Our take
The Brother HL-5240 is a monochrome laser printer for a direct-attached workstation or a small office that can use parallel connectivity. Brother's U.S. specification identifies the exact model, rates it up to 30 pages per minute on Letter paper, and lists Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284 parallel as standard interfaces. Its controller supports several common printer emulations, which can help in environments that still depend on older print workflows. The reviewed specification lists external network connectivity as an option, so a buyer should not assume the base printer contains Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Brother marks the model discontinued, and the same source no longer receives updates. It does not provide a comparable recommended monthly range or establish automatic or manual duplex printing for this exact unit. This makes it a narrow fit: monochrome pages and a known direct connection, with the surrounding setup checked separately. Inspect the label, feed path, output quality, toner, and driver support for the intended operating system. The tagged Amazon search is for the exact model and does not verify a seller's current configuration or condition.
A workstation or small office that needs straightforward monochrome text printing over a direct USB or parallel connection..
It is not a fit if built-in Wi-Fi, standard Ethernet, automatic duplex, scanning, copying, faxing, or a published monthly recommendation is essential.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Brother rates the HL-5240 up to 30 ppm on Letter paper.
- USB 2.0 and parallel interfaces support direct attachment to a workstation.
- The documented printer languages can help with established office print workflows.
What to weigh up
- The standard U.S. interface list does not include built-in Ethernet or wireless networking.
- Automatic and manual duplex capability are not confirmed in the reviewed specification.
- A comparable recommended monthly print range is not stated.
The key details
| Model covered | HL-5240 |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print-only output |
| Print output | Up to 30 ppm on Letter paper |
| Two-sided printing | USB 2.0 and parallel; duplex is not confirmed |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 5, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A direct monochrome print role
Brother's U.S. page describes the HL-5240 as an electrophotographic printer with a Letter rating up to 30 ppm. It is suited to business text and routine monochrome documents where color and paper capture are handled elsewhere. The model is distinct from networked or duplex-equipped siblings in the HL family, so compare the full label rather than assuming that a feature from a similarly numbered unit transfers to this one.
USB and parallel are the documented connections
The standard interfaces are Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284 parallel. Brother lists external network connectivity as an option, which is different from built-in Ethernet on the base configuration. That may suit an older workstation directly, but shared office printing requires checking the precise adapter or print-server arrangement. The reviewed U.S. page does not establish standard Wi-Fi or Ethernet on the exact HL-5240.
Print speed has a defined paper basis
Brother gives a Letter speed of up to 30 pages per minute and separately lists an A4 rating of up to 28 ppm. That distinction is useful when comparing a U.S. office workflow: an A4 rating should not be presented as a Letter result. Actual throughput depends on document complexity, resolution settings, and the computer or print system that sends the job. No speed claim describes output quality on a used device.
Do not assume duplex or a monthly workload
The exact U.S. specification reviewed here does not confirm an automatic duplex unit or a manual re-feed feature for the HL-5240. It also does not state a recommended monthly range. The finder leaves those attributes unknown rather than borrowing them from the nearby HL-5250DN or from an optional component. If two-sided work or a volume threshold determines suitability, verify an exact-model manual or select a printer with explicit evidence.
Legacy driver support deserves a check
Brother marks the HL-5240 discontinued and says its page is no longer updated. A printed specification does not ensure that the model will work with a current office computer or server. Before choosing an older unit, confirm the available driver path, physical port, power cord, toner and drum state, paper pickup, sample output, and return options. The part in the offer should match the exact HL-5240 name used in the manufacturer record.
Use it where its limits fit
The HL-5240 makes sense when the main job is black-and-white printing through a direct computer connection and another device already manages scans and copies. It is less suitable as a shared, wireless office hub or a feature-complete network printer. The model's speed and interfaces provide a concrete starting point, while duplex and monthly workload remain open. Make the purchase decision around the work you can verify instead of the age or bundle description of an individual listing.
What else to compare
Choose Lexmark E260dn for documented automatic duplex and Ethernet. Choose HP LaserJet P2055d for automatic duplex plus a stated 750–3,000 page recommendation.
Before you buy
How fast is the Brother HL-5240 on Letter paper?
Brother rates this exact U.S. model up to 30 pages per minute on Letter paper.
Does the standard HL-5240 have Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Brother lists USB 2.0 and parallel as standard; external network connectivity is optional.
Is automatic duplex or a recommended monthly range confirmed?
The reviewed Brother U.S. specification does not confirm either item for the HL-5240.
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-5240 specifications ↗ — checked October 5, 2026.
- Brother U.S. HL-5240 print speed, technology, standard interfaces, and optional external networking ↗ — checked October 5, 2026.
The decision
The HL-5240 is a quick direct-attached mono printer, but its networking, duplex, and workload boundaries need conservative treatment.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.