HP LaserJet Pro M501dn Review — Fast Business Laser
In-depth review of the HP LaserJet Pro M501dn: fast duplex monochrome printing, low energy use, strong security, and high capacity for business use.
Introduction
The HP LaserJet Pro M501dn answers a common office challenge: how to get reliable, fast monochrome printing without paying for bulky enterprise hardware. Built for teams that value speed, consistent black-and-white output, and low energy consumption, this LaserJet Pro brings laser-class performance into small- or mid-sized workgroups. Whether you manage invoices, contracts, reports, or heavy daily print runs, the M501dn is engineered to remove bottlenecks and protect critical data.
Beyond raw speed, this printer addresses two frequently overlooked pain points: operational cost and security. With high-yield Original HP toner and JetIntelligence technology, it stretches consumables farther while preserving crisp text and consistent page density. At the same time, embedded HP Wolf Pro Security defends firmware and network interfaces against intrusions—so teams can focus on productivity instead of printer vulnerabilities.
Overview
The HP LaserJet Pro M501dn is a compact, monochrome laser printer purpose-built for busy offices. Its white exterior conceals a robust internal workflow: a 650-sheet standard capacity (expandable), automatic duplexing, and a processing core backed by 256 MB of memory that keeps queues moving. At up to 43 ppm, it delivers a fast first page out (around 5.7 seconds) and steady throughput for multi-user environments.
Printing technology is classic laser monochrome with Original HP 87A/87X toner cartridges and JetIntelligence optimizations that prioritize energy efficiency and yield. Connectivity is enterprise-oriented: dual Ethernet ports and a USB 2.0 interface provide stable wired connections; management is simplified with HP Web JetAdmin and JetAdvantage Security Manager—features IT teams will appreciate. The M501dn is ideal for law firms, accounting teams, small branch offices, and any workplace that prints primarily black-and-white documents and needs secure, high-volume output.
Features
Ultra-Fast Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing at up to 43 pages per minute with quick first-page-out times. Advantage: Cuts turnaround time for multi-page documents and reduces manual paper handling. Benefit: Finish high-volume jobs faster and reduce paper usage by up to 50%, saving operating costs and supporting sustainability goals.
High-Capacity Paper Handling: 650-sheet standard capacity with up to 1,200-sheet maximum input. Advantage: Fewer interruptions for paper reloads during heavy print runs. Benefit: Maintain uninterrupted workflows for busy departments and reduce time wasted on frequent tray refills.
Enterprise-Grade Security (HP Wolf Pro Security): Embedded security that protects firmware, hardware and network interfaces with centralized policy controls via HP JetAdvantage. Advantage: Lowers the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, and tampering. Benefit: Meet compliance needs and protect sensitive documents without extra appliances or complicated configurations.
Lowest Energy Consumption in Class: Energy-saving design and toner technology that reduce wattage and overall power draw. Advantage: Lower operational costs and reduced environmental footprint. Benefit: Save on utility expenses for 24/7 office environments and support corporate sustainability initiatives while keeping total cost of ownership competitive.
Original HP Toner with JetIntelligence: HP 87A/87X toner cartridges optimized for yield and consistent output. Advantage: Reliable page counts, sharp text, and fewer reprints. Benefit: Predictable running costs, less downtime due to toner issues, and higher confidence in document legibility for professional use.
Benefits
Boosted Productivity
Fast single-sided and duplex speeds minimize wait time for team members, helping small offices clear large print queues quickly.
High input capacity and 250-sheet output mean fewer interruptions and greater uptime during peak periods.
Lower Operating Costs
Energy-efficient hardware reduces power consumption versus competitors in the same class, lowering monthly utility bills.
High-yield toner options decrease cost per page and stretch consumable replacement cycles, supporting predictable budgeting.
Improved Document Security
Built-in HP Wolf Pro Security defends against compromised firmware and network attacks, reducing risk to sensitive business data.
Centralized management tools make it easier for IT teams to deploy consistent security policies across multiple devices.
Reliable, Professional Output
Consistent toner density and 600 x 600 dpi resolution produce crisp text and clean black solids—ideal for reports, contracts, and forms.
Original HP supplies reduce the chance of reprints and service calls, saving time and protecting document quality.
Space-Efficient Design
A compact chassis fits into tight workspaces or small office corners without sacrificing paper handling or speed.
Quieter operation (compared to larger enterprise units) makes it suitable for front-desk or reception environments where space and noise matter.
Usages
Perfect for Home Offices and Small Teams
Print invoices, client letters, and proposals quickly with quick first-page-out and fast duplexing—great for solo professionals and small teams needing dependable monochrome output.
Ideal for Departments with High Monthly Volume
Accounts payable, legal, HR, and operations teams that print forms and records will benefit from the large input capacity and high duty throughput, reducing administrative friction.
Secure Printing for Regulated Workflows
Organizations with privacy needs—law practices, healthcare administrative areas, or finance teams—can leverage embedded security and centralized policy controls to meet compliance requirements.
Branch and Shared Office Environments
Dual Ethernet ports and management tools make the M501dn an excellent choice for small branch offices where IT needs to monitor and manage several devices remotely.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very fast monochrome print speeds up to 43 ppm and quick first-page-out
- Automatic duplexing and expandable paper handling (up to 1,200 sheets)
- Strong embedded security with HP Wolf Pro Security and management tools
- Class-leading energy efficiency reduces operating costs
- Reliable Original HP toner and JetIntelligence for consistent yield and quality
Cons
- No built-in Wi‑Fi—wired Ethernet only, which may not suit all modern setups
- 600 x 600 dpi resolution is standard for text but not ideal for fine graphical detail
- Some users report noticeable noise during heavy printing bursts
- Starter cartridge yield varies; replacement toners can be more expensive than third-party alternatives
FAQs
Does the M501dn support wireless printing?
No. This model is designed as a wired, business-class device with Ethernet connectivity and USB. For wireless, look to other HP models with Wi‑Fi and AirPrint support.
What is the default paper capacity and can it be expanded?
The printer ships with a standard 650-sheet capacity and supports expansion up to 1,200 sheets with additional trays, useful for high-volume workflows.
What toner cartridges are compatible and what yields can I expect?
Use Original HP 87A (standard) or 87X (high-yield) toner cartridges. The included starter cartridge yields approximately 6,000 pages; high-yield cartridges extend that run length, lowering cost per page.
How secure is the M501dn for networked environments?
Security is a major focus: the device includes HP Wolf Pro Security, firmware protections, and support for centralized management via HP Web JetAdmin and JetAdvantage Security Manager, helping to guard against threats.
Is the printer suitable for photos or color documents?
No. The M501dn is a monochrome laser printer built for black-and-white documents, forms, and text-heavy output, not for color photography or color graphics.
Product Specifications
| Printer Type | Monochrome Laser Printer (Single-function, Print Only) |
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 43 pages per minute (monochrome) |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 600 x 600 dpi |
| Connectivity | Dual Ethernet ports, USB 2.0; compatible with HP Web JetAdmin and management tools |
| Duplex | Automatic two-sided printing (built-in) |
| Supported Media Sizes | 3 x 5 inches up to 8.5 x 14 inches (Up to Legal) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Original HP 87A / 87X Toner (JetIntelligence) |
| Dimensions | 14.8 x 16.46 x 11.38 inches |
| Weight | 25.6 pounds |
| Memory | 256 MB |
| Output Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | Up to 1,200 sheets with optional trays |
| First Page Out Time | Approximately 5.7 seconds |
| Wattage | 660 watts (maximum usage) |
| Warranty | One-year, next-business day onsite warranty with 24/7 HP Web support |
Ratings
| Print Speed & Consistency | 4.6 |
| Text Sharpness & Toner Efficiency | 4.4 |
| Connectivity & Compatibility | 3.6 |
| Duplex / Paper Handling | 4.5 |
| Maintenance Ease | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 4.2 |
Recommendation
If your office prints large volumes of black-and-white documents and prioritizes speed, low energy consumption, and strong security, the HP LaserJet Pro M501dn is an excellent buy. It’s particularly well-suited to small branch offices, legal and accounting departments, and shared team environments where wired network reliability and centralized management matter.
Avoid this model only if you require built-in wireless connectivity, color printing, or higher-than-standard resolution for fine graphic work. For those needs, consider HP models with Wi‑Fi or color laser/photo printers.
Conclusion
The HP LaserJet Pro M501dn balances performance, reliability, and security in a compact package. Its 43 ppm speed, automatic duplexing, and expandable paper handling cut through heavy workloads while minimizing intervention. The device’s energy-efficient design and Original HP toner ecosystem keep running costs predictable and lowers environmental impact compared with older lasers.
Where the M501dn stands out is in its enterprise-minded security and manageability. HP Wolf Pro Security and centralized tools like Web JetAdmin make it straightforward for IT teams to maintain consistent policies and protect sensitive output—an important advantage for any business that treats printing as part of its secure document workflow. For organizations that print predominantly in black and need dependable, fast monochrome output, the M501dn is a compelling long-term value.
