Brother DCP-L2640DW Review — Compact Mono Laser MFP
In-depth review of the Brother DCP-L2640DW monochrome laser MFP. Fast 36 ppm printing, 50-sheet ADF, duplexing, and network-ready features.
Introduction
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser multi-function printer designed to bring fast, reliable black-and-white printing, copying, and scanning to small businesses and busy home offices. With a rated print speed up to 36 pages per minute, a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, and automatic duplexing, it tackles high-volume document workflows without taking up a lot of desktop real estate. This model addresses common pain points: slow output, frequent paper refills, and complicated supply management.
For teams and professionals who rely on crisp text, consistent output, and an efficient scan/copy workflow, the DCP-L2640DW enhances productivity by reducing wait times and manual intervention. Its combination of solid print resolution and robust paper capacity makes everyday tasks—contracts, reports, invoices, patient forms—flow faster while keeping per-page costs competitive when paired with Brother genuine toner or the Refresh EZ subscription.
Overview
Physically, the DCP-L2640DW is compact and purposeful: about 15.7 deep by 16.1 wide and 12.5 high, with a streamlined footprint meant for desktops and small workstations. The Renewed Premium unit includes the drum and toner and ships with a modern, understated black finish that blends into office environments. Internally, it is a monochrome laser engine optimized for document throughput rather than photographic color reproduction.
Under the hood the printer uses laser printing technology to deliver sharp monochrome output at up to 1200 x 1200 dpi in text and graphics. Connectivity is flexible: dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, and USB 2.0 cover both networked and single-computer setups. The device is ideally suited to small businesses, home offices, and workgroups that need dependable, high-speed mono printing plus scanning and copying in a single compact MFP.
Features
High-Speed Monochrome Printing: This MFP delivers up to 36 pages per minute one-sided, cutting wait times for busy document runs. The fast initial page out time of around 8.5 seconds minimizes delays for single-page jobs and scans. For businesses that process large batches of invoices, reports, or client records, the speed translates directly to more completed work and less bottlenecking during peak hours.
50-Sheet Auto Document Feeder and Flatbed Scanner: A 50-page ADF combined with a flatbed scanner gives the flexibility to digitize multi-page documents or fragile originals. Scanning speeds up to roughly 23.6 ipm mono make it practical to archive and share multi-page documents quickly. The ADF reliability reduces manual scanning time and preserves staff bandwidth for higher-value tasks.
Solid Paper Handling and Duplexing: A 250-sheet main input tray reduces refill frequency and supports up to 8.5 x 14 inch media for longer forms. Automatic duplex printing saves paper and simplifies two-sided printing for reports and manuals, delivering professional double-sided documents without manual intervention.
Flexible Connectivity and Mobile Control: Dual-band wireless plus Ethernet and USB provide deployment flexibility for wired networks and guest Wi-Fi environments. The Brother Mobile Connect app enables remote print and scan control, supply ordering, and toner tracking. While wireless experiences vary by environment, the multi-interface approach means there is usually an alternative path to connect.
Toner Management with Refresh EZ Subscription: Choose Brother genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner cartridges and opt into the Refresh EZ Print Subscription to automate toner replenishment. The subscription model can reduce direct supply headaches and provides predictable per-page costing, with claimed savings compared to retail cartridge purchases.
Benefits
Speed that Frees Time
With 36 ppm throughput and a short first-page-out time, staff spend less waiting and more doing. This produces faster document turnaround for busy days and reduces print queues during peak times.
Lower Operational Overhead
A 250-sheet tray and toner-saving modes extend replace intervals for paper and consumables, lowering routine maintenance time and reducing interruptions to workflows.
Compact Footprint, Big Capability
Combines printing, scanning, and copying in a small chassis to save desk space while delivering the features of a full office device, ideal for cramped workstations and satellite offices.
Consistent Document Quality
Laser printing delivers crisp, high-contrast text and clear line art at 1200 x 1200 dpi, producing professional-looking reports and forms that scan and archive well.
Simplified Supply Management
The Brother Mobile Connect app and Refresh EZ subscription reduce the risk of running out of toner and streamline replenishment, particularly for small teams without a central IT procurement process.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices and Small Businesses
Ideal for professionals who need reliable mono printing, scanning, and copying in one unit—freelancers, consultants, legal assistants, and small clinic administrators will appreciate the speed and compact design.
Efficient Document Archiving and Batch Scanning
Use the 50-page ADF to digitize client files, financial records, or intake forms quickly. The flatbed preserves delicate originals, while the ADF handles routine multi-page stacks.
High-Volume Black-and-White Workflows
Handle contracts, invoices, student handouts, and forms with consistent text sharpness and minimal maintenance, especially when paired with high-yield replacement toner.
Shared Office Printer for Workgroups
Network-ready via Ethernet and dual-band Wi-Fi, this MFP can become a central mono printer for small teams needing dependable, day-to-day document services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very fast mono print speed up to 36 ppm for high-throughput tasks
- Compact multi-function design with 50-sheet ADF and flatbed scanner
- Automatic duplexing and 250-sheet input reduce manual handling
- Multiple connectivity options: dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Supports high-resolution mono printing at 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Toner subscription option reduces supply management overhead
Cons
- Monochrome only — not suitable for color documents or photos
- Some users report occasional wireless setup or connectivity quirks
- Renewed units may have shorter warranty windows compared with new units
- No automatic duplex scan (duplex scanning not stated) which can slow two-sided scanning workflows
FAQs
Can this printer print double-sided automatically?
Yes. The Brother DCP-L2640DW supports automatic duplex printing, which allows two-sided printing without manual paper flipping.
What kind of toner does it use and are high-yield options available?
This model uses Brother TN830 or TN830XL toner cartridges. The XL high-yield option is recommended for lower cost per page and less frequent replacements.
Is the wireless connection reliable for multi-device environments?
The printer supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Ethernet for reliable network connections. Some users report mixed wireless setup experiences depending on router configuration; when in doubt, wired Ethernet offers the most consistent performance.
Does the Renewed Premium condition affect performance or warranty?
Renewed Premium units are refurbished to a high standard and typically include the necessary consumables like drum and toner. This listing notes a limited warranty—check the seller details for exact coverage and return policy.
Can I control and monitor the printer from my phone?
Yes. Brother Mobile Connect lets you print, scan, order supplies, and monitor toner usage from smartphones and tablets. App features require a free download and may vary by device and OS.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Monochrome Laser Multi-Function Printer (Print, Scan, Copy) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 36 ppm (one-sided) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, USB 2.0, Brother Mobile Connect app |
| Duplex | Automatic duplex printing (two-sided) |
| Supported Media Sizes | Up to 8.5 x 14 inches (legal) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Toner (Brother TN830 / TN830XL recommended) |
| Paper Capacity (Input/Output) | 250-sheet input tray, 250-sheet output capacity |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed and 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) |
| Scanner Speed | Up to 23.6 ipm mono (per ISO/IEC specs with advanced features off) |
| Dimensions | 15.7″ D x 16.1″ W x 12.5″ H |
| Weight | 25 pounds |
| Initial Page Out Time | Approximately 8.5 seconds |
| Warranty | Limited warranty (check Renewed Premium seller terms) |
| Energy Rating | ENERGY STAR qualified |
Ratings
| Print-Scan-Copy Performance | 4.5 |
| Document Feeder Reliability | 4.1 |
| Connectivity & Smart Features | 3.9 |
| Print Speed & Output Quality | 4.4 |
| Ink / Toner Efficiency | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
Recommendation
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if you run a small office, home practice, or shared workspace that needs fast, dependable black-and-white printing plus scanning and copying in a compact footprint. It is especially well suited for users who value high throughput, clear text quality, and automated duplexing without the need for color output.
Consider pairing this MFP with Brother TN830XL high-yield toner or the Refresh EZ subscription to maximize value and minimize downtime from supply runs. If your environment relies heavily on wireless printing, test network compatibility or use the Ethernet connection for the most reliable experience.
Conclusion
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a focused, efficient monochrome multi-function laser that delivers core office printing, scanning, and copying needs without excess complexity. Its combination of speed, a sizable paper tray, and an automatic document feeder addresses the common bottlenecks small teams face when managing high-volume document workflows.
While it is not a color device, and wireless experiences can vary by network environment, the DCP-L2640DW offers reliable output, strong value when stocked with high-yield toner, and practical features like auto-duplexing that lower paper costs. For organizations that need a robust mono MFP in a small package, this Brother model is a compelling, cost-effective choice with long-term operational benefits.
