24 facts in comparison
Brother MFC-L3780CDW vs Brother HL-L3280CDW
This comparison puts the Brother MFC-L3780CDW and Brother HL-L3280CDW side by side — two printers measured against the same 24-spec sheet, with every meaningful gap scored and explained. On our weighted VS Score the Brother MFC-L3780CDW finishes ahead, 98 to 59 — a decisive result.
The most consequential difference is all-in-one — the Brother MFC-L3780CDW has it, the Brother HL-L3280CDW does not. None of our retail partners currently lists the Brother HL-L3280CDW, so availability may be limited and price cannot factor into this comparison.
Where the Brother MFC-L3780CDW beats the Brother HL-L3280CDW
- A higher print speed (black) ?31 ppm vs 27 ppm
- A higher print speed (color) ?31 ppm vs 27 ppm
- A higher monthly duty cycle ?50,000 pages vs 40,000 pages
- Has all-in-one ?
- Has automatic document feeder ?
- Has duplex scanning ?
- Has fax ?
Where the Brother HL-L3280CDW beats the Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- A lighter build ?15.4 kg vs 21.7 kg
Key real-world differences
The spec sheet pulls in both directions. These are the gaps big enough to shape the decision — with the actual figures, and what each one means in real-world use.
- All-in-oneScanning & copyingYes vs No — only the Brother MFC-L3780CDW has it
Scans and copies as well as prints.
- Automatic document feederScanning & copyingYes vs No — only the Brother MFC-L3780CDW has it
Feeds multi-page documents through the scanner unattended.
- Print speed (black)Printing31 ppm vs 27 ppm — 13% more for the Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Black-and-white pages per minute; higher is faster.
- Print speed (color)Printing31 ppm vs 27 ppm — 13% more for the Brother MFC-L3780CDW
Colour pages per minute; higher is faster.
- WeightDesign21.7 kg vs 15.4 kg — 29% less for the Brother HL-L3280CDW
A lighter printer is easier to place and move.
Which one should you buy?
There is no single answer — it depends on what you will actually use it for. Match your priority to the pick below.
- Best for printing Brother MFC-L3780CDW takes the category 100 to 51 — driven by print speed (black) (31 ppm vs 27 ppm).
- Best for scanning & copying Brother MFC-L3780CDW takes the category 100 to 0 — driven by all-in-one (Yes vs No).
- Best for design Brother HL-L3280CDW takes the category 100 to 63 — driven by weight (21.7 kg vs 15.4 kg).
- The safe all-rounder Brother MFC-L3780CDW wins more of the categories that carry real weight, topping the overall VS Score at 98.
Where each one falls short
Brother MFC-L3780CDW
- Weight: 21.7 kg vs 15.4 kg
Brother HL-L3280CDW
- All-in-one: Yes vs No
- Automatic document feeder: Yes vs No
- Duplex scanning: Yes vs No
- 1 spec is unreported (shown as Unknown) and excluded from its scores.
What matters to you?
Drag the sliders to weight each category and re-rank the products to suit your priorities.
Score breakdown
Printing
Scanning & copying
Paper handling
Connectivity
Design
Specs last verified August 26, 2026Brother MFC-L3780CDW: 24 of 24 specs verified (100%)Brother HL-L3280CDW: 23 of 24 specs verified (96%)Unverified specs show as Unknown — never estimated, never scored
Where to buy
No price is available to track yet.
Prices and availability may change. Check the retailer before buying. We may earn a commission on purchases.
What reviewers say
The bottom line
The Brother MFC-L3780CDW is the clear winner, scoring 98 to 59 on our VS Score. It leads on Printing and Scanning & copying. The Brother HL-L3280CDW answers back with stronger Design. Pick the Brother MFC-L3780CDW unless Design matters most to you — then the Brother HL-L3280CDW is the smarter buy.
