Brother LC406 vs LC406XL, Which One Should I Buy?

Choosing the right ink cartridges to keep your printer running smoothly is more than just picking the common ones on the market. It also requires balancing cost, quality, and your actual printing needs. If you own a Brother inkjet printer, you may be wondering between Brother LC406 vs LC406XL ink cartridges. In this blog, we will analyze the main differences between LC406 and LC406XL ink cartridges to help you decide which is the best choice.

Sneak Peek

Both products work well with the same Brother printers, providing excellent dark blacks and vivid tones. The main difference between the Brother LC406 and Brother LC406XL is the number of pages they can print. The LC406 XL prints more than twice as many pages as the LC406 and is more expensive.

Overall, the Brother LC406 ink cartridge is more suitable for users who don’t print much. If you print frequently, you’ll be more suitable for the Brother LC406XL ink cartridge. In addition, since the Brother ink LC406XL has a lower cost per page, it is more cost-effective in the long run.

Compatible Brother LC406XL Ink Cartridge 4-Pack – High Yield

• 30-Day Money Back Guarantee & 2-Year Warranty.
• Only 20% of the Original LC406XL 4-Pack Price
• With Upgraded IC Chips. No Installation Error.
• Fast Delivery within 1-3 Business Days.
• Sale Price: $59.95 (Cost Per Page: 0.29 cents)

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Brother LC406 vs LC406XL: Similarities

Although the Brother LC406 and Brother LC406XL correspond to different printing needs, they share a lot of similarities.

Compatible Printers

Both cartridges are compatible with a wide range of Brother printers, particularly the Brother MFC series, including:

• Brother MFC-J4335DW
• Brother MFC-J4335DW XL
• Brother MFC-J4340DW
• Brother MFC-J4345DW
• Brother MFC-J4345DW XL
• Brother MFC-J4535DW
• Brother MFC-J4535DW XL
• Brother MFC-J4540DW
• Brother MFC-J4540DW XL
• Brother MFC-J5855DW
• Brother MFC-J5955DW
• Brother MFC-J6555DW
• Brother MFC-J6955DW

For any printing volume, you can swap in replacements at any time without having to worry about printer compatibility.

Print Quality

The Brother LC406 and Brother LC406XL both offer excellent print quality. Whether you’re printing professional documents or photo images, both ink cartridges deliver high-quality results. You’ll always get the same outstanding deep black text and vibrant hues.

Brother LC406 vs LC406XL, What Is the Difference?

The main differences between the Brother LC406 and Brother LC406 XL ink cartridges are page yield, cartridge price, and cost per page. These are crucial in determining which cartridge is the better value for money.

Page Yield

The biggest difference between the Brother LC406 and Brother LC406XL is the page yield. The LC406 is a standard-yield ink cartridge. The Brother LC406 black ink cartridge typically lasts about 3,000 pages, while the Brother LC406 color ink cartridges (cyan, magenta, and yellow) last about 1,500 pages each.

In contrast, the LC406XL is a high-yield ink cartridge. The Brother LC406XL black ink cartridge lasts up to 6,000 pages, and each color ink cartridge lasts about 5,000 pages.

For frequent print users, the higher yield means less frequent replacement, making the LC406XL a better choice.

Cartridge Price

The Brother LC406 and LC406 XL ink cartridges are priced differently due to their different page yields. The LC406 standard ink cartridges are more affordable, costing $38.49 for black, $29.49 for each color (C/M/Y), or $107.97 for a four-pack. In contrast, the high-yield LC406XL cartridges are more expensive: $65.49 for black, $77.98 for color, or $280.48 for a four-pack.

While the LC406XL has a significantly higher upfront cost, it delivers a higher page yield, making it more cost-effective for high-volume printing. The choice will depend on your printing needs, standard LC406 for occasional use, LC406 XL cartridges for frequent, heavy-duty printing.

Cost Per Page

When choosing between Brother LC406 and Brother LC406 ink XL cartridges, it’s important to consider their price and cost per page. The cost per page measures the value for money of the cartridge, and the lower the number, the less you’ll spend per page.

Although the Brother LC406XL ink cartridges are more expensive than the standard Brother LC406 ink cartridges, the XL version has a lower cost per page than the standard version. In the long run, the lower cost per page makes the Brother LC406XL ink more economical to use in the long run. It is an ideal choice for users who print frequently.

Brother LC406 XL vs LC406, Which One to Choose?

Choosing between the Brother LC406 and Brother LC406XL depends on your printing habits and budget.

When to Choose Standard LC406:

• Print occasionally (e.g., monthly reports, invoices, or school assignments).
• Have a tight upfront budget and want to reduce expenses once and for all.
• Don’t want to leave partially used cartridges sitting for months (which can cause the ink to dry up).

For home users or small offices with less printing needs, the Brother LC406 provides reliable performance without the higher upfront cost of XL cartridges.

When to Choose High-Yield LC406XL:

• Print a lot of documents weekly or monthly (e.g. business proposals, marketing materials, or school assignments).
• Run a home office or small business and want to keep printing nonstop.
• Want to reduce the number of cartridge changes for convenience and less downtime.

For frequent users, the Brother LC406XL’s higher upfront price is worth its lower cost per page, making it a smart investment in the long run.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between the Brother LC406 and LC406XL ink cartridges comes down to how often you print, your budget, and how much you value convenience. If you print lightly and want to reduce upfront costs, choose the LC406. If you print heavily, run a business, or want to save money in the long term with fewer replacements, choose the LC406XL. By understanding your actual printing needs and calculating your cost per page, you can make an informed decision without spending too much.