Brother MFC-L3780CDW vs Lexmark CX431adw
Lexmark CX431adw costs $41 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 11,100 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Lexmark CX431adw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $741 | $760 |
| After 2 years | $912 | $909 |
| After 3 years | $1,083 | $1,058 |
Lexmark CX431adw costs more upfront but 0.4¢ less per page. It overtakes Brother MFC-L3780CDW on total cost after about 11,100 pages — roughly 23 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Lexmark CX431adw |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 75,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 4,000 pages/mo | 5,000 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 CX431adw
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 CX431adw — about 13% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 2.9¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Brother MFC-L3780CDW — $41 less to buy — it would take about 11,100 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 CX431adwBuy — $610.98
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW or the Lexmark CX431adw?
- The Lexmark CX431adw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 13% cheaper per page (2.5¢ vs 2.9¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW or the Lexmark CX431adw?
- The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is about $41 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CX431adw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $41 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 11,100 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L3780CDW and the Lexmark CX431adw?
- Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L3780CDW 31 ppm, Lexmark CX431adw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L3780CDW 31 ppm, Lexmark CX431adw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L3780CDW 2400 x 600, Lexmark CX431adw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): Brother MFC-L3780CDW 50,000 pages, Lexmark CX431adw 75,000 pages.