What toner does the Brother HL-L8260CDW use?
You’ll likely save money by switching to a cheaper-to-run alternative. On a typical 2,750 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £2348.59 (keep) vs £465.02 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The Brother HL-L8260CDW uses Brother TN-421 and TN-421BK and TN-423 and TN-423BK toner cartridges.
Running costs at a glance
| Variant | Cost | Yield | Est. p/page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | £65.99 | 3,000 pages | 2.2p |
| Black (XL) | £85.99 | 6,500 pages | 1.3p |
| Colour (standard) | £220.99 | 1,800 pages | 12.3p |
| Colour (XL) | £350.99 | 4,000 pages | 8.8p |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 2,750 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Brother HL-L8260CDW | You own this printer | £2348.59 | £2348.59 |
| Upgrade to Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | £300.00 | £165.02 | £465.02 |
Explore this printer
Best ink and cartridge options
Compare standard vs XL and see the best value options for this printer.
Cost per page
Check approximate running costs for black, colour, and XL cartridges.
Keep or upgrade?
See whether this model is still good value or has become expensive to run.
Common printer problems
Open the troubleshooter for print quality, paper, and connection issues.
Cartridge Compatibility Chart
| Cartridge Name | Colour | Type | Est. Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother TN-421BK | black | Standard | ~3000 pages |
| Brother TN-423BK | black | XL / High Yield | ~6500 pages |
| Brother TN-421 C/M/Y | colour | Standard | ~1800 pages |
| Brother TN-423 C/M/Y | colour | XL / High Yield | ~4000 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying toner for your Brother HL-L8260CDW, you typically have two main options:
Original (OEM) Cartridges
Manufactured by Brother. These offer guaranteed reliability and print quality but typically come at a higher price point. They are the best choice for printing high-resolution photos or archival documents.
Compatible / Remanufactured
Made by third-party companies. These are often significantly cheaper than original cartridges. Quality can vary between brands, but reputable suppliers offer guarantees. These are often a cost-effective choice for everyday document printing.
When to Replace Your Toner
You should look into replacing your cartridges when print quality begins to fade, colors appear missing, or your printer displays a "Low Toner" warning. Laser toner cartridges typically last much longer than inkjet cartridges but will eventually produce lighter text as they run low. Shaking the toner cartridge gently can sometimes extend its life briefly.
Tip: Store replacement toner cartridges in a cool, dry place. They have a long shelf life compared to ink.
Available Cartridges
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Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the Brother HL-L8260CDW use?
It uses the Brother TN-421 and TN-421BK and TN-423 and TN-423BK range. Standard and high-yield (XL) variants may be available depending on the cartridge set.
Is the Brother HL-L8260CDW expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 1.3p per black page and 8.8p per colour page. Whether it feels expensive depends on your monthly volume and whether you use standard or XL supplies.
What's the cheapest toner for the Brother HL-L8260CDW?
For black printing, the best value is typically the high-yield (XL) option — it costs more upfront but usually works out cheaper per page.