The catch
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Fax is not built in.
Side by side
Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW: Fax comes with MFC, and neither scans both sides automatically
Quick verdict
The DCP-L2640DW is the pick if scanning from a computer or phone covers the job, you do not need fax or cloud access from the panel, and its current complete offer is better. The MFC-L2820DW is for fax over a suitable telephone service, or for sending to a supported cloud destination once Web Connect registration is done. A 50-sheet single-sided feeder sits on both, so neither captures the reverse of an original automatically.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Buy for the destination you really use
After you register the account through Brother Web Connect, the MFC touchscreen can send scans to a supported cloud service. That can take the computer out of routine sending, though setup is still needed. If every scan already lands in an open desktop application, the screen adds little to that workflow.
Where this comes from
Brother Web Connect is how the supported service has to be connected to the MFC. Internet access and a service account by themselves do not complete that registration.
The catch
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Connectivity, account setup and supported services all matter for cloud workflows.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Why pick it
- Scanning from a computer or phone covers the job, you have no use for fax or cloud access from the panel, and the DCP has the better current complete offer.
- The catch
- Fax is not built in.
Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Why pick it
- You need built-in fax, a suitable telephone service is available, and turning any two-sided originals by hand is acceptable.
- Sending to a supported cloud destination from the touchscreen saves a computer step, as long as you have internet access, a service account and completed Brother Web Connect registration.
- The catch
- Connectivity, account setup and supported services all matter for cloud workflows.
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What this page compares
Fax, touchscreen cloud workflows and the scanning features that stay the same are what separate the DCP from the MFC.
Both closely related monochrome all-in-ones suit the same desk and single-sided document workload. What matters for an upgrade is whether fax and panel destinations take away an actual step.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
You need built-in fax
Fax comes with the MFC alone, and it still needs a suitable telephone service and setup.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Not suitable
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Better fit
Both sides have to be scanned automatically
Each feeder is simplex only.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Not suitable
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Not suitable
Scanning with a computer already at hand
When the destination application is already open, the touchscreen cloud workflow matters less.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Good
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Good
Step up to the machine and save scans to a supported cloud account
After internet, account and Brother Web Connect registration are set up, the MFC can send to a supported service. The DCP relies on the documented computer or phone workflow.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
- Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Buy for the destination you really use
After you register the account through Brother Web Connect, the MFC touchscreen can send scans to a supported cloud service. That can take the computer out of routine sending, though setup is still needed. If every scan already lands in an open desktop application, the screen adds little to that workflow.
How we worked this out
Brother Web Connect is how the supported service has to be connected to the MFC. Internet access and a service account by themselves do not complete that registration.
Gaining fax does not gain duplex scanning
With a two-sided stack, either machine still needs another handling step to capture the reverse sides. If turning originals is what bothers you, go to a verified duplex-scanning model and don’t assume the MFC name fixes it.
How we worked this out
Single-sided scanning is documented for each exact model. Automatic two-sided printing is a different operation.
A larger closed desk area is not required by the visible upgrade
The documented dimensions are the same for both bodies, and so are the listed toner and drum families. The decision can therefore rest on fax and file destinations instead of an assumed need for new furniture or a new supply system.
How we worked this out
Body sizes and supply families, as listed, are the same. Leave room for the lid and servicing, and compare the cartridges and accessories each package includes.
Option A
Brother, DCP-L2640DW
DCP-L2640DW
For work that needs neither fax nor panel cloud sending, scan from a computer or phone with the 50-sheet single-sided feeder.
- Best for
- Scanning from a computer or phone covers the job, you have no use for fax or cloud access from the panel, and the DCP has the better current complete offer.
Facts we checked
- Built-in fax: No fax
- Cloud file workflow: Computer and mobile scan workflows
- Originals in the feeder: 50 sheets, simplex scanning
- Closed footprint: 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches
Option B
Brother, MFC-L2820DW
MFC-L2820DW
Fax works with a suitable telephone service, and supported cloud sending is available after registration. The 50-sheet feeder still reads only one side at a time.
- Best for
- You need built-in fax, a suitable telephone service is available, and turning any two-sided originals by hand is acceptable.
Facts we checked
- Built-in fax: Fax included
- Cloud file workflow: Touchscreen access to supported cloud services
- Originals in the feeder: 50 sheets, simplex scanning
- Closed footprint: 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Brother DCP-L2640DW | Brother MFC-L2820DW | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in fax | No fax | Fax included | The DCP is ruled out by a real fax requirement, even if its scanning and printing functions are enough. |
| Cloud file workflow | Computer and mobile scan workflows | Touchscreen access to supported cloud services | Where a scan starts can change with the MFC, but supported cloud destinations require internet and an account. |
| Originals in the feeder | 50 sheets, simplex scanning | 50 sheets, simplex scanning | Neither machine scans both sides automatically just because it has a duplex printing label. |
| Closed footprint | 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches | 16.1 x 15.7 x 12.5 inches | Moving up to the MFC costs no desk-size penalty in the documented closed body. Opening and service clearance are a separate matter. |
| Replacement system | TN830 family plus DR830 drum | TN830 family plus DR830 drum | The MFC stays in the listed supply family, which does not establish equal cost per page or running life. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Nothing here establishes a comparable touchscreen cloud workflow.
With Brother MFC-L2820DW
- Its feeder remains single-sided.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You need fax or a supported panel cloud destination
Go with Brother MFC-L2820DW. A suitable telephone service is needed for fax. Panel cloud scanning depends on internet access, a supported service account and completed Brother Web Connect registration.
Scanning from a computer or phone is enough, fax and panel cloud access go unused, and the current complete offer for the DCP is better
Go with Brother DCP-L2640DW. The DCP makes sense only if you can do without those extra MFC workflows and the current complete offer favors it. A shared feeder and supply family do not make fax or cloud access essential.
Double-sided stacks are what repeatedly hold you up
Neither model fits. Look into an automatic duplex scanner instead.
Decision guide
Before you buy
The DCP-L2640DW fits when computer or phone scanning covers the job, fax and panel cloud access are not needed, and its current complete offer is better. The MFC-L2820DW suits fax with a suitable telephone service, or a supported cloud destination after Web Connect registration. Both come with a 50-sheet single-sided feeder, which means neither automatically captures the reverse of an original.
What this page can’t tell you
- Nothing here comes from hands-on testing or a current-price comparison. The speeds published are manufacturer ratings made under stated conditions.
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 |
|
| |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW |
|
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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
Scanning from a computer or phone covers the job, you have no use for fax or cloud access from the panel, and the DCP has the better current complete offer.
See price & reviews on AmazonBrother MFC-L2820DW
You need built-in fax, a suitable telephone service is available, and turning any two-sided originals by hand is acceptable.
Sending to a supported cloud destination from the touchscreen saves a computer step, as long as you have internet access, a service account and completed Brother Web Connect registration.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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