HP LaserJet Pro M452dn Color Laser Printer Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You are looking at hp laserjet pro m452dn color laser printer alternatives because your current needs may have shifted. The original HP M452dn offers wired Ethernet stability, color output, and double-sided printing in a 41.7-pound frame. It suits teams that prioritize wired connections and do not need wireless flexibility. However, you might want a different form factor, connectivity options, or brand. Some users prefer compact designs for smaller desks or wireless access for mobile printing. Others may need scanning features or faster speeds.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the HP M452dn. Each option shares core traits like color laser technology and duplex printing. You will find models with wireless connectivity, compact footprints, or integrated scanning functions. This list compares printed specs rather than subjective performance. You can choose based on physical dimensions, network requirements, and feature sets. The goal is to help you find a machine that matches your specific office environment and workflow demands without unnecessary compromises.
Our top pick: HP LaserJet Pro Duplex Color Laser Printer.
How these alternatives compare
Brother Compact Color Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L3295CDW offers both wireless and Ethernet connectivity, unlike the original M452dn which relies solely on Ethernet. It is lighter at 36.8 pounds and slightly more compact in height. This model adds mobile printing support and duplex scanning capabilities, features the original lacks. You get faster color output in a smaller footprint. However, it does not include a built-in scanner unit, requiring you to use a separate device if needed. This printer suits home offices where space is tight and wireless flexibility matters more than wired stability. It is a strong choice if you need to print from multiple devices without cables.
Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
The Lexmark CS331dw provides wireless connectivity alongside Ethernet, offering more flexibility than the wired-only M452dn. It is significantly lighter at 35.5 pounds and has a narrower width, making it easier to fit on smaller desks. This unit supports duplex scanning and mobile printing, features absent in the original. You gain the ability to scan documents wirelessly and print from mobile devices. The trade-off is that it lacks a multifunction base, so scanning requires a separate process. This printer is ideal for users who prioritize connectivity and portability over the bulkier, wired stability of the HP M452dn. It fits well in modern offices that value wireless integration.
HP LaserJet Pro M452nw Wireless Color Laser Printer
The HP M452nw includes both wireless and Ethernet connectivity, whereas the original M452dn is limited to Ethernet only. It is lighter at 38.6 pounds and slightly shorter in length. This model supports wireless scanning, a feature the original does not list. You get the same color laser performance with added wireless convenience. However, it lacks duplex printing, which is a key feature of the M452dn. You must print single-sided only, which may not suit high-volume offices needing automatic double-sided output. This printer is best for small offices that need fast color printing and wireless access but do not require automatic duplexing. It is a good step up in connectivity without the duplex feature.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Duplex Printer
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw offers wireless connectivity, unlike the wired-only M452dn. It is lighter at 33 pounds and more compact, making it easier to place in tight spaces. This model supports duplex printing and duplex scanning, features the original lacks in scanning. You get automatic double-sided printing via Wi-Fi, which the M452dn does not offer wirelessly. However, it lacks Ethernet connectivity, so you cannot connect via cable. This printer is ideal for small teams that need wireless duplex printing and scanning. It is a modern alternative if you prioritize wireless flexibility and compact size over wired stability. It suits users who want all-in-one wireless functionality without the bulk of larger machines.
Brother Compact Color Laser Printer
The Brother HL-L3280CDW provides both wireless and Ethernet connectivity, offering more options than the wired-only M452dn. It is lighter at 33.9 pounds and has a narrower width, fitting better in small offices. This model supports duplex printing and duplex scanning, features the original lacks in scanning. You gain mobile printing support and wireless scanning capabilities. The trade-off is that it does not include a multifunction scanner base, requiring separate scanning devices. This printer is best for users who need fast duplex color printing with wireless flexibility. It suits small offices that value connectivity and scanning options over the wired stability of the HP M452dn. It is a versatile choice for modern workspaces.
Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Printer
The Brother MFC-J4355DW is an inkjet all-in-one, unlike the laser-based M452dn. It is much lighter at 19.6 pounds and shorter in height, making it very compact. This model includes scan, copy, and fax functions, which the original lacks. You get wireless connectivity and duplex printing, similar to the original, but with added multifunction capabilities. The trade-off is that it uses ink instead of toner, which may affect print speed and cost over time. This printer is ideal for home offices that need fax and mobile printing. It suits users who prioritize compact size and multifunction features over laser speed and durability. It is a good choice if you need a complete office suite in a small footprint.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
HP LaserJet Pro Duplex Color Laser Printer
Best for: Wired offices needing color and duplex
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Connectivity
- Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Double-sided
- Features
- Duplex Printing
- Compatibility
- Amazon Dash Replenishment
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro Duplex Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The HP M452dn is a color laser printer designed for wired office environments. It features built-in Ethernet connectivity and automatic double-sided printing to reduce paper use. Measuring 16.2 by 18.5 inches and weighing 41.7 pounds, it is a sturdy desktop unit. The printer supports Amazon Dash Replenishment for toner management. It suits teams that need reliable color output without the need for wireless networking.
Pros
- Automatic double-sided printing
- Built-in Ethernet connectivity
- Color laser print technology
- Amazon Dash Replenishment support
Cons
- No wireless Wi-Fi capability
- Heavy at 41.7 pounds
- Lacks mobile printing features
Good fit if
- You need reliable color printing in a wired office
- You want automatic double-sided printing
- You prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi
Skip if
- You require wireless connectivity
- You need mobile printing from phones
- You want a compact lightweight unit
Verdict: HP M452dn Color Laser Printer is a solid choice for offices that prioritize wired stability and color output. It fits teams that do not need wireless flexibility.
Brother Compact Color Laser Printer
Best for: compact home offices needing fast color prints
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 31 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet, NFC
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic duplex printing
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L3295CDW is a single-function color laser printer designed for compact spaces. It delivers print speeds up to 31 ppm and includes automatic duplex printing for efficient two-sided documents. You get wireless, Ethernet, and NFC connectivity options. The unit features a 2.7-inch color touchscreen for easy navigation. This model suits users who need reliable color output without a scanner.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 31 ppm
- Automatic duplex printing for double-sided pages
- Wireless, Ethernet, and NFC connectivity
- 2.7-inch color touchscreen interface
- Cloud printing support via Google Drive and Dropbox
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No built-in Wi-Fi Direct mentioned in specs
- NFC is limited to mobile tap-to-print only
Good fit if
- You need fast color printing in a small footprint
- You primarily print documents and rarely scan
- You want automatic two-sided printing without manual intervention
Skip if
- You require scanning or copying capabilities
- You need a multifunction printer for shared office use
- You prefer a larger display for detailed settings
Verdict: Brother HL-L3295CDW Compact Color Laser Printer is a solid choice for users who prioritize speed and color output in a compact form factor. It fits well in home offices where space is limited and scanning is not a priority.
Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer
Best for: Compact color printing with wireless connectivity
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 26 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB, Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic two-sided
View on Amazon: Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark CS331dw is a single-function color laser printer designed for small to medium workgroups. It prints up to 26 pages per minute with a 1-GHz dual-core processor and 512 MB of memory. The unit supports automatic two-sided printing and includes standard Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity. You will appreciate its compact footprint and built-in security features for office use.
Pros
- Prints up to 26 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided printing included
- Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet connectivity
- Compact dimensions fit most spaces
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning or copying
- No built-in touchscreen display for control
- Not a multifunction device for shared tasks
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated color printing station
- You require wireless and wired connectivity options
- You have limited desk space available
Skip if
- You need scanning or copying capabilities
- You prefer a multifunction all-in-one printer
- You require a touchscreen interface for setup
Verdict: The Lexmark CS331dw Compact Color Laser Printer fits offices that prioritize print speed and connectivity over scanning features. It suits users who need a reliable, compact color laser unit without the bulk of a multifunction device.
HP LaserJet Pro M452nw Wireless Color Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast color printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Print Speed
- Up to 28 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet
- First Page Out
- 8.9 s black, 9.5 s color
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner cartridges
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro M452nw Wireless Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The HP LaserJet Pro M452nw is a wireless color laser printer designed for small workgroups. It prints up to 28 pages per minute with first-page-out times of 8.9 seconds for black and 9.5 seconds for color. The unit includes built-in Ethernet and supports up to 4,000 pages monthly. It features a 300-sheet input capacity and security protections. This model suits teams needing reliable color output without manual sheet feeding.
Pros
- Prints up to 28 pages per minute
- Built-in wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- First page out in 8.9 seconds (black)
- 300-sheet paper input capacity
- Supports color printing with JetIntelligence toner
Cons
- No automatic duplex printing listed
- No built-in scanner or copier function
- Only a one-year warranty included
Good fit if
- You need fast color printing for a small team
- You require wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- You print up to 4,000 pages monthly
Skip if
- You need automatic two-sided printing
- You require a scanner or copier
- You print more than 4,000 pages monthly
Verdict: The HP LaserJet Pro M452nw Color Wireless Printer delivers solid color speed and connectivity for small offices that do not need scanning or duplex features.
HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Duplex Printer
Best for: Wireless color duplex printing for small teams
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single Function
- Print Speed
- Up to 26 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Wi-Fi
- Duplex Printing
- Auto 2-sided
View on Amazon: HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Duplex Printer Affiliate link
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a wireless color laser printer designed for small teams. It prints up to 26 pages per minute in both black and color. The unit includes auto duplex printing and a 250-sheet input tray. Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset helps maintain connectivity. This model suits users who need reliable color output and automatic two-sided printing without manual intervention.
Pros
- Prints up to 26 pages per minute
- Auto duplex printing for two-sided documents
- 250-sheet input tray capacity
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset
- Color laser print technology
Cons
- No wired Ethernet port listed in specifications
- Print-only function without scanning or copying
- Blocks non-HP toner cartridges
Good fit if
- You need fast color printing for small teams
- You require automatic two-sided printing
- You prefer wireless connectivity over wired options
Skip if
- You need an all-in-one device with scanning
- You require built-in Ethernet connectivity
- You want to use third-party toner cartridges
Verdict: The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Wireless fits small offices needing fast, automatic color duplex printing via Wi-Fi, though it lacks scanning features and wired network options.
Brother Compact Color Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing fast duplex color printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- Single-function
- Print Speed
- 27 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic
View on Amazon: Brother Compact Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Brother HL-L3280CDW is a wireless color laser printer designed for small offices. It delivers print speeds up to 27 ppm and includes automatic duplex printing to save paper. You get built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi for flexible connectivity. A 2.7-inch touchscreen lets you print directly from cloud apps like Google Drive. It is a solid choice if you need reliable color output in a compact footprint.
Pros
- Print speeds up to 27 ppm
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wireless and Ethernet connectivity
- Cloud printing via 2.7-inch touchscreen
Cons
- Single-function design lacks scanning
- No built-in mobile app control listed
- Heavier at 33.9 pounds
Good fit if
- You need fast color printing in a small space
- You frequently print double-sided documents
- You want to print from cloud storage
Skip if
- You require scanning or copying functions
- You need a multifunction device
- You prefer a lighter, portable unit
Verdict: Brother HL-L3280CDW Compact Color Laser is a focused color laser printer for users who prioritize speed and cloud integration over multifunction capabilities. It suits small offices that need reliable duplex color printing without the bulk of a scanner.
Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Printer
Best for: home offices needing fax and mobile print
- Print Technology
- Inkjet
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan, fax
- Print Speed
- Up to 20 ppm black / 19 ppm color
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB
View on Amazon: Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Printer Affiliate link
The Brother MFC-J4355DW is a wireless color inkjet all-in-one designed for home offices. It prints up to 20 ppm black and 19 ppm color with automatic duplexing. You get print, copy, scan, and fax functions in one compact unit. The INKvestment tank system aims to lower running costs. It supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connections for mobile printing from smartphones and tablets.
Pros
- Automatic two-sided printing saves paper
- Four-in-one functionality includes fax
- INKvestment tank technology for efficiency
- Mobile printing via AirPrint and Mopria
Cons
- Uses inkjet technology, not laser
- No built-in Ethernet port listed
- Scanner is listed as portable type
Good fit if
- You need fax capability in a small space
- You print color documents from mobile devices
- You want automatic duplexing for efficiency
Skip if
- You require a laser printer for high volume
- You need wired Ethernet connectivity
- You prefer toner over ink cartridges
Verdict: The Brother MFC-J4355DW Inkjet All-in-One suits small offices needing fax and mobile printing. It fits users who prioritize compact size and ink efficiency over laser speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP LaserJet Pro Duplex Color Laser Printer | Brother Compact Color Laser Printer | Lexmark Wireless Duplex Color Laser Printer | HP LaserJet Pro M452nw Wireless Color Laser Printer | HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw Duplex Printer | Brother Compact Color Laser Printer | Brother INKvestment Tank All-in-One Printer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Laser | Inkjet |
| Print Output | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | not stated | Single-function | Single-function | not stated | Single Function | Single-function | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Print, copy, scan, fax |
| Print Speed | not stated | 31 ppm | 26 ppm | Up to 28 ppm | Up to 26 ppm | 27 ppm | Up to 20 ppm black / 19 ppm color |
| Connectivity | Ethernet | Wireless, Ethernet, NFC | Wireless, USB, Ethernet | Wireless, Ethernet | Wireless, Wi-Fi | Wireless, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB |
| Duplex Printing | Double-sided | Automatic duplex printing | Automatic two-sided | not stated | Auto 2-sided | Automatic | Automatic |
| First Page Out | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8.9 s black, 9.5 s color | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Ink/Toner System | not stated | Toner | Toner | Toner cartridges | Cartridge, toner | not stated | Tank |
| Features | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | not stated | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing, Scanner, Copier, Fax |
| Ideal For | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Documents | not stated | not stated |
| Use Case | not stated | not stated | Office | not stated | Office, Home | not stated | not stated |
| Scanner Type | not stated | Portable | Portable | not stated | Portable | Portable | Portable |
| Scanning | not stated | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Compatibility | Amazon Dash Replenishment | Amazon Dash Replenishment | not stated | Amazon Dash Replenishment | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Duplex Scanning | not stated | Duplex | Duplex | not stated | Duplex | Duplex | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 18.5 × 16.2 × 11.6 inches | 15.7 × 17.8 × 10.8 inches | 16.2 × 9.6 × 15.5 inches | 17.8 × 16.2 × 11.6 inches | not stated | 15.7 × 10.8 × 15.7 inches | 13.5 × 17.1 × 7.1 inches |
| Weight | 41.7 pounds | 36.8 pounds | 35.5 pounds | 38.6 pounds | 33 pounds | 33.9 pounds | 19.6 pounds |
| Size | 16.2 X 17.8 X 11.6 | Standard | Small-Medium Workgroup | 16.2 X 17.8 X 11.6 | 15.35 x 16.5 x 10.0 | Standard | 1 |
| Color | White | White | White/Gray | Light Gray | white | White | White |
| Model | M452DN | HLL3295CDW | CS331dw | CF388A | 499Q9F#BGJ | HLL3280CDW | E2BRMFCJ4355DW |
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the best wireless connectivity for the HP M452dn?
The Brother HL-L3295CDW and Lexmark CS331dw both provide robust wireless and Ethernet options. These models suit users who need flexible network connections without the wired-only limitation of the M452dn. They also support mobile printing, allowing you to send jobs from smartphones or tablets directly to the device.
Is there a more compact color laser option than the M452dn?
Yes, the Brother HL-L3280CDW is significantly smaller and lighter. It measures 10.8 inches wide and weighs only 33.9 pounds. This compact form factor fits well in small offices where space is limited, while still delivering fast duplex color printing capabilities for your daily workflow.
Can I find a wireless version of the HP M452dn?
The HP LaserJet Pro M452nw is the wireless counterpart to the M452dn. It retains the same color output and connectivity flexibility but adds Wi-Fi support. This model is ideal for small offices that need fast printing without the bulk or scanning features of multifunction devices.
Which printer is best for offices needing scanning features?
The Brother MFC-J4355DW is the top choice for scanning needs. It is an all-in-one device that includes scan, copy, and fax functions. Although it is an inkjet printer, it offers duplex scanning and wireless connectivity, making it suitable for home offices that prioritize versatility over laser speed.
Does the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw support duplex printing?
Yes, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw supports automatic duplex printing. It is designed for small teams needing fast, double-sided color output via Wi-Fi. While it lacks wired network options, its wireless capability and compact size make it a practical alternative for modern small office environments.
Which alternative is best for a compact home office?
The Brother HL-L3295CDW is ideal for compact home offices. It combines a small footprint with fast color printing and mobile support. This model fits users who prioritize speed and connectivity in a limited space, offering a solid balance of performance and size for everyday home office tasks.






