Brother DCP T420W vs Epson L3250: Which Ink Tank Printer Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of home and small office printing, two formidable contenders emerge: the Brother DCP T420W and the Epson L3250. Both boast impressive ink tank technology, promising low-cost printing and convenience. But which one truly stands out? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each printer to help you make an informed decision.

Features and Connectivity

Brother DCP T420W

• Print, copy, and scan functionality
• Wireless and USB connectivity
• Automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning
• 150-sheet input tray capacity

Epson L3250

• Print, copy, and scan functionality
• Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
• No ADF
• 100-sheet input tray capacity

Print Quality and Speed

Brother DCP T420W

• Fast print speeds of up to 17ppm (black) and 9.5ppm (color)
• Sharp and vibrant prints with a resolution of up to 6000 x 1200 dpi

Epson L3250

• Slower print speeds of up to 10ppm (black) and 5ppm (color)
• Comparable print quality with a resolution of up to 5760 x 1440 dpi

Ink Capacity and Cost

Brother DCP T420W

• Uses Brother LC3211 series ink cartridges
• Standard yield of 600 pages (black) and 550 pages (color)
• High-yield cartridges available for extended printing

Epson L3250

• Built-in ink tanks that hold up to 70ml of black ink and 50ml of color ink
• Ultra-high yield of up to 5,000 pages (black) and 6,500 pages (color)
• Refillable ink bottles for cost-effective printing

Convenience and Features

Brother DCP T420W

• Compact design with a footprint of 430 x 385 x 195mm
• Easy-to-use LCD display for intuitive operation
• Supports AirPrint, Mopria, and Brother iPrint&Scan mobile printing

Epson L3250

• Slightly larger design with a footprint of 482 x 300 x 187mm
• No LCD display, but features indicator lights for status updates
• Supports Wi-Fi Direct and Epson Connect for wireless printing

Strengths and Weaknesses

Brother DCP T420W

Strengths:

• Fast print speeds
• ADF for convenient multi-page scanning
• Compact design

Weaknesses:

• Lower ink capacity than Epson L3250
• No Ethernet connectivity

Epson L3250

Strengths:

• Ultra-high ink capacity for low-cost printing
• Ethernet connectivity for stable network printing
• Refillable ink bottles for cost-effective ink replenishment

Weaknesses:

• Slower print speeds
• No ADF
• Smaller input tray capacity

Which is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Brother DCP T420W and Epson L3250 depends on your specific needs and preferences.

• For high-volume printing with fast speeds and multi-page scanning: Brother DCP T420W
• For ultra-low-cost printing with a large ink capacity: Epson L3250
• For reliable network printing and Ethernet connectivity: Epson L3250
• For a compact printer with a small footprint: Brother DCP T420W
• For easy mobile printing and wireless features: Brother DCP T420W

Verdict: Brother DCP T420W vs Epson L3250

Based on our comprehensive analysis, the Brother DCP T420W emerges as the superior choice for most home and small office users. Its exceptional print speeds, ADF, and compact design make it a versatile and efficient printer. However, if ultra-low-cost printing and a large ink capacity are your top priorities, the Epson L3250 is an excellent option.

What People Want to Know

Q1: Which printer has the lower running cost?
A: The Epson L3250 has a significantly lower running cost due to its ultra-high ink capacity and refillable ink bottles.

Q2: Can I print photos with these printers?
A: Both printers can print photos, but the Epson L3250 may produce slightly better photo quality due to its higher resolution.

Q3: Which printer is more durable?
A: Both printers are designed for durability, but the Brother DCP T420W has a slightly sturdier construction.

Q4: Can I use third-party ink with these printers?
A: It is not recommended to use third-party ink, as it may void the warranty and potentially damage the printer.

Q5: How often do I need to replace the ink tanks/cartridges?
A: The ink tanks/cartridges should be replaced when the ink levels are low. The Epson L3250 has much larger ink tanks than the Brother DCP T420W, so it requires less frequent replacement.