Specifications
| Brand | HP |
|---|---|
| Output Color | Monochrome |
| Print Speed | 40 ppm |
| First Page Out Time | 6.1 sec |
| Max Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 80000 pages/month |
| Paper Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Ethernet |
Pros
- Snappy first page
- Consistently low jam rates
- Automatic double-sided
Cons
- Limited connectivity
- Toner cost sensitivity
- Monochrome-only output
The Verdict
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn targets busy offices with 40 ppm speed, plus automatic duplex printing. It stays dependable, with consistently low jam rates, but network setup leans on Ethernet, and it prints only in monochrome.
Who it's for: Teams that print mostly black-and-white documents and want fast duplex output, they will accept limited connectivity options for steadier daily throughput.
Who should skip it: Buyers who need simple wireless printing or color output should look elsewhere, since limited connectivity and monochrome-only output are the trade-offs here.
In-Depth Review
Performance
With a Performance score of 8.2, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn feels fast in daily work. HP rates it up to 40 ppm. In office terms, that means fewer waits when you queue print jobs and keep moving.
First-page speed is also strong. The first page out time is listed at 6.1 seconds. That is the moment that matters most for tasks like printing a form, a quote, or a single page from a larger file.
Even better, the model targets duplex work. It has automatic two-sided printing, so duplex jobs do not rely on manual handling. In steady office use, this helps keep throughput consistent instead of stalling between pages.
Print Quality
At a Print Quality score of 8.5, the M404dn lands in the “great” range for sharp, clean monochrome text. This is a monochrome laser printer. So you get laser-style crispness for documents that are mostly black text, tables, and forms.
The max resolution is 1200 x 1200 dpi. That matters when you print small fonts. It also helps with the edges of text characters and numbers. In typical office documents, resolution like this usually shows up as cleaner character boundaries and less fuzzy type.
Monochrome output also means grayscale stays consistent. You do not have to worry about color toner alignment. If your output is mostly reports and contracts, the paper does not have to carry color detail for the print to look sharp.
Paper Handling
Paper Handling scores 8.3, matching the “reliable feeds across sizes” feel of this class. The input tray holds 250 sheets. That supports day to day printing without constant refilling, especially when you print multi-page documents.
Duplex printing is automatic. That reduces the friction that slows down two-sided runs. You can keep production moving on long files because the printer handles the switching internally instead of asking you to re-stack paper.
HP also lists a monthly duty cycle of up to 80,000 pages. That is a useful clue about how this printer expects to be loaded. It is not just a casual home unit. It is meant to take repeated daily paper runs and keep working.
Connectivity
Connectivity scores 7.1, which maps closer to “setup is simple, signal drops” or at least “limited connectivity” in practice. The extracted spec states Ethernet as built-in connectivity. That is a solid choice for offices with wired networks.
At the same time, the model listing does not show Wi-Fi as a supported connection. If your workflow depends on wireless printing from laptops and phones, this is where you may feel the restriction. You will likely rely on the network cable path to share jobs.
In a wired setup, the trade-off can be worth it. The printer can sit on the network and wait for jobs without needing wireless link negotiation every time. For teams already settled on Ethernet, that tends to keep printing predictable.
Reliability
Reliability scores 8.2 and fits the “consistently low jam rates” description. The mini-review calls out consistently low jam rates, and the spec profile supports that workload level. HP rates the monthly duty cycle at up to 80,000 pages, which lines up with regular office use.
Reliability also shows up in how the printer maintains speed for daily mixes of short and long jobs. With a 40 ppm rating and a 6.1 second first-page-out time, it has the raw timing for frequent starts and resumes. That matters because many reliability problems get worse under constant job churn.
Duplex work adds another stress point. This model uses automatic two-sided printing, and daily duplex is where you want repeatable feed behavior. When duplex runs stay smooth, overall reliability feels stronger, even if your print stream is not always uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn for the first page and for printing overall?
It prints up to 40 ppm for typical monochrome jobs. The first page comes out in about 6.1 seconds, which helps if you only need a single document. In longer jobs, the speed stays steady because it runs as a dedicated laser printer, not a desktop-style unit.
What paper capacity and input tray size does the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn support?
It holds up to 250 sheets in its standard paper capacity. That is usually enough for regular office printing without constant refills. If you use specialty paper, keep an eye on feeding consistency for that specific weight and finish.
Does the M404dn support automatic double sided printing?
Yes. Automatic duplex printing runs on both sides without you manually flipping pages. This helps when you print reports, contracts, or anything you want in a two-sided format.
Is the M404dn easy to connect to a network, and does it work with Ethernet?
It includes Ethernet connectivity, so you can plug it into your office network and share it. If you expected wireless like Wi Fi, note that this model focuses on Ethernet as the main network option. During setup, you will still need to configure the network settings through your IT environment.
How good is the text quality on small fonts for this monochrome laser printer?
It reaches a maximum resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi, which supports sharp, readable text. In practice, monochrome laser output usually stays crisp for documents like invoices and forms. If you print very light gray or small fine lines, results can vary based on your file settings and toner coverage.
Will toner costs be a problem with the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn?
Toner cost sensitivity is a real limitation to consider. Since it is monochrome only, you will buy toner for every page even if you print mostly text. If your print volume is low, the ongoing consumables cost may feel less predictable than higher duty, higher usage setups.
Final Verdict
HPs LaserJet Pro M404dn is a strong pick for high volume home offices and small teams. It delivers a snappy first page and stays steady across duplex print runs. Print quality also holds up for everyday text. The downside is limited connectivity, which can slow down setup or device sharing when you need wireless flexibility.
If you mostly print text-heavy documents and want dependable duplex output, this model fits well. If you rely heavily on many devices, check connection options first. If that matches your kitchen, this is a sound pick.
