ReviewFinder Inkjet Printers

Brother MFC-J1205W

TLDR: The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer with high-quality prints, multiple connectivity options, and the ability to handle different types of paper and media, but lacks automatic duplex printing and an ADF.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Brother MFC-J1205W rank #85 out of 160.
Go to rankings
7.3
Good

The product receives good reviews on average (consumer score 7.3). This is slightly below the median printer consumer score of 7.3.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Brother MFC-J1205W is $109.99, available here. This is below the median printer price of $349.99.
  • Lowest price: $55
  • Median price: $349.99
  • Highest price: $2899.99
  • Brother MFC-J1205W price: $109.99
Shop now
Expand
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer with high-quality prints, multiple connectivity options, and the ability to handle different types of paper and media, but lacks automatic duplex printing and an ADF.

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer that offers high-quality prints for text, graphics, and photos. It has a respectable printing speed and a range of connectivity options, including USB, Wi-Fi, and mobile device compatibility. The printer can handle different types of paper and media, making it suitable for home or small office use.

However, it lacks automatic duplex printing and an ADF, which may not be ideal for those who frequently need to scan or copy large documents. The printer has a relatively high running cost, but its Brother Genuine INKvestment Tank Ink Cartridges deliver a continuous ink supply for uninterrupted printing.

Overall, the Brother MFC-J1205W is a reliable and efficient printer that can meet the needs of most home or small office users.

Speed

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a budget-friendly printer that offers a respectable printing speed for basic documents and photos, but may not be the best option for high-speed printing or large volumes of documents.

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a budget-friendly printer that offers a respectable printing speed of 16 monochrome pages per minute (ppm) and can print at a speed of 19.4ppm for a one-sided, 12-page Microsoft Word text document. However, it may print slowly at only nine pages per minute for some users.

When printing colorful and detailed 4-to-6-inch snapshots, it takes an average of 38 seconds to print. The printing speed may be impacted by factors such as the quality of the print job, the type of paper being used, and the connectivity of the printer. The Brother MFC-J1205W is a good option for those who need to print basic documents and photos at a reasonable speed without breaking the bank. It may not be the best option for those who require high-speed printing or need to print large volumes of documents regularly.

What is the maximum printing speed of the Brother MFC-J1205W?

Brother rates the MFC-J1205W at 16 monochrome pages per minute (ppm), which is respectable for a $100 printer. According to PCMag, in their test, the MFC-J1205W managed 19.4ppm for a one-sided, 12-page Microsoft Word text document.
Based on 4 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the printing speed of Brother MFC-J1205W when printing black and white documents?

According to reviews from PCMag and techbeezer.com, the Brother MFC-J1205W is rated at 16 monochrome pages per minute (ppm) and managed to print at a speed of 19.4ppm for a one-sided, 12-page Microsoft Word text document during testing. However, according to Rtings.com, it prints slowly at only nine pages per minute.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the printing speed of Brother MFC-J1205W when printing color documents?

According to techbeezer.com, the Brother MFC-J1205W takes an average of 38 seconds to print colorful and detailed 4-to-6-inch snapshots. However, the printing speed of color documents may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the document, connectivity, and settings used.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the additional features or settings that can impact the printing speed of Brother MFC-J1205W?

The printing speed of Brother MFC-J1205W can be impacted by factors such as the quality of the print job, the type of paper being used, and the connectivity of the printer. If you are printing high-quality documents or photos, it may take longer for the printer to process the job. Additionally, if you are using thicker or heavier paper, the printer may take longer to print. Finally, if the printer is connected via Wi-Fi, the printing speed may be slightly slower than if it were connected via Ethernet.
Based on 4 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the printing speed of Brother MFC-J1205W compare when printing high-quality images or photos?

According to reviews from Techbeezer and PCMag, when printing 4-by-6-inch snapshots, the Brother MFC-J1205W delivered near-drugstore-quality photos in an average of 38 seconds each. While it may not be as fast as other dedicated photo printers, it still produces high-quality images at a reasonable speed.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer with multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and mobile device compatibility, but lacks Ethernet connectivity.

The Brother MFC-J1205W offers a range of connectivity options, including USB 2.0, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Wireless Direct. It is compatible with Apple AirPrint, Brother Mobile Connect, and Mopria, making it easy to connect and print from various devices. The printer has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing it to connect to Wi-Fi networks and support Wireless Direct.

However, it lacks Ethernet connectivity, which may be an issue for offices that rely on a wired LAN connection. The printer also has the capability to connect to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, making it a convenient option for those who need to print, scan, and copy on the go.

Overall, the Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer that offers a range of connectivity options to suit different needs.

What are the available connectivity options for the Brother MFC-J1205W?

The Brother MFC-J1205W has USB 2.0, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wireless Direct, and is compatible with Apple AirPrint, Brother Mobile Connect, and Mopria.
Based on 8 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J1205W have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J1205W has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and can connect to Wi-Fi networks. It also supports Wireless Direct, which allows you to connect your handheld wireless devices to the printer without being part of the same network or connected to the same router. It is also compatible with Apple AirPrint, Mopria Print Service, and Brother's Mobile Connect app.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J1205W have Ethernet connectivity options?

No, the Brother MFC-J1205W doesn't have Ethernet connectivity options. It only connects via Wi-Fi or USB. According to Rtings.com, the lack of Ethernet connectivity might be an issue for offices that rely on a wired LAN connection.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any variation in the USB connectivity choices available for Brother MFC-J1205W?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J1205W printer has a USB connection available, which can be used to connect the printer to a computer or a mobile device.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J1205W printer have the capability to connect to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J1205W printer has Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with Brother's Mobile Connect app, which allows you to print, scan and copy from your mobile device. It also supports Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print Service, making it easy to connect via various devices and get your prints out.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Paper handling

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer that can handle up to A4 size paper and various types of media, but does not support automatic duplex printing.

The Brother MFC-J1205W is capable of handling up to A4 size paper and can hold up to 150 sheets of paper in its input tray. It can print on a range of blank media, including envelopes, glossy photo paper, and A4 paper up to 220g/m² in weight, making it suitable for home or small office use.

However, it does not support automatic duplex printing, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. Overall, the Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer that can handle different types of paper, making it a good choice for those who need to print a variety of documents and media.

What is the maximum paper size that can be handled by Brother MFC-J1205W?

The Brother MFC-J1205W can handle up to A4 size paper (8.27 in x 11.69 in).
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the maximum number of sheets of paper that the input tray of Brother MFC-J1205W can hold?

The input tray of Brother MFC-J1205W can hold up to 150 sheets of paper according to Rtings.com and TechRadar.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J1205W have automatic duplex printing capabilities?

No, the Brother MFC-J1205W does not support automatic duplex printing. According to TechRadar, the inability to auto duplex will be a deal-breaker for some.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the Brother MFC-J1205W handle different types of paper, such as cardstock or glossy paper?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J1205W can print on a range of blank media, including envelopes, glossy photo paper, and A4 paper up to 220g/m² in weight. So, it can handle cardstock or glossy paper without any issues.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Ink efficiency

The Brother MFC-J1205W printer has a high running cost but is a good option for users with low to moderate printing needs who prioritize convenience and uninterrupted printing.

The Brother MFC-J1205W printer has a relatively high running cost of about 2 cents per black page and 7.5 cents per color page, according to PCMag and techbeezer.com. The printer uses Brother Genuine INKvestment Tank Ink Cartridges, which hold more ink than traditional cartridges and deliver a continuous ink supply for uninterrupted printing.

The four cartridges that come with the printer can last up to a year if the annual print and copy volume is under 750 pages, which is equivalent to about 63 monochrome or 50 color pages per month. However, if the user prints and copies more than that, they may need to consider alternative solutions such as bulk-ink options like the Epson EcoTank ET-2760.

The Brother Page Gauge is a visual way to know the amount of ink used and remaining, helping to take the guesswork out of when to replace ink.

What is the cost per page for the Brother MFC-J1205W printer?

According to PCMag and techbeezer.com, the Brother MFC-J1205W has a running cost of about 2 cents per black page and 7.5 cents per color page. It's worth noting that this is relatively high compared to some other INKvestment Tank models, which have lower running costs.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the estimated lifespan of the ink cartridges for the Brother MFC-J1205W printer?

Brother states that the four ink cartridges that come with the MFC-J1205W printer can last up to a year, but this is only if your annual print and copy volume is under 750 pages. According to PCMag and techbeezer.com, this is equivalent to about 63 monochrome or 50 color pages per month. If you print and copy more than that, you may need to consider alternative solutions, such as bulk-ink options like the Epson EcoTank ET-2760.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of ink does the Brother MFC-J1205W use?

The Brother MFC-J1205W uses Brother Genuine INKvestment Tank Ink Cartridges. A full range of INKvestment Tank cartridges is available that delivers high-quality prints and reliable page yields, including LC404BK, LC404C, LC404M, LC404Y, and LC404 3PK.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the ink efficiency features of Brother MFC-J1205W ?

Brother MFC-J1205W has the INKvestment Tank system that features reengineered cartridges that hold more ink than traditional cartridges, and deliver a continuous ink supply for truly convenient, uninterrupted printing. Additionally, the Brother Page Gauge is a visual, numerical way to know the amount of ink used and the amount of ink remaining to help take the guesswork out of when to replace ink. According to Brother, you can experience truly uninterrupted printing, exceptional savings, and super convenience with up to 1-year of ink using only the four cartridges provided in-box.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Additional features

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a three-in-one multifunction device that can print, scan, and copy, but lacks an automatic document feeder and faxing capabilities, making it suitable for basic needs.

The Brother MFC-J1205W is a three-in-one multifunction device that can print, scan, and copy. It has a flatbed scanner for scanning and copying documents and photos, but lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), which can make scanning and copying multi-page documents time-consuming.

The scan quality is great, but some finer details may not come through, which may not be ideal for digitizing photos and graphics. The device supports several walk-up tasks such as monitoring consumables, configuring individual user and group or department security settings, and generating usage and security reports.

However, it does not have faxing capabilities. Overall, the Brother MFC-J1205W is suitable for basic printing, scanning, and copying needs, but may not be the best option for those who anticipate needing to scan or copy multipage documents frequently.

What scanning capabilities does the Brother MFC-J1205W offer?

The Brother MFC-J1205W comes with a flatbed scanner for scanning and copying documents and photos. However, it lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), which means you have to put pages on the glass one by one. According to Rtings.com, scanning multi-page documents can be very time-consuming, and while the scan quality is great, some finer details don't come through, which isn't ideal for digitizing photos and graphics.
Based on 9 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What copying capabilities does Brother MFC-J1205W have?

The Brother MFC-J1205W can make copies, and it supports several walk-up tasks such as monitoring consumables, configuring individual user and group or department security settings, and generating usage and security reports. However, it lacks an automatic document feeder (ADF), which means you have to put pages on the glass one by one. If you anticipate needing to copy or scan multipage documents and don't want to handle one page side at a time, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J1205W have faxing capabilities?

No, the Brother MFC-J1205W does not have faxing capabilities. It is a three-in-one multifunction device that can print, scan and copy. According to TechRadar, "Being at the bottom of the range, it doesn’t have a lot of other features."
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 4 expert reviews of Brother MFC-J1205W.

Expert reviews [4]

80
Total expert reviews: 4
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 1
Highest score by PCMag
80
Average score based on 4 reviews
80
Lowest score by Rtings.com
79

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Best Alternatives

3 best inkjet printers in the same price range as Brother MFC-J1205W

Scroll to see all options. Click on the printer for more details.
Brother MFC-J4335DW HP Envy 5055 Canon Pixma TS5320
Reviews
In comparison:
Brother MFC-J4335DW rank #4 out of 194.
Go to rankings
7.4
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
HP Envy 5055 rank #13 out of 194. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Canon Pixma TS5320 rank #24 out of 194. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Price
Price
The Brother MFC-J4335DW is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for home and small office use, offering good print quality, decent speed, reliable paper handling, and efficient ink usage.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
More product details More product details More product details
Inkjet Printers above are offered because they are in the same price range as Brother MFC-J1205W. To browse more budget and premium inkjet printers go to our printer ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all inkjet printers.

Rank Change Price Printer
reviewed.usatoday.com
BestReviews
Rtings.com
Digital Trends
LD Products
PhotoWorkout
PCMag
TechRadar
Gadget Review
PC Guide
1
- Check price
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is a versatile all-in-one supertank printer that produces high-quality prints with sharp details and vivid colors, offers a wide range of connectivity options, and has scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it a great investment for home or office use.
-
-
1
-
-
-
3
-
-
1
2
- $110
Brother MFC-J1205W
The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer with high-quality prints, multiple connectivity options, and the ability to handle different types of paper and media, but lacks automatic duplex printing and an ADF.
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
3
- Check price
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
4
+2 $135
Brother MFC-J4335DW
The Brother MFC-J4335DW is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for home and small office use, offering good print quality, decent speed, reliable paper handling, and efficient ink usage.
-
-
3
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
Show all rows
Best Budget Inkjet Printer
29 Feb 2024 (28 days ago)
Read article
Larger cartridges give this inkjet an advantage
15 Feb 2024 (1 month ago)
Read article

Highest recommended inkjet printers this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. inkjet printers below are at the top of our ranking this March.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the printer for more details.
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 Brother MFC-J1205W (this item) HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 Brother MFC-J4335DW
Reviews
In comparison:
Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 rank #1 out of 194.
Go to rankings
6.5
Average
Reviews
In comparison:
Brother MFC-J1205W rank #2 out of 194.
Go to rankings
7.3
Good
Reviews
In comparison:
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 rank #3 out of 194. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Brother MFC-J4335DW rank #4 out of 194.
Go to rankings
7.4
Good
The Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850 is a versatile all-in-one supertank printer that produces high-quality prints with sharp details and vivid colors, offers a wide range of connectivity options, and has scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, making it a great investment for home or office use. The Brother MFC-J1205W is a versatile printer with high-quality prints, multiple connectivity options, and the ability to handle different types of paper and media, but lacks automatic duplex printing and an ADF.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Brother MFC-J4335DW is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for home and small office use, offering good print quality, decent speed, reliable paper handling, and efficient ink usage.
More product details More product details More product details More product details
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.