Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW: Worth the Upgrade? (October 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW: what changes?
2. Is the MFC-L2820DW worth the upgrade?
3. Which one has the faster print speed?
4. How do their scanners and feeders compare?
5. What is the case for each Brother printer?
6. Do toner and upkeep differ?
7. Which Brother all-in-one should you choose?
8. Which model is the better fit for your desk?

Choose the MFC-L2820DW if you need fax, a touchscreen or direct cloud app access; choose the DCP-L2640DW if print, copy and scan cover your needs. In this Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW comparison, the key step up is a fourth function and a touchscreen, not a larger footprint.

Both are monochrome laser all-in-ones with automatic duplex printing, a 50-page auto document feeder and dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. Their listed dimensions are also the same: 15.7 in deep, 16.1 in wide and 12.5 in high.

Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW: what changes?

The MFC-L2820DW adds fax, a 2.7-inch touchscreen and access to supported cloud apps from its display. The DCP-L2640DW provides print, copy and scan functions, with app, touch and LCD display details but no specified touchscreen.

Both machines include a 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page tasks. Each also supports automatic duplex printing, so the basic paper handling is similar.

Their connection choices match: dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB. Both support Brother Mobile Connect for printing, scanning and printer management from a mobile device.

Is the MFC-L2820DW worth the upgrade?

It can be worth choosing when you will use fax, touchscreen controls or cloud app shortcuts. If you only need to print, copy and scan, the DCP-L2640DW covers those jobs and includes the same size feeder.

The MFC-L2820DW's touchscreen can print from and scan to supported cloud apps, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and OneNote. That is a practical difference if you want to work with those services from the printer without relying only on a computer or phone.

Fax is the clearest reason to choose the MFC model. It handles print, copy, scan and fax, while the DCP model is a 3-in-1.

The DCP-L2640DW is also 2.5 lb heavier according to the listed weights, though their dimensions are the same. That may matter if you move the printer between work areas, but neither is a tiny travel printer.

Which one has the faster print speed?

The DCP-L2640DW's stated speed is up to 36 pages per minute, while the MFC-L2820DW's speed figures conflict. Its title and bullets say up to 36 ppm, but its specifications and description say up to 34 ppm.

That difference makes a clean speed comparison difficult. The two printers also share an 8.5-second initial page print time in their specifications.

For typical home office use, choose based on fax, controls and workflow before treating a possible 2 ppm difference as decisive. If speed is critical, verify the current manufacturer specifications for the exact model before you buy.

How do their scanners and feeders compare?

Both have a 50-page auto document feeder and scan speeds listed up to 23.6 ipm in black and 7.9 ipm in color. The MFC-L2820DW adds fax handling and cloud app access from its touchscreen.

A feeder is useful when scanning or copying several pages at once. It reduces the need to place each page by hand, though the exact scan quality and supported workflows depend on the task and settings.

The DCP-L2640DW is a straightforward choice if your documents go to a computer or mobile device. The MFC model offers a more direct control point when you want to choose a cloud destination on the printer itself.

If scan-to-computer work is your main concern, compare both with our guide to laser printers with a built-in scanner. For a broader look at Brother's all-in-one options, see our Brother all-in-one laser printer guide.

What is the case for each Brother printer?

Pick the DCP-L2640DW for a print, copy and scan setup; pick the MFC-L2820DW for fax and touchscreen control. Their core connections, feeder size and stated footprint are closely matched.

The DCP-L2640DW lists up to 36 ppm, a 50-page feeder and automatic duplex printing. Its connection options include dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB, which gives you choices for a shared office or one computer.

The MFC-L2820DW combines those core functions with fax. Its touchscreen also supports printing from and scanning to popular cloud apps, which can reduce trips back to a computer for supported tasks.

For another no-fax model with a touchscreen and flatbed scan glass, consider the Brother HL-L2480DW. It does not specify an auto document feeder, so the DCP-L2640DW or MFC-L2820DW is a better fit for frequent multi-page scanning.

Do toner and upkeep differ?

Both printers use TN830 or TN830XL toner, so their listed replacement cartridge options overlap. The MFC-L2820DW also lists TN830V as compatible.

Brother offers Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service for both models, with a free trial mentioned in their product details. Subscription terms and savings can change, so review them directly before enrolling.

Both include automatic duplex printing and Toner Save Mode, which Brother describes as helping reduce paper waste and extend cartridge life. For a practical estimate of replacement intervals, see our guide on how long toner lasts in a laser printer.

Which Brother all-in-one should you choose?

Choose the DCP-L2640DW when you need print, copy and scan with a 50-page feeder; choose the MFC-L2820DW when fax or touchscreen cloud access will get regular use. The extra functions make the MFC the more complete office machine, while the DCP keeps the job list to 3 core tasks.

If you want more context before deciding, our MFC-L2820DW review looks at that model on its own. Match the purchase to your weekly tasks, especially how often you handle fax and multi-page scans.

Which model is the better fit for your desk?

The DCP-L2640DW is the simpler match for print, copy and scan, while the MFC-L2820DW is the upgrade for fax and touchscreen shortcuts. Both fit the same listed dimensions, use the same feeder capacity and offer the same main connection types.

Select the MFC-L2820DW if those added controls will save steps in your routine. If they would sit unused, the DCP-L2640DW supplies the core all-in-one functions without fax.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Brother DCP-L2640DW and MFC-L2820DW?

The main difference is fax and controls: the MFC-L2820DW adds fax, a 2.7-inch touchscreen and print-from or scan-to access for supported cloud apps. The DCP-L2640DW handles printing, copying and scanning, with a 50-page auto document feeder and wireless, Ethernet and USB connections.

Do both Brother printers have an automatic document feeder?

Yes. Both include a 50-page auto document feeder for multi-page copy and scan jobs; the MFC-L2820DW also supports fax through the feeder.

That can save you from placing each page on the scan glass separately.

Is the MFC-L2820DW faster than the DCP-L2640DW?

The DCP-L2640DW is specified at up to 36 pages per minute. The MFC-L2820DW has a mismatch in its figures: its title and bullets say up to 36 ppm, while its specs and description give 34 ppm, so don't count on a speed advantage.

Which printer should I choose if I don't need fax?

Choose the DCP-L2640DW if you need print, copy and scan functions and don't need fax. It has a 50-page feeder and multiple connection options, including dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB.

The MFC-L2820DW may still suit you if its touchscreen or cloud app controls matter.

Does the DCP-L2640DW have a touchscreen?

The DCP-L2640DW data identifies an LCD display and app and touch control methods, but does not specify a touchscreen. The MFC-L2820DW explicitly has a 2.7-inch touchscreen, as does the related HL-L2480DW.