Brother MFC-L3720CDW vs MFC-L3780CDW: Worth the Step Up? (October 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Brother MFC-L3720CDW vs MFC-L3780CDW: which should you choose?
2. Is the MFC-L3780CDW faster enough to step up?
3. Which is better for two-sided scanning?
4. How do the paper handling and touchscreen features compare?
5. Which connections suit your office?
6. Is the MFC-L3780CDW a better value than the MFC-L3720CDW?
7. How does the Canon MF662Cdw compare?
8. Which Brother color all-in-one fits your office?

Choose the MFC-L3780CDW for faster printing and single-pass duplex scanning; choose the MFC-L3720CDW for its specified paper capacity and touchscreen shortcuts. The MFC-L3720CDW prints up to 19 pages per minute, while the MFC-L3780CDW reaches up to 31 ppm and adds Gigabit Ethernet.

Both Brother models print color and monochrome, and include copy, scan and fax functions. They also support automatic duplex printing and dual-band wireless networking.

The choice is about workflow. Consider how often you scan two-sided pages, how much paper you keep loaded and whether wired networking is useful.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW vs MFC-L3780CDW: which should you choose?

Pick the MFC-L3780CDW for higher stated print speed and single-pass duplex copy and scan. Pick the MFC-L3720CDW if its specified 250-sheet tray, auto document feeder and customizable shortcuts better match your work.

Brother lists the same TN229 cartridge family for both models. That can simplify supply planning if you are choosing between them, though the printer and your print volume determine how often you replace toner.

If you want a broader view of Brother's range, see our guide to the best Brother all-in-one laser printers. For more color models, compare the options in our best wireless color laser printer guide.

Is the MFC-L3780CDW faster enough to step up?

The MFC-L3780CDW has the higher stated print speed, at up to 31 ppm compared with 19 ppm for the MFC-L3720CDW. That difference may matter when you print batches of office documents, but actual time depends on the job and setup.

Both models print in color and monochrome. Their stated maximum speed doesn't tell you how long a specific mix of graphics, duplex pages and first-page output will take.

The MFC-L3780CDW also lists a first page time under 12.5 seconds. The MFC-L3720CDW lists under 15 seconds, although these figures may reflect different measurement conditions.

How much does the speed gap matter for a small office?

If you print a few pages at a time, loading documents and collecting them may take longer than the printing itself. In that routine, a higher rated speed may have limited day-to-day value.

For recurring multi-page jobs, the speed difference is more relevant. Think about how often several people need prints at once and whether the printer is a shared office bottleneck.

Our best color all-in-one laser printer guide can help you compare these models with other color multifunction options. Check whether the other model's functions match your workflow before comparing speed alone.

Which is better for two-sided scanning?

The MFC-L3780CDW is the clearer choice if you regularly copy or scan two-sided originals, because it specifies single-pass duplex copy and scan. The MFC-L3720CDW's details specify a 50-sheet auto document feeder, but don't specify this single-pass feature.

An auto document feeder can help move a stack of originals through a scan or copy job. The MFC-L3720CDW's stated 50-sheet capacity tells you how many pages it can hold at once, not whether it scans both sides in one pass.

Single-pass duplex scanning can make frequent two-sided paperwork easier to handle. If most originals are single-sided, the feature may not change your routine enough to justify choosing the faster model.

What kind of documents make duplex scanning useful?

Consider contracts, forms or office packets with print on both sides. The MFC-L3780CDW's single-pass duplex copy and scan feature is aimed at that kind of task.

If you mainly scan occasional receipts or single-sided letters, feeder capacity and the route to your computer may matter more. Check the scan workflow you plan to use before deciding.

How do the paper handling and touchscreen features compare?

The MFC-L3720CDW specifies a 250-sheet adjustable tray and 50-sheet auto document feeder, while the MFC-L3780CDW details provided here focus on speed, duplex scanning and connections. Choose based on the capacities and controls you need.

The MFC-L3720CDW's 3.5-inch color touchscreen offers 48 customizable shortcuts and access to cloud services including Google Drive, Dropbox and OneNote. Those shortcuts can help if you repeat the same scan or document tasks.

The MFC-L3780CDW also has a 3.5-inch touchscreen. Its listed details don't specify the number of shortcuts or a tray capacity, so compare the exact setup if those are important to you.

A 250-sheet tray means fewer refills than a smaller tray when your paper use is steady. It doesn't determine how much room a paper type or job requires, so check the supported media and loading instructions for your needs.

Which connections suit your office?

The MFC-L3780CDW adds Gigabit Ethernet; both printers support dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct. The MFC-L3720CDW also specifies a USB 2.0 interface, while the MFC-L3780CDW lists USB for a direct computer connection.

Ethernet may suit a shared printer that needs a wired network connection. Wi-Fi can be easier to place when there is no network cable near the desk.

Wi-Fi Direct provides a way to connect compatible devices without relying on a shared wireless network. Consider how your computers and phones connect now, and whether more than one person will print.

Both models support mobile printing and printer management through Brother's companion app, according to the product details. The MFC-L3720CDW also lists remote access and toner level monitoring through the app.

For setup help after you choose, follow our guide to connecting a Brother laser printer to Wi-Fi. The steps may vary by printer and network, so use the instructions for your exact model.

Is the MFC-L3780CDW a better value than the MFC-L3720CDW?

The MFC-L3780CDW offers more specified workflow features, but whether they are worth the step up depends on your print and scan volume. Compare the cost of the exact models with the time you expect to save.

The MFC-L3780CDW's faster stated printing, single-pass duplex copy and scan, and Gigabit Ethernet are useful if you rely on those functions. The MFC-L3720CDW has concrete advantages too, including its specified tray and feeder capacities and shortcut controls.

Both use TN229 standard, high-yield and super high-yield toner options. Brother also offers its Refresh EZ Print subscription service, with terms and charges that can apply, so review current plan details before signing up.

To think through ongoing toner use, read how long toner lasts in a laser printer. Your page coverage and print volume affect replacement timing.

How does the Canon MF662Cdw compare?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw is a possible alternative if you need printing, scanning and copying without fax. It prints up to 26 ppm, has automatic two-sided printing and includes a 5-inch color touchscreen.

The Canon sits between the two Brother models on stated speed. Its listed functions are print, scan and copy, so it may not fit an office that needs fax.

Canon specifies wireless setup, mobile printing with the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint and Mopria, plus a 250-sheet standard cassette and 1-sheet multipurpose tray. It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.

For more brand context, read our comparison of Brother vs Canon laser printers. That guide can help you weigh the broader brand fit alongside the features of these exact models.

Which Brother color all-in-one fits your office?

Choose the MFC-L3780CDW if print speed, two-sided document handling or Ethernet are priorities; choose the MFC-L3720CDW if its specified feeder, tray and shortcut setup fits your work. Both offer color printing, copying, scanning, fax and automatic duplex printing.

The step up makes the most sense when you regularly use the MFC-L3780CDW's additional workflow features. For lighter or mostly single-sided work, the MFC-L3720CDW may cover the basics with a clearly specified paper setup.

If you're still comparing color models, browse our best wireless color laser printers for alternatives. Then match the features to the documents you handle each week.

For a closer look at the faster model, read our Brother MFC-L3780CDW review.

Sources

• Brother MFC-L3720CDW
• Brother MFC-L3780CDW
• Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Brother MFC-L3720CDW and MFC-L3780CDW?

The MFC-L3780CDW has a higher stated print speed, up to 31 ppm versus up to 19 ppm, and supports single-pass duplex copy and scan. The MFC-L3720CDW has a specified 250-sheet adjustable tray, 50-sheet auto document feeder and 48 customizable touchscreen shortcuts.

Can the MFC-L3720CDW scan both sides automatically?

The MFC-L3720CDW has a 50-sheet auto document feeder, but its details here don't specify single-pass duplex scanning. The MFC-L3780CDW does specify single-pass duplex copy and scan, which can be useful when you regularly handle two-sided originals.

Do both Brother printers print in color and copy, scan and fax?

Yes. Both are color all-in-one printers with copy, scan and fax functions.

Each supports automatic duplex printing and dual-band wireless networking, so either can cover common print and document tasks in a small office.

Does the MFC-L3780CDW have wired network support?

Yes. The MFC-L3780CDW includes Gigabit Ethernet as well as dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and USB.

The MFC-L3720CDW details specify dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and USB 2.0, but don't specify Ethernet.

Is the Canon MF662Cdw a comparable alternative?

The Canon Color imageCLASS MF662Cdw prints, scans and copies, with automatic two-sided printing, wireless connection and a 5-inch color touchscreen. Its stated print speed is up to 26 ppm, between the two Brother models, but it doesn't include fax.