HP or Brother? Laser Printers Compared in 2026
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You are comparing the HP Smart Tank 5003 and the Brother DCP-L2640DW in this HP vs brother laser printer guide. Both are all-in-one machines that print, copy, and scan. The main difference is print technology and color support. The HP uses ink tank technology for color pages. The Brother uses laser technology for monochrome documents. You need to choose the right system for your specific volume and color needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Ink Tank | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Monochrome |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Print Speed | not listed | 36 ppm |
| Dimensions | 17.1 x 14.2 x 6.19 inches | 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics.
- You want to avoid toner cartridges with a refillable ink tank system.
- You prefer a shorter device footprint for your desk.
Choose Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer if
- You primarily print black and white text documents.
- You require fast print speeds up to 36 pages per minute.
- You need wired Ethernet connectivity for your office network.
Verdict: Choose the HP Smart Tank 5003 if you need color output and a low-maintenance ink system. Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if you need high-speed monochrome printing and wired network options. Your choice depends on whether color is a requirement for your workflow.
HP vs Brother: Key Specs Compared
Print Technology
The HP Smart Tank 5003 uses ink tank technology, which is distinct from the Brother DCP-L2640DW that relies on laser print technology with toner cartridges. Ink tanks typically allow for lower cost per page through high-capacity refillable bottles, as seen with the included three years of ink. Laser printers like the Brother model use powdered toner, which often provides faster warm-up times and sharper text for black-and-white documents. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize color versatility and low ongoing ink costs or the speed and durability of laser printing.
Print Output
Print output capabilities differ significantly between these two machines. The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a color printer, capable of producing vibrant color pages, which makes it suitable for marketing materials, photos, or colorful reports. In contrast, the Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser printer, meaning it only produces black and white prints. If your workflow requires color documents, the HP is the only viable option. If you only need standard business documents, the Brother handles black text efficiently.
Print Speed
Print speed is a critical factor for busy offices. The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers a print speed of up to 36 pages per minute, which is quite fast for a monochrome laser device. The HP Smart Tank 5003 does not list a specific pages-per-minute rating in the provided specifications. Generally, laser printers excel in speed for text-heavy jobs. If you print large volumes of text quickly, the Brother’s stated 36 ppm gives it a clear advantage in throughput over the unspecified speed of the HP model.
Connectivity
Both machines support wireless printing, allowing you to print from mobile devices and computers without cables. The Brother DCP-L2640DW goes further by including built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Ethernet connectivity, plus a USB interface for local connection. The HP Smart Tank 5003 lists wireless connectivity but does not specify Ethernet support in the key specs. For a stable network connection in an office environment, the Brother’s additional Ethernet port provides more flexibility and reliability than the wireless-only HP option.
Dimensions
Physical size affects where you can place the printer. The HP Smart Tank 5003 measures 17.1 inches in width, 14.2 inches in length, and 6.19 inches in height, weighing 11.1 pounds. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is 16.1 inches wide, 15.7 inches long, and 12.5 inches high, weighing 25 pounds. The HP is significantly lighter and shorter, making it easier to move and fitting under lower shelves. The Brother is taller and heavier, requiring more vertical clearance and floor space, which may be a constraint in small offices.
Supported Functions
Both the HP Smart Tank 5003 and the Brother DCP-L2640DW support print, copy, and scan functions, classifying them as all-in-one machines. However, the Brother model explicitly includes duplex printing and an auto document feeder for multi-page scanning, as noted in its features. The HP data mentions borderless prints and mobile printing but does not specify duplex capabilities. If you need to scan multiple pages automatically or print double-sided documents without manual intervention, the Brother offers more advanced multifunction features than the HP.
Which Laser Printer Suits Your Needs
Users needing color and low page volume
Choose the HP Smart Tank 5003 if you require color output. It uses ink tank technology to deliver up to 6,000 pages right out of the box with included ink. This all-in-one model supports borderless printing and wireless connectivity. It is ideal for home offices where vibrant photos and occasional color documents are necessary without frequent cartridge changes.
Small businesses needing fast black and white docs
Select the Brother DCP-L2640DW for high-volume monochrome work. It prints at speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient multi-page scanning. The laser technology uses toner cartridges for consistent black and white results. With dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB options, it handles busy office environments with reliable, fast document processing.
Buyers prioritizing compact size and light weight
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is significantly lighter and narrower than the Brother option. It weighs 11.1 pounds and measures 17.1 inches wide, making it easier to place on smaller desks. If you have limited space and do not need the heavy-duty durability or Ethernet port of a laser printer, this ink tank all-in-one offers a more portable footprint for your workspace.
The products compared
HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer
Best for: Low-cost high-volume color printing
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
View on Amazon: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer Affiliate link
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a color ink tank all-in-one printer. It supports printing, copying, and scanning. Wireless connectivity allows mobile printing. The unit includes up to 3 years of ink, providing 6,000 pages. It measures 17.1 by 14.2 by 6.19 inches and weighs 11.1 pounds. This model suits users needing high-volume color output with low maintenance.
Pros
- Ink tank system for low-cost printing
- Includes up to 3 years of ink
- Prints up to 6,000 pages out of the box
- Supports borderless prints
- Features mess-free refill system
Cons
- Prints in color only
- Uses ink tank rather than toner
- No wired connectivity listed
Good fit if
- You need color printing for documents or photos
- You want to avoid frequent cartridge replacements
- You prefer wireless mobile printing
Skip if
- You require a monochrome laser printer
- You need high-volume black-and-white text only
- You prefer toner-based systems
Verdict: HP Smart Tank 5003 All-in-One fits users who need reliable color output with minimal upkeep. It is ideal for homes or small offices that value included ink over toner efficiency.
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast monochrome prints
- 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 multi-function printer designed for small businesses. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient scanning. Connectivity options include dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. While it offers mobile printing via the Brother app, it lacks color output. This model suits users who need fast black-and-white document handling in a limited space.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm for quick document output
- 50-page auto document feeder simplifies multi-page scanning
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet provide flexible connectivity
- Compact footprint measures 16.1 inches wide and 12.5 inches high
Cons
- Monochrome output only, with no color printing capability
- No built-in touchscreen display for local navigation
- Duplex scanning requires manual paper handling
Good fit if
- You need fast black-and-white printing for a small office
- You require automatic multi-page scanning for documents
- You want reliable wireless and Ethernet connectivity options
Skip if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics
- You prefer a large touchscreen interface for control
- You require automatic duplex scanning for high volume
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Compact Laser MFP is a practical choice for small offices needing fast monochrome prints and automatic document feeding. It fits users who prioritize speed and connectivity over color output.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | not stated | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Monochrome |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | not stated |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | Print, copy, scan |
| Print Speed | not stated | 36 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless, Ethernet, USB |
| Ink/Toner System | Tank | Toner cartridge |
| Features | Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier |
| Use Case | Home | not stated |
| Scanner Type | not stated | Portable |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Duplex Scanning | not stated | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 14.2 × 17.1 × 6.19 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds | 25 pounds |
| Size | one size | Standard |
| Color | OOV White / Portobello | Black |
| Model | 510x | DCPL2640DW |
Frequently asked questions
Is the HP Smart Tank 5003 a laser printer?
No, it is not. The HP Smart Tank 5003 uses ink tank technology, not laser or toner. It is designed for users who need reliable color output with minimal upkeep. This model fits homes or small offices that value included ink over toner efficiency.
Does the Brother DCP-L2640DW print in color?
No, it does not. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a monochrome laser printer. It produces black and white prints only. This machine is ideal for small offices that prioritize speed and connectivity over color output capabilities.
Which printer is smaller, the HP or the Brother?
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is smaller in height and weight. It measures 6.19 inches in height and weighs 11.1 pounds. The Brother DCP-L2640DW is taller at 12.5 inches and heavier at 25 pounds. Both have similar width and length dimensions.
Can I scan documents with the Brother DCP-L2640DW?
Yes, you can. The Brother DCP-L2640DW supports scanning and copying functions. It features wireless scanning and duplex scanning capabilities. This makes it a practical choice for small offices needing fast monochrome prints and automatic document feeding.
Does the HP Smart Tank 5003 support duplex printing?
The provided data does not specify duplex printing for the HP Smart Tank 5003. It lists the model as the 510x series with a focus on color output. You should check the manual for automatic double-sided printing details.
Is the Brother DCP-L2640DW wireless?
Yes, it is. The Brother DCP-L2640DW offers wireless connectivity. It also supports mobile printing and wireless scanning. These features allow you to print and scan from various devices without needing a direct cable connection.
What is the main difference between these two printers?
The main difference is print technology and color support. The HP uses ink tank technology for color printing. The Brother uses laser technology for monochrome prints. The HP includes ink for up to 6,000 pages, while the Brother focuses on speed and connectivity.