Our take
The MFC-L5700DW makes sense when monochrome document handling matters more than color: Brother documents printing, copying, scanning, and fax, plus automatic duplex and both wired and wireless networking. Its 42 ppm rating is substantial for routine office pages, while a 50-sheet ADF and 300 sheets of standard input define the scale of unattended work. Brother recommends up to 3,500 pages per month but does not state a lower bound, so that guidance is a ceiling rather than a complete workload band.
A small or midsize office that needs a networked monochrome fax MFP and wants to automate two-sided output..
Look elsewhere for color output, automatic two-sided scanning, a large paper reserve, or an exact lower and upper monthly recommendation.
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 in this exact monochrome model.
- Automatic duplex printing, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet cover common shared-office workflows.
- The 42 ppm rating and 300 sheets of standard input suit regular document batches.
What to weigh up
- The 50-sheet ADF is not documented as a duplex feeder, so two-sided originals need manual handling.
- The recommended monthly guidance states an upper limit of 3,500 pages but no lower bound.
- Its monochrome output cannot serve color documents or presentations.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | MFC-L5700DW |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print, copy, scan, and fax |
| Print output | Up to 42 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Automatic duplex printing |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 12, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
One model for four office tasks
Brother's brochure identifies the MFC-L5700DW as a monochrome laser all-in-one for printing, copying, scanning, and faxing. This combination is useful when a shared desk handles paper forms as well as computer-generated documents: the scanner and copier support intake and duplication, while fax remains available for workflows that still use it. Those functions are documented for the exact model rather than inferred from the MFC-L5700 family. Color is not part of the offer, so choose it only if black-only output is acceptable for every task assigned to the machine.
Rated speed suits recurring document queues
Brother lists output up to 42 pages per minute. That is a manufacturer rating and helps compare the device's intended pace, but real jobs vary with page coverage, connection, and document handling. The main 250-sheet tray plus a 50-sheet multipurpose feed provide 300 sheets of standard input. A small office can keep ordinary paper in the tray and use the multipurpose feed for a separate job, while a team that prints long runs should consider whether frequent replenishment is acceptable or whether another exact model with larger documented input capacity would fit better.
Automatic duplex applies to printed pages
The MFC-L5700DW automatically prints on both sides, reducing manual page turning for reports and forms. Brother separately documents a 50-sheet ADF, but the checked brochure does not establish duplex scanning through that feeder. Buyers should keep output and document intake separate in their expectations: automatic two-sided printing does not mean a stack of double-sided originals can be scanned in one pass. If duplex originals are routine, verify the exact feeder workflow or choose an exact-model source that confirms it. For ordinary simplex originals and duplex reports, this configuration has a clearer fit.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet give two sharing choices
Brother lists Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. Wireless can simplify placement where cabling is inconvenient; Ethernet suits a fixed office connection; USB remains available for a direct workstation setup. These choices help the same MFP serve more than one user, but the right option depends on the site's network and device setup. Confirm that the actual unit can join the intended network and that drivers and permissions are available. The existence of networking features does not establish that a used device is configured, secure, or currently connected to a particular office.
Use the monthly ceiling carefully
Brother recommends monthly use up to 3,500 pages and does not state a lower bound in the checked brochure. Treat 3,500 as the published ceiling, not a target or a guaranteed service interval. The source gives no exact lower threshold, so the profile leaves the minimum unknown. This can still help screen out a workload that regularly exceeds the recommendation, while teams printing fewer pages should decide based on the documented functions, paper path, and supply plan. Do not replace the missing range with a maximum duty-cycle figure from another source or variant.
Check the feeder and individual machine
The brochure describes the model, not the state of a specific printer. Ask whether the ADF feeds cleanly, whether the scanner glass and print path are intact, and whether the actual network ports and fax functions work. A multi-page copy or scan can expose feeder issues; a duplex print job confirms that the unit turns and re-feeds paper correctly. The 50-sheet ADF is a practical bound on the stack size before attention is needed. Also verify toner, drum, included cables, and return terms for the particular offer, since none of those current-unit details follows from the model specification.
Compare for your needs
Choose a color model for color documents or an exact-model duplex-scanning MFP when one-pass handling of two-sided originals is important.
Find the undefined that fits you.
Tell us what matters. We’ll help you weigh the options.
Before you buy
Does the MFC-L5700DW include fax?
Yes. Brother lists fax along with print, copy, and scan functions for the MFC-L5700DW.
Can it print both sides automatically?
Yes. Brother documents automatic duplex printing for output on this exact model.
What monthly volume does Brother recommend?
Brother states up to 3,500 pages per month; the checked brochure does not state a lower bound.
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 and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Brother U.S. MFC-L5700DW brochure ↗ — checked October 12, 2026.
- Brother U.S. MFC-L5700DW brochure: functions, speed, ADF, paper capacity, duplex, interfaces, voltage, and monthly recommendation ↗ — checked October 12, 2026.
The decision
The MFC-L5700DW suits an office that needs a fast monochrome fax MFP with automatic duplex output and network choice. Its simplex ADF and one-sided monthly guidance are the main compromises.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.