What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M501dn Use?
Last Updated:Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide rated the HP 87A at about 9,000 pages and suggested updating the firmware to clear a non-genuine cartridge warning. HP rates the 87A at about 8,550 pages, and on this dynamic-security printer a firmware update can cause cartridges with non-HP chips to be rejected.
The HP LaserJet Pro M501dn is a monochrome laser printer that uses the HP 87A (CF287A) standard-yield toner cartridge or the HP 87X (CF287X) high-yield toner cartridge. The cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.
CastleScore · October 2026
83/100 — Highly Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro M501dn
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 86 | 4.40★ average across 291 ratings at Amazon (4.4), Staples (4.4) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 90 | About 0.5¢ per page all-in with our compatible 87X toner (18,000 pages; drum built in). Docked because firmware can reject toner without the maker's chip. |
| Reliability (18%) | 90 | No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews. |
| Features (11%) | 57 | Auto two-sided printing, Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 83 | Running cost and owner satisfaction against a street price of about $759 |
Still sold new at Staples (about $759 when we checked). HP's store shows no discontinued notice.
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 87X Toner
HP 87A TonerOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
HP 87A & 87X Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner | HP 87A (CF287A) | ~8,550 pages | Standard |
| Black Toner | HP 87X (CF287X) | ~18,000 pages | High Yield |
The HP 87A/87X (CF287A/CF287X) is also compatible with other HP models including the HP LaserJet Pro M501n, the LaserJet Enterprise M506n, M506dn and M506x, and the LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn, M527f and Flow MFP M527z, making it 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 87A or 87X 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. Don't update the firmware to fix it: HP labels the M501dn a dynamic-security printer, and updates can make it reject cartridges with non-HP chips. See how to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink.
- 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 M501dn 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.
Does the M501dn have Wi-Fi?
No. It connects by Gigabit Ethernet or USB 2.0 only. AirPrint works over the wired network.
Will non-HP toner work?
It may not. HP labels the M501dn as dynamic-security enabled, which means cartridges with non-HP chips can be blocked now or by a later firmware update. If you use compatible toner, turn off automatic firmware updates first.
Can I add more paper capacity?
Yes. It holds 650 sheets as standard (a 550-sheet tray plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray), and one optional 550-sheet tray takes it to 1,200.
How many pages a month is it built for?
HP recommends 1,500 to 6,000 pages a month. The 100,000-page duty cycle is a maximum, not a target.
Is it still sold new?
Yes. Staples sells it new, and HP's store shows no discontinued notice.
LaserJet Pro M501dn quirks worth knowing
- At Staples prices for genuine toner ($331.99 for the 87A, $450.99 for the 87X), the 87X works out to about 2.5¢ a page against about 3.9¢ for the 87A. If you print enough to finish an 18,000-page cartridge, the 87X is the better buy.
- It is print-only, with a two-line LCD and a numeric keypad rather than a touchscreen. There is no scanner and no wireless.
- HP rates it at 45 pages per minute, with the first page out in as little as 5.7 seconds. Staples lists 36 images per minute two-sided.
- The 87A/87X is shared with the LaserJet Enterprise M506 and MFP M527 lines, so offices with mixed HP fleets can stock one cartridge.
Other printers that use HP 87A and 87X toner
HP LaserJet Pro M506n · HP LaserJet Pro M506dn · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M527dn
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 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.