Brother LC4063PK Ink Cartridges Review: Conditional Buy
Starting with a surprising insight from across multiple platforms, the Brother LC4063PK Ink Cartridges 3 Pack scores an impressive 8.7/10 in user satisfaction, but that rating hides a few recurring frustrations. While marketed for its Inkvestment Tank technology—promising up to 1,500 pages per cartridge—users in different communities report real-world yields that sometimes exceed expectations, yet occasional stock shortages and high local pricing temper enthusiasm. For students, home offices, and frequent color print users, this set has become a reliable workhorse, but buyers should be aware of availability issues.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vivid, accurate colors ideal for presentations | High price compared to alternatives |
| Long lifespan with some users reporting 8–12 months of use | Black cartridge sold separately |
| Easy, mess-free installation | Stock shortages reported in multiple regions |
| Consistent compatibility with supported Brother printers | Color depletion halts printing, even if black remains |
| Inkvestment Tank reduces refill frequency | XL cartridges hard to find locally |
| Environmentally responsible disposal program | Limited yield for high-volume print shops |
Claims vs Reality
Brother’s marketing emphasizes “superior inkjet print quality and performance you can consistently rely on for up to 1,500 pages per cartridge.” Digging deeper into user reports, the yield claim is largely upheld, with Reddit’s ShopSavvy TLDR noting cartridges “capable of covering nearly 2000 pages with each set” under certain usage patterns. A Best Buy reviewer recounted printing “about 400 pages of full color flyers with photos included and I still have not run out,” underscoring strong endurance for typical workloads.
Another claim is “no mess” installation thanks to front-loading cartridges. Across Best Buy and Staples reviews, customers back this up: “Easy to open and replace pop-in cartridges” and “the installation process is seamless and user-friendly.” This feature matters most to non-technical users—teachers, college students, and small business owners—who value quick swapping during busy periods.
However, the “worry-free printing” claim is dented by availability issues. Multiple Best Buy users reported supply shortages: “The manufacturer ran out of this product nationwide for about a month… I had to temporarily halt printing at home.” This reality means the cartridges’ benefits are only accessible if buyers can secure stock.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples, color vibrancy is a standout. A verified Best Buy buyer praised that “the vibrant colors produced… bring my documents and visuals to life,” highlighting the appeal for presentation-heavy environments. Staples customer David S. echoed this: “I printed a photo and the color was fantastic.” For students and educators, this means charts, graphs, and images pop with professional clarity.
Ease of use is another point of agreement. Many users value the straightforward replacement process—“just snap out the old cartridge and put in the new cartridge”—which is particularly beneficial for high-turnover office environments. The Inkvestment Tank technology, which “minimizes the need for frequent ink replacements,” consistently earns praise from budget-conscious buyers, with one reviewer noting they “saved a ton of money compared to Canon cartridges.”
Longevity is a third universal praise point. Best Buy reviewers report cartridges lasting “almost a year” under moderate use, making them competitive with—and in some cases surpassing—HP and Epson equivalents in lifespan.
Common Complaints
Price is the most frequent gripe. Even satisfied buyers qualify their praise with comments like “it’s a little bit pricey but all ink is pricey anymore.” Staples reviews show similar frustration: “Far too expensive… I got only about 8 months [home use] before you have to start putting ink in.” For high-volume print shops, the standard yield may require more frequent purchases, inflating costs.
Stock shortages are a recurring theme. Several Best Buy customers and Reddit contributors warn about “general ink shortages” and the difficulty of sourcing XL cartridges. This hits hardest for small businesses relying on predictable supply chains.
Technical limitations also frustrate some users. The system halts printing when a color runs out, even if black ink remains. As one ShopSavvy summary put it: “Color cartridges deplete rapidly, hindering printing when empty,” which can disrupt workflows that are primarily monochrome but occasionally require color.
Divisive Features
Yield consistency divides opinion. While some easily surpass Brother’s 1,500-page estimate, others report lower yields—often linked to heavy photo printing or printer head cleaning cycles. One Best Buy user lamented that “half of it went to waste” during maintenance routines.
Environmental responsibility garners both praise and skepticism. Brother’s cartridge recycling program is appreciated by eco-conscious buyers, but Quora’s Provantage review notes “may contribute to waste if not recycled properly,” reflecting a gap between available programs and actual user participation.
Trust & Reliability
Trust patterns show minimal scam concerns. eBay sellers of the LC4063PK maintain high feedback scores (97–100% positive), and buyers report receiving “exactly what I ordered” in sealed packaging. Long-term durability stories are common: Best Buy reviewers note no leaks and consistent performance “over time,” even after many months.
However, reliability depends on stock availability. Shortages, documented across Best Buy and Reddit, can undermine trust for customers who expect uninterrupted supply. For instance, one frustrated buyer stated, “I doubt I’ll ever buy another Brother printer” after a month-long nationwide shortage.
Alternatives
In community comparisons, Canon cartridges appear most often as the benchmark for price. Several Reddit reviewers highlight “significant savings compared to Canon cartridges” with Brother’s Inkvestment Tank. HP and Epson alternatives are mentioned for color depth, with one Best Buy user noting HP’s deeper hues but conceding Brother’s inks last longer.
For high-volume needs, XL Brother cartridges are preferred—but availability issues mean some users switch brands when they can’t source them locally. This makes the LC4063PK more of a mid-volume, cost-conscious choice rather than a high-capacity option.
Price & Value
Current market pricing hovers around $65.99 USD, as seen on Amazon and eBay, with occasional dips to ~$59 at online discounters. Value perception hinges on yield: for moderate use, many report substantial savings over other brands, especially with Staples credits or bulk purchasing.
Resale value is negligible—cartridges are typically sold new, with eBay listings showing sealed packs as the standard. Community buying tips include tracking retailer alerts during stock shortages and buying in multiples to avoid downtime.
FAQ
Q: Does the Brother LC4063PK include black ink?
A: No. This pack contains cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges only. Users must buy the black cartridge separately, which can increase total replacement costs.
Q: How accurate is the 1,500-page yield claim?
A: Many users meet or exceed it for text-heavy documents. Photo printing or frequent printer maintenance can lower real-world yields.
Q: Are these cartridges compatible with older Brother printers?
A: Compatibility is limited to specific Inkvestment Tank models, including the MFC-J4335DW, J4535DW, J5855DW, J6555DW, and J6955DW series.
Q: What happens if one color runs out?
A: The printer halts all printing—color and black—until the depleted cartridge is replaced. This can disrupt workflows.
Q: Can these cartridges be recycled?
A: Yes. Brother offers an environmentally responsible disposal program via their website, but participation rates vary among users.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, educator, or home office user needing vivid, reliable color prints with low maintenance. Avoid if you require uninterrupted high-volume output or rely solely on local stock availability. Pro tip from the community: purchase in advance during sales or bundle deals to sidestep shortage frustrations.
