What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Use?

by Lauren Elward Last Updated: October 26, 2026

Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw uses HP 138A black toner (W1380A, about 1,500 pages) or the high-yield HP 138X (W1380X, about 4,000 pages). Each cartridge has its imaging drum built in, so there is no separate drum to buy.

The 3101sdw is the no-fax sibling of the 3101fdw and takes the same toner. Don't confuse 138A with HP 148A, which is for the LaserJet Pro 4001 and 4101 series. Castle Ink sells compatible 138A and 138X toner with a chip.

CastleScore · October 2026

83/100 — Highly Recommended

HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw (Scored on HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw ratings)

Pillar (weight)	Score	What it is based on
Owner ratings (28%)	83	4.27★ average across 192 ratings at Staples (4.3) and HP.com (4.3)
Expert reviews (20%)	—	No published numeric expert score we could verify for the 3101sdw.
Cost per page (18%)	84	About 2¢ per page with our compatible HP 138X (4,000 pages). Docked because the printer can reject cartridges without the maker's chip.
Reliability (18%)	82	Most-reported problems: setup and connection failures; confusing software and scan settings
Features (11%)	84	Print, copy, scan, 50-sheet document feeder, auto two-sided printing, dual-band Wi-Fi and Ethernet, 2.7-inch touchscreen, 35 ppm. No fax.
Value (5%)	84	Running cost and owner satisfaction against a price of about $349

Limited data: We could not find a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.

Still sold new. HP, Staples and Best Buy list it at about $349.

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 26, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own compatible toner, photographed in-house.

What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw Take?

Cartridge	HP part no.	Approx. yield (ISO)	Castle Ink option
HP 138A Black	W1380A	~1,500 pages	Castle Ink 138A, $49.95
HP 138X Black (high yield)	W1380X	~4,000 pages	Castle Ink 138X, $79.95

Yields are HP's ISO/IEC 19752 figures. HP says the box holds an introductory cartridge of about 1,000 pages; Staples' listing says a full 138A is included, but HP's figure is the one to trust.

Is HP 138X Worth It?

Yes for most offices. On October 26, 2026, Staples listed the Original HP 138A at $81.00 (about 5.4¢ a page) and the 138X at $153.04 (about 3.8¢). Our compatible 138X is $79.95, about 2¢ a page, and our 138A is $49.95.

Will Compatible 138X Toner Work?

It can, with care. HP says the 3101sdw contains technology that may stop cartridges with non-HP chips from working now or after a firmware update, while cartridges that reuse HP chips are allowed. It is not an HP+ printer, so there is no lifetime Original-toner requirement. Turn off automatic firmware updates before installing non-HP toner, as we explain in our 3101fdw guide.

How Do I Replace the Toner in the HP 3101sdw?

Open the front door.
Pull the used 138A or 138X cartridge straight out.
Unpack the new cartridge and rock it gently side to side to spread the toner.
Remove the packing tape and seal without touching the drum.
Slide the cartridge in until it seats, then close the front door.

Which Other Printers Use HP 138A and 138X?

Quill and InkTechnologies list the HP LaserJet Pro 3001dw and the LaserJet Pro MFP 3101fdw. Quill also lists the HP+ 3001dwe and 3101fdwe and the MFP 3105sdw.

What 3101sdw owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, manufacturer support communities and owner reviews, answered in our words.

Can it scan both sides of a page in one pass?

No. HP says it can't single-pass duplex scan and points buyers to the 4101fdw for that.

Does it come with toner?

Yes, an HP introductory cartridge rated at about 1,000 pages. Replacements are 138A or 138X.

Do I need a separate imaging drum?

No. The drum is built into the 138A and 138X cartridges.

Can it scan to a USB stick or Dropbox?

No. It scans to email and to a computer; HP points to the 4101fdw for USB and cloud scanning.

Does it fax?

No. Fax is on the 3101fdw and 4101fdw, not the 3101sdw.

3101sdw quirks worth knowing

Its AI Scan to Email Summary is a beta that needs Windows 11 and a U.S. setup, runs in HP's cloud and summarizes only the first 1,000 words.
It has dual-band Wi-Fi plus Ethernet, unusual for an entry-level LaserJet all-in-one.
It prints up to 35 pages a minute, with a 50-sheet document feeder, a 250-sheet tray and a 2.7-inch touchscreen.
A non-HP chip that works today could be blocked by a later firmware update.

Frequently Asked Questions