What Toner Does the Brother HL-L5100DN Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Brother HL-L5100DN uses Brother TN820 (about 3,000 pages) or the high-yield TN850 (about 8,000 pages) black toner, with a separate DR820 drum unit rated at about 30,000 pages. Castle Ink stocks a compatible TN850 and DR820. The newer HL-L5210 series uses TN920, which does not fit.
CastleScore · November 2026
82/100 — Highly Recommended
Brother HL-L5100DN (Scored on Brother MFC-L5900DW data (same engine and toner, print-only))
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.5★ average across 84 ratings for the MFC-L5900DW at Best Buy |
| Expert reviews (20%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (18%) | 92 | About 1.2¢ per page with our compatible TN850 (8,000 pages, $69.95) plus our DR820 drum (30,000 pages, $99.95); Brother's own run about 2.3¢ combined. |
| Reliability (18%) | 82 | Owners praise Brother's durability; the specific complaints on the L5000 series are toner spots traced to debris on the drum unit and TN820 buyers surprised by its low yield. |
| Features (11%) | 58 | Mono print only at up to 42 pages per minute; auto two-sided printing; Ethernet and USB (no Wi-Fi); 250-sheet tray plus 50-sheet multipurpose tray; one-line display. No scanner or fax. |
| Value (5%) | 82 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not verify a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. Brother has retired the HL-L5100DN in favor of the HL-L5210DN/DW (TN920 toner), but TN820/TN850 toner and DR820 drums are still widely sold, including our compatible versions.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked November 7, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner and drum, pictured
Brother TN850 Black
Brother DR820 DrumOur own compatible cartridge and drum, the same ones we ship.
Brother TN820 / TN850 / DR820 at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner (standard) | TN820 | ~3,000 pages | — |
| Black Toner (high-yield) | TN850 | ~8,000 pages | Compatible, $69.95 |
| Drum Unit | DR820 | ~30,000 pages | Compatible, $99.95 |
Yields are Brother's own; B&H, Staples and Quill all list the HL-L5100DN among the TN850's compatible printers. Our toner and drum are newly manufactured compatibles.
What Does HL-L5100DN Toner Cost per Page?
About 1.2¢ per page all in with our TN850 and DR820, against roughly 2.3¢ with Brother's originals.
How to Replace the Toner
- Open the front cover and pull out the drum-and-toner assembly.
- Push the green lock lever down and lift the toner out of the drum.
- Rock the new TN850 and press it into the drum until it locks.
- Slide the green tab across the corona wire and back, reinstall and close the cover.
Which Other Printers Use TN820, TN850 and DR820?
The DCP-L5500DN, DCP-L5600DN, DCP-L5650DN, HL-L5000D, HL-L5200DW, HL-L6200DW, HL-L6250DW, HL-L6300DW, HL-L6400DW, MFC-L5700DW, MFC-L5800DW, MFC-L5850DW, MFC-L5900DW, MFC-L6700DW, MFC-L6750DW, MFC-L6800DW and MFC-L6900DW.
What HL-L5100DN owners ask
These come from owner reviews of the L5000 series at Best Buy and Staples and Brother's supply pages, answered in our words.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. The "DN" means duplex and network: Ethernet and USB only. The HL-L5200DW is the wireless version with the same toner.
Should I buy TN820 or TN850?
TN850; the standard cartridge yields less than half the pages for little saving.
Why are there spots on every page?
Check the drum for debris; if a mark repeats every few inches after cleaning, the DR820 is due.
How do I reset the toner message?
Reseat the cartridge firmly in the drum and close the cover; our chipped cartridges reset normally. If needed, Brother's manual reset is in the printer menu under Replace Toner.
Will it keep printing on "Replace Toner"?
Set Replace Toner to Continue in the menu to finish a job; order toner then.
HL-L5100DN quirks worth knowing
- Prints up to 42 pages a minute with automatic two-sided printing, a 250-sheet tray and a 50-sheet multipurpose tray.
- Takes an optional 250- or 520-sheet lower tray.
- Brother's replacement, the HL-L5210DN, uses TN920 toner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the Brother HL-L5100DN use?
Brother TN820 (about 3,000 pages) or TN850 (about 8,000 pages), with a separate DR820 drum unit rated at about 30,000 pages.
Does the Brother HL-L5100DN have Wi-Fi?
No. It connects by Ethernet or USB; the HL-L5200DW adds Wi-Fi.
Does the TN920 fit the HL-L5100DN?
No. TN920 belongs to the newer HL-L5210 series.
Other printers that use Brother TN850 / DR820
Brother HL-L5200DW · Brother HL-L6200DW · Brother MFC-L5900DW · Brother MFC-L5700DW
More Brother ink guides: Brother HL-L5210DW · Brother HL-L2370DW · Brother HL-L6400DW · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother HL-L5210DW — CastleScore 89
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw (laser) — CastleScore 82
- Brother HL-L2460DW — CastleScore 90
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on November 7, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Brother toner cartridges? Shop Brother toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.