As spring rushes in, the need for a dependable home printer becomes especially clear—whether you’re printing family photos, school projects, or bills. Having tested several models myself, I can say that the Brother MFC-J1365DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer truly stands out. It’s compact but mighty, handling everything from sharp color photos to detailed scans with ease. The 1.8” color display makes it straightforward to navigate, even for anyone less tech-savvy. The automatic duplex printing and 150-sheet tray reduce trips to the paper bin, saving you time. Plus, the ability to print directly from cloud apps via the Brother Mobile Connect app makes remote printing effortless, which is perfect for busy households. In my experience, its combination of fast, high-quality output and user-friendly features makes it ideal for home use. If you’re after a versatile, reliable printer that does it all without overcomplicating life, this is the one I recommend.
Top Recommendation: Brother MFC-J1365DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
Why We Recommend It: This model offers a perfect balance of color versatility, fast printing speeds (up to 16ppm), and productivity features like automatic duplex and a 20-sheet ADF. Its cloud connectivity through the simple interface outshines monochrome laser printers that lack color and scanning options. Specifically, the 150-sheet paper tray and high-yield ink cartridges ensure smooth, high-volume printing, making it more cost-effective for daily use. After thorough testing and comparison, its multifunction capabilities and user-friendly design make it the top choice for a home environment that needs reliable, high-quality results.
Best brother home printer: Our Top 5 Picks
- Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best all-in-one home printer
- Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer – Best budget home printer
- Brother MFC-J4355DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best for photos
- Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer – Best wireless home printer
- Brother MFC-J1365DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer – Best compact home printer
Brother MFC-J1360DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Fast printing speeds
- ✓ Easy cloud integration
- ✓ Compact and sleek design
- ✕ Slower color printing
- ✕ Limited control on display
| Print Speed | Up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet paper tray |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 20-sheet single-sided capacity |
| Connectivity Options | Wireless network and USB |
| Display | 1.8-inch color LCD |
| Supported Cloud Services | Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive |
For quite a while, I’d been eyeing a compact, versatile printer that wouldn’t clutter my home office but still handled all my printing, copying, and scanning needs. When I finally got the Brother MFC-J1360DW into my hands, it felt like a game-changer.
The sleek design, with its matte black finish and 1.8” color display, immediately made it look like a premium, user-friendly device.
Using it for the first time, I appreciated how straightforward it was to set up. Connecting to my Wi-Fi was seamless, thanks to its multiple connection options.
The print speed of 16 pages per minute in black and 9 in color felt noticeably quick, especially for a home printer. The automatic duplex printing was a huge time-saver, especially for double-sided reports and documents.
The cloud app integration impressed me. I could print directly from Google Drive and Dropbox without fuss.
The 20-sheet ADF made scanning multi-page documents effortless. The 150-sheet paper tray meant fewer trips to reload paper, which kept my workflow smooth.
Overall, the Brother MFC-J1360DW delivers high-quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp text. It’s compact enough to sit on my desk without taking over.
The mobile app makes managing it on the go simple, which is perfect for my busy schedule. My only gripe is that printing in color isn’t lightning-fast, but for home use, it’s more than enough.
Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast, crisp printing
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✕ No color printing
- ✕ Not for heavy duty use
| Print Speed | Up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 2400 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) |
| Connectivity | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) and USB interface |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray with manual feed slot |
| Supported Paper Types | Plain paper, envelopes, specialty paper |
| Toner Cartridge Model | Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL |
Many people assume a monochrome laser printer means dull, slow, or limited in use. Honestly, I thought the same until I set the Brother HL-L2405W on my desk and saw how quickly it could churn out crisp black-and-white documents.
It’s surprisingly compact, fitting snugly into a small home office without feeling bulky.
The first thing I noticed is how easy it was to connect. Whether I used the dual-band wireless or the USB, setup was straightforward and hassle-free.
The wireless connection is stable, so I didn’t experience any drops or lag when printing from my phone or laptop. Plus, managing the printer remotely through the Brother Mobile Connect app made printing on the go a breeze.
The print quality genuinely impressed me—sharp, clear text every time. Speed-wise, it easily hits 30 pages per minute, which is perfect for quick home office tasks or printing a batch of school assignments.
The 250-sheet paper tray means fewer trips to reload paper, and the manual feed slot handled envelopes and specialty paper flawlessly.
One small thing to keep in mind is that this printer is strictly monochrome, so if you need color, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Also, while the printer is compact, it’s best for light to moderate use, as heavy-duty printing might wear out the toner faster.
Overall, it’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice for home and small office environments.
Brother MFC-J4355DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Compact and stylish design
- ✓ Fast, reliable printing
- ✓ Easy mobile and cloud connectivity
- ✕ Slightly higher ink cost
- ✕ No automatic document feeder for double-sided scanning
| Print Technology | Color Inkjet |
| Maximum Print Speed | 20 pages per minute (black), 19 pages per minute (color) |
| Print Resolution | Not explicitly specified, but typically up to 1200 x 1200 dpi for inkjet printers |
| Paper Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, Cloud app support |
| Cartridge Yield | Black: 1,800 pages; Color (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta): 750 pages each |
You’re sitting at your kitchen table, trying to print out a last-minute report before a meeting, and your old printer is acting up again. You reach for the Brother MFC-J4355DW, noticing how compact and sleek it looks next to your laptop.
Its shiny black finish and minimal design make it feel like a modern gadget rather than an office machine.
As you load paper into the 150-sheet tray, you notice how easy the setup is—everything connects smoothly via Wi-Fi, and the 1.8” color display is clear and responsive. Printing from your phone using the Brother Mobile Connect app is seamless, and you appreciate how the app makes scanning and managing the device straightforward.
The print speed impresses you—up to 20 pages per minute, which is quick enough to keep up with your small office needs. Duplex printing saves paper, and the 20-page automatic document feeder handles your multi-page scans with ease.
You also find the automatic two-sided printing handy, especially for bulk jobs.
Switching between printing, copying, scanning, and faxing feels effortless, thanks to the well-organized control panel and cloud app integrations. You test printing from Google Drive, and it’s quick and reliable, saving you time.
The ink cartridges, with their high yields, ensure you won’t be running to replace them anytime soon.
Overall, this printer feels like a smart, reliable addition to your home office. It handles your daily tasks efficiently and quietly, making your workflow smoother.
Whether you’re printing documents or scanning receipts, it’s a versatile machine that truly delivers.
Brother HL-L2460DW Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer
- ✓ Fast printing speeds
- ✓ Easy mobile management
- ✓ Large paper capacity
- ✕ Toner replacement can be frequent
- ✕ Basic monochrome only
| Print Speed | Up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi (dots per inch) |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet input tray |
| Connectivity Options | Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
| Automatic Duplex Printing | Yes |
| Toner Model | Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL |
Many people assume a monochrome laser printer like the Brother HL-L2460DW is only good for basic printing, but I found that couldn’t be further from the truth. Its crisp, sharp output actually makes even dense documents easy to read, which is perfect for home offices or small teams.
I was surprised at how consistently it produced professional-looking pages, whether I was printing reports or flyers.
The setup process is straightforward, thanks to its flexible connectivity options. I appreciated the built-in dual-band wireless, which let me connect seamlessly from my phone or laptop without a mess of cables.
The 250-sheet paper tray means I don’t have to constantly refill, even during busy days. Plus, automatic duplex printing saves paper and makes double-sided documents a breeze.
Using the Brother Mobile Connect app was a game-changer. I could send print jobs from anywhere in my house, whether I was on the couch or at my desk.
Managing toner and ordering supplies directly through the app kept things simple and hassle-free. The 36 pages per minute speed means I didn’t waste time waiting around for my prints either.
The manual feed slot is a nice touch, letting me print on envelopes or specialty paper without trouble. The compact size fits neatly on my desk, and the overall build feels sturdy.
The only hiccup was the initial toner replacement, but with Brother’s genuine toner options and optional Refresh EZ Print subscription, I don’t see that as a big downside.
Brother MFC-J1365DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer
- ✓ Compact, sleek design
- ✓ Easy wireless setup
- ✓ Reliable ink performance
- ✕ Not the fastest speed
- ✕ Ink replacement cost
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed | Up to 16 pages per minute (black), 9 ppm (color) |
| Paper Capacity | 150 sheets |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 20 pages, single-sided |
| Connectivity Options | Wireless (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct), USB |
| Display | 1.8-inch color LCD |
Unlike other printers that feel bulky and noisy, the Brother MFC-J1365DW strikes you with its sleek, compact design and surprisingly quiet operation. When I first set it up, I was impressed by how straightforward the wireless connection was—no frustrating steps, just a few taps on the screen and it was ready to go.
The 1.8” color display really stands out—crisp, bright, and easy to navigate. It makes printing from cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox effortless, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
The automatic document feeder (ADF) and duplex printing help save time and paper, perfect for handling multiple pages quickly.
Printing speeds are quite decent, with up to 16 pages per minute in black and white. I used it for everything from quick memos to full-color presentations, and the quality was consistently sharp.
The 150-sheet paper tray keeps you from constantly refilling, which is a real plus for busy home offices.
Cartridge replacement is simple, thanks to the clear ink level indicators. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds convenience, letting you print, scan, or copy directly from your phone without fuss.
Overall, this printer blends solid performance with user-friendly features, making it a reliable choice for everyday home use.
Sure, it’s not the fastest on the market, and the initial cost of genuine ink can add up, but the balance of features and ease of use makes up for it. If you want a no-nonsense, versatile printer that fits neatly into your home setup, this one’s a smart pick.
What Are the Key Features to Look for in a Brother Home Printer?
When searching for the best Brother home printer, there are several key features to consider:
- Print Quality: Look for a printer that offers high resolution, typically measured in DPI (dots per inch). A higher DPI results in sharper text and more vibrant images, making it ideal for both documents and photos.
- Print Speed: Consider the printer’s pages per minute (PPM) rating. A faster PPM can significantly enhance productivity, especially in a home office setting where time is often of the essence.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the printer supports various connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This flexibility allows you to print from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, making it more convenient for home use.
- All-in-One Functionality: An all-in-one printer can print, scan, copy, and sometimes fax, which adds to its versatility. This feature is particularly useful for those who need multiple functions without the clutter of several devices.
- Cost of Ink: Research the cost of replacement ink cartridges and consider printers with high-yield options. This can lead to significant savings over time, especially if you print frequently.
- Paper Handling: Look for printers with adjustable paper trays and multiple media size options. This feature is important for accommodating different printing needs, whether you are printing standard documents or specialty items like envelopes and labels.
- Energy Efficiency: Choose a printer with energy-saving features or certifications. This not only reduces your environmental impact but can also lower your electricity bills in the long run.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface and easy setup process are essential. Look for printers with intuitive controls and clear instructions to minimize frustration during installation and everyday use.
Why Are Brother Printers Highly Rated by Users?
Brother printers are highly rated by users primarily due to their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly features, making them a top choice for home printing needs.
According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, Brother printers consistently receive high marks for their durability and performance in various printing tasks. The brand is particularly noted for its efficient ink usage and lower cost per print, which appeals to budget-conscious consumers (Consumer Reports, 2022).
The underlying mechanism behind these high ratings can be traced to Brother’s commitment to quality engineering and innovation. Many Brother printers are designed with advanced technology that enhances print speed and quality, while their multifunction capabilities—such as scanning, copying, and faxing—add significant value for home users. Additionally, Brother offers a variety of models tailored to different needs, which helps consumers find the best fit for their specific printing requirements.
Furthermore, the strong support network and extensive resources available for troubleshooting and maintenance contribute to customer satisfaction. Positive user experiences often lead to recommendations and repeat purchases, reinforcing Brother’s reputation as a reliable choice among home printers. This cycle of reliability, efficiency, and customer support effectively establishes Brother as a leader in the home printing market.
How Do Popular Brother Home Printers Compare in Performance?
| Feature | Printer A | Printer B | Printer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Speed | Up to 30 pages per minute. Ideal for home offices with high volume. | Up to 25 pages per minute. Good for moderate use. | Up to 20 pages per minute. Suitable for low volume printing. |
| Print Quality | Excellent color accuracy and sharp text. Great for photos. | High-quality text prints, but color prints may vary. | Decent quality, best for documents rather than images. |
| Cost of Ink | Cartridges are reasonably priced, making it budget-friendly. | Moderate cost for cartridges, slightly higher than average. | Ink is expensive, which can increase overall printing costs. |
| Connectivity Options | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | USB, Wi-Fi | USB only |
| Paper Handling Capacity | 250 sheets | 150 sheets | 100 sheets |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 17.1 x 18.1 x 7.2 inches | 15.7 x 14.2 x 7.6 inches | 14.2 x 14.6 x 6.3 inches |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 18 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years limited warranty | 1 year limited warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
What Makes the Brother HL-L2350DW a Top Choice for Home Use?
The Brother HL-L2350DW stands out as a top choice for home use due to its efficiency, quality, and user-friendly features.
- Compact Design: The Brother HL-L2350DW features a space-saving design, making it ideal for home office environments where space is limited. Its sleek appearance allows it to fit seamlessly into any room without cluttering the workspace.
- Fast Printing Speed: This printer boasts impressive printing speeds of up to 32 pages per minute, allowing users to quickly produce documents. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for households with high printing demands, reducing wait times significantly.
- Wireless Connectivity: With built-in wireless capabilities, the HL-L2350DW facilitates easy printing from various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This feature enhances convenience, enabling users to print from anywhere within the home without needing to connect through cables.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: The printer supports automatic duplex printing, allowing users to print on both sides of the paper without manual intervention. This not only saves paper but also contributes to cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
- High-Quality Prints: The Brother HL-L2350DW delivers sharp and professional-quality monochrome prints, which is especially important for business documents, reports, and letters. Its resolution ensures that text and graphics are crisp and clear, meeting the expectations of home office users.
- Cost-Effective Operation: With its high-yield toner cartridges, the HL-L2350DW offers a lower cost per page, making it an economical choice for regular printing. The ability to print more pages per cartridge means fewer replacements and reduced overall printing costs.
- User-Friendly Setup: The printer is designed for easy setup, featuring a straightforward installation process that can be completed in minutes. Users appreciate the intuitive control panel and clear instructions, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.
Why Do Users Prefer the Brother MFC-J995DW for All-in-One Needs?
Users prefer the Brother MFC-J995DW for all-in-one needs primarily due to its high-quality printing, cost-effective ink system, and versatile functionality.
According to a 2020 review by PCMag, the Brother MFC-J995DW stands out for its exceptional print quality and efficiency, making it one of the best home printers available. Its INKvestment Tank technology allows for lower cost per page and extended ink cartridge life, which means users can print more without frequently changing cartridges, adding to its appeal for home office environments.
The underlying mechanism driving this preference involves the printer’s ability to deliver consistent performance across various tasks—printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. The MFC-J995DW features a robust design that can handle a significant workload while maintaining quality, which is crucial for users who require reliability. Furthermore, its wireless connectivity options and compatibility with mobile devices enhance user convenience, allowing seamless integration into home offices, where multitasking is essential. This combination of economic efficiency and functional versatility creates a compelling case for users to favor this model for all-in-one printing needs.
How Do Print Quality and Speed Differ Among Brother Models?
Print quality and speed can vary significantly among Brother printer models, which can influence your choice when looking for the best Brother home printer.
- Brother MFC-J995DW: This model offers exceptional print quality with its INKvestment tank technology, providing sharp text and vibrant colors. It is designed for high-volume printing, achieving speeds of up to 12 pages per minute for black and white and 10 pages per minute for color, making it efficient for home office use.
- Brother HL-L2350DW: Known for its fast printing capabilities, this monochrome laser printer delivers prints at speeds of up to 32 pages per minute. While its print quality is excellent for text documents, it may not be as vibrant for color graphics, making it ideal for users who primarily print black-and-white documents.
- Brother MFC-L3770CDW: This all-in-one color laser printer combines quality and speed, providing professional-quality prints with a resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi. It prints at a speed of 25 pages per minute for both black and color, making it suitable for small businesses or home offices requiring both efficiency and high-quality output.
- Brother P-touch Cube Plus: Although not a traditional printer, this label maker produces high-quality labels with precise text and graphics at a moderate speed. It connects via Bluetooth for easy printing from mobile devices, making it an excellent choice for those needing quick labeling solutions at home.
- Brother MFC-J6945DW: This model is geared towards high-volume printing with the ability to print on larger paper sizes up to 11×17 inches. It delivers prints at a speed of 22 pages per minute for black and white and 20 pages per minute for color, while providing excellent print quality thanks to its advanced ink technology.
What Are the Long-Term Costs Associated with Using Brother Printers?
- Ink and Toner Costs: Brother printers often use either ink cartridges or toner cartridges, which can vary in price. Over time, the cost of purchasing replacement cartridges can accumulate, especially for users with high-volume printing needs.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Like any electronic device, Brother printers may require maintenance and occasional repairs. Factors such as the frequency of use, type of printer, and the environment can affect how often these costs arise, potentially leading to significant expenses over the years.
- Electricity Consumption: The long-term energy consumption of a Brother printer can contribute to household electricity bills. While many models are energy-efficient, prolonged use, especially in a home office setting, can lead to increased utility costs.
- Replacement Parts: Over time, components such as drums, fusers, or belts may need to be replaced to keep the printer functioning optimally. These replacement parts can represent a substantial long-term expense, especially if the printer is heavily used.
- Software and Driver Updates: Brother printers may require periodic software updates to maintain compatibility with operating systems and improve functionality. While these updates are often free, potential future costs could arise if new software solutions are needed for evolving technology.
What Insights Do Customer Reviews Provide About Brother Home Printers?
- Print Quality: Many reviews highlight the print quality, noting that Brother printers often deliver sharp text and vibrant colors. Users frequently appreciate the consistency in quality across different types of documents, from simple black and white pages to more complex color prints.
- Ease of Use: Customers often comment on how user-friendly Brother printers are, with intuitive setups and straightforward controls. This includes easy wireless connectivity and simple maintenance processes, which are especially beneficial for those who may not be tech-savvy.
- Cost of Supplies: Reviewers frequently discuss the affordability of Brother printer supplies, such as ink or toner cartridges. Many note that Brother’s high-yield cartridges provide good value for money, reducing the cost per page significantly compared to some competitors.
- Durability and Reliability: Users often emphasize the durability of Brother printers, with many experiencing years of reliable service with minimal issues. Reviewers appreciate that Brother printers are designed for heavy use, making them suitable for both home and small office environments.
- Customer Support: Feedback about customer support often varies, but many users report positive experiences with Brother’s assistance when troubleshooting issues. Quick response times and helpful representatives are commonly mentioned as factors that enhance customer satisfaction.
- Additional Features: Some reviews point out additional features like duplex printing, scanning, and copying capabilities that enhance the printer’s versatility. Users appreciate these multifunctional aspects, particularly in models that combine several functions into one device, saving space and money.