Brother HL-L3270CDW vs HP M255DW: The Key Differences and Which One to Choose

Choosing the right color laser printer for your home or small office can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Brother HL-L3270CDW and the HP M255dw. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences, helping you make an informed decision.

Print Speed and Quality: A Tale of Two Printers

Both the Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw boast impressive print speeds, making them ideal for handling moderate to high-volume printing needs. The Brother HL-L3270CDW takes the lead with a slightly faster print speed of up to 22 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 20 ppm for color, compared to the HP M255dw’s 21 ppm for black and white and 19 ppm for color. This difference might not seem significant on paper, but it can translate to noticeable time savings when printing large documents or presentations.
In terms of print quality, both models deliver sharp, crisp text and vibrant colors. However, the Brother HL-L3270CDW tends to offer slightly better color accuracy and detail, making it a better choice for photo printing or documents requiring high-quality visuals.

Connectivity: Staying Connected in the Modern Workplace

Connectivity is crucial in today’s digital world, and both printers excel in this area. The Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw offer a wide range of connectivity options, including:

• Wireless: Both printers feature built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to print from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop without the need for cables.
• Ethernet: For a more stable and secure connection, both printers support Ethernet connectivity, ideal for shared network environments.
• USB: Both printers include a USB port for direct printing from a flash drive.
• Mobile Printing: Both printers support popular mobile printing solutions like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP ePrint, allowing you to print from your mobile device with ease.

While both printers offer similar connectivity features, the Brother HL-L3270CDW stands out with its support for NFC (Near Field Communication), enabling you to print wirelessly by simply tapping your NFC-enabled mobile device on the printer.

Paper Handling: Managing Your Paper Needs

Paper handling capacity is an important factor to consider, especially if you frequently print large documents or presentations. The Brother HL-L3270CDW offers a larger paper capacity with a 250-sheet standard paper tray and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, totaling 300 sheets. The HP M255dw, on the other hand, features a 250-sheet standard paper tray and a 10-sheet multipurpose tray, offering a total of 260 sheets. This difference in capacity could be significant if you print frequently or need to handle multiple paper types.

Features and Functionality: Beyond the Basics

Both printers offer a range of features that enhance their functionality and user experience. The Brother HL-L3270CDW stands out with its automatic duplex printing, which automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper. The HP M255dw, however, offers a built-in scanner and copier, making it a more versatile option for tasks beyond printing.

Cost of Ownership: The Long-Term Perspective

When considering a printer, it’s crucial to factor in the long-term cost of ownership. Both the Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw are known for their low running costs, thanks to their high-yield toner cartridges. However, the Brother HL-L3270CDW generally offers slightly lower toner costs per page, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Which Printer is Right for You: Making the Final Decision

The choice between the Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Brother HL-L3270CDW if:

• You prioritize print speed: The Brother HL-L3270CDW offers slightly faster print speeds, making it ideal for high-volume printing.
• You require exceptional color quality: The Brother HL-L3270CDW delivers superior color accuracy and detail, making it suitable for photo printing and documents with high-quality visuals.
• You desire a large paper capacity: The Brother HL-L3270CDW offers a larger paper capacity, ideal for frequent printing or handling multiple paper types.
• You value low running costs: The Brother HL-L3270CDW generally offers lower toner costs per page, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Choose the HP M255dw if:

• You need a versatile all-in-one device: The HP M255dw combines printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, making it a more versatile option for various tasks.
• You prioritize ease of use: The HP M255dw is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls.
• You require mobile printing convenience: The HP M255dw offers robust mobile printing capabilities, including HP ePrint, making it easy to print from your mobile device.

The Verdict: A Close Contest with a Clear Winner

Both the Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw are excellent color laser printers, offering impressive features and capabilities. However, the Brother HL-L3270CDW emerges as the winner for its superior print speed, exceptional color quality, larger paper capacity, and lower running costs. It’s the ideal choice for users who prioritize these factors and need a reliable and efficient color laser printer for their home or small office.

Popular Questions

Q1: What is the difference in price between the Brother HL-L3270CDW and HP M255dw?
A: The price difference between the two printers can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. However, generally, the Brother HL-L3270CDW is slightly more expensive than the HP M255dw.
Q2: Which printer is better for photo printing?
A: The Brother HL-L3270CDW is generally considered better for photo printing due to its superior color accuracy and detail.
Q3: Can I print from my smartphone to either printer?
A: Yes, both printers support mobile printing solutions like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and HP ePrint, allowing you to print from your smartphone.
Q4: Does the Brother HL-L3270CDW have a scanner?
A: No, the Brother HL-L3270CDW is a printer-only device. If you require a scanner, the HP M255dw is a better choice.
Q5: Which printer is more energy-efficient?
A: Both printers are energy-efficient, but the Brother HL-L3270CDW is rated as slightly more energy-efficient than the HP M255dw.