Brother MFCL3720CDW Review: Sharp Color Laser Output, No Ethernet Port
The Brother MFCL3720CDW is a feature-rich wireless color laser all-in-one designed for small offices, delivering sharp prints and robust cloud connectivity, though its single paper tray and lack of Ethernet may limit some users.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
The Brother MFCL3720CDW is a wireless color laser all-in-one printer that consolidates printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into a single unit designed for the small office or busy home office. It aims to replace inkjet models with a more dependable, laser-based approach, emphasizing speed, connectivity, and professional output without the maintenance concerns of refillable ink tanks. For users needing consistent color documents and multi-function versatility in a shared environment, this printer presents a compelling package, though its design includes some notable trade-offs.
This review analyzes the Brother MFCL3720CDW based on its specifications, feature set, and aggregated owner feedback to determine its ideal use case. The bottom line is that it excels as a central wireless printing hub with excellent mobile and cloud integration, but its connectivity options and paper handling are tailored for specific workflows.
Brother MFC-L3720CDW Wireless Color Laser MFP
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Brother MFCL3720CDW at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Printer Type | Color Laser All-in-One |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
| Print Speed | Up to 19 pages per minute |
| Maximum Print Resolution | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Connectivity | Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0 |
| Paper Handling | 250-sheet input tray, automatic duplex printing |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed + 50-sheet Auto Document Feeder |
| Display | 3.5-inch color touchscreen |
| Dimensions | 16.1″D x 17.5″W x 15.8″H |
| Weight | 44 pounds |
Design and Build
The Brother MFCL3720CDW presents a standard office printer footprint, measuring 16.1 inches deep by 17.5 inches wide and standing 15.8 inches high. Its weight of 44 pounds indicates a solid, stable construction typical of laser printers. The design is functional, with the 3.5-inch color touchscreen serving as the primary control center on the front panel. The unit includes a flatbed scanner for books or single sheets, complemented by a 50-sheet auto document feeder (ADF) mounted on top for multi-page scanning, copying, or faxing jobs. The single, adjustable 250-sheet paper tray is located at the bottom front, which is the sole high-capacity input source. The overall build is geared toward reliability in a shared office space rather than minimalist aesthetics.
Performance and Features
Print and Scan Performance
According to manufacturer specifications, the Brother MFCL3720CDW delivers print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute for both color and black-and-white documents. It achieves a maximum print resolution of 2400 x 600 dots per inch, which is standard for this class and contributes to the sharp, laser-quality text and graphics noted in owner reviews. For scanning, the flatbed and ADF combination offers speeds up to 29 images per minute for black-and-white and 22 ipm for color documents at 300 dpi with advanced features disabled. The automatic duplex (two-sided) printing is a standard feature, helping to save paper on reports and other professional documents.
Connectivity and Ports
This is a wireless-first device. Its key connectivity feature is dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), allowing it to connect to modern office networks and potentially avoid interference. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct for connecting devices without a network and includes a USB 2.0 interface for a direct computer connection. A significant limitation noted in the data is the lack of an Ethernet port, meaning wired network integration for a traditional office setup is not possible; network access is restricted to wireless or single-computer USB connections.
Key Features and Software
The 3.5-inch color touchscreen is more than a menu; it offers 48 customizable shortcuts for frequent tasks and provides direct access to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneNote for scanning to or printing from these platforms. The exclusive Brother companion app enables mobile printing, remote printer management, and toner level monitoring from a smartphone. The printer is ENERGY STAR compliant and EPEAT Silver rated, featuring Eco Mode and Toner Save Mode. Manufacturer documentation also mentions advanced security features designed to safeguard documents and secure network connections, though specific protocols are not listed in the provided data.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup involves unboxing, installing the included toner cartridges and imaging drum, and connecting to power and a wireless network via the touchscreen. Owner reviews indicate the initial software and firmware setup can sometimes be challenging, but recent updates appear to have resolved early connectivity issues for some users. The printer uses a range of Brother Genuine toner cartridges (TN229 series) and a separate drum unit (DR229CL). The drum unit is a consumable with a shorter warranty period than the printer itself. Brother provides a 1-year limited warranty on the printer and free online, call, or live chat support for its life. The manufacturer offers an optional monthly subscription plan (Brother Refresh EZ Print) for automated toner replacement based on page usage.
What Owners Say
The overall rating is positive, with a significant majority of reviews being four or five stars. Owners frequently praise the vibrant color output, sharp text quality, and the reliability of laser printing compared to inkjets. The wireless functionality and mobile app are highlighted as major strengths for modern offices. However, critical reviews reveal consistent pain points. Some owners report receiving units with setup confusion around pre-installed consumables. A more serious pattern noted in the data involves some units developing print defects, such as vertical bands, within the first year, with support troubleshooting not always resolving the issue. The 90-day warranty on the imaging drum is a specific concern in these cases. Other critiques mention the single 250-sheet tray requiring frequent refills in high-volume settings and the initial wireless firmware being problematic until updated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sharp, professional-quality color and black-and-white laser prints.
- Comprehensive all-in-one functionality with fax and a 50-sheet ADF.
- Excellent wireless and cloud connectivity with a useful touchscreen.
- Automatic duplex printing as a standard feature.
- Reliable performance compared to inkjet printers for many users.
- Strong mobile app for remote management and printing.
Cons
- No Ethernet port for wired network integration.
- Single 250-sheet input tray may be insufficient for high-volume offices.
- Some reports of drum-related print quality issues within the first year.
- Imaging drum only covered by a 90-day warranty.
- Initial software/firmware setup can be finicky.
- Bulky and heavy design.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Brother MFCL3720CDW is an ideal fit for a small office or busy home office that primarily operates on a wireless network and needs dependable color printing alongside scanning, copying, and faxing. Users who prioritize mobile printing, direct cloud service access, and want to move away from inkjet maintenance will find its core proposition strong. It also suits environments where sharp, professional-looking client documents are a priority.
This printer is less suitable for offices that rely on a wired Ethernet network for stability and security, as it lacks that port. Businesses with very high monthly print volumes may find the single paper tray limiting and should consider models with larger or multiple input options. Those who are wary of potential consumable issues should note the reported drum concerns and shorter warranty period for that component. For more insights on optimizing your workspace tech, explore our guides on the best desk chairs and best ultra-wide monitors.
Final Verdict
The Brother MFCL3720CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer successfully packages robust all-in-one functionality into a wireless-centric device for the modern small office. Its strengths are clear: fast, high-quality laser output, a versatile touchscreen with cloud integration, and reliable performance that satisfies the majority of its users. When it works as intended, it is a productivity hub that handles diverse tasks from scanning contracts to printing marketing materials with ease.
However, its design choices impose clear boundaries. The absence of Ethernet and the single paper tray define its ideal user as one embedded in a wireless ecosystem with moderate print needs. Potential buyers must weigh the overwhelmingly positive feedback against the noted patterns of early drum-related issues. For the right user seeking a capable, connected color laser all-in-one, it’s a strong contender. For others, especially those needing wired networking or heavier-duty paper handling, its limitations may be decisive. You can find more detailed analyses of other tech categories on our Reviews and Tech Gear pages.
FAQs
Does the Brother MFCL3720CDW come with toner cartridges installed?
Based on owner reviews, the printer should come with starter toner cartridges and a drum unit pre-installed. However, some users have reported initial error messages suggesting otherwise, leading to confusion. It is recommended to follow the setup guide carefully, as the printer may require the user to remove and re-seat the consumables to recognize them properly during the initial power-on sequence.
Can I connect this printer to my office network with a cable?
You cannot connect it via a standard Ethernet network cable, as the printer lacks an Ethernet port. The only wired connection option is a USB 2.0 cable to a single computer. For multi-user network access, you must use its dual-band Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct capabilities.
What is the warranty on the imaging drum?
The imaging drum (model DR229CL) is covered by a separate warranty from the printer itself. According to the data provided, the drum unit has a 90-day limited warranty. The main printer unit is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.
Does it support automatic two-sided printing?
Yes, automatic duplex printing is a standard feature of the Brother MFCL3720CDW. This allows the printer to automatically print on both sides of the page without requiring manual intervention, which is useful for creating professional reports and saving paper.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.