Our take
Brother's U.S. page identifies the HL-3170CDW as a discontinued color laser printer with wireless and Ethernet networking. It rates black and color output at up to 23 pages per minute and lists a 250-sheet input tray with a 100-sheet output capacity. Duplex wording on the page is inconsistent at a broad level: the general feature row says duplex printing capability is available, while the specific Automatic Duplex Printing field says No. For matching, the explicit automatic-duplex field controls, so this model must not enter an automatic-duplex shortlist. Manual duplex is left unconfirmed from the checked specification. It is therefore a plausible color printer for users who value connectivity and do not require built-in page turning, but not for a hard two-sided-print requirement.
A small office that wants color output with either wireless or Ethernet and can accept one-sided printing or a separately verified manual process..
Do not choose it when automatic two-sided output, a documented recommended monthly workload, current product support or copy and scan functions are required.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Brother documents both Wi-Fi and Ethernet, so the printer can join a wireless or wired office setup.
- The manufacturer rates black and color output up to 23 ppm.
- A 250-sheet input tray and 100-sheet output capacity are documented.
What to weigh up
- Brother's feature table explicitly marks Automatic Duplex Printing as No.
- Brother marks the model discontinued, and current software or supply support should be checked.
- The checked page does not state a recommended monthly page range.
The key details
| Model covered | HL-3170CDW |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print only |
| Print output | Color laser; up to 23 ppm black and color |
| Two-sided printing | No automatic duplex; 250-sheet input |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 8, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Wireless color output in a print-only design
Brother's product page calls the HL-3170CDW a compact color laser printer and lists wireless and Ethernet networking. It is print-only; copy and scan functions are not part of the documented model. This makes it more suitable for an office that already has document capture covered than for a buyer seeking one all-in-one device. The connections provide more placement choice than a USB-only printer, but users should confirm present driver compatibility and the state of any used unit before relying on its original mobile-print feature list.
A specific field resolves the duplex question
Brother's page has a broad Duplex Printing Capability row marked Yes and a more specific Automatic Duplex Printing row marked No. The latter answers whether the printer itself turns pages automatically. For a buyer who requires automatic duplex, this model fails that condition and should not be presented as a match just because the page uses the broader word duplex. The reviewed source does not settle the exact manual page-turning workflow, so that remains unknown. If manual handling is acceptable, verify the driver steps and supported paper path before a repeat job.
Rated speed and paper capacity support ordinary color jobs
Brother rates both black and color output up to 23 pages per minute and lists a 250-sheet input tray and 100-sheet output capacity. These maker specifications describe the device class, not an observed speed for a mixed document or a guarantee that an old unit will perform identically. The capacity can hold a regular stack of office paper, while the smaller output bin means longer runs should be checked before the tray overflows. Brother does not state a recommended monthly page range on the cited page, so volume fit stays open.
The connection options do not add scanning
The standard interface field lists 802.11b/g/n wireless, Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct and Hi-Speed USB 2.0. Those options can help staff send print jobs from compatible devices, but the HL-3170CDW remains a single-function printer. A home office that needs both color printing and document capture will need another scanner or an MFP. For a shared team, confirm its network security and operating-system support as part of the setup plan; the historic mobile-print list does not guarantee current app availability or compatibility.
Discontinued status changes what to verify
Brother labels this model discontinued. Its original feature table can still explain the intended configuration, but it cannot confirm parts, consumables, service or condition for a current secondhand unit. Ask for the exact label, a configuration page, a color sample, the page count and information about included toner. The source gives no recommended workload and no live details about an offer. Buyers should not assume that a product title establishes exact current stock, price or seller quality; those details must be checked on the actual listing.
Choose a different model for hands-free two-sided output
If automatic duplex is a requirement, compare a model whose manufacturer specification explicitly marks it standard, such as the published Brother HL-L3270CDW or the Lexmark B2236dw's monochrome alternative for black-only needs. The HL-3170CDW may still fit a color workflow where one-sided pages are routine and wireless or Ethernet matters. The decision turns on the automatic-duplex condition, not a vague family label. No current price, stock, testing result or buyer-review claim is used in this assessment.
What else to compare
For color printing with confirmed automatic duplex and wireless, compare the published Brother HL-L3270CDW. For mono output with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and automatic duplex, the Lexmark B2236dw is another model in this batch.
Before you buy
Does Brother list automatic duplex on the HL-3170CDW?
No. Brother's specific Automatic Duplex Printing field says No, despite a broader row that says duplex capability is available.
Does the HL-3170CDW include Wi-Fi and Ethernet?
Yes. Brother lists wireless 802.11b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interfaces.
Does Brother publish a recommended monthly volume?
The checked HL-3170CDW product page does not state a recommended monthly page 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 U.S. HL-3170CDW product page and feature table ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Brother U.S. HL-3170CDW product page: interfaces, color speed, paper handling, discontinued and duplex fields ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Brother HL-3170CDW brochure: model overview and duplex description ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Search this model on Amazon · Tagged exact-model Amazon search; historical ASIN mapping is unverified ↗Paid link · We may earn a commission. — checked October 8, 2026.
The decision
The HL-3170CDW suits a connected color-print routine only when automatic two-sided printing is not required. Brother's explicit duplex field should guide the selection, and current condition and support need checking.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.