The catch
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Closed body is wider.
Side by side
Brother DCP-L2640DW vs Canon MF284dw: Canon suits a narrower spot, Brother feeds 50 sheets
Quick verdict
Recurring supported scan packets of 36-to-50-sheet size, or a documented 5 GHz wireless connection, point to the Brother DCP-L2640DW. The Canon MF284dw is the better fit when its narrower body solves a placement problem, or when its complete price is better and your packets fit 35 sheets. On either one, check lid and service clearance. Scanning the reverse side of originals takes manual handling on both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
With forty originals, the real feeder difference shows
A stack of 40 supported sheets takes one initial load on the Brother and two on the Canon. At 30 sheets, both need one. Choose by the stack sizes that show up on your desk. A 50-sheet feeder is not faster in every case.
Where this comes from
Feeder limits as stated cover supported originals only. The example counts loading interruptions and does not estimate scan speed.
The catch
Canon MF284dw
A smaller feeder, and a taller closed body.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Why pick it
- Your usual supported scan packets run 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the space you have.
- Space is enough for the Brother body, and its documented 5 GHz Wi-Fi or lower closed height solves a real installation constraint.
- The catch
- Closed body is wider.
Canon MF284dw
- Why pick it
- Your supported packets stay within 35 sheets, there is enough lid and service clearance for the Canon, and the Canon has the better current complete offer.
- A width limit rules out the 16.1-inch Brother but admits the 15.4-inch Canon body, which also has enough height and operating clearance.
- The catch
- A smaller feeder, and a taller closed body.
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What this page compares
Before you pick a monochrome all-in-one, look at feeder loads, closed dimensions and the network options.
Neither exact model has fax, and both are networked monochrome print/copy/scan machines. A plausible cross-brand choice gets settled by document size, placement and the network connection available.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A single-sided 40-sheet packet
One feeder load holds the packet on Brother, but Canon needs it split.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
- Canon MF284dw
- Caution
A body width under 16 inches
The Canon body measures 15.4 inches wide and the Brother 16.1. Additional clearance is still needed.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
- Canon MF284dw
- Better fit
A wireless link that is 5 GHz-only
5 GHz is expressly supported by Brother. For Canon, use Ethernet or verify another connection.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
- Canon MF284dw
- Caution
Capture both sides of a packet with no turning of the originals
Each feeder reads only one side at a time. Automatic duplex printing does not meet this requirement, whether or not the packet fits a feeder load.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Not suitable
- Canon MF284dw
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
With forty originals, the real feeder difference shows
A stack of 40 supported sheets takes one initial load on the Brother and two on the Canon. At 30 sheets, both need one. Choose by the stack sizes that show up on your desk. A 50-sheet feeder is not faster in every case.
How we worked this out
Feeder limits as stated cover supported originals only. The example counts loading interruptions and does not estimate scan speed.
A narrower printer may still fit the shelf worse
Canon is 0.7 inch narrower but 3 inches taller, at the same listed depth. A shelf can favor either, depending on which dimension is fixed. Lid and maintenance space are extra and sit outside this closed-body comparison.
How we worked this out
The measurements are for the closed body. Extra room is needed for the lid, trays, cable connections and maintenance access.
A network cable can turn a wireless decision around
If the printer has to join a 5 GHz wireless network, Brother is the documented choice. With Ethernet available beside the printer, both have a wired route, and the wireless difference no longer decides the purchase.
How we worked this out
5 GHz support is expressly listed for Brother. The Canon record does not establish it, so either verify a supported wireless connection or use the documented Ethernet port.
Option A
Brother, DCP-L2640DW
DCP-L2640DW
Closed body lower but wider, with a 50-sheet single-sided feeder and documented dual-band Wi-Fi.
- Best for
- Your usual supported scan packets run 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the space you have.
Facts we checked
- Feeder capacity: 50 sheets, simplex
- Closed body: 16.1 W x 15.7 D x 12.5 H inches
- Network options: Ethernet and 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
- Main paper cassette: 250 sheets
Option B
Canon, MF284dw
MF284dw
The closed body is narrower and has a 35-sheet single-sided feeder. Leave room for the taller body, the open lid and service access.
- Best for
- Your supported packets stay within 35 sheets, there is enough lid and service clearance for the Canon, and the Canon has the better current complete offer.
Facts we checked
- Feeder capacity: 35 sheets, simplex
- Closed body: 15.4 W x 15.7 D x 15.5 H inches
- Network options: Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
- Main paper cassette: 250 sheets
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Brother DCP-L2640DW | Canon MF284dw | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder capacity | 50 sheets, simplex | 35 sheets, simplex | Start by counting sheets in the original stack. A 40-sheet two-sided packet still means 40 sheets to load, with separate handling needed for each side. |
| Closed body | 16.1 W x 15.7 D x 12.5 H inches | 15.4 W x 15.7 D x 15.5 H inches | The Brother stands 3 inches lower and the Canon is 0.7 inch narrower. Lid-opening clearance is not part of either closed measurement. |
| Network options | Ethernet and 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi | Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi | 5 GHz support is documented for Brother. If a cable is practical, Ethernet may remove that difference. |
| Main paper cassette | 250 sheets | 250 sheets | Do not inflate the extra one-sheet feed on the Brother into a bulk-print capacity advantage. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Automatic two-sided scanning is missing.
With Canon MF284dw
- The exact specifications do not establish 5 GHz support.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your packets stay within 35 supported sheets, Canon has enough operating clearance, and its narrower body either solves placement or its current complete offer comes out better
Go with Canon MF284dw. For packets of 35 supported sheets or fewer, the larger Brother feeder saves no load. To settle this otherwise close choice, Canon needs a genuine narrower-body fit advantage or a better current complete offer.
Your frequent stacks run 36 to 50 supported sheets, and there is room for the Brother body, open lid and trays
Go with Brother DCP-L2640DW. Those packets do not have to be split on Brother.
You need automatic duplex scanning
Neither model fits. Each documented feeder is simplex only.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW if your supported scan packets recur at 36-to-50-sheet size or you rely on a documented 5 GHz wireless connection. The Canon MF284dw wins when its narrower body fixes a placement constraint, or its complete price is better and the packets fit 35 sheets. Either way, check lid and service clearance. Manual handling is needed on both to scan the reverse side of originals.
What this page can’t tell you
- Hands-on testing and current-price comparison are not claimed. Manufacturer ratings, made under their stated conditions, are the source of the published speeds.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the laser printers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW |
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| Canon MF284dw |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Your usual supported scan packets run 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the space you have.
Space is enough for the Brother body, and its documented 5 GHz Wi-Fi or lower closed height solves a real installation constraint.
See price & reviews on AmazonCanon MF284dw
Your supported packets stay within 35 sheets, there is enough lid and service clearance for the Canon, and the Canon has the better current complete offer.
A width limit rules out the 16.1-inch Brother but admits the 15.4-inch Canon body, which also has enough height and operating clearance.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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