Buying Guide for the Best Brother Printer
Choosing the right printer, especially from a brand like Brother, involves understanding your own printing needs and matching them with the features that suit you best. Some people print only occasionally, while others need a device that can handle heavy-duty work or even scan and copy. By learning about key specifications, you can avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or ending up with a printer that can't keep up with your requirements.Printer Type (Inkjet vs. Laser)The printer type refers to how the printer creates images on paper: inkjets use liquid ink, while lasers use toner powder. Inkjet printers are usually better for color printing, especially photos, and are often more affordable initially. Laser printers are great for high volumes of text documents and are more cost-effective over time, since toner lasts longer. If you print mostly documents and need speed and efficiency, a laser printer may be best. If you print colorful graphics or photos, an inkjet might suit you better.
Print SpeedPrint speed tells you how many pages the printer can produce per minute (PPM). This is important if you frequently print large jobs or don't like waiting. Lower speeds (under 10 PPM) are fine for occasional use or photo printing. Mid-range speeds (10–20 PPM) are suitable for general home or small office use. Higher speeds (20+ PPM) are ideal for busy offices. Think about how often you print and how patient you are when waiting for documents.
Print ResolutionPrint resolution, usually measured in dots per inch (DPI), tells you how sharp and detailed prints will be. Higher resolutions mean clearer and more detailed text and images. Basic documents usually look fine at lower resolutions (600x600 DPI), but if you're printing graphics or photos, a higher resolution (1200x1200 DPI or higher) is better. If crispness and detail matter for your documents or artwork, aim for higher resolution.
Duplex PrintingDuplex printing means the printer can automatically print on both sides of the paper. This is important if you want to save paper, make professional-looking booklets, or manage large documents efficiently. Some printers require you to flip the paper manually, while others do it automatically. If you frequently print multi-page documents, an automatic duplex feature is more convenient.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity refers to how the printer connects to your devices. Common options include USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and sometimes Bluetooth. If you want to print from multiple devices or wirelessly from your phone or computer, look for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability. For a more stable connection, especially in an office, Ethernet is useful. Think about where you'll use the printer and what devices need to connect to it.
All-in-One FeaturesAll-in-one or multifunction printers can scan, copy, and sometimes fax, in addition to printing. This is important if you need these additional features regularly. If you only need to print, a basic printer will do. But for home offices, students, or small business users who might need to digitize or duplicate documents, an all-in-one printer is a good fit.
Paper Handling CapacityThe paper handling capacity means how much paper the printer's input tray can hold at once. This matters if you print lots of pages or don't want to refill paper often. Small trays (up to 100 sheets) are okay for light use, while larger trays (250 sheets or more) suit heavy-duty or business users. Consider how much you print and how often you're willing to load paper.