Ever had that panic moment at 5 pm, scrambling to print a presentation before the meeting starts? Or dealing with scan jams right when invoices need to go out? The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw might just be the answer. Fast prints, duplex scan, wireless—this one-box printer could simplify your workday. Let’s get into it!
Quick Specs Snapshot
- Print Speed: About 26 pages per minute for both color and black
- ADF + Duplex: Automatic double-sided scanning and copying
- Ink: Four cartridges (HP 218 series, standard and XL available)
- Screen: 4.3", full-color touchscreen
- Connections: Wi‑Fi 6, Ethernet, USB, AirPrint, Mopria
- Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input, 100-sheet output
- Size: Roughly 17” square footprint, 38 pounds
That’s the core basics. Now let’s break down how this printer works in real life.
Design & Usability
This printer is solid. No wobbles. The touchscreen is smack-in-the-middle—big enough to see and easy to tap. No magnifying glass needed.
Front-access toner door means swapping cartridges feels like popping open a book—not wrestling with a puzzle.
The ADF handles stacks of paper automatically. Duplex scanning works fine, though every now and then pages come out a bit off-kilter. But that’s rare.
Print Quality & Speed
Here’s where it shines. It hits a consistent 26 ppm. That means no endless waiting for color docs. Even long weekly reports get out fast.
Text is crisp. Tiny fonts still look sharp. Color charts and Excel graphs look vibrant. Don’t expect glossy photo-quality. But for reports, brochures, or class handouts? It’s perfect.
Scan & Copy Features
The scanner lives on top. Just press a button, drop in the pages, and walk away. Works on both sides automatically. That’s a time saver.
Most scans come out clear and readable. But fine detail—like tiny diagrams—can blur a bit. And the odd misfeed might skew a page. A quick fix though: open the ADF and nudge it back.
Connectivity & Smart Features
This one plays nice with any setup. USB, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 6—all covered. Want iPhone printing? AirPrint works great. Android phones? Mopria’s included.
HP Smart app lets you print from Google Drive or email directly. Handy for mobile users. A few owners mention occasional Wi‑Fi drops. A firmware update fixed most. If your network is flaky, plug in Ethernet and you’re solid.
Running Costs & Toner
HP gives you standard and XL cartridges. XL lasts twice as long. After switching to XL, costs drop to about 3¢ per black page and 17¢ for color. That’s good for toner-heavy use.
Replacement costs aren’t sky-high, but they’re not bargain-bin cheap either. Still, with XL, your quarterly prints stay budget-friendly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable ~26 ppm color and mono printing
- Duplex scan and copy via ADF
- Sharp text and poppy charts
- Responsive touchscreen—no menu headaches
- Easy-access toner door
- Modern connectivity with Wi‑Fi 6 and apps
Cons
- Photos look flat—not for photo lovers
- Scans may skew occasionally
- No Bluetooth or built-in memory card slot
Real-World Scenarios
Home office multitasker: Print reports, scan signed forms, fax through the app. One machine does it all. No clutter.
Small business hero: Clients walk in with documents. You scan and email instantly. ADF does the legwork.
Freelancer on the go: Wi‑Fi works from laptop or phone. Drop a deck, hit print. Done.
Busy households: Homework prints in the morning. Color instructions for crafts. Parents and kids don’t need cables or help.
Rival Comparison
- HP 3201dw: Same print speed but no ADF or fax. Save cash if you don’t scan multi-page docs.
- Brother MFC‑L3780CDW: Faster scans and better OCR. But size and noise are bigger. HP stays compact and quieter.
- Canon imageCLASS MF656: Cheaper toners, slower prints. HP wins on speed and size.
Smart Tips to Maximize
- Use XL toners to drop page price.
- Set default to “Normal” quality most days. Use “Best” for special needs.
- Check for firmware updates — they fix Wi‑Fi issues fast.
- Clean ADF rollers monthly to prevent skewed scans.
- Scan via HP Smart for searchable, neat files.
Final Verdict
This is a scanner, copier, color laser printer—all in one sleek, reliable box. If you need fast color output, occasional scanning, and a front-office vibe, this is a solid bet.
It won’t produce glossy photos. It’s no silent bookshelf printer. But it handles real-world office tasks every day—and does them well. It cuts paper jams and cuts time. That’s a win.
FAQ
- Photo printing? Meh. Prints will look flat. Use a photo printer if that’s your goal.
- Wi‑Fi unstable? Update firmware or switch to Ethernet.
- Can it print PWGs? Yes, legal-size up to ledger.
- Run out of color toner—still print? Black prints work, but color charts lose definition.
- Best toner size? XL—worth the value.