Verdict
All guidesResearchMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Laser Printers

Brother HL-L2460DW vs Brother MFC-L2900DW XL

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

Brother HL-L2460DW comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about wireless black-and-white users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Brother HL-L2460DW
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Laser Printers
Brother HL-L2460DW
5 sources2 derived$179.99as of Jul 31

The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact black-and-white laser printer for home and small office desks. PCMag's M. David Stone praised its fast printing speed and wireless capabilities and pegged it as a fit for low-volume document needs. There's no fax and no color printing, which will rule it out for anyone who needs either.

Strengths
  • — Prints up to 24 pages per minute in black and white
  • — Includes wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi and AirPrint
  • — Automatic duplex printing handles two-sided documents without manual reloading
Watch-outs
  • — No built-in fax capability
  • — Limited color printing options
$179.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Brother MFC-L2900DW XL
Ranked #4 in Best Laser Printers
Brother MFC-L2900DW XL
5 sources$379.99as of Jul 31

The Brother MFC-L2900DW XL is a black-and-white laser all-in-one built for small businesses and home offices. PCMag's M. David Stone praised the fast printing speed and the duplex capabilities. Lifewire's Jerri Ledford found it effective for scanning and faxing but louder than she expected. It connects over wireless or Ethernet and works with the major cloud services. Reliable black-and-white printing and scanning is what you get; color output and quiet operation are not.

Strengths
  • — Fast print speed up to 36 pages per minute
  • — Includes duplex printing for saving paper
  • — Good-quality color scanning up to 1200 DPI
Watch-outs
  • — Loud operation, including audible beeps during use
  • — Setup can be fiddly, especially on Mac systems
$379.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brother HL-L2460DW

The Brother HL-L2460DW matches the Brother DCP-L2640DW in black-and-white speed but offers better wireless connectivity and mobile printing support, unlike the DCP-L2640DW which has limited mobile options. It also lacks the color scanning of the Brother MFC-L2900DW XL and the photo quality of the HP M283fdw.

Brother MFC-L2900DW XL

The Brother MFC-L2900DW XL stands out with its impressive 36 pages per minute speed, surpassing the HP M283fdw and Brother DCP-L2640DW, but it's louder and more difficult to set up on Mac systems than the Brother MFC-L3780CDW. It also lacks color scanning, unlike the HP M283fdw, which offers better photo quality.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBrother HL-L2460DWBrother MFC-L2900DW XL
Print Speed24 ppm36 ppm
FunctionsPrinter OnlyPrint / Scan / Copy / Fax
ConnectivityWi-Fi, AirPrintEthernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wireless, Wi-Fi Direct
Paper Capacity250 + 1-sheet bypass250 sheets
Displayone-line mono LCD3.5 inch, color
DuplexingAutomatic—
ColorBlack and WhiteMonochrome
Paper SizeLegalLetter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5, B6, Folio (8" x 13")
Dimensions14.2"D x 14"W x 7.2"H16.1" (W) x 16.6" (D) x 12.5" (H)
← See the full ranking of best laser printers