Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is the best overall Brother choice for casual home photos in the U.S. market. It combines good casual photo output with printing, scanning, copying, and wireless mobile support. Choose the MFC-J5855DW instead for frequent printing or larger paper, and the MFC-J6955DW if office features and Ledger/A3-class output matter most.
Brother printers are best understood as photo-capable multifunction inkjets, not specialist photo printers. They can produce attractive snapshots, crafts, invitations, and school projects, but Canon, Epson, a dye-sublimation printer, or a photo lab may be a better choice for enthusiast, exhibition, or color-critical photography.
Quick recommendations
| Model | Best for | Why choose it | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-J1360DW | Most homes and casual photos | Very good casual photo performance in independent testing, plus scan and copy functions | Not designed for professional photo output or heavy workloads |
| Brother MFC-J5855DW | High-volume printing and larger photos | INKvestment Tank system, large-format media support, and substantial included ink | Larger and more office-oriented than occasional users need |
| Brother MFC-J6955DW | Office-heavy users needing large color output | Tank ink, duplex office workflows, automatic document features, and Ledger/A3-class paper support | Costs space and money without necessarily improving photo fidelity |
| MFC-J4355DW or MFC-J1410DW | Compact current alternatives | Replacement/current options worth checking when availability or pricing is better | There is not enough evidence to call either a photo-quality leader |
These recommendations apply primarily to current U.S. models. Brother model numbers and availability can differ in the United Kingdom, Europe, India, and other regions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Are Brother printers good for photos?
Yes—within the right expectations. Current Brother color inkjet all-in-ones are suitable for family snapshots, greeting cards, crafts, schoolwork, flyers, and occasional enlargements. Independent testing from RTINGS describes the MFC-J1360DW’s photo performance as very good for casual use.
#1 Best Overall
- AFFORDABLE ALL-IN-ONE FOR HOME AND HOME OFFICE: Print, copy, and scan on one compact wireless printer designed for everyday home office printing, schoolwork, documents, and reports. Produce beautiful prints for results that stand out.
- EASY TO USE WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more from the simple-to-use 1.8” color display on your printer.
- FULL-SIZE FEATURES IN A COMPACT DESIGN: This printer includes automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, a 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), and a 150-sheet paper tray(3). Engineered to print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) in black and up to 9 ppm in color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- MOBILE PRINTING MADE EASY: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor your ink usage with Page Gauge to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
That does not make it a professional photo printer. Most Brother multifunction models in this category use four-color inkjet systems and are designed to balance photos with documents, scanning, copying, faxing, paper handling, and wireless convenience. Dedicated photo inkjets may use additional colors, photo-black or gray inks, and more specialized color management. They are generally better at subtle tonal transitions, wide color gamut, accurate skin tones, and demanding glossy prints.
RTINGS’ broader Brother printer coverage indicates that Brother is not generally the strongest brand for photographic output. Glossy prints can look flatter or less vibrant than those from photo-focused competitors; TechRadar’s inkjet coverage has also noted this limitation with Brother multifunction inkjets.
In practical terms, Brother’s strongest argument is reasonable photo quality plus useful office functionality. If photographs are the main reason you are buying, compare dedicated Canon or Epson photo inkjets before committing.
Recommended Free Tools
1. Brother MFC-J1360DW: best overall
The Brother MFC-J1360DW is the most sensible default for a household that wants one reasonably compact machine for photos and everyday paperwork. RTINGS’ August 2026 review identifies it as a strong budget Brother inkjet and reports very good casual photo performance.
Why it stands out
- Good casual photo output for a general-purpose inkjet.
- Print, scan, and copy functionality.
- Wireless printing support, including AirPrint, Mopria, Brother Mobile Connect, and Wi-Fi Direct according to Brother’s brochure.
- More practical for occasional users than a large tank-based office model.
It is a good fit for family photos, crafts, invitations, homework, and mixed black-and-white and color printing. It is not the right choice if you need gallery-quality prints, large recurring production runs, or specialist monochrome control.
Its photo-size and media options should be confirmed in the current manual and product documentation before purchase. Brother’s MFC-J1360DW brochure provides the current connectivity and product details.
Rank #2
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICE AND SMALL OFFICE: This multifunction printer makes it easy to print, copy, scan, and fax —all in one compact printer. Includes one 1,800-page yield black cartridge and 750-page yield cartridges each color cyan, yellow, and magenta(2).
- WIRELESS, MOBILE, AND USB CONNECTIVITY: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB. Enhance your workflow with Wi-Fi Direct, which allows you to print wirelessly even without an external network connection.
- CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(3), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more with an impressive 1.8” color display that enhances clarity and ensures effortless operation.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, 150-sheet paper tray, 20-page single-sided automatic document feeder (ADF), 1-sheet manual feed slot(4). Prints at fast speeds up to 20 pages per minute (ppm) black/19 ppm color(5).
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Put the power of printing at your fingertips. Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(6) that delivers easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device.
2. Brother MFC-J5855DW: best for high volume and larger photos
The Brother MFC-J5855DW INKvestment Tank is the better choice when printing volume, ink capacity, or paper size matters more than compactness.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Brother lists support for 3.5-by-5, 4-by-6, and 5-by-7-inch photo media, along with larger Ledger/A3-class paper. Its specifications list borderless printing for Letter, 4-by-6, 5-by-8, 5-by-7, A4, and A6 sizes. Check the exact media type and driver settings because borderless availability can depend on the combination of size, paper, quality mode, and application.
Brother advertises up to a year of ink in the box, subject to its usage assumptions. That is useful for frequent mixed printing, but it is not a guaranteed number of photographs. Page-yield figures are based on standardized document assumptions and cannot be converted directly into full-page photo counts.
Choose it if you:
- Print documents and color material regularly.
- Need 11-by-17-inch/Ledger or A3-class output.
- Want to refill or replace ink less often.
- Print scrapbook pages, posters, artwork, or business material as well as photos.
Skip it if you print only a few 4-by-6 photos each month. You may be paying for a larger chassis, broader paper handling, and higher-capacity ink that you will not use.
3. Brother MFC-J6955DW: best office-plus-photo option
The Brother MFC-J6955DW INKvestment Tank is an office-first all-in-one that also handles photos and large color prints. It supports Ledger/A3-class media, automatic duplex printing, automatic document-feeding and scanning features, high-yield ink options, and multiple borderless formats.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Brother lists photo sizes including 3.5-by-5, 4-by-6, 5-by-7, and 5-by-8 inches. Borderless support is listed for Letter, 3.5-by-5, 4-by-6, 5-by-8, 5-by-7, A4, and A6. Its high-yield LC406XL cartridges are listed with yields of up to 6,000 black pages and 5,000 color pages—but those are document-page estimates, not photo-print counts.
Rank #3
- Epson printing system is designed to be used exclusively with Epson Genuine Cartridges. Use of non-genuine ink could cause damage not covered under the printer’s ltd. wnty.
- Beautiful borderless photos - easily print high-quality 4"x6" & 5"x7" Photos
- Ultra compact design - lightweight, portable printer saves space
- Total Wireless solution - Print from iPad, iPhone, tablets and smartphones
- Photo Print speed: 4" X 6" Borderless photo in as fast as 36 Sec (default mode: Color photo in default mode on Premium photo paper glossy measured from start of paper feed. Actual Print times will vary based on system configuration, software, and page complexity)
Like the MFC-J5855DW, Brother advertises up to a year of ink in the box, depending on usage. The reason to buy this model is its combination of office workflow, paper capacity, duplex features, scanning, and large-format output. It should not be treated as a guarantee of better photographic color or detail than the smaller MFC-J1360DW.
4. MFC-J4355DW and MFC-J1410DW: alternatives to investigate
Brother’s 2025–2026 replacement-model document identifies the MFC-J4355DW and MFC-J1410DW among current replacement paths. RTINGS also compares the MFC-J4355DW and MFC-J1410DW with the MFC-J1360DW.
They may make sense if a live product page shows better availability, a smaller footprint, or a meaningful price advantage. However, the available evidence does not establish either model as a superior photo performer. Treat them as practical alternatives, not photo-quality winners.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Photo sizes, borderless printing, and cropping
The MFC-J5855DW and MFC-J6955DW are the clearest choices in this shortlist when you need documented support for several photo sizes and larger paper.
- MFC-J5855DW: 3.5-by-5, 4-by-6, and 5-by-7-inch photo media; larger Ledger/A3-class media; borderless support listed for Letter, 4-by-6, 5-by-8, 5-by-7, A4, and A6.
- MFC-J6955DW: 3.5-by-5, 4-by-6, 5-by-7, and 5-by-8-inch photo sizes; Ledger/A3-class media; borderless support listed for several of those sizes.
Borderless mode is not always a true edge-to-edge reproduction. Brother warns in its printer-settings guidance that the image may be enlarged slightly, which can crop the edges. Check faces, text, and important objects near the perimeter before printing a batch.
Which ink system should you choose?
Standard cartridges
Conventional cartridge models are usually the most sensible choice for light or irregular printing. They tend to keep the initial purchase smaller and make sense when you print documents and photos only occasionally.
Rank #4
- Dock Photo Printer: The KODAK Dock Plus is a home photo printer that produces high-quality 4x6” prints directly from compatible smartphones. Featuring an integrated docking station, users can place their phone on the printer for better connection while simultaneously charging the device during printing.
- Genuine 4PASS dye sublimation printing: Each photo is produced in three color layers and finished with a clear protective lamination layer. In approximately 55 seconds, you receive a smooth, detailed print designed to resist fingerprints, water, and fading for long-lasting quality.
- Easy to Use: Print photos quickly without complicated setup or technical steps. Simply power on, connect wireless bluetooth, and start printing within seconds. The Dock Plus is built for straightforward operation, making it ideal for first time users and everyday photo printing.
- Home Printing Station: Designed for stable desktop use, this dock photo printer connects to a power outlet for consistent performance and larger 4x6” prints. Ideal for home printing, photo albums, framing, family events, and everyday picture printing.
- KODAK Photo Printer APP: Featuring integrated Bluetooth connectivity, this portable printer connects to compatible iOS and Android devices through the KODAK Photo Printer app. Edit, crop, and customize your photos before printing for creative results.
High-yield cartridges
High-yield cartridges are more appropriate for regular document and color printing. Compare the actual replacement-cartridge cost and availability rather than choosing solely by printer price.
INKvestment Tank
The MFC-J5855DW and MFC-J6955DW are designed for higher-volume use. Their large included-ink claims can improve convenience, but “up to one year” depends on Brother’s stated usage assumptions. It is not a promise of one year of photo printing, and a tank model can be wasteful for a household that prints only a handful of images annually.
How to get better photos from a Brother printer
- Use suitable paper. Choose genuine Brother photo paper or reputable glossy inkjet media. Brother’s paper guidance explains recommended media and tray limitations.
- Set the correct paper type. Select glossy or the matching photo-paper setting in the Brother driver or mobile app. A plain-paper setting can make a glossy photo look dull.
- Use the highest quality mode when detail matters more than speed.
- Check the aspect ratio. A camera image may not match 4-by-6 or 5-by-7 paper, so cropping can remove part of the image.
- Use borderless mode carefully. Expect slight enlargement and possible edge cropping.
- Print a small test first for important images, invitations, or large batches.
- Keep the printer active periodically. Long periods without printing can contribute to clogged or dried nozzles.
- Avoid stacked color enhancements. Do not apply aggressive corrections in the image editor, app, and driver simultaneously.
- Let glossy prints dry before stacking or handling them heavily.
- Store prints away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Common Brother photo problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Dull or flat colors | Plain-paper setting, unsuitable paper, low quality, or the printer’s more limited photo gamut | Select the correct glossy/photo media setting and highest quality. If output remains weak, compare a photo-focused printer. |
| White edges | Borderless mode is disabled or unavailable for that size and paper | Enable borderless if supported, or resize the image to leave a deliberate margin. |
| Edges or faces are cut off | Borderless enlargement | Leave a safe margin or reduce the scale slightly. |
| Banding or missing colors | Clogged print head or low ink | Run a nozzle check and the recommended cleaning procedure. Repeated cleaning consumes ink and may not fix a failing print head. |
| Smearing | Wet ink or incompatible paper | Use inkjet-compatible media and allow prints to dry before stacking. |
| Photo paper will not feed | Tray or bypass-tray size restrictions | Check the model’s supported-media table before buying paper. |
| Unexpected paper-size error | Application, driver, and tray settings disagree | Set the same paper size and media type in all three places. |
When Canon, Epson, a dye-sub printer, or a lab is better
Choose a Canon PIXMA photo-oriented inkjet when enthusiast photo color, glossy output, and borderless work matter more than office features. The correct Canon model still needs to be evaluated individually.
Consider a photo-focused Epson inkjet or EcoTank when you prioritize color quality or high-volume color printing. An office-oriented tank printer is not automatically a photo printer, so check the model’s actual photo design and independent testing.
Choose dye-sublimation for convenient small snapshots, especially when you mainly want a particular format such as 4-by-6 inches. These printers are simple and durable for snapshot use but usually offer less flexibility in paper sizes and can have higher per-print costs.
Use a local photo lab if you print only a few important photos per year. It avoids ink maintenance, paper waste, printer ownership, and nozzle-clogging problems.
Best Value
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICE AND SMALL OFFICE: Get your work done with a multifunction printer. Print, copy, and scan on one convenient, compact printer, with quick and easy setup for your home, home office, or small office space.
- EASY-TO-USE TOUCHSCREEN WITH CLOUD APP CONNECTIONS: Seamless integration with the Cloud(2). Print from and scan to popular Cloud apps(2), including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and more on a clear 2.7” color touchscreen display.
- PRODUCTIVITY-FOCUSED FEATURES: Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing, 20-sheet single-sided Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)(3), 150-sheet paper tray(3). Print at fast speeds of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) black/9 ppm color(4).
- MULTIPLE CONNECTION OPTIONS: Connect your way. Interface with your printer on your wireless network or via USB.
- THE BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP: Go mobile with the Brother Mobile Connect app(5) for easy onscreen menu navigation for printing, copying, scanning, and device management from your mobile device. Monitor ink usage to help ensure you don’t run out(6).
Choose color laser for charts, labels, and office graphics—not for fine photographic detail. Laser printers are generally a poor substitute for a photo inkjet.
Models you may see recommended but should treat cautiously
Older search results commonly recommend the MFC-J895DW, MFC-J995DW/XL, MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1205W, MFC-J4335DW, MFC-J5845DW/XL, and MFC-J6945DW. Brother’s replacement document marks these and other familiar models as discontinued. They may still appear as clearance or used units, but they should not be presented as current top picks without clearly labeling their status and checking supplies and support.
Final buying advice
Buy the MFC-J1360DW if you want the best balance of casual photo quality and everyday multifunction convenience. Move up to the MFC-J5855DW for frequent mixed printing, included high-capacity ink, and larger paper. Choose the MFC-J6955DW when office workflows, duplex features, scanning, and Ledger/A3-class output justify its size.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf your primary goal is the most accurate, vibrant, or archival photographic output, Brother is probably not the best category to start with. Compare a dedicated photo inkjet, dye-sublimation printer, or local lab instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brother make a dedicated photo printer?
The current U.S. models covered here are primarily four-color multifunction inkjets that support photo paper and borderless printing. They are photo-capable office printers rather than dedicated enthusiast or professional photo machines.
Can Brother printers print 4-by-6 photos?
Yes. Brother lists 4-by-6-inch support for the MFC-J5855DW and MFC-J6955DW. Confirm the exact tray, paper type, and borderless settings for your model before buying media.
How often should an inkjet printer be used?
Periodic printing helps reduce the risk of clogged or dried nozzles. If you print only a few photos per year, a photo lab or dye-sublimation snapshot printer may be more practical.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Is a Brother color laser printer good for photos?
Color laser printers are better suited to documents, charts, labels, and business graphics. A color inkjet or dedicated photo printer is normally preferable for photographic detail.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
