What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn uses HP 26A (CF226A) at about 3,100 pages or HP 26X (CF226X) at about 9,000 pages. The drum is built into the cartridge. Castle Ink stocks both with free U.S. shipping.
The M426fdn is a monochrome laser all-in-one for small offices, with duplex printing and a document feeder.
HP M426fdn Toner at a Glance
| Supply | Color | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|
| HP 26A (CF226A) | Black | ~3,100 pages |
| HP 26X (CF226X) | Black | ~9,000 pages |
| Drum unit | — | Built into the cartridge |
Buy the 26X
CF226X prints roughly three times the pages of CF226A for well under three times the price. Unless you print a few hundred pages a year, the standard 26A is the more expensive choice per page.
JetIntelligence Chips and Firmware
These are JetIntelligence cartridges with anti-clone chips, and HP has previously pushed firmware that rejects non-HP CF226 cartridges. If you plan to run compatible toner, turn automatic firmware updates off — the setting is in the printer's control panel and in the embedded web server.
Is the M426fdn Discontinued?
Yes. HP names the LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdn as the successor. Worth knowing before you upgrade: the M428 moves to HP 58A/58X toner and adds a separate HP 32A drum, so it is a different cost model — two consumables instead of one.
Save on Supplies at Castle Ink
Castle Ink carries HP 26A and 26X for the M426fdn:
- HP 26X Black Toner Cartridge (CF226X) – High-Yield Compatible — $79.95
- HP 26A Black Toner Cartridge (CF226A) – Compatible — $69.95
All Castle Ink orders ship free in the U.S. and are backed by a one-year quality guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toner does the HP M426fdn use?
HP 26A (CF226A) or the high-yield HP 26X (CF226X).
How many pages does CF226X print?
About 9,000 pages, against roughly 3,100 for CF226A.
Does it need a separate drum?
No. The drum is part of the cartridge.
Can I use compatible HP 26X toner?
Yes, but hold firmware updates — HP has blocked non-HP CF226 cartridges through firmware in the past.
Is the M428fdn a straight upgrade?
Not quite. It uses different toner (58A/58X) and adds a separate drum, so budget for two consumables rather than one.
See Also
- Find Ink by Printer Model
- Best Printers: Top Picks for Every Use Case and Budget
- PrinterIQ Finder — find your next printer in about 60 seconds
By William Elward, Founder of Castle Ink — 20+ years helping people solve printer and ink problems. Last updated August 23, 2026.
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