Brother Color MFC-L3770CDW Digital All-in-One Wireless Laser
✅ PROS
- Fast print speeds — up to 31 pages per minute in color, which beats most competitors in this class
- Automatic duplex printing standard, cutting paper costs roughly in half for two-sided jobs
- Toner costs are manageable with high-yield cartridges rated around 4,500 pages (black) and 4,000 pages (color)
❌ CONS
- Setup can be finicky — several buyers report the wireless connection dropping or refusing to pair on first attempt
- The 3.7-inch touchscreen feels dated and sluggish compared to newer Brother models
- No USB cable included in the box, which is an annoying oversight for a printer at this price point
The Verdict
The Honest Take on Brother’s Color Workhorse
The Brother MFC-L3770CDW sits in a crowded spot: the sub-$500 color laser all-in-one market. It’s aimed at small offices and serious home workers who print enough volume that inkjet economics stop making sense. The 3.9-star average across 195 ratings tells you it’s decent but not beloved. Here’s what that rating actually means in practice.
What You Actually Get
Open the box and you’ll find the printer itself, four starter toner cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), a power cord, and a quick setup guide. Notably absent: a USB cable. That’s a deliberate cost cut that will frustrate you if your Wi-Fi decides to be difficult during setup — and several buyers report exactly that.
The unit measures roughly 17.1 x 17.7 x 16.5 inches and tips the scales at about 50 pounds. This is not a desktop printer. Clear shelf space before ordering. The 250-sheet paper tray is standard for this class, though heavy-volume users will want the optional 500-sheet second tray.
Performance and Build Quality
Print speed is legitimately good. Brother rates this at 31 pages per minute in both black and color, and real-world tests put it close to that for straightforward text documents. Color output is solid for a laser — not photo-lab quality, but perfectly respectable for presentations, charts, and client-facing materials. The automatic document feeder handles up to 50 sheets for scanning or copying, which is generous at this price.
The 3.7-inch color touchscreen is functional but mediocre. It’s responsive enough for basic navigation, but the menu structure feels clunky. If you’ve used Brother’s newer panels, this one will feel a generation behind. The scanner glass is flatbed-only with no transparency adapter, so don’t plan on scanning slides or negatives.
Connectivity is where things get dicey. Wi-Fi setup works for most users, but a meaningful subset reports dropped connections and re-pairing headaches. One buyer noted, “Took three attempts to get it on my network, and it drops the connection about once a week.” If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting network issues, factor that into your decision. The Ethernet port is a more reliable option if you can hardwire it.
What Buyers Praise
The strongest recurring praise centers on print quality and speed. As one verified reviewer put it: “Sharp text, vibrant colors, and it just flies through multipage docs.” Another appreciated the low running costs: “High-yield toner keeps this affordable even with heavy use.” The auto-duplexing gets consistent shout-outs for saving paper without slowing the workflow.
Where It Falls Short
Beyond the wireless connectivity complaints, there are real tradeoffs to understand. The starter toner cartridges are low-capacity — expect around 1,000 pages per color, not the 4,000+ you’ll get from replacement high-yield cartridges. That’s standard industry practice, but it means your true cost-per-page only becomes clear after your first toner replacement cycle.
The front-loading design is convenient, but the paper tray feels flimsy compared to the rest of the build. A few reviewers mention jams with heavier card stock or labels. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing if you print on specialty media regularly.
Who Should Buy This
This printer makes sense for three specific buyers: small business owners printing client documents in color, remote workers churning out 500+ pages monthly, and households with students who need reliable duplex printing for essays and reports. It’s a poor fit for photo printing, anyone wanting a seamless wireless setup, or low-volume users who’d be better served by a cheaper inkjet.
FAQ
Is the Brother MFC-L3770CDW good for printing photos? No. Laser printers use toner, not ink, so photo output looks flat and slightly grainy compared to even budget inkjets. It’s fine for graphics and charts on office documents, but don’t expect photo-lab quality.
How much does it cost to run? With high-yield cartridges, you’re looking at roughly 2-3 cents per black page and 12-15 cents per color page. That’s competitive for a color laser. The included starter cartridges are much lower capacity, so budget for replacements sooner than you might expect.
Does it work with Mac and mobile devices? Yes. Brother supports AirPrint, Mopria, and its own mobile apps for iOS and Android. Mac users can install the full driver suite from Brother’s website. Just be patient with the initial wireless setup.
The Verdict
Buy it if you need fast, reliable color printing and copying in a small office setting, and you’re willing to troubleshoot the occasional wireless hiccup. The print quality, speed, and running costs make it a solid value for moderate-to-heavy volume.
Skip it if you’re a light user, photo enthusiast, or anyone who wants a plug-and-play wireless experience. The dated touchscreen and connectivity quirks will test your patience.
Rating: 3.7/5 — A capable workhorse with some rough edges. It’ll serve you well if you understand its limitations going in.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.