What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M604 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Enterprise M604 (M604n and M604dn) uses the HP 81A black toner cartridge, part number CF281A, rated at about 10,500 pages. Castle Ink stocks a compatible HP 81A.
A note on the high-yield HP 81X: HP and major resellers list it for the M605, M606 and M630, but not for the M604. Stick with the 81A unless you've confirmed your unit takes the 81X.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
HP LaserJet Enterprise M604
| 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%) | 97 | About 0.7¢ per page with our compatible HP 81A toner (10,500 pages). |
| Reliability (18%) | 86 | Most-reported problems: Tray 2 late fuser jams (13.B9.D2); jams logged during unattended firmware cycles; roller and fuser wear handled by the 225,000-page maintenance kit |
| Features (11%) | 52 | Print only, very fast (52 ppm), Ethernet, auto two-sided printing on the dn, 600-sheet input expandable to 3,600, PIN printing. No Wi-Fi, no scanner. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
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's M604n and M604dn pages say the printer has been discontinued and to shop for supplies. HP 81A 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 October 25, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 81AOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
What Toner Cartridges Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M604 Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 81A | CF281A | ~10,500 pages | Compatible HP 81A |
The yield is HP's ISO/IEC 19752 figure. The drum is built into the cartridge. The other wear item is the HP maintenance kit (F2G76A for 110V), rated at about 225,000 pages.
What Does HP 81A Toner Cost Now?
On October 25, 2026, Staples listed the original HP 81A at $266.99. Our compatible HP 81A is $73.95 for 10,500 pages, about 0.7¢ a page.
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.
Using compatible toner: These are HP FutureSmart enterprise printers with a Cartridge Policy setting. If it is set to Authorized HP only, the printer rejects any non-HP cartridge with a 10.0X.30 “Unauthorized cartridge” message. An administrator can switch the policy off under Supplies settings on the control panel or in the Embedded Web Server. A separate Cartridge Protection setting locks a cartridge to one printer or fleet (10.0X.57). Turn the policy off before installing third-party cartridges.
How Do I Replace the Toner in the M604?
- Open the top cartridge door.
- Pull the used cartridge straight out by its handle.
- Unpack the new cartridge and rock it gently to spread the toner.
- Remove the orange shipping strip and seal.
- Slide the cartridge into the bay until it seats, then close the door.
Which Other Printers Use HP 81A?
HP 81A also fits the LaserJet Enterprise M605n, M605dn, M605x, M606dn and M606x, and the LaserJet Enterprise MFP M630 series.
What M604 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 81X?
HP and resellers list the 81X for the M605, M606 and M630, not the M604. Use the 81A.
How many pages does an 81A last?
About 10,500 pages under HP's ISO/IEC test. Real yield depends on coverage.
Do I need a drum?
No. The drum is built into the 81A cartridge.
Which maintenance kit does it use?
F2G76A (110V) or F2G77A (220V), about every 225,000 pages. The printer tells you when it's due.
Why does Tray 2 keep jamming with 13.B9.D2?
That code is a late fuser jam from Tray 2. Technicians usually check the fuser and feed rollers, which the maintenance kit replaces.
M604 quirks worth knowing
- HP rates it at up to 52 pages a minute, for workgroups of 10 to 25 users.
- Standard input is a 100-sheet multipurpose tray plus a 500-sheet tray, expandable to 3,600 sheets.
- It has a four-line display with a 10-key pad for PIN printing.
- The M604dn adds automatic two-sided printing; the M604n duplexes manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP LaserJet M604 use?
HP 81A, part number CF281A.
Does the M605 use the same toner?
The M605 takes the 81A and the high-yield 81X.
Is the M604 still sold?
No. HP's M604 pages say it has been discontinued.
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw · HP LaserJet Pro M201dw · 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 October 25, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP toner cartridges? Shop HP toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.