HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer vs Lexmark CS331dw
Lexmark CS331dw costs $17 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 11,580 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer | Lexmark CS331dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $494 | $503 |
| After 2 years | $710 | $709 |
| After 3 years | $925 | $916 |
Lexmark CS331dw costs more upfront but 0.1¢ less per page. It overtakes HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer on total cost after about 11,580 pages — roughly 24 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer | Lexmark CS331dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | single-function | single-function |
| Functions | ||
| Print speed (mono) | 26 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 26 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 | Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 40,000 pages | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 2,500 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | No | No |
| Display | 2-inch diagonal DFSTN-backlit (200 x 114) | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 13.8 | 16.1 |
Cartridges & running cost
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer
Cheapest to run: HP 218X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $114.92 · 3.6¢/page · 3,200pg yield
Lexmark CS331dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX331 Black Return Program 4.5K Print Cartridge — $155.00 · 3.4¢/page · 4,500pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark CS331dw — about 4% lower cost per page (3.4¢ vs 3.6¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer — $17 less to buy — it would take about 11,580 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
Where to buy
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw PrinterBuy — $279.00
Lexmark CS331dwBuy — $296.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer or the Lexmark CS331dw?
- The Lexmark CS331dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 4% cheaper per page (3.4¢ vs 3.6¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer or the Lexmark CS331dw?
- The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer is about $17 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CS331dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $17 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 11,580 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer and the Lexmark CS331dw?
- Resolution: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer 600 x 600, Lexmark CS331dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer 40,000 pages, Lexmark CS331dw 50,000 pages. Display: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer 2-inch diagonal DFSTN-backlit (200 x 114), Lexmark CS331dw 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display. Paper sizes: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Printer A4, Lexmark CS331dw Letter, Legal, A4.