Brother MFC-J1170DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer REVIEW: A Comprehensive Look

Finding the right printer for my home office was a real headache. I needed something reliable, versatile, and ideally, hassle-free. The constant ink cartridge replacements and the associated costs with my old printer were a major drain on my time and budget. A new solution was needed to avoid further interruptions to my workflow and escalating expenses.

The market offers a vast array of multifunction printers (MFPs), each promising efficiency and convenience. However, the ideal choice depends heavily on individual needs and printing habits. If you’re a high-volume printer, a laser printer might be more economical in the long run, despite the higher initial investment. Conversely, if your printing needs are less demanding, an inkjet printer like the Brother MFC-J1170DW could be perfectly suitable. Before committing to a purchase, carefully consider your budget, typical print volume (both color and black & white), the types of documents you frequently print (photos, documents, etc.), and your connectivity requirements (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB).

Consider factors like print speed, paper handling capabilities, and scan resolution. Think about the level of connectivity you need; do you require mobile printing? Cloud integration? Also, analyze the long-term costs, including ink or toner replacements and potential maintenance expenses. Don’t forget to check user reviews and compare features across several models before making a final decision. Choosing the wrong printer can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary expense, making the careful consideration crucial.

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Brother MFC-J1170DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer, NFC One-Touch Print, Duplex, Cloud...
  • DELIVERING FULL FUNCTIONALITY. There’s no sacrificing features with this compact addition to any home, home office or small office space. This inkjet...
  • PUT THE POWER OF PRINTING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: The simple to use Brother Mobile Connect(1) App delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying,...
  • GENEROUS 2.7 INCH COLOR TOUCHSCREEN. Easy-to-read, color touchscreen display enables simple, intuitive navigation to powerful features plus print-from and...

Introducing the Brother MFC-J1170DW: A Detailed Overview

The Brother MFC-J1170DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer is a compact and versatile MFP designed for home offices and small businesses. It boasts a 2.7-inch color touchscreen, mobile device printing capabilities via Wi-Fi, NFC, and cloud printing, and a range of features such as automatic duplex printing. Compared to previous Brother models and other market leaders, the MFC-J1170DW offers a balance of features and affordability. It’s a suitable choice for those who need a reliable printer for everyday tasks like printing documents, photos, and scanning. However, it might not be ideal for professional photo printing or high-volume printing environments.

  • Pros: Compact design, easy setup, mobile printing capabilities, affordable, good print quality for everyday use, automatic duplex printing.
  • Cons: Relatively small ink cartridges, the screen might be too small for some users, print quality may not meet the standards of professional photographers.

Exploring the Brother MFC-J1170DW’s Key Features and Benefits

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the Brother MFC-J1170DW was surprisingly straightforward. The clear instructions and intuitive design made the process quick and easy, even for a novice like myself. Wireless connection was seamless, and I was able to connect to my home network without any issues. The Brother Mobile Connect app further simplified printing and scanning from my smartphone and tablet. The ability to print directly from cloud services is a significant bonus, increasing efficiency and flexibility.

Print Quality and Speed

Print quality is generally excellent for everyday documents and photos. Color reproduction is vibrant, and text is crisp and clear. The print speed is reasonably fast, significantly faster than my previous inkjet printer, especially useful when dealing with multiple pages. While not professional photo printer quality, the results are perfectly acceptable for home use, presentations, and personal projects.

Scanning and Copying

The scanning feature is another standout feature. The scanner is efficient and produces high-resolution scans, suitable for archiving documents or creating digital copies. The copying function is equally straightforward and produces clear, accurate copies. The ability to scan directly to cloud services is incredibly convenient.

Ink Management and the Brother Refresh Subscription

One of my biggest concerns with inkjet printers has always been the cost and frequency of ink replacements. The Brother MFC-J1170DW addresses this with its Brother Refresh subscription service. While not mandatory, the subscription offers a cost-effective way to manage ink levels and ensure you never run out. The automated ink delivery and different page volume options provide a convenient solution, especially for consistent printing needs. While the ink cartridges themselves are smaller than some competitors, the subscription helps offset this.

Other Notable Features

The 2.7-inch color touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly, making navigation intuitive. Automatic duplex printing saves paper and is environmentally responsible. The compact design is perfect for space-constrained home offices. Finally, the printer’s quiet operation is a welcome feature, especially in a home office environment.

Real User Experiences with the Brother MFC-J1170DW

Numerous online reviews praise the Brother MFC-J1170DW‘s ease of use and excellent print quality. Many users highlight the convenience of mobile printing and the Brother Refresh subscription service. Positive feedback consistently points to the printer’s compact design and straightforward setup process, making it ideal for home use.

Final Verdict: Why the Brother MFC-J1170DW is a Smart Choice

The Brother MFC-J1170DW solves the problem of needing a reliable, versatile, and cost-effective printer for the home or small office. Its ease of use, mobile printing capabilities, and the optional Brother Refresh subscription service make it a standout choice. If you’re tired of constantly dealing with ink cartridges and want a printer that just works, then this is a great option. Click here to check out the Brother MFC-J1170DW and experience the difference!

Last update on 2025-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API