Brother MFC-L8730CDW vs HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer
Brother MFC-L8730CDW costs $51 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 13,336 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L8730CDW | HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $752 | $724 |
| After 2 years | $904 | $899 |
| After 3 years | $1,057 | $1,074 |
Brother MFC-L8730CDW costs more upfront but 0.4¢ less per page. It overtakes HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer on total cost after about 13,336 pages — roughly 27 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L8730CDW | HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | |
| Print speed (mono) | 33 ppm | 35 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 33 ppm | 35 ppm |
| Resolution | 2400 x 600 | 600 x 600 |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 60,000 pages | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 5,000 pages/mo | 4,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 4-line back lit LCD |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 25.63 | 16.33 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L8730CDW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN635XLBK High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $139.49 · 2.5¢/page · 5,500pg yield
HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer
Cheapest to run: HP 210X Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $218.89 · 2.9¢/page · 7,500pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L8730CDW — about 13% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 2.9¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer — $51 less to buy — it would take about 13,336 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L8730CDW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer doesn't do.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L8730CDWBuy — $599.99
HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw PrinterBuy — $549.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L8730CDW or the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer?
- The Brother MFC-L8730CDW — 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-L8730CDW or the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer?
- The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer is about $51 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L8730CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $51 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 13,336 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L8730CDW and the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L8730CDW multifunction, HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L8730CDW print, scan, copy, fax, HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L8730CDW 33 ppm, HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer 35 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L8730CDW 33 ppm, HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw Printer 35 ppm.