Our take
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M252dw is a compact color laser printer for a small office that wants shared printing without adding copy or scan hardware. HP maps B4A22A#BGJ to the exact M252dw and rates it up to 19 pages per minute in both black and color. The dw configuration includes automatic duplex, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with a 150-sheet main tray and a separate single-sheet priority feed. HP recommends 250–2,500 pages per month, which gives a practical planning band for a modest routine. The product page identifies print as its function; offices needing document capture or fax should choose an MFP instead. Use the full model and product number when comparing offers because the related M252n has different networking and duplex features.
A small shared office that needs networked color pages and automatic two-sided printing within HP's 250–2,500-page recommended monthly range..
Choose another model for copy, scan or fax, a larger standard paper supply, or a recommended monthly range that begins above 250 pages or extends beyond 2,500.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- HP identifies the exact M252dw product and documents color printing at up to 19 ppm in both black and color.
- Automatic duplex is standard, and a 150-sheet tray is supplemented by a single-sheet priority slot.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Fast Ethernet allow either wireless placement or a fixed office network connection.
What to weigh up
- The M252dw is print-only and cannot replace a copier, scanner or fax machine.
- The 150-sheet main tray may require frequent refills in a shared office with several users.
- The 2,500-page recommended ceiling is short of a 3,000-page workgroup target.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | M252dw (B4A22A#BGJ) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Color laser print-only; up to 19 ppm black and color |
| Print output | Automatic duplex; 150-sheet Tray 2 plus single-sheet priority feed |
| Two-sided printing | USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi; 250–2,500 recommended pages/month |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 17, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
Match the exact dw configuration
HP identifies B4A22A#BGJ as the U.S. M252dw. The model guide distinguishes it from the M252n and lists automatic duplex, wireless-network printing and a color touchscreen for the dw version. Those suffix details matter: the family shares a name and engine, but its equipment differs by configuration. Check the complete model label and product number on a used or renewed unit rather than relying on a shortened M252 listing. The saved historical ASIN is not treated as proof of this exact version or a present offer, so the purchase link searches for the verified model and part. ([HP U.S. M252dw product page](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m252dw-b4a22a-bgj); [HP M252 user guide](https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04475955.pdf)).
Compare the same 19 ppm rating in color and black
HP rates the M252dw up to 19 pages per minute on Letter paper in both black and color. That gives a simple comparison point for offices that alternate between text documents and color handouts. It remains a manufacturer rating rather than a promise for each job: graphics, print settings, warm-up, network conditions and the individual machine can affect observed time. The product's function list is print only, so the model will not copy or scan originals. A team that frequently digitizes or duplicates paper should compare an MFP even if its print engine is slower. ([HP U.S. M252dw technical specifications](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m252dw-b4a22a-bgj); [HP M252 user guide](https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04475955.pdf)).
Automatic duplex, with a modest paper supply
The M252dw includes automatic two-sided printing, so it can turn pages during a duplex job without asking someone to reload the stack. HP lists a 150-sheet main tray and a single-sheet priority feed for one-off media or documents. That arrangement offers a useful alternate feed but is not the same as a second bulk cassette. Consider how often the printer is shared: a home office may find 150 sheets adequate, while a small team printing longer packets may need more frequent replenishment. Duplex is confirmed for printer output, not for two-sided scanning, because this exact model is print only. ([HP M252 user guide](https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04475955.pdf); [HP U.S. M252dw product page](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m252dw-b4a22a-bgj)).
Choose Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet for placement
HP lists built-in wireless networking, Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0 for the M252dw. Wi-Fi can help place the printer where a network cable is inconvenient, while Ethernet supports a fixed shared queue; USB remains available for direct attachment. The guide's configuration table identifies wireless network printing and Wi-Fi Direct on the dw version, so these features should not be transferred to the M252n. Before using an older networked printer, check that its setup and drivers fit the current office network and computers. A supported port does not establish the condition of a secondhand radio or connector. ([HP U.S. M252dw product page](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m252dw-b4a22a-bgj); [HP M252 user guide](https://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04475955.pdf)).
Use the recommended range, not the duty-cycle ceiling
HP recommends 250–2,500 pages per month for the M252dw. The same product information lists a maximum monthly duty cycle of up to 30,000 pages, but HP defines that ceiling separately from the recommended range. For routine selection, compare expected printing with 250–2,500 rather than treating the maximum as a normal workload target. The published band makes the model easier to place for personal or modest shared use, while a department with sustained volume above it should look for an exact model with a more suitable recommendation. These figures describe the printer when specified, not the wear or remaining life of an individual unit. ([HP U.S. M252dw recommended volume](https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-color-laserjet-pro-m252dw-b4a22a-bgj); [HP M252 U.S. specifications](https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/product-specs/model/7089942)).
Compare for your needs
For print, copy and scan in color, compare a color MFP such as the HP M477fdw. For a busier shared color queue, choose a model with a higher documented recommended monthly ceiling and confirm the exact network and duplex configuration.
Find the undefined that fits you.
Tell us what matters. We’ll help you weigh the options.
Before you buy
Does the M252dw print in color?
Yes. HP lists color laser printing and rates both black and color output up to 19 ppm on Letter paper.
Does it turn pages automatically for two-sided jobs?
Yes. HP includes automatic duplex printing on the M252dw; the separate M252n configuration does not include it.
Can it join Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks?
Yes. HP lists built-in wireless networking, Fast Ethernet and USB 2.0 for the M252dw.
What monthly volume does HP recommend?
HP recommends 250–2,500 pages per month. Its 30,000-page duty-cycle ceiling is a different measure and is not a routine target.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- HP U.S. M252dw product page and exact-model user guide ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- HP U.S. exact B4A22A#BGJ model, functions, color/black speeds, duplex, interfaces and recommended monthly range ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- HP M252 exact model-number comparison, paper handling, duplex and connectivity table ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
- HP U.S. M252dw specification page for its 250–2,500 recommended monthly volume ↗ — checked October 17, 2026.
The decision
The M252dw suits modest shared color printing when automatic duplex and both wireless and wired networking matter more than all-in-one functions or high paper capacity.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.