Brother MFC-L2980DW
Compact Monochrome Laser All-in-One Printer
Efficient, fast, and reliable performance
Product Overview
The Brother Workhorse MFC-L2980DW combines cost-efficient output, reliable performance, advanced security features, and versatile connectivity options, all within a compact footprint – ideal for small offices and small workgroups.
Key Features:
- Fast printing and copying up to 36ppm¹.
- Cost-efficient output using a 5,000-page replacement toner cartridge. Includes a 1,200-page toner cartridge¹⁷.
- 50-page capacity auto document feeder offers single-pass, two-sided scanning¹³.
- Scan to popular destinations including cloud services directly from the 3.5" color touchscreen display.
- Dual band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet networking.
Security Validation: The device has undergone security validation, with firmware version tested for 2025-2026.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Electrophotographic Laser |
| Print Speed (max.)¹ | Up to 36ppm |
| Time to First Page² | Less than 8.5 seconds |
| Print Resolution (max.) | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Emulations | PCL6, BR-Script3³, PDF Version 1.7 |
Scan
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scan Speeds (max.)⁴ | Simplex: Up to 23.6ppm / 7.9ppm (black / color); Duplex: Up to 23.6ipm / 7.9ipm (black / color) |
| Scan Resolution (max.) | ADF (optical): Up to 600 x 600 dpi; Glass (optical): Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi; Interpolated: Up to 19200 x 19200 dpi⁵ |
| Scan To Capability | PC (Image, Email, OCR, File), Network Folders, Email Server, SharePoint⁵, FTP, Cloud Services (Web Connect), Mobile Devices, Easy Scan to Email |
| Advanced Scanning Features | Auto deskew, File split, Multi-page to single-page, Base color removal |
| Duplex Scan | Yes |
Copy
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Copy Speed / Copy Resolution (max.) | Up to 36cpm / Up to 600 x 600 dpi |
| Copy Options | Sorting, N-in-1, Multi-copying (up to 99), Reduce / Enlarge 25 - 400% in 1% increments |
| Duplex Copy | Yes |
Fax
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fax Features | 33.6K bps modem speed, Fax page memory: up to 500 pages¹⁰, Fax forward to: Network Folders and Email, Internet Fax⁹, PC Fax¹¹, PC Fax Receive (B&W only) |
Connectivity & Compatibility
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Interfaces | Wireless 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz)/802.11a/n (5GHz), Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Operating Systems Compatibility¹² | For the latest OS compatibility and to download drivers, visit support.brother.com. Printing or scanning via macOS requires the use of AirPrint. |
| Mobile Device Compatibility⁸ | AirPrint®, Mopria™, Brother Mobile Connect, Wi-Fi Direct® |
| Cloud Services (Web Connect)⁷ | Google Drive™, Evernote®, OneDrive, OneNote, Dropbox, Box, SharePoint Online |
| Brother Cloud Apps⁹ | Easy Scan to Email, Scan to Mobile, Cloud Secure Print, Fax Forward to Cloud or Email, Scan to Searchable PDF, Scan to Word, Scan to Excel, Scan to PowerPoint |
Security
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Security Features | Integrated NFC Card Reader, Active Directory, LDAP, Secure Function Lock, Enterprise Security (802.1x), TLS/SSL, IP Filter, Syslog Reporting, SNMP v3, Secure Print, Setting Lock, Firmware Encryption |
Paper Handling
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Paper Input Capacity (max.)¹³ | 250-sheet paper tray, Single-sheet manual feed slot |
| Output Capacity (max.)¹³ | 100 sheets |
| Document Glass Size | Up to 8.5" x 11" (Letter) |
| Auto Document Feeder Capacity¹³ | 50 pages |
| Paper Size | Standard Tray: Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5, B6, Folio; Manual Feed Slot: Width 3" to 8.5", Length 5" to 14"; Duplex: Letter, Legal, Folio |
| Media Types | Standard Tray: Plain Paper, Thin Paper, Thick Paper, Recycled Paper; Manual Feed Slot: Plain Paper, Thin Paper, Thick Paper, Recycled Paper, Bond, Label, Envelope (single) |
| Media Weights¹⁴ | Standard Tray: 16 to 43 lbs.; Manual Feed Slot: 16 to 61 lbs.; ADF: 16 to 28 lbs. |
General
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Automatic Duplex Capability | Print (default setting), plus single-pass copy /scan/fax |
| Display | 3.5" Color Touchscreen |
| Customizable Shortcuts | 18 |
| Processor | 600 MHz |
| Memory (std.) | 256MB |
| Included Software⁸ | Brother Mobile Connect for iOS and Android™™; Brother iPrint&Scan (desktop) for Windows and Mac® |
| Optional Brother Value Services | BRAdmin Lights, BRAdmin Pro 45, Status Monitors, Tungsten PaperPort™™ 14SE⁵; Secure Print+, Remote Panel, Barcode Print+, Barcode Utility, ThinPrint Client, Request Help, Order Supplies |
| Energy Star® Qualified | Yes |
| EPEAT Certified | Yes (Silver Rated) |
| Optional Solutions | PaperCut, nddPrint, uniFLOW |
| Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle¹⁵ | Up to 50,000 pages |
| Recommended Monthly Volume¹⁶ | Up to 3,500 pages |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Replacement Supplies
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| TN830 | Standard Yield Toner Cartridge (1,200 pages)¹⁷ |
| TN830XL | High Yield Toner Cartridge (3,000 pages)¹⁷ |
| TN830XL 2PK | Twin Pack of High Yield Toner Cartridges (3,000 pages per cartridge)¹⁷ |
| TN835 | Super High Yield Toner Cartridge (5,000 pages)¹⁷ |
| DR830 | Drum Unit (15,000 pages)¹⁸ |
Dimensions/Weight
| Item | Dimensions / Weight |
|---|---|
| Unit | 16.1" (W) x 16.6" (D) x 12.5" (H) / 27.5 lbs. |
| Carton | 23.6" (W) x 20.4" (D) x 17.1" (H) / 34.7 lbs. |
Carton Contents
- Brother MFC-L2980DW
- TN830 Black Toner Cartridge (1,200 pages)¹⁷
- DR830 Drum Unit (15,000 pages)¹⁸
- AC Power Cord
- Telephone Line Cord
- Warranty Card
- Quick Setup Guide
Environmental Commitment: Brother is committed to environmental responsibility through its "Brother Earth" initiative, aiming to make a positive difference for sustainable development.
Compatibility Logos: Compatible with Windows, Wi-Fi Certified™, Works with Apple AirPrint, Mopria™, Wi-Fi Protected Setup™, ENERGY STAR® Qualified, EPEAT® Silver.
Footnotes
¹ Based on one-sided printing. Change from default setting required.
² From ready mode and standard tray.
³ PostScript® 3™ compatible.
⁴ Color and monochrome scan speeds in accordance with ISO/IEC 17991 with all advanced features turned off, using letter-sized paper at 200/300 dpi.
⁵ Windows only.
⁶ Requires mail server support.
⁷ Requires an Internet connection and an account with desired service.
⁸ May require free download. Compatibility may vary by device and operating system. May require connection to a wireless network.
⁹ Requires an Internet connection.
¹⁰ Using ITU-T Test Chart #1 with JBIG coding and standard resolution.
¹¹ B&W only. PC Fax Receive not available for Mac users.
¹² For the latest OS compatibility and to download drivers, visit support.brother.com. Printing or scanning via macOS requires the use of AirPrint. Mac printer drivers are not provided. For Windows Server: USB connection supports printing and scanning; network connections support printing only.
¹³ Maximum capacity based on using 20 lb. paper.
¹⁴ Print speed may vary depending on size/type of paper used and paper source.
¹⁵ Maximum number of printed pages per month can be used to compare designed durability between like Brother products. For maximum printer life, it is best to choose a printer with a duty cycle that far exceeds your print requirements. Printers are intended to handle occasional usage beyond this range with little or no effect. Consistently printing above the recommended print volume, however, may adversely affect the print quality or life of the machine. It is always best to choose a printer with an appropriate recommended print volume to allow for any anticipated increase in printing needs.
¹⁶ The recommended range of monthly printed pages to achieve the best possible performance and printer life. Printers are intended to handle occasional usage beyond this range with little or no effect. Consistently printing above the recommended print volume, however, may adversely affect the print quality or life of the machine. It is always best to choose a printer with an appropriate recommended print volume to allow for any anticipated increase in printing needs.
¹⁷ Approximate toner cartridge yields in accordance with ISO/IEC 19752 (Letter/A4).
¹⁸ Approximately 15,000 pages based on 1 page per job (letter/A4 single-sided pages). The number of pages may be affected due to a variety of factors including but not limited to media type and media size.
©2025 Brother International Corporation. All trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective companies. macOS, AirPrint, and the AirPrint logo are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license. Android and Google Drive are trademarks of Google LLC. Mopria™ and the Mopria™™ Logo are registered and/or unregistered trademarks and service marks of Mopria Alliance, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Wi-Fi Direct, the Wi-Fi Certified™™ logo and the Wi-Fi Protected Setup™™ Identifier Mark are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance®. ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered trademarks owned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Evernote is a trademark of Evernote Corporation and used under a license. All specifications subject to change without notice.
