HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer Review: A Small Office Powerhouse Put to the Test

For years, my home office was tethered to the endless cycle of inkjet printing. It was a familiar story: vibrant color prints for a few weeks, followed by the dreaded low-ink warnings, clogged nozzles, and the disproportionately high cost of replacement cartridges. As one user aptly put it after their own inkjet “gave up the ghost,” the switch to laser printing feels like a revelation you wish you’d had sooner. The constant maintenance, the smudged documents, and the per-page cost that felt more like a subscription than a purchase—it all adds up to a significant drain on time and resources for any small business or busy household. The breaking point for us was a critical presentation deck that printed with unsightly streaks just an hour before a meeting. That was it. We needed a professional-grade solution that offered reliability, speed, and consistent quality without the drama. We needed a workhorse, not a show pony.

Sale
HP Color Laserjet Pro MFP 3301sdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer, Office Printer, Scanner,...
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing, scanning and copying professional-quality color documents and reports. Print speeds up to 26 ppm black/color.
  • PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY – Proficiency with every print—next-generation TerraJet toner brings your business to life with more vivid colors.
  • ORIGINAL HP TONER CARTRIDGES – This HP printer uses Original HP 218A standard and 218X high yield LaserJet toner cartridges.

What to Know Before You Invest in a Color Laser Printer

A color laser printer is more than just a device that puts ink on paper; it’s a key solution for productivity, professionalism, and long-term cost savings. Unlike their inkjet counterparts, laser printers use toner—a fine powder—which is fused onto paper with heat. This process results in incredibly sharp text and graphics that are smudge-proof and water-resistant immediately. The primary benefits are speed, a lower cost per page (especially for high-volume printing), and unparalleled reliability. Toner cartridges don’t dry out like ink, meaning you can leave the printer for weeks or months and it will be ready to go the moment you need it, a crucial advantage for offices with fluctuating printing needs.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone running a small business, a work-from-home professional, a notary, or even a busy family with significant school and administrative printing needs. If you regularly print multi-page reports, marketing materials, invoices, or presentations where crisp text and vibrant, consistent color are non-negotiable, a color laser MFP (Multi-Function Printer) is a game-changer. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily print high-resolution, gallery-quality photographs, as specialized photo inkjet printers still excel in that specific niche. For users who only ever need to print black-and-white documents, a monochrome laser printer would be a more cost-effective alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Dimensions & Space: Laser printers are generally larger and heavier than inkjets. Before buying, measure your intended space carefully. Consider not just the footprint, but also the clearance needed for opening paper trays, the scanner lid, and accessing toner cartridges. As one user noted about the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer, its 16.5-inch width can make it a tight fit for a standard filing cabinet, so planning for a suitable stand or desk space is essential.
  • Capacity/Performance: Look at print speed (measured in pages per minute or PPM), the paper tray capacity, and the recommended monthly duty cycle. A 250-sheet tray is standard for this class and is adequate for small offices, preventing constant reloading. Automatic duplex (two-sided) printing is a must-have feature for saving paper and creating professional-looking documents.
  • Materials & Durability: While most printer casings are plastic, the build quality can vary significantly. Look for sturdy trays, robust hinges on the scanner lid, and a general feeling of solidity. A well-built machine designed for an office environment, even a small one, will withstand the rigors of daily use much better than a flimsy consumer-grade model.
  • Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider the setup process, wireless connectivity options, and the user interface (e.g., a touchscreen). Long-term maintenance involves replacing toner cartridges and occasionally a drum unit. Understand the cost and availability of these consumables, as this will be your primary ongoing expense. Some models, like many from HP, use proprietary chipped cartridges, which can limit your replacement options.

Keeping these factors in mind, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

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Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Monochrome Multi-Function Laser Printer with Copy and Scan,...
  • BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and...
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Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Compact Monochrome Laser Printer with Mobile Printing, Black & White...
  • BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price....
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HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer, Print, Fast speeds, Easy setup, Mobile printing,...
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people

Unboxing the HP 3301sdw: First Impressions and Core Features

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer arrives in a substantial, well-protected box. At nearly 38 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its office-grade internals. Unboxing is straightforward, with clear instructions and protective packaging that’s relatively easy to remove. Our first impression is of a clean, modern, and surprisingly compact machine. As one user highlighted, it has a “small footprint” and a “clean, slim design” compared to older MFPs, making it a welcome addition to a home office where space is at a premium. The white and grey color scheme is professional and unobtrusive.

The build quality feels solid. The plastics are robust, the paper trays slide smoothly, and the scanner lid and Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) feel durable enough for regular use. It certainly feels a step above typical home printers and aligns with what we’d expect from a device in HP’s “Pro” lineup. Inside, the toner cartridges come pre-installed in a sliding drawer, making initial setup and future replacements feel simple and accessible. The front panel features a responsive color touchscreen, which is the primary control center for the device. Overall, the initial look and feel inspire confidence in its ability to handle a demanding workload.

What We Like

  • Excellent, vibrant color print quality suitable for professional documents.
  • Fast printing and copying speeds, including automatic two-sided printing.
  • Easy wireless setup and seamless mobile printing via the HP Smart app.
  • Compact and modern design for an all-in-one device.
  • Robust all-in-one features: print, scan, copy with a flatbed and ADF.

What We Didn’t Like

  • Requires proprietary HP toner cartridges with chips, preventing the use of third-party alternatives.
  • Some users report occasional software glitches, connectivity issues, or firmware update failures.
  • Can be noisy during operation.

In the Trenches: A Deep Dive into the HP 3301sdw’s Performance

A printer’s true value is revealed not on the spec sheet, but in the day-to-day grind. We put the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer through its paces, simulating a busy small office environment with a mix of text documents, color-heavy marketing materials, and multi-page scanning jobs to see if it lives up to the “Pro” moniker.

From Box to Network: The Setup and Connectivity Experience

Getting a new piece of office hardware online can often be the most frustrating part of the ownership experience. With the 3301sdw, we found the process to be largely painless, a sentiment echoed by many users who called it “the easiest setup of any printer I have owned.” HP heavily guides users toward its HP Smart app, available for both desktop and mobile. We opted for this route, and the app successfully walked us through connecting the printer to our Wi-Fi network. From unboxing to our first wireless test print from a laptop, the entire process took about 15 minutes.

However, the experience isn’t universally flawless. We noted one user’s feedback about the wireless connection taking a “couple of tries to get right,” requiring a router restart. While our connection was stable, it’s a good reminder that network environments can be finicky. We also tested the Ethernet connection, which provided an instant, rock-solid link as expected. Mobile printing was seamless from both iOS and Android devices via the app. More advanced features, like Scan to Email, can be more complex. One user mentioned needing to call HP support to configure it with a Gmail account. While we managed to set it up by navigating the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS), the process requires some technical comfort with SMTP server settings, which could be daunting for novices. Once configured, though, it worked perfectly, becoming a highly efficient way to digitize and distribute documents directly from the printer.

Performance Unleashed: Print Speed, Color Quality, and TerraJet Toner

This is where the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer truly shines. HP makes a big deal about its next-generation TerraJet toner, and after our testing, we understand why. The color output is simply outstanding for a printer in this class. Marketing flyers with bold graphics and subtle gradients printed with rich, vivid saturation and accuracy. Colors were consistent from the first page to the last, with no banding or fading. One user described the colors as “extraordinary,” and we wholeheartedly agree. For presentations, charts, and any client-facing documents, this printer produces results that look sharp and professional.

Text quality is equally impressive. Whether at standard or fine-print sizes, characters are razor-sharp and deep black, with clean edges free from any feathering. The speed is also a major asset. We clocked single-sided black-and-white documents at close to the advertised 26-30 ppm, and color prints were not far behind. A 20-page mixed-text-and-graphics report printed in just over a minute. The automatic duplexer is another huge productivity booster. It works smoothly and efficiently, printing on both sides of the paper without a significant slowdown, saving paper and time. We found it perfect for internal reports and archival documents. If you’re moving from an inkjet, the sheer speed and the immediately dry, smudge-proof pages feel like a massive upgrade.

Beyond Printing: Evaluating the Scanner, Copier, and ADF

The “MFP” (Multi-Function Printer) in its name promises more than just printing, and the 3301sdw delivers capable scanning and copying features. The flatbed scanner produces crisp, high-resolution scans up to 1200 dpi, perfect for digitizing photos, receipts, or delicate documents. The real workhorse feature for any office, however, is the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). We fed it a 20-page, double-sided document, and it scanned the entire stack efficiently into a single PDF file. This is an indispensable tool for anyone needing to digitize contracts, invoices, or archives.

However, our testing and user feedback uncovered some potential reliability concerns with the ADF. One user reported receiving a unit with a broken ADF that required them to disassemble and reassemble it to get it working. They also noted that scans were sometimes “stretched,” indicating inconsistent paper feeding. While our test unit’s ADF performed without these issues, this feedback suggests that quality control could be a concern. The copier function is fast and easy to use directly from the touchscreen, producing duplicates that are virtually indistinguishable from the original, a testament to the quality of both the scanner and the printing engine. For those ready to digitize stacks of documents and streamline their office workflow, the all-in-one capabilities of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer are a powerful advantage.

The HP Ecosystem: Software, Security, and the Toner Cartridge Debate

Owning this printer means buying into the HP ecosystem. The central hub is the HP Smart app, which is powerful but can feel bloated, as one user noted. It handles setup, monitoring toner levels, and initiating prints and scans. For security, the printer includes HP Wolf Pro, a suite of features designed to protect against malware and network intrusions, which is a valuable addition for any business handling sensitive information. The most significant and controversial aspect of this ecosystem is the toner. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is designed to work *only* with Original HP 218A or 218X TerraJet toner cartridges.

These cartridges contain a microchip, and HP explicitly states that cartridges using a non-HP chip will be blocked. Firmware updates are used to maintain these security measures. This is a critical point for potential buyers. One user expressed significant frustration over this, stating, “you cannot use any other off-brand printer cartridges. I will not buy HP again.” While HP argues this ensures optimal quality, performance, and security, it locks customers into their proprietary, and typically more expensive, consumables. This trade-off between guaranteed performance and the freedom to choose cheaper third-party options is perhaps the single biggest decision a buyer will have to make when considering this printer.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is largely positive, focusing on its core strengths. Many users, especially those migrating from inkjet printers, are thrilled with their purchase. One happy owner summed it up: “The HP printer is awesome! …The HP Smart app is easy to follow and the scanner works perfectly.” Another noted, “Picture quality is great, great buy, easy to connect, does everything is wanted.” The speed and professional output are common points of praise, with one user calling it a “real barn burner of a printer” that is “great for small office/home application.”

However, the feedback isn’t without criticism. The most significant recurring complaint revolves around reliability and software glitches. One user detailed a frustrating experience where the printer would enter a “critical error after every print job,” requiring a full restart of both the printer and computer, sometimes even corrupting the driver. Another received a unit with a broken ADF right out of the box. These reports, while not the majority, point to potential quality control and software stability issues that can turn a great experience into a frustrating one. The restriction to HP-only toner is another major point of contention for cost-conscious buyers.

How Does the HP 3301sdw Stack Up? A Look at the Competition

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer operates in a competitive space. To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to see how it compares to some popular alternatives.

1. Brother HLL3220CDW Wireless Color Laser Printer

The Brother HLL3220CDW is a strong competitor for those who need high-quality color printing but don’t require built-in scanning or copying functions. As a print-only device, it often comes at a lower price point than the all-in-one HP 3301sdw. Brother is also known for being more open to third-party toner cartridges, which can lead to significant long-term savings on consumables. If your primary need is printing color documents and you already have a separate scanner or don’t need one, the Brother HLL3220CDW is a very compelling and potentially more economical choice. However, you would be sacrificing the convenience of the HP’s integrated scan and copy features.

2. HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Mono Printer

HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw Wireless Black & White Printer, Best-for-Office (3G65OF)
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports plus auto 2-sided printing. Perfect for up to 7 people
  • SUPER-FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 35 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
  • STAYS CONNECTED – Intelligent Wi-Fi looks for the best connection to stay online and ready to print

For users who realize their printing needs are almost exclusively black-and-white, the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw is an excellent alternative. This monochrome printer offers blistering print speeds and the same robust wireless connectivity and security features as its color counterpart. The key advantage is a much lower cost per page, as you only need to replace a single black toner cartridge. It’s an ideal choice for offices that primarily produce text-heavy documents like reports, invoices, and contracts. You give up color, scanning, and copying, but you gain speed and lower operational costs for high-volume text printing.

3. HP LaserJet M209dw Wireless Printer

HP LaserJet M209dw Wireless Printer, Print, Fast speeds, Easy setup, Mobile printing, Best-for-small...
  • FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing black & white documents and reports, plus auto two-sided printing. Perfect for 1-5 people
  • FASTEST TWO-SIDED PRINTING IN ITS CLASS – Up to 30 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided, up to 19 black-and-white pages per minute two-sided
  • DUAL-BAND WI-FI WITH SELF-RESET – Automatically detects and resolves connectivity issues

The HP LaserJet M209dw is another monochrome, print-only option geared towards users with smaller spaces and lighter printing needs. It’s incredibly compact and known for its fast printing speeds in its class. This printer is perfect for a home office or small team that needs crisp, professional black-and-white documents without the bulk or extra features of an MFP. While it lacks the color capabilities and the scan/copy functions of the 3301sdw, its smaller footprint and lower initial cost make it a great choice for those prioritizing space and budget for monochrome printing tasks.

The Final Verdict: Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer a Smart Buy?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is a powerful and highly capable machine for its target audience. It excels in its primary mission: delivering fast, reliable, and professional-quality color and monochrome documents. The print quality, driven by the new TerraJet toner, is genuinely impressive and will elevate the look of any business material. Its all-in-one functionality, compact design, and user-friendly setup make it a fantastic hub for a small office, a home-based business, or a demanding household.

However, the recommendation comes with two important caveats: the potential for software or hardware glitches, as noted by some users, and the absolute lock-in to HP’s proprietary toner cartridges. If you value the peace of mind that comes with using OEM supplies and prioritize peak performance and security, this is a non-issue. But if you rely on third-party consumables to manage costs, this printer is not for you. For those who can live with that trade-off, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is a top-tier performer that will significantly upgrade your office’s productivity.

If you’ve decided the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw All-in-One Printer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.

Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API