Brother MFC-L8905CDW Review: Best Color Laser All-in-One for Offices?

You need a reliable printer that can handle your business demands without breaking the bank. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW promises fast printing, low operating costs, and professional quality output.

But does this color laser all-in-one printer truly deliver on these promises? This complete review examines every feature, benefit, and potential drawback to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s explore what makes this machine stand out in the crowded business printer market.

Key Takeaways

• Speed and Performance: The Brother MFC-L8905CDW prints at impressive speeds of 33 pages per minute for both color and black printing, making it one of the faster options in its class. This speed helps busy offices maintain productivity without waiting around for documents.
• Cost Efficiency: With ultra high-yield toner cartridges that produce 9,000 pages in black and 8,000 pages in color, this printer offers exceptional value per page. The estimated cost per page is approximately 2.6 cents for black and slightly higher for color, significantly lower than inkjet alternatives.
• Advanced Scanning: The 70-page automatic document feeder with single-pass duplex scanning lets you scan both sides of documents simultaneously. This feature saves considerable time when digitizing multi-page documents and reduces manual intervention.
• Professional Features: A large 7-inch color touchscreen provides intuitive control and navigation. The printer includes automatic duplex printing, wireless networking, mobile printing support, and fax capabilities for complete office functionality.
• Durability and Capacity: Built for demanding environments, this printer handles a monthly duty cycle of up to 60,000 pages with a recommended volume of 4,000 pages. The 250-sheet paper tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose tray accommodate various paper sizes from 3×5 inches up to legal size.

Brother MFC-L8905CDW Overview

The Brother MFC-L8905CDW represents a significant upgrade in the business color laser printer category. This all-in-one machine combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into a single device. Brother designed this model specifically for small and home offices that need professional quality without enterprise-level pricing.

This printer uses laser technology rather than inkjet, which means sharper text and graphics with faster output speeds. The machine measures approximately 18.7 x 19.9 x 17.9 inches and weighs around 51.4 pounds, making it a substantial desktop unit. You get a robust build quality that feels durable and designed for long-term use.

Brother includes 512MB of memory in this model, which helps handle complex print jobs and multiple users simultaneously. The printer supports various paper types including plain paper, recycled paper, bond paper, envelopes, and labels. You can print on paper weights ranging from 16 to 43 lb, providing flexibility for different document needs. The maximum print resolution reaches 2400 x 600 dpi, delivering sharp, professional-looking documents that rival more expensive machines.

Print Speed and Quality Performance

Print speed matters when you have deadlines to meet and clients waiting for documents. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW delivers consistent 33 pages per minute for both monochrome and color printing. This speed places it among the fastest in its price range. Real-world testing shows the printer maintains this speed even with complex graphics and mixed content.

The first page out time is impressively quick. The printer warms up rapidly and produces the first page in approximately 14 seconds from a cold start. This quick warm-up time means less waiting and more productivity throughout your workday. When the printer is already warmed up, subsequent pages print even faster.

Print quality exceeds expectations for a business laser printer. Text appears crisp and sharp with clean edges and consistent darkness. Small fonts remain readable, making this printer suitable for contracts, detailed reports, and professional correspondence. Color graphics print with good saturation and accurate color representation, though this printer prioritizes document printing over photo quality.

The printer handles automatic duplex printing efficiently, producing double-sided documents at approximately 7 pages per minute. This feature saves paper costs and creates more professional-looking bound documents. The duplex mechanism operates smoothly without frequent paper jams, which can plague lesser quality printers.

Top 3 Alternatives for Brother MFC-L8905CDW

Looking at similar options in the market helps you make the best choice for your specific needs. Here are three solid alternatives worth considering:

These alternatives offer different price points and feature sets. The MFC-L8900CDW provides similar performance at a comparable price. The MFC-L3780CDW offers a more budget-friendly option with slightly reduced capabilities. The HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw presents a competitive alternative from a different manufacturer with comparable speeds and features.

Scanning Capabilities and Document Handling

The scanning features on the Brother MFC-L8905CDW set it apart from basic printers. The 70-page automatic document feeder handles substantial scanning jobs without constant attention. You can load an entire document, start the scan, and walk away while the machine processes everything.

The single-pass duplex scanning technology represents a major time-saver. Traditional duplex scanners must scan one side, flip the page, then scan the other side. This printer scans both sides simultaneously as the paper passes through the ADF. This capability cuts scanning time in half for double-sided documents, which most business documents are.

The flatbed scanner accommodates documents up to 8.5 x 14 inches (legal size). The optical scanning resolution reaches 1200 x 1200 dpi, providing excellent detail for archiving important documents or creating digital copies. The scanner produces clear, readable scans of text documents and reasonably good quality scans of photos and graphics.

You get multiple scanning destinations including email, network folders, USB drives, and cloud services. The printer supports scan-to-email directly from the device without needing a computer. You can set up multiple email addresses and send scanned documents with just a few touches on the screen. The built-in OCR (optical character recognition) capability makes scanned documents searchable and editable, adding significant value for document management.

Cost Per Page and Toner Options

Operating costs often exceed the initial purchase price over a printer’s lifetime. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW shines in this area with remarkably low per-page costs. The ultra high-yield TN437 toner cartridges provide exceptional value compared to standard capacity cartridges.

Black toner cartridges yield approximately 9,000 pages at 5% coverage. Color toner cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow) each yield about 8,000 pages at 5% coverage. These high capacities mean fewer cartridge changes and lower maintenance time. The estimated cost per page works out to approximately 2.6 cents for black-only printing and around 14-16 cents for full-color pages.

Brother also offers standard yield cartridges (TN431) that produce about 3,000 black pages and 1,800 color pages. While these cost less upfront, the per-page cost increases significantly. For businesses with regular printing needs, investing in the high-yield cartridges makes financial sense.

The drum unit (DR431CL) is separate from the toner cartridges and lasts approximately 30,000 pages. This separation means you only replace toner when it runs out, not the entire drum assembly. This design reduces long-term operating costs compared to printers with integrated drum and toner units. Replacement drums cost around $200-250, but with their long lifespan, this translates to minimal per-page expense.

You can use genuine Brother cartridges or compatible third-party options. Brother genuine cartridges guarantee quality and compatibility, but cost more. Compatible cartridges from reputable manufacturers can reduce costs further, though quality and yields may vary. Many users report success with quality compatible cartridges without issues.

Connectivity Options and Mobile Printing

Modern printers must connect seamlessly with various devices and networks. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW excels in connectivity with multiple options for different work environments. You get built-in Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, and NFC connectivity.

The wireless networking setup is straightforward with clear on-screen instructions. Once connected, the printer integrates smoothly into your network, allowing multiple users to access it from their computers. The wireless connection remains stable and reliable, maintaining consistent performance without frequent dropouts.

Wi-Fi Direct enables direct device-to-printer connections without requiring a router. This feature proves useful for guest printing or when working in environments without established networks. You can print from smartphones, tablets, or laptops by connecting directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi signal.

Mobile printing support includes multiple platforms and apps. The printer works with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother Mobile Connect app, and Mopria. These options cover virtually all smartphone and tablet platforms. The Brother Mobile Connect app offers particularly good functionality, allowing you to print, scan, and check printer status from your mobile device.

NFC (Near Field Communication) provides touch-to-print functionality. If your mobile device supports NFC, simply tap it against the printer’s NFC area and your document prints. This convenience eliminates the need to navigate through menus or settings for quick print jobs.

The printer also supports cloud connectivity with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and others. You can scan documents directly to cloud storage or print documents stored in the cloud without using a computer. This integration streamlines document workflows and supports modern remote work environments.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Efficient paper handling reduces interruptions and keeps your workflow smooth. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW provides flexible paper management for various printing needs. The main paper tray holds 250 sheets of standard letter or A4 size paper. This capacity suits most small to medium office requirements without constant refilling.

The 50-sheet multipurpose tray accommodates specialty media like envelopes, labels, cardstock, and smaller paper sizes. This separate tray means you don’t need to empty the main tray when printing different media types. You can keep standard paper in the main tray and feed specialty items through the multipurpose tray as needed.

The printer supports paper sizes from 3 x 5 inches up to 8.5 x 14 inches (legal size). Common sizes like letter, legal, executive, A4, A5, and A6 all work perfectly. You can also print on various envelope sizes including #10 business envelopes, making this printer suitable for direct mail or business correspondence.

Paper weight capacity ranges from 16 lb to 43 lb, covering everything from thin copy paper to heavy cardstock. The printer handles different paper types including plain paper, recycled paper, bond paper, color paper, and labels. This versatility eliminates the need for separate printers for different media types.

For businesses with higher volume needs, Brother offers optional additional paper trays that can expand total capacity to 800 sheets. These optional trays add flexibility and reduce the frequency of paper refills in busy offices. The paper handling mechanisms operate reliably with minimal jamming, which users consistently praise in reviews.

User Interface and Control Panel

The 7-inch color touchscreen dominates the control panel and provides an intuitive interface. This large display makes navigation easy and reduces the learning curve for new users. The touchscreen responds quickly to inputs and displays clear, readable text and icons.

Menus are logically organized with common functions easily accessible from the home screen. You can quickly access copy, scan, and fax functions with just a touch or two. The interface includes helpful visual guides and prompts that walk you through various operations. Even users unfamiliar with Brother printers can typically navigate the system without consulting the manual.

The screen displays useful status information including toner levels, paper status, network connection, and error messages. When issues occur, the display provides clear explanations and suggested solutions. This built-in troubleshooting reduces downtime and support calls.

You can customize the home screen with shortcuts to frequently used functions. If you regularly scan to email or copy with specific settings, you can create one-touch shortcuts that save time. The printer remembers your preferences and settings, eliminating repetitive menu navigation.

Physical buttons supplement the touchscreen for essential functions. You get dedicated buttons for stopping jobs, returning home, and powering on/off. These physical controls provide tactile feedback and ensure critical functions remain accessible even if the touchscreen encounters issues.

The control panel angles toward the user for comfortable viewing and operation. The positioning works well whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing at the printer. Backlighting ensures the screen remains readable in various lighting conditions, from bright offices to dimly lit rooms.

Security Features for Business Use

Business printers handle sensitive information and require robust security features. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW includes advanced security capabilities appropriate for professional environments. These features protect your documents and network from unauthorized access and data breaches.

Secure Function Lock allows administrators to restrict access to specific printer functions. You can set up user accounts with different permission levels, controlling who can print, scan, copy, or fax. This feature prevents unauthorized use and helps track printing activity by individual users or departments.

The printer supports network security protocols including WPA2-PSK and WPA3-PSK for wireless connections, and 802.1x authentication for enterprise networks. These encryption methods protect data transmitted between devices and the printer, preventing interception of sensitive documents.

IPsec and SSL/TLS protocols secure network communications and web-based access to the printer’s management interface. When combined with proper network configuration, these features create multiple layers of protection against cyber threats. The printer receives regular firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities and improve protection.

Secure Print functionality requires users to enter a PIN at the printer before documents print. This feature prevents sensitive documents from sitting in the output tray where anyone might see them. You send your print job, walk to the printer, enter your PIN, and only then does your document print.

The printer includes data security features that overwrite temporary data stored in memory after jobs complete. This prevents potential recovery of sensitive information from the printer’s internal storage. For businesses handling confidential information, these security measures provide essential protection and peace of mind.

Maintenance and Reliability

Long-term reliability ranks among the top priorities for business printer buyers. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW earns high marks for durability and low maintenance requirements. Users report consistent performance over thousands of pages with minimal issues.

The printer provides clear maintenance alerts when toner runs low, the drum needs replacement, or other service is required. These proactive notifications prevent unexpected downtime by alerting you before supplies run completely out. You can order replacements in advance and swap them quickly when needed.

Toner cartridge replacement takes just minutes without special tools. The cartridges slide in and out easily with clear instructions on the screen. The separate drum unit lasts much longer than toner cartridges, reducing the frequency of this larger maintenance task. When drum replacement becomes necessary, the process remains straightforward with good documentation.

Paper jams occur less frequently on this printer compared to budget models. When jams do happen, access points throughout the paper path allow easy removal of stuck paper. The touchscreen displays clear instructions showing exactly where the jam occurred and how to clear it. Most users can resolve jams in under a minute without technical support.

The printer includes automatic maintenance routines that clean print heads and align components. These background processes help maintain print quality without user intervention. You can also manually initiate cleaning cycles if print quality degrades, though this rarely becomes necessary with regular use.

Brother backs this printer with a one-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options are available for businesses requiring additional coverage. Brother’s customer support receives generally positive reviews, with knowledgeable representatives available by phone and online chat.

Pros and Cons Summary

Every printer has strengths and weaknesses. Understanding both helps set realistic expectations and determine if this printer matches your needs.

Advantages include impressive print speeds of 33 ppm for both color and black documents. The high-yield toner cartridges deliver exceptional value with low per-page costs. Single-pass duplex scanning saves significant time when digitizing double-sided documents. The large touchscreen provides excellent usability and the printer offers comprehensive connectivity options.

Build quality feels solid and durable, appropriate for business environments. The printer handles high monthly volumes without performance degradation. Security features protect sensitive business information. Mobile printing support accommodates modern work styles with smartphones and tablets. The automatic duplex printing saves paper and creates professional documents.

Disadvantages include the substantial physical size and weight, requiring dedicated desk space. The printer cannot print borderless photos, limiting creative applications. Glossy photo paper is not recommended, making this printer unsuitable for photo printing. The initial purchase price exceeds budget laser printers, though long-term costs justify the investment.

Some users report the printer runs slightly louder than expected during operation. The drum unit, while long-lasting, represents a significant expense when replacement becomes necessary. The printer works best with genuine Brother toner cartridges, and using third-party options may affect performance or void warranty coverage.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Energy consumption affects both operating costs and environmental responsibility. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW includes several features that minimize power usage. The printer consumes approximately 690 watts during active printing, which is typical for color laser printers in this class.

Sleep mode reduces power consumption to about 9 watts when idle. The printer enters sleep mode quickly after the last job completes, minimizing unnecessary energy use. Deep sleep mode further reduces consumption to approximately 1.3 watts, nearly eliminating standby power draw.

The printer meets ENERGY STAR certification requirements, indicating above-average energy efficiency. This certification means the printer uses less energy than similar models, reducing your electricity bills and environmental footprint. Over the printer’s lifetime, these efficiency gains add up to noticeable savings.

Automatic duplex printing contributes to environmental responsibility by reducing paper consumption. Printing on both sides of the page cuts paper use nearly in half for many documents. This feature saves money on paper purchases while reducing your business’s environmental impact.

The printer uses toner rather than ink, which generates less waste than inkjet cartridges. The high-yield cartridges mean fewer cartridge changes and less packaging waste. Brother offers a cartridge recycling program that accepts used cartridges for responsible disposal or reconditioning, further reducing environmental impact.

Who Should Buy the Brother MFC-L8905CDW

This printer suits specific user profiles particularly well. Small to medium businesses with moderate to high printing volumes get the most value. If you print 1,000 to 4,000 pages monthly, this printer’s combination of speed, capacity, and low per-page costs makes excellent sense.

Professional offices requiring high-quality document output for client presentations, contracts, and reports benefit from the printer’s sharp text and graphics. Law firms, accounting offices, consulting businesses, and similar professional services find this printer meets their quality standards.

Home office professionals who run businesses from home and need reliable, professional-quality printing should consider this model. The printer’s quiet operation, compact footprint for its class, and comprehensive features support productive home-based work without the noise and size of larger commercial machines.

Organizations requiring scanning and document management capabilities appreciate the advanced scanning features. The single-pass duplex ADF, high scanning resolution, and scan-to-cloud functionality support efficient document workflows and digital transformation initiatives.

Businesses prioritizing low operating costs over minimal initial investment find the math works in their favor. While the upfront cost exceeds budget printers, the low per-page costs and high reliability result in lower total cost of ownership over three to five years.

This printer may not suit individuals with minimal printing needs, as the initial investment won’t be recouped through usage. Photo enthusiasts should look elsewhere, as this printer focuses on document printing rather than photo quality. Organizations requiring very high-volume printing (over 10,000 pages monthly) might need a higher-capacity commercial model.

Comparison with Previous Brother Models

Understanding how this model compares to earlier Brother printers helps gauge the improvement and value. The Brother MFC-L8900CDW served as the predecessor to the L8905CDW. The main differences include the larger touchscreen (7 inches versus 5 inches) and updated firmware with improved mobile connectivity.

The L8905CDW maintains the same excellent print speeds and quality as the L8900CDW while adding enhanced security features and better cloud integration. The newer model also includes updated wireless protocols for faster, more reliable connections. For businesses replacing older Brother printers, the L8905CDW represents a worthwhile upgrade with meaningful improvements.

Compared to the Brother MFC-L3780CDW, a lower-priced alternative, the L8905CDW offers faster print speeds, larger paper capacity, and a more robust build. The L3780CDW prints at 25 ppm versus 33 ppm for the L8905CDW. The L8905CDW also includes a larger ADF (70 pages versus 50 pages) and more advanced security features. Businesses with higher volume needs justify the price premium for the L8905CDW’s additional capabilities.

Setup and Installation Process

Getting your new printer operational should be straightforward, and Brother delivers on this expectation. The initial setup takes approximately 15-20 minutes from unboxing to first print. Brother includes clear setup guides with step-by-step instructions and diagrams.

Physical setup involves removing protective materials, installing the drum unit and toner cartridges, and loading paper. Brother clearly marks all protective tapes and materials for removal. The included quick setup guide walks through each step with photos showing exactly what to do.

Network connection can be accomplished through the touchscreen interface. The printer detects available wireless networks and prompts you for your password. Alternatively, you can connect via Ethernet cable for a wired connection or use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if your router supports it. Most users report successful network connection within minutes.

Driver installation varies by operating system. Windows and Mac users can download drivers from Brother’s website or use the included CD. The drivers install smoothly with automatic device detection in most cases. The printer supports driverless printing on many modern operating systems, working immediately without special software installation.

Mobile device setup requires downloading the Brother Mobile Connect app. The app guides you through connecting to the printer over your wireless network. The entire mobile setup process typically takes just a few minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even reliable printers occasionally encounter issues. Understanding common problems and solutions helps minimize downtime. Paper jams represent the most frequent issue with any printer. The L8905CDW provides clear on-screen instructions for clearing jams, showing diagrams of access points and removal procedures.

Print quality problems like streaking or fading usually indicate low toner or dirty components. The printer’s maintenance menu includes automatic cleaning cycles that resolve most quality issues. If cleaning doesn’t help, checking toner levels and replacing low cartridges typically solves the problem.

Connectivity issues sometimes occur with wireless printing. Restarting the printer and your router resolves most connection problems. Ensuring the printer has current firmware updates also improves connectivity reliability. The printer’s network configuration report (printable from the settings menu) helps diagnose network issues.

Scanning problems are less common but sometimes involve software issues. Ensuring you have current scanner drivers and Brother software resolves most scanning difficulties. The built-in scanning functions through the control panel typically work even when computer-based scanning encounters issues.

For persistent problems, Brother’s support website includes troubleshooting guides, video tutorials, and firmware updates. The support section covers virtually every issue users might encounter with detailed solutions. Brother’s phone support also receives positive reviews for helpfulness and technical knowledge.

Value for Money Analysis

Price-to-performance ratio ultimately determines whether a printer represents good value. The Brother MFC-L8905CDW typically retails between $650-$700, positioning it in the upper-mid range for color laser all-in-ones. This price exceeds budget alternatives but undercuts true enterprise models.

When evaluating value, consider total cost of ownership rather than just purchase price. The low per-page costs mean this printer becomes more economical than cheaper alternatives after printing several thousand pages. A business printing 3,000 pages monthly recoups the price premium over a budget model within 12-18 months through toner savings alone.

Feature completeness adds value by eliminating the need for separate devices. You get printing, scanning, copying, and faxing in one machine. The advanced scanning features, wireless connectivity, and mobile printing support match or exceed features found on printers costing hundreds more.

Reliability and durability contribute to value by extending useful life. A printer that consistently performs for 5-7 years provides better value than a cheaper model requiring replacement after 2-3 years. User reviews suggest the L8905CDW delivers excellent longevity with proper maintenance.

The warranty and support from Brother, a well-established manufacturer, provides peace of mind. You can easily obtain replacement parts, toner cartridges, and technical support. This support infrastructure adds value compared to lesser-known brands with limited parts availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Brother MFC-L8905CDW and MFC-L8900CDW?

The MFC-L8905CDW features a larger 7-inch touchscreen compared to the 5-inch screen on the L8900CDW. The newer L8905CDW also includes updated firmware with improved mobile connectivity and enhanced security features. Both models offer the same print speeds and quality, but the L8905CDW provides a better user interface and more advanced networking capabilities.

Can I use third-party toner cartridges with the Brother MFC-L8905CDW?

Yes, the printer accepts third-party compatible toner cartridges, though Brother recommends genuine cartridges for optimal performance. Many users successfully use quality compatible cartridges to reduce costs. However, using non-genuine cartridges may affect print quality and could potentially void warranty coverage if issues arise. Research reputable compatible cartridge manufacturers with good reviews before purchasing.

How loud is the Brother MFC-L8905CDW during operation?

The printer produces approximately 53 dB of noise during active printing, which is comparable to normal conversation volume. During standby, the printer operates very quietly at around 30 dB. While not silent, most users find the noise level acceptable for office environments. The printer is noticeably louder than inkjet models but typical for laser printers in this class.

Does this printer support printing from smartphones and tablets?

Absolutely. The MFC-L8905CDW supports multiple mobile printing methods including Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria, NFC touch-to-print, and the Brother Mobile Connect app. These options cover virtually all smartphones and tablets on the market. You can print from and scan to mobile devices over your wireless network without needing a computer.

What is the monthly duty cycle for the Brother MFC-L8905CDW?

The maximum monthly duty cycle is 60,000 pages, though Brother recommends keeping monthly volume around 4,000 pages for optimal longevity. Most small to medium businesses fall well within this recommended range. The printer handles high-volume months without problems but consistently exceeding recommended volumes may shorten its useful life.

How long do the toner cartridges last?

Ultra high-yield TN437 cartridges produce approximately 9,000 pages in black and 8,000 pages in color at 5% coverage. Standard yield TN431 cartridges produce about 3,000 black pages and 1,800 color pages. Actual yields vary based on your printing patterns, but these estimates provide reliable planning guidelines. The separate drum unit lasts approximately 30,000 pages.

Is the Brother MFC-L8905CDW good for photo printing?

No, this printer focuses on document printing rather than photos. It cannot print borderless photos and does not work well with glossy photo paper. While it produces acceptable color graphics for business presentations, the print quality does not match dedicated photo printers. If photo printing is important, consider a separate photo printer or an inkjet all-in-one designed for photos.

What paper sizes can this printer handle?

The printer supports paper sizes from 3 x 5 inches up to 8.5 x 14 inches (legal size). Common sizes include letter, legal, executive, A4, A5, and A6. The printer also handles various envelope sizes including #10 business envelopes. Paper weights from 16 lb to 43 lb are supported, covering everything from thin copy paper to heavy cardstock.

Last update on 2026-02-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API