What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n Use?
Last Updated:Shopping for this printer? See all HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X → Ships same day by 4 PM ET, 1-year guarantee.
Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide called this printer the HP LaserJet Pro M506n and suggested updating the firmware to clear a non-genuine cartridge warning. It is a LaserJet Enterprise model. A refused cartridge on this printer usually comes from an administrator's cartridge policy, which a firmware update won't change.
The HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n is a monochrome laser printer (print only, with manual two-sided printing) that uses the HP 87A (CF287A) toner cartridge (about 9,000 pages) or the high-yield HP 87X (CF287X) (about 18,000 pages). The cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.
CastleScore · October 2026
83/100 — Highly Recommended
HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 82 | 4.20★ average across 61 ratings at Amazon (4.2) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag (M506dn) 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 98 | About 0.2¢ per page all-in with our compatible 87X toner (18,000 pages; drum built in). |
| Reliability (18%) | 89 | Most-reported problems: no HP-branded user maintenance kit |
| Features (11%) | 49 | Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 90 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Discontinued. HP lists the M506 series as discontinued. HP 87A and 87X toner are 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 11, 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 and 87X Toner at a Glance
| Consumable | Part Number | Page Yield | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Toner | HP 87A (CF287A) | ~9,000 pages | Standard |
| Black Toner | HP 87X (CF287X) | ~18,000 pages | High yield |
The HP 87A (CF287A) and the HP 87X also fit the HP LaserJet Enterprise M506dn, M506dh and M506x and the LaserJet Enterprise MFP M527dn, M527f and M527z. We sell a compatible 87A and a compatible 87X.
How to Replace the Toner
- Power on the HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n and open the toner access cover.
- Pull the used HP 87A cartridge straight out of the printer.
- Unbox the new cartridge, rock it gently 5–6 times to distribute toner, and remove the protective seal.
- Slide the new HP 87A 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 their level through a chip. If a cartridge is refused with an "Unauthorized cartridge" or "Protected cartridge" message, the cause is usually an administrator setting, not the cartridge: HP's Enterprise firmware has an Authorized HP Cartridge Policy and an HP Cartridge Protection feature. Turn the policy off in the printer's supply settings or the Embedded Web Server, then reinsert the cartridge. A firmware update won't fix it.
Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall. Run the printer 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 Enterprise M506n 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.
What's the difference between the 87A and the 87X?
The 87A (CF287A) is rated for about 9,000 pages and the 87X (CF287X) for about 18,000. Both fit the same printers.
My new printer's first cartridge ran out early. Is it faulty?
Probably not. The cartridge in the box is an introductory one rated for about 6,000 pages, against about 9,000 for a retail 87A.
It says "Unauthorized cartridge" with a compatible toner. What do I do?
That message means the Authorized HP Cartridge Policy is turned on. Turn it off in the printer's supply settings or through the Embedded Web Server, then reinsert the cartridge. On an office or off-lease printer you may need the administrator password.
Can the M506n print two-sided automatically?
No. It does manual two-sided printing through the driver. Automatic duplex needs HP's optional duplexer accessory, or the M506dn or M506x.
Does the M506n have Wi-Fi?
Not built in. It has USB and Gigabit Ethernet. HP sold optional Jetdirect wireless accessories (3000w J8030A, 2900nw J8031A) to add it.
LaserJet Enterprise M506n quirks worth knowing
- Older guides, including ours, called this a LaserJet Pro. It is a LaserJet Enterprise printer running HP's FutureSmart firmware, which adds administrator cartridge controls that Pro models lack.
- At one retailer's prices when we checked ($311.95 for a genuine 87A, $411.95 for an 87X), the 87X works out to about 2.3¢ a page against about 3.5¢ for the 87A. If you print enough to finish an 18,000-page cartridge, the 87X is the better buy.
- If you buy a used or surplus 87A or 87X from an office, it may have been locked to that office's printers by HP Cartridge Protection. A protected cartridge won't work in another printer.
- HP rates it at up to 45 pages a minute, with the first page out in as little as 5.9 seconds, and recommends 2,000 to 7,500 pages a month. The 150,000-page duty cycle is a maximum, not a target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What toner does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n use?
A: The HP 87A (CF287A, about 9,000 pages) or the high-yield HP 87X (CF287X, about 18,000 pages).
Q: Does the HP LaserJet Enterprise M506n have a separate drum unit?
A: No — the drum is built into the HP 87A cartridge, so replacing the toner refreshes the drum at the same time.
Q: Can I use compatible HP 87A cartridges?
A: Yes, in most cases. We found no evidence that the M506 blocks compatible toner by default. If yours refuses one, check whether an administrator has turned on the Authorized HP Cartridge Policy (see the owner questions above). We sell compatible 87A and 87X cartridges.
Q: How do I reset the toner counter?
A: HP printers detect new cartridges automatically via chip — no manual reset is needed.
Other printers that use HP 87A and 87X toner
HP LaserJet Pro M501dn · 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 11, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X? Shop HP 87A & 87X Toner Cartridges – CF287A & CF287X at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.