Brother HL-L5100DN vs Dell E310dw
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
Brother HL-L5100DN VS
Dell E310dw Brother HL-L5100DN
✅ A legitimate workhorse built for high-volume monthly duty cycles.
❌ No built-in Wi-Fi on the 'DN' model; it's Ethernet or USB only.
Dell E310dw
✅ A reliable, straightforward printer that's surprisingly easy to network.
❌ Dell has largely exited the printer market, so finding parts can be tricky.
| Feature | Brother HL-L5100DN | Dell E310dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Monochrome Laser | Monochrome Laser |
| Colour Output | Black | Black |
| Print Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 42 ppm | 27 ppm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | N/A | N/A |
| First Page Out Time | 7.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Yes | Yes |
| Input Paper Capacity | 250 Sheets | 250 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 150 Sheets | 100 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, A5, A6, B5 | A4, Letter, B5 |
| Paper Weight Support | 60-120 g/m2 | 60-163 g/m2 |
| Scanner Type | None | None |
| Scan Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Ethernet Support | Yes | No |
| USB Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Printing Support | Yes | Yes |
| Display Panel | N/A | N/A |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | N/A | N/A |
| Ink/Cartridge System | N/A | N/A |
| Borderless Printing | N/A | N/A |
| Width | N/A | N/A |
| Depth | N/A | N/A |
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Machine Weight | N/A | N/A |
| Energy Efficiency | N/A | N/A |
| Noise Level (dB) | N/A | N/A |
| Processor Speed | N/A | N/A |
| Internal Memory | N/A | N/A |
| Cloud Print Support | N/A | N/A |
| Security Features | N/A | N/A |
| Compatible OS | N/A | N/A |
| Included in Box | N/A | N/A |
| Warranty Period | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended Use | N/A | N/A |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The Dell E310dw was a solid performer in its day, but it’s essentially an older-generation personal laser compared to the industrial-leaning HL-L5100DN. The Brother offers double the monthly duty cycle and significantly faster throughput. More importantly, as Dell has retreated from the printer space, the Brother L5100DN wins on long-term firmware stability and guaranteed supply of genuine toner and maintenance kits. For a modern office that cannot afford downtime, the HL-L5100DN is the undisputed winner for its performance and ongoing manufacturer support.
What Owners Are Saying?
Brother HL-L5100DN
Law_Firm_LDN ★★★★★
Dell E310dw
OldSchool_Pete ★★★★☆