Brother MFC-L2900DW vs Lexmark MS431dw
Lexmark MS431dw 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 MS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $527 | $414 |
| After 2 years | $723 | $513 |
| After 3 years | $920 | $611 |
Lexmark MS431dw 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 MS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| Print speed (mono) | 36 ppm | 42 ppm |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 | Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 35,000 pages | 80,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 8,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| 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 MS431dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark MS/MX431, MX432 Return Program 20K Toner Cartridge — $327.99 · 1.6¢/page · 20,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark MS431dw — about 50% lower cost per page (1.6¢ vs 3.3¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark MS431dw — $14 less to buy.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L2900DW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Lexmark MS431dw doesn't do.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Lexmark MS431dw — 42 ppm vs 36 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L2900DWBuy — $329.99
Lexmark MS431dwBuy — $315.99
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L2900DW or the Lexmark MS431dw?
- The Lexmark MS431dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 50% cheaper per page (1.6¢ vs 3.3¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L2900DW or the Lexmark MS431dw?
- The Lexmark MS431dw is about $14 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L2900DW and the Lexmark MS431dw?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L2900DW multifunction, Lexmark MS431dw single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L2900DW print, scan, copy, fax, Lexmark MS431dw print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L2900DW 36 ppm, Lexmark MS431dw 42 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L2900DW 1200 x 1200, Lexmark MS431dw Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi.