What Toner Does the Brother HL-3170CDW Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Brother HL-3170CDW uses TN221 (standard) and TN225 (high-yield) toner in four colors, plus a DR221CL drum set. Castle Ink stocks compatible TN221 black, TN225 colors and DR221 drums with free U.S. shipping and a one-year guarantee.
The HL-3170CDW is a compact color laser printer with automatic duplex.
Brother HL-3170CDW Supplies at a Glance
| Supply | Color | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|
| TN221BK | Black | ~2,500 pages |
| TN221C / TN221M / TN221Y | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~1,400 pages each |
| TN225C / TN225M / TN225Y | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | ~2,200 pages each |
| DR221CL drum set (all four) | — | ~15,000 pages |
| BU220CL belt unit | — | ~50,000 pages |
| WT220CL waste toner box | — | ~50,000 pages |
There Is No Black Upgrade
This is the unusual part. On most Brother color lasers the high-yield line covers every color. Here it does not: the black is rated at 2,500 pages either way. So buy whichever black is cheaper, but always buy TN225 for the colors — 2,200 pages against 1,400 is a real difference.
Four Consumables, Not One
Colour lasers of this generation have more moving parts than the toner price suggests. Beyond the four toners there is a drum set, a belt unit and a waste toner box. The drum is sold as a four-drum set — you cannot buy a single color drum. On a printer this old it is worth knowing the full list before you invest in supplies.
Is the HL-3170CDW Discontinued?
Yes, Brother has discontinued it and names no successor.
Save on Supplies at Castle Ink
Castle Ink carries compatible supplies for the HL-3170CDW:
- Brother TN221BK Black Toner – Compatible — $39.95
- Brother TN225 Cyan Toner – Compatible — $45.95
- Brother TN225 Magenta Toner – Compatible — $45.95
- Brother TN225 Yellow Toner – Compatible — $45.95
- Brother DR221 Drum Units – 4-Pack Compatible Set — $109.95
All Castle Ink orders ship free in the U.S. and are backed by a one-year quality guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the Brother HL-3170CDW use?
TN221 black with TN221 or TN225 colors, plus a DR221CL drum set.
Is TN225 black worth buying over TN221 black?
No. Both are rated at about 2,500 pages. Buy whichever is cheaper — the upgrade only matters on the colors.
How long does the drum last?
About 15,000 pages. It is sold as a four-drum set, not per color.
What else will I need to replace?
A belt unit (BU220CL) and a waste toner box (WT220CL), both rated around 50,000 pages.
Can I use compatible TN225 toner?
Yes. Compatible TN221 and TN225 cartridges work normally in this printer.
See Also
- Find Ink by Printer Model
- Best Printers: Top Picks for Every Use Case and Budget
- PrinterIQ Finder — find your next printer in about 60 seconds
By William Elward, Founder of Castle Ink — 20+ years helping people solve printer and ink problems. Last updated August 23, 2026.
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