Brother MFC-J4335DW INKvestment Tank printer review and insights

The Brother MFC-J4335DW is an all-in-one printer that aims to balance affordability and functionality, catering to casual users who require reliable printing without breaking the bank. As we navigate through 2025, the necessity of having a dependable printer remains, whether it's for printing documents, school assignments, or creative projects.

With so many options available, choosing the right printer can be daunting. The MFC-J4335DW stands out as a versatile choice suitable for home and small office use. However, like any device, it comes with its own set of advantages and limitations that potential buyers should be aware of before making a decision.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Compact size, home-friendly design

The Brother MFC-J4335DW measures just over 17 inches in width and 14 inches in depth, making it a compact option for various spaces. While it may not qualify as the tiniest printer on the market, its dimensions are manageable enough to fit on a side table or a bookshelf.

This printer is particularly well-suited for home office environments, dorm rooms, or shared living spaces where saving space is essential. Its design is user-friendly, ensuring that it won’t dominate your workspace.

Although marketed as an all-in-one solution for both home and small office needs, it excels more in occasional household printing rather than heavy-duty office tasks. This makes it a great fit for families or individuals who need reliable printing without the bulk of larger machines.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Setup and initial thoughts

The initial setup of the MFC-J4335DW is remarkably straightforward, especially compared to other printers. Many modern printers, including this one, utilize mobile apps for setup, simplifying the process significantly.

Here's how you can expect the setup process to unfold:

1. Unbox the printer and place it on a stable surface.
2. Remove all packing materials and packaging from the printer and ink cartridges.
3. Plug in the printer to power it on; the LCD screen will guide you through setup.
4. Insert the ink cartridges and load paper into the tray.
5. Print a couple of test sheets to confirm everything is functioning correctly.
6. Download the mobile app and connect the printer to your home Wi-Fi network.

This entire process typically takes around six to seven minutes, making it one of the more efficient setups available. Once connected, printing from various devices like an iMac, MacBook Air, iPhone, or iPad is seamless, thanks to automatic network detection.

Interestingly, the MFC-J4335DW allows for direct printing and scanning without a connected device, linking to cloud services like Dropbox and OneDrive. While this feature exists, most users may find it easier to manage printing tasks through their computers or smartphones.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: A middleground option for printing needs

This printer is designed to handle a monthly workload of up to 2,000 pages, which is commendable for home and small office use. However, typical families tend to print far less, often not exceeding 150 pages per month. Brother’s claim of a year's worth of ink is based on this assumption, making the printer appealing for average users.

Nonetheless, for businesses with higher printing demands, the MFC-J4335DW may struggle to keep pace. It occupies a unique middle ground—adequate for families needing to print occasional homework or documents, but potentially insufficient for more intensive workloads.

For students or hobbyists, such as crafters who print patterns and designs, this printer proves efficient and reliable. It can handle various tasks without overwhelming those who only print sporadically.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Ink; a blessing and a curse

The printer's INKvestment Tank technology boasts impressive ink performance, offering up to 3,000 pages in black-and-white and 1,500 pages in color under standard settings. If you opt for the high-yield feature, these numbers can rise to 6,000 black-and-white and 5,000 color pages, which is appealing for users who frequently print.

However, inkjet printers are notorious for occasional clogging, particularly due to inactivity. Users should be prepared for the necessity of regular maintenance prints to ensure the print heads remain clear. This habit can feel tedious, but it's essential for keeping the printer functional and preventing costly replacements.

Disposing of a clogged or broken printer can also be cumbersome, often requiring a trip to a recycling center. It’s advisable to maintain your printer to avoid the hassle of disposal and the added expense of purchasing a new unit.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Features you'll actually use

The MFC-J4335DW comes equipped with several practical features that enhance its usability:

• Fast and Reliable Scanning: The scanner is efficient, which adds to the printer's overall value.
• Two-Sided Printing: This feature is not only eco-friendly but also helps save paper, making it beneficial for various printing tasks.
• Energy Star Certification: This certification highlights the printer’s efficiency, attractive for environmentally conscious users.
• Fax Capability: While somewhat outdated in today’s digital age, the inclusion of fax services can be useful in specific scenarios.

These features contribute to a well-rounded experience for users who engage in various types of printing, scanning, and even faxing as needed.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: App and device management

The Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies printer management. While it may lack flashy design elements, it offers efficient navigation and control over printer functions.

The app includes the "Page Gauge" feature, providing users with clear insights into ink levels both on the printer and through the app. This function is particularly beneficial for planning ahead to avoid running out of ink unexpectedly.

Additionally, the app supports basic printing and scanning directly from mobile devices, aligning with contemporary usage trends where many users print directly from their phones as much as from their computers.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Connectivity options

This model offers flexible connectivity options, allowing users to connect via Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or a traditional USB cable. This versatility is important for adapting to various setups.

However, it's worth noting that Brother does not include a USB cable in the box, which may seem unusual for a printer priced at $189.99. Most users likely have a spare cable, but it’s still a point of consideration.

Interestingly, the MFC-J4335DW is compatible with Alexa. Users can print puzzles, coloring pages, and more, making it a fun addition for families with children. This functionality may not be a primary selling point, but it adds an element of convenience for specific households.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Performance and reliability

In terms of speed, the MFC-J4335DW performs decently, capable of producing up to 20 black-and-white pages per minute and 19 color pages per minute. While speed can be subjective, many users in this price range will find it satisfactory.

The print quality is solid for everyday tasks, making it suitable for documents, homework, and casual photographs. It is not positioned as a professional photo printer, but it does well for general use.

Borderless printing capability is a notable feature, allowing users to print full-page images without white borders, an advantage for those looking to create visually appealing prints.

When considering environmental factors, the printer operates optimally in temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and at humidity levels between 20-80%. Users should be mindful of these conditions to ensure the printer’s longevity.

While noise levels during operation are reasonable, long-term reliability remains a concern, especially regarding ink clogging. Regular maintenance is essential for preserving performance.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Pricing and alternatives

At a price of $189.99, the Brother MFC-J4335DW fits into a reasonable price bracket, balancing features and overall functionality. However, budget-conscious consumers may find more affordable options, such as the MFC-J1360D, priced under $100, which could be more suitable for typical home use.

Despite its affordability, ink longevity is a common concern with inkjet printers. If your household prints infrequently, even lower-cost models may struggle with maintenance and functionality over time.

Therefore, understanding the necessity of regular printing is crucial, as it can significantly affect the lifespan and performance of your printer.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer review: Final thoughts

The Brother MFC-J4335DW is a commendable all-in-one printer that seeks to meet a variety of printing needs. Its versatility makes it a great choice for busy households, students, or small offices that require reliable printing without excessive bulk.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the trade-offs involved. While it promises a year of ink, actual longevity can vary based on individual usage patterns. Regular maintenance and attention to printing habits are essential for ensuring this printer remains operational over time.

The MFC-J4335DW ultimately delivers on its promise as a capable all-in-one printer, but understanding its limitations will help users maximize its potential.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer pros

• Compact size, ideal for home offices and dorms.
• Quick printing speed (20 ppm black-and-white, 19 ppm color).
• Duplex printing feature for paper savings.
• Reliable scanning capabilities.
• Efficient mobile app for monitoring and management.
• Easy mobile printing options.
• Energy Star certified for efficiency.
• Page Gauge ink tracking feature adds convenience.

Brother MFC-J4335DW printer cons

• Inkjets prone to clogging with infrequent use.
• Yearly ink estimate assumes more frequent printing than most households do.
• No USB cable included in the package.
• Faxing capabilities may be outdated for modern users.
• Not suitable for high-volume office use.
• Price may feel awkward compared to cheaper alternatives.

Where to buy the Brother MFC-J4335DW printer

If you're interested in purchasing the Brother MFC-J4335DW, it's available on Amazon for $189.99.

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