What ink does the Brother MFC-J5945DW use?
Running costs are competitive for its class. On a typical 700 pages/month, the 2‑year total could be £42.00 (keep) vs £342.00 (upgrade incl. hardware).
The Brother MFC-J5945DW uses Brother LC3237 and LC3237BK and LC3239 and LC3239XLBK ink cartridges.
Running costs at a glance
| Variant | Cost | Yield | Est. p/page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black (standard) | £25.99 | 3,000 pages | 0.9p |
| Black (XL) | £45.99 | 6,000 pages | 0.8p |
| Colour (standard) | £65.99 | 1,500 pages | 4.4p |
| Colour (XL) | £120.99 | 5,000 pages | 2.4p |
What would you save by switching?
Comparison uses a simple 2‑year estimate at 700 pages/month (based on this model’s recommended volume).
| Option | Printer cost | Ink cost (2 years) | Total (2 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep Brother MFC-J5945DW | You own this printer | £42.00 | £42.00 |
| Upgrade to Epson EcoTank ET-2850 | £300.00 | £42.00 | £342.00 |
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 LC3237BK | black | Standard | ~3000 pages |
| Brother LC3239XLBK | black | XL / High Yield | ~6000 pages |
| Brother LC3237 C/M/Y | colour | Standard | ~1500 pages |
| Brother LC3239XL C/M/Y | colour | XL / High Yield | ~5000 pages |
Original vs. Compatible Cartridges
When buying ink for your Brother MFC-J5945DW, 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 Ink
You should look into replacing your cartridges when print quality begins to fade, colors appear missing, or your printer displays a "Low Ink" warning. For inkjet printers like this, it is recommended to replace cartridges as soon as quality drops to prevent the printhead from drying out or clogging.
Tip: If you print infrequently, run a print head cleaning cycle once every few weeks to keep the ink flowing smoothly and prevent blockages.
Available Cartridges
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ink does the Brother MFC-J5945DW use?
It uses the Brother LC3237 and LC3237BK and LC3239 and LC3239XLBK range. Standard and high-yield (XL) variants may be available depending on the cartridge set.
Is the Brother MFC-J5945DW expensive to run?
Estimated running cost is around 0.3p per black page and 0.3p per colour page. Whether it feels expensive depends on your monthly volume and whether you use standard or XL supplies.
What's the cheapest ink for the Brother MFC-J5945DW?
For black printing, the best value is typically the high-yield (XL) option — it costs more upfront but usually works out cheaper per page.