Choosing a wireless all-in-one printer/scanner often comes down to a single question: do you need color output? The Brother MFC-L2740DW is built for fast black-and-white printing, while the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW brings color to the table. Both are true multifunction devices, so printing, scanning, copying, and faxing are available on either side. The choice affects the look of your prints, your upfront budget, and how fast you get through a print job.
Quick Verdict: If your documents are mostly text and you want to keep the upfront cost low, the Brother MFC-L2740DW is the better pick with a USD 129.95 price and 32 ppm black-and-white speed. If you need color prints or charts, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW costs USD 229.99 but delivers full-color output, so it's worth the extra money for mixed-content printing.
| Brother MFC-L2740DW | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW | |
|---|---|---|
| Print Type | Monochrome laser | Color laser |
| Black Print Speed | 32 ppm | 25 ppm |
| Price | USD 129.95 | USD 229.99 |
| Condition | Used | Open box |
| Duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0 | Wireless, Ethernet, USB 2.0 |
The two printers share the same basic connectivity options and both have automatic duplexing. The real differences are color output, speed, and price. The HP also requires a separate toner order and a power cable, which adds to its upfront cost compared to the Brother.
Where the Brother wins: The Brother prints monochrome pages at 32 ppm, which is noticeably quicker than the HP's 25 ppm. For offices that churn out text-heavy documents, that speed matters, and the lower price makes it easier to justify. If you rarely print color, this is the more efficient pick.
Where the HP wins: The HP's big advantage is color output. Whether you're printing marketing materials, educational worksheets, or photos, the HP produces them in full color. The slightly slower print speed is a minor trade-off if you mainly need occasional color pages. The initial price is higher, and you'll need to supply toner and a power cable, but the flexibility could be worth it.
Brother MFC-L2740DW Wireless Monochrome Printer
The Brother MFC-L2740DW handles text-heavy printing needs well. It prints black-and-white at 32 ppm and auto-duplexes to save paper. The 30-bit color depth helps when you scan color documents, even though the printed output stays black-and-white. If you work mostly with text documents, this printer delivers fast output for a lower price than the HP. The trade-off is that it cannot produce color prints, so you'll need a separate device if color becomes necessary.
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW Wireless Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW is the choice when color is non-negotiable. This printer does not include toner cartridges or a power cable, so you'll need to budget for those separately. Replacement toner typically runs $20 to $60 per cartridge, and a compatible power cable can be found for under $10. The black-only print speed is a bit slower at 25 ppm, but the color output makes that drop worth it for many users. The downside beyond the consumables is the higher initial price compared to the Brother. If your work involves colored charts or images, this model gives you the flexibility the Brother can't.
Final choice by use case:
- For pure black-and-white efficiency: The Brother MFC-L2740DW wins on speed and upfront price.
- For color flexibility: The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301FDW is worth the extra cost for color output.
Consider how much color you realistically need before making a final call.
