430CDW — 33 ppm vs 26 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother HL-L8430CDWBuy — $489.98
Lexmark CS431dwBuy — $475.23
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L8430CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Brother HL-L8430CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 22% cheaper per page (1.9¢ vs 2.5¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L8430CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Lexmark CS431dw is about $15 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother HL-L8430CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $15 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 2,691 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L8430CDW and the Lexmark CS431dw?
- Print speed (mono): Brother HL-L8430CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother HL-L8430CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother HL-L8430CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CS431dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): Brother HL-L8430CDW 60,000 pages, Lexmark CS431dw 75,000 pages.