Main trade-off
Brother HL-L2460DW
You need a separate scanner for paper originals.
Head-to-head
Brother HL-L2460DW vs DCP-L2640DW: DCP adds scanning, not a faster print engine
The short answer
Choose the DCP-L2640DW if signed forms, invoices or book pages need copying or scanning. Choose the HL-L2460DW for the same 36-ppm rated printing speed in a lower, smaller print-only body.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The scanner adds about 27% to the closed footprint
The listed width times depth is 198.8 square inches for the HL-L2460DW and 252.8 for the DCP-L2640DW. That is about 27% more surface area, before clearance for access and cables.
What this is based on
14 x 14.2 = 198.8. 16.1 x 15.7 = 252.77. Difference divided by 198.8 is 27.15%.
Main trade-off
Brother DCP-L2640DW
The feeder scans one side at a time and there is no fax.
Brother HL-L2460DW
- Choose it for
- Your files are already digital
- Desk space matters more than copying
- Main trade-off
- You need a separate scanner for paper originals.
Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Choose it for
- You scan stacks of single-sided forms
- You copy book pages or ID cards
- Main trade-off
- The feeder scans one side at a time and there is no fax.
About this comparison
Does a scanner earn its desk space? Compare the DCP-L2640DW feeder and larger footprint with the HL-L2460DW for digital files and printed forms.
Choose the DCP-L2640DW if signed forms, invoices or book pages need copying or scanning. Choose the HL-L2460DW for the same 36-ppm rated printing speed in a lower, smaller print-only body.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Printing files already stored on a laptop
The print-only model has the same rated print speed in a smaller body.
- Brother HL-L2460DW
- Better fit
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Good
Scanning twenty single-sided invoices
The DCP feeder accepts the stack.
- Brother HL-L2460DW
- Not suitable
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
Copying pages from a bound manual
Use the DCP flatbed.
- Brother HL-L2460DW
- Not suitable
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Better fit
Archiving both sides of a large form stack
The DCP scans but requires you to handle the reverse sides.
- Brother HL-L2460DW
- Not suitable
- Brother DCP-L2640DW
- Caution
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The scanner adds about 27% to the closed footprint
The listed width times depth is 198.8 square inches for the HL-L2460DW and 252.8 for the DCP-L2640DW. That is about 27% more surface area, before clearance for access and cables.
How we reached this conclusion
14 x 14.2 = 198.8. 16.1 x 15.7 = 252.77. Difference divided by 198.8 is 27.15%.
A feeder helps with loose papers, not a bound notebook
The DCP-L2640DW lets you load a stack of up to 50 suitable sheets. A book still belongs on its flatbed, with pages handled individually.
How we reached this conclusion
DCP has a 50-sheet ADF and flatbed. HL has no scanner.
Two-sided printing does not solve two-sided scanning
Both can reverse printed sheets automatically. The DCP-L2640DW does not automatically capture the backs of scanned originals, so a stack of double-sided forms still needs extra handling.
How we reached this conclusion
Automatic duplex print on both. DCP duplex scan explicitly No.
Choice A
Brother, HL-L2460DW
HL-L2460DW
Two-sided paperwork without giving desk space to a scanner.
- Best matched use
- Your files are already digital
Checked facts
- Scanning: None
- Letter print speed: Up to 36 ppm
- Closed body width and depth: 14 x 14.2 inches
- Closed height: 7.2 inches
Choice B
Brother, DCP-L2640DW
DCP-L2640DW
A sensible starting point for printing and scanning everyday office forms.
- Best matched use
- You scan stacks of single-sided forms
Checked facts
- Scanning: Flatbed and 50-sheet feeder
- Letter print speed: Up to 36 ppm
- Closed body width and depth: 16.1 x 15.7 inches
- Closed height: 12.5 inches
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Brother HL-L2460DW | Brother DCP-L2640DW | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scanning | None | Flatbed and 50-sheet feeder | Paper originals determine whether the larger model earns its space. |
| Letter print speed | Up to 36 ppm | Up to 36 ppm | Buying the scanner does not raise the rated printing speed. |
| Closed body width and depth | 14 x 14.2 inches | 16.1 x 15.7 inches | The multifunction model occupies more surface area. |
| Closed height | 7.2 inches | 12.5 inches | The scanner adds height before the lid is opened. |
| Two-sided scanning | Unavailable | Manual handling required | The DCP feeder reads one side at a time. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Brother HL-L2460DW
- Its one-sheet manual feed is less convenient for batches of supported alternate paper stock.
If you choose Brother DCP-L2640DW
- The one-sheet manual feed means supported special-media batches need repeated loading.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
You regularly receive paperwork that must become a file
Choose Brother DCP-L2640DW. The feeder and flatbed replace a separate scanning device.
You only print digital documents
Choose Brother HL-L2460DW. The additional scanner is unnecessary for that job.
You need automatic scanning of both sides
Choose neither. A single-pass duplex ADF model is a better fit.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Separate incoming paper from outgoing paper
The HL-L2460DW handles digital files becoming paper. The DCP-L2640DW also handles the opposite direction. That distinction is more useful than calling one a home printer and the other a business printer.
A lower body suits a crowded worktop
The print-only unit is 5.3 inches lower when closed. That is useful under an open shelf, but it is not a cabinet-fit guarantee. Leave the ventilation and tray-access space required by the manual.
Keep the original in mind
Loose, supported sheets can go through the DCP feeder. Books and fragile originals need the flatbed. Neither the feeder count nor automatic duplex printing means you can walk away from a double-sided scan stack.
The print engine is not the reason to upgrade
Both are rated at 36 Letter ppm and provide automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Choose the DCP for scanning access, rather than expecting a faster report-printing machine.
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 HL-L2460DW |
|
| |
| Brother DCP-L2640DW |
|
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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 HL-L2460DW
Your files are already digital
See price & reviews on AmazonBrother DCP-L2640DW
You scan stacks of single-sided forms
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.