LC401XL Black Ink Cartridges, 2-Pack

When a printer runs out of black ink mid-task, having a second cartridge ready can help avoid an immediate reorder. This LC401XL two-pack is designed for select Brother MFC-J printers.

Both cartridges are black and are listed as non-OEM replacements. The listing estimates up to 560 pages per cartridge at 5% coverage, so actual yield depends on what you print.

Quick overview

The pack contains two LC401XL black ink cartridges and a user guide. It is listed for Brother MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1012DW, MFC-J1170DW, and MFC-J1800DW, as well as the corresponding MFC-J1010, MFC-J1012, MFC-J1170, and MFC-J1800 models. Match your printer’s exact model before buying, the cartridge family name alone is not enough to establish compatibility with other printers.

The stated yield is up to 560 pages per black cartridge at 5% coverage. That is a reference figure, not a promise for every job: pages with large dark areas or frequent graphics use more ink than light text pages. Keep in mind that these are non-OEM cartridges, so they are not Brother-branded supplies.

Best use cases

This set makes the most sense for someone who prints mostly documents on one of the listed MFC-J models and wants a spare black cartridge on hand. For example, if you print a few pages of paperwork at home and notice the cartridge is running low, the second one gives you a replacement without having to buy another two-pack right away.

If your work relies on color printing, this particular pack is not a complete ink replacement set: it contains two black cartridges only. A buyer who wants original Brother supplies, or a set that includes color ink, should look for a different option. A solid pick if your printer model matches and black ink is what you need, It might not be a great match if you need color cartridges or only want OEM supplies.

Tips for day-to-day use

The supplied instructions say not to remove or touch the cartridge chip during installation. If the printer displays a non-original cartridge prompt, the instructions say to select OK or Next to continue. If it reports low ink, empty, or asks for replacement after installation, they advise removing and reinstalling the cartridge several times. Those steps are specific to this product’s guidance, and the listing does not promise that every printer prompt will behave the same way.

The 5% coverage condition matters when estimating how long a cartridge may last. For routine text printing, that estimate offers a useful point of reference, documents with heavier ink coverage can use more. The listing also calls the cartridges LC401XL, so check that designation alongside your printer model rather than relying on a broad Brother compatibility search.

Questions before you buy

Which printers are listed as compatible? The listing names the MFC-J1010DW, MFC-J1012DW, MFC-J1170DW, MFC-J1800DW and the corresponding models without the DW suffix. Confirm your exact model against that list.

How many pages does one cartridge claim to print? Up to 560 pages per black cartridge at 5% coverage. Your results can differ with print content and coverage.

Are these original Brother cartridges? No. They are identified as non-OEM LC401XL replacements, and the pack includes two black cartridges plus a user guide.

Buying verdict

Choose this two-pack when you need black ink for a listed Brother MFC-J printer, are comfortable using a non-OEM cartridge, and value having a spare ready. If you need color ink, original Brother supplies, or a cartridge for a model not named in the compatibility list, this listing does not establish that it will meet your needs.