Comparing the Lexmark CX431adw and Brother MFC-L9570CDW: The Ultimate Guide

Today, we compare two leading contenders in the A4 color laser multifunction category: the Lexmark CX431adw and the Brother MFC-L9570CDW. Both are designed for demanding environments, but how do they stack up in terms of performance, convenience, ink (toner) consumption, and security, especially for remote workers? This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the Printers

Lexmark CX431adw

The Lexmark CX431adw is a compact, color laser multifunction printer (MFP) designed for small workgroups and home offices. It offers print, scan, copy, and optional fax capabilities, with a focus on vibrant color output, robust security, and ease of use. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for remote workers with limited space.

Key Features:

• Print, scan, copy, fax (optional)

• Print speed: up to 26 ppm (color and mono)

• 2.8-inch color touchscreen

• Duplex (two-sided) printing and scanning

• Wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity

• Cloud integration (Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive)

• High-yield toner options

Brother MFC-L9570CDW

The Brother MFC-L9570CDW is a high-performance color laser all-in-one printer built for medium to high-volume environments. It is packed with advanced features, including a large touchscreen, high-speed printing and scanning, and enterprise-grade security. Its robust build and expandability make it suitable for both busy home offices and small businesses.

Key Features:

• Print, scan, copy, fax

• Print speed: up to 33 ppm (color and mono)

• 7-inch color touchscreen

• Duplex printing and single-pass duplex scanning

• Wireless, Ethernet, USB, NFC connectivity

• Advanced security (NFC, Active Directory, Secure Print)

• High-capacity paper trays and toner options

2. Performance

Print Speed and Quality

Lexmark CX431adw:

• Print speed: Up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both color and black-and-white documents.

• Print resolution: Up to 2400 x 600 dpi, delivering sharp text and vibrant color graphics.

• First page out: Fast warm-up, suitable for quick jobs.

• Duplex printing: Automatic, with minimal speed reduction.

• Scanning: Up to 96 images per minute (ipm) for duplex scanning.

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• Print speed: Up to 33 ppm for both color and black-and-white documents, making it one of the fastest in its class.

• Print resolution: Up to 2400 x 600 dpi, ensuring professional-quality output.

• First page out: Less than 10 seconds for most jobs.

• Duplex printing: Automatic, with real-world speeds around 15 ppm for double-sided jobs.

• Scanning: Single-pass duplex scanning at up to 104 ipm, ideal for large document batches.

Summary:
The Brother MFC-L9570CDW edges ahead in raw speed, especially for high-volume tasks. Both printers deliver excellent print quality, but the Brother’s faster scanning and printing make it better suited for users with heavy workloads.

Reliability and Duty Cycle

Lexmark CX431adw:

• Monthly duty cycle: Up to 75,000 pages

• Recommended monthly volume: 750 to 5,000 pages

• Steel frame and long-life imaging components for durability

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• Monthly duty cycle: Up to 80,000 pages

• Recommended monthly volume: Up to 6,000 pages

• Built for high-volume, continuous use

Summary:
Both printers are built for reliability, but the Brother MFC-L9570CDW is designed for even higher monthly volumes, making it a better fit for users with demanding print needs.

3. Convenience and Usability

Setup and Footprint

Lexmark CX431adw:

• Compact and lightweight (approx. 42.7 lbs)

• Dimensions: 13.6″ x 16.2″ x 15.5″

• Fits easily in small home offices or shared spaces

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• Larger and heavier (approx. 65.4 lbs)

• Dimensions: 21.6″ x 19.5″ x 20.7″

• Requires more space, better suited for dedicated office areas

User Interface

Lexmark CX431adw:

• 2.8-inch color touchscreen

• Intuitive navigation for print, scan, copy, and cloud functions

• Mobile print support (Lexmark Mobile Print, Google Cloud Print, AirPrint, Mopria)

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• 7-inch color touchscreen, highly customizable

• Easy access to advanced features, workflows, and cloud services

• NFC for tap-to-print and secure authentication

Paper Handling

Lexmark CX431adw:

• Standard input: 251 sheets

• Expandable up to 751 sheets

• 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF)

• Automatic duplex printing and scanning

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• Standard input: 300 sheets, expandable up to 2,380 sheets

• 80-sheet ADF with single-pass duplex scanning

• Handles large print and scan jobs with ease

Connectivity

Lexmark CX431adw:

• Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, USB

• Cloud connectors for Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive

• Mobile print and scan support

Brother MFC-L9570CDW:

• Wireless, Ethernet, USB, NFC

• Mobile print (iPrint&Scan, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria)

• Advanced cloud and network integration

Summary:
The Lexmark CX431adw is more compact and easier to fit into small spaces, making it ideal for remote workers with limited room. The Brother MFC-L9570CDW offers a larger, more customizable interface and greater paper capacity, which is advantageous for users with higher throughput or more complex workflows.

4. Ink (Toner) Consumption and Cost

Lexmark CX431adw

• Uses Lexmark Unison™ toner cartridges, available in standard and extra-high-yield versions.

• Extra-high-yield cartridges reduce the frequency of replacements and lower the cost per page.

• Designed for efficiency, with energy-saving modes and recycling programs to minimize waste.

• Typical running costs are competitive for its class, especially with high-yield cartridges.

Brother MFC-L9570CDW

• Ships with high-yield toner cartridges (6,500 pages for each color, optional 9,000-page cartridges available).

• Very low cost per page, especially for high-volume users.

• Designed for high-volume environments, with large toner and paper capacities to minimize interruptions.

• Energy-efficient operation and robust recycling programs.

Summary:
Both printers offer high-yield toner options and energy-saving features. The Brother MFC-L9570CDW is optimized for even lower running costs at high volumes, making it a strong choice for users who print thousands of pages per month.

5. Security Features

Lexmark CX431adw

• Comprehensive security features built into the device, including:

  • Document, device, and network security

  • Secure print release (PIN or authentication required)

  • Encrypted data transmission

  • Firmware integrity checks

• Lexmark’s full-spectrum security approach is designed to protect sensitive information at every stage.

Brother MFC-L9570CDW

• Enterprise-grade security, including:

  • Secure Print (PIN-protected printing)

  • Secure Function Lock (restricts features by user/department)

  • Active Directory authentication

  • Integrated NFC card reader for badge authentication

  • Support for enterprise security protocols (802.1x, IPSec, SSL/TLS)

  • Triple Layer Security for document, device, and network protection

Summary:
Both printers offer robust security, but the Brother MFC-L9570CDW provides more advanced options for user authentication and enterprise integration, making it particularly suitable for organizations with strict security requirements.

6. Suitability for Remote Workers

Lexmark CX431adw

Strengths:

• Compact size fits easily in home offices

• Simple setup and intuitive interface

• Strong security for sensitive documents

• Cloud integration for easy document sharing

• Quiet operation, suitable for shared living spaces

Potential Drawbacks:

• Lower paper and toner capacity may require more frequent refills for heavy users

Brother MFC-L9570CDW

Strengths:

• High-speed printing and scanning for demanding workloads

• Large, customizable touchscreen for advanced workflows

• Massive paper and toner capacity minimizes interruptions

• Advanced security features for compliance and peace of mind

• NFC and Active Directory support for secure, multi-user environments

Potential Drawbacks:

• Larger footprint may not suit small home offices

• Heavier and more complex to set up

Summary:
For remote workers with limited space and moderate print needs, the Lexmark CX431adw is an excellent choice. For those with higher volumes, more complex workflows, or stricter security requirements, the Brother MFC-L9570CDW is the superior option.

7. Comparison Table

8. Conclusion

Choosing the right printer for remote work depends on your specific needs:

• Lexmark CX431adw is ideal for remote professionals who value a compact, easy-to-use device with strong security and cloud integration. Its print quality and reliability make it a solid choice for most home offices, especially where space is at a premium and print volumes are moderate.

• Brother MFC-L9570CDW is the powerhouse for those who need speed, capacity, and advanced security. Its high-yield toner, large paper trays, and enterprise-grade features make it perfect for high-volume users, small businesses, or remote workers who handle sensitive information and require robust authentication.

Both printers deliver excellent performance, but your choice should reflect your workspace, print volume, and security needs. For most remote workers, the Lexmark CX431adw offers a balanced blend of performance and convenience. For those with greater demands, the Brother MFC-L9570CDW is a future-proof investment.