HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Monochrome Laser Printer vs HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless: Spec Comparison
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This comparison examines the hp smart tank 5003 wireless vs laserjet pro m404dn monochrome laser printers. Both devices are HP models designed for reliable office use. The main difference lies in their technology and output. The Smart Tank uses ink for color printing, while the LaserJet uses toner for black-and-white documents. You need to decide which method fits your volume and color needs. We compare their specs to help you choose.
Key differences
| Aspect | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Output | Color | Monochrome |
| Print Technology | Ink Tank | Laser |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Ethernet |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | Print Only |
| Print Speed | not listed | 40 ppm |
Which one should you choose?
Choose HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics.
- You want wireless connectivity for mobile devices.
- You require scanning and copying functions.
Choose HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer if
- You print mostly black-and-white text documents.
- You need high-speed output for busy offices.
- You prefer wired Ethernet for stable network connections.
Verdict: Choose the HP Smart Tank 5003 if you need color output, wireless flexibility, and scanning capabilities. Choose the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn if you prioritize speed, monochrome reliability, and wired network integration. Each printer serves a distinct professional need.
HP Smart Tank vs LaserJet Pro Specs
Print output
The HP Smart Tank 5003 delivers full-color output. Its ink tank technology allows for vibrant text and rich images. This makes it suitable for marketing materials or colorful documents. In contrast, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is strictly monochrome. It prints only in black and white. This limitation suits high-volume text documents like contracts or reports. If you need color, the Smart Tank is your only choice. If you only need black text, the LaserJet focuses on that single task efficiently. The difference in output type dictates which printer fits your visual needs.
Print technology
These printers use fundamentally different mechanisms. The Smart Tank relies on an ink tank system. It uses liquid ink bottles that you refill directly into the reservoir. This system is designed for low-cost, high-volume color printing. The LaserJet Pro uses a toner cartridge system. It employs laser technology to fuse dry toner powder onto paper. This method is known for sharp text and fast drying times. The ink tank offers mess-free refills with bottles. The toner system avoids liquid spills entirely. Your choice depends on whether you prefer liquid ink convenience or toner reliability.
Printer type
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is an all-in-one device. It combines printing, copying, and scanning into a single unit. This multifunction capability saves desk space by replacing three separate devices. The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a single-function printer. It handles printing only. It lacks built-in scanning or copying hardware. You would need a separate scanner for those tasks. If you require copying or scanning, the Smart Tank provides all necessary functions. If you only print and already have a scanner, the LaserJet is simpler.
Print speed
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn offers fast print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute. This high speed helps you stay productive with large print jobs. The first page comes out quickly, reducing wait times. The HP Smart Tank 5003 does not list a specific pages-per-minute rate in its specifications. Without this data, we cannot confirm its speed relative to the LaserJet. However, the LaserJet’s 40 ppm rating is a clear advantage for high-volume text printing. If speed is critical for your workflow, the LaserJet provides a measurable performance benefit.
Connectivity
Both printers support wireless connections for modern office use. The HP Smart Tank 5003 includes wireless capabilities for mobile and network printing. This allows you to print from phones or tablets easily. The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn features built-in Ethernet. This wired connection provides a stable link to your office network. It also supports sharing resources across the network. The LaserJet does not explicitly list wireless connectivity in its key specs. If you need a wired connection, the LaserJet is ready. If you rely solely on Wi-Fi, the Smart Tank is the better fit.
Duplex printing
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn includes automatic two-sided printing. This feature prints on both sides of the paper without manual intervention. It saves paper and reduces clutter. The HP Smart Tank 5003 supports borderless prints, which is useful for photos. However, its key specs do not mention automatic duplex printing. You may need to print manually on both sides if the feature is absent. If you print double-sided documents frequently, the LaserJet’s automatic duplexing is a significant convenience. It streamlines the workflow and reduces paper waste automatically.
Physical build
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is slightly wider at 17.1 inches compared to the LaserJet’s 17.4 inches. However, the LaserJet is much taller at 18.3 inches versus the Smart Tank’s 6.19 inches. The Smart Tank is heavier at 11.1 pounds, while the LaserJet weighs 8.35 pounds. The LaserJet’s compact design fits into shared work areas efficiently. The Smart Tank’s lower profile may suit smaller desks. The LaserJet’s height allows for easier paper tray access. Your choice depends on your available desk space and weight preferences. Both fit standard office environments.
Choose the right HP printer for you
Needs color prints and wireless mobile access
The HP Smart Tank 5003 provides color output via its ink tank system. It supports wireless connectivity for easy mobile printing. The all-in-one design handles printing, copying, and scanning. Its mess-free refill system allows you to add ink directly from bottles. This model is ideal for users who require vibrant color documents and flexible connectivity options.
Requires high-speed monochrome office printing
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn delivers monochrome laser printing at speeds up to 40 pages per minute. It features automatic two-sided printing to save paper. The built-in Ethernet connection ensures stable wired network access. This printer is designed for high-volume text documents and offers embedded security features to protect sensitive business data during daily operations.
Wants duplex printing and network sharing
This model includes automatic duplex printing and built-in Ethernet capabilities. These specs allow you to share resources easily on your network. The compact size fits well in shared work areas. It supports original HP toner cartridges for consistent quality. This makes it a practical choice for offices that need reliable, fast, and secure document sharing across multiple users.
Prefers ink tank simplicity and borderless prints
The HP Smart Tank 5003 features a mess-free refill system for easy maintenance. It supports borderless prints for photo-quality output. The included ink supply covers up to 6,000 pages. This all-in-one device handles color printing, copying, and scanning. It is best suited for users who want low-cost, high-volume color printing without complex cartridge replacements.
The products compared
HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer
Best for: color printing and low cost per page
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan
- Connectivity
- Wireless
- Ink/Toner System
- Tank
- Features
- Scanner, Copier
View on Amazon: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer Affiliate link
The HP Smart Tank 5003 is a color ink tank all-in-one printer. It prints, copies, and scans with wireless connectivity. It includes up to 3 years of ink for high-volume use. The mess-free refill system uses bottles. It measures 17.1 inches wide and weighs 11.1 pounds. This model suits users needing color output and low-cost page printing.
Pros
- Includes up to 3 years of HP Ink
- Prints, copies, and scans
- Wireless connectivity for mobile printing
- Mess-free bottle refill system
Cons
- Prints in color only
- No built-in Ethernet port
- No automatic duplex printing
Good fit if
- You need color printing for photos or graphics
- You want low-cost high-volume printing
- You prefer wireless setup without cables
Skip if
- You require black-and-white only printing
- You need automatic two-sided printing
- You require wired Ethernet connectivity
Verdict: HP Smart Tank 5003 All-in-One is best for users who need color output and wireless convenience. It offers high page yields but lacks the speed and duplex features of dedicated monochrome laser models.
HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer
Best for: High-volume wired office printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Monochrome
- Print Speed
- 40 ppm
- Connectivity
- Ethernet
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic 2-sided
- Ink/Toner System
- Toner
View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer Affiliate link
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a monochrome laser printer designed for shared office environments. It delivers print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute and includes automatic two-sided printing to reduce paper waste. Connectivity relies on built-in Ethernet, allowing multiple users to access the device on a network. It features a 250-sheet input tray and compact dimensions. This model suits teams needing reliable, high-volume document output with embedded security features.
Pros
- Print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute
- Automatic two-sided duplex printing
- Built-in Ethernet for network sharing
- 250-sheet input tray capacity
Cons
- No wireless or Wi-Fi connectivity listed
- Monochrome output only
- No touchscreen display mentioned
Good fit if
- You need fast, wired network printing
- You want to reduce paper usage with auto-duplex
- You prioritize security features for sensitive documents
Skip if
- You require wireless printing from mobile devices
- You need color printing capabilities
- You want a compact all-in-one scanner combo
Verdict: The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Monochrome Laser Printer fits offices that prioritize speed and wired reliability over wireless convenience. It is ideal for teams producing high volumes of black-and-white documents on a shared network.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer | HP LaserJet Pro Ethernet Duplex Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | not stated | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Monochrome |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | not stated |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan | not stated |
| Print Speed | not stated | 40 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless | Ethernet |
| Duplex Printing | not stated | Automatic 2-sided |
| Ink/Toner System | Tank | Toner |
| Features | Scanner, Copier | Duplex Printing |
| Use Case | Home | not stated |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | not stated |
| Dimensions | 14.2 × 17.1 × 6.19 inches | 10.8 × 17.4 × 18.3 inches |
| Weight | 11.1 pounds | 8.35 pounds |
| Size | one size | One Size |
| Color | OOV White / Portobello | White |
| Model | 510x | W1A53A |
Frequently asked questions
Which HP printer is better for high-volume black-and-white office work?
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is the better choice for high-volume monochrome tasks. It is designed for wired reliability and speed in shared network environments. The M404dn features automatic duplex printing, which saves paper by printing on both sides. This makes it ideal for teams producing large quantities of text documents without the need for color output.
Does the HP Smart Tank 5003 support wireless printing?
Yes, the HP Smart Tank 5003 supports wireless connectivity. This allows you to print easily from mobile devices or laptops without needing a physical cable connection. The model is marketed as a wireless all-in-one solution. This flexibility is useful for home offices or small teams that value mobility and convenient setup over dedicated wired connections.
Can the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn print in color?
No, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a monochrome laser printer. It only produces black-and-white output. If you need vibrant colors for marketing materials or images, this model is not suitable. You should choose the HP Smart Tank 5003 instead, as it delivers full-color output using its ink tank technology for rich and vivid results.
What is the main difference in connectivity between these two models?
The primary difference is that the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn relies on Ethernet connectivity for network access. This provides stable, wired reliability for office environments. In contrast, the HP Smart Tank 5003 offers wireless convenience. This allows for flexible placement and easier connection to various devices without being tethered to a specific network port or cable.
Is the HP Smart Tank 5003 an all-in-one device?
Yes, the HP Smart Tank 5003 is an all-in-one printer. It handles printing, copying, and scanning functions in a single unit. This versatility makes it suitable for users who need multiple office functions. The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn focuses primarily on printing speed and volume, lacking the additional multifunction capabilities found in the Smart Tank series.
Which printer is lighter and more compact?
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is lighter and has a different footprint. It weighs 8.35 pounds and measures 17.4 inches wide by 10.8 inches long. The HP Smart Tank 5003 weighs 11.1 pounds and measures 17.1 inches wide by 14.2 inches long. While the Smart Tank is slightly narrower, the LaserJet is significantly lighter, which may matter for shelf placement.