Selecting the right photocopier brand is a key decision for any business. It affects not only your printing and copying capabilities but also your budget, workflow efficiency and security posture. Among the most commonly compared brands in the UK are Xerox and Brother. Both are recognised global manufacturers, each with a loyal customer base and a range of devices designed for office environments. Yet their machines serve different business needs.
This article is written for office managers, IT professionals, procurement leads and business owners who are exploring which brand is best suited to their organisation. It offers a side-by-side evaluation of Xerox and Brother photocopiers, considering performance, usability, features, reliability and overall value.
By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of how the two brands compare and which one offers the right combination of performance and support for your specific requirements.
Brand Overview: Xerox and Brother
Xerox is a long-established name in business printing and was one of the original developers of photocopying technology. Its machines are typically found in medium to large offices, government departments, schools and corporate environments. Xerox devices are known for their durability, high-volume capability, secure document handling and integration with modern workflow systems.
Brother, in contrast, began as a sewing machine manufacturer before entering the print market. Today it is widely recognised for its compact and affordable multifunction printers and copiers. Brother devices are commonly found in small businesses, home offices and start-ups due to their low cost of entry and ease of use.
While both brands offer copying and printing functionality, their approach and target market differ significantly. Xerox focuses on enterprise-grade devices with advanced security and scalability, whereas Brother appeals to cost-conscious users with straightforward printing needs.
Performance and Output Quality
Xerox machines are built for high performance in demanding environments. Many models are designed to handle thousands of pages per month without interruption. Print and copy speeds are consistently high, and the output quality is excellent across both colour and monochrome documents. This makes Xerox a strong choice for firms that produce professional documents, client-facing materials or need to manage large print volumes.
Brother devices generally cater to lower-volume use. While they also offer solid output quality, particularly in black and white, they are not typically intended for heavy-duty or continuous operation. Print speeds on Brother machines are suitable for small workgroups or individual users but may not scale well in larger departments.
If your organisation produces high volumes of documents, needs fast turnaround or relies on consistent professional finish, Xerox tends to deliver stronger performance. However, for modest output needs, Brother offers reliable results in a compact form.
Features and Functionality
Xerox photocopiers, especially those in the VersaLink and AltaLink series, are multifunction devices with advanced features such as secure printing, mobile connectivity, OCR scanning and cloud integration. They support custom workflows, meaning users can scan directly to cloud drives, send jobs securely via email or automate filing processes. These machines are often used in legal, healthcare and financial environments due to their support for document compliance.
Brother devices also offer multifunction capabilities, including print, copy, scan and sometimes fax, but with a simpler interface and fewer workflow features. They are best suited for straightforward tasks such as printing letters, copying small batches or scanning to a local folder. Some models offer wireless connectivity, duplex printing and basic scan-to-email functions.
While Brother machines provide good value for general office needs, Xerox offers far more flexibility and customisation for businesses that want to streamline their document processes or integrate with business systems.
Security and Compliance
Document security is increasingly important in all sectors, particularly for businesses that handle sensitive client data or must meet regulatory standards. Xerox machines are built with enterprise-grade security features, including data encryption, secure print release, access control and automated image overwrite. They also support compliance with industry standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001.
Brother devices offer basic security, such as password-protected printing and network authentication, but do not match the depth or configurability of Xerox’s security architecture. For high-risk environments where confidentiality is critical, such as law firms, medical practices or government offices, Xerox provides a more robust platform.
In smaller offices or home-based work settings where advanced security may not be essential, Brother’s protections are likely to be sufficient.
Reliability and Maintenance
Xerox devices are engineered for long-term durability. Many models are rated for very high monthly duty cycles and include self-monitoring features that alert users or service teams when maintenance is required. Managed print services are often bundled with Xerox machines, offering proactive support, automatic toner replenishment and remote diagnostics. This minimises downtime and ensures consistent performance.
Brother machines are generally reliable for their intended usage level but are not designed for continuous high-volume output. Maintenance is simple and often user-performed, but parts may need replacement more frequently in busy offices. Support options vary depending on the reseller and service plan.
If your team relies heavily on printing and copying for daily operations, the long-term reliability of a Xerox device can justify the higher initial cost. However, if your usage is occasional and light, Brother machines are more than adequate.
Ease of Use and User Interface
Both brands focus on usability, but the experience differs. Xerox machines feature large touchscreens with customisable workflows, user authentication and intuitive navigation. The interface is designed to be consistent across models, making it easy to train staff even when devices differ in size or capability.
Brother machines are typically operated through simpler screens and buttons. While easy to understand, they may not offer the same level of control or user customisation. For example, scanning workflows are usually more manual, and complex printing tasks may require additional steps.
In environments where staff turnover is high or where multiple teams share devices, Xerox’s uniform interface and personalisation options may improve productivity. Brother’s simplicity, by contrast, is appealing for individual or single-use situations.
Cost Considerations
Brother’s most obvious advantage is its affordability. Entry-level models are priced attractively for small businesses or those with limited budgets. Consumables such as toner cartridges are also competitively priced, although page yield may be lower compared to larger devices.
Xerox machines require a higher upfront investment but are built for efficiency. Toner costs per page tend to be lower over time, and devices often include features that help reduce waste, such as duplex printing, secure release and usage reporting.
Leasing or renting a Xerox device through a managed print provider also allows businesses to spread the cost while gaining access to support and supplies as part of a service agreement. Brother devices are more commonly purchased outright, though some resellers offer rental schemes.
When calculating long-term costs, it is important to consider not just the purchase price, but also the total cost of ownership, including toner, maintenance, downtime and user efficiency. Xerox may be more cost-effective over time for organisations with medium to high print volumes.
Support and Service Availability
Xerox has a well-established service infrastructure in the UK, with engineers and support teams available nationwide. Businesses using Xerox devices often benefit from dedicated account management, automated supply replenishment and remote troubleshooting.
Brother support is also widely available, though more limited in terms of on-site engineering. Support is generally delivered through third-party providers or retail partners, and service levels may vary.
If your business requires guaranteed response times or operates in a compliance-driven sector, Xerox’s professional service model may provide added peace of mind. For smaller offices with fewer risks, Brother support channels are likely to be sufficient.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Brother machines are only suitable for home use. While many of their models do cater to the home and small office market, Brother also produces more robust devices that are suitable for small business environments.
Another frequent question is whether Xerox machines are too complex for non-technical users. In reality, Xerox designs its interface with simplicity in mind. Most routine tasks are easy to perform, and training requirements are minimal.
Some buyers assume that low-cost printers are always more economical. However, when factoring in toner usage, reliability and support, higher-end devices like those from Xerox can often result in lower overall costs for growing or established businesses.
Others question whether Brother offers enough features for expanding teams. While suitable for basic needs, Brother machines may require upgrades or replacement sooner if your business scales or demands more advanced document handling.
Conclusion
Choosing between Xerox and Brother depends largely on the size and needs of your business. Xerox excels in high-volume environments, offering powerful security, workflow integration and professional support. Its machines are ideal for organisations that rely heavily on document output and require long-term reliability.
Brother provides accessible and cost-effective solutions for smaller offices or businesses with straightforward printing and copying needs. Its machines are easy to use, space-efficient and affordable to operate, making them a smart choice for startups, freelancers or home-based professionals.
Understanding your volume, workflow, security requirements and support expectations will help you make the best choice. Whether you prioritise power and scalability or value and simplicity, both Xerox and Brother offer strong options for different office environments.