Brother MFC-L3720CDW vs Lexmark CS431dw
Lexmark CS431dw costs $15 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 2,165 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $651 | $624 |
| After 2 years | $842 | $773 |
| After 3 years | $1,033 | $922 |
Lexmark CS431dw costs more upfront but 0.7¢ less per page. It overtakes Brother MFC-L3720CDW on total cost after about 2,165 pages — roughly 5 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| Print speed (mono) | 19 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 19 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 2400 x 600 | Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 40,000 pages | 75,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 3,000 pages/mo | 5,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 2.8 inch (7.2 cm) LCD touch panel |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | No | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 19.96 | 16.1 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L3720CDW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN229XLBK High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $95.57 · 3.2¢/page · 3,000pg yield
Lexmark CS431dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX431 Black Return Program 6K Print Cartridge — $148.89 · 2.5¢/page · 6,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark CS431dw — about 22% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 3.2¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Brother MFC-L3720CDW — $15 less to buy — it would take about 2,165 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L3720CDW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Lexmark CS431dw doesn't do.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Lexmark CS431dw — 26 ppm vs 19 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L3720CDWBuy — $459.99
Lexmark CS431dwBuy — $475.23
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Lexmark CS431dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 22% cheaper per page (2.5¢ vs 3.2¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is about $15 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CS431dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $15 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 2,165 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L3720CDW and the Lexmark CS431dw?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L3720CDW multifunction, Lexmark CS431dw single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L3720CDW print, scan, copy, fax, Lexmark CS431dw print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L3720CDW 19 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L3720CDW 19 ppm, Lexmark CS431dw 26 ppm.