Two of the most-bought home-office mono lasers, and the one difference that decides it: wired or wireless.
Verdict
Buy the Brother HL-L2460DW if you want a compact laser with dual-band wireless, Ethernet and USB, and a free-support warranty. Buy the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn if you want a wired office workhorse with Ethernet, 2-sided printing and up to 40 pages a minute. Both are monochrome and use a 250-sheet tray, so the choice is mostly connectivity and speed.
HP and Brother dominate black and white laser printing at home and in small offices. Their best-selling models look similar on paper. The differences are how they connect, how fast they print and how each company supports the printer.
| HP LaserJet M404dn | Brother HL-L2460DW | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Monochrome laser | Monochrome laser |
| Connectivity | Built-in Ethernet (the dn model has no Wi-Fi) | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB |
| 2-sided printing | Automatic | Duplex |
| Input tray | 250 sheets | 250 sheets, plus manual feed slot |
| Speed (per listing) | Up to 40 pages a minute | See listing |
| Mobile printing | Check listing | Brother Mobile Connect app |
| Support (per listing) | HP support | 1-year limited warranty with free online, phone and chat support |
Source: manufacturer and retailer listings for each model. Confirm specs on the current listing before buying.
You print a lot of pages in an office, you have an Ethernet network, and you want the faster printer. The M404dn has no wireless, so make sure you have a wired connection or a nearby network port.
Check HP LaserJet M404dn on Amazon
You want a small laser that connects by Wi-Fi or USB, you print from phones and laptops, and you like free live support. It fits easily on a desk.
Check Brother HL-L2460DW on Amazon
If you print in color, or only a few pages a month, an ink tank printer may suit you better; see our EcoTank vs cartridge printer page. If you print photos, see photo printer vs all-in-one.
Neither wins everywhere. HP LaserJet Pro models are built for office speed and Ethernet networks, while Brother compact lasers are popular for home offices with dual-band Wi-Fi and low-cost toner options. Compare the exact models.
No. The dn model has Ethernet and USB. The wireless version is the M404dw.
For black and white documents, usually yes. See our toner vs ink cost per page comparison.
The Brother HL-L2460DW is compact and wireless. The HP M404dn suits a wired office with heavier printing.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and listing details. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.