Our take
Brother's HL-2170W is a monochrome, single-function laser printer with both wireless and wired network interfaces documented for the exact model. Its 250-sheet tray and compact body suit a desk or small shared queue, while manual duplex keeps two-sided work in the user's hands. Brother reports two speed ratings for A4 and Letter rather than a single universal result. There is no copy, scan, or fax workflow, and the checked specification does not establish a recommended monthly volume.
A small mono printer for a shared home or desk where the user can choose either built-in Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet and can handle manual duplex..
Choose a different printer if automatic duplex, color, copy or scan functions, or a stated monthly workload range is essential.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and 10/100 Ethernet support network printing without an optional network card.
- The 250-sheet tray can hold a substantial stack for a compact monochrome printer.
- A separate manual feed slot supports single-sheet specialty input in addition to the main tray.
What to weigh up
- Brother specifies manual duplex, so the user must turn and reload paper for two-sided output.
- The network interfaces cannot be used at the same time according to Brother's specification note.
- The reviewed page does not state a recommended monthly page range or a current offer condition.
The key details
| Model covered | HL-2170W |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print-only |
| Print output | Up to 22/23 ppm by A4/Letter rating |
| Two-sided printing | Manual duplex; Wi-Fi and Ethernet |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A focused black-and-white printer
The HL-2170W is an electrophotographic mono printer, not a multifunction model. It is suited to letters, forms, and other black-text jobs where color output and flatbed scanning are not needed. Brother publishes up to 22 and 23 pages per minute across its A4 and Letter ratings; the source reports both figures and does not promise that every job will reach either rate. If the office still needs to scan signed papers or make copies, add a separate device or compare a true MFP instead of expecting this printer to do those tasks.
Choose one network route at a time
Brother lists USB 2.0, 802.11b/g wireless LAN, and 10/100Base-TX Ethernet. This gives a user the choice of joining a Wi-Fi network or connecting through Ethernet, but Brother's note says the wireless and wired network interfaces cannot be used simultaneously. That matters in offices that expect a failover path or want Wi-Fi and Ethernet active together for separate groups. The source confirms interface types, not compatibility with every present-day router, security setting, or operating system; check the intended setup before relying on an older unit.
Manual duplex needs a person between sides
Brother explicitly calls the two-sided function manual duplex. The printer can help make a two-sided document, but the user has to follow the driver or panel sequence and feed the sheets back through the machine. This is reasonable for occasional handouts or a short packet. It is more interruptive when long reports are a routine, and it does not satisfy an automatic-duplex must-have in the finder. A nearby Brother model with an automatic duplexer may be a better fit if paper turning is the deciding issue.
A 250-sheet main tray, plus one-sheet feed
The specification lists a paper tray holding up to 250 sheets, a single-sheet manual feed slot, and output for up to 100 sheets face down. The regular tray is adequate for a modest shared stack, while the manual feed can separate envelopes or other allowed media from the main paper supply. Brother lists a mix of common office sizes and gives media weight limits by feed path, so specialty work should follow those instructions. A 100-sheet output bin may need more frequent clearing during a larger batch than an office-class printer with a higher output capacity.
Check the exact unit and computer setup
The model specification gives no recommended monthly workload range, so there is not enough manufacturer guidance to rank the HL-2170W by a personal or workgroup volume preference. Its Brother support record and model-specific manual are useful for checking ports and setup, but the unit's condition, included toner, and any previous repairs remain offer-specific. Confirm that the host computer can use a compatible driver and that the wireless setup matches the intended network. These are practical checks for any particular used or renewed offer, not claims about current price or stock.
What else to compare
Choose an automatic-duplex mono model for frequent two-sided jobs, or a monochrome MFP when copy and scan work is part of the routine.
Before you buy
Does the HL-2170W print both sides automatically?
No. Brother identifies manual duplex, which requires the user to turn and reload pages between sides.
Can wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi operate together?
Brother's specification says the wireless and wired network interfaces cannot be used at the same time.
Does Brother publish a recommended monthly range?
The reviewed HL-2170W specification does not state a recommended monthly page-volume range.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Brother HL-2170W exact-model specifications ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother HL-2170W specs: speed, connections, paper handling and manual duplex ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother U.S. HL-2170W product support and downloads ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
The decision
The HL-2170W brings built-in network choices to a focused mono printer, but manual duplex and an undocumented workload range limit how precisely it can be matched.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.