Brother MFC-L8930CDW vs Lexmark CS531dw
Brother MFC-L8930CDW costs $30 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 63 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Brother MFC-L8930CDW | Lexmark CS531dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $816 | $3,680 |
| After 2 years | $932 | $6,690 |
| After 3 years | $1,048 | $9,699 |
Brother MFC-L8930CDW costs more upfront but 48.2¢ less per page. It overtakes Lexmark CS531dw on total cost after about 63 pages — roughly 1 month at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Brother MFC-L8930CDW | Lexmark CS531dw |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Black: 1200 x 1200 dpi, 4800 Color Quality Color: 4800 Color Quality, 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 70,000 pages | 100,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 6,500 pages/mo | 10,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | — | 2.8 inch (7.2 cm) Color touch screen |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | No |
| USB | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 26.49 | 20.55 |
Cartridges & running cost
Brother MFC-L8930CDW
Cheapest to run: Brother TN635XXLBK Super High Yield Black Toner Cartridge — $144.99 · 1.9¢/page · 7,500pg yield
Lexmark CS531dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS531, 632, CX532, 635 Black Return Program 3K Toner Cartridge — $1504.89 · 50.2¢/page · 3,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Brother MFC-L8930CDW — about 96% lower cost per page (1.9¢ vs 50.2¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Lexmark CS531dw — $30 less to buy — it would take about 63 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning, copying and faxing: Brother MFC-L8930CDW — it adds scanning, copying and faxing, which the Lexmark CS531dw doesn't do.
Where to buy
Brother MFC-L8930CDWBuy — $699.99
Lexmark CS531dwBuy — $669.99
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW or the Lexmark CS531dw?
- The Brother MFC-L8930CDW — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 96% cheaper per page (1.9¢ vs 50.2¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Brother MFC-L8930CDW or the Lexmark CS531dw?
- The Lexmark CS531dw is about $30 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Brother MFC-L8930CDW worth the higher price?
- It costs about $30 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 63 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Brother MFC-L8930CDW and the Lexmark CS531dw?
- Device type: Brother MFC-L8930CDW multifunction, Lexmark CS531dw single-function. Functions: Brother MFC-L8930CDW print, scan, copy, fax, Lexmark CS531dw print. Print speed (mono): Brother MFC-L8930CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CS531dw 35 ppm. Print speed (color): Brother MFC-L8930CDW 33 ppm, Lexmark CS531dw 35 ppm.