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 sells compatible versions of both.
The M426fdn is a monochrome laser all-in-one for small offices, with duplex printing and a document feeder.
CastleScore · October 2026
84/100 — Highly Recommended
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | 78 | 4.00★ average across 212 ratings at Amazon (4.0) |
| Expert reviews (20%) | 80 | PCMag (M426fdw) 4.0/5 |
| Cost per page (18%) | 96 | About 0.9¢ per page all-in with our compatible 26X toner (9,000 pages; drum built in). |
| Reliability (18%) | — | Not enough owner complaint data to score. |
| Features (11%) | 86 | Print, copy, scan, document feeder, auto two-sided printing, fax, Ethernet, touchscreen, fast (20+ ppm). |
| Value (5%) | 87 | 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 lists the M426fdn as discontinued and points to the LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdn, which uses different toner. Some resellers still show limited stock, and HP 26A/26X toner is 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 26X Toner
HP 26A TonerOur own compatible toner, photographed in-house.
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
HP rates the CF226X at about 9,000 pages and the CF226A at about 3,100, close to three times as many. The 26X costs only a little more than the 26A, so it is cheaper per page at any print volume. The only reason to pick the 26A is a lower bill up front.
JetIntelligence Chips and Firmware
HP's product page says Original HP toner for this printer carries anti-fraud technology, and that SureSupply alerts work only with Original HP supplies. We could not confirm a firmware update that blocked non-HP 26A or 26X cartridges on the M426fdn. HP has used firmware to block non-HP chips on other printers, though, so if you plan to run compatible toner, turn automatic firmware updates off first. 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 (the 58A is rated at about 3,000 pages), so your 26A and 26X cartridges won't carry over. Like the 26A, the 58A has no separate drum.
What LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn 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.
Which other printers use the HP 26A / 26X?
HP lists the LaserJet Pro M402n, M402dn, M402dw and M402dne, and the MFP M426fdw, alongside the M426fdn. One stock of 26A or 26X covers all of them.
Can the M426fdn print over Wi-Fi?
Not built in. The fdn has Gigabit Ethernet and USB (plus a host USB port). Wireless is on the M426fdw, which takes the same toner.
Does the document feeder scan both sides?
Yes. The 50-sheet feeder scans two-sided automatically, at up to 47 images per minute in black and white and 30 in color.
How much paper does it hold?
350 sheets: a 100-sheet multipurpose tray 1 and a 250-sheet tray 2. HP sells an optional 550-sheet tray if you need more.
How fast is it?
HP rates it at up to 40 pages per minute on letter paper (38 on A4), with the first page out in as little as 5.4 seconds.
LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn quirks worth knowing
- There is one consumable to manage. The drum is built into every 26A and 26X, so there is no separate drum to track or replace.
- HP recommends 750 to 4,000 pages a month. At that pace a 26X (about 9,000 pages) lasts roughly two to twelve months, which is why the high-yield cartridge makes sense for most offices.
- HP's SureSupply low-toner alerts only work with Original HP supplies. With non-HP toner, watch the printer's own supply levels instead.
- It is not an HP+ printer, so there is no HP+ Original-ink requirement to worry about.
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. We sell compatible 26A and 26X for this printer. Turn off automatic firmware updates before you switch as a precaution, and note that SureSupply alerts only work with Original HP toner.
Is the M428fdn a straight upgrade?
Not for supplies. It uses different toner (HP 58A/58X), so leftover 26A or 26X cartridges won't fit it.
Other printers that use HP 26A and 26X toner
HP LaserJet Pro M402dn · HP LaserJet Pro M402n · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw
More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M201dw · HP LaserJet M209dw · HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw · 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.