Brother vs Xerox: Laser Printers Compared by Specs
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When comparing a brother vs xerox laser printer, you face a choice between monochrome efficiency and color versatility. Both devices are all-in-one units featuring wireless connectivity and compact designs suitable for small offices. The Brother DCP-L2640DW focuses on high-speed black-and-white output with scanning and copying functions. The Xerox C255a adds color printing and faxing capabilities. This guide breaks down their specifications to help you decide which model fits your workflow.
Key differences
| Aspect | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One |
|---|---|---|
| Print Output | Monochrome | Color |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Print Speed | 36 ppm | not listed |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Mopria |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 43 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer if
- You need fast, reliable black-and-white document printing for text-heavy tasks.
- You require a wired Ethernet connection for stable network integration.
- You prefer a lighter machine that is easier to move or position.
Choose Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One if
- You need to produce color graphics or presentations for professional use.
- You require faxing capabilities for legal or administrative documentation.
- You want mobile printing support via Apple AirPrint or Mopria.
Verdict: Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if your workflow relies on high-volume monochrome text and you value a lighter, Ethernet-connected device. Select the Xerox C255a if you require color output and faxing features for professional communications. Your decision depends on whether color and faxing are essential to your daily operations.
Brother vs Xerox: Key Differences
print output
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser printer, meaning it only produces black-and-white documents. This is ideal for text-heavy reports and standard office paperwork where color is unnecessary. In contrast, the Xerox C255a is a color laser all-in-one. It handles vibrant color graphics, sharp text, and professional presentations. If your work requires charts, logos, or colorful marketing materials, the Xerox provides the necessary versatility. The Brother is strictly limited to grayscale output, making it a specialized tool for black-and-white tasks only.
print speed
Speed is a major factor for busy small businesses. The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers a print speed of up to 36 pages per minute. This is a fast rate for monochrome laser printing, allowing you to produce large batches of documents quickly. The Xerox C255a does not list a specific pages-per-minute rating in the provided specifications. While it is built for professional teams, the lack of a stated speed metric makes direct comparison difficult. If raw speed is your primary concern, the Brother’s confirmed 36 ppm gives it a clear advantage in throughput for black-and-white jobs.
supported functions
Both devices are all-in-one units, but they offer different levels of versatility. The Brother DCP-L2640DW supports printing, copying, and scanning. It includes a 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page scanning tasks. The Xerox C255a adds faxing to the mix, offering four functions: print, scan, copy, and fax. This makes the Xerox the most feature-complete model in its family for legal and administrative professionals who still need to send faxes. If you do not require fax capabilities, the Brother’s three-function setup is sufficient, but the Xerox covers more ground.
connectivity
Both printers offer robust wireless options for modern offices. The Brother DCP-L2640DW features built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) along with Ethernet and USB connections. It also supports the Brother Mobile Connect app for managing prints from mobile devices. The Xerox C255a also uses dual-band Wi-Fi and explicitly supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria. It includes the Xerox Easy Assist App for simplified setup. While both connect via wireless and Ethernet, the Xerox highlights specific mobile protocols like AirPrint, which may be more convenient for Apple users.
build
Physical size and weight matter for desk space. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is described as having a compact footprint. It measures 16.1 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 12.5 inches high, weighing 25 pounds. The Xerox C255a is also small and compact but is larger and heavier. It measures 16.2 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 13.6 inches high, weighing 43 pounds. The Brother is significantly lighter by 18 pounds, making it easier to move or place on smaller desks. The Xerox is slightly taller and wider, requiring a bit more physical space.
Which laser printer fits your needs
High-volume monochrome printing needs
You need fast black-and-white output for text-heavy documents. The Brother DCP-L2640DW delivers 36 pages per minute, outpacing the Xerox. It includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient multi-page scanning and copying. This model is a compact, monochrome laser all-in-one designed for productivity without the bulk of color components.
Small business requiring color and fax
You require color graphics and fax capabilities in a single device. The Xerox C255a is a color laser all-in-one that supports print, scan, copy, and fax functions. It features dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for seamless mobile connectivity. This unit is ideal for professional teams needing vibrant output and comprehensive office features.
Users wanting mobile setup ease
You value simplified installation and guided smartphone setup. The Xerox C255a includes the Xerox Easy Assist App to eliminate complex driver hurdles. It supports wireless scanning and connects via dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria. This all-in-one color laser printer ensures you can start printing quickly from laptops, smartphones, or tablets without extensive configuration.
The products compared
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome printing and scanning
- 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 laser all-in-one printer designed for small business productivity. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient multi-page scanning. You get built-in dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The unit supports duplex printing and scanning, making it a practical tool for offices that need reliable black and white output without the bulk of larger machines.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm for fast document output
- 50-page auto document feeder simplifies multi-page scanning and copying
- Built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Ethernet connectivity
- Supports duplex printing and scanning for two-sided documents
- Compact footprint measures 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches
Cons
- Monochrome output only, no color printing capability
- No mention of automatic duplex scanning in specifications
- Scanner type listed as portable, limiting advanced scanning features
Good fit if
- You need fast black and white printing for a small office
- You require automatic multi-page scanning with the included feeder
- You prefer dual-band wireless and wired Ethernet connectivity
Skip if
- You require color printing for graphics or photos
- You need automatic two-sided scanning for high-volume workflows
- You prefer a larger flatbed scanner for non-document items
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact Monochrome MFP is a practical choice for small offices that prioritize speed and compact design over color output. It fits teams that need reliable black and white printing with efficient document handling.
Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One
Best for: Small teams needing color and mobile connectivity
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy, fax
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wi-Fi
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
View on Amazon: Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One Affiliate link
The Xerox C255a is a compact color laser all-in-one printer designed for small business teams. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria for mobile connectivity. The device handles print, scan, copy, and fax functions. It measures 16.2 by 15.7 by 13.6 inches and weighs 43 pounds. This model suits professionals needing vibrant graphics and sharp text for reports and presentations.
Pros
- Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
- Supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria
- Includes fax functionality
- Compact footprint design
Cons
- Heavy at 43 pounds
- No mention of Ethernet port
- No mention of automatic duplexing
Good fit if
- You need color laser printing for small teams
- You require wireless mobile printing capabilities
- You need a compact all-in-one unit
Skip if
- You require a monochrome-only device
- You need heavy-duty high-volume printing
- You prefer a lighter portable unit
Verdict: Xerox C255a Compact Color Laser MFP fits small offices needing reliable color output and mobile connectivity in a space-saving design.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Xerox Wireless Color Laser All-in-One |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome | Color |
| Printer Type | not stated | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, scan, copy, fax |
| Print Speed | 36 ppm | not stated |
| Connectivity | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Wi-Fi |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner cartridge | Toner |
| Features | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Scanner, Copier, Fax |
| Scanner Type | Portable | not stated |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | not stated |
| Dimensions | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches | 15.7 × 16.2 × 13.6 inches |
| Weight | 25 pounds | 43 pounds |
| Size | Standard | Small Compact Footprint |
| Color | Black | White |
| Model | DCPL2640DW | C255a |
Frequently asked questions
Which Brother vs Xerox laser printer is better for small offices?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a practical choice for small offices needing fast monochrome printing and scanning. It offers a compact design with duplex printing and mobile printing capabilities. The Xerox C255a is better if you require color output and wireless scanning in a space-saving footprint.
Does the Brother DCP-L2640DW support color printing?
No, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser printer. It only produces black-and-white documents. If you need color output, the Xerox C255a is a color laser all-in-one that handles color pages efficiently for your small team.
How do the sizes of these two printers compare?
Both units are designed for compact spaces. The Brother DCP-L2640DW measures 16.1 inches wide, 15.7 inches long, and 12.5 inches high, weighing 25 pounds. The Xerox C255a is slightly wider at 16.2 inches and taller at 13.6 inches, weighing 43 pounds due to its color capabilities.
Can I scan documents wirelessly with either printer?
Yes, both devices support wireless scanning. The Brother DCP-L2640DW features wireless scanning and duplex scanning for efficient two-sided document handling. The Xerox C255a also includes wireless scanning, allowing you to send scans directly to your mobile devices or network.
Is duplex printing available on both models?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW explicitly supports duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper automatically. The product data for the Xerox C255a does not specify duplex printing support, so you should verify this feature if two-sided printing is a priority for you.
Which printer is lighter and easier to move?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is lighter at 25 pounds, making it easier to move than the Xerox C255a, which weighs 43 pounds. Both are compact, but the Brother model is better if you need to relocate the device frequently within your office.
What functions do these all-in-one printers offer?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW provides scan, copy, and print functions with a portable scanner type. The Xerox C255a also serves as an all-in-one unit for small teams. Both models integrate wireless connectivity to streamline your workflow without needing physical cables for every task.