Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW: Which Should You Choose? (November 2026)

On this page (9 sections)

1. Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW: which is better?
2. Which printer is easier for multi-page scanning?
3. Is the HL-L2480DW better for a compact desk?
4. Do both printers print at the same speed?
5. How do the controls and connections compare?
6. What paper handling does each printer offer?
7. Which toner works with both Brother printers?
8. How should you choose between these printers?
9. Final verdict on the Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW

Choose the DCP-L2640DW for multi-page copying and scanning, or the HL-L2480DW for touchscreen control in a shorter body. Both are wireless monochrome multifunction printers with automatic duplex printing and rated print speeds of up to 36 pages per minute.

The key difference is the document workflow. The DCP-L2640DW has a 50-page automatic document feeder, while the HL-L2480DW combines a flatbed scan glass with a 2.7-inch touchscreen.

We compared the listed functions, controls, dimensions, connections and paper handling. The goal is to match the printer to the work you do most often.

Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW: which is better?

The DCP-L2640DW is the better choice for batches of pages, while the HL-L2480DW is better for touchscreen control and a lower profile. Their core print speed, wireless options and duplex features are closely matched.

The DCP-L2640DW combines printing, copying and scanning with a 50-page automatic document feeder. That feeder can hold a stack for multi-page jobs instead of requiring you to place every page on the scan surface.

The HL-L2480DW also prints, copies and scans, but its listed scanning hardware is a flatbed scan glass. Its 2.7-inch touchscreen gives it a different control experience.

If you need an all-in-one model for a small office, our guide to the best Brother all-in-one laser printers covers how these functions fit different workspaces.

Which printer is easier for multi-page scanning?

Pick the Brother DCP-L2640DW if you regularly scan or copy several pages at once. Its 50-page automatic document feeder is the clearest functional advantage in this comparison.

A feeder helps with packets, forms and other loose pages. You can load the pages, start the job and avoid placing each sheet on the scan glass individually.

The DCP-L2640DW also has a 250-sheet paper tray, automatic duplex printing and connections through dual-band wireless, Ethernet or USB. It supports printing, scanning and management from mobile devices listed in its specifications.

The DCP-L2640DW has a maximum black-and-white copy resolution of 600 x 600 dpi and a maximum copy speed of 36 pages per minute. Its maximum copy run is 50 copies.

Who should choose the DCP-L2640DW?

Choose the DCP-L2640DW for a home office or small business that scans signed pages, invoices, forms or short document stacks. The feeder matters more than a small difference in cabinet height when multi-page work is common.

It also fits a shared setup because it supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. The printer has a 250-sheet tray, so routine print jobs do not require constant manual feeding.

The main trade-off is its 12.5-inch height. Measure the shelf opening carefully, especially if the printer will sit below a cabinet.

Is the HL-L2480DW better for a compact desk?

Choose the HL-L2480DW when a shorter body and touchscreen control fit your space and workflow. It measures 15.7 inches deep by 16.1 inches wide by 10.7 inches high.

The DCP-L2640DW has the same listed depth and width but stands 12.5 inches high. The HL-L2480DW therefore has a lower profile, although both still need working room for paper handling and access.

Its 2.7-inch touchscreen supports printer controls and access to print-from and scan-to cloud apps named in the product information, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote and OneNote.

The HL-L2480DW has a 250-sheet paper tray, automatic duplex printing and a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper. It also supports dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections.

Who should choose the HL-L2480DW?

Pick the HL-L2480DW if you want to control common tasks from a touchscreen and mostly scan individual pages or flat originals. Its flatbed scan glass suits pages that should remain flat during scanning.

It can also fit a lower shelf more easily than the DCP-L2640DW. Check the entire setup area before choosing, since a compact footprint does not remove the need to open trays and reach the controls.

The HL-L2480DW supports black-and-white copying at up to 36 pages per minute with a maximum copy resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. Its listed maximum copy run is 360 copies.

Do both printers print at the same speed?

Yes, both models print black-and-white pages at up to 36 pages per minute. The rated speed does not separate them, so compare the feeder, controls and room fit instead.

Both printers also have automatic duplex printing. This can help you print on both sides of compatible paper without manually turning each sheet.

Each model has an initial page print time of 8.5 seconds in the supplied specifications. Actual job time can still vary with the document, connection and print settings.

For a closer comparison with another compact Brother model, see Brother HL-L2460DW vs HL-L2420DW. It can help if your shortlist includes print-only or closely related monochrome models.

How do the controls and connections compare?

The HL-L2480DW has the clearer touchscreen advantage, while both printers offer flexible wired and wireless connections. The DCP-L2640DW lists app and touch control with an LCD display.

Both models support dual-band wireless at 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Ethernet and USB. That gives you options for a shared network, a wired office connection or one local computer.

Both also support Brother Mobile Connect for printing, scanning and printer management from compatible mobile devices. The HL-L2480DW specifically lists laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets and iPhone devices as compatible devices.

Think about where you will start most jobs. A touchscreen can be useful when you work at the printer, while an app or computer connection may be better when the printer sits away from your desk.

What paper handling does each printer offer?

Both models have a 250-sheet paper tray and automatic duplex printing. The HL-L2480DW also lists a manual feed slot for envelopes and specialty paper.

The DCP-L2640DW has the same 250-sheet tray in its product information, along with automatic duplex printing. Its 50-page feeder is the more important paper-handling difference for copying and scanning.

A paper tray capacity describes how much paper the tray can hold, not how often you will refill it. Your document length, paper size and print frequency determine the practical refill schedule.

The HL-L2480DW supports a maximum media size of 8.5 x 14 inches. Check the manual before using specialty media, and keep paper aligned to reduce feeding problems.

Which toner works with both Brother printers?

Both printers use the Brother TN830 or TN830XL toner family. A compatible replacement can lower the need to buy separate toner types when both models are used in the same office.

The Cool Toner TN830XL TN830 TN 830XL 830 Toner is a 2-pack of black compatible toner cartridges. It is listed for the Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2480DW, along with other Brother TN830-series printers.

Its stated yield is up to 3,000 pages per TN830XL or TN830 cartridge at 5% coverage on letter or A4 paper. Real output depends on how much black coverage your documents use.

This is compatible toner from Cool Toner, not Brother OEM toner. Keep the cartridge family clear when ordering, since toner names can look similar across Brother printer lines.

How should you choose between these printers?

Choose the DCP-L2640DW if the automatic document feeder will be used often. Choose the HL-L2480DW if touchscreen control and a shorter cabinet matter more.

Print speed alone does not decide this matchup.

The DCP-L2640DW is 2 inches taller but adds a 50-page feeder for copying and scanning. It is the stronger fit for documents that arrive as stacks.

The HL-L2480DW is shorter and has a 2.7-inch touchscreen with a flatbed scan glass. It suits individual pages and users who prefer direct control at the printer.

For another DCP-L2640DW comparison, see Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2820DW. You can also compare it with the Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2465DW and Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2750DW guides.

If you are considering an older Brother model, the Brother DCP-L2540DW vs DCP-L2640DW comparison focuses on the upgrade question. The Brother DCP-L2640DW vs MFC-L2760DW guide is another useful comparison for multifunction features.

Final verdict on the Brother DCP-L2640DW vs HL-L2480DW

Pick the Brother DCP-L2640DW for batch scanning and copying, especially when the 50-page feeder will be used weekly. Pick the HL-L2480DW for a shorter body, touchscreen control and flatbed scanning.

Both provide up to 36 pages per minute, automatic duplex printing, a 250-sheet tray and dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB connections. The best choice comes down to whether your priority is feeder convenience or compact touchscreen control.

After choosing, review the guide to Brother DCP-L2640DW double-sided printing so you can set up automatic duplex jobs correctly.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. It does not replace checking the exact manual and setup space for your chosen model.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2480DW?

The DCP-L2640DW has a 50-page automatic document feeder for multi-page scanning and copying. The HL-L2480DW has a 2.7-inch touchscreen, a shorter 10.7-inch height and a flatbed scan glass, but no automatic document feeder is listed in its supplied specifications.

Are the Brother DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2480DW the same speed?

Yes. Both print black-and-white documents at speeds up to 36 pages per minute and include automatic duplex printing.

Your practical choice depends more on scanning workflow, control method and available height than on rated print speed.

Which printer is better for scanning multiple pages?

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is better for scanning multiple pages because it has a 50-page automatic document feeder. The HL-L2480DW uses a flatbed scan glass, which suits individual pages, books or items that need to lie flat.

Which printer is smaller, the DCP-L2640DW or HL-L2480DW?

The HL-L2480DW is shorter. Both measure 15.7 inches deep by 16.1 inches wide, while the HL-L2480DW is 10.7 inches high and the DCP-L2640DW is 12.5 inches high.

Allow extra working room around either printer.

Can both printers use TN830 toner?

Yes. Both printers are compatible with Brother TN830 and TN830XL toner.

The Cool Toner 2-pack is also listed as compatible with the DCP-L2640DW and HL-L2480DW, with up to 3,000 pages per cartridge at 5% coverage.