Brother HL-L3280CDW
MSRP
$299.99
“Brother’s HL-L3280CDW is a fast, low-cost color laser printer with inexpensive toner, but after a deep dive into costs, we recommend another Brother printer that has better value.”
Pros
- Excellent color document print quality
- Fast prints on long documents
- Low toner cost with super high-yield cartridges
- Low noise
Cons
- Screen is hard to see when seated
- Touchscreen use is awkward
- Paper curls
Brother’s HL-L3280CDW offers a cost-effective solution for color laser printing, striking a balance between affordability and performance. As a trusted printer brand, Brother ensures reliability across all devices, making the HL-L3280CDW a dependable choice.
While the HL-L3280CDW presents several benefits, a thorough evaluation reveals that another Brother printer may offer better value for most users due to enhanced features and cost efficiency.
Design
Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital Trends
Compact and aesthetically pleasing, the HL-L3280CDW occupies minimal space, with dimensions of 15.7 x 15.7 x 10.8 inches and a weight of 33.9 pounds. The 2.7-inch color touchscreen, although functional, may appear dim from certain angles and requires direct viewing for optimal use.
The printer features a 250-sheet paper tray along with a media tray for single-sheet or envelope printing, eliminating the need to constantly refill the main tray. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, catering to various setup preferences.
Printing Performance
Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital Trends
The HL-L3280CDW excels in speed, delivering monochrome and color prints at a rate of up to 27 ppm. Duplex printing capability enables paper-saving practices, with the first page produced in approximately 14 seconds. While photo quality is satisfactory, it falls short compared to higher-end color laser printers.
Standard-yield and high-yield toner cartridges offer varying cost-per-page rates, with the HL-L3280CDW providing economical color document printing options. Envelope and label printing is supported, though limited to single-sheet feed in the media tray.
Software and Compatibility
Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital Trends
Brother’s Mobile Connect app streamlines Wi-Fi setup, enhancing ease of use for connectivity options. The printer is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, with drivers readily available for seamless integration.
Price
Priced at $300, the HL-L3280CDW offers a competitive solution for color laser printing requirements. With a recommended duty cycle of 3,000 pages and high-yield toner cartridge options, the printer is well-suited for business usage.
Cost-per-page calculations indicate affordability, especially for color prints, with super high-yield cartridges extending the lifespan of toner supplies. Standard and midsize cartridge options provide flexibility based on budget constraints.
Verdict
While the Brother HL-L3280CDW presents a commendable option for color laser printing, the HL-L3295CDW offers superior long-term value with added features and toner inclusion. For users considering Brother’s toner subscription, the HL-L3280CDW provides a cost-effective alternative with comparable performance.
Explore our guide to discern the best color laser printer choice that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
