Brother MFC-L3780CDW Review: Color Print, Scan and Fax (October 2026)
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a color laser all-in-one for busy home offices that need print, scan, copy and fax in one machine. Its 31 ppm print speed and single-pass duplex scan and copy suit frequent document work, while its 47.8 lb weight calls for a planned spot.
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The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is a color laser all-in-one built for busy home offices that print, scan, copy and fax. It offers print speeds up to 31 ppm and single-pass duplex copy and scan, but its 47.8 lb weight and four-color toner system deserve a little planning.
Choose it when you handle frequent color documents and two-sided paperwork. If you need a smaller set of functions or a different interface, the Canon and HP options below provide alternatives.
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW at a glance
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW combines color printing, scanning, copying and fax with a stated print speed up to 31 ppm. Its single-pass duplex copy and scan can reduce handling for double-sided documents.
Brother MFC-L3780CDW: Best for busy color document workflows
- Print, scan, copy and fax
- Up to 31 ppm
- Single-pass duplex copy and scan
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
A fast color laser all-in-one with single-pass duplex copy and scan for offices handling regular two-sided paperwork. Its weight and toner choices are worth considering before you set it up.
Pros
- Prints up to 31 ppm
- Single-pass duplex copy and scan
- Dual-band wireless, Wi-Fi Direct and Gigabit Ethernet
- Touchscreen control
Cons
- Weighs 47.8 lb
- Uses Brother TN229 toner cartridges
It supports dual-band wireless on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, Wi-Fi Direct, Gigabit Ethernet and USB for a local connection to one computer. A 3.5-inch touchscreen gives you on-device controls.
Who should consider this Brother color printer?
Consider it if your desk handles reports, forms and other color documents throughout the week, especially when you also scan or fax. The combination of network choices and duplex document handling is more useful when several people share office tasks.
It may be more printer than you need if you mainly print occasional black-and-white pages. Start with the site's home laser printer guide to compare the different kinds of household use.
What does the MFC-L3780CDW do well?
The MFC-L3780CDW's strongest fit is high-throughput office paperwork with color and scanning needs. Its stated 31 ppm print speed is higher than the 19 ppm MFC-L3720CDW and the 26 ppm Canon and HP alternatives in this review.
Speed figures describe a rated maximum, not a promise that every job finishes at that pace. Pages with graphics, duplex settings, connection quality and job preparation can affect how long a print job takes.
Single-pass duplex scanning and copying are useful for packets with content on both sides. Instead of manually flipping each page for the other side, the printer's stated function handles both sides in one pass.
The machine also includes fax, which is not among the HP 3301sdw's listed functions. That makes the Brother a more complete fit if fax remains part of your workflow.
How does it compare with other color all-in-ones?
The MFC-L3780CDW stands out for its higher stated print speed and single-pass duplex copy and scan. The other models trade some speed or functions for different document handling, screen, or app details.
| Model | Print speed | Functions | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L3780CDW | Up to 31 ppm | Print, scan, copy, fax | Single-pass duplex copy and scan; dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet |
| Brother MFC-L3720CDW | Up to 19 ppm | Print, scan, copy, fax | 50-sheet auto document feeder; 3.5-inch color touchscreen |
| Canon Color imageCLASS MF665Cdw | Up to 26 ppm | Print, scan, copy, fax | 5-inch color touchscreen; duplex one-pass 50-sheet feeder |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw | Up to 26 ppm black and color | Print, scan, copy | HP app; wireless and Ethernet |
For a direct look at the two Brother models, read the MFC-L3720CDW vs MFC-L3780CDW comparison. It helps clarify whether the faster model's extra capabilities match your regular work.
Choose the Canon if a larger touchscreen and duplex one-pass feeder are higher priorities than the Brother's 31 ppm rating. Choose the HP if print, scan and copy meet your needs and HP app workflows fit your office.
Does the Brother MFC-L3780CDW fit your space?
The MFC-L3780CDW measures 16.1 in deep, 18.2 in wide and 15.8 in high, and weighs 47.8 lb. Set aside a stable surface that can support the printer, with room to reach the paper tray, touchscreen and connections.
Measure the full spot, not just the footprint. Leave the working space the manual calls for and check that nearby shelves won't block access to paper or toner.
Because of its weight, plan to position it before connecting cables and loading paper. If it will sit on a desk, check the desk's weight limit and make sure the printer won't crowd the space you need for everyday work.
What connections and controls does it offer?
The MFC-L3780CDW offers dual-band Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Gigabit Ethernet and USB. These options cover a shared wireless setup, a direct connection, a wired office network or a single computer connection.
A wired Ethernet connection can be useful when you want a fixed network connection at a shared workstation. Wi-Fi Direct supports a direct wireless connection, while dual-band Wi-Fi can join a compatible home or office network.
The 3.5-inch touchscreen provides a control point on the printer. Brother also describes app and voice control, so check which features are available for your devices and preferred setup.
If wireless setup is your main question, the site's guide to connecting a Brother laser printer to Wi-Fi covers the steps to check before printing.
What should you know about toner and running costs?
The MFC-L3780CDW uses four Brother TN229 toner colors: black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Brother offers standard-yield, high-yield and super-high-yield cartridges, so your ongoing supply needs depend on print volume and the cartridge type you choose.
Color printing uses multiple toner cartridges, which adds more supplies to track than a monochrome printer. Estimate how often you print color, and compare the cartridge options before choosing this model for a cost-sensitive workload.
Brother also offers a Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, which is optional and based on monthly page allotments. Read the current plan terms if you consider it, including how unused pages, extra pages and taxes are handled.
The site's guides to toner cartridge page yield and how long toner lasts can help you plan supplies around your print habits.
Is the MFC-L3780CDW worth choosing?
The MFC-L3780CDW is a strong match when you want color print, scan, copy and fax in one machine, with a 31 ppm rating and single-pass duplex copy and scan. Its physical size, weight and four toner colors make it a better fit for a dedicated office spot than a casual-printing corner.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Choose the MFC-L3780CDW for frequent color document work and scanning, the MFC-L3720CDW for its lower stated speed and feeder, or the Canon and HP if their specific workflow details suit you better.
For broader options, see the site's best color all-in-one laser printers and best wireless color laser printers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Brother MFC-L3780CDW print in color?
Yes, the MFC-L3780CDW is a color laser printer that uses cyan, magenta, yellow and black toner. Brother gives its print speed as up to 31 pages per minute, and the machine also scans, copies and faxes.
It suits document printing where color output and several office functions matter.
Can the MFC-L3780CDW scan both sides of a page?
Yes, Brother describes single-pass duplex scanning, which can capture both sides of a sheet in one pass. The printer also supports single-pass duplex copy.
If you regularly handle double-sided packets, compare this workflow with the 50-sheet duplex one-pass feeder on the Canon MF665Cdw.
What toner does the Brother MFC-L3780CDW use?
The MFC-L3780CDW uses Brother Genuine TN229 toner in black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Brother offers standard-yield, high-yield and super-high-yield versions.
Check the cartridge model and yield that fit your expected print volume before choosing a replacement.
Does the Brother MFC-L3780CDW have fax?
Yes, fax is one of the MFC-L3780CDW's all-in-one functions, alongside printing, scanning and copying. That makes it a fit for an office that still sends or receives fax documents and wants those tasks in one machine.
Confirm your phone line or fax setup before relying on that function.
