TLDR Review: Brother HLL3220CDW Printer
Verdict
The Brother HLL3220CDW Wireless Compact Color Laser Printer is a solid choice if you want reliable, high-quality color laser prints with duplexing and mobile printing at a budget-conscious price. It shines for users on Windows and Linux with easy setup and affordable running costs. However, Mac users beware: setup and ongoing connectivity issues can turn into a frustrating process requiring advanced troubleshooting and poor support. If you're committed to Mac and want a smoother experience, you might want to consider alternatives with better Mac compatibility or more intuitive support options. Otherwise, for mixed OS or Windows-centric offices, this printer offers excellent value and performance.
- Top pro:
- Easy to install and connect to Wi-Fi, with clear step-by-step instructions, especially on Windows and some Linux systems.
- Top con:
- Setup on Mac systems is often a nightmare, with many users reporting "invalid certificate" errors and the need for complex manual fixes including self-signed certificates.
Pros
- •Easy to install and connect to Wi-Fi, with clear step-by-step instructions, especially on Windows and some Linux systems.
- •Produces sharp, detailed, and consistent print quality with excellent color accuracy suitable for business documents, graphics, and even photo-quality prints.
- •Reliable wireless duplex printing with smooth mobile device compatibility for printing from phones, tablets, and laptops.
- •Includes high-yield toners installed, ready for thousands of prints, saving frequent cartridge changes.
- •Toner and drum kits are affordable compared to similar color laser printers, and third-party toners can also work well to reduce costs.
- •Fast first page out time and quiet operation with minimal warm-up, all in a compact design that fits well in small office spaces.
- •Eliminates common inkjet problems like clogged heads and ink waste, printing instantly even after long idle periods.
- •Supports multiple operating systems including Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux, and iOS with seamless connectivity.
- •Backed by a recognized, trustworthy brand known for affordable ongoing printer maintenance.
Cons
- •Setup on Mac systems is often a nightmare, with many users reporting "invalid certificate" errors and the need for complex manual fixes including self-signed certificates.
- •Brother's customer support has been described as confusing and unhelpful, particularly for resolving Mac-related installation or technical issues.
- •Frequent technical and firmware update problems on Mac due to ongoing password recognition hassles and deep sleep mode inconveniences.
- •The printer requires a toner cartridge to be installed and not empty to operate, which can be inconvenient in multi-user environments.
- •The LED display and control buttons are not very intuitive, often requiring manual consultation to use advanced features.
- •Paper curling occurs sometimes due to the rear exit paper path, though the effect is reduced compared to other models.
- •The printer is relatively heavy and needs careful handling when moving or relocating.
- •OEM toners are expensive, and although third-party options are reliable, quality can vary by source.
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data.
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