HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw Review (2025): Is It Still Worth It for Small Business?

Choosing the right printer for a home office or small business in 2025 isn’t easy. Inkjet printers promise low upfront cost but often become expensive and unreliable over time, while laser printers are known for speed, consistency, and professional output. In this review, we take a deep look at the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw, focusing on real-world performance, usability, and whether it’s still a smart investment in 2025.

This article is based on hands-on unboxing, setup, and testing — not marketing claims.

Overview: What Is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw is a wireless all-in-one color laser printer designed for small business workgroups and serious home offices. It combines printing, copying, scanning, and faxing in a single compact unit, aiming to deliver professional results without enterprise-level complexity.

HP positions this model as a productivity printer, built for speed, reliability, and secure network use — areas where many inkjet printers struggle.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Functions: Print, Copy, Scan, Fax
Print Technology: Color Laser (HP TerraJet toner)
Print Speed: Up to 26 pages per minute (black & color)
Print Resolution: Up to 600 × 600 dpi
Duplex Printing: Automatic two-sided printing
Scanning: Flatbed + 50-sheet ADF with single-pass duplex scanning
Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Ethernet, USB 2.0
Mobile Printing: HP Smart App, Apple AirPrint, Mopria
Paper Capacity: 250-sheet input / 100-sheet output
Display: 4.3-inch color touchscreen
Recommended Monthly Volume: 150–2,500 pages

Unboxing and First Impressions

Out of the box, the HP 3301cdw feels solid and well-built. It’s heavier than an inkjet, which is expected for a laser printer, but still compact enough for a desk or cabinet in a small office. Packaging is secure, with toner cartridges, power cable, documentation, and protective materials clearly labeled.

The design is clean and professional, with a modern color touchscreen that tilts slightly for better visibility. Controls are intuitive, and nothing feels cheap or flimsy.

Setup and Connectivity Experience

Setup is straightforward and can be completed in under 15 minutes for most users. The printer supports both wired Ethernet and wireless connections, making it flexible for different office environments.

Using the HP Smart App, users can:

Add the printer to Wi-Fi
Print and scan from mobile devices
Monitor toner levels
Access basic troubleshooting tools

Most users report smooth setup, though occasional temporary Wi-Fi drops have been noted. These are typically resolved with a quick restart and are more likely related to network conditions than the printer hardware itself.

Print Quality and Speed

This is where the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw truly shines.

Print Speed

At up to 26 pages per minute, both color and black prints are fast and consistent. For office documents, invoices, presentations, and reports, the speed difference compared to inkjet printers is immediately noticeable.

Print Quality

Text: Sharp, clean, and professional
Color Graphics: Vibrant and well-balanced
Business Documents: Excellent clarity for charts and slides

While photo printing isn’t the primary focus of this printer, color output for business materials looks polished and professional.

Scanning and Copying Performance

The printer includes both a flatbed scanner and a 50-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) with single-pass duplex scanning — a major productivity advantage.

This means:

Double-sided documents are scanned in one pass
Large document stacks can be handled quickly
Time savings for administrative tasks

Some expert reviews note that scans may occasionally lack fine detail or appear slightly misaligned, but for standard office use, performance is more than sufficient.

Touchscreen and Usability

The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. Menu layout is logical, and common tasks like copying, scanning, and duplex settings are quick to access.

For offices with multiple users, this reduces friction and minimizes the learning curve.

Cost Efficiency and HP TerraJet Toner

HP’s TerraJet toner technology is designed to be more energy-efficient while maintaining high print quality. Compared to inkjet cartridges, laser toner typically:

Lasts longer
Produces consistent output
Reduces long-term cost per page

For businesses printing regularly, this can result in meaningful savings over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Fast, reliable color laser printing
Automatic duplex printing and scanning
Strong security and business features
Professional print quality
Excellent for small offices and workgroups

Cons

Higher upfront cost than inkjet printers
Occasional Wi-Fi quirks reported by some users
Not designed for high-quality photo printing

Who Is This Printer Best For?

The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw is ideal for:

Small businesses
Home offices with moderate to heavy printing needs
Users who value speed and reliability
Offices that scan multi-page documents frequently

It may not be the best choice for:

Casual home users printing occasionally
Photo-centric printing needs

Final Verdict: Is the HP 3301cdw Still Worth It in 2025?

Yes — the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301cdw remains a strong choice in 2025.

Its combination of speed, reliability, duplex scanning, and professional output makes it a practical long-term investment for small business and serious home office users. While it costs more upfront than inkjet alternatives, the time savings, lower maintenance, and consistent performance justify the price for productivity-focused users.

If your workflow depends on dependable printing and scanning, this printer is still very much worth considering.