What is the best Brother fax machine for a small business?

The Brother MFC-L2750DW is the best all-around choice for small businesses. It prints at 36 ppm, connects via WiFi or Ethernet, includes a 50-page duplex ADF, stores up to 500 fax pages in memory, and costs $175–$250. It replaces your printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine in one unit.

Do Brother fax machines need a phone line?

Yes — all Brother fax machines require an active phone line connected to the LINE port for traditional fax transmission. This can be a dedicated fax line, a shared voice/fax line, or a VoIP line with T.38 fax relay support. If you don't have a landline, an online fax service like [mFax](https://mfax.to) lets you send and receive faxes without any phone line or hardware.

What is the difference between the Brother FAX-2840 and FAX-2940?

The FAX-2940 is the upgraded version of the FAX-2840. The 2940 has a 30-page ADF (vs. 20-page on the 2840), a slightly higher print resolution (HQ1200 vs. 600 dpi), prints at 24 ppm (vs. 21 ppm), and includes a built-in handset. Both use USB-only connectivity and have no WiFi or Ethernet. Expect to pay $40–$120 more for the 2940.

Can I use a Brother fax machine without a computer?

Yes. Standalone Brother fax machines (FAX-2840, FAX-2940) operate completely independently — no computer needed. Load paper, connect the phone line, and fax. All-in-one models (MFC-L2750DW) also work standalone; the computer connection is optional for PC-FAX features.

Is it cheaper to buy a Brother fax machine or use an online fax service?

For low-to-medium fax volume, an online service is usually cheaper when you factor in the machine cost, toner, paper, and a dedicated phone line ($30–$50/month). For high-volume daily faxing or offices that already have a landline, a Brother MFC-L2750DW pays for itself quickly. See our cost comparison section below.

Brother Fax Machine: Buyer's Guide (2026)

Brother makes the most trusted fax machines on the market — but which model is right for you? This buyer's guide compares every current Brother fax machine, breaks down laser vs. inkjet, and tells you when a physical machine beats an online service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Brother fax machine for a small business?: The Brother MFC-L2750DW is the best all-around choice for small businesses. It prints at 36 ppm, connects via WiFi or Ethernet, includes a 50-page duplex ADF, stores up to 500 fax pages in memory, and costs $175–$250. It replaces your printer, copier, scanner, and fax machine in one unit.
Do Brother fax machines need a phone line?: Yes — all Brother fax machines require an active phone line connected to the LINE port for traditional fax transmission. This can be a dedicated fax line, a shared voice/fax line, or a VoIP line with T.38 fax relay support. If you don't have a landline, an online fax service like [mFax](https://mfax.to) lets you send and receive faxes without any phone line or hardware.
What is the difference between the Brother FAX-2840 and FAX-2940?: The FAX-2940 is the upgraded version of the FAX-2840. The 2940 has a 30-page ADF (vs. 20-page on the 2840), a slightly higher print resolution (HQ1200 vs. 600 dpi), prints at 24 ppm (vs. 21 ppm), and includes a built-in handset. Both use USB-only connectivity and have no WiFi or Ethernet. Expect to pay $40–$120 more for the 2940.
Can I use a Brother fax machine without a computer?: Yes. Standalone Brother fax machines (FAX-2840, FAX-2940) operate completely independently — no computer needed. Load paper, connect the phone line, and fax. All-in-one models (MFC-L2750DW) also work standalone; the computer connection is optional for PC-FAX features.
Is it cheaper to buy a Brother fax machine or use an online fax service?: For low-to-medium fax volume, an online service is usually cheaper when you factor in the machine cost, toner, paper, and a dedicated phone line ($30–$50/month). For high-volume daily faxing or offices that already have a landline, a Brother MFC-L2750DW pays for itself quickly. See our cost comparison section below.