HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw Review – Fast Monochrome MFP
In-depth review of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw: fast 35 ppm monochrome printing, ADF, duplex, cloud management and strong security for small teams.
Introduction
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a black-and-white all-in-one laser designed to bring office-grade speed, security, and workflow efficiency to small teams and busy home offices. With up to 35 pages per minute, automatic two-sided printing, and a flatbed scanner plus automatic document feeder, it addresses the core productivity pain points most small workgroups face: slow print runs, manual scanning overhead, and security gaps when devices are shared across a team.
Beyond raw speed, this MFP focuses on practical benefits: cloud connectivity and centralized management for IT, built-in security tools to protect sensitive documents, and compatibility with mobile printing standards. Whether you manage invoices, client reports, or multi-page contracts, the 3101fdw aims to reduce steps, save paper and keep your team moving without constant printer babysitting.
Overview
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a compact, white monochrome laser multifunction printer that packs printing, scanning, copying, and faxing into a footprint of 16.5 x 12.3 x 15.7 inches and 23.1 pounds. Its design balances a professional aesthetic with practical engineering: a single paper tray with a 250-sheet capacity, an automatic document feeder for multi-page scans/copies, and a user-friendly touchscreen control for shortcuts.
Under the hood is proven laser printing technology optimized for office workflows: 1200 dpi effective resolution, up to 35 ppm monochrome print speed, Ethernet and USB interfaces, intelligent Wi‑Fi for stable wireless connections, and HP Wolf Pro Security for device and data protection. This printer targets small workteams of up to seven users, remote workers who need cloud access, and small businesses that want consistent monochrome output without the ongoing fuss of complex setups.
Features
Supply Management and Instant Ink for Lasers: The 3101fdw supports HP’s Instant Ink program for laser printers, which automates toner resupply, consolidates billing across locations, and includes recycling. This helps avoid downtime from unexpected toner depletion and simplifies supply ordering for small teams.
Built-In Security and Authentication Options: HP Wolf Pro Security provides firmware-level protections and preconfigured security profiles. Features like PIN/pull release authenticate print jobs at the device, reducing the risk of sensitive documents sitting in output trays, and JetAdvantage Security Manager lets administrators enforce policies across multiple printers.
Smart Connectivity and Cloud Management: The printer supports Ethernet, USB, Wi‑Fi with intelligent reconnection, Bluetooth, AirPrint, and compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android and Chromebooks. Cloud connectivity and HP Smart app shortcuts let users print and scan from mobile devices and set up common tasks with a tap, while HP Web JetAdmin and Smart Admin centralize management for IT.
Automatic Duplex and ADF for Streamlined Workflows: Auto two-sided printing plus an automatic document feeder enable rapid scan/copy jobs and cut paper use. The ADF accelerates multi-page scans and copies, while duplex capability halves paper consumption on print-intensive tasks like training manuals or multi-page proposals.
High-Speed Mono Laser Printing: With rated speeds of up to 35 pages per minute and 1200 dpi resolution, the 3101fdw delivers sharp text and fast document throughput. The single-pass engine and HP’s toner chemistry produce crisp all-black output for reports, contracts and forms with rapid first-page-out times to keep workflows moving.
Benefits
Faster Turnarounds and Increased Productivity
Feature: 35 ppm print speed and quick first-page output.
Advantage: Reduces wait time for large print jobs and multipage scanning tasks.
Benefit: Teams complete repetitive document tasks faster, freeing time for higher-value work.
Lower Paper and Time Costs
Feature: Auto duplex printing and 250-sheet input capacity.
Advantage: Cuts paper use and reduces user intervention for frequent print jobs.
Benefit: Real savings on consumables and fewer interruptions during busy print runs.
Simplified Supplies and Cost Control
Feature: Compatible with Instant Ink for lasers and automated replenishment.
Advantage: Toner is delivered when needed and recycling is included.
Benefit: Predictable supply costs and fewer unexpected downtime events from toner depletion.
Reduced IT Overhead
Feature: Cloud connectivity, HP Web JetAdmin, and Smart Admin.
Advantage: Centralized setup, monitoring, and firmware updates for multiple printers.
Benefit: IT spends less time on individual device maintenance and can enforce security consistently.
Improved Document Security
Feature: HP Wolf Pro Security, PIN/pull authentication, JetAdvantage policies.
Advantage: Protects data at the device and prevents unauthorized access to printed materials.
Benefit: Lowers compliance risk and gives peace of mind when handling confidential documents.
Usages
Secure Printing for Sensitive Documents
Use PIN/pull authentication for payrolls, HR documents, and client files to ensure prints are released only when the user is present.
Perfect for Home Offices and Small Teams
Handles daily print, scan and copy needs for up to seven users, ideal for contractors, small law or accounting firms, and remote teams that require reliable black-and-white output.
Ideal for Document-Heavy Workflows
Great for producing contracts, invoices, training materials and bulk reports quickly with duplexing to reduce paper usage.
Centralized IT Environments
Fits into small- to medium-business settings where IT needs to manage multiple printers from a single dashboard with jetadmin and Smart Admin.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast monochrome print speed up to 35 ppm for busy offices
- High-quality 1200 dpi text and graphics
- Automatic duplexing and document feeder for efficient workflows
- Robust security features including HP Wolf Pro and PIN/pull
- Cloud connectivity and centralized management with Web JetAdmin
- Compact footprint suitable for small workspaces
Cons
- Monochrome only—no color printing capability
- Some users report intermittent wireless connectivity issues
- Intended to work with HP-chipped cartridges, limiting third-party options
- Toner usage may feel high for very light-volume users unless on Instant Ink plan
- Single paper tray may require frequent refills for larger teams
FAQs
Is this printer color or monochrome?
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is a monochrome printer—designed for black-and-white printing only.
What security features are included?
It includes HP Wolf Pro Security, PIN/pull print release, and compatibility with JetAdvantage Security Manager to configure and enforce secure settings across devices.
Can I use third-party toner cartridges?
HP states this device is intended to be used with cartridges containing an original HP chip; firmware updates may block non-HP chips and third-party cartridges may be unsupported.
Can I print from my phone or tablet?
Yes. The printer supports wireless printing through the HP Smart app, AirPrint, and Android/Chromebook compatibility for mobile printing and scanning.
Does it support duplex scanning?
It supports automatic two-sided printing and has an automatic document feeder for faster multi-page scanning. Duplex scanning support depends on whether you select scanning both sides via software or use the ADF’s duplex feature if available in your model configuration.
Product Specifications
| Print Speed (PPM) | Up to 35 ppm (black, single-sided) |
| Printer Type | Monochrome Laser Multifunction (Print/Scan/Copy/Fax) |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed scanner with automatic document feeder |
| Warranty | Limited warranty (manufacturer) |
| Ink/Toner Type | Toner (Original HP cartridges with chips required) |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB, Wi‑Fi (intelligent reconnection), Bluetooth, AirPrint |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 12.3 x 15.7 inches |
| Supported Media Sizes | Up to Legal (8.5 x 14 in); supports letter, legal and multiple custom sizes |
| Resolution (DPI) | Maximum 1200 dpi |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Duplex | Automatic two-sided printing |
| Weight | 23.1 pounds (10.5 kg) |
Ratings
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
| Print-Scan-Copy Performance | 4.6 |
| Document Feeder Reliability | 4.2 |
| Ink / Toner Efficiency | 3.8 |
| Print Speed & Output Quality | 4.7 |
| Connectivity & Smart Features | 3.9 |
Recommendation
If your team needs fast, reliable monochrome printing with enterprise-style security and cloud management, this HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw is an excellent choice. It’s best suited for small offices, home offices with heavy document workflows, and environments where centralized IT control and print security matter.
Choose the Instant Ink for lasers subscription if you want predictable toner costs and automated resupply — it addresses one of the most common pain points users report with toner depletion and helps maintain continuous uptime.
Conclusion
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw focuses squarely on what small teams need: speed, security, and simplified management. It pairs robust laser output—35 ppm and 1200 dpi—with convenient features like automatic duplexing, an automatic document feeder, and extensive connectivity options. For document-centric offices that prioritize crisp monochrome output and reliable throughput, it delivers tangible productivity gains.
While it’s not a substitute for color-capable devices, and some users may prefer broader cartridge options, the long-term value is clear when the printer is deployed in the right environment. Centralized management, built-in security, and supply automation with Instant Ink make this printer a practical investment for teams that value uptime, control, and consistently strong black-and-white output.
