For small businesses and home offices requiring a robust and efficient printing solution, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW stands out as an exceptional color laser all-in-one printer. While it represents a step up in price compared to some alternatives, this business-class machine justifies the investment with its enhanced speed, superior print quality, increased durability, and advanced security features. If you are in the market for the best MFP (multifunction printer) color laser printer, the MFC-L3780CDW deserves serious consideration.
Our pick for the best upgrade printer with better speed and features, the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, on a green background.
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW excels in environments with frequent print, scan, and even fax demands. It delivers on the promise of faster operation and sharper output for both text and graphics. Within the realm of color laser printers offering comprehensive productivity features comparable to top-rated inkjet models, the MFC-L3780CDW distinguishes itself as a particularly cost-effective choice.
Navigating the printer’s menu is generally intuitive. However, users with visual impairments might find the interface challenging due to the dark menu bar at the bottom, which can blend into the black display screen.
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is equipped with a paper tray that accommodates up to 250 sheets, and its robust duty cycle is rated for a substantial 4,000 pages per month. This capacity comfortably exceeds the printing needs of most small and home offices, ensuring reliable performance even during peak periods.
Speed and Performance That Boost Productivity
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is engineered for speed. Brother states that it can achieve print speeds of up to 31 pages per minute (ppm). In practical testing, while the average speed of comparable printers like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw was around 22 ppm, the MFC-L3780CDW consistently demonstrated rapid output.
Exceptional Print Quality for Text and Graphics
In print quality assessments, the MFC-L3780CDW matched the sharpness of text produced by the 3301fdw. Graphics were rendered with similar clarity and without unwanted banding. As is typical with laser printers, photo prints may appear somewhat less vibrant compared to dedicated photo printers. For users prioritizing photo printing, specialized inkjet options might be more suitable.
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW printer, displaying its touchscreen interface and paper output tray.
Scanning Limitations Common to Laser Printers
When it comes to scanning, the MFC-L3780CDW, like many laser printers, may not perfectly replicate the vibrancy of original documents. Scanned graphics can sometimes appear less vivid than the source material. This is a general characteristic of laser scanning technology compared to inkjet alternatives. For users with critical scanning requirements, especially for color-sensitive documents, it’s an important consideration. Compared to top inkjet all-in-one printers, laser models generally trade some scanning fidelity for their speed and text/graphics print quality.
Built for High-Volume, Durable Performance
Durability is a key strength of the MFC-L3780CDW. It spools up quickly, minimizing wait times. Its recommended monthly duty cycle of 4,000 pages is nearly double the 2,500 pages of the 3301fdw. This higher duty cycle translates to greater longevity and the capacity to handle substantial print volumes, even during demanding periods like audits. The robust design ensures it can withstand the rigors of a busy office environment without premature wear.
Standalone Printing and Scanning without a Computer
For added convenience, the MFC-L3780CDW offers a USB port for direct printing. This eliminates the need to connect to a computer or mobile device for every print job. It supports printing directly from USB drives for common file formats like JPEGs, PDFs, and TIFFs. It can also save scanned documents directly to a USB drive, providing a practical standalone operation capability.
Flexible Media Handling for Diverse Printing Needs
The MFC-L3780CDW accommodates a variety of paper sizes. The foldout bypass tray supports letter, legal, executive, and postcard-size media. The automatic document feeder (ADF) further enhances its versatility by handling legal-size documents for scanning and copying, making it suitable for diverse office tasks.
Enhanced Security Features for Sensitive Environments
Security is increasingly critical, and the MFC-L3780CDW incorporates robust security features. Similar to other recommended laser printers, it includes firmware integrity and encryption protocols to minimize the risk of printer hijacking. It supports directory authentication, secure fax holding until credentials are entered, and role-based access control for multi-user setups. An integrated NFC card reader adds another layer of security, enabling badge authentication for print job release, enhancing confidentiality in shared office spaces.
Economical Operation and Toner Costs
Long-term operating costs are a significant factor in printer ownership. Using super-high-yield toner cartridges, the MFC-L3780CDW offers competitive per-page costs, approximately 2.5¢ for black printing and 12.9¢ for color. These costs are lower than the 3301fdw and comparable to Brother’s monochrome laser printer models for black printing.
While the initial cost of super-high-yield toner cartridges is substantial (around $530), users can opt for lower-capacity high-yield or standard-yield cartridges to reduce upfront expenses. However, this trade-off increases the per-print costs. Choosing the right toner cartridge capacity depends on your printing volume and budget considerations.
User-Friendly Touchscreen Interface
The MFC-L3780CDW features a color touchscreen interface that is generally easy to navigate and operate. It is designed to be less cumbersome than interfaces found on some competing models. However, as noted earlier, the black footer on the touchscreen might pose usability challenges for individuals with limited vision, unlike models with better contrast like the monochrome Brother MFC-L2900DW.
Warranty Considerations
Brother provides a one-year warranty for the MFC-L3780CDW. While this is standard, some competitors offer longer warranty periods in this printer class. For instance, Canon provides a three-year warranty for its home office machines, and HP includes on-site service within one business day with its one-year warranty. Brother offers extended warranties (starting at $103) that can provide added peace of mind, including free repairs at authorized locations or next-day shipping of a refurbished replacement unit.
Conclusion
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a top contender for the best MFP color laser printer, particularly for users who need a reliable, fast, and feature-rich machine for small business or home office use. Its robust performance, strong security features, and reasonable operating costs make it a worthwhile investment. While the initial price is higher than some alternatives, the long-term benefits in productivity and durability position it as an excellent choice for demanding printing environments.
