HP LaserJet MFP M234dw vs Lexmark MS431dw
Lexmark MS431dw costs $40 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 1,468 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | HP LaserJet MFP M234dw | Lexmark MS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $501 | $378 |
| After 2 years | $763 | $476 |
| After 3 years | $1,026 | $575 |
Lexmark MS431dw costs more upfront but 2.7¢ less per page. It overtakes HP LaserJet MFP M234dw on total cost after about 1,468 pages — roughly 3 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | HP LaserJet MFP M234dw | Lexmark MS431dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | mono | mono |
| Device type | multifunction | single-function |
| Functions | print, scan, copy | |
| Print speed (mono) | 30 ppm | 42 ppm |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 | Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | 20,000 pages | 80,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,000 pages/mo | 8,000 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | No | No |
| Display | 1.27-inch Icon LCD | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal, A4 | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 7.6 | 9.34 |
Cartridges & running cost
HP LaserJet MFP M234dw
Cheapest to run: HP 134X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge — $104.89 · 4.4¢/page · 2,400pg yield
Lexmark MS431dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark MS/MX431, MX432 Return Program 20K Toner Cartridge — $328.99 · 1.6¢/page · 20,000pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark MS431dw — about 62% lower cost per page (1.6¢ vs 4.4¢).
- A lower upfront budget: HP LaserJet MFP M234dw — $40 less to buy — it would take about 1,468 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
- If you need scanning and copying: HP LaserJet MFP M234dw — it adds scanning and copying, which the Lexmark MS431dw doesn't do.
- The fastest printing for a busy or shared office: Lexmark MS431dw — 42 ppm vs 30 ppm mono.
Where to buy
HP LaserJet MFP M234dwBuy — $239.00
Lexmark MS431dwBuy — $279.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the HP LaserJet MFP M234dw or the Lexmark MS431dw?
- The Lexmark MS431dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 62% cheaper per page (1.6¢ vs 4.4¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the HP LaserJet MFP M234dw or the Lexmark MS431dw?
- The HP LaserJet MFP M234dw is about $40 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark MS431dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $40 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 1,468 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the HP LaserJet MFP M234dw and the Lexmark MS431dw?
- Device type: HP LaserJet MFP M234dw multifunction, Lexmark MS431dw single-function. Functions: HP LaserJet MFP M234dw print, scan, copy, Lexmark MS431dw print. Print speed (mono): HP LaserJet MFP M234dw 30 ppm, Lexmark MS431dw 42 ppm. Resolution: HP LaserJet MFP M234dw 600 x 600, Lexmark MS431dw Black: 2400 IQ (2400 x 600 dpi), 600 x 600 dpi.