You're a Mac user looking for a reliable printer, you're probably asking a very common question:
“Which Brother printers actually work well with macOS?”
The good news? Brother printers have excellent compatibility with MacBooks — especially the newer models running macOS Sonoma or Ventura. But not every printer offers the same level of ease. Some require drivers. Some don’t play well with AirPrint. Some don’t offer scanner support unless you dig through Brother’s site.
So in this 2025 guide, we break down:
✅ Which Brother models work best with MacBooks
⚙️ What features to look for (AirPrint, wireless setup, scanner support)
📦 Models that require no drivers at all
🔧 Common issues Mac users face — and how to avoid them
Here’s what to look for if you're using macOS:
AirPrint Support: Native Apple printing — no drivers or software required.
Brother iPrint&Scan App for Mac: For scanning or checking ink levels.
No Required CD Drivers: Works out of the box via Wi-Fi or USB.
Wireless Setup Without Needing Windows: Many printers need a PC for full setup — avoid those.
Most newer Brother models meet these standards. But some are just easier.
Perfect for: Students, writers, remote workers who only need monochrome
Why Mac users like it:
Works via AirPrint
No software needed — shows up instantly on macOS
Small, affordable, reliable
Bonus: You can also use it with an iPad or iPhone instantly via AirPrint.
Perfect for: Home users, families, casual color printing
Why it’s Mac-friendly:
Full AirPrint support
Works with Brother’s iPrint&Scan app for scanning
Doesn’t need extra drivers for basic printing
Easy wireless setup from your Mac’s printer settings
Mac Tip: Use "Preview" or "Photos" apps for scanning directly to PDF or image from the Mac.
Perfect for: Color printing with laser-like precision
Why Mac users love it:
AirPrint & Mopria support
Setup via macOS takes less than 3 minutes
Quiet operation ideal for shared home offices
Supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for stable connection
Perfect for: Home offices, legal/medical professionals
Mac features:
AirPrint ready
Scan-to-email and scan-to-cloud works from Mac via web panel
Compatible with macOS Scanner Utility
Also supports direct scan to Dropbox/iCloud/Google Drive
Pro Tip: Set up scanning shortcuts using Brother’s built-in touchscreen for faster workflow.
Printer Not Showing Up on macOS
Fix: Make sure you're using Wi-Fi or AirPrint, not just USB
Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer → Look for the AirPrint version
Scanning Not Working
Fix: Download the iPrint&Scan app for macOS from Brother’s site
Or use built-in Mac scanner tools like "Preview" or "Image Capture"
Mac Says “Software Not Available”
Fix: Ignore it and try adding the printer via AirPrint
AirPrint doesn’t need additional software or drivers
Wi-Fi Setup Requires Windows Utility
Fix: Choose a model that supports WPS or lets you set up via LCD panel
OR temporarily set up via mobile using the Brother Mobile Connect app
Brother has quietly become one of the most Mac-friendly printer brands in 2025. If you're looking for something that “just works” with your MacBook — without constant updates, driver issues, or weird bugs — you can’t go wrong with any of the models above.