Brother MFC-J245 — Features, Specifications, Performance & Business Use

The Brother MFC-J245 is an entry-level, all-in-one inkjet aimed at home offices, micro-businesses and small workgroups that need a compact, low-cost device capable of printing, scanning and copying daily office documents. It’s part of Brother’s lineup that targets users who value small footprint, straightforward operation, and low up-front price more than high throughput or enterprise features. This 1,500-word guide drills into the MFC-J245’s practical features, expected specifications, real-world performance, where it fits in business environments, and procurement/maintenance advice to help you decide if it’s the right device for your team.

Product profile — what the MFC-J245 is for

The MFC-J245 is designed for:

• home offices and sole proprietors who print occasionally,

• small teams (1–3 users) needing a shared desktop MFP,

• user desks where space is constrained, and

• users who prioritize low initial cost and decent color output for basic marketing materials, receipts, invoices and internal documents.

It’s not a replacement for departmental laser printers or high-volume production devices. Instead it’s a practical, economical choice when color output and multifunction convenience matter at modest daily volumes.

Key features — practical highlights

Although specific SKUs and regional bundles vary, the MFC-J245 typically offers the following core capabilities that small business users care about:

• Print / Copy / Scan all-in-one: Flatbed scanner for single-sheet scanning and copying, plus integrated printing — useful for digitizing receipts, contracts or invoices.

• Compact footprint: Small desktop chassis that fits in tight workspaces, under shelves, or on reception counters.

• Color inkjet output: Sufficient color quality for everyday marketing handouts, client proofs and internal reports.

• Wireless & mobile printing: Wi-Fi and mobile printing support (AirPrint, Mopria, Brother iPrint&Scan) for printing from phones and tablets without a PC.

• Simple user interface: Basic LCD or LED status indicators and intuitive controls designed for non-technical users.

• Energy-efficient standby: Inkjet devices typically use little power in idle and sleep modes, which is helpful for small offices seeking lower energy bills.

Those features make the MFC-J245 attractive to buyers who want a simple, flexible MFP without the complexity or cost of large MFPs.

Typical specifications (what to expect)

Brother sells several entry MFPs with similar names; consult your vendor for the exact spec sheet. Below are realistic, category-typical specifications for a device in the MFC-J245 class:

• Functions: Print, copy, scan (flatbed). No ADF on many entry models.

• Technology: Inkjet, four-color CMYK printing.

• Resolution: High-quality output up to multi-thousand dpi effective (driver-enhanced) for smooth photos and fine graphics.

• Print speed (typical for class): Conservative figures: around 6–12 pages per minute (ppm) color and 10–15 ppm monochrome in normal quality modes. Actual speed depends on the driver, duty cycle and document complexity.

• Scanner: Flatbed scanner (A4/Letter), optical resolution appropriate for OCR and archiving (often 600 dpi optical).

• Paper handling: Input tray capacity about 50–100 sheets, single output tray; support for plain paper, photo paper and envelopes; manual feed for specialty media.

• Connectivity: USB and Wi-Fi as standard; Ethernet sometimes omitted on entry models. Mobile printing compatibility with common standards.

• Consumables: Replaceable ink cartridges (standard and high-yield options). Some regions offer economical “XL” cartridges or subscription/ink-tank variations.

• Dimensions & weight: Compact — light enough to relocate; roughly notebook-sized footprint.

Because Brother markets region-specific SKUs, always check the exact model code and datasheet for precise numbers (tray sizes, speeds, supported media weights and mobile printing standards).

Real-world performance — what to expect day to day

Print quality

For everyday business needs — invoices, client handouts, color flyers and presentation handouts — an MFC-J245 class unit delivers very good quality. Text is usually crisp (especially using the pigment or black ink channel), and color photos or graphics reproduce with pleasing saturation for short-run marketing materials. Expect color to be suitable for internal distribution or proofs; for color-critical marketing or photo prints, use professional print labs or higher-end pigment printers.

Speed and throughput

Entry inkjets are not optimized for sustained, high-volume printing. They perform well in bursts: a few pages at a time, occasional multi-page reports or a set of color handouts. When printing long runs, the engine will slow down and the cost per page increases relative to monochrome lasers. If your office prints dozens or hundreds of pages daily, consider a laser MFP for lower per-page costs and faster duplex performance.

Scanning and copying

Flatbed scanning is fine for documents, receipts and occasional photos; if you frequently batch-scan multi-page documents, an MFP with an ADF (automatic document feeder) will save time. Optical resolution typically supports accurate OCR for digital archiving—important if you want to index invoices or contracts.

Reliability & maintenance

Brother builds solid entry devices. Expect reliable daily operation if you use the printer regularly. Inkjets can suffer nozzle clogging if left idle for long periods; regular use (a few pages per week) helps prevent ink drying. Use manufacturer-recommended inks and follow simple cleaning routines to maintain head health.

Business use cases — where the MFC-J245 fits best

1. Home office & solo practitioners — ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants and freelancers who need occasional color prints, client proposals, and scan/copy capability without occupying much desk space.

2. Small retail or service counters — print receipts, client forms, schedules and promotional flyers at the point of service. Wi-Fi and mobile printing make it easy to integrate with tablets and POS systems.

3. Micro-offices & startups — teams of 1–3 users sharing a compact MFP benefit from multifunction convenience and low initial costs.

4. Field agents and mobile teams — light, portable printers for remote printing and on-site documentation when paired with a laptop or mobile device.

5. Proofing & small marketing runs — quick proofs and short-run brochures printed in-house for fast iteration before professional production.

In each case the MFC-J245 shines when volume is moderate and convenience, color capability and footprint matter more than raw speed or enterprise manageability.

Consumables, running costs & TCO

Running costs are determined primarily by ink cartridge yield and page coverage. Entry inkjets typically have a higher cost per monochrome page than black toner lasers but a lower up-front price. Many Brother models offer XL or high-yield cartridge options that reduce cost-per-page. Some vendors provide subscription ink programs that simplify budgeting.

Other factors affecting TCO:

• frequency of head cleaning cycles (consumes ink),

• paper type used (photo paper costs more),

• maintenance parts (rollers, pickup assemblies) over device life.

For small offices, the balance between low purchase price and moderate per-page running cost is often acceptable; for high monthly volumes, calculate cost using realistic monthly page counts and consider laser alternatives.

Security, networking & manageability

Entry MFCs offer basic connectivity; typical security/management considerations include:

• Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2/WPA3 depending on model) and standard network security practices,

• Mobile printing security (secure pairing and permissions),

• Local admin controls via web interface (on models with network capability), and

• Driver provisioning for small IT deployments.

If you require enterprise features like Active Directory authentication, device auditing, encrypted secure print release or centralized fleet management, look at higher-end Brother business models (or Latitude/Enterprise printers) that add those capabilities.

Maintenance best practices

• Run the printer weekly if it’s idle to keep nozzles healthy.

• Use genuine cartridges to ensure nozzle longevity and print quality.

• Keep firmware updated — Brother regularly issues fixes and feature updates.

• Store spare cartridges for busy days — ink availability matters in small offices.

• Clean the flatbed glass regularly to avoid scan artifacts.

These simple steps reduce downtime and extend the device’s useful life.

Pros & cons — quick summary

Pros

• Low up-front cost and compact footprint.

• Multifunction convenience (print/scan/copy) for small offices.

• Good color quality for short-run marketing and client materials.

• Wireless and mobile printing support for modern workflows.

Cons

• Not suited to high monthly volumes — higher per-page cost than monochrome lasers.

• Limited paper capacity and usually no ADF on the most compact SKUs.

• Idle-time nozzle maintenance can consume ink if the device is rarely used.

• Fewer enterprise security/management features compared with business MFPs.

Buying advice & when to choose something else

Buy the MFC-J245 if:

• your monthly print volume is modest (<300–500 pages),

• you need color output and multifunction convenience at a low price, and

• footprint and simple mobile integration are priorities.

Consider a different device if:

• you print hundreds of pages daily (choose a monochrome laser),

• you need advanced fleet management or secure print release (choose a business MFP), or

• you must batch-scan multi-page documents regularly (choose a model with an ADF).

Final verdict

The Brother MFC-J245 is a practical, economical all-in-one for micro-businesses, home offices and small teams. It balances compact size, color capability and multifunction convenience with modest running costs and straightforward operation. For organizations that print intermittently, require occasional color marketing output, and want an affordable, space-saving MFP, the MFC-J245 is a sensible, no-frills choice. For heavy volumes or enterprise deployments, plan to evaluate higher-capacity laser or business-class models instead.