What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw Use?
Last Updated:Correction (October 2026): an earlier version of this guide listed the HP 201A black at about 1,500 pages and the 201A colors at about 1,400. HP currently rates them at about 1,420 pages black and 1,330 per color.
CastleScore · October 2026
79/100 — Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 78 | 4.00★ average across 1,301 ratings at Amazon (4.0) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 76 | About 5.9¢ per page blended (black + color) with our compatible 201X toner (2,800 black / 2,300 color pages). |
| Reliability (18%) | — | Not enough owner complaint data to score. |
| Features (11%) | 87 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, fax, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | 77 | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner complaint data for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.
Discontinued. HP no longer sells the Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw new. HP 201A and 201X 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 8, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The toner, pictured
HP 201X 4-packBlack + Cyan/Magenta/Yellow
HP 201X BlackCF400X · ~2,800 pages
HP 201X CyanCF401X · ~2,300 pages
HP 201X MagentaCF403X · ~2,300 pages
HP 201X 4-pack
HP 201X Black
HP 201X Cyan
HP 201X MagentaOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
Quick answer: what toner does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw use?
The HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw uses four HP 201A toner cartridges (black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) or the high-yield HP 201X versions. Each cartridge has its imaging drum built in, so there's no separate drum to buy.
Cartridge options at a glance
| Cartridge | Part number | Approx. yield* |
|---|---|---|
| HP 201A black | CF400A | ~1,420 pages |
| HP 201A cyan / yellow / magenta | CF401A / CF402A / CF403A | ~1,330 pages each |
| HP 201X black | CF400X | ~2,800 pages |
| HP 201X cyan / yellow / magenta | CF401X / CF402X / CF403X | ~2,300 pages each |
*Approximate HP-rated yields based on ISO/IEC test pages. Real-world results depend on coverage and how often the printer runs cleaning or calibration cycles.
Common questions about HP LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw toner
Should I buy HP 201A or 201X?
201X for most offices. The 201X black is rated for about 2,800 pages versus 1,420 for the 201A, and the 201X colors about 2,300 versus 1,330, so the cost per page is much lower. 201A only makes sense if you print a few pages a week.
Can I mix standard and high-yield cartridges?
Yes. Each cartridge is read separately, so any mix of standard and high-yield sizes works.
What other printers use HP 201A/201X?
The same cartridges fit the LaserJet Pro M252dw, M252n, and MFP M277n. If you own more than one, a single stock covers them all.
Will other HP cartridges fit the M277dw?
No. HP 202A/202X (Color LaserJet Pro M254 and MFP M281) and HP 206A/207A (M255dw, MFP M283fdw) look similar but have different shapes and chips. Always match the number on your current cartridge.
Does the printer need a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is built into each HP 201A/201X cartridge, so it's replaced every time you change toner. The transfer belt and fuser are long-life parts; see HP transfer belt: signs it's failing and HP fuser unit: signs it's failing if you see repeating marks or smearing late in the printer's life.
Are compatible or remanufactured toner cartridges safe for the M277dw?
They fit, and using them doesn't by itself void your warranty under U.S. law. HP's product page describes anti-fraud technology in Original HP toner, and we could not confirm how current firmware on the M277dw treats non-HP chips, so turn off automatic firmware updates before you switch. If the printer says a non-HP or used supply is installed, press OK to continue. More: How to stop HP firmware updates from blocking your ink, Compatible vs. remanufactured vs. OEM ink and toner, and Does compatible ink void your printer warranty?.
How do I replace the toner in the M277dw?
Open the front door and pull out the cartridge drawer. Pull the old cartridge straight up and out. Take the new cartridge out of its bag, rock it gently side to side to spread the toner, and pull off any orange tape or clips. Line it up with its color-coded slot, press it in, and close the drawer and door. The printer calibrates automatically.
Can I keep printing when a cartridge says “very low”?
Usually, yes. HP LaserJets let you keep printing past the “very low” warning until quality drops; you can change that behavior under Supplies settings on the control panel or the printer's web page. When a color is completely empty, replace it; print quality on that color will fade or streak first.
Why are my M277dw prints streaked or showing lines?
Light, faded streaks usually mean a toner cartridge is low: remove it, rock it side to side, and reinstall. A sharp line that repeats down the page points to a scratched drum on one cartridge; swap cartridges one at a time to find it. If marks repeat at the same spacing on every color, the fuser or transfer belt may be worn. More: Why is my printer printing streaks?.
Does the M277dw scan, copy, and fax?
Yes. It's a color laser multifunction printer with a flatbed and automatic document feeder, fax, automatic two-sided printing, and Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
Is the M277dw the same as the M252dw?
They use the same HP 201A/201X toner. The M252dw is the print-only model.
M277dw key facts
- Type: color laser multifunction (print, scan, copy, fax)
- Toner: HP 201A or 201X, four cartridges with built-in drums
- Duplex: automatic
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
What Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw 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 do different listings show different page yields for the 201A?
Older, higher numbers (around 1,500 black and 1,400 color) still circulate. HP's current ratings are about 1,420 pages black and 1,330 per color for the 201A, and 2,800 black and 2,300 per color for the 201X. Check against hp.com when you compare prices.
Can I print from my phone or a USB drive?
Yes. Besides Wi-Fi and Ethernet, HP lists wireless direct printing, NFC tap-to-print and printing straight from a USB flash drive.
How fast does it print?
HP rates it at up to 19 pages per minute on letter paper, in both black and color.
Does it have more than one paper tray?
Yes. HP lists two paper trays as standard.
Can I still buy the M277dw new?
Not from HP. HP lists it as discontinued, but HP 201A and 201X toner are still sold.
Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw quirks worth knowing
- The full name is the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw (B3Q11A). Searching without "Color" can turn up mono LaserJet supplies that don't fit.
- Black is the color you'll replace most. The 201X black is rated at about 2,800 pages against 2,300 for each 201X color, and the gap is smaller on the standard 201A (1,420 vs 1,330).
- It is not an HP+ printer, and HP's product page carries no dynamic-security notice for it. HP does describe anti-fraud technology in its Original toner.
- The imaging drum is part of every toner cartridge, so a fresh cartridge also clears drum-related marks on that color.
Other printers that use HP 201A and 201X toner
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 8, 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.