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Brother HL-L3280CDW — Color laser
Brother

Brother HL-L3280CDW

Color laser

86
/ 100
From $449
VS
Epson SureColor F170 — Dye-sub · 2021
Epson

Epson SureColor F170

Dye-sub · 2021

86
/ 100
From $699
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Brother HL-L3280CDW lands at 86 and Epson SureColor F170 at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Brother HL-L3280CDW if…

  • ✓Wireless printing
  • ✓AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • ✓Good first-page-out time (laser models)

Pick Epson SureColor F170 if…

  • ✓Wireless printing (most)
  • ✓Current-gen firmware
  • ✓Mature driver support
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Quality

Tie

Compared on the quality sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Reliability

Tie

Compared on the reliability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Speed

Tie

Compared on the speed sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Brother HL-L3280CDW

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Brother HL-L3280CDW more score per dollar ($449 vs $699).

Brother HL-L3280CDW 86
vs
86 Epson SureColor F170

Score breakdown

Brother HL-L3280CDW
86
speed 82
quality 86
cost 82
reliability 84
Epson SureColor F170
86
speed 82
quality 86
cost 80
reliability 84

Specs side-by-side

Brother HL-L3280CDW versus Epson SureColor F170 — full spec comparison
Spec Brother HL-L3280CDW Epson SureColor F170
Type
Color laser
Dye-sub
Release year
—
2021

Brother HL-L3280CDW

Pros
  • +Wireless printing
  • +AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • +Good first-page-out time (laser models)
Cons
  • −Ink subscription lock-in (HP)
  • −Drum/toner replacement cost
  • −Slow photo print on some inkjets

Epson SureColor F170

Pros
  • +Wireless printing (most)
  • +Current-gen firmware
  • +Mature driver support
Cons
  • −Ink/toner subscriptions (HP)
  • −Noisy under heavy loads
  • −Paper path varies

FAQ: Brother HL-L3280CDW vs Epson SureColor F170

Which is better, Brother HL-L3280CDW or Epson SureColor F170? +

Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Brother HL-L3280CDW worth the price? +

At $449, Brother HL-L3280CDW delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in quality.

Is Epson SureColor F170 worth the price? +

At $699, Epson SureColor F170 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in quality.

Does Brother HL-L3280CDW or Epson SureColor F170 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Brother HL-L3280CDW or Epson SureColor F170? +

Brother HL-L3280CDW — more score per dollar ($449 vs $699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.