What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601 Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all HP 90A & 90X Toner Cartridges – CE390A & CE390X → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601 (M601n and M601dn) uses the HP 90A black toner cartridge, part number CE390A, rated at about 10,000 pages. Castle Ink stocks a compatible HP 90A.
A note on the high-yield HP 90X: HP lists it for the M602, M603 and M4555 MFP, but not for the M601. Owners have asked HP for a high-yield option for the M601 for years. Stick with the 90A unless you have confirmed your unit takes the 90X.
CastleScore · November 2026
69/100 — Situational
HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M601
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (20%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (18%) | 95 | About 0.9¢ per page with our compatible HP 90A toner (10,000 pages). |
| Reliability (18%) | 84 | No recurring fault pattern in the sources we found beyond normal wear; fuser and rollers are covered by the 225,000-page maintenance kit. |
| Features (11%) | 50 | Print only, up to 45 ppm, 600-sheet standard input, Ethernet; automatic two-sided printing on the M601dn. No Wi-Fi, no scanner. |
| Value (5%) | — | Not scored without owner ratings |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings or published expert scores for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars. With neither owner ratings nor a published expert score, we cap this printer at 69 (Situational) until better data is available.
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M601 new. HP 90A toner is still sold.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked November 5, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 90AOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
What Toner Cartridge Does the HP LaserJet M601 Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 90A Black | CE390A | ~10,000 pages | Castle Ink HP 90A, $85.95 |
The yield is HP's figure at 5% coverage. The drum is built into the cartridge, so there is no separate drum to buy. The other wear item is HP's 225,000-page maintenance kit (fuser and rollers).
What Does M601 Toner Cost per Page?
Our compatible HP 90A is $85.95 for about 10,000 pages, roughly 0.9¢ a page. Original HP 90A sells for several times that at office retailers. Toner cartridges at Castle Ink are newly manufactured compatibles; see compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM for what that means. Orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same day, and U.S. orders over $50 ship free.
Will Compatible Toner Work in the M601?
Yes. We know of no cartridge lock on the M601. Some HP Enterprise firmware adds a "Cartridge Policy" setting in the Embedded Web Server; if your M601 shows it and it is set to Authorized HP only, switch it off before installing compatible toner.
How Do I Replace the Toner in the M601?
- Press the release button and open the top cover.
- Pull the used cartridge straight up and out by its handle.
- Unpack the new cartridge and rock it gently side to side to spread the toner.
- Pull the orange sealing tape straight out and remove any shipping clips.
- Line the cartridge up with the tracks, push it in until it seats, and close the cover.
These are the standard steps for this type of printer. If your model's door label shows a different order, follow the label.
Which Other Printers Use HP 90A?
HP 90A also fits the LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602n, M602dn, M602x, M603n and M603dn, and the LaserJet Enterprise M4555 MFP. See our HP LaserJet M602 toner guide, which also covers the 90X.
What M601 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, support forums and owner reviews, answered in our words.
Can I use the high-yield 90X?
HP does not list the M601 for the 90X. The 90A is the safe choice.
Why do I get fewer than 10,000 pages?
HP's figure assumes 5% coverage. One CDW reviewer logged about 8,700 pages per 90A on real office work; heavier pages use more toner.
Do I need a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is built into the 90A.
When does the M601 need a maintenance kit?
HP rates the maintenance kit at about 225,000 pages, and the printer warns when it is due.
M601 quirks worth knowing
- It prints up to 45 pages a minute, a step down from the 52-ppm M602.
- The M601dn duplexes automatically; the M601n prints one side unless you add HP's duplex accessory.
- Standard input is a 100-sheet multipurpose tray plus a 500-sheet tray, with optional 500-sheet feeders.
- It connects by Ethernet and USB; there is no built-in Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP LaserJet M601 use?
HP 90A black toner, part number CE390A, about 10,000 pages.
Does the M601 use the same toner as the M602?
Both take the 90A. Only the M602 and M603 are listed for the high-yield 90X.
Is the M601 still sold?
No. It is discontinued, but HP 90A toner is still widely available.
Other printers that use HP 90A toner
HP LaserJet Enterprise 600 M602
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet M209dw · HP LaserJet MFP M234dw · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Brother HL-L2460DW — CastleScore 90
- Brother MFC-L2820DW — CastleScore 90
- HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw — CastleScore 82
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on November 5, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP 90A & 90X Toner Cartridges – CE390A & CE390X? Shop HP 90A & 90X Toner Cartridges – CE390A & CE390X at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.