TN660 Toner Cartridges: 5 Things to Check Before Buying a 2-Pack
When shopping for a TN660 toner cartridge replacement, especially a 2-pack for Brother printers like the MFC-L2700DW or HL-L2350DW, it's crucial to understand compatibility and page yield. The TN660 is a high-yield cartridge, but third-party options vary in quality and reliability, so knowing what to look for can save you from print quality issues and printer errors.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Compatibility: Verify that the TN660 cartridge matches your specific Brother printer model. While it's designed for TN630/TN660 replacements, not all Brother printers accept third-party cartridges, and some may require firmware updates that can block non-OEM cartridges.
- Page yield: The TN660 typically yields around 3,000 pages at 5% coverage. If you print more than this, consider a TN670 or high-yield options to reduce cost per page, but ensure they are compatible with your printer.
- Chip and reset: Many third-party TN660 cartridges come with a chip that may or may not reset correctly. Check for user reports of 'Toner Low' or 'Replace Toner' messages appearing prematurely, which can indicate chip issues.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Look for cartridges that include a new chip and are explicitly tested for compatibility with your printer model. Quality indicators include positive mentions of installation ease, consistent print density, and no smudging or streaking. Also, check for a warranty or return policy in case the cartridge fails.
Toner Cartridges Market Context
Market Overview
The toner cartridge market is saturated with third-party alternatives that promise significant savings over OEM Brother cartridges. While these are popular for their lower price, quality varies widely among brands. This 2-pack TN660 is positioned as a budget-friendly option in a market where consumers are increasingly cost-conscious but demand reliable performance.
Common Issues
Common issues with third-party toner cartridges include poor print quality (faded or streaked pages), toner leakage, and compatibility problems with printer firmware updates. Some users also report that the printer fails to recognize the cartridge, requiring manual reset or cleaning of contacts.
Quality Indicators
Quality third-party cartridges typically have a stable print output, minimal toner dust, and a robust chip that communicates correctly with the printer. Look for brands that have been in the market for a while and have a track record of positive reviews across multiple printer models.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
The Grade B and 10% estimated fake review rate suggest that while the majority of reviews are genuine, a notable portion may be incentivized or fabricated. This means that you should be cautious but not dismissive of the overall positive rating. The adjusted rating of 4.20/5 is more reliable, indicating a solid but not exceptional product.
Trust Recommendation
Given the 10% fake review rate, focus on reviews that mention specific printer models and include photos or detailed descriptions of print quality. Verified purchase reviews are more trustworthy, but also look for patterns in negative reviews, such as recurring issues with chip recognition or page yield.
Tips for Reading Reviews
When reading reviews for toner cartridges, pay attention to the date of the review and whether it mentions firmware updates. Also, consider the length of ownership; reviews written after months of use are more valuable than those written immediately after installation.
Expert Perspective
Based on the analysis, this TN660 2-pack appears to be a decent value for Brother printer owners who prioritize cost savings. The genuine reviews highlight successful installations and acceptable print quality, but the 10% fake review rate and the 'Supply level unavailable' message mentioned by some users suggest that the chip implementation may not be flawless. It's a budget option that likely works well for standard printing needs, but it may not be the best choice for high-volume or critical printing.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the cost savings against the risk of potential compatibility issues. If you rely on your printer for professional documents, you might prefer OEM cartridges or a higher-rated third-party brand. Also, consider buying a single cartridge first to test compatibility before committing to a 2-pack.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this product with OEM Brother TN660 cartridges and other third-party brands like LD Products or InkPro, which may offer similar pricing but with more consistent quality and customer support.
