What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M201dw Use?
Last Updated:The HP LaserJet Pro M201dw is a monochrome laser printer that uses the HP 83A (CF283A) standard-yield toner cartridge or the HP 83X (CF283X) high-yield toner cartridge. The cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.
CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro M201dw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 78 | 4.00★ average across 429 ratings at Amazon (4.0) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (18%) | 89 | About 2.7¢ per page all-in with our compatible 83X toner (2,200 pages; drum built in). |
| Reliability (18%) | — | Not enough owner complaint data to score. |
| Features (11%) | 63 | Auto two-sided printing, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 84 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough published expert scores or owner complaint data for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M201dw new; its product page points buyers to the LaserJet Pro M404n.
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 7, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 83X TonerCF283X · ~2,200 pages
HP 83A TonerCF283A · ~1,500 pages
HP 83X JumboCF283X jumbo · ~3,000 pages
HP 83X Toner
HP 83A Toner
HP 83X JumboOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP 83A & 83X Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner | HP 83A (CF283A) | ~1,500 pages | Standard |
| Black Toner | HP 83X (CF283X) | ~2,200 pages | High Yield |
The HP 83A (CF283A) is also compatible with other HP models including the HP LaserJet Pro M201n, MFP M125nw, MFP M127fn, MFP M127fw, MFP M225dn, and MFP M225dw, while the higher-yield HP 83X fits the M201/M225 series only — making this a high-volume cartridge family that is widely stocked in genuine, remanufactured, and compatible versions.
How to Replace the Toner
- Open the front cover of the printer.
- Pull out the used HP 83A or 83X cartridge.
- Unbox the new cartridge, rock it gently 5–6 times to distribute toner, and remove the protective seal.
- Slide the new cartridge in until it clicks into place.
- Close the cover. The printer will recognize the new cartridge automatically.
Troubleshooting Tips
- "Replace Toner" or low-toner warning: HP cartridges report level via chip. If a known-good cartridge shows a low or non-genuine warning, power-cycle the printer and reseat the cartridge. If you use non-HP toner, hold off on firmware updates: on newer HP printers, HP uses firmware updates to block cartridges without an HP chip.
- Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall. Run the printer's built-in cleaning page from the maintenance menu to clear fuser residue.
- Print quality declining over time: Because the drum is integrated, replacing the toner cartridge installs a fresh drum at the same time — no separate drum service required.
- Paper jams or smudges: Inspect the paper path and pickup roller for wear. Replacing worn rollers and keeping the printer dust-free prevents repeated print-quality issues.
What LaserJet Pro M201dw owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, HP's support forum and owner reviews, answered in our words.
How long will the cartridge that came with the printer last?
About 1,500 pages, according to HP. That is the same as a full HP 83A, so you get a full cartridge in the box rather than a reduced starter.
Is the 83X worth it over the 83A?
Usually, yes. 83X is rated at about 2,200 pages against 1,500 for 83A, and at one retailer the genuine 83X cost $106.99 against $99.99 for the 83A.
I also have an M127 MFP. Can I buy 83X for both?
No. 83X fits only the M201 and M225 machines. 83A fits the M201dw and the MFP M125/M127 series, so it is the one to stock if you run both.
Where do I load envelopes or letterhead?
Use the 10-sheet priority feed slot above the main 250-sheet tray. You don't have to empty the main tray.
Is this an HP+ printer?
No. The M201dw predates HP+, so there is no HP+ enrollment to worry about.
LaserJet Pro M201dw quirks worth knowing
- Unlike most HP lasers, it ships with a full-yield cartridge (about 1,500 pages) instead of a reduced starter.
- There is a 10-sheet priority feed slot above the 250-sheet main tray for envelopes and letterhead.
- HP 83X fits only the M201 and M225 series. HP 83A also fits the MFP M125 and M127 series, so check which one you are buying if you run several of these printers.
- It has both Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet, plus AirPrint and Mopria for phone printing. HP aimed it at offices of one to five people.
Other printers that use HP 83A and 83X toner
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw · HP LaserJet M209dw · 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 7, 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.