Main trade-off
Brother DCP-L2640DW
The feeder scans one side at a time and there is no fax.
Head-to-head
Brother DCP-L2640DW vs Canon MF462dw II: Canon captures both sides, Brother takes less space
The short answer
Choose the MF462dw II for double-sided originals and heavier recurring office work. Choose the DCP-L2640DW for single-sided scanning and ordinary monochrome printing in a smaller body.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The useful upgrade is scanning, not one extra ppm
The rated print speeds differ by one page per minute. Automatic capture of both sides changes a recurring paperwork task much more clearly than that small output-rate gap.
What this is based on
Brother 36 ppm and simplex ADF. Canon 37 ppm and single-pass duplex ADF.
Main trade-off
Canon MF462dw II
A color scan does not mean this printer can print in color.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Choose it for
- Your scan stacks are one-sided
- You want a smaller everyday office machine
- Main trade-off
- The feeder scans one side at a time and there is no fax.
Canon MF462dw II
- Choose it for
- You scan two-sided forms regularly
- You need a larger multipurpose paper tray
- Main trade-off
- A color scan does not mean this printer can print in color.
About this comparison
Look past the one-ppm speed gap. Compare automatic two-sided scanning, monthly workload and the extra desk area required by the Canon.
Choose the MF462dw II for double-sided originals and heavier recurring office work. Choose the DCP-L2640DW for single-sided scanning and ordinary monochrome printing in a smaller body.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Weekly two-sided signed forms
Canon captures both faces in one pass.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
- Canon MF462dw II
- Better fit
Thirty one-sided invoices at a time
Both have 50-sheet feeders.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Good
- Canon MF462dw II
- Good
Three thousand pages most months
Canon’s recommendation covers the workload.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
- Canon MF462dw II
- Better fit
A crowded worktop with occasional scanning
Brother occupies less closed-body surface area.
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
- Canon MF462dw II
- Depends
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The useful upgrade is scanning, not one extra ppm
The rated print speeds differ by one page per minute. Automatic capture of both sides changes a recurring paperwork task much more clearly than that small output-rate gap.
How we reached this conclusion
Brother 36 ppm and simplex ADF. Canon 37 ppm and single-pass duplex ADF.
Canon adds about 19% to the closed footprint
The listed width and depth give roughly 253 square inches for Brother and 300 for Canon. That is about 19% more surface area before working clearance.
How we reached this conclusion
16.1 x 15.7 = 252.77. 16.6 x 18.1 = 300.46. Difference is 18.87%.
Three thousand pages a month favors the Canon
This volume exceeds Brother’s 2,500-page recommendation but fits within Canon’s 4,000-page upper recommendation. The recommendation concerns recurring workload. It does not mean the Brother stops printing at page 2,501.
How we reached this conclusion
Manufacturer recommended monthly ceilings are 2,500 and 4,000.
Choice A
Brother, DCP-L2640DW
DCP-L2640DW
A sensible starting point for printing and scanning everyday office forms.
- Best matched use
- Your scan stacks are one-sided
Checked facts
- Automatic two-sided scanning: No
- Standard paper input: 251 sheets
- Recommended monthly ceiling: 2,500 pages
- Closed width and depth: 16.1 x 15.7 inches
Choice B
Canon, MF462dw II
MF462dw II
Two-sided forms and everyday black-and-white office printing.
- Best matched use
- You scan two-sided forms regularly
Checked facts
- Automatic two-sided scanning: Single-pass duplex
- Standard paper input: 350 sheets
- Recommended monthly ceiling: 4,000 pages
- Closed width and depth: 16.6 x 18.1 inches
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Brother DCP-L2640DW | Canon MF462dw II | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No | Single-pass duplex | Canon removes manual handling of the back of supported originals. |
| Standard paper input | 251 sheets | 350 sheets | Canon includes a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. |
| Recommended monthly ceiling | 2,500 pages | 4,000 pages | Higher recurring print volume can justify the larger machine. |
| Closed width and depth | 16.1 x 15.7 inches | 16.6 x 18.1 inches | Canon requires more worktop area. |
| Letter output | Up to 36 ppm | Up to 37 ppm | The one-ppm difference is not the main buying reason. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Brother DCP-L2640DW
- The one-sheet manual feed means supported special-media batches need repeated loading.
If you choose Canon MF462dw II
- Recurring workloads above 4,000 pages a month exceed Canon’s recommended range.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Incoming forms are usually double-sided
Choose Canon MF462dw II. The duplex scanner saves the repeated manual return pass.
Work is moderate and originals are one-sided
Choose Brother DCP-L2640DW. The smaller Brother handles that workflow.
Color output is essential
Choose neither. Both print only black and white.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Look beyond the near-identical print speeds
The 36-versus-37-ppm headline is unlikely to be the decisive difference for short reports. Canon’s scanner, paper handling and recommended monthly volume create the stronger reasons to spend more.
Keep two kinds of duplex separate
Both print on both sides automatically. Only Canon captures both sides of originals automatically. A household filing signed forms and school documents can benefit from that even with a low monthly print count.
Reserve space for the bigger body
Canon is both wider and deeper. Its larger closed footprint may be acceptable on a dedicated cabinet top, but a tight desk needs measurements that also allow tray access and lifting the flatbed cover.
Paper handling may matter before volume
The Canon’s 100-sheet multipurpose tray can hold supported alternate stock in a batch. Brother’s one-sheet manual feed is suitable for occasional special sheets but requires repeated loading. Neither tray capacity overrides media restrictions.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Rated print speeds are manufacturer figures, not matched hands-on tests.
- Toner yields use standardized test documents and vary with content.
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 MF462dw II |
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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 scan stacks are one-sided
See price & reviews on AmazonCanon MF462dw II
You scan two-sided forms regularly
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