6 Best Alternatives to the Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment -Tank Wireless (2026)
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The Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank Wireless is a compact color inkjet printer designed for light home office use. If you are looking for brother mfc j1205w inkvestment tank wireless alternatives, you may need different specifications. This model includes up to one year of ink in the box and features a small footprint. It supports wireless, wireless direct, and USB connectivity. The device also offers mobile compatibility through AirPrint and the Brother Mobile Connect app. Its INKvestment Tank technology supplies ink from cartridges to an internal tank, reducing refill frequency.
Some buyers might prefer a different size or additional functions like automatic duplexing or faxing. Others may want a laser printer for faster monochrome output or a tank system with lower long-term costs. The alternatives in this list were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. They share core traits like wireless connectivity and color printing, but offer variations in size, features, and technology. This guide helps you compare these options based on their published specifications. You can find a machine that better fits your specific workflow needs.
Our top pick: Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Color Printer.
Comparing Alternative Printer Options
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses a cartridge-free ink tank system rather than the Brother's INKvestment cartridges. This design eliminates cartridge waste and offers high page yields for color printing. It shares wireless scanning and color output capabilities with the Brother model. However, it is larger, measuring 22.8 inches in length compared to the Brother's 17.1 inches. It also weighs less at 11.6 pounds. You should choose this if you value high volume printing and scanning over automatic duplexing. It is a practical alternative for users who want to avoid cartridge replacement entirely.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 adds faxing and an automatic document feeder to the color printing and scanning functions found in the Brother MFC-J1205W. Like the Brother, it uses a cartridge-free ink tank system for high-volume color output. It supports wireless scanning and includes copy features. The ET-4800 is slightly shorter in length at 11.8 inches but taller at 6.7 inches. It weighs 11 pounds, making it lighter than the Brother. This model fits users who need faxing capabilities and multi-page document handling. It is a strong choice for those requiring advanced scanning hardware alongside reliable color printing.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a monochrome laser printer, differing significantly from the Brother MFC-J1205W's color inkjet technology. It focuses on fast black-and-white printing and automatic duplex output. Unlike the Brother, it lacks built-in scanning and copying hardware, though it supports wireless scanning via mobile devices. It is similar in width at 14 inches but shorter in length at 14.2 inches. It weighs more at 15.6 pounds. This printer is ideal for users who only need document printing and value speed and duplexing over multifunction color capabilities. It is a focused option for high-volume black-and-white tasks.
Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Megatank All-in-One
The Canon PIXMA G6020 offers high-yield color output using a Supertank system, similar to the Brother's ink tank approach but without cartridges. It supports wireless printing and scanning, along with copy functions. The Canon is larger, measuring 15.9 inches in width and 14.6 inches in length. It weighs 17.8 pounds, making it heavier than the Brother. It is designed for offices needing wireless flexibility and low ink costs. This model fits teams prioritizing high-volume color printing over advanced scanning hardware. It is a robust alternative for users who need reliable color output and mobile printing capabilities in a larger footprint.
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 provides a cartridge-free ink tank system for low-cost high-volume color printing. It shares wireless scanning and color output features with the Brother MFC-J1205W. However, it lacks the Brother's compact size, measuring 22.8 inches in length. It is lighter at 8.6 pounds and black in color. This model fits home offices that prioritize low ink costs and basic wireless functionality. It is a practical alternative for users who want to avoid cartridge waste and do not need advanced automation features. It offers solid color performance in a larger, lighter package compared to the Brother.
Brother Wireless Color Multi-Function Printer
The Brother HL-L3300CDW is a color laser printer, differing from the Brother MFC-J1205W's inkjet technology. It offers steady color laser output with automatic duplex printing and scanning. It supports wireless connectivity and includes copy functions. The HL-L3300CDW is larger, measuring 17.5 inches in width and 16.1 inches in length. It weighs significantly more at 40.8 pounds. This model suits users who prioritize dual-band wireless reliability and compact color laser printing. It fits small offices needing print, copy, and scan without ink tank maintenance. It is a robust alternative for those who need laser durability and duplexing capabilities.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Color Printer
Best for: Light home office color printing
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wireless Direct, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- INKvestment Tank ink cartridges
- Scanning
- Wireless Scanning
View on Amazon: Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Color Printer
The Brother MFC-J1205W is a compact wireless color inkjet printer with print, copy, and scan functions. It includes up to one year of ink in the box, using INKvestment Tank technology to supply an internal tank. The unit measures 14.1 by 17.1 by 6.3 inches and weighs 12.3 pounds. It supports AirPrint, Mopria, and Alexa. This model suits home offices needing a small footprint with included ink supplies.
Pros
- Includes up to one year of ink in the box
- Compact desktop footprint fits small workspaces
- Supports wireless, Wireless Direct, and USB connectivity
- Compatible with Alexa for voice control
- Page Gauge feature tracks ink usage via app
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing capability
- Only supports print, copy, and scan functions
- Lacks an Ethernet port for wired network connection
Good fit if
- You need a color printer with included ink supplies
- You have limited desk space for office equipment
- You prefer wireless printing from mobile devices
Skip if
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You need high-volume office printing
- You want a scanner with automatic document feeder
Verdict: The Brother MFC-J1205W Compact Wireless Color Printer is a practical option for light home office users who value included ink and a small size. It fits buyers who do not need duplexing or advanced scanning features.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
Best for: High-volume color printing and scanning
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Multifunction (all-in-one)
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Connectivity
- Wireless
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a wireless color all-in-one printer with a flatbed scanner and copier. It uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of cartridges, supporting up to 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages. The unit measures 14.8 x 10 x 22.8 inches and weighs 11.6 pounds. It suits you if you want to reduce cartridge waste and print vibrant photos or sharp text on various paper types.
Pros
- High-capacity ink tanks for up to 4,500 black pages
- Supports up to 7,500 color pages per refill
- Includes flatbed scanner and copier functions
- Uses Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology for sharp text
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing listed in specifications
- No wireless scanning capability mentioned in data
- Manual ink bottle filling required
Good fit if
- You want to avoid buying frequent ink cartridges
- You need to scan and copy documents wirelessly
- You print moderate amounts of color photos
Skip if
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You need a compact printer under 10 inches tall
- You only print black and white text
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One saves you from cartridge waste and offers solid color output. It fits you if you value high page yields and scanning over automatic duplexing.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
Best for: Color printing with fax and scanning needs
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan, fax
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 is a wireless color all-in-one printer with built-in fax capabilities. It uses a cartridge-free ink tank system for high-volume printing. The unit includes a flatbed scanner, an automatic document feeder, and a color display. It measures 14.8 by 11.8 by 6.7 inches and weighs 11 pounds. This model suits offices needing faxing and scanning alongside printing.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system
- Built-in automatic document feeder
- Integrated fax function
- Color display for navigation
Cons
- No Ethernet port listed
- No mobile app control mentioned
- Heavier than compact laser printers
Good fit if
- You need fax capabilities
- You want cartridge-free printing
- You require an automatic document feeder
Skip if
- You need monochrome only
- You require Ethernet connectivity
- You prefer a compact laser printer
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Color All-in-One fits users who need faxing and scanning. It offers a cartridge-free ink tank system for high-volume color printing. The automatic document feeder adds convenience for multi-page tasks.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: Fast black-and-white printing and duplex output
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a single-function monochrome laser printer built for speed and efficiency. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm with automatic duplex printing to save paper. Connectivity includes dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. The 250-sheet paper tray handles high-volume tasks, while the compact footprint fits small spaces. It pairs with the Brother Mobile Connect app for remote management, making it a practical tool for home offices and small teams.
Pros
- Prints up to 36 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
- Compact design fits tight spaces
Cons
- Prints in black and white only
- Single-function device lacks scanning or copying
- No automatic document feeder for batch scanning
Good fit if
- You need fast, reliable black-and-white document printing
- You want to save paper with automatic double-sided printing
- You require dual-band wireless or Ethernet connectivity
Skip if
- You need color printing capabilities
- You require scanning or copying functions
- You need an automatic document feeder
Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Monochrome Laser is a focused, high-speed option for users who only need to print documents and value speed and duplex printing over multifunction features.
Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Megatank All-in-One
Best for: High-volume color printing offices
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Duplex Printing
- Auto 2-Sided
- Ink/Toner System
- Supertank (Megatank)
- Features
- Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier
View on Amazon: Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Megatank All-in-One
The Canon PIXMA G6020 is a wireless all-in-one printer with auto duplex printing and a 2-line LCD display. It uses a Supertank system to output up to 6,000 black-and-white or 7,700 color pages per ink set. This model suits offices needing high-yield color output without frequent cartridge changes. It supports mobile printing and scanning functions for versatile daily tasks.
Pros
- Supertank system yields up to 6,000 black-and-white pages
- Auto 2-sided printing reduces paper usage
- Wireless print, copy, and scan capabilities
- Includes mobile printing support
Cons
- No mention of automatic document feeder
- No mention of Ethernet connectivity
- Only a basic 2-line LCD display
Good fit if
- You need high-volume color printing
- You want wireless mobile printing
- You prefer tank-based ink systems
Skip if
- You require an automatic document feeder
- You need wired Ethernet connectivity
- You prefer monochrome laser printing
Verdict: Canon PIXMA G6020 Supertank Wireless Printer delivers high-yield color output for offices needing wireless flexibility. It fits teams prioritizing low ink costs over advanced scanning hardware.
Epson EcoTank ET-2400 All-in-One Printer
Best for: Low-cost high-volume color printing
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a wireless color all-in-one printer featuring cartridge-free ink tanks. It supports printing, scanning, and copying. The system includes enough ink for up to 4,500 black-and-white or 7,200 color pages. This model measures 14.8 inches wide and weighs 8.6 pounds. It suits users seeking low-cost, high-volume color printing without frequent cartridge changes.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system
- Prints up to 4,500 black and white pages
- Prints up to 7,200 color pages
- Includes wireless connectivity
- Supports print, scan, and copy functions
Cons
- Lacks automatic duplex printing
- No mobile app support listed
- No automatic document feeder
Good fit if
- You need high-volume color printing
- You want to avoid buying ink cartridges
- You require basic wireless scanning and copying
Skip if
- You need automatic double-sided printing
- You require mobile app control
- You need to scan multiple pages at once
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-2400 Wireless All-in-One offers a practical cartridge-free solution for color printing. It fits home offices that prioritize low ink costs and basic wireless functionality over advanced automation features.
Brother Wireless Color Multi-Function Printer
Best for: Small offices needing compact color laser printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Multi-Function
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed
- 19 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB, Wi-Fi Direct
View on Amazon: Brother Wireless Color Multi-Function Printer
The Brother HL-L3300CDW is a compact 3-in-1 color laser printer designed for small offices and home workspaces. It delivers print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute with consistent laser-quality output. The unit supports dual-band wireless connectivity and Wi-Fi Direct for flexible connection options. You get print, copy, and scan functions in a single machine. It is a practical choice for users needing reliable color output without the complexity of ink tanks.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 19 pages per minute
- Dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) connectivity
- Compact 3-in-1 design with copy and scan
- Wi-Fi Direct for local device connection
Cons
- No automatic duplex scanning capability
- No mobile app control mentioned in specifications
- Single USB interface for local computer connection
Good fit if
- You need reliable color laser printing for documents
- You want a compact machine for a small office
- You prefer dual-band wireless stability over mobile apps
Skip if
- You require automatic duplex scanning for high volume
- You need a supertank system for lowest cost per page
- You rely on dedicated mobile printing apps for workflow
Verdict: Brother HL-L3300CDW Color Laser MFP suits users who prioritize steady color laser output and dual-band wireless reliability in a compact footprint. It fits small offices needing print, copy, and scan without the maintenance of ink tanks.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Color Printer | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer | Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One | Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer | Canon PIXMA G6020 Wireless Megatank All-in-One | Epson EcoTank ET-2400 All-in-One Printer | Brother Wireless Color Multi-Function Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet | Inkjet | not specified | Laser | not specified | not specified | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Color | Color | Monochrome | not specified | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | not specified | Multifunction (all-in-one) | All-in-One | Single-function | All-in-One | All-in-One | Multi-Function |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, scan, copy | Print, copy, scan, fax | not specified | Print, Copy, Scan | Print, scan, copy | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Print Speed | not specified | not specified | not specified | 36 ppm | not specified | not specified | 19 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Wireless Direct, USB | not specified | Wireless, Ethernet | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless, USB, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Duplex Printing | not specified | not specified | not specified | Automatic | Auto 2-Sided | not specified | not specified |
| Ink/Toner System | INKvestment Tank ink cartridges | Tank | Tank | Toner cartridge | Supertank (Megatank) | Tank | not specified |
| Features | not specified | Scanner, Copier | Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier |
| Ideal For | not specified | Photos | not specified | not specified | not specified | Photos | not specified |
| Use Case | not specified | Home | Home | not specified | Office, Home | Home | not specified |
| Scanner Type | not specified | not specified | not specified | Portable | Portable | not specified | Portable |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | Alexa | not specified | not specified | Alexa | Alexa | not specified | Alexa |
| Duplex Scanning | not specified | not specified | not specified | Duplex | not specified | not specified | Duplex |
| Auto Document Feeder | not specified | not specified | ADF | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 17.1 × 14.1 × 6.3 inches | 22.8 × 14.8 × 10 inches | 11.8 × 14.8 × 6.7 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 14.6 × 15.9 × 7.7 inches | 22.8 × 14.8 × 10 inches | 16.1 × 17.5 × 14 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds | 11.6 pounds | 11 pounds | 15.6 pounds | 17.8 pounds | 8.6 pounds | 40.8 pounds |
| Size | Printer | Medium | One Size | Standard | One Size | One Size | Standard |
| Color | White | White | White | Black | Black | Black | White |
| Model | MFCJ1205W | C11CJ66202 | C11CJ65201 | HLL2460DW | 3113C002 | C11CJ67201 | HLL3300CDW |
Frequently asked questions
Which Brother alternative offers duplex printing for documents?
The Brother HL-L2460DW is the best budget choice for users who need automatic two-sided printing. It is a compact monochrome laser printer that delivers fast black-and-white output. This model supports wireless connectivity and mobile printing. It fits buyers who prioritize speed and duplex features over color or advanced scanning hardware.
What is the best color laser printer alternative for small offices?
The Brother HL-L3300CDW is a strong option for small offices needing steady color laser output. It supports scan, copy, and duplex printing functions. The printer features dual-band wireless reliability and a compact footprint. It suits teams that want color laser quality without the maintenance required by ink tank systems.
Does the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 include a fax machine?
Yes, the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 includes fax capabilities along with color printing and scanning. It features an automatic document feeder for multi-page tasks. This model uses a cartridge-free ink tank system for high-volume output. It is designed for users who need faxing and scanning in a single wireless device.
Which alternative is best for high-volume color printing in an office?
The Canon PIXMA G6020 is the best office choice for high-volume color printing. It uses a wireless megatank system to deliver high-yield output. The device supports scan, copy, and mobile printing functions. It fits teams that prioritize low ink costs and wireless flexibility over advanced scanning hardware or color laser technology.
Is there a lightweight Epson EcoTank option for home offices?
The Epson EcoTank ET-2400 is a lightweight all-in-one option for home offices. It weighs 8.6 pounds and offers a cartridge-free solution for color printing. The printer supports wireless scanning and basic functionality. It suits users who prioritize low ink costs and portability over advanced automation features or larger physical footprints.
What is the smallest Brother printer listed as an alternative?
The Brother MFC-J1205W is the smallest printer in the list, measuring 14.1 inches wide and 6.3 inches high. It is a compact wireless color printer designed for light home office use. It includes included ink and wireless scanning capabilities. It fits buyers who do not need duplexing or advanced scanning features.