Who should buy the Brother DCP-L2541DW?
If you print a lot of black-and-white documents and want duplex printing plus an ADF, this model still makes sense in 2025. It prints up to 30 ppm, supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint and Mopria, and uses the common TN-2365 toner with DR-2365 drum.
It’s not for photo printing or duplex scanning. The ADF is for single-sided scans and copies.
Table of Contents
Key specs at a glance of DCP-L2541DW
- Print speed: up to 30 ppm; automatic two-sided printing.
- ADF: 35 sheets; scanner glass up to 600×2400 dpi.
- Paper: 250-sheet tray; 100-sheet output.
- Noise: about 45 dB(A) in operation.
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct; AirPrint and Mopria support.
Supported OS and mobile printing
Drivers and software are available via Brother India’s downloads hub. For phones, you can print over AirPrint on iOS and Mopria on Android. Wi-Fi Direct lets you print without a router when supported.
DCP-L2541DW Price in India and what’s in the box
Brother lists an MRP of ₹30,990. Street prices usually sit lower – we’ve recently seen ~₹20,499 on mainstream marketplaces. Availability and offers can swing across retailers.
You get a full-capacity toner in the box (rated up to 2,600 pages). The separate drum is rated for about 12,000 pages.
Real-world costs: toner, drum and cost per page
The formula:
Cost per page = cartridge/drum price ÷ ISO yield. Mono laser yields follow ISO/IEC 19752. It’s designed for apples-to-apples comparisons at ~5% page coverage.
Consumables used: TN-2365 (2,600-page high-yield toner), DR-2365 drum (12,000 pages). Official MRP for both shows ₹4,190 each on Brother India’s supplies pages. Street prices vary and are often lower.
DCP-L2541DW Cost-per-page table (black)
| Item | Price (₹) | Yield (pages) | Cost/Page (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN-2365 toner – MRP | 4,190 | 2,600 | 1.61 |
| DR-2365 drum –MRP | 4,190 | 12,000 | 0.35 |
| Total (MRP basis) | – | – | 1.96 |
| TN-2365 toner – street example | 2,999 | 2,600 | 1.15 |
| DR-2365 drum – street example | 2,189 | 12,000 | 0.18 |
| Total (street basis) | – | – | 1.33 |
Notes: MRP from Brother India supplies pages. Street examples observed on large Indian retailers and marketplaces at time of writing; prices vary by seller and offer.
When the laser wins:
If you print ~400 text pages a month, the street-basis cost lands near ₹532 monthly. That’s predictable, smudge-free text with no ink clogs to manage.
Setup and daily use
Mobile printing shortcuts:
On iPhone, open Share → Print and choose the printer via AirPrint. On Android, enable Mopria Print Service. If you don’t have a router, Wi-Fi Direct creates a direct link from phone to printer.
Duplex speed vs simplex:
Expect about half the page rate in duplex mode because each sheet prints both sides Brother quotes up to 15 sides per minute in duplex.
ADF limits:
The 35-sheet ADF is handy for bills and forms, but it’s simplex. For two-sided originals, you’ll need to flip the stack.
Print quality and speed notes
Text on plain A4 looks crisp thanks to HQ1200 mode (2400×600 quality). Charts and simple greyscale graphics are fine for office use. This isn’t meant for photos.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast 30 ppm text, automatic duplex printing.
- 35-sheet ADF and 250-sheet tray fit small teams.
- Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint, Mopria.
- Common TN-2365/DR-2365 consumables with good availability.
Cons
- No duplex scanning via ADF.
- Drum adds a small extra cost per page after ~12k pages.
- OS list on the product page is dated; use the downloads hub for current drivers.
Alternatives to consider
- HP LaserJet M233/M236 class if you prefer HP’s software and service network. Check if the exact variant has ADF and duplex before buying.
- Canon imageCLASS MF27x/MF30xx lines for similar SMB features.
- Newer Brother DCP-L26xx models if stocked in your region.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
- Brother DCP-L2541DW: Duplex print, 35-sheet ADF, Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint/Mopria, TN-2365 toner.
- HP LaserJet M233/M236 class: Check ADF/duplex per variant; pricing competitive in the same band.
- Canon imageCLASS MF27x/MF30xx: Comparable mono MFPs for SMBs; check ADF and network features.
Maintenance and troubleshooting of DCP-L2541DW
Replace the toner when print fades or the printer prompts; replace the drum around 12,000 pages or when quality drops. Brother’s support pages and manuals cover common jams and cleaning steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Brother DCP-L2541DW good for students?
If you print a lot of notes and assignments, yes. It’s fast, has duplex, and cost per page is predictable. Not for photo prints.
Can it scan legal-size documents through the ADF?
Flatbed/ADF sizes vary by region. Check the user manual and spec page for maximum document size before purchase.
Does it work with iPhone and Android?
Yes. AirPrint on iOS, Mopria on Android, and Brother iPrint&Scan are supported.
What’s included in the box?
Printer, a full-capacity toner (up to 2,600 pages), and the drum unit.
What’s the duty cycle or recommended volume?
Brother’s India page doesn’t list a firm number. Resellers often quote ~10,000 pages monthly. As a rule of thumb, aim for 10–20% of any “max” figure for sustained use.
What paper works best for sharp text?
Standard 70–80 gsm copier paper is fine. Use good quality 80 gsm for dense charts to reduce curl.
How do I connect without a router?
Enable Wi-Fi Direct and print from the phone or laptop.
Featured Snippet Boxes
Does Brother DCP-L2541DW support AirPrint and Mopria?
Yes. It supports AirPrint on iOS and Mopria on Android, plus Wi-Fi Direct for router-free printing. USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi are built in, so it fits most setups.
What toner and drum does DCP-L2541DW use?
It uses the TN-2365 high-yield toner (rated 2,600 pages) and the DR-2365 drum (about 12,000 pages). Both are widely sold in India.
Does it have duplex printing and ADF?
Yes to both. Duplex printing is automatic. The ADF is 35 sheets and scans single-sided originals.
What’s the real cost per page?
Using official MRP, toner plus drum works out around ₹1.96 per page. Using recent street prices, about ₹1.33 per page. Actuals vary by seller and coverage.
What’s the current price in India?
MRP is ₹30,990. Street prices hover near ₹20.5–23.5k depending on stock and offers.
