Main trade-off
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Wider closed body.
Head-to-head
Brother DCP-L2640DW vs Canon MF284dw: Brother feeds 50 sheets, Canon fits a narrower spot
The short answer
Choose the Brother DCP-L2640DW for recurring 36-to-50-sheet supported scan packets or a documented 5 GHz wireless connection. Choose the Canon MF284dw when its narrower body solves a placement constraint, or its complete price is better and packets fit 35 sheets. Check lid and service clearance on either. Both need manual handling to scan the reverse side of originals.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Forty originals reveal the real feeder difference
For 40 supported sheets, the Brother requires one initial load and the Canon requires two. For 30 sheets, both need one. Pick around the stack size that actually arrives, rather than treating a 50-sheet feeder as universally faster.
What this is based on
The stated feeder limits apply to supported originals. This example counts loading interruptions rather than estimating scan speed.
Main trade-off
Canon MF284dw
Smaller feeder and taller closed body.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Choose it for
- Your regular supported scan packets contain 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the available space.
- The Brother body fits, and documented 5 GHz Wi-Fi or its lower closed height solves a real installation constraint.
- Main trade-off
- Wider closed body.
Canon MF284dw
- Choose it for
- Your supported packets fit 35 sheets, the Canon has enough lid and service clearance, and its current complete offer is better.
- The 15.4-inch Canon body fits a width limit that excludes the 16.1-inch Brother, with enough height and operating clearance for the Canon.
- Main trade-off
- Smaller feeder and taller closed body.
About this comparison
Compare feeder loads, closed dimensions and network choices before choosing a monochrome all-in-one.
Both exact models are networked monochrome print/copy/scan machines without fax. This resolves a plausible cross-brand choice through document size, placement and available network connection.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
A 40-sheet single-sided packet
Brother fits the packet in one feeder load, Canon requires a split.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
- Canon MF284dw
- Caution
Less than 16 inches of body width
Canon body is 15.4 inches wide, Brother 16.1. Additional clearance is still required.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
- Canon MF284dw
- Better fit
A 5 GHz-only wireless connection
Brother explicitly supports 5 GHz. Use Ethernet or verify another connection for Canon.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
- Canon MF284dw
- Caution
Scan both sides of a packet without turning the originals
Both feeders read one side at a time. Automatic duplex printing does not meet this requirement, regardless of the packet fitting a feeder load.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Not suitable
- Canon MF284dw
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Forty originals reveal the real feeder difference
For 40 supported sheets, the Brother requires one initial load and the Canon requires two. For 30 sheets, both need one. Pick around the stack size that actually arrives, rather than treating a 50-sheet feeder as universally faster.
How we reached this conclusion
The stated feeder limits apply to supported originals. This example counts loading interruptions rather than estimating scan speed.
A narrower printer can still be the worse shelf fit
The Canon saves 0.7 inch of width but is 3 inches taller with the same listed depth. A shelf can favor either depending on which dimension is fixed. Keep additional lid and maintenance space outside this closed-body comparison.
How we reached this conclusion
These are closed-body measurements. The lid, trays, cable connections and maintenance access need additional room.
A network cable can reverse a wireless decision
Brother is the documented choice if the printer must join a 5 GHz wireless network. If Ethernet is available beside the printer, both have a wired route and that wireless difference stops deciding the purchase.
How we reached this conclusion
Brother explicitly lists 5 GHz support. The Canon record does not establish it, so verify a supported wireless connection or use the documented Ethernet port.
Choice A
Brother, DCP-L2640DW
DCP-L2640DW
A 50-sheet single-sided feeder and documented dual-band Wi-Fi, in a lower but wider closed body.
- Best matched use
- Your regular supported scan packets contain 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the available space.
Checked facts
- Feeder capacity: 50 sheets, simplex
- Closed body: 16.1 W x 15.7 D x 12.5 H inches
- Network options: Ethernet and 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi
- Main paper cassette: 250 sheets
Choice B
Canon, MF284dw
MF284dw
A narrower closed body with a 35-sheet single-sided feeder. Allow for its taller body, open lid and service access.
- Best matched use
- Your supported packets fit 35 sheets, the Canon has enough lid and service clearance, and its current complete offer is better.
Checked facts
- Feeder capacity: 35 sheets, simplex
- Closed body: 15.4 W x 15.7 D x 15.5 H inches
- Network options: Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
- Main paper cassette: 250 sheets
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Brother DCP-L2640DW | Canon MF284dw | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder capacity | 50 sheets, simplex | 35 sheets, simplex | Count sheets in the original stack. A 40-sheet two-sided packet is still 40 sheets to load, but both sides require separate handling. |
| Closed body | 16.1 W x 15.7 D x 12.5 H inches | 15.4 W x 15.7 D x 15.5 H inches | Brother is 3 inches lower, Canon 0.7 inch narrower. Neither closed measurement includes lid-opening clearance. |
| Network options | Ethernet and 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi | Ethernet and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi | Brother has documented 5 GHz support. Ethernet may remove that difference if a cable is practical. |
| Main paper cassette | 250 sheets | 250 sheets | The Brother extra one-sheet feed should not become an exaggerated bulk-print capacity advantage. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Brother DCP-L2640DW
- No automatic two-sided scanning.
If you choose Canon MF284dw
- No 5 GHz support established by the exact specifications.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Packets fit 35 supported sheets, Canon has enough operating clearance, and either its narrower body solves placement or its current complete offer is better
Choose Canon MF284dw. With packets of 35 supported sheets or fewer, the larger Brother feeder removes no load. Canon needs a real narrower-body fit advantage or a better current complete offer to settle that otherwise close choice.
Frequent stacks are 36 to 50 supported sheets and the Brother has room for its body, open lid and trays
Choose Brother DCP-L2640DW. Brother avoids splitting those packets.
Automatic duplex scanning is required
Choose neither. Both documented feeders are simplex.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No hands-on testing or current-price comparison is claimed. Published speeds are manufacturer ratings under their stated conditions.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current laser printers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother DCP-L2640DW |
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| Canon MF284dw |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
Your regular supported scan packets contain 36 to 50 sheets, and the Brother body fits the available space.
The Brother body fits, and documented 5 GHz Wi-Fi or its lower closed height solves a real installation constraint.
See price & reviews on AmazonCanon MF284dw
Your supported packets fit 35 sheets, the Canon has enough lid and service clearance, and its current complete offer is better.
The 15.4-inch Canon body fits a width limit that excludes the 16.1-inch Brother, with enough height and operating clearance for the Canon.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.