What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148fdw Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148fdw uses HP 94A toner (CF294A, about 1,200 pages) or the high-yield HP 94X (CF294X, about 2,800 pages). It also has a separate imaging drum, the HP 32A (CF232A, about 23,000 pages). Castle Ink sells compatible 94X and 94A toner.
The printer ships with an introductory cartridge of about 1,000 pages, so most owners need a replacement sooner than they expect. The 94X is the better buy.
CastleScore · November 2026
69/100 — Situational
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M148fdw
| 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%) | 74 | About 2.5¢ per page with our compatible HP 94X toner (2,800 pages). |
| Reliability (18%) | 76 | Most-reported issues: the separate HP 32A imaging drum surprising owners when it wears out, and Wi-Fi drop-outs after router changes. |
| Features (11%) | 74 | Mono print, scan, copy and fax, up to 30 ppm, auto two-sided printing, 35-sheet document feeder, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and a touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | — | Not scored without owner ratings |
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.
Older model. HP's current small mono MFPs are newer lines. HP 94 toner and the 32A drum 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 November 5, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 94X
HP 94AOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
What Toner Does the HP M148fdw Take?
| Cartridge | HP part no. | Approx. yield | Castle Ink option |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 94X Black (high yield) | CF294X | ~2,800 pages | Castle Ink 94X, $69.95 |
| HP 94A Black | CF294A | ~1,200 pages | Castle Ink 94A, $49.95 |
| HP 32A Imaging Drum | CF232A | ~23,000 pages | Amazon |
Yields are HP's ISO figures. The Amazon link is tagged (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).
What Does M148fdw Toner Cost per Page?
Our 94X is $69.95 for about 2,800 pages, roughly 2.5¢ a page. The 94A works out to about 4.2¢ a page. Add the drum, which costs a little under half a cent per page over its life. Toner cartridges at Castle Ink are newly manufactured compatibles. Orders placed by 4 PM ET ship the same day, and U.S. orders over $50 ship free.
Will Compatible Toner Work?
Generally yes. The M148 family uses HP's chipped JetIntelligence cartridges, and HP firmware updates have at times blocked third-party chips on LaserJet Pro models. Turn off automatic firmware updates before installing non-HP toner, and acknowledge the "non-HP supply" message if it appears. If a cartridge is rejected, see our cartridge not recognized guide.
How Do I Replace the Toner in the M148fdw?
- Lift the scanner assembly and open the top cover.
- Pull the used toner cartridge straight up and out of the drum.
- Unpack the new cartridge, rock it gently and pull off the seal.
- Lower it into the drum until it clicks, then close the cover and the scanner.
The drum stays in the printer; replace it only when the printer asks or prints show repeating marks. These are the standard steps for this type of printer. If your model's label shows a different order, follow the label.
Which Other Printers Use HP 94A and 94X?
The LaserJet Pro M118dw and LaserJet Pro MFP M148dw, M148fdw and M149fdw take HP 94 toner and the HP 32A drum. See our HP LaserJet Pro M118dw toner guide.
What M148fdw 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.
Why did my first cartridge run out so fast?
The box cartridge is an introductory one of about 1,000 pages, as a Best Buy answer points out.
Do I have to replace the drum with the toner?
No. The 32A drum lasts about 23,000 pages, roughly eight 94X cartridges.
Is the 94X yield 2,400 or 2,800 pages?
HP's spec sheet lists 2,800 pages. You will see 2,400 quoted in some forum answers.
Does it fax?
Yes. The "f" in M148fdw means it has fax; the M148dw does not.
M148fdw quirks worth knowing
- It prints up to 30 pages a minute with automatic two-sided printing.
- It has a 35-sheet document feeder, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and a touchscreen.
- The toner and drum are separate, which keeps toner cheap but adds a second part to replace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP M148fdw use?
HP 94A (CF294A) or high-yield HP 94X (CF294X).
What drum does the M148fdw use?
The HP 32A imaging drum, CF232A, about 23,000 pages.
Does the M148dw use the same toner?
Yes. The M148dw, M148fdw, M149fdw and M118dw all take HP 94A or 94X.
Other printers that use HP 94A / 94X toner
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet M209dw · HP LaserJet MFP M234dw · 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 November 5, 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.