Our take
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is for a buyer who wants a quick monochrome output engine and can connect it by Ethernet or USB. HP lists automatic duplex and a 40-page-per-minute Letter rating, along with a 750–4,000 page recommended monthly range. The model is a printer, not an all-in-one: it leaves copying and scanning to another device. Its narrower role is useful when those functions are already covered and the queue is mainly forms, reports or routine office documents.
A home office or small team that needs regular black output, automatic two-sided printing and a wired network connection..
Skip it if built-in Wi-Fi, copy or scan functions are required, or if your planned monthly printing routinely exceeds HP's recommended range.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Automatic duplex turns pages between sides for recurring packets without manual reinsertion.
- Gigabit Ethernet and USB support a wired shared station or a nearby computer.
- The 750–4,000 page recommendation gives a practical workload band beyond its speed rating.
What to weigh up
- This exact dn model has no built-in wireless connection in HP's product specification.
- It is print-only and cannot replace an MFP when staff need to capture paper originals.
- The 40 ppm figure is a manufacturer rating, not a promise for every document or used unit.
The key details
| Model covered | LaserJet Pro M404dn (W1A53A) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print-only laser printer |
| Print output | Up to 40 ppm Letter; 750–4,000 recommended pages monthly |
| Two-sided printing | Automatic duplex; Gigabit Ethernet; no built-in Wi-Fi |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 9, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Match the M404dn to a print-only routine
HP describes the M404dn as a monochrome printer. That makes it a sensible office tool when a separate scanner or copier already handles paper intake and users mainly send digital documents to a shared output queue. Do not let the LaserJet Pro name imply that this model scans or copies; HP's exact W1A53A identification is the relevant reference. If a workstation needs fax, color, or document capture in the same device, compare a true multifunction model before prioritizing its print speed.
Automatic duplex cuts a repeated handling step
The M404dn's automatic duplex feature lets the printer turn paper for a two-sided job. That matters for reports, policies and longer drafts that are routinely printed on both sides: the user does not have to collect a stack, turn it and feed it again. HP's exact-model source confirms the feature, while paper size, weight and driver settings still determine which jobs can use it. A buyer handling mixed media should check those requirements rather than assume every stock behaves the same way.
Use the connection that fits the room
HP documents Gigabit Ethernet and USB for the dn configuration, but not built-in Wi-Fi. Ethernet is the straightforward option when the printer will serve several desks on a wired office network; USB suits a nearby direct connection. If the printer must sit where no network cable is available, this suffix is a poor match unless the buyer has separately designed an approved network bridge. Confirm the exact W1A53A label on a listing, since nearby M404 variants have different connection sets.
Size the queue with the recommended range
HP recommends 750 to 4,000 printed pages per month for the M404dn. That is more helpful for recurring workload planning than its separate maximum duty-cycle ceiling, which is not a routine target. The up-to-40-ppm rating suggests how HP positions the engine, but actual output depends on pages, settings, host and device condition. For a larger department, compare a heavier enterprise model with an appropriate recommendation; for occasional personal pages, the M404dn may provide more speed and network capacity than the routine needs.
Choose it for the wired duplex compromise
Among the products in this category, the M404dn is a clear fit when black-only printing, Ethernet and automatic duplex are requirements. It does not cover wireless placement or document intake. A Brother HL-2275DW is an alternative when built-in Wi-Fi is important, though its saved specifications do not give a comparable recommended monthly range. A large M608dn serves a much heavier documented workload, but its size and capacity may be excessive for a small queue. Verify drivers, toner state and return terms on any specific offer.
What else to compare
Choose a wireless mono printer if cable-free placement is required, or an MFP if copying and scanning belong at the same station. The HP M608dn is a heavier-duty alternative with a higher recommended range.
Before you buy
Does the M404dn print in color?
No. HP identifies this exact M404dn configuration as a monochrome printer.
Can it print both sides automatically?
Yes. HP lists automatic duplex printing for the M404dn configuration with product number W1A53A.
Does this model include Wi-Fi?
HP lists Ethernet and USB for the dn configuration; the reviewed exact-model specification does not list built-in Wi-Fi.
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 & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- HP U.S. LaserJet Pro M404dn product page and exact product identity ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
- HP U.S. LaserJet Pro M404dn exact-model product page ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
- HP LaserJet Pro M404dn data sheet: output, recommended volume, duplex and connectivity ↗ — checked October 9, 2026.
The decision
The M404dn suits a wired black-document queue that will use automatic duplex and fits HP's 750–4,000 page monthly recommendation. Its print-only design and lack of built-in Wi-Fi are decisive limits.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.