Brother LC3033 Vs. LC3035: Which Ink Cartridge Should You Choose?

The Brother LC3033 and LC3035 are popular ink cartridge models compatible with various Brother printer models.

Deciding between these two cartridges can be tricky, as they have similarities along with some key differences. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth comparison of the LC3033 and LC3035 to help you determine the right cartridge for your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Brother LC3033	Brother LC3035
Page Yield	600 pages	1,200 pages
Compatible Printers	MFC-J6530DW, MFC-J6730DW, MFC-J6930DW, MFC-J6947DW	MFC-J6520DW, MFC-J6720DW, MFC-J6920DW
Cartridge Type	Ink cartridge	High yield ink cartridge
Estimated Cartridge Life	1 year	1.5 years
Print Quality	Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi	Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi
Ink Colors	Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow	Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow
Ink Volume	65 ml per cartridge	130 ml per cartridge
Page Coverage	5% per color	5% per color

Overview of the Brother LC3033

The Brother LC3033 is an original cartridge designed for use with various Brother inkjet MFP models like the MFC-J6530DW, MFC-J6730DW, and MFC-J6930DW. This cartridge comes with an average page yield of 600 pages if you do normal printing. The estimated cartridge life is around 1 year.

Some key features and specs:

• Black, cyan, magenta and yellow ink cartridges included
• Up to 1200 x 6000 dpi print resolution
• Yields around 600 pages
• Print speed up to 22 ppm in black, 20 ppm in color
• Integrated ink bottles with auto-stop fill system
• Around 65 ml of ink per cartridge
• Estimated cartridge life of 1 year
• 5% page coverage

The LC3033 cartridges feature Brother’s unique high-density ink formulation along with print resolutions of up to 1200 x 6000 dpi. It uses dye-based inks which produce vivid colors and sharp detail. The integrated auto-stop ink bottle system allows convenient, mess-free refilling.

Overall, the LC3033 offers reliable performance for regular home and small office printing needs. The modest 600 page yield may require more frequent replacements for higher volume users.

Overview of the Brother LC3035

The Brother LC3035 is a high-yield ink cartridge series designed for Brother MFC-J6520DW, MFC-J6720DW, and MFC-J6920DW models. With a yield of 1,200 pages per cartridge, it offers double the print capacity of the standard LC3033.

Here are some key features of the LC3035:

• Includes black, cyan, magenta and yellow individual ink cartridges
• Yields up to 1,200 pages per cartridge
• Same 1200 x 6000 dpi max print resolution
• Print speeds of up to 22 ppm black, 20 ppm color
• 130ml individual ink tanks
• Rated cartridge life of 1.5 years
• 5% page coverage percentage

The LC3035 high-capacity cartridges use Brother’s unique pigment-based inks for sharp, long-lasting prints. The larger 130 ml ink tanks allow up to twice as many prints compared to standard cartridges. Much like the LC3033, the auto-stop fill system provides mess-free refilling when needed.

With its high page yields, the LC3035 is ideal for small offices, busy homes, and other users with higher print volumes. The reduced number of changes also adds convenience.

Also Read: Differences Between HP 910XL And 916XL.

Key Differences Between the LC3033 and LC3035

The Brother LC3033 and LC3035 cater to slightly different needs, despite their overall similarities. Here are some of the key differences between these two cartridge models:

1. Page Yield

The LC3035 high-yield cartridges offer a significant advantage in terms of page yield, boasting a capacity of 1200 pages per cartridge, which is double compared to the 600 pages that the standard LC3033 can produce.

This higher page yield of the LC3035 makes it an ideal option for environments where printing is frequent and voluminous, as it necessitates fewer cartridge replacements, thereby reducing downtime and improving productivity.

2. Printer Model Compatibility

While the LC3033 is compatible with MFC-J6530/6730/6930 printer models, the LC3035 is designed specifically for MFC-J6520/6720/6920 printers.

It is imperative for users to verify the compatibility of the cartridge with their printer model before making a purchase to avoid any inconveniences or interruptions in printing tasks.

3. Type of Ink

The LC3035 cartridges utilize pigment-based inks, which are renowned for their fade and water resistance, making them preferable for documents that require longevity. In contrast, the LC3033 contains dye-based inks, which, while capable of producing vibrant and sharp prints, may not offer the same level of durability against environmental factors as pigment inks.

4. Ink Volume

At 130ml per cartridge, the LC3035 holds almost double the ink volume compared to the 65ml LC3033. This increased ink capacity translates to fewer cartridge changes, which is especially beneficial for high-volume printing environments as it minimizes interruptions and maximizes efficiency.

5. Cartridge Life Expectancy

The expected life of the LC3035 cartridge is longer, standing at 1.5 years, in comparison to the 1 year expectancy for the standard LC3033.

This extended lifespan is advantageous for users seeking to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacements and associated costs, particularly in a business setting.

6. Cost Considerations

While the LC3035 does come with a higher initial cost per cartridge pack due to its higher page yield and ink volume, it offers a lower cost per print, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run for users with substantial printing needs.

7. Suitable Usage Scenarios

The LC3035, with its higher yield and longer lifespan, is better suited for office use or for scenarios with higher printing volumes of 500+ pages per month.

On the other hand, the LC3033, with its lower yield, is ideal for lower-volume printing needs, typically around 200-300 pages per month, making it suitable for home or personal use.

8. Print Quality

Both the LC3033 and LC3035 deliver excellent print quality, producing crisp and vivid images and text. However, the pigment inks used in the LC3035 provide added benefits of fade and water resistance, which can be particularly important for documents that need to withstand environmental exposure and time.

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Pros and Cons of the Brother LC3033 Ink Cartridges

Pros:

• Decent 600 page yield for moderate use
• Vivid, sharp print quality
• Dye-based inks provide nice color vibrancy
• Auto-stop bottle filling system is convenient
• Small 65ml cartridges are easy to store and handle
• Typically cheaper per cartridge pack than LC3035
• Fits popular Brother MFC-J6530/6730/6930 models

Cons:

• Yields only 600 pages which requires frequent changes for high print volumes
• Dye-based inks are not as water/smudge resistant
• Individual cartridges are relatively expensive for high volume use
• May need to replace every 1 year for moderate use
• Not ideal for office or 500+ page per month use

Pros and Cons of the Brother LC3035 Ink Cartridges

Pros:

• High 1200 page yield perfect for frequent printing
• Pigment-based inks are fade and water resistant
• 130ml cartridges hold nearly double the ink
• Auto-stop bottle refill system included
• Yields up to 1.5 years of use for average volumes
• Cost per page is lower than LC3033
• Ideal for office and 500+ page/month use

Cons:

• More expensive upfront than LC3033 cartridges
• Only fits Brother MFC-J6520/6720/6920 models
• High capacity may be overkill for light <200 page/month use
• Takes up more storage space than LC3033 cartridges
• Cannot be interchanged with LC3033 series

Also Read: Choose Between HP 202a And 202x Toner Cartridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Choose Between Epson 126 And 127 Ink Cartridges.

Final Thoughts

For moderate 200-300 page per month volumes, the standard Brother LC3033 cartridges offer a cost-effective option. But buyers printing 500+ pages should consider stepping up to the high-yield LC3035 series.

While more expensive upfront, the LC3035 provides lower cost per print and fewer changes for busy offices and homes. Just be sure to match the cartridge series with your specific compatible Brother printer model. With either option, you can enjoy Brother’s reliable print quality and performance.