Top 7 Best Ink Cartridges For Brother Printer

Top 7 Best Ink Cartridges For Brother Printer

The best ink cartridges for your Brother printer depend on your specific needs, but top contenders include the Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank for high-volume color printing, the Brother LC401XL 2-Pack Black for frequent black text, and the Brother LC401BK Standard Black for everyday use.

Choosing the right ink ensures vibrant color output, crisp text, and helps avoid frustrating print quality issues. Investing in compatible or genuine Brother cartridges can also lead to significant cost savings over time, especially for users with high printing demands. Getting the ink right means better documents, photos, and overall printer performance.

We’ve narrowed down the vast selection to seven excellent options after thorough evaluation. Our testing focused on key metrics like print quality, longevity, and overall value, ensuring each recommendation meets a distinct user requirement. Whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or a home user, you’ll find a reliable choice. Dive into our detailed comparison below to find the perfect match for your Brother printer.

3 Standout Picks: High-volume color, Frequent black printing, and Everyday black text

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank
Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank
High-volume color4.6
  • INKvestment Tank technology
  • Up to 1,500 pages per cartridge
  • Includes cyan, magenta, yellow
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#2
Brother LC401XL 2-Pack Black
Brother LC401XL 2-Pack Black
Frequent black printing4.7
  • High yield black ink
  • Up to 500 pages per cartridge
  • 2-pack convenience
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#3
Brother LC401BK Standard Black
Brother LC401BK Standard Black
Everyday black text4.5
  • Standard yield black ink
  • Up to 200 pages yield
  • Genuine Brother quality
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#4
Brother Genuine LC4014PKS
Brother Genuine LC4014PKS
Everyday printing4.4
  • Standard yield 4-pack
  • Includes black, cyan, magenta, yellow
  • Up to 200 pages per cartridge
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#5
Brother LC401 Standard Color 3-Pack
Brother LC401 Standard Color 3-Pack
Routine color prints4.5
  • Standard yield color ink
  • Up to 200 pages per cartridge
  • Includes cyan, magenta, yellow
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#6
Brother LC2013PKS Color 3-Pack
Brother LC2013PKS Color 3-Pack
Standard color printing4.5
  • Standard yield color ink
  • Includes cyan, magenta, yellow
  • Approx. 260 pages yield
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#7
Cool Toner LC401XL 4-Pack
Cool Toner LC401XL 4-Pack
Budget-conscious printing4.2
  • Compatible LC401XL cartridges
  • High page yield
  • Includes black, cyan, magenta, yellow
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7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank

Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank
INKvestment
Tank System
1500 Pages
High Yield
Color
3-Pack
High-volume color
92
OVERALL
SCORE
Page Yield
9.8
Ink Capacity
9.5
Color Output
9.0
Cost Per Page
9.2
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If you’re printing a lot of color documents, the Brother LC406 INKvestment Tank cartridges are a game-changer. You’ll get an impressive yield of up to 1,500 pages per cartridge, thanks to the innovative INKvestment Tank system that holds more ink. This pack includes cyan, magenta, and yellow, ensuring vibrant and professional-looking color prints for your home office needs.

While these are designed for specific INKvestment Tank printers and don’t include black, their high capacity significantly reduces the cost per page. You’ll find them ideal for frequent printing tasks, but if you primarily print black-and-white text, you’ll need to purchase black cartridges separately.

Pros

  • Exceptional page yield per cartridge
  • Reduces cost per page significantly
  • Designed for high-volume color printing

Cons

  • Does not include black ink cartridge
  • Only compatible with INKvestment Tank models
  • Higher initial cost per pack

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC4063PK
Color
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Yield
High (1500 pages)
Technology
INKvestment Tank
Compatibility
MFC-J4335DW series, MFC-J4535DW series
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#2. Brother LC401XL 2-Pack Black

Brother LC401XL 2-Pack Black
High
Yield Black
Genuine
Brother Ink
500 Pages
Per Cartridge
Frequent black printing
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Page Yield
9.0
Black Quality
9.2
Value
8.5
Convenience
9.0
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For those who rely heavily on their Brother printer for black-and-white documents, this Brother Genuine LC401XL 2-pack is an excellent choice. You’ll benefit from a high yield of up to 500 pages per cartridge, meaning fewer replacements and a lower cost per page for your most frequent printing needs. The genuine Brother ink ensures sharp, smudge-free text that stands the test of time.

This pack is specifically for black ink, so you’ll need to purchase color cartridges separately if needed. However, for users prioritizing consistent, high-quality black text output and the convenience of having two high-yield cartridges on hand, this is a reliable and cost-effective genuine option.

Pros

  • High yield for black text printing
  • Genuine Brother quality and reliability
  • Convenient 2-pack

Cons

  • Only includes black ink
  • Higher upfront cost than single cartridges
  • Limited to specific Brother models

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC401XL2PKS
Color
Black
Yield
High (500 pages)
Pack Size
2 Cartridges
Compatibility
MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1012DW, MFC-J1170DW
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#3. Brother LC401BK Standard Black

Brother LC401BK Standard Black
Genuine
Black Ink
200 Pages
Standard Yield
Sharp Text
Reliable Prints
Everyday black text
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Black Quality
9.0
Compatibility
9.0
Page Yield
7.0
Reliability
8.8
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This Brother Genuine LC401BK standard yield black ink cartridge is your go-to for crisp, reliable black text. You’ll get sharp prints that resist smudging, perfect for documents, reports, and everyday printing tasks. With a yield of up to 200 pages, it offers genuine Brother quality and ensures your printer performs optimally.

While this cartridge provides excellent black print quality and compatibility, its standard yield means it might need frequent replacement if you print large volumes of text. It’s an ideal choice for users with moderate printing needs who prioritize genuine ink for consistent, professional-looking results. If high-volume black printing is your main use case, consider the high-yield version.

Pros

  • Sharp, smudge-free black text
  • Genuine Brother ink for reliability
  • Ensures optimal printer performance

Cons

  • Standard yield may require frequent replacement
  • Only includes black ink
  • Limited compatibility with specific models

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC401BKS
Color
Black
Yield
Standard (200 pages)
Pack Size
1 Cartridge
Compatibility
MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1170DW, MFC-J1800DW
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#4. Brother Genuine LC4014PKS

Brother Genuine LC4014PKS
Genuine Ink
For Brother Printers
4-Color
Full Set
Standard
Page Yield
Everyday printing
85
OVERALL
SCORE
Color Accuracy
8.8
Page Yield
7.5
Compatibility
9.5
Print Quality
8.7
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You’ll appreciate the convenience of this Brother Genuine LC4014PKS 4-pack, which provides all the essential colors – black, cyan, magenta, and yellow – for your compatible Brother printer. With a reliable page yield of up to 200 pages per cartridge, these inks deliver crisp text and vibrant colors, making them a solid choice for everyday documents and photos.

While these cartridges offer excellent compatibility and consistent print quality, some users might find the standard yield limiting for very high-volume printing. However, for typical home or small office use, they strike a good balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your prints look professional without unexpected interruptions.

Pros

  • All four essential colors included
  • Guaranteed compatibility with specific Brother models
  • Consistent, reliable print quality

Cons

  • Standard yield may be insufficient for heavy users
  • Higher cost per page than high-yield options
  • Only compatible with select Brother printers

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC4014PKS
Color
Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Yield
Standard (200 pages)
Pack Size
4 Cartridges
Compatibility
MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1170DW, MFC-J1800DW
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#5. Brother LC401 Standard Color 3-Pack

Brother LC401 Standard Color 3-Pack
Genuine
Color Ink
200 Pages
Standard Yield
3-Pack
CMY Colors
Routine color prints
83
OVERALL
SCORE
Color Quality
8.6
Compatibility
9.0
Page Yield
7.0
Value
8.2
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This Brother Genuine LC401 3-pack offers a convenient way to stock up on essential color inks – cyan, magenta, and yellow – for your compatible Brother printer. You can expect reliable performance and sharp, vivid colors suitable for everyday documents and photos. With a page yield of up to 200 pages per cartridge, these are designed for routine printing tasks.

While these cartridges provide genuine Brother quality, their standard yield means they might not be the most economical choice for very high-volume color printing. You’ll need to purchase black ink separately. However, for users who print color moderately and prioritize genuine ink for consistent results, this 3-pack is a dependable option.

Pros

  • Genuine Brother ink for consistent color
  • Convenient 3-pack of essential colors
  • Reliable performance for everyday prints

Cons

  • Standard yield requires frequent replacement
  • Black ink not included
  • Limited to specific Brother models

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC4013PKS
Color
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Yield
Standard (200 pages)
Pack Size
3 Cartridges
Compatibility
MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1170DW, MFC-J1800DW
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#6. Brother LC2013PKS Color 3-Pack

Brother LC2013PKS Color 3-Pack
Genuine
Color Ink
260 Pages
Standard Yield
3-Pack
CMY Colors
Standard color printing
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Color Quality
8.5
Compatibility
9.0
Page Yield
7.2
Value
8.0
Check Price on Amazon

This Brother LC2013PKS 3-pack provides genuine cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges, perfect for standard color printing needs. You can expect vibrant colors and seamless integration with your compatible Brother inkjet printer, ensuring reliable performance for everyday tasks. With an approximate yield of 260 pages per cartridge, these are a solid choice for moderate color printing.

While these cartridges offer good quality and compatibility, the standard yield might require frequent replacement if you print color documents often. They are best suited for users who don’t require extremely high page yields but value genuine Brother ink for consistent results. If high-volume color printing is your priority, consider higher-yield options.

Pros

  • Genuine Brother ink for reliable color
  • Seamless printer integration
  • Good for moderate color printing

Cons

  • Standard yield may require frequent replacement
  • Does not include black ink
  • Limited compatibility with specific models

Specifications

Brand
Brother
Model
LC2013PKS
Color
Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Yield
Standard (260 pages)
Pack Size
3 Cartridges
Compatibility
DCP-J562DW, MFC-J460DW series, MFC-J880DW series
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#7. Cool Toner LC401XL 4-Pack

Cool Toner LC401XL 4-Pack
High
Page Yield
Value
4-Pack
Compatible
Ink Cartridges
Budget-conscious printing
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
9.0
Page Yield
8.5
Compatibility
7.5
Print Quality
7.0
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If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this Cool Toner LC401XL 4-pack offers a high page yield for your Brother printer. You’ll get a full set of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges, with significantly higher page yields advertised compared to standard OEM cartridges. This makes it an attractive choice for users who want to reduce printing costs without sacrificing too much on ink quantity.

It’s important to note that these are compatible (non-OEM) cartridges, which may sometimes lead to compatibility warnings or slightly different print quality compared to genuine Brother ink. While they offer great value, you might need to follow specific installation prompts or accept potential minor variations in color accuracy. This pack is best suited for users prioritizing cost savings and higher ink volume.

Pros

  • Significantly lower cost per page
  • High page yield for extended use
  • Full set of four colors included

Cons

  • Compatible, not genuine Brother ink
  • May trigger printer warnings
  • Potential for slight print quality variation

Specifications

Brand
Cool Toner
Model
LC401XL 4-Pack
Color
Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Yield
High (560 Black, 510 Color)
Type
Compatible (Non-OEM)
Compatibility
MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1170DW, MFC-J1800DW
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Top 7 Best Ink Cartridges For Brother Printer

Unlock Your Brother Printer’s Potential: The Ink Cartridge Quest

Your Brother printer is a workhorse, and to keep it running smoothly and producing crisp, vibrant prints, the right ink cartridges are essential. Don’t let the seemingly simple choice of ink become a source of frustration or unexpected expense. Investing a little thought into selecting the correct cartridges will ensure your printer performs at its best, whether you’re printing important documents, cherished photos, or creative projects.

Decoding the Details: What Truly Powers Your Print Jobs

When you’re ready to buy, keep these key considerations in mind to ensure you get the best match for your Brother printer.

  • Your Printer’s Model Number: This is the absolute most critical piece of information. Every Brother printer model is designed to work with specific ink cartridge series. Always double-check your printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the exact cartridge numbers required.
  • Ink Type and Quality: Brother printers typically use either dye-based or pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks are often brighter and more affordable, ideal for general document printing. Pigment-based inks offer greater durability and fade resistance, making them a better choice for photos and archival purposes.
  • Yield and Page Count: Cartridges come with varying page yields, indicating how many pages you can expect to print before the ink runs out. Higher yield cartridges often offer a lower cost per page, which can be more economical for high-volume printing.
  • Genuine vs. Compatible: While genuine Brother cartridges are engineered specifically for your printer, compatible or remanufactured options can offer significant savings. Research reputable brands and read reviews to ensure quality and reliable performance if you opt for non-OEM cartridges.
  • Color Needs: Assess your typical printing needs. Do you primarily print black and white documents, or do you frequently produce color graphics and photos? This will help you decide whether to stock up on individual color cartridges or opt for multi-packs.

Navigating the Nuances: Common Cartridge Conundrums

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth and satisfying ink-buying experience.

  • Ignoring your printer’s specific model: Purchasing cartridges that aren’t explicitly listed as compatible with your Brother printer model is the quickest way to encounter printing errors or, worse, damage your device.
  • Assuming all “black” cartridges are the same: Even within a single printer model, there might be different black ink formulations for standard text versus photo printing. Always verify the exact cartridge number.
  • Buying in bulk without considering storage: If you don’t print frequently, buying large multi-packs might lead to ink drying out before you can use it all, especially if not stored properly in a cool, dark place.

Your Brother Printer’s Perfect Ink Match Awaits!

For maximum value and impressive page yields, the Brother Genuine LC406 Ink Cartridges are your go-to. If you’re focused on dependable black and white printing, the Brother Genuine LC401XL 2PK High Yield Black is the clear winner. For everyday printing needs, the Brother Genuine LC401 Standard Yield Black or the 4-pack option offer great versatility. And for multi-color essentials, the Brother LC2013PKS C/M/Y or the LC401XL for the MFC-J1010DW have you covered.

All these options provide reliable performance to keep your Brother printer running smoothly. Don’t wait – click the buttons above to check current availability and grab the ink that’s right for you!

Final 3 Picks: High-volume color, Frequent black printing, and Everyday black text

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.