Brother MFC-L5705DW Business Monochrome Laser Printer Review for High-Volume Office Use

Description

Brother MFC-L5705DW: A Reliable Office Workhorse

Design and Build Quality
The Brother MFC-L5705DW is a hefty machine, and let me tell you, it’s not the kind of printer you’d casually move from one desk to another. At 36.4 pounds, this all-in-one printer feels as solid as it looks. Its dimensions, 16.8 x 17.1 x 19.1 inches, mean it takes up a decent amount of space, but for an office printer, that’s expected. What impressed me right away was how well-organized the control panel is, with a 3.7-inch color touchscreen that’s incredibly responsive and easy to navigate. The ability to create up to 48 shortcuts on the touchscreen is a game-changer for streamlining repetitive tasks.

I also appreciated the 250-sheet capacity paper tray, which adjusts for both letter and legal paper sizes. For those who need more, the option to expand up to 1,340 sheets is a blessing, especially in higher-demand office environments. However, the design isn’t flashy or modern—it’s more function over form, which makes sense given its business focus.

Performance and Speed
If you’ve ever waited for a slow printer to churn out a big job, you’ll understand why I was thrilled with the performance here. The Brother MFC-L5705DW delivers fast printing speeds of up to 42 pages per minute. What’s even better is that the first page comes out in less than 7.2 seconds, which is impressive. I tested the scanner as well, and the automatic two-sided scanning was not only quick but also accurate.

The maximum print resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi ensures sharp text and clean graphics, though it’s clearly optimized for text-heavy documents rather than images. Copying speeds are equally satisfying at 56 images per minute, and I was able to run up to 500 copies in a single batch without the slightest hiccup. This thing is built to handle heavy workloads, no doubt about it.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional speed: Printing up to 42 ppm and copying at 56 ipm is ideal for high-demand environments.
• Customizable touchscreen shortcuts: The ability to create 48 shortcuts boosts efficiency.
• Flexible paper handling: Expandable up to 1,340 sheets for fewer interruptions.
• Advanced security features: Protects sensitive documents and limits unauthorized access.
• Mobile connectivity: Works seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Areas for Improvement
Even with all its strengths, the Brother MFC-L5705DW isn’t perfect. Some minor flaws stood out during testing:

• Bulky design: Its large footprint makes it less suitable for compact spaces.
• Noise levels: During high-volume jobs, it’s noticeably loud.
• Mediocre graphics printing: While text is sharp, it’s not the best for image-heavy documents.

Features and Usability
The automatic duplex printing feature is one of the most practical options here, reducing paper use and saving time. I explored the scan-to-email, scan-to-USB, and scan-to-network options, and all worked seamlessly. The inclusion of fax capabilities might seem outdated to some, but for businesses that still rely on it, it’s a must-have.

The printer supports a variety of media types, from envelopes and card stock to labels, making it versatile for different office needs. I also tested the mobile printing options, and it’s quite convenient to print directly from a smartphone or tablet using apps like AirPrint or Brother’s own mobile app.

Competing Products
In terms of direct competitors, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw and the Canon imageCLASS MF445dw come to mind. Here’s how they stack up:

• The HP LaserJet Pro offers similar printing speeds but lacks the expandable paper capacity found in the Brother model. However, it’s slightly more compact, making it better for smaller spaces.
• The Canon imageCLASS is known for its excellent image quality and intuitive touchscreen, but it falls behind in scanning and copying speeds compared to the MFC-L5705DW.

Where the Brother printer excels is in its overall reliability, paper capacity, and advanced security features. However, if you’re looking for something quieter or more compact, you might lean toward the HP or Canon instead.

Value for Money
The Brother MFC-L5705DW isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but for what it offers, it’s absolutely worth the investment. The inclusion of a 3,000-page toner right out of the box adds significant value, reducing initial costs. Plus, the ability to use high-yield cartridges like TN850 ensures lower long-term expenses.

Its cost-efficiency really shines in office settings with high print volumes. When you factor in the durability, speed, and advanced features, the price feels justified. That said, if your needs lean toward lighter usage, there are more affordable options out there that might be better suited for your situation.

Overall, the Brother MFC-L5705DW is a dependable tool for anyone needing fast, secure, and efficient printing and scanning capabilities. It’s not without its flaws, but for a busy office, it’s hard to beat the combination of speed, functionality, and cost-efficiency.

Additional information