HP is renowned for producing high-quality printers, and the Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is no exception in terms of build and customer support. However, performance, features, and value are equally crucial. This review delves into the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw, examining its print quality, speed, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness to determine its suitability for your printing needs.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 16.5 x 10.0 inches |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Print Speed | 26 ppm (black), 26 ppm (color) |
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi (flatbed), 600 x 600 dpi (ADF) |
| Ports | USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Paper Capacity | 250 sheets |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
Design and Features
The Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw features a convenient single-sheet media slot.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw boasts a compact design, measuring 15.4 x 16.5 x 10 inches, making it suitable for smaller workspaces. Its lightweight build, just over 30 pounds, further adds to its portability. The minimalist white and dark gray aesthetics allow it to seamlessly integrate into various office environments. A fixed-angle 2-inch monochrome display and push-button navigation, while not touchscreen, provide basic control. The 250-sheet paper tray and dedicated single-sheet media slot offer convenient paper handling, although a multi-sheet media tray would be a welcome addition for label printing. The focus on simplicity aligns with its budget-friendly positioning, prioritizing performance and cost-effectiveness over advanced features.
Print Performance and Quality
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw delivers good print speed and quality.
The Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw offers impressive speed, printing up to 26 pages per minute for both black and color documents. Single-page print times are equally quick, with a first-page-out time of around 11 seconds, outpacing some pricier models. Color document quality is generally good, with consistent colors and sharp text, even in smaller fonts. While not a dedicated photo printer, image quality is acceptable for a laser printer, though shadows lack detail. As expected, inkjet printers still reign supreme for high-quality photo printing.
Software, Setup, and Compatibility
The Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw's user interface can be slow and cumbersome.
While the initial setup is relatively simple, the user interface is slow and cumbersome. The non-wraparound button navigation and menu structure make tasks like setting the date and time unnecessarily tedious. Wi-Fi setup is similarly time-consuming unless your router supports WPS. During testing, a color alignment issue required replacing the magenta toner cartridge, highlighting the limitations of the menu navigation and troubleshooting options.
Addressing a color alignment issue required replacing the magenta toner cartridge.
Daily printing from Windows and macOS devices proved quick and reliable. The HP Smart mobile app provides basic functionality, but advanced options require accessing a browser interface and entering a PIN from the printer’s control panel, which is not ideal for mobile convenience.
Cost and Value Proposition
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw offers competitive pricing.
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw has a list price of $339 but can be found for as low as $259. While this initially appears competitive, the starter toner cartridges yield only 600 black and 500 color pages, impacting long-term costs. Opting for high-yield toner cartridges significantly reduces the cost per page and is recommended for cost-conscious users.
Final Verdict
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a fast and affordable color laser printer suitable for basic home office needs. However, its awkward user interface and limited features, combined with lower starter toner yields, present some drawbacks. While its speed and print quality are commendable, competing models offer better value and more user-friendly experiences. Consider exploring alternative options like the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw, Canon imageClass MF654cdw, or Brother HL-L3295CDW, which offer enhanced features and potentially lower long-term costs. If budget is your primary concern, check out our guides to the best cheap printers and the best printer deals for additional options.
