Brother HL-L8430CDW vs Lexmark CX331adwe
Brother HL-L8430CDW costs $18 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 1,232 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother HL-L8430CDW | Lexmark CX331adwe |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $606 | $675 |
| After 2 years | $722 | $877 |
| After 3 years | $838 | $1,080 |
Brother HL-L8430CDW costs more upfront but 1.4¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark CX331adwe on total cost after about 1,232 pages — roughly 3 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother HL-L8430CDW | Lexmark CX331adwe |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | single-function | multifunction |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| 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 | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 5,000 pages/mo | 2,500 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | No | Yes |
| 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 | 19.37 |
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 CX331adwe
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX331 Black Return Program 4.5K Print Cartridge — $151.99 · 3.4¢/page · 4,500pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother HL-L8430CDW — about 43% lower cost per page (1.9¢ vs 3.4¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark CX331adwe — $18 less to buy — it would take about 1,232 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Lexmark CX331adwe — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Brother HL-L8430CDW doesn't do.
- 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 CX331adweBuy — $472.19
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother HL-L8430CDW or the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- The Brother HL-L8430CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 43% cheaper per page (1.9¢ vs 3.4¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother HL-L8430CDW or the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- The Lexmark CX331adwe is about $18 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother HL-L8430CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $18 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 1,232 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother HL-L8430CDW and the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- Device type: Brother HL-L8430CDW single-function, Lexmark CX331adwe multifunction. Functions: Brother HL-L8430CDW print, Lexmark CX331adwe print, scan, copy, fax. Print speed (mono): Brother HL-L8430CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CX331adwe 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother HL-L8430CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CX331adwe 26 ppm.