Our take
The Brother MFC-8480DN is a monochrome laser all-in-one rated up to 32 pages per minute. Brother's exact-model specification lists copy, color scanning, fax, automatic duplex printing, a 50-sheet ADF, and standard 250-sheet tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose input. Ethernet is confirmed by Brother's supported-function and network material, with USB and parallel also documented. It is a credible wired fax MFP candidate; Wi-Fi and a recommended monthly range are not established in the saved sources.
A wired office that needs black-and-white print/copy/fax and automatic duplex, and can verify driver support for its computers..
It is not a match for color printing, built-in Wi-Fi, an automatically duplexing scanner, or buyers who require a stated recommended monthly workload.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Brother documents print, copy, scan, and fax with up to 32 ppm monochrome output.
- Automatic print duplex and a 50-sheet ADF suit recurring two-sided office paperwork.
- The exact sources confirm Ethernet, USB, and parallel connectivity rather than relying on the DN suffix alone.
What to weigh up
- The scanner is not documented as duplex, so two-sided originals need a separate workflow.
- The reviewed Brother sources do not state a recommended monthly range or built-in wireless networking.
- This is an older discontinued device; current condition, supplies, and driver compatibility must be checked.
The key details
| Model covered | MFC-8480DN |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Print, copy, scan, and fax |
| Print output | Monochrome; up to 32 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Automatic duplex |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A fax-capable monochrome MFP
Brother's exact model page identifies the MFC-8480DN as a business laser all-in-one, and its specification lists printing, copy, scan, and fax workflows. Print output is monochrome, while the scanner specification describes color capture. This distinction can suit an office that prints black documents but still scans color originals. A separate printer-only model may have fewer functions, but it cannot replace the fax and paper-capture steps that this machine documents.
Automatic duplex is for print output
Brother marks duplex print as supported and confirms automatic duplex printing. The scan side is different: duplex scan is listed as no. The 50-sheet ADF can feed originals, but the source does not establish automatic two-sided capture, so a user handling double-sided originals should expect a separate manual step unless another documented workflow applies. This distinction prevents the attractive phrase duplex from being stretched to cover every paper function on the device.
Ethernet is confirmed for a wired queue
The official technical sources identify 10/100 Ethernet, and Brother's supported-function document also lists USB and parallel interfaces. Ethernet can connect the MFP to a shared office network; USB or parallel are alternatives for compatible local hosts. The model's name does not establish Wi-Fi, and the saved sources do not document built-in wireless. If the device must sit away from a network cable, compare a model with explicit built-in Wi-Fi rather than assuming a separate adapter is included.
Paper capacity supports a steady routine
The standard paper arrangement is a 250-sheet tray plus a 50-sheet multipurpose feed, with a 50-sheet ADF for originals. That gives an office a defined paper setup for recurring work, but does not establish a recommended monthly page count. Brother does not provide a comparable workload range in the reviewed specification. Keep volume unknown and plan using actual workload and current supplies, rather than converting the 32 ppm rating or tray capacity into monthly guidance.
Legacy ownership requires a compatibility check
The model is discontinued and its support page lists older operating-system generations. Before choosing a used unit, check whether a suitable driver is available for the computers that will send print and scan jobs, and confirm that fax connections fit the local phone setup. Ask the seller about test status, consumables, and return terms. Brother's original specifications cannot establish whether a particular device is in working condition or whether a current network policy will allow its older protocols.
What else to compare
The Brother MFC-8890DW adds documented built-in Wi-Fi while retaining Ethernet and automatic duplex printing. Choose a single-function monochrome printer when fax and scanning would not be used.
Before you buy
Does the MFC-8480DN fax documents?
Yes. Brother lists fax as a supported function for this exact monochrome laser all-in-one.
Can it scan both sides automatically?
No. Brother's specification lists duplex scan as unavailable, even though automatic duplex printing is supported.
Does it include Ethernet?
Yes. Brother's exact-model documentation confirms a 10/100 Ethernet connection alongside USB and parallel interfaces.
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. MFC-8480DN exact-model specifications ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother U.S. MFC-8480DN functions, duplex print/scan, paper handling, and fax specifications ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother supported-function table confirming MFC-8480DN Ethernet, USB, and parallel interfaces ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
- Brother U.S. MFC-8480DN product identity and print speed ↗ — checked October 10, 2026.
The decision
Choose the MFC-8480DN when its wired fax-MFP role and automatic duplex printing fit. Keep scanning duplex, Wi-Fi, workload, and current compatibility as explicit limits.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.