Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Brother
HL-5340D Monochrome Laser Printer

Mono duplex printer with USB and parallel connections. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How our links work. This review uses linked manufacturer documentation. We have not tested this product hands-on.
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

The HL-5340D is a monochrome office printer for buyers who want automatic duplex and paper flexibility without a built-in network interface. Brother rates it up to 32 pages per minute and specifies a 250-sheet tray plus a 50-sheet multipurpose feed, for 300 sheets of standard input. That can help with a mixture of ordinary paper and occasional envelopes or alternate stock while keeping routine pages in the main tray. Its standard connections are USB 2.0 and parallel, so a shared office must plan for a suitable host or print server. Brother does not give a recommended monthly volume in the reviewed model material, and the printer has no copy, scan or fax functions.

Consider it for

A small office or personal desk that values automatic two-sided mono output and can use USB or parallel rather than Wi-Fi or Ethernet..

Look elsewhere if

It is not the right fit for built-in wireless, Ethernet network printing, color, scanning or a documented monthly workload target.

Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Brother documents automatic duplex as standard for the HL-5340D.
  • A 250-sheet tray and 50-sheet multipurpose feed provide 300 sheets of standard input.
  • USB 2.0 and parallel support direct connection to compatible systems.

What to weigh up

  • The exact model has no built-in Ethernet or wireless interface.
  • This is print-only monochrome hardware without copy, scan or fax.
  • A recommended monthly print range is not stated in the reviewed Brother material.

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredHL-5340D
Main functionsMonochrome print-only; rated up to 32 ppm
Print outputAutomatic duplex; 250-sheet tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose feed
Two-sided printingUSB 2.0 and parallel; no built-in wireless or Ethernet

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 7, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

What the features mean for you

A focused printer with automatic two-sided output

Brother describes the HL-5340D as a single-function monochrome laser printer. Its role is to make black pages, not to provide a document feeder, flatbed scanning or fax. The important feature distinction is that the D model includes automatic duplex printing. Someone who prints multi-page handouts, policy documents or reference copies can select two-sided output without manually turning each stack. This does not make every job faster or guarantee paper savings in every workflow, but it removes a repetitive handling step. If copying or scanning at the same desk is part of the need, compare an MFP instead of expecting accessories to expand the 5340D into one.

Speed and paper capacity support routine office jobs

The manufacturer rates this model up to 32 pages per minute. Treat that as a published maximum under specified conditions, not a guaranteed rate for a large PDF or every duplex job. Standard input combines a 250-sheet cassette with a 50-sheet multipurpose feed. The main tray handles a normal stack of office paper; the separate feed can help keep a second stock or occasional envelopes available without emptying the cassette. Optional trays can expand the machine, but those extras should be verified on the actual used unit. Brother does not state a recommended monthly range in the reviewed material, so the speed and sheet count should not be used to invent one.

Automatic duplex is the reason to choose this variant

The HL-5340D is specifically documented with standard automatic duplex. That gives it a clear advantage over similar single-sided printers when two-sided output is a routine choice. The feature operates in the print path, so it should be checked independently from the paper trays and connection method. Test the duplexer on an individual machine and inspect for misfeeds or damaged guides if purchasing used. A feature listed by Brother does not tell us whether a particular device has been maintained or whether its driver exposes the required options in a current environment. When duplex is a must-have, verify both the exact model label and a working two-sided sample.

Connection options are direct rather than networked

Brother lists Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and IEEE 1284 parallel as standard interfaces. Neither built-in Wi-Fi nor Ethernet is listed for this exact D model. A single workstation can use USB, while legacy or specialized systems may still use parallel. For a shared printer, another computer or a separately verified print server would need to provide the bridge; that introduces an additional compatibility question and does not change the base printer profile. A buyer who wants an uncomplicated wireless setup should choose a model with the radio included. Confirm the intended computer port and driver support before committing to an older device.

Evaluate the used machine as carefully as its specification sheet

The HL-5340D is a discontinued product, and an exact feature list cannot reveal the state of a particular unit. Check the full model number, toner and drum condition, tray presence, feed rollers, USB connection and duplex operation. The multipurpose feed is useful only if it opens, feeds and closes correctly; the optional extra trays should not be assumed from a family photo. Also confirm whether the operating system in the planned setup can install a suitable driver. This model can serve an office that values black output and automatic duplex, but supply condition and connectivity need more attention than with a currently supported printer.

What else to compare

Choose an HL variant with documented Ethernet or wireless when network sharing is needed, or choose a Brother MFC if scanning and copying belong in the same workflow.

Explore this category →

Before you buy

Does the HL-5340D print on both sides automatically?

Yes. Brother lists standard automatic duplex printing for this exact D configuration.

Can I connect it directly over Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

No built-in wireless or Ethernet is listed; Brother specifies USB 2.0 and parallel.

Does it scan or copy?

No. The HL-5340D is a single-function printer, without copy, scan or fax functions.

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.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

The HL-5340D's value is its combination of automatic duplex, 300-sheet standard input and direct wired connections. Its network limitation and undocumented monthly recommendation narrow the situations where it fits.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

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