HP LaserJet Pro M426fdw Review: Powerhouse Printer For Small Business
Note: This printer model has been discontinued.
The HP LaserJet Pro M426fdw is a multifunction monochrome workhorse that keeps many offices running, printing, scanning, copying, and faxing like a reliable and versatile printing solution.
This is a very fast black-and-white printer, cranking out up to 40 pages per minute, with the first page in your hand in as little as 5.4 seconds from the time you hit the print button.
Top Shelf HP Toner
You have two options for printer toner cartridges with your M426fdw LaserJet.
The HP 26A black LaserJet toner cartridge has an approximate yield of 3,100 pages, while the high-capacity HP 26X black LaserJet toner cartridge can print approximately 9,000 pages before needing to be replaced.
These toner cartridges are not only compatible with the HP LaserJet Pro M426fdw but also with other models like the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn, M426dw, and M426dn.
Additionally, they are compatible with the HP M402 printer series, including the HP LaserJet Pro M402dn, M402dw, M402dne, M402n, and M402d. This compatibility offers flexibility and convenience for a range of printing needs.
Compact Connectivity
For a powerful office printer, the HP M426fdw has a modest footprint.
Even with all of its paper drawers open the M426fdw doesn’t get bigger than 16.93” x 25” x 12.8“.
This printer has a modest weight of 28.35 pounds.
The printer offers versatile connectivity options, allowing direct connection to computers via USB or connecting to a network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
The M426fdw allows for wireless printing from mobile phones or tablets.
Made For Busy Small Offices
The M426fdw comes standard with a 100-sheet multipurpose paper tray, a 250-sheet main paper tray, and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF).
For an additional $139 you can add a second 550-sheet paper tray, turning the M426fdw into a 950-sheet powerhouse printer.
The M426fdw has a recommended monthly page volume of between 750-4000 pages and a duty cycle of up to 80,000 pages, perfect for most small businesses.
[Pro Tip: Keep your printer rollers clean to get the best quality prints!]
Check out our Nitty-Gritty Guide to Printer Maintenance!
The HP LaserJet M426fdw Pros and Cons
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the HP LaserJet M426fdw.
Pro
- Fast print speeds
- Low running costs
- Optional 550-sheet paper tray
- Variety of connectivity options
- Variety of paper sizes
Con
- Text quality may not be as sharp as other printers in this price range
- The original price of $450 was a bit expensive
Sharp Prints on a Variety of Mediums
This machine boasts print resolutions of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. A 3-inch color touchscreen allows you to access all of the printer functions.
This printer can handle a variety of media sizes like letter and legal size paper as well as printing directly on envelopes and 3 x 5 cards.
The HP LaserJet M426fdw can scan documents at a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi at a speed of 26 pages per minute.
The 50-sheet ADF can handle documents up to legal size. Automatic duplex printing help save on paper costs, and consequently paper waste.
Has The M426fdw Aged Like a Fine Wine?
The HP M426fdw was released in the spring of 2016 at a price of $449.99. How has this printer faired over the years?
Overall, the HP M426fdw has garnered high praise from its owners, who highly appreciate its exceptional speed, versatile functionality, and cost-effectiveness, making it a beloved multifunction printer in the market.
PC Mag gave the M426fdw four out of five stars, when it was released, calling it a solid machine with slightly inferior print quality compared to other printers at this price point, like the Canon imageClass MF6160dw and the OKI MB471.
The printer gets 4.4 stars out of 5 from Amazon buyers. Seventy percent of reviews for the M426fdw are five-star.
A smattering of one-star reviews wrote of software compatibility issues and rude customer service from HP.
One review complained the M426fdw prematurely died after only six months of use. HP customer service again proved unhelpful.
Best Buy reviewers had a slightly better experience with the HP M426fdw, with 74% giving the multi-function LaserJet five stars.
One-star reviews focused on compatibility and customer service issues, similar to the complaints found on Amazon.
For the most part, HP M426fdw is beloved by its owners. This MFP gets high marks for its speed, functionality, and low running cost.
Save even more on print costs by using these economical fonts!
Further reading:
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 comments
No comments yet.