Looking Beyond the Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Digital Color All-in-One Printer delivers fast 31 ppm laser printing and robust wireless connectivity for small business environments. You get reliable color output, duplex scanning, and fax support in a standard-sized unit that weighs 47.8 pounds. However, its laser toner system and bulkier footprint may not suit every workspace. Some users prefer the lower operating costs of ink-tank models or the compact design of lighter alternatives. If you need different connectivity options, specialized photo printing, or mobile-focused features, other machines might align better with your specific workflow requirements.
We selected these brother mfc l3780cdw wireless digital color alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original model in key areas like wireless printing and color output. The list includes options ranging from budget-friendly inkjet systems to premium all-in-one devices with automatic document feeders. You will find choices that prioritize low-cost per-page printing, high-volume scanning, or dedicated photo capabilities. Each alternative offers distinct advantages in print technology, physical dimensions, or supported functions. Review the specs to determine which machine fits your office space and volume needs.
Our top pick: Brother Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer.
Alternatives to the Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One
The Canon MegaTank G3270 replaces toner with ink tanks, targeting users who print fewer pages but want lower costs per sheet. It weighs only 13.2 pounds, making it far lighter than the 47.8-pound Brother unit. You lose automatic duplex printing, which the Brother provides as standard. The Canon also lacks fax capabilities. Its compact footprint suits home offices with limited desk space. If you prioritize low ongoing ink expenses and portability over high-speed laser output and multifunction features, this model fits your workflow better than the heavier Brother alternative.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 uses an ink-tank system instead of toner cartridges, significantly reducing the cost per page for color documents. Weighing just 11.6 pounds, it is much smaller and lighter than the Brother MFC-L3780CDW. You sacrifice print speed, as this model does not match the 31 ppm laser performance. It also lacks automatic duplex printing and fax support. The unit is designed for users who value long-term ink savings over raw speed and advanced office features. If your volume is moderate and you prefer ink over toner, this lighter alternative serves you well.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 offers an automatic document feeder and duplex scanning, matching some of the Brother’s multifunction capabilities. However, it relies on ink tanks rather than toner, which changes the maintenance profile. It weighs only 11 pounds, making it much easier to move than the 47.8-pound Brother unit. You give up fax support and wired Ethernet connectivity, relying solely on wireless connections. This model suits users who need high-volume scanning and printing but do not require faxing or the robust speed of a laser engine. It is a practical choice for low-cost color workflows.
Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer
The Epson ET-8500 focuses on photo quality rather than document speed. It features a large frame designed for edge-to-edge printing on varied media types. Weighing 18.5 pounds, it is lighter than the Brother but larger in footprint. You lose the high-speed 31 ppm laser printing and the compact all-in-one design optimized for office documents. This unit lacks the automatic document feeder found in the Brother. It is best for photographers or creatives who need professional-grade color output. If your primary need is high-quality image printing rather than fast business document generation, this specialized printer is a better fit than the Brother MFC-L3780CDW.
Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw is a dedicated color laser printer, removing the scanning and copying bulk of the Brother MFC-L3780CDW. It weighs 35.3 pounds, which is lighter than the Brother but still substantial. You gain automatic duplex printing, a feature the Brother also includes. However, you lose the ability to scan or fax directly from the device. This model suits users who only need to print and want a smaller footprint than a full all-in-one unit. If you already have a separate scanner or do not need those functions, this streamlined laser printer offers reliable color output without the extra weight of multifunction components.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 combines ink-tank efficiency with fax support, a feature the Brother also includes. It weighs 16.1 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the 47.8-pound Brother unit. You sacrifice print speed, as the inkjet engine does not match the 31 ppm laser output. It offers automatic duplex printing and scanning, matching the Brother’s versatility. This model is ideal for users who need fax capabilities and low-cost color printing but do not require high-speed laser performance. If you value multifunction features and lower per-page costs over raw speed, this lighter alternative is a practical choice for your office.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Brother Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer
Best for: Small business color printing and scanning
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan, fax
- Print Speed
- Up to 31 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, NFC
View on Amazon: Brother Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a wireless digital color all-in-one printer designed for small business efficiency. It delivers print speeds up to 31 pages per minute and supports single-pass duplex copy and scan. You get built-in dual-band wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct for flexible connectivity. This laser printer produces consistent, high-quality color output on every page.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 31 ppm for fast document output
- Single-pass duplex copy and scan saves time
- Built-in dual-band wireless and Gigabit Ethernet
- Supports standard, high yield, and super high yield toner
Cons
- Weighs 47.8 pounds, making it bulky for small desks
- No mention of mobile app support in specifications
- Lacks automatic document feeder speed details for high-volume scanning
Good fit if
- You need fast color printing for a small office
- You require reliable wireless connectivity options
- You want a single machine for print, copy, scan, and fax
Skip if
- You prioritize a compact footprint for limited space
- You need automatic mobile printing apps
- You only print black and white documents
Verdict: Brother MFC-L3780CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer fits small businesses needing fast, reliable color output and versatile connectivity without the bulk of larger enterprise units.
Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One
Best for: Low-cost home color printing
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
The Canon MegaTank G3270 is a wireless all-in-one printer that supports print, copy, and scan functions. It uses a MegaTank ink system and includes up to two years of ink. This setup allows for up to 6,000 black and white or 7,700 color pages per ink set. The unit features a 1.35-inch square LCD display. It is designed for single-sided printing only.
Pros
- Includes up to 2 years of ink
- High page yield of 6,000 black and white pages
- Supports wireless print, copy, and scan
- Compact 13.2-pound build
Cons
- Single-sided printing only
- Small 1.35-inch LCD display
- No automatic duplex unit
Good fit if
- You want to avoid frequent ink cartridge replacements
- You need a wireless color printer for home use
- You primarily print single-sided documents
Skip if
- You require automatic double-sided printing
- You need a large control screen
- You want a compact desktop footprint under 10 inches wide
Verdict: Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless Color Printer offers high ink capacity for low-cost printing but lacks automatic duplexing. It fits users who prioritize page yield over advanced features like two-sided printing.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer
Best for: High-volume color printing with low ink costs
- 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 all-in-one printer with integrated high-capacity ink tanks. It supports color printing, scanning, and copying. The system includes enough ink for up to 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages. This cartridge-free design reduces waste and refill frequency. It is suitable for users who want low ongoing ink costs and reliable wireless connectivity for home or small office use.
Pros
- High-capacity ink tanks eliminate frequent cartridge changes
- Includes up to 2 years of ink in the box
- Prints up to 4,500 black or 7,500 color pages
- Integrated flatbed scanner and copier functions
Cons
- Lacks automatic duplex (two-sided) printing
- No Ethernet port for wired network connection
- Print speed is slower than laser competitors
Good fit if
- You print high volumes of color documents regularly
- You want to avoid buying replacement ink cartridges
- You need wireless printing from mobile devices
Skip if
- You require automatic double-sided printing
- You need fast page-per-minute speeds
- You prefer laser toner for sharp text
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color offers a low-cost ink solution for high-volume color printing. It fits users who prioritize long-term ink savings over speed and duplexing features.
Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One
Best for: high-volume color printing and scanning
- 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 designed for cartridge-free printing. It uses high-capacity ink tanks and EcoFit bottles to reduce waste. This model includes a flatbed scanner, copier, and fax capabilities. It features an automatic document feeder for batch tasks. The device measures 14.8 by 11.8 inches and weighs 11 pounds. It suits users who print high volumes of color documents and photos without buying frequent cartridges.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system with EcoFit bottles
- Automatic document feeder for batch scanning
- Built-in fax and wireless scanning
- Micro Piezo heat-free technology for sharp text
Cons
- No mention of mobile app control
- No mention of Ethernet connectivity
- Flatbed scanner only, no high-speed sheet-fed scanner
Good fit if
- You print high volumes of color documents
- You want to avoid buying expensive ink cartridges
- You need wireless scanning and copying
Skip if
- You require fast Ethernet wired connections
- You need dedicated mobile app management
- You only print black and white text
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless Color All-in-One is a practical choice for offices that prioritize low ink costs and wireless scanning over wired connectivity or app control.
Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer
Best for: High-quality photo printing on varied media
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed
- Up to 16 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Supertank
The Epson ET-8500 is a large wireless all-in-one designed for high-quality photo printing. It uses a 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system for vivid details and edge-to-edge prints. The unit features a 4.3-inch touchscreen and supports Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct. It handles cardstock, envelopes, and discs. This supertank model suits users prioritizing image quality over compact size.
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system
- Edge-to-edge photo printing capability
- 4.3-inch touchscreen interface
- Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity
Cons
- Large footprint at 24.1 inches wide
- Heavy build at 18.5 pounds
- No mention of automatic duplex printing
Good fit if
- You need vibrant, detailed photo prints
- You print on various media like cardstock
- You value a large touchscreen display
Skip if
- You have limited desk space
- You require a compact all-in-one
- You prioritize speed over photo quality
Verdict: Epson ET-8500 Large Photo Printer delivers professional-grade color output for photographers who need edge-to-edge printing. It fits users with ample space who want a dedicated photo workflow.
Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer
Best for: Wireless color printing without scanning
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function (print only)
- Supported Functions
- Print Speed
- 22 ppm (color and black)
- Connectivity
- Wireless
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw is a single-function wireless color laser printer designed for home or office use. It prints up to 22 pages per minute in both color and black. The device supports automatic two-sided printing and includes a 250-sheet standard cassette with a 1-sheet multipurpose tray. It is compatible with Chromebook and uses Toner 067. This model focuses on print-only efficiency without scanning or copying functions.
Pros
- Prints up to 22 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided duplex printing
- Wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- Chromebook compatible
Cons
- Single-function print only; no scanner
- Only 1-year warranty coverage
- Heavier at 35.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated wireless color laser printer
- You print on both sides frequently
- You use Chromebook devices
Skip if
- You require scanning or copying functions
- You prefer an all-in-one machine
- You need a lighter portable unit
Verdict: The Canon LBP632Cdw Wireless Color Laser is a solid choice for users who need fast, wireless color printing without the bulk of scanning features. It suits small offices prioritizing duplex output over multifunction capabilities.
Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer
Best for: High-volume mixed black and color printing
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
- Print Speed
- 18 black/9 color ISO ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Duplex Printing
- Auto duplex
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 is a wireless color inkjet all-in-one with fax support. It prints at 18 pages per minute in black and 9 in color. The cartridge-free system includes enough ink for 6,600 black or 5,500 color pages. It features auto duplex printing, scanning, copying, and a 2.4-inch color display. This model suits users who want high-volume printing without frequent cartridge replacements.
Pros
- Cartridge-free ink tank system for high page yields
- Includes fax capability alongside print, copy, and scan
- Auto duplex printing and scanning save paper and time
- Fast 18 ppm black and 9 ppm color print speeds
Cons
- Inkjet technology may be slower than laser for text-heavy workflows
- Larger footprint at 14.8 inches wide and 16.1 pounds
- No mention of automatic document feeder for duplex scanning
Good fit if
- You need fax functionality for business correspondence
- You want to avoid buying replacement ink cartridges regularly
- You print a mix of black and color documents
Skip if
- You require the fastest possible text print speeds
- You need a compact printer for a small desk
- You only print black and white documents
Verdict: Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless Color Inkjet offers a practical ink-tank solution for mixed media tasks. It fits users who value fax support and low-cost per-page printing over raw speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Printer | Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One | Epson EcoTank ET-2800 All-in-One Printer | Epson EcoTank Wireless Color All-in-One | Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer | Canon imageCLASS Duplex Color Laser Printer | Epson EcoTank ET-4950 All-in-One Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | not specified | Inkjet | not specified | not specified | Laser | Inkjet |
| Print Output | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | All-in-One | Multifunction (all-in-one) | All-in-One | All-in-One | Single-function (print only) | not specified |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan, fax | Print, Copy, Scan | Print, scan, copy | Print, copy, scan, fax | Print, scan, copy | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax | |
| Print Speed | Up to 31 ppm | not specified | not specified | not specified | Up to 16 ppm | 22 ppm (color and black) | 18 black/9 color ISO ppm |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, NFC | Wireless | not specified | Wireless, Ethernet | Wireless, USB | Wireless | Wireless |
| Duplex Printing | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Automatic 2-sided printing | Auto duplex |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner | Tank | Tank | Tank | Supertank | Toner 067 / 067 High-Capacity | Ink tank, cartridge-free |
| Features | Duplex Printing, Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier | Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax | Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Fax |
| Ideal For | not specified | not specified | Photos | not specified | Photos | not specified | not specified |
| Use Case | not specified | Office, Home | Home | Home | not specified | Office, Home | not specified |
| Scanner Type | not specified | Desktop | not specified | not specified | not specified | Portable | not specified |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | Alexa | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Duplex | Duplex |
| Auto Document Feeder | not specified | not specified | not specified | ADF | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 16.1 × 18.2 × 15.8 inches | 21.9 × 16.4 × 10.6 inches | 22.8 × 14.8 × 10 inches | 11.8 × 14.8 × 6.7 inches | 24.1 × 15.9 × 13.7 inches | 16.5 × 17 × 11.3 inches | 13.7 × 14.8 × 9.4 inches |
| Weight | 47.8 pounds | 13.2 pounds | 11.6 pounds | 11 pounds | 18.5 pounds | 35.3 pounds | 16.1 pounds |
| Size | Standard | One Size | Medium | One Size | Large | One Size | not specified |
| Color | White | Black | White | White | White | white | Black |
| Model | MFCL3780CDW | 5805C002 | C11CJ66202 | C11CJ65201 | ET-8500 | 5159C003 | C11CL40201 |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Canon laser alternative to the Brother MFC-L3780CDW?
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw Wireless Color Laser Printer is the primary laser alternative. It delivers color output and wireless connectivity similar to the Brother model. It weighs 35.3 pounds, which is lighter than the 47.8-pound Brother unit. It supports duplex printing for two-sided documents. It does not include a built-in scanner, so it suits users who only need printing.
Which inkjet printer offers the lowest cost per page?
The Canon MegaTank G3270 Wireless All-in-One is designed for low-cost printing. It uses high-capacity ink tanks instead of toner cartridges. This model weighs 13.2 pounds, making it much lighter than the Brother laser printer. It lacks automatic duplex printing, so you must flip pages manually. It is ideal for users who prioritize page yield over advanced features.
Can I find a smaller all-in-one printer for my office?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4800 Wireless Color All-in-One is a compact option. It measures 11.8 inches in length and weighs only 11 pounds. It includes an automatic document feeder for scanning multiple pages. It supports wireless scanning and copying. It lacks wired connectivity options, so you must rely on wireless networks for operation. It fits users who need scanning without bulk.
Does any alternative support duplex scanning like the Brother?
The Epson EcoTank ET-4950 Wireless Color Inkjet supports duplex scanning. It allows you to scan both sides of a document automatically. It also includes fax support for office communication. The unit weighs 16.1 pounds and measures 13.7 inches in length. It prioritizes low-cost per-page printing over raw speed, making it practical for mixed media tasks.
Is there a printer best for high-volume color photos?
The Epson ET-8500 Large Photo Printer is built for professional-grade color output. It supports edge-to-edge printing for photographers who need high quality. The unit is large, measuring 24.1 inches in length and weighing 18.5 pounds. It requires ample space on your desk. It focuses on varied media types and dedicated photo workflows rather than general office tasks.
Which model is best for mobile printing without scanning?
The Canon LBP632Cdw Wireless Color Laser is optimized for mobile printing. It supports wireless connectivity and duplex printing for efficient document handling. It does not include a scanner, so it suits users who only need printing. It weighs 35.3 pounds, which is lighter than the Brother MFC-L3780CDW. It is a solid choice for small offices prioritizing output over multifunction capabilities.