The Best Brother Printer

Brother has long been a trusted name in printing, known for reliable monochrome laser printers and increasingly capable color inkjet models.

Whether you need a compact workhorse for basic black-and-white documents or an all-in-one color machine for occasional photo prints, Brother’s lineup offers something for every home and small office.

In 2026, choosing the right model can save you money on consumables and frustration with connectivity. We’ve evaluated the latest Brother printers across multiple categories to help you find the best fit for your workspace and budget, without the guesswork.

At BestProducts, we base our recommendations on thorough research: we analyze specifications, aggregate expert consensus, review verified buyer feedback, and cross‑reference published performance data.

Each product in our roundup receives a BP Score on our 0-to-10 scale, reflecting how well it meets the needs of typical home and office users.

Below you’ll find our top picks, followed by a detailed buying guide, final recommendations, and answers to common questions.

Best Brother Printer Buying Guide

Print Technology: Laser vs. Inkjet

Brother excels in both monochrome laser printers and color inkjet all-in-ones. Laser models like the HL‑L2405W produce crisp, smudge‑proof text at high speeds and generally offer lower cost per page for black‑and‑white documents.

Inkjet models like the Work Smart 1360 add color capability for charts, graphics, and occasional photo printing, often at a lower upfront price. For a detailed comparison of different technologies, see our guide to the best laser printer for every workspace.

If you print mostly text documents and want the lowest long‑term operating costs, a monochrome laser is the way to go.

If you need occasional color output or a compact all‑in‑one, a Brother inkjet with its high‑capacity ink tank option can be a smart choice.

Connectivity and Mobile Printing

All current Brother printers include built‑in Wi‑Fi, support for Apple AirPrint and Android printing, and work with Alexa for voice‑activated tasks. Many models also feature Wi‑Fi Direct for printing without a network.

For home offices where multiple users need access, a printer with Ethernet and dual‑band Wi‑Fi is a plus. Check our best wireless printer for shipping labels guide for more tips on wireless setups.

Brother’s mobile printing app (Brother iPrint&Scan) is straightforward and lets you scan directly to your phone. If you frequently move between locations, a compact model with easy wireless pairing is essential.

Print Speed and Volume

Brother’s monochrome lasers typically print 28, 36 pages per minute (ppm), while inkjets are slower at around 12, 17 ppm for color.

For high‑volume printing, say, several hundred pages per week, a laser with a faster engine and a higher‑yield toner cartridge will keep you productive.

The HL‑L2460DW offers automatic duplex printing and a 250‑sheet paper tray, making it ideal for busy home offices. For more on high‑volume options, see our best printer for high volume printing guide.

Lower‑volume users can save with a more compact model. Brother includes a toner‑saving mode that extends cartridge life, and the Refresh Subscription Trial helps you keep costs predictable.

Cost per Page and Refresh Subscription

One of Brother’s standout features is the Refresh Subscription Trial, which automatically delivers toner or ink before you run out. This can reduce the cost per page and eliminate the hassle of last‑minute ordering.

Monochrome lasers generally have the lowest cost per page, often well under 2 cents per page. Inkjets cost more per color page, but Brother’s high‑yield cartridges help.

For a deeper dive into printing expenses, read our best printer cost per page supplies and toner article.

When comparing models, check the yield of included toner and the cost of replacement cartridges. Brother’s standard cartridges for lasers (like the TN‑730) can print about 1,200 pages, while high‑yield TN‑760 cartridges double that.

Additional Features: Duplex, Scan, Fax

Automatic duplex (two‑sided) printing is a must for saving paper and presenting professional documents. Most Brother lasers above the entry level offer this.

All‑in‑one models add a scanner and often a fax machine, useful for legacy business workflows. The MFC‑L2820DW includes a document feeder for multi‑page copying and scanning.

If you need a fax line but want a compact unit, this model fits. For more on multifunction machines, check our best multifunction printer for every workspace guide.

Touchscreen interfaces are becoming common; the Work Smart 1410 features a 2.7‑inch color touchscreen for easy navigation. If you prefer physical buttons, most Brother lasers have a simple button layout that is just as efficient.

Why You Should Trust Us

BestProducts is an independent review site that rates products using a consistent BP Score (0, 10) based on comprehensive research.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each product is assessed against a uniform set of criteria across specifications, performance data, real‑world user experiences, and professional opinions.

We do not accept payment from manufacturers for placement or scores, and all links to retailers are included as a convenience, we earn a small commission if you purchase, which helps us maintain our independence.

Our team has decades of combined experience covering printers and office technology. We have evaluated (hands‑on) none of the products ourselves, instead, we synthesize thousands of reviews and technical spec sheets to deliver a trustworthy, impartial recommendation.

For more context on how we evaluate printers, see our best home printers for every budget and workspace guide.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating the entire Brother lineup, we’ve awarded several standout models with our top recommendations. Here are our picks:

• Best Overall: Brother HL-L2405W, With a perfect blend of affordability, speed, and wireless convenience, this monochrome laser earned our highest BP Score among single‑function printers. It’s the ideal choice for most home offices focused on black‑and‑white printing.
• Best Multifunction: Brother DCP-L2640DW, A compact, feature‑rich monochrome laser that adds copying and scanning without sacrificing print quality or speed. It also scored a 9.9, making it the best all‑in‑one in this roundup.
• Best Budget: Brother Work Smart 1360, This color inkjet all‑in‑one delivers solid performance and low upfront cost, earning a 9.9 BP Score. It’s perfect for households that need occasional color prints without breaking the bank.
• Best for High‑Volume Printing: Brother HL-L2460DW, With automatic duplex and a larger paper tray, this laser is built for heavy daily use while keeping cost per page low. Its 9.6 BP Score reflects its reliability.
• Best All‑in‑One with Fax: Brother MFC-L2820DW, For offices that still rely on fax, this model adds a document feeder and fax capability without compromising on speed. It earned a 9.5 BP Score for its versatility.

Whichever Brother printer you choose, you’re getting a dependable machine backed by excellent support. For more guidance, explore our best laser printers for home use guide or our roundup of best multifunction printer for small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brother a good printer brand?

Yes, Brother is consistently rated among the top printer brands for reliability, ease of use, and low cost per page. Their laser printers in particular are well‑regarded for their durability and straightforward setup. Brother also offers a generous warranty and responsive customer support.

Which Brother printer is best for home use?

For most homes, the Brother HL‑L2405W (monochrome laser) is an excellent choice due to its low cost per page and compact size.

If you need color and scanning, the Brother Work Smart 1360 inkjet is a budget‑friendly all‑in‑one. For a more complete picture, see our guide to the best laser printers for home use.

What is the difference between Brother HL and DCP models?

HL models are single‑function printers (print only), while DCP models add copy and scan capabilities. MFC models include fax and often a document feeder. The choice depends on whether you need scan‑to‑email, copying, or faxing.

For most home offices, a DCP offers the best balance.

Does Brother require a subscription to print?

Brother does not require a subscription; all printers work out of the box with standard toner or ink cartridges. The Refresh Subscription Trial is optional and delivers supplies automatically. It can be cancelled at any time.

For more on cost management, see our best printer cost per page supplies and toner article.

How do I connect my Brother printer to Wi‑Fi?

Most Brother printers support WPS (Wi‑Fi Protected Setup) for one‑button connection. Alternatively, use the Brother iPrint&Scan app or follow the setup wizard on the printer’s display.

If you run into issues, Brother’s online support center provides step‑by‑step guides. For advice on wireless printing in general, check our best wireless printer for shipping labels guide.

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