Brother MFC-L2820DW Wireless Compact Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer with Copy, Scan and Fax, Duplex, Black & White | Includes Refresh Subscription Trial(1), Works with Alexa
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AI Verdict
A 22.5-pound monochrome laser all-in-one with 34 ppm print speed and a 50-page ADF, for small offices needing black-and-white documents.
This printer is a strong fit for its office_ergonomic category, specifically for small offices or home users focused on black and white documents. Its 34 ppm print speed, 50-page ADF, and 250-sheet paper tray handle high-volume text tasks efficiently. The dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity ensure it integrates into various network setups.
If you need automatic two-sided scanning, look for a model that explicitly lists "duplex ADF scanning" or "single-pass duplex scanning."
Regret Score™
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Critically weak dimension
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Pros
- Prints black and white documents at 34 pages per minute.
- 50-page automatic document feeder handles multi-page tasks.
- 250-sheet paper tray reduces frequent refills.
- Connects via dual-band wireless, Ethernet, or USB.
- Automatic duplex printing saves paper.
- 2.7-inch touchscreen allows navigation and cloud app access.
Cons
- Does not print in color.
- Automatic document feeder does not support duplex scanning.
- Color scan speed is 7.9 images per minute, slower than black and white.
- Does not include a USB or Ethernet cable.
- Weighs 22.5 pounds, which is substantial for a compact unit.
Dimension Scores
The printer produces crisp text at 1200 x 1200 dpi and offers automatic duplex printing, reducing manual intervention for common tasks.
The 2.7-inch touchscreen provides intuitive navigation and cloud app access, but the physical unit itself has no adjustable components.
Users describe it as "solidly built" and a "workhorse printer," with a 1-year limited warranty.
Its professional black exterior and compact footprint are noted to blend well in most office environments.
Best For
- Home offices printing high volumes of black and white documents.
- Small businesses needing print, copy, scan, and fax for text-heavy work.
- Users who frequently scan multi-page documents (single-sided).
- Environments requiring flexible connectivity options (wireless, wired, USB).
Not Recommended For
- Anyone needing to print in color or photos.
- Offices requiring automatic two-sided scanning from the ADF.
- Users with limited desk space who need a very lightweight printer.
Watch Out For
- The automatic document feeder only scans one side at a time, requiring manual re-insertion for two-sided documents.
- The printer does not include a USB or Ethernet cable, requiring separate purchase for wired connections.
- While the Refresh Subscription is optional, some users might feel pressured by the trial inclusion.
- The 2.7-inch touchscreen, while functional, is smaller than some competitors.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 012502672654 |
| ASIN | B0CPL9C83B |
| Brand | Brother |
| Color | Black |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Model Name | MFCL2820DW |
| Sheet Size | Up to 8.5 x 14 |
| Item Weight | 22.5 pounds |
| Print media | Envelopes, Labels, Paper (plain) |
| Manufacturer | Brother |
| Model Series | L2820 |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, Sheetfed |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | App |
| Printer Output | Monochrome |
| Controller Type | Android |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Printer Ink Type | Toner |
| Item model number | MFCL2820DW |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, PC, Smartphones, Tablets, iPhone |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, USB |
| Maximum Media Size | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Product Dimensions | 15.7 x 16.1 x 12.5 inches |
| Dual-sided printing | Yes |
| Included Components | AC Power Cord, Drum Unit, Telephone Line Cord, Toner Cartridges |
| Printing Technology | Laser |
| Total Ethernet Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 2 Ports | 1 |
| Output sheet capacity | 250.0 |
| Supported Media Sizes | Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) |
| Maximum copies per run | 99 |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Initial page print time | 8.5 Seconds |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 250 |
| Max Printspeed Monochrome | 34 ppm |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home, Office |
| Additional Printer functions | Copy, Fax, Scan |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 34 ppm |
| Max copy resolution black-white | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Maximum Black and White Print Resolution | 1200 x 1200 Dots Per Inch |
What Buyers Say
Many users are surprised by the speed and print quality for a printer in this price range, consistently mentioning sharp text and quick output for black and white documents. The lack of automatic duplex scanning is a recurring point of frustration, requiring manual page flipping for two-sided originals. The setup process, especially wireless, is frequently described as straightforward, and the mobile app functionality is appreciated for managing printing and scanning from devices.
“Dude, this thing prints text so fast and clear, it's wild. But seriously, why can't the scanner just do both sides at once? It's 2024, come on!”
Common Praise
- Produces sharp, clear black and white text documents.
- Prints black and white pages quickly at 34 ppm.
- Wireless setup is simple, often using WPS/PBC.
- Mobile Connect app allows printing and scanning from phones or tablets.
- The 50-page ADF is useful for batch scanning and copying single-sided documents.
- Toner cartridges offer a high page yield and low cost per print.
Common Complaints
- Automatic document feeder does not scan both sides of a page automatically.
- Cannot print in color, limiting versatility for certain tasks.
- Does not include a USB or Ethernet cable.
- Scanning speed for color documents is significantly slower at 7.9 ipm.
- The 2.7-inch touchscreen is functional but could be larger for easier interaction.
Ownership Tips
- The starter toner cartridge yields approximately 700 pages, which is less than the standard replacement cartridges.
- The drum unit is a separate consumable from the toner and needs replacement after about 15,000 pages.
- The printer supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service without extra drivers.
- Cloud connectivity allows direct scanning to and printing from services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
- The fax function, while present, is rarely used by most modern home office users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this printer print in color?
No, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is a monochrome laser printer, meaning it only prints in black and white.
Can it scan both sides of a document automatically?
The 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF) does not support automatic duplex scanning. You would need to manually flip and re-insert pages for two-sided documents.
What kind of connectivity options does it have?
It offers flexible connection options including built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet for wired networks, and a USB interface for direct connection to a single computer.
Is the Refresh toner subscription mandatory?
No, the Refresh EZ Print Subscription Program is optional. You can use the printer with standard Brother Genuine toner cartridges without enrolling.
Does it come with a USB cable?
No, the Brother MFC-L2820DW does not include a USB cable or an Ethernet cable in the box.
How fast does it print?
It prints black and white documents at speeds up to 34 pages per minute (ppm).
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a monochrome laser all-in-one like this, you need to be honest about your color needs. If you print photos or presentations with color, this isn't for you. Focus on the page per minute (PPM) for print speed, the automatic document feeder (ADF) capacity for scanning stacks of paper, and whether it handles duplex printing. Connectivity is also key – do you need wireless, wired, or both?
Print Speed (34 ppm)
This tells you how many pages of black and white text the printer can churn out in a minute. 34 ppm means your reports and invoices will be ready quickly, like a fast-food drive-thru for documents.
Automatic Document Feeder (50 pages)
The ADF lets you load a stack of up to 50 pages for scanning, copying, or faxing without manually placing each sheet. Think of it as a helpful assistant for digitizing multi-page contracts or receipts.
Dual-band Wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) & Ethernet
This means the printer can connect to your home or office network wirelessly on both common Wi-Fi frequencies, or with a physical cable. It's like having multiple lanes on a highway for your data, ensuring a stable connection for everyone.
Alternatives
If you need color output, look for an inkjet or color laser all-in-one. If automatic two-sided scanning is critical, search for models with "single-pass duplex ADF" or "duplex scanning."
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