The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a compelling choice for small to medium-sized businesses and home offices seeking a robust, all-in-one color laser printer.

It delivers a strong blend of print quality, speed, and comprehensive multifunction capabilities, making it a serious contender for those who need reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Its wireless connectivity, automatic duplexing, and intuitive touchscreen interface streamline workflows, positioning it as a productivity powerhouse designed to handle diverse printing, scanning, copying, and faxing needs efficiently.

Feature/Product	HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw	Brother MFC-L3770CDW	Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw	Dell Color Smart Printer S3845cdn	Epson EcoTank Pro ET-5880	Lexmark CX431adw	Ricoh SP C261SFNw
Technology	Color Laser	Color Laser	Color Laser	Color Laser	Inkjet EcoTank	Color Laser	Color Laser
Functions	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax	Print, Scan, Copy, Fax
Print Speed Color/Black	~22 ppm / 22 ppm	~25 ppm / 25 ppm	~22 ppm / 22 ppm	~36 ppm / 36 ppm	~25 ppm / 25 ppm	~24 ppm / 24 ppm	~21 ppm / 21 ppm
Duplex Printing	Auto	Auto	Auto	Auto	Auto	Auto	Auto
Connectivity	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi	USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, NFC
ADF Capacity	50 sheets	50 sheets	50 sheets	50 sheets	50 sheets	50 sheets	35 sheets
Monthly Duty Cycle	Up to 40,000 pages	Up to 30,000 pages	Up to 30,000 pages	Up to 80,000 pages	Up to 66,000 pages	Up to 50,000 pages	Up to 30,000 pages
Target User	Small/Medium Office	Small/Medium Office	Small/Medium Office	Medium/Large Office	Small/Medium Office High Volume	Small/Medium Office	Small Office

Table of Contents

Unpacking the Core Features: What Makes It Tick?

When you’re looking at a printer like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw, it’s not just about putting ink on paper. It’s about what it can do for your workflow.

HP has packed this machine with a suite of features designed to make life easier and more productive, whether you’re in a bustling small office or a dedicated home setup.

Print Quality and Speed: A Laser Focus

The 3301fdw is a color laser printer, which immediately tells you a few things about its performance.

Laser technology excels at producing sharp, crisp text, which is paramount for professional documents.

But how does it handle color, and does it deliver quickly enough to keep pace with demand?

Crisp Text and Vibrant Graphics: For text-heavy documents, the LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is, as expected, excellent. Characters are well-defined, and even at smaller font sizes, legibility remains high. This is crucial for contracts, reports, and any document where clarity is non-negotiable. When it comes to color, it handles business graphics – think charts, graphs, and presentations – with impressive vibrancy and accurate color reproduction. While it’s not a photo printer, it’s certainly capable of producing marketing materials and internal documents that look professional.
Speed for the Hustle: Speed is often a bottleneck in busy environments. The 3301fdw is rated at approximately 22 pages per minute ppm for both black and color prints. This is a respectable speed for its class and generally sufficient for small to medium-sized workgroups.
- First Page Out Time: Typically, laser printers have a faster first page out time compared to inkjets, which means less waiting around for your first print.
- Impact on Productivity: In an office where multiple users might be sending print jobs, consistent speeds prevent bottlenecks. A shared printer that churns out pages quickly keeps everyone moving.

Print Aspect	Performance	Notes
Black Text Quality	Excellent	Sharp, clear, professional
Color Graphics Quality	Very Good	Vibrant, good for business use charts, presentations
Photo Quality	Fair	Not designed for high-resolution photos, slight banding possible
Black Print Speed	~22 ppm	Consistent for text and graphics
Color Print Speed	~22 ppm	Maintains speed for color documents
First Page Out Black	~10.2 seconds	Quick start-up
First Page Out Color	~11.8 seconds	Reasonable for color jobs

Multifunctionality: Beyond Just Printing

The “MFP” in its name stands for Multi-Function Printer, and the 3301fdw lives up to this designation by integrating scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities seamlessly.

This consolidation of functions can be a significant space and cost saver for any office.

Scanning Prowess: The built-in flatbed scanner and the 50-sheet automatic document feeder ADF are key components.
- ADF for Batch Jobs: The ADF is a must for scanning multi-page documents. Imagine needing to digitize a 30-page contract – manually placing each page on a flatbed would be a nightmare. The ADF handles it swiftly.
- Scan-to-Email/Cloud: Modern offices demand more than just scanning to a local PC. The 3301fdw typically supports scanning directly to email addresses, network folders, and even cloud services via HP Smart app or web services, enhancing collaboration and document accessibility.
- Resolution and Quality: Scan quality is generally high, suitable for archiving documents, creating digital copies, or optical character recognition OCR.
Copying Convenience: The copier function leverages the scanner and printer, providing quick duplicates of documents.
- Duplex Copying: The ability to automatically copy both sides of a document is a significant time-saver, reducing manual intervention and paper waste.
- Reduction/Enlargement: Standard features like scaling allow you to adjust document sizes.
Faxing: Still Relevant for Some: While often considered a legacy technology, faxing remains crucial for certain industries legal, healthcare, real estate due to security and compliance requirements.
- PC Fax: Some models allow you to send faxes directly from your computer, eliminating the need to print a document first.
- Junk Fax Barrier: Features like junk fax blocking can help reduce unsolicited faxes.

Connectivity Options: Wired, Wireless, and Mobile

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw offers a comprehensive suite of options, ensuring it can integrate seamlessly into almost any network environment.

Wired Connections for Stability:
- USB 2.0: This is your direct connection for a single computer, offering a plug-and-play experience. It’s reliable and doesn’t require network configuration, ideal for a dedicated workstation.
- Ethernet RJ-45: For shared office environments, an Ethernet connection is the gold standard. It provides a stable, fast, and secure link to your network, allowing multiple users to access the printer simultaneously without Wi-Fi interference.
Wireless Freedom with Wi-Fi:
- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz: Many modern printers, including this one, support dual-band Wi-Fi. This means better connectivity in crowded wireless environments 5GHz band and broader range 2.4GHz band.
- Wi-Fi Direct: This is a fantastic feature for printing directly from mobile devices without needing a router or existing Wi-Fi network. Your phone or tablet connects directly to the printer’s own Wi-Fi signal.
Mobile Printing Solutions: HP is generally very strong in mobile printing, and the 3301fdw benefits from this ecosystem.
- HP Smart App: This is HP’s flagship mobile app, available for iOS and Android. It allows you to set up your printer, print documents and photos from your phone, scan directly to your device or cloud services, order supplies, and even troubleshoot issues. It transforms your smartphone into a remote control for your printer.
- Apple AirPrint: For Apple users, AirPrint allows for effortless printing from iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks without needing to install specific drivers. It’s a standard feature that just works.
- Mopria Print Service: Similar to AirPrint but for Android devices, Mopria provides a universal print solution, allowing Android users to print to certified printers from various apps.
- Cloud Print Compatibility potentially via HP Smart: While Google Cloud Print has been deprecated, HP’s own cloud services via HP Smart and HP ePrint where applicable often fill this gap, allowing you to print from anywhere with an internet connection by sending documents to your printer’s unique email address.

Ease of Use and Setup: Getting Up and Running

Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out how to get a new piece of tech to work.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw aims for a straightforward setup and intuitive daily operation, a critical factor for any office environment. Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard Kb525C Review

Unboxing and Initial Setup:
- Clear Instructions: HP typically provides detailed, visual setup guides. Unpacking involves removing shipping tapes and inserts, installing toner cartridges, and loading paper.
- Guided Software Installation: For Windows and macOS users, the setup process is often guided by a software installer that walks you through driver installation, network configuration wired or wireless, and initial registration.
Control Panel and User Interface:
- Color Touchscreen: The 3301fdw features a color touchscreen, which is a significant upgrade from button-heavy interfaces. Touchscreens make navigation much more intuitive, akin to using a smartphone.
- Intuitive Menus: Menus are usually well-organized, with clear icons for print, copy, scan, and fax functions, as well as settings and status checks.
- Customizable Shortcuts: Some advanced models allow users to create shortcuts for frequently used tasks e.g., “Scan to Marketing Folder”, further streamlining workflows.
Software and Driver Experience:
- HP Smart App Desktop: Beyond the mobile app, the HP Smart app is also available for desktop operating systems. It provides a centralized hub for managing your printer, checking ink levels, accessing scan tools, and more.
- Universal Print Driver UPD: For IT departments, HP’s Universal Print Driver can simplify deployment and management across multiple HP printer models.
- Web Server Embedded Web Server – EWS: Most network-enabled HP printers have an embedded web server accessible via a web browser by typing the printer’s IP address. This powerful tool allows for remote configuration, status monitoring, firmware updates, and advanced security settings without needing to be physically at the printer.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
- Accessible Toner Cartridges: Toner replacement is usually a simple process, with easily accessible compartments.
- On-Screen Guidance: The touchscreen often displays error messages and guides users through common troubleshooting steps e.g., “Paper jam in tray 2, open door X”.
- HP Support Resources: HP’s website offers a wealth of support, including drivers, manuals, FAQs, and diagnostic tools.

Running Costs and Toner Efficiency: The Long-Term Equation

Initial purchase price is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to printer ownership.

The ongoing cost of consumables, particularly toner, can significantly impact the total cost of ownership TCO over the printer’s lifespan.

Toner Cartridge Yields: HP LaserJet printers typically use separate toner cartridges for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.
- Standard Yield Cartridges: These are typically included with the printer and offer a lower page count.
- High-Yield XL Cartridges: These are often available as an upgrade and contain more toner, resulting in a lower cost per page CPP and less frequent replacement.
- Drum Unit if separate: Some laser printers have the imaging drum integrated into the toner cartridge, while others have a separate drum unit that needs replacement less frequently. The 3301fdw’s design likely integrates the drum into the toner cartridge for simplicity.
- Estimated Page Yields: For example, standard black cartridges might yield around 1,350 pages, while high-yield versions could go up to 3,150 pages. Color cartridges typically have slightly lower yields.
Cost Per Page CPP: This is the key metric for long-term cost. It’s calculated by dividing the cartridge cost by its page yield.
- Black CPP: For typical HP laser printers, black CPP with high-yield cartridges can range from $0.03 to $0.05 per page.
- Color CPP: Color pages are inherently more expensive, often ranging from $0.15 to $0.20 per page with high-yield cartridges.
Factors Influencing Running Costs:
- Volume of Printing: Higher print volumes mean more frequent toner purchases, emphasizing the importance of high-yield options.
- Color vs. Black & White Mix: Offices that print a lot of color will incur higher running costs.
- Coverage: Pages with heavy text or graphics coverage consume more toner than light text documents.
- Buying Options: Purchasing genuine HP toner is recommended for optimal performance and longevity, but buying multi-packs or subscribing to services like HP Instant Ink for laser if available for this model can sometimes offer savings.
Energy Efficiency: Laser printers consume more power during active printing and warm-up compared to inkjets, but typically less in standby mode.
- ENERGY STAR Certification: Many HP printers are ENERGY STAR certified, indicating they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Features like “Auto-Off” and “Instant-on Technology” help reduce energy consumption.

Design and Footprint: Fitting Into Your Space

Printers, especially multifunction laser printers, can take up a significant amount of real estate.

The design and footprint of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw are important considerations for office planning.

Dimensions and Weight:
- Compact for a Laser MFP: While laser MFPs are generally larger than inkjet equivalents, HP often designs its LaserJet Pro series to be relatively compact for their capabilities. You’ll want to check the exact dimensions width x depth x height to ensure it fits comfortably on your desk or dedicated printer stand.
- Weight: Laser printers are heavier than inkjets due to the internal components fuser, laser assembly, toner cartridges. Be prepared for its weight, especially if you plan to move it around frequently.
Aesthetics:
- Professional Appearance: HP printers typically feature a clean, professional design, often in white, grey, or black tones, blending well into office environments.
- Integrated Design: The all-in-one nature means a cleaner look than having separate devices for printing, scanning, and copying.
Paper Handling:
- Input Tray Capacity: Standard input trays for this class of printer often hold around 250 sheets, which is sufficient for most small office daily use.
- Multipurpose Tray if present: Some models include a single-sheet multipurpose tray for special media like envelopes, labels, or thicker paper.
- Output Bin Capacity: The output bin typically holds around 100-150 sheets, preventing constant need to clear printed documents.
- Duplex Printing: The integrated automatic duplex unit for two-sided printing is a fantastic feature for saving paper and resources. It adds minimal bulk but significant functionality.
Noise Levels:
- Operating Noise: Laser printers can be somewhat noisy during active printing due to fans and the fuser unit. However, they are generally quieter than older models.
- Quiet Mode if available: Some HP printers offer a “Quiet Mode” setting that reduces operational noise, albeit sometimes at the cost of a slight reduction in print speed. This is useful for quieter office environments.

Security Features: Protecting Your Data

It’s a critical component, especially for devices connected to a network.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw incorporates various security features to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.

Network Security Protocols:
- Wired Ethernet: Secure network protocols like 802.1x can be supported for authentication on enterprise networks.
- Wireless Wi-Fi: Support for robust Wi-Fi encryption standards like WPA2/WPA3 Personal and Enterprise.
- IPSec/Firewall: Many HP printers have built-in firewall capabilities and support IPsec for secure communication over the network.
Device Security:
- Secure Boot: Ensures that only trusted HP firmware is loaded during startup, preventing malicious code from taking control of the printer.
- Firmware Integrity Validation: Continuously checks the integrity of the printer’s firmware to detect and block unauthorized changes.
- Run-time Intrusion Detection: Monitors the printer’s memory for suspicious activity, providing an additional layer of defense against attacks.
- Hardware Integration: HP often builds security features directly into the printer’s hardware e.g., Secure by Design, making them more resilient to attacks.
Data Security:
- Encrypted Data Storage: While not a dedicated hard drive which typically offers more advanced encryption, any temporary data stored on the printer’s memory e.g., scanned documents before transmission is typically protected.
- Secure Erase/Job Override: Ensures that sensitive print job data is securely erased from the printer’s temporary memory after a job is completed.
Access Control:
- Administrator Password: Essential for preventing unauthorized users from changing critical printer settings or accessing sensitive network configurations.
- PIN Printing/Secure Print: This feature allows users to send print jobs to the printer but only release them by entering a PIN at the device. This prevents sensitive documents from sitting on the output tray for anyone to see.
- Port Disablement: The ability to disable unused ports e.g., USB, specific network protocols reduces potential attack vectors.
Management and Auditing:
- Embedded Web Server EWS: Provides a secure interface for administrators to configure all security settings, monitor printer status, and view event logs.
- SNMPv3 Support: For network monitoring and management, supporting SNMPv3 provides secure data transmission compared to older SNMP versions.
- Usage Tracking: Features to track who is printing what, which can be useful for auditing and identifying potential security breaches or resource misuse.
- HP JetAdvantage Security Manager for larger environments: While possibly overkill for a small office, HP offers enterprise-level security management tools that can centrally manage and enforce security policies across a fleet of HP printers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MFP stand for in HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

MFP stands for Multi-Function Printer, indicating that the device can perform multiple functions beyond just printing, specifically scanning, copying, and faxing.

Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw good for home use?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a good option for home use, especially for home offices or users with higher print volumes who need reliable, fast color printing and multifunction capabilities.

Can the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw print double-sided?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw features automatic duplex printing, meaning it can print on both sides of the paper automatically without manual intervention.

What is the print speed of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw typically has a print speed of approximately 22 pages per minute ppm for both black and color documents. Acer Swift Go 14 2024 Amd Ryzen 7 8845Hs Review

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw have Wi-Fi connectivity?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw offers Wi-Fi connectivity, including Wi-Fi Direct, allowing for wireless printing from various devices.

What type of cartridges does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw use?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw uses HP Color LaserJet toner cartridges, specifically individual cartridges for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw easy to set up?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is generally considered easy to set up, with guided instructions and intuitive software like the HP Smart app assisting the process.

Can I scan multiple pages at once with the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is equipped with a 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder ADF, allowing you to scan multiple pages sequentially.

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw have a touchscreen display?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw features a color touchscreen display for easy navigation and control of its functions.

Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw compatible with Mac computers?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is compatible with Mac computers and supports features like Apple AirPrint for easy printing.

Can I print from my phone to the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

Yes, you can print from your phone using the HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint for iOS, or Mopria Print Service for Android to the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw.

What is the maximum monthly duty cycle for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

The maximum monthly duty cycle for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is typically up to 40,000 pages, indicating its robustness for handling significant print volumes.

How much does the toner for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw cost?

The cost of toner for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw varies depending on standard or high-yield cartridges and vendor, but high-yield options generally offer a lower cost per page.

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw come with starter toner cartridges?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw typically comes with starter toner cartridges in the box, which have a lower yield than standard replacement cartridges. Siriusxm Internet Radio Review

Can the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw fax?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw includes a fax function, allowing you to send and receive faxes.

What paper sizes can the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw handle?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw can handle a range of standard paper sizes, including Letter, Legal, Executive, A4, A5, A6, B5 JIS, Oficio, and various envelope sizes.

Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw energy efficient?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is typically ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines and features like Auto-Off technology.

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw have an Ethernet port?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw includes an Ethernet port for wired network connectivity, providing a stable and secure connection for shared office use.

What is the input paper capacity of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

The standard input paper capacity for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is typically 250 sheets in its main input tray.

Can I scan to email with the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw supports scanning directly to email addresses, simplifying document sharing and workflows.

What is the recommended monthly page volume for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

The recommended monthly page volume for optimal performance and longevity of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is usually between 150 to 2,500 pages.

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw support Mopria?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw supports Mopria Print Service, enabling easy printing from compatible Android devices.

Can I use third-party toner cartridges with the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

While third-party toner cartridges might be available, using genuine HP toner is recommended for optimal print quality, reliability, and to avoid potential printer damage or warranty issues.

How does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw compare to inkjet printers?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw uses laser technology, excelling in crisp text, faster speeds for high volumes, and lower cost per page for black prints, whereas inkjets often offer better photo quality and lower initial cost. Hp Zbook Fury 16 G11 Review

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw have a USB port for direct printing?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw typically includes a USB 2.0 port for direct connection to a computer.

What are the main benefits of a color laser printer like the 3301fdw over a black and white laser printer?

The main benefit is the ability to print in full color, which is essential for marketing materials, presentations, charts, and any document where visual impact and brand consistency are important.

Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw suitable for small businesses?

Yes, its combination of speed, print quality, multifunctionality, and connectivity makes the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw highly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw have security features?

Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw includes various security features such as secure boot, firewall, and access control mechanisms to protect data and the network.

Can I manage the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw remotely?

Yes, you can manage the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw remotely via its Embedded Web Server EWS or the HP Smart app, allowing for configuration changes and monitoring.

What is the maximum print resolution of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw typically offers a print resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi for both black and color, which is standard for crisp text and good quality graphics in business environments.

Hp Color Laserjet Pro Mfp 3301Fdw Review