Brother MFC-L2820DW vs Lexmark MS331dn
Brother MFC-L2820DW costs $11 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 4,921 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L2820DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $477 | $479 |
| After 2 years | $673 | $689 |
| After 3 years | $870 | $899 |
Brother MFC-L2820DW costs more upfront but 0.2¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark MS331dn on total cost after about 4,921 pages — roughly 10 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2820DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| Print speed (mono) | 34 ppm | 40 ppm |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 | Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 35,000 pages | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 5,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 11.57 | 9.34 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN830XL High Yield Toner — $98.29 · 3.3¢/page · 3,000pg yield
Lexmark MS331dn
Cheapest to run: Lexmark MS/MX331, 431, MX432 Return Program 3K Toner Cartridge — $104.99 · 3.5¢/page · 3,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L2820DW — about 6% lower cost per page (3.3¢ vs 3.5¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark MS331dn — $11 less to buy — it would take about 4,921 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L2820DW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Lexmark MS331dn doesn't do.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Lexmark MS331dn — 40 ppm vs 34 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L2820DWBuy — $279.99
Lexmark MS331dnBuy — $269.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L2820DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Brother MFC-L2820DW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 6% cheaper per page (3.3¢ vs 3.5¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L2820DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Lexmark MS331dn is about $11 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L2820DW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $11 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 4,921 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L2820DW and the Lexmark MS331dn?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L2820DW multifunction, Lexmark MS331dn single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L2820DW print, scan, copy, fax, Lexmark MS331dn print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L2820DW 34 ppm, Lexmark MS331dn 40 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L2820DW 1200 x 1200, Lexmark MS331dn Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi.