This article aims to compare Brother vs Canon Laser Printer from a wider perspective!
In the digital age, having a printer at your disposal, be it at home or in the office, has become more of a necessity than a luxury. With so many brands and models in the market, the decision to buy one can be challenging. Two such brands that have gained prominence are Brother and Canon, thanks to their innovative features and reliable performance. This article aims to provide a comparative analysis of the Brother MFC-L8900CDW and Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw, two flagship models in their respective color laser printer series.
Comparing Brother vs Canon color laser printer
With a legacy of providing reliable and high-quality printers, Brother introduces the MFC-L8900CDW – a powerful multi-function color laser printer built for businesses. This device offers a compelling mix of superb print quality, impressive speed, and robust functionality. Among its notable features are versatile connectivity options, a user-friendly interface, and secure function lock to manage the functions available on a per user or group basis. Its outstanding performance in both color and monochrome printing, combined with efficient scan and copy functions, makes it an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes. While it boasts of good print speeds, it’s worth noting that it might be a bit more costly in terms of color printing compared to some competitors. However, it makes up for this with its robust construction, extensive feature set, and good black print economy.
Canon is renowned for creating efficient and highly functional office equipment, and the Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw certainly lives up to that reputation. This all-in-one color laser printer is designed for efficiency, bringing professional-quality printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into one robust machine. It’s especially suited to small or medium-sized businesses or home offices, with a strong emphasis on performance and convenience. The MF743Cdw features a large, 5-inch color touch screen for effortless navigation, alongside NFC and Wi-Direct for seamless connectivity. High-capacity toner cartridges deliver cost-effective printing, further adding to its appeal for businesses with high-volume printing needs. However, one must keep in mind its large size and slightly slower duplex printing.
Also, read about the Canon MegaTank vs Epson EcoTank printers.
Side by side comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table for the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW based on various criteria. Note that specific values and costs may vary based on supplier, location, and time:
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw | Brother MFC-L8900CDW | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.8 x 18.8 x 18.4 inches | 19.5 x 20.7 x 21.6 inches |
| Weight | 64 lbs | 63.1 lbs |
| Max Print Speed (Monochrome) | 28 ppm | 33 ppm |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 28 ppm | 33 ppm |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 4,000 pages | Up to 4,000 pages |
| ADF Capacity | 50 sheets | 70 sheets |
| Duplex Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes (including NFC and Wi-Direct) | Yes (including Wi-Fi Direct) |
| Max Resolution (Color) | 600 x 600 dpi (1200 x 1200 dpi equivalent) | 2400 dpi |
| Touchscreen Control Panel | 5 inches | 5 inches |
Now let’s dive into a more detailed comparison based on some key areas:
Print Speed: Both printers offer good print speeds, with the Brother MFC-L8900CDW having a slight edge in monochrome and color printing at 33 ppm, as compared to the MF743Cdw’s 28 ppm. However, in real-world applications, actual print speeds can vary depending on the complexity of the documents and other factors.
Print Quality: Both printers are capable of delivering high-quality prints, but the MFC-L8900CDW offers a higher color resolution, which could result in slightly crisper color images. That being said, the MF743Cdw has been praised for its excellent color accuracy and overall print quality, suggesting that both models are more than capable in this area.
Ease of Use: Both models have large, 5-inch touchscreens for easy navigation and control. However, the MF743Cdw offers a bit more flexibility in terms of connectivity options, including NFC, which could simplify the process of connecting mobile devices.
Cost Effectiveness: The MF743Cdw stands out with its high-capacity toner cartridges, delivering a lower cost per page, especially with color prints. This makes it a more economical choice for high-volume printing. The Brother MFC-L8900CDW, while having a higher initial cartridge cost, offers reasonable running costs for black-and-white prints.
Size and Weight: Both printers are quite large and heavy, indicating their robust build and capacity for high-volume workloads. However, the MF743Cdw is slightly smaller, which might be a factor if space is a concern.
Additional Features: Both printers offer duplex printing and have automatic document feeders, though the Brother MFC-L8900CDW has a larger ADF capacity. This could be a deciding factor for businesses frequently dealing with multi-page documents.
Remember, choosing a printer is not just about the specifications but also about how well it fits with your specific needs and work environment. Both the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW are excellent multifunction printers, each with their own strengths, and would be a solid addition to any office setup.
Print Performance Comparison
Let’s break down the printing performance of both printers in a detailed comparison table first:
| Printing Parameter | Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw | Brother MFC-L8900CDW |
|---|---|---|
| Max Print Speed (Monochrome) | 28 pages per minute (ppm) | 33 pages per minute (ppm) |
| Max Print Speed (Color) | 28 pages per minute (ppm) | 33 pages per minute (ppm) |
| First Page Out Time (Monochrome) | Approximately 7.5 seconds | Approximately 6.5 seconds |
| First Page Out Time (Color) | Approximately 8.6 seconds | Approximately 7.5 seconds |
| Print Resolution (Monochrome) | Up to 600 x 600 dpi (1200 x 1200 dpi equivalent) | Up to 2400 dpi |
| Print Resolution (Color) | Up to 600 x 600 dpi (1200 x 1200 dpi equivalent) | Up to 2400 dpi |
Now, let’s discuss these parameters in detail:
Print Speed: The Brother MFC-L8900CDW edges out the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw in terms of print speed, capable of printing up to 33 pages per minute in both monochrome and color, compared to Canon’s 28 ppm. While this difference might not be substantial for smaller print jobs, it could prove significant in high-volume printing scenarios, making the Brother printer a slightly more efficient choice in those cases.
First Page Out Time: The Brother printer also leads in this area, with slightly faster first-page-out times for both monochrome and color prints. This could translate into a more responsive printing experience, particularly for quick, one-off print jobs.
Print Resolution: When it comes to print resolution, Brother’s MFC-L8900CDW offers a higher maximum resolution of 2400 dpi, in contrast to Canon’s 600 x 600 dpi (1200 x 1200 dpi equivalent). This suggests that the Brother printer could produce slightly sharper and more detailed prints, especially for graphics-heavy documents or images. However, it’s important to note that the perceived differences in print quality might not be significant for everyday text documents or simple graphics.
Know more about 600 dpi vs 1200 printers here.
Color Printing: Both printers offer comparable speeds for color printing, but the higher resolution of the Brother printer could result in better color accuracy and detail. That being said, both printers are praised for their color reproduction capabilities, and the Canon model, in particular, is known for its vibrant and accurate colors.
Overall Print Performance: Taking all these factors into consideration, it seems that the Brother MFC-L8900CDW might have a slight advantage in terms of raw printing performance. However, the Canon Color image CLASS MF743Cdw is by no means a slouch and delivers solid performance across the board. The right choice would ultimately depend on your specific needs and requirements – whether you prioritize speed, resolution, color accuracy, or perhaps a balance of all factors.
As with any comparison, it’s important to remember that raw specifications don’t tell the whole story. Factors like print quality, ease of use, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness are all important considerations when choosing the right printer for your needs.
Scanning Performance Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison table of the scanning performance between the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW:
| Scanning Parameter | Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw | Brother MFC-L8900CDW |
|---|---|---|
| ADF Capacity | 50 sheets | 70 sheets |
| Maximum Scan Size | Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) | Legal (8.5 x 14 inches) |
| Scan Speed (Monochrome) | Up to 28 images per minute (ipm) duplex | Up to 40 images per minute (ipm) duplex |
| Scan Speed (Color) | Up to 28 images per minute (ipm) duplex | Up to 40 images per minute (ipm) duplex |
| Duplex Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Batch Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Scanning | Yes | Yes |
| Scan Resolution | Up to 600 x 600 dpi | Up to 1200 x 2400 dpi |
Now, let’s discuss these parameters in detail:
ADF Capacity: The Brother MFC-L8900CDW has a slightly larger automatic document feeder (ADF) capacity compared to the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw, allowing for more pages to be scanned at a time, reducing the need for user intervention in larger scanning tasks.
Maximum Scan Size: Both printers can accommodate up to legal size (8.5 x 14 inches) documents for scanning, which should be sufficient for most typical office scanning needs.
Scan Speed: Brother’s MFC-L8900CDW takes the lead in this area with a faster scan speed for both monochrome and color scanning in duplex mode. This could prove particularly useful in high-volume scanning situations, enabling more efficient digitization of documents.
Duplex Scanning: Both models support duplex scanning, a crucial feature for offices looking to digitize two-sided documents efficiently.
Batch Scanning: Both printers also support batch scanning, a feature that is handy for scanning multiple pages or documents in a single operation.
Wi-Fi Scanning: Both models support Wi-Fi scanning, allowing users to scan documents directly to a network location or cloud storage, enhancing the workflow and reducing the need for manual file transfers.
Scan Resolution: When it comes to scan resolution, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW offers higher resolution compared to the Canon model, potentially resulting in more detailed digital images.
Taking all these factors into consideration, while both printers provide robust scanning capabilities, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW might have the edge in terms of raw scanning performance due to its higher ADF capacity, faster scan speed, and higher scan resolution. However, the Canon model still offers a solid range of features and may still be an excellent choice, depending on your specific scanning needs and requirements.
Cost Analysis (Brother vs Canon)
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW both offer strong performance and utility, yet they display some differences in terms of costs.
| Cost Parameters | Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw | Brother MFC-L8900CDW |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cartridge Price | $90 | $75 |
| Color Cartridge Price (Each) | $110 | $90 |
| Black-Only Printing Cost per Page | $0.03 | $0.026 |
| Color Printing Cost per Page | $0.12 | $0.15 |
| Photo Printing Cost per Page | $0.15 | $0.18 |
For the black cartridge price, the Canon model seems to be a bit more expensive compared to the Brother model. However, this could be justified by Canon’s high-capacity cartridges, which deliver a lower cost per page. In terms of black-only printing cost, the Brother printer seems to be slightly more economical, but the difference is marginal.
When it comes to color cartridges, the Canon printer’s cartridges are priced higher. This might reflect in the higher initial investment when purchasing the cartridges. However, when considering the color printing cost per page, the Canon model proves to be more cost-effective. It’s worth noting that the Canon MF743Cdw uses high-capacity cartridges, which may last longer, further reducing the cost in the long run.
When printing photos, the Canon printer appears to be more cost-effective compared to the Brother model. This makes it a better choice for businesses or users who frequently print high-quality photos.
Overall, while the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw might have higher upfront cartridge costs, it offers a more economical cost per page, making it an attractive choice for users with heavy printing requirements. The Brother MFC-L8900CDW might be a more suitable choice for those who print less frequently and wish to reduce the initial cartridge costs.
Which color laser printer is best among Brother & Canon?
Based on the comparison provided, both the Canon Color image CLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW are excellent color laser printers with their own strengths. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here’s a summary of the key points to consider:
Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw:
– Slightly smaller dimensions, which could be beneficial if space is a concern.
– Good print speed of 28 ppm for both monochrome and color.
– Excellent color accuracy and overall print quality.
– NFC connectivity for easier mobile device connection.
– Cost-effective with high-capacity toner cartridges, resulting in a lower cost per page for color prints.
– Standard features such as duplex printing and automatic document feeder (ADF) with a capacity of 50 sheets.
Brother MFC-L8900CDW:
– Slightly faster print speed of 33 ppm for both monochrome and color.
– Higher color resolution of 2400 dpi, potentially resulting in sharper and more detailed prints.
– Larger ADF capacity of 70 sheets, suitable for high-volume scanning.
– Wi-Fi scanning and duplex scanning for efficient digitization of documents.
– Reasonable running costs for black-and-white prints.
– Standard features such as duplex printing and ADF.
Considering the above points, if you prioritize slightly faster print speed, higher color resolution, and a larger ADF capacity for scanning, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW may be the better choice for you. However, if you value excellent color accuracy, cost-effectiveness for color prints, and the convenience of NFC connectivity, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw could be the preferred option.
Ultimately, it’s important to assess your specific requirements, consider the factors that matter most to you, and choose the printer that aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Brother MFC-L8900CDW Color laser printer
Engineered to provide the optimal balance between performance and value, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW serves as an ideal addition to any small or micro office environment. Its impressive text quality and speed, paired with its expandable capabilities and competitive running costs, make it a suitable choice for businesses requiring consistent, quality output without excessive costs.
Check Brother's Price at Amazon
In-Depth Review
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW encapsulates efficiency in a compact form. From the get-go, it is clear that this printer aims to meet the needs of a bustling work environment. Its initial paper capacity is a sizable 300 sheets, but it allows for expansion up to an impressive 1,300 sheets with add-on cassettes. This flexibility ensures that businesses can scale their printing operations as needed.
The printer is built to handle the grind of a busy office, boasting a maximum monthly duty cycle of 60,000 pages and a recommended monthly volume of 4,000 pages. This robustness promises longevity and reliability, translating to fewer maintenance headaches in the long run. Checkout our latest guide on printer maintenance!
On the connectivity front, the MFC-L8900CDW shines. With options ranging from Ethernet and Wi-Fi to USB, it is prepared to seamlessly integrate into diverse office environments. It further enhances this interoperability with a rich suite of mobile connection features, including AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, and NFC. Coupled with Brother’s proprietary solutions like iPrint & Scan, Office Print, and Easy Scan to E-mail, it ensures businesses can maintain a smooth workflow.
Security hasn’t been neglected either. The printer comes equipped with features like Secure Function Lock, Active Directory, Secure Print, and an integrated NFC card reader. These help safeguard sensitive information, providing control over who can access the printer and its functions.
Performance is a notable strength of the MFC-L8900CDW. It effortlessly exceeds its rated speed of 33 pages per minute for monochrome and color prints, holding its ground against competition, even those marketed as high-volume models.
However, it isn’t without its flaws. Graphics and photo quality, while passable, do not quite reach the high standards set by some competitors. Gradients can appear stepped rather than smoothly transitioning, and photos may lack vibrancy and fine detail.
Key Takeaways
The Brother MFC-L8900CDW excels as a workhorse printer for business environments. Its versatile feature set, expandable paper capacity, robust security options, and swift print speed make it a solid contender for small to medium-sized businesses. While it may not be the top choice for graphics and photo printing, its text quality is nothing short of exceptional, providing excellent value for money.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High monochrome print speed | Graphic quality could be better |
| Outstanding text output | Photo quality leaves room for improvement |
| Reasonable running costs | |
| Expandable paper handling | |
| Comprehensive security features |
All things considered, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW brings together a range of desirable features in one capable package. It’s an excellent fit for businesses with moderate printing needs, prioritizing text quality over graphics and photo output. Those with heavier graphic or photo printing requirements might want to explore other alternatives.
Canon MF743Cdw Color laser printer
Stepping into the ring with hefty competition, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw has much to prove. This color laser printer is a comprehensive, robust solution that promises to meet the needs of small to medium businesses. It’s not just a printer; it’s a multi-functional device that can print, scan, copy, and fax – all with high-quality results.
In-Depth Review
Starting with the physical dimensions, the Canon MF743Cdw is undoubtedly a substantial machine. Measuring at 18.8 x 18.8 x 18.4 inches, and weighing a considerable 64 pounds, it’s clear that this printer means serious business. Its larger size houses a variety of features including a document feeder and a multipurpose bypass tray capable of holding up to 50 sheets. The output tray nestled in the body can comfortably manage up to 75 sheets.
One of the standout features of the MF743Cdw is its generously-sized 5-inch color touch screen. The touch screen is intuitively designed, enabling users to swipe and select icons much like they would on a smartphone. This feature can save substantial time by creating on-screen shortcuts for common tasks.
The connectivity options on the MF743Cdw are diverse and modern. Beyond the expected Ethernet and USB capabilities, the printer offers a direct NFC connection, Wi-Direct, and a USB Direct print port. Adding to its repertoire, it also features 299 storage slots for fax numbers and 281 speed dial numbers. The MF743Cdw is also capable of duplex faxing – a feature not commonly found in other printers in this range.
When it comes to performance, the MF743Cdw truly stands out. It has demonstrated its ability to print color graphics PDF files swiftly, outperforming the category average. However, duplex printing is a bit slower than some may expect. The printer performs exceptionally well in scanning and copying, especially when using the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF).
Changing the toner cartridges is straightforward, thanks to the four cartridges placed in a slide-out tray that’s easily accessible from the front. The printer uses high-capacity toner cartridges, leading to a lower cost per page.
However, no product is without flaws. A minor drawback for some may be the printer’s considerable size. Additionally, the setup process, while guided by the touch screen, could be more user-friendly. Lastly, the included Canon MF Scan software, while functional, lacks common photo sizes, making it less ideal for photo scanning.
Key Takeaways
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw impresses with its wide array of features, fast printing and scanning, and comprehensive connectivity options. It manages to combine high-quality image printing with substantial, business-centric functionalities. While its size may be a turn-off for some, and duplex printing speed could be improved, the MF743Cdw is a sturdy, reliable option for businesses with moderate to heavy printing needs.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, 5-inch color touch screen | Larger physical dimensions |
| Quick printing of color graphics PDF files | Slower duplex printing |
| Fast scan and copy speeds | Setup could be more user-friendly |
| High-capacity toner cartridges resulting in a low cost per page | Included scanning software lacks common photo sizes |
| Multipage copying via ADF |
In conclusion, the Canon Color image CLASS MF743Cdw presents itself as an all-rounded printer that thrives in a business environment. Its fast speeds, robust features, and high-capacity toner cartridges, make it a strong contender in the color laser multifunction printer segment. Some minor drawbacks do exist, but they are overshadowed by its impressive performance and utility.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
These are the frequently asked questions you may find useful!
What is a modern color laser printer?
A modern color laser printer is a type of printer that uses laser technology to produce high-quality color prints. It employs a laser beam to transfer toner onto the printing material, typically paper, resulting in sharp and vibrant color output.
How does a color laser printer work?
Color laser printers work by using four toner cartridges—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK)—to create a full spectrum of colors. The laser beam draws the image onto a rotating drum, and the toner adheres to the drum according to the electrostatic charge pattern. Then, the toner is transferred onto the paper and fused into place using heat and pressure.
Know more about – 4 color vs 6 color printers.
What are the advantages of using a color laser printer?
Color laser printers offer several advantages, including:
- High-quality prints: They produce sharp and vibrant color output, suitable for professional documents and graphics.
- Fast printing speeds: Laser printers are known for their rapid printing capabilities, making them ideal for high-volume printing tasks.
- Durability: Laser prints are resistant to smudging and fading, providing long-lasting and professional-looking documents.
- Cost-effective: While color laser printers tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to inkjet printers, their lower cost per page for color prints can make them more economical for frequent printing needs.
- Versatility: Color laser printers can handle various paper sizes and types, including envelopes, labels, and cardstock.
Read more: Digital printer vs laser printer.
Are color laser printers suitable for home use?
Color laser printers can be used in home environments, but they are generally better suited for small businesses, offices, or workgroups that require high-quality color printing and have a higher printing volume. The upfront cost and larger physical footprint of laser printers may not be practical for some home users. However, if you have specific printing needs that demand professional-grade color output, a color laser printer could be a suitable option for your home.
These are the best printers suitable for occasional home use.
Do color laser printers require special paper?
While color laser printers can work with standard office paper, using higher-quality paper specifically designed for laser printing can enhance the print results. Laser printer paper is typically smoother and better able to handle the heat and toner fusion process, resulting in improved color accuracy and sharper details. If you frequently print photos or graphics, using laser-specific photo paper can further enhance the print quality.
Can color laser printers print black and white documents?
Yes, color laser printers can print black and white documents efficiently. In fact, many color laser printers are equipped with a dedicated black toner cartridge that ensures high-quality black and grayscale prints. Printing in black and white mode can also be more cost-effective since you don’t need to utilize the color toner cartridges.
Are color laser printers wireless and mobile-friendly?
Yes, many modern color laser printers come with wireless connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to print wirelessly from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Additionally, some color laser printers support mobile printing technologies like Apple AirPrint or Google Cloud Print, enabling convenient printing directly from mobile devices.
Can color laser printers scan and copy documents?
While color laser printers primarily focus on printing, some models offer additional functionality like scanning and copying. These multifunction color laser printers incorporate a flatbed scanner or an automatic document feeder (ADF) to facilitate document scanning and copying. However, it’s important to note that not all color laser printers include these features, so if scanning and copying are important to you, make sure to choose a model that explicitly supports these functions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW are powerful color laser printers that offer a range of features suitable for office environments. Each printer has its own strengths and advantages, making the final choice dependent on specific needs and preferences.
The Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw impresses with its excellent color accuracy and overall print quality. It offers a good print speed, NFC connectivity for easy mobile device connection, and cost-effectiveness with high-capacity toner cartridges. Additionally, its slightly smaller dimensions make it a suitable option for space-constrained environments.
On the other hand, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW showcases a faster print speed, higher color resolution, and a larger ADF capacity, making it ideal for high-volume scanning tasks. It offers Wi-Fi scanning, duplex scanning, and reasonable running costs for black-and-white prints. The Brother printer’s robust features and performance make it a strong contender for offices that prioritize speed and high-resolution color printing.
Ultimately, the choice between the two printers depends on the specific needs of the user. If color accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and NFC connectivity are important factors, the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw is a solid choice. However, for those who require faster print speeds, higher color resolution, and a larger ADF capacity, the Brother MFC-L8900CDW is a compelling option.
It is recommended to thoroughly evaluate your requirements, consider the features and performance that matter most to you, and choose the printer that best aligns with your specific needs. Both the Canon Color imageCLASS MF743Cdw and the Brother MFC-L8900CDW are reliable printers that can effectively meet the demands of modern office environments.
