When most people shop for a printer, they tend to focus on two things: price and print quality. Those are important, but with Brother printers, there are several other features that can make a significant difference to your day-to-day use and long-term satisfaction. Unfortunately, many of these are overlooked until after the purchase — when it’s too late to choose differently.

This guide highlights the Brother printer features that often fly under the radar but can be the difference between a good buying decision and a great one.

1. Page-Yield Options and Cartridge Sizes

One of Brother’s strengths is offering multiple cartridge or toner yield sizes for the same printer. Many models support both standard and high-yield cartridges, and some even work with ultra-high-yield versions.

High-yield cartridges cost more up front but have a much lower cost per page. If you print regularly, this can mean substantial savings over the life of the printer. Conversely, occasional users may be better off with standard-yield cartridges to avoid ink or toner aging before it’s used up.

Checking yield options before buying ensures you can choose the supply strategy that matches your printing volume.

2. Duplex Printing (Automatic vs. Manual)

Brother offers automatic duplex printing on many models, allowing you to print on both sides of a sheet without flipping the paper yourself. This feature saves paper, reduces storage space for documents, and creates a more professional look for reports or booklets.

However, not all Brother printers have it — some only support manual duplexing. This means you’ll have to reload the paper yourself between sides, which slows the process and can be error-prone. The difference isn’t always obvious in product listings, so it’s worth confirming before making a purchase.

3. Paper Handling Versatility

Beyond the standard paper tray, Brother printers often have manual feed slots for specialty media like envelopes, labels, card stock, or letterhead. This lets you print different types of materials without emptying the main tray.

Some higher-end models include multiple trays, allowing you to keep different paper types loaded at all times. For example, you could keep plain paper in one tray and pre-printed forms in another. This kind of flexibility saves time and reduces the chance of loading the wrong media mid-print.

4. Print Speed vs. First-Page Out Time

It’s easy to get drawn in by “pages per minute” numbers, but those speeds are usually based on continuous printing of multi-page documents. The first-page out time — how long it takes for the first sheet to emerge from standby — is just as important, especially for quick, one-page jobs.

Many Brother laser printers have first-page out times under 8 seconds from ready mode, but some inkjets can take significantly longer. If most of your printing is in small bursts, the first-page speed will matter more than the maximum pages per minute.

5. Mobile Printing Support

In 2025, nearly all Brother printers support wireless printing, but the depth of mobile compatibility varies. Look for AirPrint (Apple), Mopria (Android), Brother iPrint&Scan, and Wi-Fi Direct.

These features allow printing directly from smartphones and tablets without a computer. They’re especially useful in shared households or offices where not every device is connected via USB or network cable. If you use cloud storage heavily, check for integration with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive for printing without downloading files locally.

6. Ink and Toner Transparency

Brother includes visible ink or toner level indicators in their software, and some models even display this on the printer’s own screen. This transparency lets you plan ahead and avoid surprise shortages.

Additionally, some INKvestment inkjet models estimate the remaining pages you can print based on current cartridge levels. This is more accurate than a simple percentage bar and can prevent running out of ink in the middle of a project.

7. Expandability and Upgrade Paths

While entry-level printers are fixed in their capabilities, some Brother models can be upgraded with additional paper trays, memory, or even higher-capacity toner cartridges later on.

If you think your printing needs might grow, buying a model that supports expansion can save you from replacing the entire printer in a year or two. This is particularly relevant for small businesses expecting to scale operations.

8. Scan and Copy Features Beyond Basics

For all-in-one models, not all scanners are created equal. Some Brother printers include duplex scanning (scanning both sides of a page in one pass) or automatic document feeders (ADF) that hold dozens of pages for unattended scanning or copying.

Others support scan-to-email, scan-to-cloud, or direct PDF creation. If your work involves archiving or sharing physical documents, these features can save hours of manual labor.

9. Build Quality and Serviceability

Brother printers are generally known for solid construction, but within the range, there are differences in duty cycle — the maximum recommended monthly page volume. A higher duty cycle means the printer is built for heavier workloads and should last longer under stress.

Serviceability matters too. Brother designs many of their printers so that the drum, toner, and other maintenance items are user-replaceable without tools. This can mean avoiding costly service visits.

10. Energy Efficiency and Noise Control

Some Brother printers are Energy Star certified, which can lower long-term electricity costs. Features like deep sleep mode help conserve power when the printer isn’t in use.

Noise levels can also be a deciding factor if the printer will be in a shared workspace or home office. Brother’s quieter models operate around 47 dB during printing, while others are closer to 52–54 dB. A few decibels can make a surprising difference in comfort over time.

Why These Features Matter Before You Buy

It’s tempting to buy based on price alone, but overlooking these features can lead to frustration later. Imagine realizing only after purchase that your printer can’t automatically print on both sides, or that it takes 20 seconds to produce a single page from standby.

By considering these aspects before purchase, you avoid paying less up front only to pay more in wasted time, paper, or consumables later.