Brother MFC-L3780CDW vs Lexmark CX331adwe
Brother MFC-L3780CDW costs $71 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 39,144 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Lexmark CX331adwe |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $741 | $681 |
| After 2 years | $912 | $863 |
| After 3 years | $1,083 | $1,045 |
Brother MFC-L3780CDW costs more upfront but 0.2¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark CX331adwe on total cost after about 39,144 pages — roughly 79 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Lexmark CX331adwe |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | multifunction | multifunction |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | print, scan, copy, fax |
| Print speed (mono) | 31 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 31 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 2400 x 600 | Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 50,000 pages | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 4,000 pages/mo | 2,500 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | Yes |
| Display | — | 2.8 inch (7.2 cm) LCD touch panel |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 21.68 | 19.37 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN229XXLBK Super High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $128.29 · 2.9¢/page · 4,500pg yield
Lexmark CX331adwe
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX331 Black Return Program 4.5K Print Cartridge — $136.45 · 3.0¢/page · 4,500pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L3780CDW — about 6% lower cost per page (2.9¢ vs 3.0¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark CX331adwe — $71 less to buy — it would take about 39,144 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Brother MFC-L3780CDW — 31 ppm vs 26 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L3780CDWBuy — $569.98
Lexmark CX331adweBuy — $499.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW or the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- The Brother MFC-L3780CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 6% cheaper per page (2.9¢ vs 3.0¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW or the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- The Lexmark CX331adwe is about $71 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L3780CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $71 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 39,144 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L3780CDW and the Lexmark CX331adwe?
- Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L3780CDW 31 ppm, Lexmark CX331adwe 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L3780CDW 31 ppm, Lexmark CX331adwe 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L3780CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CX331adwe Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Recommended volume: Brother MFC-L3780CDW 4,000 pages/mo, Lexmark CX331adwe 2,500 pages/mo.