Brother INKvestment Color Inkjet Printer: Average

PRODUCT: Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank Wireless Multi-Function Color Inkjet Printer

RATING: Average ⭐⭐⭐

The Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank Printer is marketed as a budget-friendly, long-lasting home or small office solution with up to a year’s worth of ink included. Setup is straightforward—customers consistently mention how quick it is to install the cartridges and connect to Wi-Fi. The compact design makes it easy to place in smaller workspaces, and the Brother Mobile Connect app offers an intuitive way to manage printing, scanning, and copying from various devices. For those who print at a steady but moderate pace, the included cartridges can provide months of hassle-free use.

Print quality and performance, however, seem inconsistent. While some users report crisp, fast output for both text and images, others have experienced low-resolution prints and occasional refusal to print altogether. The advertised year-long ink supply can be a major selling point, but actual results depend on printing volume—several users noted that cartridges ran out much sooner than expected. On the plus side, replacing cartridges is mess-free and straightforward, with no need to refill ink manually.

Wireless connectivity is a mixed bag. The printer offers multiple connection options—wireless, USB, and wireless direct—but reports of frequent Wi-Fi dropouts can be frustrating, particularly for those relying on mobile printing. While the Alexa compatibility is a nice touch, the benefit is limited if the connection isn’t reliable.

For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a small footprint, simple setup, and occasional printing, the Brother MFC-J1205W can be a reasonable choice. However, heavy users or those needing consistently high-quality image output may find its limitations frustrating. This model is best suited for light home office tasks where reliability is less critical and the appeal of included ink outweighs potential connectivity hiccups.