The Brother HL-L2395DW Monochrome Laser Printer is part of the Printers test program at Consumer Reports Models of Printers–All-in-one like the HL-L2395DW are evaluated in our lab tests based on a number of different factors, including those listed below.
The Brother HL-L2395DW ($169.99), which offers good output quality for text and graphics, is a good option for micro or home offices looking for a low-cost monochrome laser all-in-one printer. It provides many different connection options as well as efficient paper handling.
Continue reading to get all the details about the Brother HL-L2395DW printer that you require.
Table of Contents
Pros & Cons Of Brother HL-L2395DW
Pros
- good graphics and text.
- Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity are all available.
- contains the Nuance PaperPort program.
Cons
- Poorer than average photos.
- No ADF.
- No fax capability.
Average Print Quality & Running Costs
I timed the HL-L2395DW at 33ppm when printing the text-only (Word) portion of our business application suite, just a little under its rated speed (36ppm). It printed our entire business suite, which includes the aforementioned Word document as well as PDF, PowerPoint, and Excel files, at an average speed of 14.6ppm. Because the Canon imageClass MF216n was evaluated using our previous methodology and has a rated speed of only 24ppm, we are unable to directly compare their speeds.
Based on our testing, the HL-L2395DW’s overall output quality is above average. The quality of the text, graphics, and photographs is all above average. Any business use of text should be fine unless it calls for extremely small fonts.
Airprint, Google Cloud Print, And More
During my in-person tests, printing 10 pages from a MacBook took 27 seconds, including the 5 seconds it took for the data to stream over the network from my laptop to the printer. A Windows laptop’s Edge browser took 36 seconds to print a seven-page webpage. Making a “photocopy” of a single sheet of paper took 9 seconds.
But much more important than that, once I set up the printer and the Wi-Fi connections, everything just worked and produced flawlessly legible documents every time. Various laptops, my phone (19 seconds for a one-page email via AirPrint), Google Docs, PDF files, and emails were all tested. As a long-time inkjet user, it was a welcome change of pace for me. It just worked.
One thing to watch out for if you buy from Amazon: It uses “Amazon Dash Auto Replenishment,” which means it’ll automatically order new toner for you when it’s running low, but that’s a feature you can turn off via your Amazon account.
The Color Option
The HL-L2395DW lacks a color printer but has a flatbed scanner and a copier. Shipping labels, pages of notes for TV appearances, and laptop user manuals that I need to read while testing laptops are what I find I print the most of. But I also understand that many people value color, and a monochrome printer may be a deal-breaker. For this reason, I descended even further into the printer’s rabbit hole to discover Brother’s big, er, basic color version.
The HL-3170CDW, which is the HL-L2395DW’s less expensive color cousin, is an excellent product so far. Just to put it simply, this situation doesn’t lend itself to clear product naming. This color printer typically sells for $249 (£240, AU$259), but Amazon and other retailers frequently offer it for $199, which is double the price of the monochrome model when it is on sale. However, they are not as favorable as those for the monochrome version. User reviews are generally favorable.
More details are in my review of the HL-3170CDW here, but the biggest takeaway is that you’re trading some features, like the scanner and touchscreen interface, for a cheap, but effective, color.
The Window Test
These are not the only inexpensive, high-quality printers available, but since I kept finding recommendations for them, they seemed like a good place to begin. One thing I am certain of is that laser technology is superior to inkjet technology, which has been so frustrating to me over the years, even for budget shoppers.
Although I haven’t yet wanted to throw either of these two Brother printers out the nearest window, that could certainly change over time. I’ve only had them for about a month. If that occurs, I’ll make sure no one is standing directly below my window and I’ll update this review.
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What Are Customers Saying?
- “This printer will always be available even if you typically print infrequently, in low volumes, or only occasionally—even going weeks between prints. If you print in large quantities frequently, I’m sure it can manage it. Those inkjet printers cannot go for extended intervals without printing before the printhead clogs or dry up. Simply stop purchasing HP printers; they are essentially throwaway printers.”
- “This is my second Brother printer. My first network printer was an MFC model, and it performed admirably right away. This new one is for my wife’s office and is situated right next to her desk.”
- “Get yourself a Brother printer. We’re pleased with our purchase, my wife and I. Our previous MFC 8860DN non-wireless Brother printer, which we bought in 2008, lasted 13 years before it broke down. just installed it today and the printer is up and running. Setup takes 10 to 15 minutes.”
- “At work, it makes less noise. The cost is average, but the product is excellent and quick. You can save scanned documents directly to your laptop, Google Drive, or email.”
- “Excellent value and simple to set up right out of the box. a quick laser printer with affordable running costs, incredible expandability, and top-notch print quality.”
Is It Worthwhile?
Manufacturers compromise on some features in order to keep the cost of a cheap printer low. Faxes and an ADF are two glaring omissions from the Brother HL-L2395DW. Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, as well as an auto-duplexer for printing on both sides of a sheet of paper, are also absent from the Editors’ Choice Canon imageClass MF216n. The graphics on the MF216n aren’t quite as good as those on the HL-L2395DW, which has excellent text quality and superior graphics. The Canon MF216n is a good option and continues to be the Editors’ Choice if you require your printer to send and receive faxes as well as scan multipage documents. However, the HL-L2395DW is the best option if you want wireless connectivity.
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