There’s a universal feeling of dread that every home office worker or student knows well. It’s that moment you need to print a critical document—a shipping label for an urgent package, a final report due in an hour, or concert tickets for a show that starts tonight—only to be met with a blinking error light. Your inkjet printer, which you haven’t used in a few weeks, has once again fallen victim to dried-up, clogged ink cartridges. The frantic search for replacements, the exorbitant cost, and the sheer inconvenience can derail an entire day. We’ve been there, and it’s precisely this cycle of frustration that sends so many of us in search of a better solution. The promise of laser printing, with its reliable toner cartridges that don’t dry out, feels like a beacon of hope. But traditional laser printers were often bulky, loud, and overkill for a small space. The challenge has always been finding a printer that combines the reliability of laser technology with the compact footprint and wireless convenience modern life demands.
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
What to Demand from a Compact Laser Printer Before You Buy
A laser printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for productivity, reliability, and long-term savings. Unlike inkjet printers that use liquid ink, laser printers use a toner powder that is fused to the paper with heat. This process not only delivers incredibly sharp, smudge-proof text but also ensures the “ink” source—the toner cartridge—never dries out, no matter how infrequently you print. This makes it a game-changer for individuals and small teams who need a printer that works on demand, every single time, without the recurring nightmare of clogged print heads and expensive, half-used ink cartridges going to waste.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic home-office dilemma: they need professional-quality document printing but are severely limited on space. This includes students in dorm rooms, freelancers in small apartments, or small business owners operating out of a dedicated corner of a room. They prioritize speed, text clarity, and low-maintenance operation for black-and-white documents like invoices, reports, and labels. Conversely, this printer might not be suitable for those who require color printing for photos or marketing materials, or for users who need all-in-one functionality like dedicated scanning and copying. For those individuals, a larger color laser or an all-in-one inkjet machine would be a more appropriate, albeit more expensive and space-consuming, choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your intended space carefully. The primary appeal of a compact printer is its ability to disappear onto a bookshelf or into a small cabinet. Consider not just its footprint but also the clearance needed for the paper tray and output area. The HP LaserJet M110w boasts being the “world’s smallest laser in its class,” making it a top contender for tight spaces.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at print speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm). A higher ppm is crucial for printing multi-page documents without a long wait. Also, consider the paper tray capacity; a 150-sheet tray, like the M110w’s, is ample for home or small team use, minimizing the need for constant refills. Finally, assess the duty cycle and recommended monthly volume to ensure it matches your printing needs.
- Connectivity & Setup: In today’s wireless world, reliable Wi-Fi is non-negotiable. Check for features like self-resetting Wi-Fi, which helps maintain a stable connection. Also, evaluate the reliance on a mobile app for setup and operation. While app-based control offers convenience, it can also be a point of failure if the software is buggy or the setup process is convoluted.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of a monochrome laser printer is its simplicity. Ideally, maintenance should be limited to replacing the toner cartridge. Investigate the cost and page yield of replacement cartridges to understand the long-term cost per page. Features like HP’s Auto-On/Auto-Off technology also contribute to ease of use by saving energy without user intervention.
Keeping these factors in mind, the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer is an excellent choice for monochrome printing, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if your needs include color. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 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...
- 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....
- 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 World’s Smallest Laser: First Impressions of the HP LaserJet M110w
Pulling the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer from its box is a genuinely surprising experience. The first word that came to mind was “tiny.” HP’s claim of it being the “world’s smallest laser printer in its class” isn’t just marketing hype; it’s immediately evident. Measuring just 13.63 inches wide and 7.45 inches deep, it has a smaller footprint than many high-end inkjet printers and is even more compact than a standard laptop. The design is minimalist and clean, with a simple white plastic shell that feels well-constructed for its price point. It’s designed to blend in, not stand out, which we appreciate for a home or small office environment.
Inside the box, you find the printer itself, a pre-installed starter toner cartridge, a power cord, and setup guides. Notably, a USB cable is not included, a clear signal that HP intends for this to be a wireless-first device, managed primarily through its HP Smart App. The setup involves removing a few pieces of protective tape, plugging it in, and then turning to your smartphone or computer to complete the process. The physical setup is effortless, but as we would soon discover, the software and connectivity side of the equation is where the real journey begins.
What We Like
- Incredibly compact and lightweight design fits almost anywhere
- Impressively fast printing at up to 21 pages per minute
- Excellent, sharp text quality ideal for professional documents
- Toner is cost-effective and doesn’t dry out like inkjet cartridges
Limitations
- Wireless setup can be frustrating and unreliable for some users
- Lacks dual-band Wi-Fi, operating only on the slower 2.4GHz band
A Deep Dive into the HP LaserJet M110w’s Real-World Performance
A printer’s value is ultimately determined by how it performs day-to-day. For the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer, this story has two distinct chapters: the setup experience and the printing performance itself. When it works, it’s a brilliant piece of engineering. But getting it to that point can be a significant hurdle that divides user experiences dramatically.
Size and Design: A Masterclass in Minimalism
The standout feature of the HP LaserJet M110w is, without a doubt, its minuscule size. We were able to place it on a narrow bookshelf next to a stack of books with room to spare. This is a game-changer for anyone working in a constrained environment. As one user happily noted, “It fits perfectly in a little cabinet in my kitchen hutch with room to spare.” This isn’t just a slightly smaller printer; it’s a device that fundamentally changes where and how you can integrate printing into your home. The paper tray folds up neatly, and the output tray is a simple flip-out plastic arm, all contributing to its compact profile when not in use. The build is entirely plastic, but it feels dense and sturdy, not cheap or flimsy. The minimalist aesthetic, with just a few status LEDs and buttons, reinforces its purpose as a straightforward, no-fuss document printer. For pure design ingenuity in service of saving space, HP has knocked it out of the park.
Setup and Connectivity: The Double-Edged Sword
This is where the praise becomes more conditional. HP has fully committed to an app-based setup via its “HP Smart App.” In a perfect world, this is a streamlined process: you download the app, it discovers the printer via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, you connect it to your home Wi-Fi network, and you’re ready to print. For us, and for many users, the reality was more complicated. Our initial setup attempts were met with a flashing attention light (“!”) and a printer that refused to finalize its connection to our network. This experience mirrors that of frustrated users, one of whom spent two hours trying to connect before giving up.
After a factory reset and some troubleshooting, we discovered the key limitation: the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks. In homes with modern routers that intelligently combine 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands under a single network name, this can cause significant connection problems. The printer can’t distinguish the correct band and simply fails to connect. This is a critical oversight in a modern wireless device. As one tech-savvy user pointed out, “It only works in 2.4G… it’s slower and lags in communications… It’s worth spending an extra $30 dollars for that feature [5G].” Once we forced our network to a dedicated 2.4GHz channel, the setup completed successfully. This is a crucial piece of information that is not prominently advertised and is the likely source of the majority of negative feedback regarding connectivity. It’s an issue that turns what should be a simple setup into a technical headache for many.
Performance in Practice: Speed and Quality Unleashed
Once the connectivity hurdles are cleared, the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer truly begins to shine. It wakes from sleep mode quickly, and the first page is out in just over 8 seconds. The advertised speed of 21 ppm is accurate; we printed a 20-page report, and it churned through the pages with the efficiency of a much larger office machine. The speed is a massive upgrade over any inkjet in its price class. The print quality is equally impressive. The 600×600 dpi resolution produces exceptionally crisp, dark, and highly legible text. Documents look professional and clean, with no smudging or bleeding. This was confirmed by users who described the output as “really crisp and clear” and printing “like a work printer.”
It handles various media types competently, from standard paper to card stock and labels, making it versatile for a range of home office tasks. The 150-sheet input tray is generous for such a small device, meaning you won’t be reloading paper constantly. This is the core promise of the printer delivered flawlessly. If your primary need is fast, high-quality black-and-white document printing, the performance of the HP LaserJet M110w is hard to fault once it’s up and running.
The Ecosystem: HP Smart App and Long-Term Costs
Living with the M110w means living with the HP Smart App. It’s the central hub for checking toner levels, managing settings, and even initiating “scans” using your phone’s camera. While the mobile printing function is seamless from any device—PC, Mac, or smartphone—the app itself can feel intrusive. During setup, it heavily pushes users to sign up for HP’s toner subscription service. We found, as one user wisely noted, “you have to be very careful during setup to avoid signing up. They make several attempts and are very tricky but it works just fine without their ink program.” The long-term cost is another consideration. The printer uses HP’s dynamic security, meaning it’s designed to work only with original HP toner cartridges. While this ensures quality, it eliminates the option of using cheaper third-party alternatives. We also saw reports of the included starter cartridge running out very quickly, which can be an immediate and unexpected expense. This is a trade-off: you get a very affordable printer upfront, but you are locked into HP’s ecosystem for consumables for the life of the device.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from dozens of users reveals a starkly divided opinion, hinging almost entirely on the setup and connectivity experience. On one side, there are overwhelmingly positive comments from those who had a smooth installation. One user captures this sentiment perfectly: “I have been printer free for several years and was very resistant to buying a printer for my home. This one is TINY, fast, and super easy to install. All for a great price.” Another echoes this, saying, “I love how compact this printer is… It prints super fast and everything comes out really crisp and clear.” These reviews focus on the machine’s core strengths: its size and performance.
On the other side of the spectrum, the frustration is palpable. The negative reviews are almost exclusively about connectivity. One user’s summary is damning: “Absolute garbage printer… Then completely flatlined after about 4 months… Zero connectivity. The wireless function just went ‘poof’.” Another detailed their troubleshooting nightmare, stating, “Printer stopped connecting to wifi. Needs to be replaced asap. The WiFi light just kept blinking.” This feedback is critical because it highlights that for a significant portion of buyers, the printer’s primary feature—wireless printing—is its biggest point of failure.
How Does the HP LaserJet M110w Compare to the Competition?
The HP LaserJet M110w exists in a competitive market for compact monochrome printers. While it wins on size, potential buyers should weigh its features against some formidable alternatives.
1. Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer
- 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....
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless...
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work...
The Brother HL-L2405W is arguably the HP’s most direct competitor. Brother has a stellar reputation for reliability, and this model is no exception. It’s slightly larger than the M110w but offers a faster print speed of up to 30 ppm and, crucially, includes dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi, which can lead to a much more stable connection and easier setup. While HP relies heavily on its Smart App, Brother’s setup process is often seen as more traditional and straightforward. For users who prioritize bulletproof connectivity and raw speed over the absolute smallest footprint, the Brother HL-L2405W is a very compelling alternative.
2. Brother MFC-L2820DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer Duplex
- BEST FOR SMALL OFFICES – Combining space-saving efficiency and premium monochrome (black & white) print quality with affordability, the Brother MFC-L2820DW delivers dynamic laser print, copy, scan,...
- EFFICIENT PRINTING & SCANNING – Produces black & white documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (bk/cl). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for...
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz), Ethernet, or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
For those who need more than just printing, the Brother MFC-L2820DW is a huge step up in functionality. While significantly larger and more expensive than the HP M110w, it’s an all-in-one powerhouse. It adds copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities, along with automatic duplex (two-sided) printing—a feature the M110w lacks. Like its print-only sibling, it also features robust dual-band Wi-Fi. Someone running a small business or a more demanding home office who needs to digitize documents or make copies would find the extra investment in this Brother model well worth it for the immense gain in versatility.
3. Canon D570 Laser Printer Copier Scanner
- Wi Fi Direct Connection allows you to connect your compatible mobile devices without a router
- Print at speeds of up to 28 pages per minute
- Print on the go with Canon Print Business, Apple AirPrint, Morea Print Service and Google Cloud Print
The Canon ImageCLASS D570 is another excellent all-in-one alternative that competes more directly with the Brother MFC series. It provides high-quality printing, scanning, and copying in a relatively compact package. Canon is renowned for its print quality and robust hardware. While it shares the all-in-one features of the Brother MFC, its design and user interface offer a different experience that some users may prefer. If your needs extend beyond simple printing and you’re willing to sacrifice the ultra-compact size of the HP M110w, the Canon D570 offers a reliable, feature-rich option for a complete home office setup.
Our Final Verdict on the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer
The HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer is a product of brilliant highs and frustrating lows. As a piece of physical hardware, it is a marvel of miniaturization, delivering on its promise of fast, crisp, reliable laser printing in a package that can fit virtually anywhere. For users who successfully navigate its setup process, it is a five-star product that solves the dreaded dried-inkjet problem permanently.
However, its complete reliance on the HP Smart App and, more critically, its lack of 5GHz Wi-Fi support, create a significant barrier for entry that many users will not be able to overcome easily. This single technical limitation is the source of the vast majority of its negative feedback and turns a potentially seamless experience into a troubleshooting ordeal.
We recommend the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer with a strong caveat: it’s an excellent choice for tech-savvy users in small spaces who are comfortable ensuring their network is 2.4GHz-compatible. If you fit that description, you will be rewarded with an outstandingly compact and efficient printer. If you prioritize plug-and-play simplicity and rock-solid connectivity above all else, you may be better served by one of its dual-band competitors.
If you’ve decided the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Monochrome Printer is the right fit for your minimalist workspace, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API