HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless vs HP Laserjet Pro M404n: Spec Comparison

Key differences

Which one should you choose?

HP Smart Tank vs LaserJet Pro Specs

Print Output

Edge: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer

The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless produces full-color prints. This feature makes it ideal for documents that require charts, graphs, or images alongside text. You get richer colors and sharper text for visual materials. In contrast, the HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a monochrome laser printer. It only prints in black and white. This model focuses on high-contrast text for professional business documents. If you need color for presentations or marketing materials, the Smart Tank is the clear choice. For strict text-only reports, the monochrome output of the LaserJet Pro is sufficient and often preferred for clarity.

Print Technology

Edge: Tie

These two machines use fundamentally different printing methods. The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless is an ink tank printer. It uses a refillable ink system that allows you to add ink directly from bottles. This design supports low-cost, high-volume printing with up to 6,000 pages included. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n uses laser technology. It relies on toner powder and a drum unit to fuse images onto paper. Laser printers typically offer faster startup times and more consistent text quality for large batches. The ink tank system is better for mixed media, while the laser engine is built for speed and durability in text-heavy environments.

Printer Type

Edge: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer

The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless is an all-in-one device. This means it combines printing, copying, and scanning into a single unit. You can handle multiple office tasks without needing separate machines. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a print-only device. It lacks built-in scanning or copying hardware. If your workflow requires frequent document scanning or physical copying, the Smart Tank saves space and simplifies your setup. However, if you already have a dedicated scanner or only need to print, the LaserJet Pro offers a more streamlined, single-function solution that may fit tighter on your desk.

Connectivity

Edge: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer

Connectivity options differ significantly between these two models. The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless supports wireless connections. This allows you to print from smartphones, tablets, and laptops without cables. It also supports mobile printing features for convenient access. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n relies on built-in Ethernet capabilities. This wired connection is designed for stable, secure network sharing in office environments. It allows multiple users on the same network to access the printer easily. If you value flexibility and printing from various devices on the go, the wireless option is superior. For a fixed, secure network spot, Ethernet is more reliable.

Print Speed

Edge: HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer

Speed is a key differentiator for high-volume offices. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n delivers print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute. This fast output helps keep teams productive when handling large document batches. It also features a fast first page out time. The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless does not list a specific maximum pages-per-minute speed in the provided data. Ink tank printers often prioritize color accuracy and cost-per-page over raw speed. If your priority is moving stacks of paper quickly, the LaserJet Pro’s 40 ppm is a significant advantage. For slower, mixed-color jobs, speed matters less.

Choose your ideal HP printer now

You need color photos and mobile printing

Our pick: HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer

The HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless supports full-color output and wireless connectivity. It functions as an all-in-one device with print, copy, and scan capabilities. You can print borderless images easily. The ink tank system allows for mess-free refills. This model is designed for users who prioritize color quality and mobile convenience over raw speed.

You print high-volume text documents only

Our pick: HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer

The HP LaserJet Pro M404n delivers monochrome prints at speeds up to 40 pages per minute. It features a 250-sheet input tray for large jobs. Built-in Ethernet connectivity helps you share resources on your network. This laser printer focuses on fast, reliable text output for business environments where color is unnecessary.

You require strong network security features

Our pick: HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer

Security is a key spec for the HP LaserJet Pro M404n. It includes embedded security features like instant threat notifications. Optional PIN and pull printing protect sensitive data. These capabilities help prevent the printer from becoming an entry point for attacks. This makes it the safer choice for networks handling confidential information.

The products compared

1

HP Smart Tank All-in-One Color Printer

Best for: Low-cost high-volume color printing

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 wireless ink tank all-in-one printer. It supports print, copy, and scan functions with color output. The unit includes up to 3 years of ink, providing up to 6,000 pages from the box. It measures 17.1 inches wide and weighs 11.1 pounds. This model suits users seeking low-cost, high-volume color printing without frequent cartridge replacements.

Pros

• Includes up to 3 years of ink
• Provides up to 6,000 pages out of the box
• Wireless connectivity for mobile and remote printing
• Mess-free refill system with easy-access bottles
• Supports borderless prints

Cons

• Uses ink tank technology rather than laser toner
• Prints in color only, not monochrome
• No Ethernet port listed in specifications

Good fit if

• You need color printing for photos or graphics
• You want to minimize ongoing ink costs
• You prefer wireless setup over wired connections

Skip if

• You require high-speed monochrome text printing
• You need a compact footprint under 12 inches wide
• You prioritize laser durability for heavy industrial use

Verdict: HP Smart Tank 5003 Wireless All-in-One delivers high-volume color printing with included ink. It fits home offices needing vibrant output and low refill costs.

2

HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer

Best for: fast monochrome network document printing

Print Technology

Laser

Print Output

Monochrome

Print Speed

Up to 40 pages a minute

Connectivity

Ethernet

Dimensions

15.8 × 15.8 × 11.8 inches

Weight

18.1 pounds

View on Amazon: HP LaserJet Pro M404n Monochrome Printer Affiliate link

This monochrome laser printer produces black-and-white documents at speeds reaching 40 pages per minute. You connect it to your office setup via Ethernet to share access across multiple computers. It features a 250-sheet paper tray and built-in security protocols for office networks. This machine suits you if you need fast, high-volume text printing without color.

Pros

• Print speeds up to 40 pages per minute
• 250-sheet input tray capacity
• Built-in Ethernet networking
• Embedded security features including PIN and Pull printing

Cons

• Monochrome printing only with no color output
• Weighs 18.1 pounds

Good fit if

• You require print speeds up to 40 pages per minute for text documents.
• You need network sharing through a dedicated Ethernet connection.
• You want PIN or Pull printing security on your office network.

Skip if

• You need to print color charts, presentations, or photos.
• You prefer a compact unit lighter than 18.1 pounds for your desk.

Verdict: HP LaserJet Pro Monochrome Printer delivers 40 pages per minute over Ethernet for teams focused purely on high-volume black-and-white paperwork.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best HP monochrome laser printers
• best HP color laser printers
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