Brother HL-L2350DW Printer Review: A Classic Choice for Affordable Quality, Though Discontinued
In recent years, the Brother HL-L2350DW has been a popular choice among users seeking reliable, high-quality, and affordable printing for home and small office environments. Known for its compact design, efficiency, and ease of use, this monochrome laser printer has served many with its balanced combination of quality and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that the Brother HL-L2350DW has been discontinued. This means that while it’s no longer being manufactured by Brother, it remains available through some retailers, often as refurbished or leftover stock, and continues to be a solid option for those who can still find it.
This blog provides an in-depth review of the Brother HL-L2350DW, covering its features, performance, ease of use, cost efficiency, and who it’s best suited for. For anyone still considering this model, this guide will help determine whether it’s worth seeking out.
1. Overview of Brother HL-L2350DW
The Brother HL-L2350DW is a monochrome laser printer, specializing in black-and-white printing, which makes it ideal for text-heavy documents and general office printing. Like many monochrome laser printers, it uses toner cartridges, which last longer and produce sharper text compared to inkjet alternatives. While the model has been discontinued, it remains popular among users who appreciate its straightforward functionality and print quality.
Key Specifications:
- Print Technology: Laser
- Max Print Speed: Up to 32 pages per minute (ppm)
- Wireless and Mobile Printing: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and mobile connectivity via Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan
- Duplex Printing: Yes (automatic two-sided printing)
- Paper Capacity: 250-sheet tray, manual feed slot for envelopes and thicker media
- Dimensions: 14 x 14.2 x 7.2 inches
- Weight: 15.9 lbs
Target Audience
The Brother HL-L2350DW was aimed at home offices, small businesses, and students who needed a reliable and efficient printer. Although it is no longer in production, those who value high-speed monochrome printing and cost-effective operations may still find it a worthy option in secondhand or clearance stock.
2. Key Features of the Brother HL-L2350DW
High-Speed Printing
The Brother HL-L2350DW offers a competitive print speed of up to 32 ppm, allowing users to print large documents quickly. This feature continues to make it a valuable printer for users who print frequently, even though the model is no longer in production.
Automatic Duplex Printing
The duplex printing feature, allowing for automatic two-sided printing, is one of the reasons the HL-L2350DW gained popularity. This functionality not only saves paper and costs but also provides a convenience that many users find essential in an office setting. Duplex printing, especially in a discontinued model, makes this printer an appealing option for cost-conscious users.
Wireless and Mobile Connectivity
Even with its discontinuation, the HL-L2350DW remains a versatile option, supporting wireless printing through Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct, as well as compatibility with Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Mopria. This connectivity made it a convenient choice for users with multiple devices, a feature that remains valuable for those still considering this model.
High Paper Capacity
Equipped with a 250-sheet input tray, the HL-L2350DW can handle moderate to large print jobs without the need for frequent refills. This paper capacity is higher than many other printers in its price range, which makes it appealing for users who can still source the model and value fewer interruptions in their printing routine.
Compact Design
One of the highlights of the Brother HL-L2350DW is its compact footprint, which allows it to fit comfortably on a desk or small table, making it a practical choice for space-conscious users. Even though it’s no longer available directly from Brother, its compact and well-built design continues to appeal to those looking for a durable, small-footprint printer.
3. Setup and Ease of Use
Setting up the Brother HL-L2350DW is straightforward, even for those without technical experience. While the printer is discontinued, Brother still offers online resources for setup assistance, allowing those who purchase secondhand models to get it running smoothly. The iPrint&Scan app from Brother remains functional, helping users monitor toner levels, manage print jobs, and troubleshoot.
Control Panel
The HL-L2350DW has a simple control panel with basic buttons, including a Go button and Wi-Fi indicator. Though it lacks an LCD screen, the straightforward design makes it easy to operate. The absence of advanced features also means less likelihood of technical issues, making it a user-friendly choice.
4. Performance and Print Quality
The Brother HL-L2350DW is known for its reliable performance and high-speed printing, making it a solid choice for users still interested in sourcing a discontinued model. With print speeds of up to 32 ppm, it handles large document printing efficiently, a characteristic that has kept it in demand on the secondhand market.
Print Quality
As a monochrome printer, the HL-L2350DW produces sharp text and clear lines, which is perfect for text documents, spreadsheets, and other standard office materials. The printer’s 2400 x 600 dpi resolution ensures text clarity, making it a continued favorite among users who only need black-and-white printing.
The Brother HL-L2350DW is ideal for documents but is not suitable for high-quality graphics or photo printing. If color printing is required, other models, particularly color laser printers, would be better suited. However, for users primarily interested in crisp black-and-white documents, it remains a dependable option.
Noise Level
Though the model is discontinued, it still has a relatively low noise level, making it suitable for small or shared spaces where disruptive sounds would be undesirable. Many users find this noise level acceptable, especially given its speed and efficiency.
5. Toner Cartridge and Running Costs
The cost of replacement toner is a major factor in considering the Brother HL-L2350DW’s continued value. The model uses the TN-730 or TN-760 toner cartridge, which can still be sourced online and through office supply retailers. The high-yield TN-760 cartridge prints up to 3,000 pages, allowing for lower per-page costs—a benefit that makes it a sustainable choice even after its discontinuation.
Cost Efficiency
Using the high-yield TN-760 cartridge, users can achieve a lower cost per page, a perk that offsets the need to source discontinued supplies. With Toner Save Mode, the printer can further stretch toner life, ideal for printing draft documents or non-essential printouts.
6. Environmental Considerations
The Brother HL-L2350DW is ENERGY STAR-certified, helping it meet energy-efficiency standards. The Toner Save Mode reduces toner usage, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Brother also offers a toner recycling program that continues to support users of discontinued models, allowing them to responsibly recycle empty cartridges.
7. Pros and Cons Summary
Despite its discontinuation, the Brother HL-L2350DW has several strengths that keep it in demand. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons for those considering purchasing a secondhand model:
Pros
- Fast Printing: 32 ppm speed is ideal for quick printing needs.
- Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper and reduces costs.
- Compact Design: Small footprint, fits well in tight spaces.
- Wireless and Mobile Printing: Supports a variety of devices.
- High Paper Capacity: 250-sheet tray for fewer refills.
- Affordable Running Costs: Low per-page costs with high-yield toner.
Cons
- Discontinued Status: No longer manufactured, harder to find new.
- No Color Printing: Limited to black-and-white output.
- Basic Control Panel: Lacks advanced display features.
- Moderate Noise Level: Slight hum during printing.
8. Who Should Buy a Discontinued Brother HL-L2350DW?
The Brother HL-L2350DW remains a solid choice for users who:
- Primarily print black-and-white documents.
- Need a fast, low-cost, reliable printer.
- Value wireless and mobile printing options.
- Prefer a compact model that fits in small spaces.
For home offices, students, or small business owners who can locate this discontinued model, it continues to be a valuable printer. For those open to refurbished or secondhand options, the HL-L2350DW remains competitive in cost-efficiency and functionality.
9. Alternatives to Consider
Since the Brother HL-L2350DW has been discontinued, users may consider other current models with similar features. Alternatives include:
- Brother HL-L2465DW: This model offers similar functionality, with duplex printing and Wi-Fi, and is easier to source.
- HP LaserJet M110w: Compact and affordable, though it lacks duplex printing.
- Canon ImageCLASS LBP246dw: Offers monochrome laser printing up to 42 pages per minute.
10. Final Verdict
The Brother HL-L2350DW, although discontinued, remains an excellent option for those who can still find it. With fast printing, wireless connectivity, and affordable operational costs, it serves as a practical choice for budget-conscious users who primarily print black-and-white documents. Its discontinued status may make it harder to locate new, but refurbished options continue to deliver reliable performance.
For those who appreciate quality and functionality in a monochrome laser printer, the Brother HL-L2350DW is worth considering despite its discontinuation, offering solid performance in a compact and efficient package.
Brother HL-L2350DW – Shop Supply at Staples
