Brother MFC-J1010DW – Compact All-in-One Inkjet for Home & Small Office
- 02 Jul, 2025
Brother MFC-J1010DW – Compact All-in-One Inkjet for Home & Small Office
The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a budget-friendly, compact all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home users and small offices. It stands out for its wireless connectivity, automatic duplex printing, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for those who need reliable everyday printing, scanning, and copying without taking up much space.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet (Piezo print head) |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy, Fax |
| Max Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi |
| ISO Print Speed | 17 ppm (black), 9.5 ppm (color) |
| First Page Out | ~8 seconds (black) |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 2,500 pages |
| Recommended Volume | 50–1,000 pages/month |
| Input Tray Capacity | 150 sheets |
| ADF Capacity | 20 sheets |
| Display | 1.8” color LCD |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), Wi-Fi Direct |
| Mobile Printing | AirPrint, Brother Mobile Connect, Mopria, Google Cloud Print |
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS |
| Cartridge Yield | ~200 pages (black), ~200 pages (color) standard; high-yield available |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 15.7” x 13.5” x 13.5” |
| Weight | 16.4 lbs |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Design & Ease of Use
The MFC-J1010DW features a compact, boxy design that fits easily on a desk or shelf, making it ideal for tight spaces. The 1.8-inch color LCD and simple button controls provide straightforward navigation for all functions. Setup is quick, with clear on-screen prompts and support for mobile app installation. The automatic document feeder (ADF) holds up to 20 pages, streamlining multi-page scanning and copying. The front-loading 150-sheet paper tray is easy to access and refill, and the printer supports automatic two-sided (duplex) printing for added convenience.
Print Quality
Text documents print with sharp, legible characters suitable for business and schoolwork. Color graphics are vibrant, with good detail and minimal banding, making the printer suitable for charts, flyers, and casual photo prints. While photo quality is decent for an office inkjet, it may not satisfy demanding photographers—colors are accurate but not as rich as dedicated photo printers. The printer handles a variety of paper types, including glossy photo paper and envelopes.
Speed & Performance
The MFC-J1010DW delivers up to 17 ppm in black and 9.5 ppm in color (ISO standard), which is competitive for its class. First page out is quick, and the printer handles typical home and small office workloads efficiently. The 20-sheet ADF speeds up scanning and copying of multi-page documents. Duplex printing is automatic, reducing paper use and manual intervention.
Running Costs & Maintenance
Ink costs are moderate, with standard cartridges yielding about 200 pages each (black and color). High-yield cartridges are available for users with heavier print needs, helping to lower the cost per page. The printer is eligible for Brother’s Refresh subscription program, which can further reduce ink expenses. Replacing cartridges is straightforward, and the printer features an automatic print head cleaning function to maintain print quality.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The MFC-J1010DW offers flexible connectivity options:
- Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct for wireless printing from computers, smartphones, and tablets
- USB 2.0 for direct connection to a PC
- Supports AirPrint, Mopria, Brother Mobile Connect, and Google Cloud Print for seamless mobile and cloud printing
- Compatible with Windows and macOS; Linux support may require additional setup
Noise Level & Energy Use
The printer operates at a moderate noise level typical for inkjets, making it suitable for home environments. It is ENERGY STAR® certified and features sleep and deep sleep modes to minimize power consumption when not in use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, space-saving design
- Automatic duplex printing and 20-sheet ADF
- Good print quality for text and graphics
- Easy wireless and mobile printing setup
- Affordable price point
- ENERGY STAR certified
Cons:
- Modest cartridge yields (standard cartridges)
- Photo print quality is average
- No Ethernet port (Wi-Fi or USB only)
- Small display (1.8” LCD, not touchscreen)
- ADF does not support duplex scanning
Who Is This Printer For?
- Home users needing a reliable, compact all-in-one
- Students printing assignments and reports
- Home office workers with moderate print, scan, and copy needs
- Casual photo printers (not for professional photo output)
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking value and low running costs
Alternatives Compared
| Model | Key Differences | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J1010DW | Compact, duplex, ADF, wireless | Affordable, all-in-one, duplex | Modest ink yields, no Ethernet |
| Canon PIXMA TS7720 | Compact, better photo quality, no ADF | Superior photo prints, easy setup | No ADF, slower text printing |
| HP DeskJet Plus 4155 | Similar price, ADF, HP Instant Ink | Good mobile app, Instant Ink option | Slower, no duplex printing |
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5
The Brother MFC-J1010DW is a well-rounded, affordable all-in-one inkjet printer that excels in home and small office settings. Buy it if you want a compact, easy-to-use printer with wireless connectivity, automatic duplexing, and solid everyday performance—without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Q: Does the MFC-J1010DW support automatic two-sided (duplex) printing?
A: Yes, it supports automatic duplex printing for double-sided documents.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Absolutely. The printer supports AirPrint, Mopria, Brother Mobile Connect, and Google Cloud Print for easy mobile and cloud printing.
Q: What is the maximum paper capacity?
A: The main input tray holds up to 150 sheets, and the ADF can handle 20 sheets for scanning or copying.
Q: Are high-yield ink cartridges available?
A: Yes, high-yield cartridges are available for both black and color, reducing the cost per page for frequent users.
Q: Is the printer noisy?
A: The MFC-J1010DW operates at a moderate noise level typical for inkjets and is suitable for home use.