When comparing office printers, Brother and HP are two of the most prominent brands. Each has built a reputation for reliability, performance and strong aftersales support. In this article, we compare the Brother MFC-L8690CDW with a typical HP LaserJet Pro multifunction model, such as the HP Colour LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw. Both aim to serve small to mid-sized businesses, but they approach performance and workflow slightly differently.
This comparison is designed to help you assess which model may be the better fit based on features, print speed, scan performance, cost of ownership, reliability and security. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of which machine aligns better with your office needs.
Performance and Build Quality
The Brother MFC-L8690CDW is rated at up to 31 pages per minute for both mono and colour prints. It supports duplex printing and scanning, and includes a 300-sheet standard paper capacity with optional expansion. The design is solid and suited to workgroup use, offering both wired and wireless connectivity options. It includes a colour touchscreen interface for navigation and task automation.
The HP Colour LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw, or a similar model in the LaserJet Pro line, typically offers comparable speeds in monochrome and slightly lower output in colour, depending on the model. HP printers are generally known for strong text clarity and optimised output for standard documents. HP models often include smaller touchscreens, but they integrate well with HP’s mobile apps and printer management tools.
If speed and balance between colour and mono output are important, the Brother model has the edge. If black-and-white document production dominates your workflow, HP’s LaserJet Pro series offers excellent print clarity and speed with energy efficiency.
Scan and Copy Capabilities
The Brother MFC-L8690CDW includes duplex scanning via an automatic document feeder and allows scan-to-email, scan-to-network, and scan-to-USB features. The scanning interface is highly customisable, and users can set up one-touch shortcuts to improve workflow efficiency.
HP LaserJet Pro models also support duplex scanning and a range of output destinations, including cloud services and email. In environments already using HP management software, these functions can be tightly integrated with existing document systems.
Both brands deliver excellent scanning for text documents and general business use. However, the Brother model tends to be favoured in offices where scanning is a frequent task due to its user interface and scan speed.
Toner, Running Costs and Consumables
The Brother MFC-L8690CDW supports high-yield toner cartridges and separates the toner and drum units, which can reduce long-term running costs. This approach means that only the toner needs replacing most of the time, not the entire cartridge mechanism.
HP’s LaserJet Pro models generally combine toner and drum into a single unit. This simplifies maintenance and reduces the risk of user error but can increase the cost per page because you replace the drum each time you replace the toner.
For businesses that print frequently in colour, Brother’s approach often leads to better cost control. For lower-volume users or those preferring simplicity over granular consumable management, HP’s cartridge system is easier to manage.
Software and Device Management
Brother’s devices are compatible with a wide range of platforms and include support for AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print alternatives, and Brother’s own mobile apps. IT administrators can manage Brother printers via a web interface or deploy print drivers across a networked environment.
HP’s strength lies in its software ecosystem. HP Smart, HP Web Jetadmin and related tools offer robust options for fleet management, printer usage tracking and security enforcement. These tools are particularly valuable in businesses that already rely on HP services or operate multiple HP devices.
If your business already uses HP infrastructure or print services, an HP device may offer easier integration. If you operate a mixed-device network or require platform flexibility, Brother’s open compatibility is a significant advantage.
Security and Access Control
Security is a priority for any office equipment that handles sensitive data. The Brother MFC-L8690CDW includes secure print functions, network authentication and protocol control options. Users can release print jobs only when at the device, helping to prevent unauthorised access.
HP printers include embedded security features such as secure boot, firmware integrity checks and encrypted communications. Some models also support integration with identity management systems for more complex security requirements.
Both brands take business security seriously. Brother offers strong built-in controls, while HP’s enterprise-level features can offer deeper integration for organisations with formal IT policies and compliance standards.
Reliability and Maintenance
Brother devices are generally praised for their reliability and durability in office environments. The MFC-L8690CDW is built for regular use, and with proper maintenance, it handles thousands of pages per month without issue. User-replaceable parts such as drums and transfer belts are readily available and easy to install.
HP’s LaserJet Pro models are similarly reliable, with a long history of consistent performance. Support for automated firmware updates and easy cartridge installation makes HP models ideal for organisations that want minimal user involvement in device upkeep.
Brother may offer a slight advantage for businesses that want long-term maintainability and lower part costs. HP appeals to offices that prioritise ease of use and simplified maintenance.
Suitability by Business Type
The Brother MFC-L8690CDW is ideal for businesses needing balanced colour and monochrome output, frequent scanning, and multi-user workflows. It suits teams that require flexibility, cost management and customisable operation.
HP LaserJet Pro models are best suited for offices with high monochrome output, where simplicity, fast text printing and strong device management tools are valued. They fit well into existing HP-managed environments and deliver high-quality results with minimal configuration.
If your office prints mostly text documents and already uses HP software tools, the LaserJet Pro will likely be the smoother choice. If your environment includes regular scanning, colour usage or print cost tracking, the Brother model may provide greater long-term value.
Misconceptions to Avoid
Some users assume HP devices are always more professional, but both brands offer business-grade hardware. Others may believe Brother consumables are less accessible, but high-yield toner and drums are widely available from reputable sources.
It is also common to assume HP is more secure by default. While it is true HP includes advanced firmware protections, Brother devices also meet enterprise-grade security needs when configured properly.
Finally, users sometimes believe that HP’s all-in-one toner system is more cost-effective. In practice, Brother’s separate drum and toner setup can deliver lower costs over time, especially when printing in high volumes.
Conclusion
Both the Brother MFC-L8690CDW and HP LaserJet Pro multifunction printers are excellent options for professional office use. The better choice depends on how your office operates.
Choose the Brother MFC-L8690CDW if you need reliable colour and monochrome output, strong scanning features, flexible software support and a low total cost of ownership.
Choose an HP LaserJet Pro if your priority is fast monochrome printing, seamless integration with HP infrastructure and minimal user involvement in maintenance.
The right decision should be based on your print volume, usage profile and long-term support requirements.