HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw vs Lexmark CS431dw
Lexmark CS431dw costs $2 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 189 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $654 | $590 |
| After 2 years | $870 | $739 |
| After 3 years | $1,085 | $888 |
Lexmark CS431dw costs more upfront but 1.1¢ less per page. It overtakes HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw on total cost after about 189 pages — roughly 1 month at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw | Lexmark CS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy | |
| 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 | 75,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 5,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | Yes | No |
| Display | 4.3-inch Capacitive Touch Color Display, TFT-backlit (480 x 272) | 2.8 inch (7.2 cm) LCD touch panel |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 17.1 | 16.1 |
Cartridges & running cost
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw
Cheapest to run: HP 218X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $114.89 · 3.6¢/page · 3,200pg yield
Lexmark CS431dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX431 Black Return Program 6K Print Cartridge — $148.89 · 2.5¢/page · 6,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark CS431dw — about 31% lower cost per page (2.5¢ vs 3.6¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw — $2 less to buy — it would take about 189 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning and copying: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw — it adds scanning and copying, which the Lexmark CS431dw doesn't do.
Where to buy
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdwBuy — $438.90
Lexmark CS431dwBuy — $440.99
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The Lexmark CS431dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 31% cheaper per page (2.5¢ vs 3.6¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw or the Lexmark CS431dw?
- The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw is about $2 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CS431dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $2 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 189 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw and the Lexmark CS431dw?
- Device type: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw multifunction, Lexmark CS431dw single-function. Functions: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw print, scan, copy, Lexmark CS431dw print. Resolution: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw 600 x 600, Lexmark CS431dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Duty cycle (monthly): HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw 40,000 pages, Lexmark CS431dw 75,000 pages.