Brother MFC-L8730CDW vs HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw
Brother MFC-L8730CDW costs $61 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 5,796 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L8730CDW | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $752 | $754 |
| After 2 years | $904 | $970 |
| After 3 years | $1,057 | $1,185 |
Brother MFC-L8730CDW costs more upfront but 1.1¢ less per page. It overtakes HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw on total cost after about 5,796 pages — roughly 12 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L8730CDW | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | multifunction | multifunction |
| Functions | print, scan, copy, fax | print, scan, copy |
| Print speed (mono) | 33 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 33 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 2400 x 600 | 600 x 600 |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 60,000 pages | 40,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 5,000 pages/mo | 2,500 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | Yes |
| Display | — | 4.3-inch Capacitive Touch Color Display, TFT-backlit (480 x 272) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 25.63 | 17.1 |
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 MFP 3301sdw
Cheapest to run: HP 218X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $114.89 · 3.6¢/page · 3,200pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L8730CDW — about 29% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 3.6¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw — $61 less to buy — it would take about 5,796 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need faxing: Brother MFC-L8730CDW — it adds faxing, which the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw doesn't do.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Brother MFC-L8730CDW — 33 ppm vs 26 ppm mono.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L8730CDWBuy — $599.99
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdwBuy — $538.90
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L8730CDW or the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw?
- The Brother MFC-L8730CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 29% cheaper per page (2.5¢ vs 3.6¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L8730CDW or the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw?
- The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is about $61 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L8730CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $61 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 5,796 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 MFP 3301sdw?
- Functions: Brother MFC-L8730CDW print, scan, copy, fax, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw print, scan, copy. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L8730CDW 33 ppm, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw 26 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L8730CDW 33 ppm, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw 26 ppm. Resolution: Brother MFC-L8730CDW 2400 x 600, HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw 600 x 600.