Looking Beyond the HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n Monochrome Printer delivers reliable wired printing at up to 35 pages per minute. Its 250-sheet input capacity and USB 2.0 connectivity make it a practical choice for small to medium offices that prioritize speed and stability. However, you might want different features, such as wireless networking, automatic duplexing, or scanning capabilities. If your workflow requires more versatility or a different form factor, exploring other options is wise.
This guide presents 6 hp laserjet pro 400 m401n alternatives that share key specifications with the original model. We selected these printers because their specs overlap with the M401n, including monochrome output and similar print speeds. Whether you need a compact design for a home office or a multifunction device for a busy team, these alternatives offer distinct advantages. Each option addresses specific needs that the base model may not cover, such as wireless printing or enhanced security features. You can compare their dimensions, connectivity types, and additional functions to find the best fit for your environment.
Our top pick: HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer.
How Each Alternative Compares
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother DCP-L2640DW adds scanning and copying to your workflow, which the M401n lacks. It weighs 25 pounds and measures 16.1 by 12.5 by 15.7 inches, making it slightly larger than the HP unit. You gain wireless connectivity and duplex scanning capabilities. This model suits small businesses that need to digitize documents regularly. You trade the HP’s simpler wired setup for multi-function versatility. If you require color, neither device provides it. This Brother model is ideal for teams focused on black-and-white document management and efficient scanning tasks without moving to a color laser system.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a compact single-function printer that weighs 15.6 pounds. It measures 14 by 7.2 by 14.2 inches, offering a smaller footprint than the HP LaserJet Pro 400. You get automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity, which the M401n does not support natively. This device is designed for small teams needing fast monochrome output without scanning features. You sacrifice the HP’s 250-sheet input capacity for a more space-efficient design. If you prioritize network flexibility and double-sided printing over high-volume paper handling, this Brother model is a practical alternative for your office environment.
HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn features Ethernet connectivity instead of the M401n’s USB 2.0 port. It weighs 8.35 pounds and measures 17.4 by 18.3 by 10.8 inches, making it taller and wider. You gain automatic duplex printing, which the base M401n model lacks. This printer is built for wired office environments where network stability is key. You trade the HP 400’s specific USB setup for standard Ethernet integration. If you need secure, stable network connections and automatic two-sided printing, this model is a strong upgrade. It maintains monochrome output while adding professional networking features for busy office settings.
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2405W is a compact wireless monochrome printer weighing 15.1 pounds. It measures 14 by 7.2 by 14.2 inches, similar in size to the HL-L2460DW. You gain wireless printing capabilities and mobile app support, which the wired M401n does not offer. This device lacks automatic duplexing and scanning functions. It is best for home offices or small teams needing basic wireless printing. You trade the HP’s high-speed wired performance for wireless convenience. If you do not require scanning or double-sided printing, this Brother model provides a flexible, space-saving solution for monochrome document production in a wireless network.
HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is a monochrome printer weighing 20.9 pounds. It measures 15 by 8.5 by 14.1 inches, closely matching the M401n’s dimensions. This model focuses on high-speed printing without wireless connectivity or multifunction features. You get a straightforward, secure printing experience similar to the M401n. The primary difference lies in the specific model generation and internal component updates. It is ideal for users who prioritize speed and security over versatility. If you need a reliable wired printer without the need for scanning or wireless access, this HP variant offers a streamlined approach to monochrome document production for your office.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw All-in-One weighs 23.1 pounds and measures 16.5 by 12.3 by 15.7 inches. It adds scanning and copying capabilities to the monochrome laser workflow. You gain automatic duplex printing and duplex scanning, features absent in the M401n. This device is designed for small teams needing fast, versatile output. You trade the M401n’s simple wired USB setup for a more complex all-in-one system. If you require document digitization and copying alongside printing, this HP model is a comprehensive solution. It maintains high-speed monochrome performance while integrating essential office functions into a single unit for efficient workflow management.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer
Best for: Wired office printing with high speed
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- Up to 35 ppm
- Connectivity
- USB 2.0
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
- Dimensions
- 10.5 × 14.2 × 14.4 inches
The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n is a monochrome laser printer designed for small to medium offices. It delivers print speeds of up to 35 pages per minute and features a 250-sheet input capacity. Connectivity relies on USB 2.0. This renewed unit includes a toner cartridge and power cable. It suits users needing fast, reliable black-and-white printing without network requirements.
Pros
- Prints up to 35 pages per minute
- 250-sheet input paper capacity
- Includes toner cartridge and power cable
- Professionally refurbished and tested
Cons
- USB 2.0 connectivity only, no wireless
- Monochrome output only
- 90-day warranty period
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome printing for an office
- You prefer a wired USB connection
- You want a refurbished unit with included toner
Skip if
- You require wireless printing capability
- You need color printing
- You want a longer warranty period
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401n Monochrome Printer offers solid speed and capacity for wired office setups, making it a practical choice for users who do not need wireless features or color output.
Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: small business monochrome workflows
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a compact monochrome laser multi-function printer designed for small businesses. It delivers print speeds up to 36 ppm and includes a 50-page auto document feeder for efficient scanning. You get dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. The unit supports duplex printing and scanning. It fits teams needing reliable black-and-white output with mobile app support.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 36 ppm
- 50-page auto document feeder
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet
- Duplex scanning and printing
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- No color printing capability
- Standard toner capacity listed
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome printing
- You require duplex scanning
- You want wireless connectivity
Skip if
- You need color printing
- You prefer inkjet technology
- You need high-volume industrial use
Verdict: Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless MFP suits small offices that prioritize speed and scanning efficiency over color. It is a solid choice for teams focused on black-and-white document workflows.
Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
Best for: Small teams needing fast monochrome duplex printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 36 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is a single-function monochrome laser printer designed for home offices and small teams. It delivers print speeds up to 36 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing to save paper. Connectivity options include dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB. The unit features a 250-sheet paper tray and measures 14 by 14.2 by 7.2 inches. It weighs 15.6 pounds and supports mobile printing via the Brother app.
Pros
- Prints up to 36 pages per minute
- Automatic duplex printing reduces paper waste
- Dual-band wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- 250-sheet main paper tray capacity
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No built-in display panel for navigation
- Only supports monochrome black and white output
Good fit if
- You need fast, reliable black and white document printing
- You want automatic two-sided printing without manual intervention
- You require dual-band wireless or wired network connections
Skip if
- You need color printing capabilities
- You require a multifunction device with a scanner
- You prefer a compact printer under 10 pounds
Verdict: Brother HL-L2460DW Compact Monochrome Laser Printer is a practical choice for users who prioritize speed and automatic duplexing in a single-function device. It suits small teams needing efficient monochrome output with flexible network options.
HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer
Best for: wired office environments needing fast monochrome output
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 40 ppm
- Connectivity
- Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic 2-sided
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a monochrome laser printer built for shared office environments. It delivers print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute and includes automatic duplex printing to reduce paper waste. Connectivity relies on built-in Ethernet, allowing multiple users to access the device over a wired network. It features a 250-sheet input tray and emphasizes security with embedded threat notifications. This model suits teams needing reliable, high-volume output without wireless complexity.
Pros
- Print speeds reach 40 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided printing reduces paper usage
- Built-in Ethernet supports network sharing
- 250-sheet input tray handles larger jobs
Cons
- No wireless connectivity options listed in specifications
- Only includes a one-year limited hardware warranty
- Lacks mobile printing capabilities in feature list
Good fit if
- You need a wired Ethernet connection for stable network access
- You require fast monochrome output for business documents
- You want automatic duplex printing to save paper
Skip if
- You need wireless printing from mobile devices
- You require a multi-function device with scanning
- You prefer a compact footprint for small desks
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Ethernet Laser Printer offers strong speed and security for wired offices, making it a solid choice for teams prioritizing network stability over wireless convenience.
Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: Home offices needing wireless monochrome printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 30 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridge
The Brother HL-L2405W is a compact, single-function monochrome laser printer designed for home offices. It delivers print speeds up to 30 ppm and connects via dual-band wireless or USB. The unit includes a 250-sheet paper tray and a manual feed slot for envelopes. It supports mobile printing through the Brother Mobile Connect app and works with Alexa. This model is a practical option for users needing reliable black-and-white output without scanning or copying functions.
Pros
- Prints at speeds up to 30 ppm
- Dual-band wireless and USB connectivity
- 250-sheet paper tray capacity
- Mobile printing via Brother app
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning
- No automatic duplex printing
- No Ethernet port
Good fit if
- You need fast black-and-white printing
- You want wireless mobile printing
- You have limited desk space
Skip if
- You require color printing
- You need a scanner
- You need automatic two-sided printing
Verdict: The Brother HL-L2405W Wireless Monochrome Laser Printer fits users who need a compact, wireless monochrome laser printer with mobile app support. It is not suitable for those who require scanning or automatic duplexing.
HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer
Best for: fast monochrome printing without wireless needs
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Black & White
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- Up to 42 ppm
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
- Dimensions
- 14.1 × 15 × 8.5 inches
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is a single-function laser printer designed for small teams of up to 10 users. It delivers black and white output at speeds up to 42 pages per minute. The unit measures 15 by 14.1 by 8.5 inches and weighs 20.9 pounds. It includes pre-configured HP Wolf Pro Security settings and supports Instant Ink for toner management. This model suits offices needing fast, secure document printing without scanning or copying features.
Pros
- Prints up to 42 pages per minute
- Pre-configured HP Wolf Pro Security
- Supports HP Instant Ink for toner
- Auto paper jam recovery
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning
- No wireless connectivity listed
- No automatic duplex printing
Good fit if
- You need fast monochrome output
- You want basic security features
- You prefer wired connections
Skip if
- You require wireless printing
- You need scanning capabilities
- You want automatic double-sided printing
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro 4001n Monochrome Printer offers high-speed monochrome printing for teams that do not need wireless connectivity or multifunction features. It fits users who prioritize speed and security over versatility.
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One
Best for: Small teams needing fast monochrome AIO printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, Copy, Scan
- Print Speed
- Up to 35 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wi-Fi
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw is a monochrome laser all-in-one printer designed for small teams. It offers print speeds up to 35 ppm and supports automatic two-sided printing. You get scanning and copying functions alongside a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet auto document feeder. Wireless connectivity helps keep your office connected. This model suits users who need reliable black-and-white output with multi-function capabilities.
Pros
- Prints up to 35 ppm in black
- Automatic duplex printing and scanning
- Includes a 50-sheet auto document feeder
- Supports wireless connectivity
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- No color printing capability
- Uses proprietary HP toner cartridges
Good fit if
- You need fast black-and-white document printing
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You want scanning and copying functions
Skip if
- You need color printing
- You prefer inkjet technology
- You want to use third-party toner
Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw All-in-One is a solid choice for offices that prioritize speed and duplexing in monochrome tasks. It fits teams needing reliable scanning and copying without color requirements.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP LaserJet Pro 400 Monochrome Printer | Brother All-in-One Monochrome Laser Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Duplex Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer | Brother Compact Monochrome Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer | HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw All-in-One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Monochrome | Black & White | Monochrome |
| Printer Type | not specified | not specified | Single-function | not specified | Single-function | Single-function | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | not specified | Print, copy, scan | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Print, Copy, Scan |
| Print Speed | Up to 35 ppm | 36 ppm | 36 ppm | 40 ppm | 30 ppm | Up to 42 ppm | Up to 35 ppm |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Wireless, Ethernet, USB | Ethernet | Wireless, USB | not specified | Wireless, Wi-Fi |
| Duplex Printing | not specified | not specified | Automatic | Automatic 2-sided | not specified | not specified | Automatic two-sided |
| Ink/Toner System | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge | Toner cartridge | Toner | Toner cartridge | Toner | Cartridge, toner |
| Features | not specified | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing | Mobile Printing | not specified | Duplex Printing, Scanner, Copier |
| Scanner Type | not specified | Portable | Portable | not specified | Portable | not specified | not specified |
| Scanning | not specified | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | not specified | Wireless Scanning | not specified | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | not specified | not specified | Alexa | not specified | Alexa | not specified | not specified |
| Duplex Scanning | not specified | Duplex | Duplex | not specified | not specified | not specified | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 10.5 × 14.2 × 14.4 inches | 15.7 × 16.1 × 12.5 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 10.8 × 17.4 × 18.3 inches | 14.2 × 14 × 7.2 inches | 14.1 × 15 × 8.5 inches | 15.7 × 16.5 × 12.3 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 25 pounds | 15.6 pounds | 8.35 pounds | 15.1 pounds | 20.9 pounds | 23.1 pounds |
| Size | 15 x 14.06 x 8.5 in | Standard | Standard | One Size | Standard | one size | one size |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | White | Black | black | White |
| Model | CZ195A | DCPL2640DW | HLL2460DW | W1A53A | HLL2405W | 4001n | 9D2X4F#BGJ |
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Brother DCP-L2640DW a better choice than the M401n for scanning?
Yes, if you need scanning capabilities. The Brother DCP-L2640DW includes a scanner and copier, features the M401n lacks. It supports duplex scanning and wireless connectivity. This makes it ideal for small offices that prioritize scanning efficiency and black-and-white document workflows over simple printing.
Which alternative offers the most compact design for a home office?
The Brother HL-L2405W is a compact option for home offices. It measures 14 by 7.2 by 14.2 inches and weighs 15.1 pounds. This wireless monochrome printer supports mobile printing and Alexa compatibility. It suits users who need a small footprint without scanning or duplexing functions.
Can I find a wireless Brother printer with automatic duplexing?
The Brother HL-L2460DW supports wireless connectivity and automatic duplex printing. It is a single-function device designed for small teams needing fast monochrome output. The unit measures 14 by 7.2 by 14.2 inches. It offers flexible network options and mobile printing support for efficient workflows.
Does the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn support wireless printing?
No, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn uses Ethernet connectivity only. It is designed for wired office environments needing fast monochrome output. The printer includes duplex printing for efficient document handling. It prioritizes network stability and security over wireless convenience, making it suitable for stable wired setups.
Is there an all-in-one HP printer with duplex scanning?
The HP LaserJet Pro 3101sdw All-in-One includes duplex scanning. It supports duplex printing and is designed for small teams needing fast monochrome tasks. The unit measures 16.5 by 12.3 by 15.7 inches. It provides reliable scanning and copying functions without requiring color output capabilities.
Which printer is best for wired offices that do not need wireless?
The HP LaserJet Pro 4001n is built for wired offices. It offers high-speed monochrome printing without wireless connectivity or multifunction features. The unit weighs 20.9 pounds and measures 15 by 8.5 by 14.1 inches. It fits users who prioritize speed and security over versatility in their setup.