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Zebra ZD420 — Label thermal · 2018
Zebra

Zebra ZD420

Label thermal · 2018

84
/ 100
From $399
VS
Brother HL-L3290CDW — Color laser AIO · 2022
Brother

Brother HL-L3290CDW

Color laser AIO · 2022

84
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Zebra ZD420 lands at 84 and Brother HL-L3290CDW at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Zebra ZD420 if…

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

Pick Brother HL-L3290CDW 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

Zebra ZD420

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Zebra ZD420 more score per dollar ($399 vs $499).

Zebra ZD420 84
vs
84 Brother HL-L3290CDW

Score breakdown

Zebra ZD420
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 80
reliability 82
Brother HL-L3290CDW
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 80
reliability 82

Specs side-by-side

Zebra ZD420 versus Brother HL-L3290CDW — full spec comparison
Spec Zebra ZD420 Brother HL-L3290CDW
Type
Label thermal
Color laser AIO
Release year
2018
2022

Zebra ZD420

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

Brother HL-L3290CDW

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

FAQ: Zebra ZD420 vs Brother HL-L3290CDW

Which is better, Zebra ZD420 or Brother HL-L3290CDW? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Zebra ZD420 worth the price? +

At $399, Zebra ZD420 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Is Brother HL-L3290CDW worth the price? +

At $499, Brother HL-L3290CDW delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Does Zebra ZD420 or Brother HL-L3290CDW 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, Zebra ZD420 or Brother HL-L3290CDW? +

Zebra ZD420 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.