The Ultimate Showdown: Brother MFC-L3750CDW vs Brother DCP-L3550CDW

Are you searching for a reliable and versatile color laser printer for your home or small office? The Brother MFC-L3750CDW vs Brother DCP-L3550CDW battle is a common one, as both models offer impressive features and affordability. Choosing the right printer can be overwhelming, so we’re here to break down the key differences and help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Feature Showdown: MFC-L3750CDW vs DCP-L3550CDW

Both the Brother MFC-L3750CDW and DCP-L3550CDW are solid contenders in the color laser printer market. Let’s take a closer look at what each printer brings to the table:
Brother MFC-L3750CDW:

• All-in-one Functionality: This model boasts a powerful combination of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities.
• High-Capacity Paper Tray: The MFC-L3750CDW features a generous 250-sheet paper tray, perfect for handling larger print jobs.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): This feature allows for hands-free scanning and copying of multi-page documents.
• Duplex Printing: Effortlessly print on both sides of the paper to save paper and money.
• Wireless Connectivity: Connect seamlessly to your network and print from any device.
• Mobile Printing: Use your smartphone or tablet to print documents on the go.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW:

• Compact Design: The DCP-L3550CDW offers a smaller footprint, making it an ideal choice for limited desk space.
• Affordable Price Point: This model comes in at a lower price than the MFC-L3750CDW, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
• Fast Print Speeds: Enjoy swift printing with speeds up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents.
• High-Quality Color Printing: The DCP-L3550CDW delivers vibrant and precise color prints.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: Save paper and time with automatic double-sided printing.
• USB Connectivity: Connect directly to your computer for easy printing.

Print Quality: A Visual Comparison

Both printers deliver impressive print quality, but there are subtle differences worth noting:
Brother MFC-L3750CDW:

• Sharp Text: The MFC-L3750CDW excels in producing crisp and clear text, perfect for documents and reports.
• Vibrant Colors: Enjoy rich and accurate color reproduction, ideal for presentations and marketing materials.
• Photo Quality: While not designed for professional photo printing, the MFC-L3750CDW can handle basic photo prints with decent results.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW:

• Sharp Text: Similar to the MFC-L3750CDW, the DCP-L3550CDW produces sharp and legible text.
• Accurate Colors: The DCP-L3550CDW delivers reliable color accuracy, making it suitable for everyday printing needs.
• Photo Quality: Like the MFC-L3750CDW, this model is not a dedicated photo printer, but it can handle basic photo prints with acceptable results.

Performance: Speed and Efficiency

Both printers offer fast print speeds, making them efficient for everyday use:
Brother MFC-L3750CDW:

• Print Speed: Prints up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 22 ppm for color documents.
• Warm-up Time: Ready to print quickly with a fast warm-up time.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW:

• Print Speed: Prints up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 22 ppm for color documents.
• Warm-up Time: Similar to the MFC-L3750CDW, the DCP-L3550CDW boasts a quick warm-up time.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Both printers offer a range of connectivity options to suit your needs:
Brother MFC-L3750CDW:

• Wireless Connectivity: Connect seamlessly to your network and print from multiple devices.
• Ethernet Connectivity: Connect directly to your network for reliable and secure printing.
• USB Connectivity: Connect directly to your computer for easy printing.
• Mobile Printing: Print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using the Brother iPrint&Scan app.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW:

• Wireless Connectivity: Connect wirelessly to your network and print from multiple devices.
• USB Connectivity: Connect directly to your computer for easy printing.
• Mobile Printing: Print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet using the Brother iPrint&Scan app.

Cost Per Page: Budget-Friendly Printing

Both printers offer affordable printing costs, making them cost-effective over time:
Brother MFC-L3750CDW:

• High-Yield Toner Cartridges: The MFC-L3750CDW uses high-yield toner cartridges, reducing the cost per page.
• Low Running Costs: Enjoy low printing costs, making it an economical choice for frequent printing.

Brother DCP-L3550CDW:

• High-Yield Toner Cartridges: The DCP-L3550CDW also offers high-yield toner cartridges, keeping printing costs low.
• Affordable Running Costs: This model delivers cost-effective printing for everyday use.

Making the Decision: Which Printer is Right for You?

Choosing between the Brother MFC-L3750CDW and DCP-L3550CDW depends on your specific needs and budget:
Choose the Brother MFC-L3750CDW if:

• You need all-in-one functionality (printing, copying, scanning, and faxing).
• You require a high-capacity paper tray for larger print jobs.
• You need an automatic document feeder (ADF) for hands-free scanning and copying.
• You value a wider range of connectivity options, including Ethernet.
• You’re willing to spend a bit more for added features.

Choose the Brother DCP-L3550CDW if:

• You’re looking for a compact and affordable printer.
• You prioritize fast print speeds and excellent print quality.
• You need a printer with automatic duplex printing.
• You primarily need a printer for basic printing tasks.

The Verdict: Beyond the Hype

Both the Brother MFC-L3750CDW and DCP-L3550CDW are exceptional color laser printers that deliver reliable performance and value for money. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. The MFC-L3750CDW offers a comprehensive feature set with all-in-one functionality and a high-capacity paper tray, while the DCP-L3550CDW provides a compact and affordable solution with fast print speeds and excellent print quality.

What People Want to Know

Q: What is the difference between the MFC-L3750CDW and the DCP-L3550CDW?
A: The main difference lies in the features. The MFC-L3750CDW is an all-in-one printer with faxing capabilities, a larger paper tray, and an automatic document feeder. The DCP-L3550CDW is a more compact and affordable model that focuses on printing, copying, and scanning.
Q: Which printer is better for photo printing?
A: Neither printer is specifically designed for professional photo printing. Both models can handle basic photo prints with acceptable results, but for high-quality photo prints, consider a dedicated photo printer.
Q: Are the toner cartridges expensive?
A: Both printers use high-yield toner cartridges, which help to keep printing costs low. However, the cost of toner cartridges can vary depending on the retailer and the type of toner you choose.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, both printers support mobile printing using the Brother iPrint&Scan app, allowing you to print wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
Q: Is it easy to set up and use?
A: Both printers are relatively easy to set up and use. They come with comprehensive instructions and user-friendly software.