Choosing the right printer can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's tough to find one that fits your needs without breaking the bank.
The Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer promises convenience and efficiency for home or small office use. If you're curious about whether this printer is the right match for you, keep reading our in-depth review.
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Joe's Printer Buying Guide's Verdict:
The Brother MFC-J491DW is a solid choice for home and small office needs. We found its mobile printing features convenient and easy to use. However, it has its quirks, so it's worth considering if it fits your daily tasks.
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PROS
- Easy wireless setup
- Mobile printing capabilities
- High-capacity paper tray
- Cloud connectivity
- Dash replenishment enabled
CONS
- No automatic duplex scanning
- Initial setup may take time
- Slightly higher price point
Get the Full Picture
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer | Joe's Opinion
I found the Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer to be an excellent choice for home use, delivering reliable performance and impressive print quality at an affordable price.
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers generally agree that the Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer offers excellent print quality and convenience for its price, making it a reliable choice for home and small office use.
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer | Reddit's Opinion
The Brother MFC-J491DW is widely praised for its reliable performance and affordability, making it a solid choice for home office printing needs.
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Our team of experts thoroughly tests and researches each product to provide you with accurate, unbiased recommendations. Learn more about our review process.
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer Overview
The Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer is a solid choice for home and small offices. It’s compact yet packed with features that make printing from various devices a breeze.
During our testing, we enjoyed the mobile printing options. Setup was straightforward, and the wireless connectivity worked smoothly. However, we did notice some occasional paper jams and slower print speeds, which might be a drawback for some users.
Design and Build Quality
The Brother MFC-J491DW sports a compact design, making it a great fit for cramped home offices or small workspaces. Its sleek profile allows it to blend seamlessly with your desk setup.
Despite its small size, the printer feels sturdy. We were impressed by the quality of the materials used, which gives it a more premium feel compared to other printers in the same range.
The control panel is user-friendly, featuring a simple layout that allows for easy navigation. You won’t find yourself fumbling around trying to figure out how to make it work, which is a huge plus when you're busy.
Print Quality
Print quality is where the Brother MFC-J491DW really shines. Text comes out crisp and clear, making it suitable for everything from important documents to everyday prints.
Color prints are vibrant and true to life. We printed several photos, and they turned out beautifully, which is a nice surprise for an all-in-one printer.
However, keep in mind that while the print quality is impressive, it might not match the depth of color you’d find in a dedicated photo printer. Still, for everyday use, it does an excellent job.
Mobile Printing Options
The mobile printing capabilities of the MFC-J491DW are fantastic. You can print directly from your smartphone or tablet using AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Brother’s own iPrint&Scan app.
This functionality is super handy, especially when you’re on the go. We found it incredibly convenient to send documents to print directly from our mobile devices while lounging on the couch.
Setting up the wireless connection was a breeze. It only took a few moments, and we were up and running in no time, which is always a relief when you’re eager to get things printed quickly.
Scanning and Copying Features
The scanner on the Brother MFC-J491DW does not disappoint. It offers decent resolution and performs well for both color and black-and-white scans.
We tried scanning several documents, and the results were impressive. The scans were sharp and clear, which is essential for archiving important paperwork.
Copying is equally straightforward. The printer can handle multiple copies quickly without compromising on quality, making it a reliable option for small office needs.
Connectivity Options
This printer provides a range of connectivity options. In addition to wireless printing, you can connect via USB, which is perfect for those who prefer a wired connection.
We found the wireless connectivity to be stable and reliable, allowing us to print from multiple devices without any hiccups. It’s nice to have that flexibility.
The built-in Ethernet port is also a bonus for users who might want to connect directly to a network. This feature adds another layer of versatility for small office setups.
Cost of Ink and Maintenance
When it comes to ink costs, the Brother MFC-J491DW is relatively budget-friendly. The cartridges are reasonably priced, and we appreciated the option to purchase high-yield cartridges for even more savings.
During our tests, we noticed that the ink consumption was decent, allowing us to get a good number of prints before needing a replacement. This is an important consideration for anyone who prints regularly.
Maintenance is straightforward as well. The printer has a self-cleaning feature, which helps keep it in good shape without much effort on your part.
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer is a solid choice for home and small office use. I appreciated its mobile printing options and versatility. While it has a few minor drawbacks, it generally delivers reliable performance and ease of use.
- Easy wireless setup
- Mobile printing capabilities
- High-capacity paper tray
- Cloud connectivity
- Dash replenishment enabled
- No automatic duplex scanning
- Initial setup may take time
- Slightly higher price point
Brother MFC-J491DW Wireless Printer Review 2025 | FAQs
What are the mobile printing options available for the Brother MFC-J491DW?
The Brother MFC-J491DW supports mobile printing via AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Brother's own iPrint&Scan app.
Can the Brother MFC-J491DW print in color?
Yes, the MFC-J491DW is capable of color printing, making it suitable for various document types.
Is the Brother MFC-J491DW easy to set up?
Yes, the setup process is straightforward, with clear instructions for both wired and wireless connections.
What types of media can the Brother MFC-J491DW handle?
It can handle various media types including plain paper, envelopes, and photo paper in different sizes.
Does the Brother MFC-J491DW support duplex printing?
No, the MFC-J491DW does not support automatic duplex printing; manual duplexing is required.
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