Brother
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Mono laser AIO
88
/ 100
From $329
VS
Brother
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Color laser · 27ppm · Duplex · ADF
88
/ 100
From $549
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Brother MFC-L2820DW lands at 88 and Brother MFC-L3780CDW at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Brother MFC-L2820DW if…
- ✓Wireless printing
- ✓AirPrint/Mopria compatible
- ✓Good first-page-out time (laser models)
Pick Brother MFC-L3780CDW if…
- ✓Toner-cheap color laser
- ✓Auto-duplex with single-pass scanning
- ✓No first-party ink subscription
Brother MFC-L2820DW 88
vs 88 Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Score breakdown
Brother MFC-L2820DW
88 speed 84
quality 88
cost 82
reliability 86
features 0
value 0
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
88 speed 92
quality 86
cost 96
reliability 0
features 90
value 92
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Brother MFC-L2820DW | Brother MFC-L3780CDW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mono laser AIO | Color laser MFP |
| Speed | — | 27 ppm color + mono |
| Resolution | — | 2400×600 dpi |
| Duplex | — | Auto print + scan |
| Connectivity | — | Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, USB-C, AirPrint |
| ADF | — | 50-sheet single-pass duplex |
| Weight | — | 24.5 kg |
Brother MFC-L2820DW
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
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Pros
- +Toner-cheap color laser
- +Auto-duplex with single-pass scanning
- +No first-party ink subscription
Cons
- −Glossy paper not supported
- −Color photos quality below inkjet
- −Loud at 50 dB
FAQ: Brother MFC-L2820DW vs Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Which is better, Brother MFC-L2820DW or Brother MFC-L3780CDW? +
Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Brother MFC-L2820DW worth the price? +
At $329, Brother MFC-L2820DW delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in quality.
Is Brother MFC-L3780CDW worth the price? +
At $549, Brother MFC-L3780CDW delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in cost.
Does Brother MFC-L2820DW or Brother MFC-L3780CDW 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.