Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome vs Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the brother dcp l2640dw wireless compact monochrome vs hl l2480dw wireless. Both are compact monochrome laser multifunction printers from Brother. They share the same 36 ppm print speed, dual-band wireless, and Ethernet connectivity. They also use the same toner cartridges. The main difference is that the DCP-L2640DW includes a 50-page auto document feeder for batch scanning. The HL-L2480DW adds a touchscreen and a larger 250-sheet paper tray.
Key differences
| Aspect | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Document Feeder | 50-page ADF | Not listed |
| Paper Tray Capacity | Not listed | 250-sheet tray |
| Control Panel | Not listed | 2.7-inch touchscreen |
| Height | 12.5 inches | 10.7 inches |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 22.2 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer if
- You need to scan multiple pages at once without loading them manually.
- You prefer a device that is already listed with an auto document feeder.
Choose Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer if
- You want a larger paper tray to reduce refilling frequency.
- You prefer a touchscreen interface for cloud app navigation.
Verdict: The DCP-L2640DW is better if you frequently scan multi-page documents. The HL-L2480DW suits you better if you want a larger paper capacity and a touchscreen. Both models handle single-page jobs efficiently with identical print speeds.
DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW Specs
Physical dimensions
Both printers share the same width and length, measuring 16.1 inches wide and 15.7 inches deep. The height differs significantly. The Brother DCP-L2640DW stands 12.5 inches tall. The Brother HL-L2480DW is shorter at 10.7 inches. This makes the HL-L2480DW more suitable for low clearance spaces. The DCP-L2640DW is slightly heavier at 25 pounds. The HL-L2480DW weighs 22.2 pounds. You might prefer the smaller footprint of the HL-L2480DW if desk space is tight.
Print speed
Both machines offer identical performance for black and white documents. The Brother DCP-L2640DW prints up to 36 pages per minute. The Brother HL-L2480DW also reaches 36 pages per minute. Neither model offers color printing, as both are monochrome laser devices. Since the speed is the same, you will not gain or lose time by choosing one over the other for standard document output. Both handle high-volume tasks with equal efficiency.
Control interface
The control panels differ in design. The Brother HL-L2480DW features a 2.7-inch touchscreen. This allows you to navigate menus and select cloud apps like Google Drive or Dropbox directly on the device. The Brother DCP-L2640DW does not list a touchscreen in its specifications. It likely uses a standard button panel. If you prefer direct screen interaction for scanning to cloud services, the HL-L2480DW is the better choice.
Connectivity options
Both printers provide robust connection choices for modern offices. Each model includes built-in dual-band wireless support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. They also both feature Ethernet ports for wired connections. Additionally, each unit has a USB interface for direct computer linking. You can use the Brother Mobile Connect app with either device for mobile printing and scanning. There is no difference in connectivity capabilities between the two models.
Paper handling
The Brother HL-L2480DW specifies a 250-sheet capacity paper tray. It also includes a manual feed slot for envelopes or specialty paper. The Brother DCP-L2640DW data does not explicitly state the main tray capacity, though it is a similar class of printer. Both support automatic duplex printing to save paper. The HL-L2480DW clearly highlights its versatile paper handling features. You may prefer the specified capacity and manual slot clarity of the HL-L2480DW.
Which Brother Printer Should You Buy
Users needing high-volume paper handling
The HL-L2480DW includes a 250-sheet capacity paper tray. This larger input hopper supports high-volume black and white printing tasks without frequent refilling. The manual feed slot also allows you to print on envelopes and specialty paper. This versatility makes it ideal for busy small offices or work-from-home setups that generate many documents daily.
Users wanting quick multi-page scanning
The DCP-L2640DW features a 50-page auto document feeder. This allows for convenient, time-saving multi-page scanning and copying. You can process stacks of documents quickly without placing each page on the flatbed glass. If your workflow involves frequent digitization of multi-page reports, this feeder provides a significant efficiency advantage over manual scanning methods.
Users preferring a compact footprint
The HL-L2480DW is shorter at 10.7 inches tall compared to the 12.5-inch DCP-L2640DW. Both share the same width and length, but the reduced height allows the HL-L2480DW to fit under more cabinets or shelves. It is also lighter at 22.2 pounds versus 25 pounds. This makes it easier to place in tight spaces or move if needed.
The products compared
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
View on Amazon: Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome multi-function laser printer designed for small offices. It prints up to 36 ppm and scans at 23.6 ipm. The unit includes a 50-page auto document feeder for batch jobs. You get dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. Mobile printing is supported via the Brother iPrint&Scan app. It handles duplex printing and copying efficiently.
Pros
- Prints up to 36 pages per minute
- 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page tasks
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports duplex printing and scanning
- Compact footprint fits small workspaces
Cons
- Monochrome output only, no color printing
- Scanner type listed as portable in attributes
- No mention of automatic two-sided scanning capability
Good fit if
- You need fast black and white document printing
- You require a compact all-in-one unit for a small office
- You print single-sided documents frequently
Skip if
- You need color printing capabilities
- You require automatic duplex scanning
- You need a large paper capacity for high-volume daily use
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact Monochrome MFP is a practical choice for small offices needing reliable black and white printing and scanning. It suits users who prioritize speed and compact size over color features.
Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome all-in-one printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L2480DW is a compact monochrome laser printer offering print, copy, and scan functions. It delivers speeds up to 36 pages per minute with automatic duplex printing. The unit features a 2.7-inch touchscreen and supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connections. You get a 250-sheet paper tray and mobile app compatibility. This all-in-one device suits small offices or home workspaces needing efficient black-and-white output.
Pros
- Print speeds reach 36 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
- 2.7-inch touchscreen for easy navigation
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- 250-sheet main paper tray capacity
Cons
- Scanner lacks automatic document feeder
- Only supports monochrome (black and white) printing
- No color display or advanced fax capabilities
Good fit if
- You need fast black-and-white printing for a small office
- You want a compact all-in-one device with wireless connectivity
- You require automatic two-sided printing to save paper
Skip if
- You need color printing capabilities
- You require an automatic document feeder for scanning
- You need fax functionality for business communications
Verdict: Brother HL-L2480DW Compact Monochrome Printer is a practical choice for users who prioritize speed and compact design over color features. It fits small teams needing reliable monochrome output and wireless convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Multifunction Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, copy, scan |
| Print Speed | 36 ppm | 36 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Duplex Printing | not stated | Automatic |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge |
| Features | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier |
| Scanner Type | Portable | Portable |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | not stated | Alexa |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 10.7 inches |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 22.2 pounds |
| Size | Standard | Standard |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | DCPL2640DW | HLL2480DW |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Brother DCP-L2640DW support duplex scanning?
Yes, the Brother DCP-L2640DW supports duplex scanning. This feature allows you to scan both sides of a document in a single pass. It saves time compared to manually flipping pages. The printer also handles duplex printing automatically. This makes it efficient for processing double-sided paperwork.
Is the Brother HL-L2480DW compatible with Alexa?
Yes, the Brother HL-L2480DW is compatible with Alexa. You can use voice commands to control printing tasks. This adds convenience for hands-free operation. The device remains a compact monochrome laser printer. It supports wireless connectivity and mobile printing alongside smart home integration.
Which printer is lighter, the DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2480DW?
The Brother HL-L2480DW is lighter. It weighs 22.2 pounds. The Brother DCP-L2640DW weighs 25 pounds. The difference is 2.8 pounds. This weight difference may matter if you move the device often. Both units share the same width and length dimensions.
Do both models support wireless scanning?
Yes, both models support wireless scanning. You can send scanned documents directly to your computer or mobile device over a wireless network. This removes the need for USB cables during the scanning process. Both printers feature wireless connectivity for flexible office placement.
Are the toner cartridges interchangeable between these two models?
Yes, the toner cartridges are interchangeable. Both printers use the same type of toner. This simplifies inventory management for your office. You can stock a single type of cartridge for both devices. This consistency helps maintain steady printing supplies without confusion.
Does the HL-L2480DW have a smaller footprint than the DCP-L2640DW?
The HL-L2480DW has a smaller vertical footprint. Both printers measure 16.1 inches wide and 15.7 inches deep. However, the HL-L2480DW is 10.7 inches tall. The DCP-L2640DW is 12.5 inches tall. The shorter height of the HL-L2480DW makes it more compact on your desk.
Can you print from mobile devices on both printers?
Yes, you can print from mobile devices on both printers. Both models feature mobile printing capabilities. This allows you to send documents from smartphones or tablets. Wireless connectivity enables this function. It supports modern workflows where you need to print from various devices.