Brother vs Canon Laser Printer: Which Brand Fits You? (October 2026)
Choose Brother for faster printing and more paper capacity, or Canon for a lighter print-only option. If you need scanning and copying, the Brother DCP-L2640DW adds both in one machine.
On this page (6 sections)
Choose Brother for faster printing and more paper capacity, or Canon for a lighter print-only option. The Brother vs Canon laser printer choice depends on whether you need scanning, how often you refill paper and which toner family you want to use.
The Brother HL-L2460DW prints up to 36 pages per minute and holds 250 sheets. The Canon imageCLASS LBP122dw prints up to 30 pages per minute and holds up to 150 sheets.
Both are monochrome, print-only laser printers with automatic duplex printing. If you also need a scanner and copier, the Brother DCP-L2640DW adds those functions and a 50-page auto document feeder.
Brother vs Canon laser printer: which should you choose?
Choose the Brother HL-L2460DW for higher listed speed and paper capacity; choose the Canon LBP122dw for a lighter print-only setup. Pick the Brother DCP-L2640DW if scanning and copying matter more than keeping the device print-only.
The HL-L2460DW reaches up to 36 pages per minute, compared with up to 30 for the Canon. Its 250-sheet tray also holds 100 more sheets than the Canon's stated capacity of up to 150.
The Canon weighs 12.4 lb, while the HL-L2460DW weighs 15.6 lb. That difference may help when considering placement, but check the space and access you have before choosing.
Brother vs Canon laser printer for home use
For a home that prints schoolwork, forms or work documents often, the Brother's larger tray can mean fewer paper refills. The Canon may fit better when you want a print-only machine and don't need the Brother's extra capacity.
If your household also needs copies or scans, the DCP-L2640DW handles those jobs without a separate scanner. Our guide to laser printers with a built-in scanner compares options for that need.
What do you get with each Brother and Canon model?
The HL-L2460DW and LBP122dw handle printing only, while the DCP-L2640DW also scans and copies. Match the model to the jobs you actually do, since a print-only device won't replace a scanner.
The Brother HL-L2460DW includes automatic duplex printing, a 250-sheet tray and a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper. It supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet or USB connections.
The Canon LBP122dw offers wireless printing, automatic duplex and a capacity of up to 150 sheets. Its stated connections include wireless and Ethernet, and it supports mobile printing through Canon apps.
The DCP-L2640DW adds a scanner, copier and 50-page auto document feeder. It has dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections, as well as automatic duplex printing.
Which printer is faster and needs fewer paper refills?
The Brother HL-L2460DW and DCP-L2640DW have the higher stated print speed and paper capacity. Both print up to 36 pages per minute and have a 250-sheet tray, while the Canon prints up to 30 pages per minute and holds up to 150 sheets.
Those figures can help if you print in batches or share a printer with other people. Actual time for a job can vary with the document, connection and printer settings.
For occasional forms or a few pages at a time, the Canon's capacity may be sufficient. Consider how many pages you usually print between refills rather than choosing by speed alone.
How do the Brother and Canon connections compare?
All 3 models support mobile printing, and the Brother printers offer wireless, Ethernet and USB options. The Canon supports wireless printing and lists Ethernet as a hardware interface.
Brother's Mobile Connect app supports printing and printer management from a mobile device. Canon supports mobile printing through the Canon PRINT app and other apps.
Choose based on how your devices connect at home or work. If you need a wired USB connection, the two Brother models list USB; the Canon's connection details here list Ethernet.
For help connecting a Brother printer, see our guide to connecting a Brother laser printer to Wi-Fi. Use the instructions for your exact model and network.
What toner will you need?
The Brother models use TN830 or TN830XL toner, while the Canon uses Toner 071 or 071 H. Brand and cartridge family matter when you plan supply purchases, so check the compatible toner before ordering.
Brother describes TN830 as its standard option and TN830XL as a high-yield option for both Brother models. Canon identifies Toner 071 and 071 H for the LBP122dw.
Toner life depends on the cartridge and the amount of printing, so don't compare cartridge names alone. Our guide explains how long toner lasts in a laser printer, including why page coverage affects the result.
Which one should you pick?
Pick Brother for a bigger paper tray or scanning and copying; pick Canon for a lighter print-only printer with automatic duplex. Your best fit is the one that matches your weekly jobs and the space you can give it.
Choose the Brother HL-L2460DW if you print often and want its 250-sheet tray, up to 36 ppm speed and wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. Choose the Canon LBP122dw if print-only use and its lower listed weight suit your space.
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW when you need print, scan and copy in one device, especially for multi-page documents that can use its 50-page feeder. For more brand-specific options, compare our best Canon laser printers and best HP laser printers for home printing.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brother or Canon better for a home laser printer?
Brother suits you if you want faster listed print speed and a larger paper supply: the HL-L2460DW prints up to 36 pages per minute and holds 250 sheets. Canon's LBP122dw prints up to 30 pages per minute and holds up to 150 sheets, which may be enough for personal printing.
Which printer can scan and copy?
The Brother DCP-L2640DW prints, scans and copies, and its 50-page auto document feeder can help with multi-page jobs. The Brother HL-L2460DW and Canon LBP122dw are print-only models, so choose the DCP if you need those extra functions.
Do these Brother and Canon printers print on both sides?
Yes. The Brother HL-L2460DW, Canon LBP122dw and Brother DCP-L2640DW all support automatic duplex printing.
That lets you print on both sides of a sheet without turning each page by hand.
Which toner do these printers use?
The two Brother models use Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL toner. The Canon LBP122dw uses Canon Genuine Toner 071 or 071 H, so supplies aren't interchangeable between these brands.
Can I print from a phone with these models?
Each model supports mobile printing. The Brother printers work with the Brother Mobile Connect app, while Canon supports mobile printing through the Canon PRINT app and other apps.
Check that your phone and home network meet the setup requirements in the printer instructions.
