If you're looking at Brother ink cartridges and wondering what the difference is between LC401 and LC401XL — you're not alone. The answer is simpler than you think, and it directly affects how much you spend on ink every year.
The Short Answer
LC401 and LC401XL are the same ink, in different amounts. They fit exactly the same Brother printers. The only difference is page yield — how many pages you get per cartridge.
| LC401 (Standard) | LC401XL (High Yield) | |
|---|---|---|
| Black Page Yield | ~200 pages | ~500 pages |
| Color Page Yield (each) | ~200 pages | ~500 pages |
| Compatible Printers | Same | Same |
| Best For | Occasional printing | Regular printing |
| OEM Price (black) | ~$15.99 | ~$23.99 |
| OEM Cost Per Page | ~8 cents | ~4.8 cents |
| Linford Compatible Price | View → | View → |
Bottom line: If you print more than once or twice a week, the LC401XL is the smarter buy. You get 2.5× more pages for about 1.5× the price — a significantly lower cost per page.
Which Printers Use LC401 and LC401XL?
Both cartridges fit the same Brother printer models:
- Brother MFC-J1010DW
- Brother MFC-J1012DW
- Brother MFC-J1170DW
- Brother MFC-J1800DW
Tip: Not sure which cartridge your printer uses? Open the ink cartridge cover on your Brother printer — the compatible cartridge series is printed on a label inside.
LC401 vs LC401XL: The Real Cost Comparison
Let's say you print 200 pages per month. Here's what you'd spend over one year with each option:
| Option | Cost Per Cartridge | Cartridges/Year (BK) | Annual Black Ink Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM LC401 | ~$15.99 | 12 | ~$192 |
| OEM LC401XL | ~$23.99 | ~5 | ~$120 |
| Linford LC401XL Compatible | Much less | ~5 | Save up to 60% vs OEM |
The LC401XL saves money twice: lower cost per page from higher yield, and even more savings when you choose Linford compatible cartridges over OEM.
🎉 Extra 20% off everything — use code Extra 20% Off Everything at checkout on orders over $30.
Should You Buy LC401 or LC401XL?
Choose LC401 if:
- You print fewer than 50 pages per month
- You want a lower upfront cost per cartridge
- You use your printer very occasionally and want to minimize ink drying risk
Choose LC401XL if:
- You print regularly — weekly or more
- You want fewer cartridge changes and lower cost per page
- You're buying for a small office or household that prints frequently
For most users, the LC401XL is the better value. The slightly higher upfront price per cartridge pays for itself quickly through the lower cost per page.
Compatible LC401 and LC401XL Cartridges from Linford
You don't need to pay OEM prices for reliable Brother ink. Linford compatible cartridges deliver the same page yield and print quality at a fraction of the cost — with a lifetime warranty and free shipping on orders over $30.
LC401XL High-Yield 4-Pack (Best Value)
✅ 500 pages per cartridge · ✅ Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow · ✅ Lifetime warranty · ✅ Ships from USA
LC401 Standard 3-Pack (Colors)
✅ Cyan, Magenta, Yellow · ✅ Lifetime warranty · ✅ Ships from USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Are LC401 and LC401XL interchangeable? Yes. Both cartridges fit the exact same Brother printers. You can use either version — the XL just gives you more pages per cartridge.
Does the LC401XL print better than LC401? No. Print quality is identical. The only difference is how much ink the cartridge holds, which determines how many pages you get.
Why is the LC401XL more expensive than LC401? The LC401XL contains more ink, so the upfront price is higher. However, the cost per page is lower with the XL — meaning you spend less on ink overall if you print regularly.
Will compatible cartridges void my Brother printer warranty? No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Brother cannot void your printer warranty solely because you used a compatible ink cartridge.
How do I install Brother LC401 or LC401XL cartridges? Open the ink cartridge cover on your Brother printer, remove the old cartridge by pressing the release tab, remove the protective tape from the new cartridge, and insert it into the correct color slot until it clicks. Close the cover and run a test print.
Ready to Order?
Use code Extra 20% Off Everything at checkout for an extra 20% off on orders over $30. Free shipping included.
→ Shop All Brother LC401 & LC401XL Compatible Cartridges
Linford Office is an independent retailer of compatible printer cartridges. Brother, LC401, LC401XL, and related names are trademarks of Brother Industries, Ltd., referenced here for informational and compatibility purposes only.
