Epson
Epson SureColor F170
Dye-sub · 2021
86
/ 100
From $699
VS
Brother
Brother HL-L3280CDW
Color laser
86
/ 100
From $449
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Epson SureColor F170 lands at 86 and Brother HL-L3280CDW at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Epson SureColor F170 if…
- ✓Wireless printing (most)
- ✓Current-gen firmware
- ✓Mature driver support
Pick Brother HL-L3280CDW if…
- ✓Wireless printing
- ✓AirPrint/Mopria compatible
- ✓Good first-page-out time (laser models)
Epson SureColor F170 86
vs 86 Brother HL-L3280CDW
Score breakdown
Epson SureColor F170
86 speed 82
quality 86
cost 80
reliability 84
Brother HL-L3280CDW
86 speed 82
quality 86
cost 82
reliability 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Epson SureColor F170 | Brother HL-L3280CDW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dye-sub | Color laser |
| Release year | 2021 | — |
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
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
FAQ: Epson SureColor F170 vs Brother HL-L3280CDW
Which is better, Epson SureColor F170 or Brother HL-L3280CDW? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Epson SureColor F170 worth the price? +
At $699, Epson SureColor F170 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in quality.
Is Brother HL-L3280CDW worth the price? +
At $449, Brother HL-L3280CDW delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in quality.
Does Epson SureColor F170 or Brother HL-L3280CDW 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.