Review: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw – The Compact and Capable Office Workhorse
The modern office—whether a sprawling corporate floor or a compact home setup—demands a printing solution that is fast, reliable, and versatile. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw Wireless All-in-One Color Laser Printer (499Q5F) aims to meet these demands by combining printing, copying, scanning, and faxing into an unusually compact laser multifunction device. Designed for small teams or home offices with a light-to-moderate printing volume, this machine promises professional quality and robust features.
 |
| Review: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw – The Compact and Capable Office Workhorse |
🎯 Key Features at a Glance
The 3301fdw is an all-in-one (MFP) powerhouse packed into a relatively small chassis.
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax |
| Print Technology | Color Laser (HP TerraJet Toner) |
| Print Speed (Black/Color) | Up to 26 ppm (pages per minute) |
| Duplexing | Automatic (2-sided) for Print and ADF Scan |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | 50-sheet single-pass auto-duplexing |
| Paper Capacity | 250-sheet Main Tray + 1-sheet Priority Tray |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 (Host & Device), 2 x RJ-11 Fax |
| Control Panel | 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen |
| Recommended Monthly Volume | 150 to 2,500 pages |
| Security | HP Wolf Pro Security, Dynamic Security Enabled |
📐 Design and Build Quality
One of the most immediate selling points of the 3301fdw is its compact footprint. Measuring approximately 16.5 x 16.5 x 13.4 inches (W x D x H), it takes up significantly less desk space than many comparable color laser AIOs. This makes it an excellent fit for smaller offices where space is at a premium.
While the overall chassis feels solid and well-constructed, it achieves its light weight (around 37.7 lbs) through the generous use of plastic, which some heavy users might find a minor drawback compared to older, heavier models. The front-facing 4.3-inch color touchscreen is bright, responsive, and provides an intuitive interface for managing all the MFP functions, from initiating a copy job to setting up complex Scan-to-Email Quick Sets.
⚡ Performance: Speed and Quality
Printing
The 3301fdw delivers a respectable print speed of up to 26 pages per minute (ppm) for both black-and-white and color documents. This speed is sufficient for the recommended monthly volume of 150 to 2,500 pages, catering effectively to small workgroups of up to seven users.
The print quality is where the printer truly shines, thanks in part to HP’s next-generation TerraJet toner technology. Text documents are crisp, clear, and professional-grade, even at small font sizes. Color graphics and charts are vibrant, nicely saturated, and feature sharp detail, often exceeding the quality expected from a mid-range laser printer and rivaling some high-end inkjet models. For those who frequently print presentation slides or marketing materials, the color output is a significant asset.
Scanning and Copying
The inclusion of a 50-sheet single-pass auto-duplexing ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) is a major productivity booster. This feature allows the printer to scan both sides of a document simultaneously, significantly speeding up the process of copying or digitizing multi-page, two-sided documents. The flatbed scanner offers high optical resolution (up to 1200 x 1200 dpi), and the scan functions—including Scan-to-Email, Scan-to-Network Folder, and Scan-to-USB—are robust and highly customizable via the included HP Scan software and the on-screen Quick Sets.
However, some user feedback suggests that the ADF can occasionally be prone to scanning slightly crooked, which might require recalibration or using the flatbed for critical documents.
🌐 Connectivity and Software
Connectivity is comprehensive and modern, featuring dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Gigabit Ethernet for wired networking, and a USB 2.0 host port for walk-up printing and scanning to a flash drive. The wireless setup is generally praised for being straightforward and reliable. Mobile printing is fully supported through HP Smart App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
The HP Smart App is the central hub for mobile and remote printer management, providing an intuitive way to print, scan, and monitor toner levels. For IT administrators, the printer also supports HP Web Jetadmin for centralized fleet management.
💰 Running Costs
While the initial purchase price of the 3301fdw is competitive for a color laser MFP with this feature set, prospective buyers should be aware of the ongoing running costs. The cost-per-page, even when using the high-yield HP 218X toner cartridges (which yield approximately 2,500 pages for color and 2,500 for black), is considered relatively high compared to some of its rivals.
This high running cost means the 3301fdw is best suited for environments with a moderate, quality-focused printing need, rather than those with a very high volume of routine printing. The laser technology, however, ensures that toner cartridges won't dry out from non-use, making it far more economical than an inkjet for intermittent color printing.
✅ Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Office Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is a superb all-in-one printer for small-to-medium businesses and dedicated home offices. It expertly balances size, speed, and functionality.
Pros:
Excellent Print Quality: Crisp text and vivid, professional-grade color graphics with TerraJet toner.
Compact Design: Small footprint for a fully-featured color laser MFP.
Full Duplex Capabilities: Automatic 2-sided printing and a single-pass 2-sided ADF for scanning/copying.
Comprehensive Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and full mobile printing support.
Strong Security: Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security features.
Cons:
High Running Costs: Cost-per-page is higher than some competitors, making it less ideal for extremely high-volume printing.
ADF Reliability: Some user reports of occasional crooked scanning through the document feeder.
Noise Level: Can be relatively loud during operation.
The Verdict: If you are a small business or work team that values high-quality color prints, needs full multifunctionality (especially automated two-sided scanning and copying), and requires a compact device that will be used for a light-to-moderate volume of pages, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is an exceptional and highly recommended choice. It's a true workhorse that brings professional output and robust features to your desk.