ReviewFinder Inkjet Printers

Brother MFC-J491DW

TLDR: The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for light productivity work and low-volume document handling, offering good quality prints, versatile connectivity options, and additional features to enhance productivity.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Brother MFC-J491DW rank #69 out of 164.
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7.5
Good

The product receives good reviews on average (consumer score 7.5). This is slightly above the median printer score of 7.3.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Brother MFC-J491DW is $349.99, available here. This is slightly below the median printer price of $367.88.
  • Lowest price: $49.99
  • Median price: $367.88
  • Highest price: $2899.99
  • Brother MFC-J491DW price: $349.99
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for light productivity work and low-volume document handling, offering good quality prints, versatile connectivity options, and additional features to enhance productivity.

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a versatile all-in-one printer suitable for light productivity work and low-volume document handling. It offers good quality prints with a maximum print resolution of 6,000 x 1,200 dpi, making it suitable for occasional photo and graphics printing needs.

The printer has a maximum printing speed of 12 pages per minute for monochrome pages and 6 pages per minute for color pages, making it a good option for basic printing needs. It offers versatile connectivity options, including built-in wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi Direct, Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Mopria, making it suitable for individuals or small offices that require a printer with multiple connectivity options and mobile printing capabilities.

The printer has a maximum paper size of 8.5 x 14 inches and can hold up to 100 sheets of paper in its input tray, making it a great option for those who need to print legal documents or other larger-sized materials. The printer is designed to use Brother Genuine Standard or High-Yield ink cartridges, which can help reduce ink costs.

It also offers a range of additional features to enhance productivity, including a flatbed scanner, automatic document feeder, scan to popular cloud services, copying capabilities, and faxing.

Speed

The Brother MFC-J491DW has a maximum printing speed of 12 pages per minute for monochrome pages and 6 pages per minute for color pages, but the speed can be impacted by various factors.

The Brother MFC-J491DW has a maximum printing speed of 12 pages per minute for monochrome pages and 6 pages per minute for color pages. However, the printing speed can be impacted by factors such as the complexity of the document being printed, the quality settings selected, and the connectivity method being used.

When printing black and white documents, the printer can reach up to 18.5 pages per minute, while printing highly detailed and vibrant 4-by-6-inch snapshots takes an average of 32 seconds per print. When printing colorful Acrobat, Excel, and PowerPoint documents containing graphics and photos, the print speed drops to 4.4 pages per minute, which is on par with other entry-level inkjets.

Overall, the Brother MFC-J491DW is a suitable printer for basic printing needs, such as printing text documents and occasional photos.

What is the maximum printing speed of the Brother MFC-J491DW?

According to PCMag, the Brother MFC-J491DW is rated at 12 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome pages and 6ppm for color pages. When printing a 12-page monochrome Microsoft Word text document, it churned at 13.2ppm.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the printing speed of Brother MFC-J491DW when printing black and white documents?

According to PCMag and Nerd Techy, the Brother MFC-J491DW is rated at 12 pages per minute (ppm) for monochrome pages. Top New Review also tested the printer and found that it reached 18.5ppm when printing black text.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the printing speed of Brother MFC-J491DW when printing color documents?

According to reviews from PCMag and Nerd Techy, the Brother MFC-J491DW is rated at 6 pages per minute (ppm) for color printing. However, when testing with various documents containing graphics and photos, the print speed dropped to 4.4ppm, as stated by PCMag.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the additional features or settings that can impact the printing speed of Brother MFC-J491DW?

The Brother MFC-J491DW has a print speed of up to 12 pages per minute for monochrome pages and 6 pages per minute for color pages. According to PCMag, the printer was tested over USB using a standard Intel Core i5 testbed running Windows 10. The printing speed can be impacted by factors such as the complexity of the document being printed, the quality settings selected, and the connectivity method being used. Additionally, the printer's automatic duplex printing feature may impact printing speed as it takes extra time to print on both sides of a page.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the printing speed of Brother MFC-J491DW compare when printing high-quality images or photos?

According to PCMag, when printing highly detailed and vibrant 4-by-6-inch snapshots, the Brother MFC-J491DW averaged 32 seconds per print, which is on the fast side for this group. However, when printing colorful Acrobat, Excel, and PowerPoint documents containing graphics and photos, the print speed plummeted (as most entry-level inkjets' speeds do) to 4.4ppm, which is the same as the Pixma TS5320, 2.2ppm faster than the TS3320, 3ppm faster than the DeskJet 3755, and 2.2ppm slower than the Epson XP-6100. So, while it's not the fastest printer for printing high-quality images or photos, it's still on par with other entry-level inkjets.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer offers versatile connectivity options and mobile printing capabilities, making it suitable for individuals or small offices.

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer offers versatile connectivity options, including built-in wireless connectivity (802.11bgn), Wi-Fi Direct, Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Mopria. It also supports third-party cloud sites such as Google Drive for Business and OneDrive for Business.

The printer can connect to a single PC or Mac via USB interface. It has mobile printing capabilities, allowing users to print wirelessly from mobile devices using AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, Mopria, and Wi-Fi Direct. This printer is suitable for individuals or small offices that require a printer with multiple connectivity options and mobile printing capabilities.

What are the available connectivity options for the Brother MFC-J491DW?

According to Nerd Techy, the Brother MFC-J491DW has versatile connection options, including wireless connectivity (802.11bgn), Wi-Fi Direct, Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, Brother iPrint&Scan, and Mopria. It also supports a range of third-party cloud sites, such as Google Drive for Business and OneDrive for Business. Additionally, it can connect to a single PC via USB.
Based on 7 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J491DW have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J491DW has built-in wireless connectivity, allowing you to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. According to Nerd Techy, it supports the 802.11bgn standard.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J491DW have Ethernet connectivity options?

No, the Brother MFC-J491DW does not have Ethernet connectivity options. It has built-in wireless connectivity or you can connect locally to a single PC or Mac via USB interface.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is there any variation in the USB connectivity choices available for Brother MFC-J491DW?

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer offers a single PC or Mac USB interface, as well as built-in wireless connectivity. According to Nerd Techy, there are no other USB connectivity options available for this printer.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J491DW printer have the capability to connect to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J491DW printer has mobile printing capabilities. It can print wirelessly from mobile devices using AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Brother iPrint&Scan, Mopria, and Wi-Fi Direct. According to Ideaing, it allows you to print color images from your mobile device via these mobile printing options.
Based on 8 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Paper handling

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a versatile option for home or small office use, with a maximum paper size of 8.5 x 14 inches, automatic duplex printing, and the ability to handle different types of paper.

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer has a maximum paper size of 8.5 x 14 inches, which is legal size paper. It can hold up to 100 sheets of paper in its input tray, making it a generous offering compared to many similarly sized home inkjet printers. The printer also has automatic duplex printing capabilities, allowing it to print double-sided pages without requiring manual flipping and reinsertion of pages.

Additionally, the printer can handle different types of paper, including cardstock and glossy paper, making it versatile for various printing needs. It can print on a range of paper sizes and types, including envelopes, cardstock, and glossy paper. Overall, the Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a great option for home or small office use, especially for those who require versatile paper handling capabilities.

What is the maximum paper size that can be handled by Brother MFC-J491DW?

The maximum paper size that can be handled by Brother MFC-J491DW is 8.5 x 14 inches, which is legal size paper.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the maximum number of sheets of paper that the input tray of Brother MFC-J491DW can hold?

According to Nerd Techy and Gadget Review, the input tray of Brother MFC-J491DW Printer can hold up to 100 sheets of paper. This is a fairly generous offering compared to many similarly sized home inkjet printers.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J491DW have automatic duplex printing capabilities?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J491DW has automatic duplex printing capabilities, as mentioned by both Nerd Techy and PCMag. This means that the printer can print double-sided pages automatically without requiring manual flipping and reinsertion of pages.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the Brother MFC-J491DW handle different types of paper, such as cardstock or glossy paper?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J491DW printer can handle different types of paper, including cardstock and glossy paper. However, it's important to note that the paper tray can only hold up to 100 sheets of paper at a time. According to PCMag, the printer's paper handling is versatile, and it can print on a range of paper sizes and types, including envelopes, cardstock, and glossy paper.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Ink efficiency

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is a cost-effective option for frequent printers, using Brother Genuine Standard or High-Yield ink cartridges and featuring automatic duplex printing and an ink save mode.

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer is designed to use Brother Genuine Standard or High-Yield ink cartridges, which can help reduce ink costs. According to PCMag, the running cost is 6.8 cents per monochrome page and about 16.8 cents per color page. The printer is compatible with Brother Genuine Inks LC3011BK, LC3011C, LC3011M, LC3011Y, LC3013BK, LC3013C, LC3013M, LC3013Y, and the high-yield cartridges can print up to 400 pages.

The printer also features automatic duplex printing and an ink save mode to help save paper and reduce ink usage.

What is the cost per page for the Brother MFC-J491DW printer?

According to PCMag, using Brother's advertised prices and page yields for its highest-yield compatible cartridges, the MFC-J491DW's running cost is 6.8 cents per monochrome page and about 16.8 cents per color page.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the estimated lifespan of the ink cartridges for the Brother MFC-J491DW printer?

The estimated lifespan of the ink cartridges for the Brother MFC-J491DW printer depends on the frequency of use and the type of documents printed. However, according to the manufacturer's website, the printer is compatible with Brother Genuine Inks LC3011BK, LC3011C, LC3011M, LC3011Y, LC3013BK, LC3013C, LC3013M, LC3013Y, and the high-yield cartridges can print up to 400 pages.

What type of ink does the Brother MFC-J491DW use?

The Brother MFC-J491DW is designed to use Brother Genuine Standard or High-Yield ink cartridges. According to Nerd Techy, the use of high-yield cartridges can help cut down on ink costs.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the ink efficiency features of Brother MFC-J491DW ?

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer uses high-yield ink cartridges to help reduce ink costs. It also features automatic duplex printing, which allows you to print on both sides of the paper and can help save paper and reduce printing costs. Additionally, the printer has an ink save mode that can help you get more out of your ink cartridges.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Additional features

The Brother MFC-J491DW is an all-in-one printer that offers scanning, copying, printing, and faxing capabilities, as well as the ability to scan to popular cloud services directly from the printer.

The Brother MFC-J491DW is an all-in-one printer that offers a range of additional features to enhance productivity. It has a flatbed scanner that can scan documents up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches, as well as an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 20 pages and scan both sides of a page simultaneously.

This makes it ideal for scanning multi-page documents quickly and efficiently. The printer also allows you to scan to popular cloud services directly from the printer, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, One Drive, and more, which is useful for those who need to store and share documents online.

In terms of copying capabilities, the MFC-J491DW has a flatbed scanner that allows you to copy single-page documents, as well as an ADF that can hold up to 20 pages for multi-page copying. This is useful for those who need to make copies of important documents quickly and easily.

The Brother MFC-J491DW also supports faxing, which is ideal for those who need to send and receive faxes on a regular basis. This feature is particularly useful for small businesses or home offices that need to communicate with clients or suppliers who still use fax machines.

Overall, the Brother MFC-J491DW is a versatile all-in-one printer that offers a range of additional features to enhance productivity. Whether you need to scan, copy, print, or fax, this printer has you covered.

What scanning capabilities does the Brother MFC-J491DW offer?

The Brother MFC-J491DW offers a flatbed scanner which can scan documents up to 8.5 x 11.7 inches. It also has an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 20 pages and can scan both sides of a page simultaneously. Additionally, the MFC-J491DW can scan to popular cloud services directly from the printer, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, One Drive, and more.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What copying capabilities does Brother MFC-J491DW have?

The Brother MFC-J491DW printer has a flatbed scanner that allows you to copy single-page documents, as well as an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 20 pages for multi-page copying.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Brother MFC-J491DW have faxing capabilities?

Yes, the Brother MFC-J491DW is an all-in-one printer that supports faxing, scanning, copying, and printing.
Based on 8 quotes from 4 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 11 expert reviews of Brother MFC-J491DW. Out of the 11 reviews, 3 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [8]

87
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 5
  • without a score: 3
Highest score by Birdeye
94
Average score based on 8 reviews
87
Lowest score by Ideaing
80

Score distribution:

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

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Position in ranking

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

Rank Change Price Printer
PC Guide
reviewed.usatoday.com
BestReviews
TechRadar
PCMag
PhotoWorkout
LD Products
Digital Trends
Rtings.com
ZD Net
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Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5850
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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.
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HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
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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.
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Brother MFC-J491DW did not receive any endorsements this month.

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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.
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.