Brother DCP-T520W Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer Review

The Brother DCP-T520W Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer promises high-speed printing, low-cost operation, and seamless mobile integration. But does it deliver on these promises in the real world? After weeks of rigorous testing, printing countless documents and photos, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

The DCP-T520W boasts a compelling feature set, starting with its wireless connectivity. Setting up the printer to my Wi-Fi network was a breeze, and printing from my laptop, smartphone, and tablet proved consistently reliable using Brother’s iPrint&Scan app, as well as AirPrint, Mopria and Google Cloud Print. The included ink bottles offer a remarkably high page yield, significantly reducing the frequency of ink refills. The printer itself is compact and doesn’t take up excessive desk space, which is a plus.

Beyond the wireless capabilities, the DCP-T520W provides the standard print, scan, and copy functions. The scan quality is acceptable for everyday use, producing clear and crisp scans of documents and photos. The copy function is equally straightforward and efficient.

The print speed is indeed impressive. Brother’s claim of up to 17ipm is accurate in my experience, with documents printing quickly and efficiently. First print times were consistently under 6 seconds, a significant advantage for those who need quick print jobs. Print quality is generally good, with crisp text and vibrant colors in photos. However, I noticed slightly lighter colors when printing photographs on regular paper compared to photo paper; this is a minor issue easily remedied by using dedicated photo paper.

The ink tank system is a major highlight. Refilling the ink bottles is a simple and clean process. The high page yield is a significant cost saver, especially for high-volume printing needs. Over the testing period, I was pleasantly surprised by how long the ink lasted.

Pros:

  • Fast print speeds
  • Low printing costs
  • Easy setup and wireless connectivity
  • High-yield ink bottles
  • Compact design
  • Simple ink refill system

Cons:

  • Photo print quality could be slightly improved on standard paper.
  • No automatic duplex printing (requires manual flipping).

The Brother DCP-T520W Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank Printer is a strong contender in its class. Its speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use make it ideal for home and small office environments. While minor improvements to photo print quality on standard paper and the lack of automatic duplex printing are noteworthy, they don’t significantly detract from the overall excellent performance. For users who prioritize speed, affordability, and seamless wireless printing, the DCP-T520W is a highly recommended choice.

Colour Name Black
Connection Type Wireless
What’s In The Box 1 Ink Tank Printer, 2 Black Ink Bottles, 1 Cyan Ink Bottle, 1 Magenta Ink Bottle, 1 Yellow Ink Bottle
Printer Output Type Color
Printer Functions Print, Scan, Copy
Features Business, Personal
Model Number DCP-T520W
Model Name DCP-T520W
Item Quantity 1
Number of USB Ports 1