Brother MFC-L2820DW vs HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe
Brother MFC-L2820DW costs $41 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 3,747 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L2820DW | HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $477 | $501 |
| After 2 years | $673 | $763 |
| After 3 years | $870 | $1,026 |
Brother MFC-L2820DW costs more upfront but 1.1¢ less per page. It overtakes HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe on total cost after about 3,747 pages — roughly 8 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2820DW | HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | multifunction |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | print, scan, copy |
| Print speed (mono) | 34 ppm | 30 ppm |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 | 600 x 600 |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 35,000 pages | 20,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 2,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 1.27-inch Icon LCD |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 11.57 | 7.6 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN830XL High Yield Toner — $98.29 · 3.3¢/page · 3,000pg yield
HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe
Cheapest to run: HP 134X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $104.89 · 4.4¢/page · 2,400pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L2820DW — about 25% lower cost per page (3.3¢ vs 4.4¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe — $41 less to buy — it would take about 3,747 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need faxing: Brother MFC-L2820DW — it adds faxing, which the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe doesn't do.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L2820DWBuy — $279.99
HP LaserJet MFP M234dweBuy — $239.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L2820DW or the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe?
- The Brother MFC-L2820DW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 25% cheaper per page (3.3¢ vs 4.4¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L2820DW or the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe?
- The HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe is about $41 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L2820DW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $41 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 3,747 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe?
- Functions: Brother MFC-L2820DW print, scan, copy, fax, HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe print, scan, copy. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L2820DW 34 ppm, HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe 30 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L2820DW 1200 x 1200, HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe 600 x 600. Duty cycle (monthly): Brother MFC-L2820DW 35,000 pages, HP LaserJet MFP M234dwe 20,000 pages.