Top 7 Best Brother Printer For Students
The best Brother printers for students are models like the Brother HL-L2480DW Monochrome Laser, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome Laser, and the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome Laser, chosen for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to handle common academic tasks.
These printers offer a strong balance of speed, print quality, and multifunctionality crucial for student life, from essays to research papers. Opting for a Brother printer means investing in a device known for its durability and low running costs, essential for a student’s budget.
We’ve meticulously compared numerous models and narrowed down the field to our top 7 picks, offering a range of features to suit various academic needs. Our evaluation focused on key aspects such as print speed, connectivity options, ease of use, and overall value. Dive into our detailed comparison table below to find the perfect Brother printer to support your studies.
3 Standout Picks: Efficient B&W All-in-One, High-Volume B&W Productivity, and Fast B&W Printing
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.
Brother HL-L2480DW Monochrome Laser
- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- 2.7″ Touchscreen
Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome Laser
- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Auto Duplex & ADF
Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome Laser
- Compact Monochrome Laser
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Automatic Duplex Printing
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.

- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- 2.7″ Touchscreen

- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Auto Duplex & ADF

- Compact Monochrome Laser
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Automatic Duplex Printing

- Color Inkjet All-in-One
- 2.7″ Touchscreen Display
- Automatic Duplex Printing

- Wireless Color Inkjet
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Automatic Duplex Printing

- Compact Monochrome Laser
- Fast 30ppm Output
- Wireless Mobile Printing

- Color Inkjet All-in-One
- Wireless & Mobile Printing
- Cloud Connectivity
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Brother HL-L2480DW Monochrome Laser

36ppm Laser
Cloud Access
All-in-One
You’ll find the Brother HL-L2480DW to be an outstanding choice for students needing high-speed, efficient black and white multifunctionality. Its fast 36 ppm laser printing combined with automatic duplex and a flatbed scanner makes quick work of any assignment. The intuitive 2.7″ touchscreen simplifies navigation and direct cloud access, boosting your productivity.
While it excels in black and white, remember this printer does not offer color printing, which is a key consideration for certain academic fields. This model is perfect if you require a robust, fast, and user-friendly all-in-one for text-heavy documents and scanning, but you’ll need a separate solution for any color printing needs.
Pros
- Very fast B&W printing
- Intuitive touchscreen interface
- Full multifunctionality
Cons
- No color printing capability
- Larger than print-only models
- No automatic document feeder
Specifications
#2. Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome Laser

36ppm Laser
Duplex & ADF
All-in-One
You’ll find the Brother DCP-L2640DW to be an incredibly efficient workhorse, perfect for students with high-volume black and white printing needs. Its blazing fast 36 ppm print speed and 50-page automatic document feeder will save you significant time on large assignments and research papers. Automatic duplex printing also helps conserve paper.
However, remember this is a monochrome-only device, so it won’t produce color prints. If your academic work primarily involves text-heavy documents and you need a reliable, fast, and cost-effective solution for printing, copying, and scanning in black and white, this printer is an outstanding choice. Skip it if color output is essential.
Pros
- Very fast B&W printing
- Automatic document feeder
- Cost-efficient toner
Cons
- No color printing
- Larger footprint than some
- LCD display, not touchscreen
Specifications
#3. Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome Laser

Monochrome Prints
Double-Sided
Network Ready
You’ll find the Brother HL-L2460DW to be an excellent choice for students who need fast and reliable black and white printing. With speeds up to 36 pages per minute and automatic duplex printing, you can quickly churn out essays and study guides while saving paper. Its compact size fits well in any student living space, and versatile connectivity options make printing simple.
However, this model is a print-only device, meaning it lacks scanning or copying functions. If your primary need is efficient, high-volume monochrome printing and you don’t require multifunctionality, this printer is a strong contender. If you need to scan or copy documents, you’ll need to look at other options.
Pros
- Very fast B&W printing
- Automatic 2-sided printing
- Compact and efficient
Cons
- Print-only functionality
- No color output
- No touchscreen display
Specifications
#4. Brother Work Smart 1410 Inkjet

Easy Control
App Integration
Multifunction Device
You’ll find the Brother Work Smart 1410 to be a highly functional all-in-one, ideal for diverse student needs with its print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities. The intuitive 2.7″ color touchscreen makes navigation and cloud app connections incredibly easy. Automatic duplex printing and a document feeder enhance productivity for school projects and reports.
While it’s a great all-rounder, you should be aware that, like many inkjets, ink costs can add up over time, especially with frequent color printing. This model is an excellent choice if you need a feature-rich printer with good usability for a variety of tasks, but consider a laser printer if your volume is extremely high and mostly black and white.
Pros
- Easy-to-use touchscreen
- Full multifunctionality
- Cloud app connectivity
Cons
- Ink cartridge replacement costs
- Moderate print speeds
- Only 20-sheet ADF
Specifications
#5. Brother MFCJ1360DW Work Smart

Inkjet Output
Mobile Printing
Auto Printing
You’ll find the Brother MFCJ1360DW Work Smart to be a versatile all-in-one printer perfect for student needs, offering printing, copying, and scanning capabilities. Its wireless connectivity and mobile app support make it easy to print from various devices, while automatic duplex printing helps save paper. The color output is vibrant, making presentations and reports stand out.
However, you might notice that the print speeds, especially for color, are not the fastest. This printer is ideal if you need reliable color printing and scanning for school projects and occasional documents, but it might not be the best fit if you require high-volume, rapid printing regularly.
Pros
- Vibrant color inkjet prints
- Wireless and mobile printing
- Automatic 2-sided printing
Cons
- Slower color print speed
- Inkjet cartridge costs
- Small 1.8″ display
Specifications
#6. Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome Laser

Laser Output
30ppm Speed
Desktop Fit
You’ll appreciate the Brother HL-L2405W for its fast black and white printing and compact design, making it ideal for dorm rooms or small study spaces. It delivers sharp, crisp text at speeds up to 30 pages per minute, which is excellent for essays and reports. The wireless connectivity ensures you can print easily from your laptop or phone.
Keep in mind that this is a monochrome-only printer, so you won’t get color output. If your coursework primarily involves text documents and you’re looking for an economical and efficient black and white solution, this printer is a solid choice, but skip it if color prints are a frequent requirement.
Pros
- Fast monochrome printing
- Compact, space-saving design
- Cost-effective toner
Cons
- No color printing
- Manual duplex printing
- Print-only functionality
Specifications
#7. Brother MFC-J497DW Inkjet Multifunction

Desktop Fit
Mobile Ready
Scan & Print
You’ll appreciate the Brother MFC-J497DW for its compact size and comprehensive all-in-one functionality, perfect for tight student spaces. It offers wireless printing from mobile devices and cloud services, making it convenient for modern academic workflows. Automatic duplex printing is a handy feature for saving paper on reports and assignments.
However, its print speeds are on the slower side, which might be noticeable for larger print jobs. This printer is a great fit if you need a space-saving, versatile color inkjet for occasional printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, but if speed is a top priority for high-volume tasks, you might find it a bit slow.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Wireless mobile printing
- Cloud service integration
Cons
- Slower print speeds
- Small paper tray capacity
- Ink cartridge costs
Specifications

Decoding the Best Brother Printer for Your Academic Journey
Choosing the right printer can significantly impact a student’s productivity and budget. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but a thoughtful selection now will save you headaches and money down the line.
The Smart Student’s Checklist for Printer Perfection
When you’re sifting through the options, keep these practical considerations at the forefront of your decision-making process.
- Print Technology: Decide between inkjet and laser. Inkjets are generally versatile for both text and color graphics, while laser printers excel at fast, crisp text documents and can be more economical for high-volume black-and-white printing.
- Connectivity Options: Consider how you’ll connect. Wi-Fi is standard for wireless printing from laptops and mobile devices, while USB offers a direct, reliable connection. Some models even support cloud printing services.
- Running Costs: Look beyond the initial purchase price to the cost of replacement ink or toner cartridges. A printer that seems inexpensive upfront can quickly become a money pit if its consumables are pricey.
- Footprint and Portability: If dorm room space is at a premium, a compact model is essential. If you might need to move it between locations, consider its weight and overall design.
- Multifunctionality: Do you need more than just printing? Scanners and copiers are often integrated, offering an all-in-one solution that can be incredibly useful for academic tasks.
- Sticking to your budget: Focus on models that offer the core features you need without unnecessary extras that drive up the cost. There are excellent, reliable options available across various price points.
Avoiding the Printer Predicaments That Trip Up Students
Don’t let these common missteps derail your printer purchase. A little foresight goes a long way.
- Underestimating Ink/Toner Costs: Many students focus solely on the printer’s initial price, only to be shocked by the recurring cost of consumables. Always research cartridge prices before committing.
- Ignoring Print Speed for High Volume: If you anticipate printing lengthy research papers or multiple handouts regularly, a slow printer will quickly become a source of frustration.
- Overlooking Setup Complexity: Some printers are more user-friendly to set up than others. If you’re not tech-savvy, look for models known for straightforward installation and intuitive software.
Your Study Buddy: Final Thoughts on Brother Printers
For budget-conscious students, the HL-L2405W and HL-L2460DW are monochrome laser champions. Need color and versatility? The MFC-J1410DW and MFCJ1360DW are your all-in-one inkjet allies. If scanning and copying are crucial, the DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2480DW offer robust monochrome multi-functionality. And for a balanced inkjet option, the MFC-J497DW is a solid choice. All these Brother printers offer excellent value for student budgets. Ready to make your move? Check current availability and snag your perfect printer via the buttons above!
Final 3 Picks: Efficient B&W All-in-One, High-Volume B&W Productivity, and Fast B&W Printing
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
Brother HL-L2480DW Monochrome Laser
- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- 2.7″ Touchscreen
Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome Laser
- Monochrome Laser All-in-One
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Auto Duplex & ADF
Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome Laser
- Compact Monochrome Laser
- Fast 36ppm Output
- Automatic Duplex Printing
