Brother MFC-L3780CDW Review — Fast Color Laser AIO
Expert review of the Brother MFC-L3780CDW: fast 31 ppm color laser, single-pass duplex scan, robust connectivity and business-ready features.
Introduction
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is positioned for small businesses and busy home offices that need laser-quality color printing, fast multi-page workflows, and integrated scan/copy/fax capabilities in one compact footprint. With rated print speeds up to 31 ppm and single-pass duplex scanning, the MFC-L3780CDW aims to eliminate bottlenecks that slow daily productivity—no more waiting on slow color pages or rescanning multi-page documents by hand.
This printer solves several common office headaches: inconsistent color output, slow duplex scanning, and complicated connectivity. By combining a high-resolution color laser engine with an intuitive 3.5″ touchscreen, robust network options (dual-band Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi Direct) and optional subscription toner replenishment, the MFC-L3780CDW streamlines document production and helps teams stay focused on work rather than maintenance.
Overview
Design-forward but practical, the MFC-L3780CDW measures roughly 18.2″W x 16.1″D x 15.8″H and weighs about 47.8 pounds—substantial enough for reliable paper handling but compact enough for a small office shelf or credenza. The white chassis and clear control panel give it a professional, understated appearance that fits into client-facing areas without dominating the room.
At its core is a color laser printing engine capable of 2400 x 600 dpi maximum resolution, delivering crisp text and consistent color fills for charts, presentations, and client-ready reports. Functionally it’s an all-in-one with flatbed and sheetfed scanning (single-pass duplex), copying and faxing, plus a 250-sheet input capacity and optional expandable trays for heavier workloads. Connectivity includes dual-band Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, Wi‑Fi Direct and NFC badge authentication—covering nearly every modern office setup. Taken together, this printer is ideal for small businesses, legal or financial offices, remote teams, and workgroups that need a dependable color multifunction laser that emphasizes speed, security, and low hands-on maintenance.
Features
High-Speed Duplex Printing: 31 ppm (color and mono) print speed with automatic duplex printing. Advantage: Fast one-sided and two-sided throughput reduces wait time for multi-page reports and keeps print queues moving. Benefit: Team members and reception areas get documents faster, improving response times and allowing staff to remain productive rather than babysitting print jobs.
Single-Pass Duplex Copy & Scan: Single-pass duplex scanning and copying with scan speeds up to 29 ipm (mono) and 22 ipm (color). Advantage: Scans both sides of a document in a single pass, eliminating misfeeds and doubling throughput compared to single-head scanners. Benefit: Accounts payable, HR, and sales staff can digitize contracts and invoices quickly, reducing processing time and improving document turnaround.
Robust Connectivity and Security: Dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi Direct, USB, and NFC authentication. Advantage: Flexible network options simplify installation across mixed device environments while NFC card support and advanced security settings help protect sensitive prints and user access. Benefit: IT administrators can deploy securely in shared spaces, and end-users can print directly from phones or tablets with minimal setup.
Laser-Quality Output with High Resolution: Up to 2400 x 600 dpi color resolution using Brother Genuine TN229 toner and DR229 drum units. Advantage: Laser toner produces sharp, smudge-resistant text and solid color fills that reproduce graphs and business graphics clearly. Benefit: Presentations, proposals, and client-facing documents look professional, reducing the need for outsourced print runs or expensive photo printers for standard marketing collateral.
Eco-Friendly, Business-Grade Reliability: ENERGY STAR® compliant, EPEAT® Silver rated, Eco Mode and Toner Save Mode, plus optional Brother Refresh EZ Print subscription. Advantage: Reduced energy use and automated toner replenishment help contain operating costs while minimizing downtime. Benefit: Lower utility and consumable management overhead leads to predictable operating expenses and fewer disruptions due to toner shortages.
Benefits
Faster Office Workflows
Reduced job time from high first-page-out and sustained 31 ppm performance accelerates multi-document workflows. Teams can compile, print, and distribute packs or client handouts within a single meeting window.
Reliable, Professional Output
Laser toner delivers smudge-free, consistent results on plain paper and heavier stocks—ideal for internal reports, invoices, and client proposals that require a polished look without outsourcing.
Flexible Deployment and Simple Mobile Printing
Dual-band Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi Direct and NFC provide multiple options for connecting laptops, phones, and tablets, making setup quick and allowing mobile users to print with native apps and AirPrint/compatible services.
Lower Hands-On Maintenance
Generous tray capacity, automatic duplexing and the Refresh EZ subscription option reduce the frequency of intervention. Toner save and Eco modes further extend consumable life between replacements.
Security and Compliance for Sensitive Documents
NFC badge authentication and configurable security policies help prevent unauthorized access to prints and protect confidential client or financial information in shared office environments.
Usages
Perfect for Small Offices and Workgroups
Handles high-volume document needs like invoices, contracts and client packets with fast print speeds, duplex output and a 250-sheet tray (expandable) to minimize refills.
Ideal for Multistep Document Workflows
Single-pass duplex scanning and integrated fax make it easy to digitize, archive, and transmit multi-page documents—useful for HR onboarding, legal intake, and accounting processes.
Good for Marketing Collateral and Internal Presentations
While not a dedicated photo printer, the 2400 x 600 dpi laser output produces sharp charts, color brochures, and custom letterhead suitable for in-house distribution.
Home Office Power User
Remote professionals who need robust connectivity, consistent color output, and multifunction scanning will appreciate the blend of speed and features in a compact package.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast 31 ppm color and mono printing with quick first-page-out time
- Single-pass duplex scanning and copying for efficient workflows
- Versatile connectivity: dual-band Wi‑Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi‑Fi Direct and NFC
- High-resolution 2400 x 600 dpi output produces sharp text and business graphics
- ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver ratings plus Eco/Toner Save modes
Cons
- Mixed user reports on long-term reliability and lifespan in heavy-use scenarios
- Color photo-quality is limited compared to dedicated photo printers or high-end inkjets
- Attractive feature set makes it pricier than basic monochrome lasers—ongoing toner costs can add up without subscription
- Relatively heavy and larger footprint compared with compact office models
FAQs
Is this printer good for high-volume printing?
Yes. With 31 ppm print speed, a 250-sheet main tray and optional additional paper tray support, it is well-suited for small office volumes. For sustained heavy production, consider adding the optional tray and keep spare toners on hand.
Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
Absolutely. The MFC-L3780CDW supports Wi‑Fi Direct, AirPrint-compatible workflows, and wireless printing via the Brother mobile app for iOS and Android, making mobile printing straightforward.
What are my toner options and costs?
Brother Genuine TN229 series is available in standard, high-yield and super high-yield sizes. Costs per page will depend on yield and usage; the Refresh EZ Print subscription can automate toner delivery and may lower per-page costs depending on your plan.
Does it support automatic duplex scanning?
Yes. It features single-pass duplex scanning and copying, which scans both sides of a sheet in one pass for fast and reliable two-sided digitization.
How secure is the printer for confidential documents?
It includes advanced security features such as NFC card authentication and configurable network security settings. IT administrators can restrict access and use authentication to prevent unauthorized printing.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Color Laser All-in-One (Print/Copy/Scan/Fax) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 31 pages per minute (color and mono) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, NFC |
| Duplex | Automatic duplex printing and single-pass duplex scanning |
| Supported Media Sizes | Letter (8.5 x 11), Legal (8.5 x 14), 4 x 6, envelopes, cardstock, labels, glossy paper |
| Ink/Toner Type | Toner cartridges (Brother TN229 series) and DR229 drum unit |
| Input Capacity | 250-sheet main tray, multi-purpose tray and optional trays available |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 18.2″ x 16.1″ x 15.8″ |
| Weight | 47.8 pounds |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed and sheetfed single-pass duplex scanner |
| Control Panel | 3.5-inch color touchscreen |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty with Brother online, phone and chat support |
Ratings
| Print-Scan-Copy Performance | 4.4 |
| Document Feeder Reliability | 3.6 |
| Connectivity & Smart Features | 4.5 |
| Print Speed & Output Quality | 4.3 |
| Ink / Toner Efficiency | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 3.8 |
Recommendation
Choose the Brother MFC-L3780CDW if your office needs a fast, secure, multifunction color laser that balances speed, connectivity, and professional output. It’s especially strong for small businesses, legal offices, and departments that require reliable duplex scanning and straightforward network deployment.
Consider adding the Refresh EZ Print subscription or stocking high-yield TN229XL/TN229XXL cartridges if your monthly page counts are moderate to high to reduce downtime and better control per-page costs.
Conclusion
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW delivers a compelling mix of speed, security and multifunction capability that addresses the core needs of small offices and busy workgroups. Its 31 ppm color laser engine and single-pass duplex scanning streamline document-intensive tasks, while flexible connectivity options and NFC authentication make it easy to integrate into modern, mobile-first environments.
While long-term reliability reports are mixed—making proactive maintenance and correct usage important—the overall package offers strong immediate productivity gains, professional-looking output, and useful energy-saving features. For teams who prioritize speed, duplex workflows, and networked security without resorting to larger enterprise hardware, the MFC-L3780CDW is a practical, capable choice that delivers long-term value when paired with sensible consumable management.
