I recently had the opportunity to review the HP LaserJet M209dw, a budget-friendly laser printer ideal for those who don’t print frequently and are looking for an economical option. The printer, priced at around $120 (compensated affilate link), features a low cost per print and replacement cartridges at $54 for 1100 pages and $88 for 2400 pages. Interestingly, HP also offers an Instant Ink subscription, although for this model, purchasing high-capacity cartridges outright proves more economical. You can see it in action in my latest review.
One of the standout features of laser printers like the M209dw is their reliability for infrequent printing – even if it’s left idle for months. Unlike inkjet printers that often require nozzle cleaning after prolonged inactivity, laser printers remain functional without the need for such maintenance. This makes them particularly suitable for environments where printing needs are sporadic.
In terms of performance, the M209dw boasts a print speed of 30 pages per minute, which is quite impressive for its price range. During my tests, the printer handled a variety of print jobs over a Wi-Fi network efficiently. Despite being a bit noisier than some other laser printers, the speed and quality of the output were commendable. The standard print mode delivers sharp text and decent B&W photos at 600 DPI, which is sufficient for most black-and-white printing needs.
Setting up the printer was straightforward, thanks to the HP smartphone app, which facilitated wireless connection. Additionally, the printer can connect over USB or ethernet. Once connected, it was effortlessly recognized by various devices, including Macs, Windows PCs, iPads, iPhones, Android phones, and even Chromebooks.
Another notable feature is the duplex printing capability, which allows automatic double-sided printing. This function works smoothly, albeit a bit slower than single-sided printing as it has to pull the paper back in to flip it over.
The M209dw’s paper handling capabilities include a 150-sheet tray and a 100-sheet output tray. While it can handle standard paper sizes efficiently, its design may not be ideal for printing on smaller items like index cards or envelopes, as there is no manual feeder for straight-through printing.
One important consideration for potential buyers is HP’s aggressive stance on generic cartridges. The company employs dynamic security measures to prevent the use of third-party cartridges, frequently updating firmware to enforce this policy. This could be a drawback for those who prefer using cheaper, non-HP cartridges. Additionally, the persistent promotion of the Instant Ink subscription inside the app, along with a hard-to-remove promotional sticker on the printer itself, might be an annoyance.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the HP LaserJet M209dw stands out as a cost-effective, reliable option for users with occasional printing needs. Its speed, print quality, and ease of setup make it a compelling choice in the budget laser printer category.
Disclosure: This item came in free of charge from the online retailer Flip. However Flip nor HP reviewed or approved this review before it was uploaded, no other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.