HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw Review
In-depth review of the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw — fast color printing, ADF, duplex, and business-ready features for small teams.
Introduction
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is a business-focused all-in-one color laser designed to deliver fast, reliable color output for small teams and busy office spaces. With a compact footprint and a suite of productivity features — auto-duplex, a 250-sheet input, ADF, and wireless + Ethernet connectivity — it targets the constant need for professional-looking reports, proposals, and internal collateral without sacrificing speed.
This MFP addresses three common office printing pain points: slow output that bottlenecks workflows, inconsistent color quality when producing branded documents, and device security for networked printers. By combining laser toner technologies tuned for vivid color with HP’s app-driven workflow and built-in security layers, the 3301sdw improves day-to-day productivity while helping teams keep a professional presentation on every page.
Overview
Physically, the 3301sdw keeps a clean, office-friendly aesthetic in white with a modest footprint (approx. 16.46″D x 13.44″W x 16.5″H) and a weight of 37.7 pounds. The layout accommodates two trays, a 250-sheet input capacity, and a flatbed scanner with an auto document feeder (ADF) — features expected in a compact MFP but packaged to fit small meeting rooms, departmental stations, or home offices handling moderate print volumes.
Under the hood the 3301sdw uses laser printing technology with HP’s next-generation TerraJet toner and supports standard and high-yield HP 218A/218X toner cartridges. It delivers up to the mid-20s to 30 pages per minute for black and color documents and prints at 600 x 600 dpi — a practical balance between sharp text, decent graphics, and fast throughput. Connectivity includes built-in Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB ports, and app control via the HP app, making it versatile for modern mixed-device environments. The MFP is best suited for small to mid-sized teams, remote managers, or branch offices that need dependable color output, scanning routines, and secure network operation.
Features
Fast Color Printing Up to 26–30 ppm: This model offers business-class print speeds that keep multi-page reports and handouts moving. Whether printing black-and-white or color content, the 3301sdw minimizes wait times and reduces queue build-up during peak use.
All-in-One Productivity with ADF and Duplex: A built-in flatbed scanner with an automatic document feeder and automatic duplex printing streamlines two-sided scanning, copying, and duplex job creation—ideal for multi-page contracts, reports, and batch scanning tasks.
Robust Connectivity and Mobile App Control: Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity combine with the HP app for remote printing, mobile scanning, and simple job management from smartphones and tablets, letting teams print from wherever they are.
Professional-Grade TerraJet Toner and HP Cartridges: Original HP 218A and 218X toners are tuned to produce vivid, consistent color and reliable page-to-page results. HP’s toner chemistry emphasizes crisp text and saturated graphics that enhance branded documents and client presentations.
Built-In Security and Business-Ready Design: Security features such as HP Wolf Pro and firmware protections help lock down network access and cartridge authentication to maintain device integrity. The compact design still delivers the tray capacity and output handling small teams require.
Benefits
Reduce Wait Times and Improve Workflow
Real-world office use shows that reaching 26–30 ppm can significantly reduce bottlenecks during high-demand periods, meaning staff spend less time waiting and more time on billable tasks.
Consistent, Attention-Grabbing Documents
TerraJet toner and Original HP cartridges deliver colors that reproduce brand elements and charts clearly, making reports and client materials look polished without specialist color management.
Simplified Multi-Page Processing
Automatic duplex and a dedicated ADF reduce manual steps when scanning or copying long documents, cutting time spent handling paper and lowering the risk of human error.
Flexible Deployment and Mobile Printing
Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB and app-based control let IT teams place the printer where it’s most useful and let employees print from laptops, tablets, and smartphones with minimal configuration.
Enterprise-Style Security for the Small Office
Built-in protections and firmware safeguards help prevent unauthorized firmware or non-HP cartridge tampering, reducing the risk of network vulnerabilities and ensuring predictable print results.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices and Small Teams
Use the 3301sdw as a shared department printer for invoices, client packets, and internal reports. It fits office nooks and home office desks while providing the capacity and speed small teams need.
Ideal for Marketing Collateral and Internal Presentations
Produce vibrant, eye-catching color handouts, flyers, and one-pagers in-house without outsourcing. The toner delivers saturated colors that keep brand materials consistent.
Efficient Document Management for Administrators
Leverage the ADF for batch scanning or create two-sided copies of contracts and forms quickly. The device suits administrative workflows that require frequent multi-page scanning and archiving.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast color and monochrome print speeds reduce wait times.
- All-in-one functionality with ADF and automatic duplex streamlines workflows.
- Professional-looking color using TerraJet toner and Original HP cartridges.
- Multiple connectivity options including Wi‑Fi and Ethernet for flexible placement.
- Compact design fits small office footprints while offering 250-sheet capacity.
Cons
- 600 x 600 dpi color resolution is adequate for documents but not for high-end photo prints.
- Original HP toner cartridges can be relatively expensive, increasing operating costs for heavy users.
- A few users report occasional connectivity or job errors under certain network configurations.
- Authentication that blocks third-party cartridges may be limiting for users seeking lower-cost supplies.
FAQs
Does this model support automatic two-sided printing?
Yes. The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw supports automatic duplex printing for both printing and copying, saving paper and producing professional two-sided documents.
Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
Yes. The MFP supports mobile printing via the HP Smart app as well as common mobile printing standards. Built-in Wi‑Fi enables easy printing from smartphones and tablets on the same network.
What toner cartridges does it use and are there high-yield options?
This model uses Original HP 218A standard and 218X high-yield toner cartridges. The 218X options extend page yield and lower cost per page for heavier users.
Is the printer suitable for heavy office use?
The 3301sdw is designed for small to mid-sized teams and moderate to high daily workloads. It’s a good fit for branch offices and busy home offices, although very large corporate print rooms may require higher-volume hardware.
How secure is the device on a network?
HP includes security layers like Wolf Pro and firmware protections to guard against unauthorized access and maintain cartridge authentication. For sensitive environments, pair the built-in features with network-level controls and monitoring.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | All-in-One Color Laser Printer (MFP) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 26–30 ppm (color and monochrome, depending on settings) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 x 600 dpi (color and black-and-white) |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, USB ports, HP Smart app |
| Duplex | Automatic two-sided printing (Auto-Duplex) |
| Supported Media Sizes | Letter (8.5 x 11), Legal (8.5 x 14), up to 8.5 x 14 inches |
| Ink/Toner Type | HP TerraJet color laser toner — Original HP 218A / 218X cartridges |
| Dimensions | 16.46″ D x 13.44″ W x 16.5″ H |
| Weight | 37.7 pounds |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Output Sheet Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed scanner with Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) |
| Control Method | HP Smart app and front-panel controls |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, USB |
| Maximum Color Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Warranty | Limited warranty (manufacturer-specified) |
Ratings
| Print-Scan-Copy Performance | 4.4 |
| Document Feeder Reliability | 4.0 |
| Connectivity & Smart Features | 3.8 |
| Print Speed & Output Quality | 4.3 |
| Ink / Toner Efficiency | 3.6 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
Recommendation
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is recommended for small teams, branch offices, and home-office professionals who need fast, reliable color printing with integrated scanning and copying. Choose this model if you prioritize speed, a compact footprint, and consistent business-quality color for reports and marketing materials.
If your workflow includes very high monthly volumes or professional photo prints, evaluate higher-capacity or dedicated photo devices; however, for everyday office documents and client-facing color materials, the 3301sdw strikes a strong balance between productivity and output quality.
Conclusion
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw earns its place as a productivity-focused, compact color laser MFP that serves small to mid-sized teams well. It combines the essentials — reliable color output, automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet input capacity, ADF scanning, and flexible connectivity — into a single machine that reduces process friction in everyday office tasks.
While operating costs tied to Original HP toner and occasional connectivity variability are considerations, the benefits of faster print speeds, crisp text, and solid color reproduction make it a practical investment for offices that want to keep more work in-house. With built-in security and app-driven control, the 3301sdw is a modern office tool that delivers predictable performance and helps teams present polished, professional documents day after day.
