Between the MFC-L8905CDW and EcoTank ET-5850, the MFC-L8905CDW comes out ahead in pages/min (color) and pages/min (mono), while the EcoTank ET-5850 wins on several specs. Overall, the MFC-L8905CDW scores 68.8 and the EcoTank ET-5850 scores 60.4 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The MFC-L8905CDW is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the MFC-L8905CDW if you care most about pages/min (color) and pages/min (mono). The biggest gaps in its favor are pages/min (color), pages/min (mono).
The EcoTank ET-5850 similarly doesn't carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable color, auto duplex, adf, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the MFC-L8905CDW is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Brother - MFC-L8905CDW wins
- ▲Pages/min (color) — 175.00% more. 33 vs 12.
- ▲Pages/min (mono) — 32.00% more. 33 vs 25.
Why Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
Spec
| Spec | Brother - MFC-L8905CDW | Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Laser AIO (color) | Inkjet AIO |
| Color | true | true |
| Pages/min (mono) | 33lead | 25 |
| Pages/min (color) | 33lead | 12 |
| Resolution | 2400x600 dpi | 4800x1200 dpi |
| Max paper size | Letter | Letter |
Features
| Spec | Brother - MFC-L8905CDW | Epson - EcoTank ET-5850 |
|---|---|---|
| Auto duplex | true | true |
| ADF | true | true |
| Wi-Fi | true | true |
| AirPrint | true | true |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
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