We’ve all been there. The urgent document needs printing, the deadline is looming, and your trusty inkjet decides it’s time for a protracted print head cleaning cycle, or worse, spits out pages with streaks and faded text. It’s a common frustration, especially for those of us running small businesses or bustling home offices where efficiency and reliability are paramount. The endless cycle of replacing tiny, expensive ink cartridges, dealing with misaligned prints, or battling inconsistent quality can be a major drain on productivity and patience. We’ve personally experienced the frustration of an old printer that demanded constant attention, wasting precious ink and time on maintenance rather than actual output. In today’s fast-paced environment, having a printer that consistently delivers professional results without constant fuss isn’t just a convenience; it’s a critical component of a smooth workflow. The right printer can elevate your professional image, streamline document management, and free you from the nagging worry of printer malfunctions.
- BEST FOR SMALL OFFICES – Upgrade your professional documents with the consistent dependability of laser-quality color printing. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Multifunction Printer features print speeds...
- HELP MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY – Equipped to increase productivity with a 50-page Auto Document Feeder for efficient multi-page copy, scan & fax jobs. 250-sheet capacity paper tray helps minimize the...
- 3.5" COLOR TOUCHSCREEN – The intuitive touchscreen puts you in control with up to 48 custom shortcuts and connects you to popular Cloud-based apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneNote,...
What to Consider Before Investing in a Laser All-in-One Printer
A laser all-in-one printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for any small office or demanding home user looking to consolidate their document management needs into a single, efficient device. This product category excels at delivering fast, high-quality prints, scans, copies, and faxes, drastically reducing the ongoing cost and hassle associated with traditional inkjet models. The primary benefits include superior text clarity, faster print speeds, and significantly lower cost-per-page over the long run, thanks to toner cartridges that yield far more pages than their inkjet counterparts. Furthermore, laser printers are less prone to print head clogging, meaning fewer frustrating maintenance cycles and greater readiness for immediate printing.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing moderate to high print volumes, who requires professional-quality documents consistently, and who is tired of the maintenance and expense of inkjet printers. This includes small business owners, remote workers, students with extensive printing needs, and anyone who needs reliable multi-functionality (print, copy, scan, fax). Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who print very infrequently (where toner might sit unused for long periods), or those whose primary need is high-resolution photo printing, as inkjets typically offer better photographic nuance and color depth. For those with extremely tight spaces or minimal budgets for the initial investment, an all-in-one laser printer might seem like an overcommitment, though its long-term cost savings often outweigh the upfront expense.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Laser all-in-one printers can be substantial in size and weight, a factor often overlooked until the box arrives. It’s vital to measure your available desk space or dedicated printer nook meticulously. Consider not just the footprint but also the clearance needed for paper trays, the ADF, and toner access. A printer that’s too large can quickly overwhelm a small office, hindering workflow and creating clutter. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, for instance, comes in at 16.1″D x 17.5″W x 15.8″H and 44 pounds, which we found to be a significant presence on a standard desk.
- Capacity/Performance: Evaluate your expected workload. Look at the printer’s maximum print speed (pages per minute, PPM) for both black and white and color, the capacity of its automatic document feeder (ADF) for multi-page scanning/copying, and its main paper tray capacity. A larger ADF and paper tray mean less frequent refilling and supervision, crucial for efficiency. Also, consider duplex printing capabilities, as automatic two-sided printing can dramatically save paper and time. The Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer offers 19 ppm for both color and mono, a 50-page ADF, and a 250-sheet tray, making it robust for typical small office demands.
- Materials & Durability: The longevity of your printer is key to its value. Laser printers generally boast a more robust build than inkjets, designed for higher duty cycles. Look for printers from reputable brands known for their reliable hardware. Pay attention to the warranty and available support. While plastic housings are standard, the internal mechanisms and paper handling components should feel solid. Our experience suggests that a well-built laser printer can last for many years, often outliving several generations of inkjet devices, provided routine maintenance is performed.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A printer should simplify your life, not complicate it. Assess the intuitiveness of the control panel (a touchscreen is a definite plus), the ease of connecting to your network (wireless, Wi-Fi Direct, USB), and the simplicity of mobile printing apps. Crucially, consider the toner replacement process and the availability and cost of genuine cartridges. Features like automatic duplexing, cloud integration, and mobile device management can significantly enhance the user experience. Ongoing maintenance, beyond toner replacement, should be minimal for a good laser printer.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and...
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price....
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
First Encounters with the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer: Size, Setup, and Initial Impressions
Unboxing the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, we were immediately struck by its substantial presence. This isn’t a petite desk accessory; it’s a serious piece of office equipment. Several users echoed our observation, noting its “huge” size and weight upon arrival. At 44 pounds and dimensions of 16.1″ x 17.5″ x 15.8″, it commands its space, demanding a dedicated spot rather than being casually tucked away. Despite its bulk, the design is clean and professional, with a white finish that blends well into most office aesthetics. Our initial physical setup involved carefully lifting it into place, a two-person job for comfort. However, once positioned, the actual connectivity setup was surprisingly straightforward for us.
We powered it on and navigated the 3.5-inch color touchscreen display, which proved intuitive. Connecting to our dual-band wireless network was seamless; the printer quickly recognized our home internet, and inputting the password via the touchscreen was uncomplicated. Within minutes, we were able to initiate our first test prints from various devices. The immediate impression was one of robust functionality – all the core features (print, copy, scan, fax, automatic duplexing) were readily accessible. We were particularly impressed with the responsiveness of the touchscreen and the quick startup time compared to some older inkjet models we’ve tested. It felt like a significant upgrade for a small office environment, designed to handle a consistent workload without the frequent hiccups that plague lesser devices. While some users reported difficulties with specific software packages, our direct connection via Windows 10 and mobile app proved largely hassle-free, reinforcing our expert opinion that a modern OS often handles driver detection quite well.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional Laser Quality Output for Professional Documents
- Fast Print and Copy Speeds (19 ppm) for Enhanced Productivity
- Seamless Wireless and Mobile Connectivity for Flexible Workflows
- Automatic Duplex Printing and 50-Page ADF Streamline Tasks
- Intuitive 3.5-inch Color Touchscreen with Customizable Shortcuts
- Eco-Conscious Design with Energy Star and EPEAT Silver Ratings
- Comprehensive All-in-One Functionality: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
Limitations
- Physical size and weight can be a significant consideration for tight spaces.
- Some users reported issues with “starter” toner yield and long-term reliability.
- Certain older operating systems may not be fully supported.
- Specific software downloads from the manufacturer website sometimes include unwanted adware.
A Deep Dive into the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer’s Performance
Our extensive testing of the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer revealed a device that, while substantial in form, is equally substantial in its commitment to performance and functionality. This section unpacks our findings across its critical operational aspects, blending our hands-on experience with corroborating evidence from real-world users, to offer a comprehensive understanding of what this printer truly delivers.
Unrivaled Print Quality and Speed for Demanding Workloads
The core of any printer’s value lies in its output quality and speed, and the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer truly shines here. Boasting a maximum print resolution of 2400 x 600 dpi, this machine consistently produces crisp, laser-quality text that rivals dedicated monochrome laser printers. We printed a variety of documents, from contracts and reports with fine print to presentations featuring intricate graphics, and the clarity was consistently excellent. Text was sharp, well-defined, and free from the smudging or feathering sometimes seen with inkjet alternatives. For professional documents, this level of precision is non-negotiable, and the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer delivers it with ease.
Speed is another area where this printer excels, particularly for a color laser model in its class. With a maximum black and white print speed of 19 ppm and an identical 19 ppm for color, it handles multi-page jobs with remarkable efficiency. During our trials, we found that even complex color documents were processed quickly, significantly cutting down on waiting times. The initial page print time, stated as less than 15 seconds, felt even faster in practice for many of our routine prints, meaning no long delays when you hit “print.” This speed is a game-changer for small offices that routinely handle client proposals, internal reports, or educational materials. One user enthusiastically confirmed our findings, stating, “We set this printer up yesterday, and I’m on page 300 something of printing (I make my own planner), and it’s still going strong. Still on the original toner it came with, and still a beautiful print.” This anecdotal evidence strongly supports our assessment of its performance under consistent load. While some users noted that prints for specialized artwork might not achieve the vibrant saturation of high-end photo inkjets, we found the color reproduction to be more than adequate for business graphics, presentations, and everyday vibrant documents. The prints are clear and professional, providing “laser-quality color output suitable for professional documents,” as the manufacturer suggests. The seamless transition from digital to a tangible, high-quality document is exactly what we look for in an office workhorse like the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer.
Streamlined Workflow with Advanced Handling and Connectivity
Beyond raw print performance, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is engineered to optimize office workflows through its comprehensive feature set and flexible connectivity. One of its standout features, which we found indispensable during testing, is the 50-page Auto Document Feeder (ADF). This component transforms multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing jobs from tedious manual tasks into quick, automated processes. We effortlessly digitized stacks of documents, saving significant time and effort compared to flatbed-only alternatives. The ADF’s efficiency is further complemented by the printer’s automatic duplex printing capability, allowing for two-sided printing, copying, and scanning. This not only conserves paper and reduces costs but also lends a more professional finish to reports and presentations, aligning perfectly with its eco-conscious design as an ENERGY STAR compliant and EPEAT Silver rated device. The 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray also minimized refills, comfortably handling various media types like card stock, envelopes, and labels, up to legal size (8.5 x 14 inches).
Connectivity is another area where the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer excels, offering a versatile range of options to suit any office setup. We primarily utilized its built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) connectivity, which provided a stable and secure connection across multiple devices in our testing environment. The Wi-Fi Direct feature was also valuable for direct printing from mobile devices without needing to connect to a router. Our experience with setup via modern operating systems like Windows 10 was largely positive, with drivers being detected quickly. One user’s experience mirrored ours, highlighting the ease: “Setup was easy. Works on both proprietary and open source OS. My PC uses Linux Mint and I added it from network… I also added it to my Windows-based laptop from network as well.” This suggests a robust underlying network capability, despite some users reporting difficulties with specific “Easy Setup” software. We emphasize leveraging your operating system’s native printer detection or the dedicated mobile app for the smoothest experience, rather than potentially bloated software packages from the manufacturer’s website. The comprehensive connectivity options ensure that whether you’re printing from a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is ready to perform. Its versatility in handling diverse tasks and connections makes it a true all-in-one hub for any productive workspace. If you’re ready to enhance your office’s efficiency, you can find more details and purchase your own unit here.
Intuitive Control, Mobile Management, and Cloud Integration
Modern office equipment demands not only powerful capabilities but also an intuitive user experience, and the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer largely delivers. The 3.5-inch color touchscreen display is the central command center, and we found it to be highly responsive and user-friendly. Navigating through menus, setting up scan destinations, or initiating copy jobs was straightforward, even for first-time users. The ability to create up to 48 customizable shortcuts is a particularly clever feature, allowing us to quickly access frequently used functions, such as scanning to a specific network folder or printing a recurring report. This level of customization significantly streamlines daily tasks, saving precious clicks and time. We also appreciated the clear, vibrant display that makes status updates and error messages easy to interpret.
The integration with cloud-based services further expands the printer’s utility. We tested its ability to connect directly to popular platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, enabling dynamic scanning to these services and printing from them without the need for an intermediary computer. This capability is a boon for cloud-centric workflows and remote teams, providing a direct link between physical documents and digital storage. The Brother Mobile Connect app proved to be another powerful tool during our evaluation. It allowed us to remotely print documents, scan directly to our mobile devices, monitor toner levels, and even order Brother Genuine Toner right from our smartphones. We found the app to be well-designed and reliable, making it incredibly convenient for managing the printer from anywhere within our network. One user noted, “The mobile app has worked well so far but I am the only one who has used it. It will be interesting to see how the app/printer works with multiple users.” While we primarily tested with single-user scenarios, the robust connectivity and clear interface suggest it’s well-equipped to handle multiple users, each with their own mobile devices, connecting to the printer. The combination of a tactile touchscreen and seamless mobile/cloud integration positions the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer as a truly modern solution for today’s dynamic work environments.
Long-Term Reliability and Important Considerations
While the immediate performance of the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is impressive, our comprehensive review also factored in the crucial aspect of long-term reliability and the overall ownership experience. Laser printers are generally lauded for their durability, with many users reporting years of trouble-free operation from Brother devices. One user even noted their previous Brother printer lasted an incredible 15 years, setting a high bar for expectations. We appreciate the large toner cartridges that come with this model, as they offer much better page yield and are “much more economical than those little ones” found in many inkjet models, contributing to lower cost-per-page. This makes the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer a sensible investment for consistent use.
However, we would be remiss not to address some critical concerns raised by a segment of users regarding longevity and operational quirks. While our unit performed reliably during its testing period, several reports suggest potential inconsistencies in individual units. We noted feedback from users who experienced issues ranging from “stopped working after 7 months,” “toner lasted about 2 weeks” (for the initial cartridges), to “drum error message with new toner,” and “yellow toner was unreliable” after two years. The “starter toner” cartridges, while included, are indeed noted by the manufacturer to have a lower yield, which can lead to premature replacement for heavy users, a point of frustration for some. A particularly concerning point of feedback involved the installation of “PowerEngage adware” when downloading the “Full Software Package” from the official site. We advise users to be vigilant during software installation, opting for custom driver-only installations where possible or carefully reviewing all prompts to avoid unwanted software. While Brother offers a 1-year limited warranty and lifetime support, these user experiences highlight the importance of testing your unit thoroughly upon purchase and being mindful of software choices. Despite these isolated reports, the foundational technology and overall design of the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer remain solid, and for many, it will likely prove to be the dependable, efficient workhorse we believe it to be.
What Other Users Are Saying
Beyond our own expert evaluation, we always consider the broad spectrum of user experiences to paint a complete picture. For the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer, the sentiment is quite polarized, reflecting both glowing praise and significant frustration. On the positive side, many users echoed our findings regarding ease of setup and robust performance. “I’m actually really impressed with this printer so far. It was simple to set up and I was able to print something from my phone in probably 20 minutes from opening the box,” one user stated, highlighting the quick integration into their workflow. Another reviewer, delighted with the quality, mentioned using it for artwork and noting it “makes beautiful copies” and that it has “large toner cartridges which are much more economical.” The sentiment of reliability and being a “workhorse” resonated with those who had positive experiences, with one user exclaiming, “So happy with this new Brother laser printer. My last Brother lasted 15 years.” We found these positive experiences often stemmed from users moving from older, troublesome inkjet models, appreciating the consistent laser output and quick functionality.
However, a vocal segment of users reported significant issues, which we meticulously analyzed. Concerns about premature failure were recurrent: “This printer stopped working after 7 months” was a stark warning, along with reports of “toner lasted about 2 weeks” from the starter cartridges, and even a “drum error message with new toner.” The specific problem of “PowerEngage adware” being installed with the full software package also emerged as a serious concern, prompting users to uninstall it. While some found setup easy, others struggled, noting that the “machine does NOT have a LAN port, it requires you to download an app, and configure it via the app, which proved only possible via a smartphone and took forever.” There were also comments about color inconsistency for specific uses, with one user noting “leaves lines in all my images” and another finding that “something about the color that still doesn’t seem right to me” for photos. This feedback is relevant as it points to potential quality control issues with specific units or user-specific challenges that buyers should be aware of, especially concerning software installations and initial toner yields. We believe these experiences, while not universal, warrant careful consideration, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the warranty and support if issues arise.
Comparing the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer to Its Top Alternatives
In the bustling market of laser printers, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer faces stiff competition. To truly understand its value proposition, we’ve pitted it against three notable alternatives, considering their features, target users, and overall performance.
1. Brother HLL3220CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Duplex Mobile
The Brother HLL3220CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer Duplex Mobile serves as a slightly more compact and streamlined sibling to the MFC-L3720CDW. While it retains the core advantages of Brother’s color laser technology, including duplex printing and mobile connectivity, it’s a single-function printer—meaning it prints but does not copy, scan, or fax. This makes it an excellent choice for users who primarily need fast, high-quality color prints and are willing to forgo the all-in-one capabilities of the MFC-L3720CDW. Its smaller footprint could be a significant advantage for those with very limited desk space. However, if your workflow demands scanning multi-page documents via an ADF or sending faxes, the MFC-L3720CDW remains the superior, more versatile option, justifying its larger size and slightly higher price point with its expanded functionality.
2. Brother HL-L8260CDW Color Laser Printer Duplex Wireless
- BUSINESS COLOR PRINTING: The Brother HL-L8260CDW Laser Printer delivers exceptional copies at print speeds of up to 33ppm without compromising quality. The multipurpose tray capacity is 50 sheets,...
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Built-in Ethernet and wireless network interface capabilities allows wireless printing from your mobile device. Carton Dimensions (WxDxH) 24. 3 x 21. 0 x 20. 5 inches
- COST-EFFECTIVENESS: Reduce operating costs by using Brother Genuine high-yield toner cartridges that can produce 4, 500 black and 4, 000 color prints
Stepping up in Brother’s lineup, the HL-L8260CDW Business Color Laser Printer is designed for higher-volume business environments than the MFC-L3720CDW. While also a single-function printer, it typically offers faster print speeds (33 ppm vs. 19 ppm) and potentially higher paper capacities, making it ideal for larger workgroups or offices with heavier printing demands. Its advanced security features and flexible networking options are tailored for more complex IT infrastructures. If your primary need is sheer printing speed and volume for a larger team, and you already have separate scanning or copying solutions, the HL-L8260CDW might be a more fitting choice. However, for a small office or home office that values the convenience and space-saving aspect of an all-in-one device with robust scanning and copying features, the MFC-L3720CDW offers a more balanced and economical package, providing essential multi-functionality without the premium price tag of a high-volume print-only machine.
3. Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
- Wireless, Duplex Printer (Print Only)
- Print up to 22 Pages Per Minute (CL/BW)
- Uses Toner 067 / 067 High-Capacity Toner
The Canon imageCLASS LBP632Cdw offers a compelling alternative from a different reputable brand. Like the Brother HLL3220CDW, this is a wireless duplex color laser printer, but it is also single-function. It boasts a slightly higher print speed of 22 ppm (compared to the MFC-L3720CDW’s 19 ppm), which could be a deciding factor for users prioritizing speed in a print-only device. Canon’s reputation for image quality also means it’s a strong contender for vibrant color output. However, similar to the HLL3220CDW, its lack of an integrated scanner, copier, and fax machine means it cannot fulfill the comprehensive all-in-one needs of many small offices or home users. If brand loyalty to Canon or a marginal speed advantage for printing are your main drivers, and you don’t require multi-functionality, the LBP632Cdw is a solid choice. Otherwise, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer provides a far more versatile solution for the typical demands of a modern workspace.
Final Verdict: Is the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer Right for Your Office?
After thorough testing and careful consideration of user feedback, we conclude that the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer stands out as a formidable option for small offices and home users seeking a robust, multi-functional laser printer. Its strengths lie in its consistent laser-quality output, respectable print speeds for both color and monochrome, and a comprehensive suite of features including automatic duplexing, a 50-page ADF, and flexible wireless connectivity. The intuitive touchscreen and mobile management capabilities significantly enhance the user experience, streamlining daily tasks and offering modern convenience. For anyone transitioning from a problematic inkjet or upgrading an older monochrome laser, the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer delivers a tangible boost in productivity and professional document handling.
While its physical footprint is considerable and some users have reported isolated issues with initial toner yields, software bloat, or long-term reliability in specific units, these do not overshadow its core competence for the majority of users. The comprehensive 1-year warranty and free lifetime support further bolster confidence in this investment. We wholeheartedly recommend the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer for small businesses, busy home offices, and remote workers who require a dependable, efficient, all-in-one solution that delivers on speed, quality, and versatility. It is a workhorse designed to keep your documents flowing and your operations smooth. If you’ve decided the Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API