Overview

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a compact monochrome laser printer built for small to medium-sized workgroups that need reliable, high-volume black-and-white printing. With print speeds up to 38 pages per minute, automatic duplex printing, and a duty cycle of up to 80,000 pages per month, it is designed to handle demanding office environments without breaking down. At a street price around $299, it competes directly with the Brother HL-L5200DW and Canon imageCLASS LBP226dw in the workgroup laser segment.

Design & Build

The M404dn follows HP’s familiar white-and-gray LaserJet Pro design language with a compact footprint measuring 381 by 357 by 216 mm and weighing 8.56 kg. The front panel features a simple 2-line LCD display with navigation buttons for configuring network settings and supply management, keeping the interface straightforward for IT administrators. Build quality is solid with a sturdy plastic chassis that feels durable enough for daily office use, and the 250-sheet input tray plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray provide adequate paper handling for most workgroups. A 150-sheet output bin catches finished prints, and the rear panel offers USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for wired networking.

Performance

Powered by a 1200 MHz processor and 256 MB of RAM, the M404dn delivers a first page out time as fast as 6.3 seconds and sustained print speeds of 38 ppm for monochrome A4 documents. Print resolution reaches up to 4800 by 600 dpi with HP’s FastRes 1200 technology, producing crisp text and detailed graphics suitable for internal business documents and reports. Duplex printing runs at up to 31 ppm, and the printer supports HP PCL 6, PCL 5c, PostScript Level 3 emulation, and PDF direct printing for broad compatibility across operating systems and applications.

Features

HP’s JetIntelligence toner cartridges come in standard 77A (2,800 pages) and high-yield 77X (9,600 pages) capacities, giving workgroups flexibility to choose based on their volume needs. Security is a highlight with HP Sure Start, whitelisting firmware validation, and secure boot to prevent malware attacks on the printer itself. The embedded web server provides remote management, while support for Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and HP ePrint enables mobile printing from smartphones and tablets without additional drivers.

Pros

• Fast 38 ppm print speed with quick 6.3-second first page out for busy workgroups
• Robust 80,000-page monthly duty cycle handles demanding office environments
• Excellent security features including HP Sure Start, whitelisting firmware validation, and secure boot
• Automatic duplex printing as standard with 31 ppm duplex speed
• Low cost per page with high-yield 77X toner (9,600 pages) option

Cons

• No wireless connectivity (USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet only) - requires wired network
• Monochrome only - no color printing capability whatsoever
• 2-line LCD display with buttons feels dated versus color touchscreen competitors like the Brother HL-L5200DW
• 256 MB RAM is non-upgradeable, limiting complex print job handling
• No scan or copy functions (print-only device)

Verdict

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn earns an 8.6 out of 10, delivering fast, reliable monochrome printing with enterprise-grade security at a reasonable price point. It loses points for its lack of wireless connectivity and the absence of a color touchscreen, but for workgroups that need a no-fuss, high-volume black-and-white printer with automatic duplexing and robust construction, it remains a solid choice. If you need wireless printing or multifunction capabilities, consider the M404dw or the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw instead. The M404dn’s 80,000-page duty cycle and security features make it better suited for IT-managed environments than the consumer-focused Brother HL-L2350DW.

Sources

1. HP LaserJet Pro M404 Series Data Sheet (PDF) - HP
2. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Specs - Icecat
3. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Specifications - DeviceBeast
4. HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Review - PCMag |