Brother MFC-L2900DW vs Lexmark MS331dn
Lexmark MS331dn is both cheaper to buy and cheaper to run — the straightforward pick for most buyers.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L2900DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $510 | $416 |
| After 2 years | $707 | $545 |
| After 3 years | $903 | $675 |
Lexmark MS331dn is cheaper to buy and cheaper to run, so it stays the lower total cost at every volume.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2900DW | Lexmark MS331dn |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| Print speed (mono) | 36 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) | 11.75 | 9.34 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L2900DW
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 15K Toner Cartridge — $323.90 · 2.2¢/page · 15,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark MS331dn — about 34% lower cost per page (2.2¢ vs 3.3¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark MS331dn — $27 less to buy.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L2900DW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Lexmark MS331dn doesn't do.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L2900DWBuy — $313.49
Lexmark MS331dnBuy — $286.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L2900DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Lexmark MS331dn — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 34% cheaper per page (2.2¢ vs 3.3¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L2900DW or the Lexmark MS331dn?
- The Lexmark MS331dn is about $27 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L2900DW and the Lexmark MS331dn?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L2900DW multifunction, Lexmark MS331dn single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L2900DW print, scan, copy, fax, Lexmark MS331dn print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L2900DW 36 ppm, Lexmark MS331dn 40 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L2900DW 1200 x 1200, Lexmark MS331dn Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi.