Brother MFC-L3720CDW Review: Laser Printer for Small Offices
Comprehensive review of the Brother MFC-L3720CDW laser printer. Explore features, benefits, specs, and user insights to see if it’s right for your small business or home office.
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced business environment, printing challenges are a constant hurdle. Whether it’s the high cost of ink, the frustration of slow print speeds, or the need for accurate color reproduction, many small offices struggle to find a printer that truly meets their demands. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW aims to solve these common problems by combining laser-quality printing with multifunction capabilities and a focus on efficiency.
Overview
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is a robust, network-ready, all-in-one laser printer designed for the modern small office. This device isn’t just a printer; it’s a complete solution encompassing printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, all wrapped into a single, compact unit. Its core design revolves around laser print technology, ensuring crisp text and vibrant color prints, while the integrated 3.5” color touchscreen provides an intuitive user interface. With flexible connectivity options including Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile app support, the MFC-L3720CDW seamlessly integrates into any workflow. This printer is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a dependable and cost-effective solution that prioritizes productivity and reduces operational overhead.
Features
Auto Document Feeder for Streamlined Workflow: The 50-page Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a true productivity booster. It allows you to quickly and efficiently copy, scan, and fax multi-page documents without manual intervention. This feature dramatically reduces the time spent on document processing, enabling your team to focus on more critical tasks. The ADF’s ability to handle both letter and legal-size paper further adds to its versatility.
High-Yield Toner Cartridges: Brother’s high-yield toner cartridges offer significant cost savings compared to standard cartridges. The ability to print up to 3,000 pages in black and 2,000 pages in color (yield varies) dramatically reduces the frequency of cartridge replacements, saving you money and minimizing downtime. This feature is especially beneficial for businesses with moderate to high printing volumes.
Dual-Band Wireless Connectivity for Seamless Sharing: The MFC-L3720CDW supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, providing a more stable and reliable connection compared to older single-band Wi-Fi standards. This ensures fast and seamless printing from multiple devices, eliminating bottlenecks and boosting efficiency. The built-in Wi-Fi Direct capability also allows for direct connections from mobile devices without needing a traditional network.
Intuitive 3.5” Color Touchscreen Interface: Navigating the MFC-L3720CDW is a breeze thanks to the user-friendly 3.5” color touchscreen. The customizable shortcuts allow you to personalize your most frequently used functions, while direct access to popular cloud-based apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote simplifies document sharing and collaboration. This streamlined interface reduces the learning curve for new users and enhances overall productivity.
Brother Mobile Connect App for Remote Management: Stay connected and in control, even when you’re away from the office. The Brother Mobile Connect app allows you to remotely print, scan, monitor toner levels, and order supplies directly from your smartphone or tablet. This mobile app significantly enhances flexibility and ensures you’re always prepared to meet your printing needs.
Benefits
Simplified Workflow: The intuitive touchscreen and cloud integration streamline document management and collaboration, creating a more efficient workflow.
Vibrant and Accurate Color Prints: Laser print technology ensures crisp text and vibrant colors, delivering professional-quality documents and marketing materials.
Increased Productivity: The ADF and fast print speeds enable faster document processing and reduce downtime, freeing up valuable time for your team.
Enhanced Convenience: Wireless connectivity and mobile app support allow for flexible and convenient printing from anywhere.
Reduced Printing Costs: The high-yield toner cartridges and optional refill subscription dramatically lower your cost per page compared to traditional inkjet printers, resulting in significant long-term savings.
Usages
Ideal for Small Businesses: Its robust performance, cost-effective operation, and multifunctionality make it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to streamline their office processes.
Useful for Photo Printing Enthusiasts: While primarily a document printer, the laser technology provides exceptional detail and sharpness, making it suitable for occasional photo prints.
Great for Students and Frequent Document Printing: The fast print speeds and high-yield cartridges make it perfect for students or anyone who needs to print large volumes of documents.
Perfect for Home Offices: The MFC-L3720CDW provides a complete printing solution for home offices, offering reliable color printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent print quality (laser precision)
- Cost-effective operation with high-yield toner
- Fast print and scan speeds
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
- Comprehensive multifunction capabilities
- Reliable wireless connectivity
- Eco-friendly design (ENERGY STAR® certified)
Cons
- Initial cost may be higher than basic inkjet printers
- Photo printing quality is suitable for occasional use, not professional photography.
FAQs
How fast is the printing speed?: This printer boasts a print speed of up to 19 pages per minute (ppm) for both black and color prints, ensuring quick turnaround times.
Is it easy to set up the wireless connection?: Yes, the wireless setup is straightforward using the intuitive touchscreen interface or the Brother Mobile Connect app.
What is the ongoing ink/toner cost?: The MFC-L3720CDW utilizes toner cartridges, which offer a significantly lower cost per page compared to inkjet cartridges. Subscription services are also available to further reduce costs.
Are third-party toner cartridges compatible?: While third-party cartridges may be available, using genuine Brother toner is recommended to ensure optimal print quality and avoid potential printer issues. Brother offers warranty support only on genuine cartridges.
What is the printer’s warranty?: The MFC-L3720CDW comes with a 1-year limited warranty, providing peace of mind and ensuring access to Brother’s support services.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Toner |
| DPI Resolution | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Print Technology | Laser |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Warranty |
| Print Speed | 19 ppm (black/color) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct |
| Dimensions | 16.1″D x 17.5″W x 15.8″H |
| Duty Cycle | Maximum Capacity based on 20 lb. paper |
| Page Yield | 3,000 black / 2,000 color |
| Weight | 44 Pounds |
Ratings
| Print Quality | 4.6 |
| Connectivity | 4.5 |
| Cost-Effectiveness | 4.2 |
| Performance | 4.3 |
| Usability | 4.7 |
Recommendation
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW is an exceptional choice for small businesses and home offices that require a reliable, feature-rich, and cost-effective printing solution. Its laser technology ensures superior print quality, while the high-yield toner cartridges and automatic duplex printing dramatically reduce operational expenses. If you need a printer that can handle high-volume printing and offer a comprehensive set of features, the MFC-L3720CDW is a solid investment.
For users who prioritize document quality, efficiency, and long-term value, the MFC-L3720CDW stands out as a top contender. Its intuitive interface and cloud connectivity make it easy to use and integrate into existing workflows. While there are cheaper options, the MFC-L3720CDW offers a compelling combination of performance and features that justifies its price point. It’s a dependable workhorse that will provide years of reliable service.
Conclusion
The Brother MFC-L3720CDW successfully delivers on its promise of providing a reliable and efficient printing solution for small offices and home users. Its laser-quality prints, high-yield toner, and multifunction capabilities make it a valuable asset for any workspace.
With its combination of performance, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly design, the MFC-L3720CDW represents a worthwhile investment for those seeking a dependable and long-lasting printer. It’s a printer you can rely on to handle your everyday printing needs while minimizing your operational costs and maximizing your productivity.
