Brother LC233 vs LC3313: What's the Difference? 🖨️
It's one of the most common questions we see from Brother printer owners in Australia: Can I use LC233 in my printer, or do I need LC3313?
The answer matters — these cartridges look almost identical but they are not interchangeable. Noodle learned this the hard way (she tried to share Ollie's bowl once too 🐾). Here's how to tell them apart.
Why the Confusion?
Brother updated their ink cartridge range around 2018, transitioning from the LC233 series to the newer LC3313 series for their next generation of printers. The physical shape is very similar, the colours are the same (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), and the naming is close enough to confuse people.
The key difference: different chip communication protocols and ink formulations. They are mechanically similar but electronically and chemically different.
Which Printers Use LC233?
LC233 fits the older generation of Brother inkjets, typically 2015–2018:
- MFC-J480DW, MFC-J485DW — compact home all-in-ones
- MFC-J680DW — mid-range with touchscreen
- MFC-J880DW — popular wireless all-in-one
- MFC-J985DW — high-yield home printer
- DCP-J562DW — compact 3-in-1
- DCP-J752DW — A3-capable all-in-one
If your Brother printer is from 2015–2018 and the number ends in "DW", check the model list above or look at the cartridge slot cover — it will show the cartridge number.
Which Printers Use LC3313?
LC3313 fits the newer generation, typically 2018–2022:
- MFC-J491DW, MFC-J497DW — compact modern all-in-ones
- MFC-J890DW, MFC-J895DW — mid-range wireless with touchscreen
- DCP-J572DW — one of the most popular compact Brother inkjets sold in AU recently
- DCP-J772DW, DCP-J774DW — all-in-ones with A4/A3 capability
The DCP-J572DW in particular has been a Officeworks bestseller — if you bought a compact Brother printer in the last 3–4 years, there's a high chance it takes LC3313.
Page Yield: LC233 vs LC3313
| Cartridge | Standard | XL (LC3317 / LC3319) | |-----------|---------|-----| | Black | ~260 pages (LC233BK) | ~550 pages (LC3317XLBK) / ~1,500 pages (LC3319XLBK) | | Each colour | ~550 pages (LC233C/M/Y) | ~550 pages (LC3317XLC/M/Y) / ~1,500 pages (LC3319XLC/M/Y) |
Note on LC3313 XL naming: Brother uses LC3317XL for standard high-yield and LC3319XL for super high-yield on the newer platform. The LC3313 is the standard yield; LC3317 and LC3319 are the XL equivalents for the same printer range.
For LC233 printers: LC233 is standard yield; LC237 (black) and LC235 (colour) are the XL equivalents.
Cost Per Page Comparison
At typical Australian retail prices:
| | Standard | XL Compatible | |--|---------|---------------| | LC233BK genuine | ~3.5¢/page | — | | LC233BK compatible | ~1.4¢/page | ~0.9¢/page (LC237XL equiv) | | LC3313BK genuine | ~3.8¢/page | — | | LC3313BK compatible | ~1.5¢/page | ~0.7¢/page (LC3319XL equiv) |
Switching to compatible XL cartridges delivers roughly 75–80% savings per page compared to genuine standard cartridges — one of the highest savings ratios in the inkjet market.
How to Tell Which Cartridge You Need
The fastest way: open the printer cartridge door and look at the label on the cartridge slot. It will say LC233 or LC3313 (or the XL variant).
If the cartridges are already removed:
- Check your printer model number (usually on a label underneath or on the front panel)
- Cross-reference against the lists above
- When in doubt, search "[your model number] ink cartridge" and verify
Never assume LC233 and LC3313 are the same just because they look similar. Your printer's chip reader will reject the wrong cartridge.
Ollie & Noodle's Verdict
- ✅ LC233 and LC3313 are NOT interchangeable — verify your printer model first
- ✅ XL versions are always better value — check LC237/LC235 (LC233 printers) or LC3317/LC3319 (LC3313 printers)
- ✅ Compatible cartridges save ~75–80% per page with no quality compromise
- ✅ DCP-J572DW owners: you need LC3313, not LC233 — very common mix-up
- ✅ No warranty risk under Australian Consumer Law
Australian Consumer Law and Brother Warranties
Brother Australia cannot void your statutory warranty simply because you used compatible ink. Under the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010), Brother must demonstrate the compatible cartridge directly caused a specific fault. Routine faults — paper jams, printhead issues, scanner problems — are unrelated to ink brand and must be covered.
Summary
- ✅ LC233: for Brother MFC/DCP models from ~2015–2018 (MFC-J480DW, MFC-J880DW, DCP-J562DW, etc.)
- ✅ LC3313: for newer Brother models from ~2018–2022 (MFC-J491DW, DCP-J572DW, MFC-J890DW, etc.)
- ✅ NOT interchangeable despite similar appearance
- ✅ XL equivalents: LC237/LC235 (older range) and LC3317/LC3319 (newer range)
- ✅ Compatible XL saves ~75–80% per page vs genuine standard
- ✅ No warranty risk under Australian Consumer Law