Our take
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M521dn suits a wired office that wants a monochrome printer, copier, scanner and fax in one device. HP's exact-model page lists up to 42 ppm on Letter paper, automatic duplex, Ethernet, a 50-sheet ADF and a recommended monthly range of 2,000–6,000 pages. Those features align with routine document handling more than a simple desk printer. The dn configuration should be kept separate from the M521dw: HP's reviewed standard connection list establishes a wired model, not built-in Wi-Fi. HP identifies the machine as discontinued, so current condition and driver needs matter when evaluating an individual offer.
A wired office needing a mono fax MFP with automatic two-sided output and a documented 2,000–6,000 page monthly routine..
Choose another model if built-in Wi-Fi is required, your expected workload is well below or above HP's recommendation, or you need a current product with active support.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- HP documents print, copy, scan and fax for the exact M521dn model.
- Automatic duplex and the 50-sheet ADF support two-sided output and multi-page document intake.
- The 2,000–6,000 page recommended monthly band and Ethernet help assess it for a wired workgroup.
What to weigh up
- The standard M521dn is not the wireless M521dw; Wi-Fi should not be assumed from family-level descriptions.
- HP marks this model discontinued, so service, drivers and parts for a specific unit deserve checking.
- The 50-sheet ADF specification does not by itself confirm that two-sided originals scan in one pass.
The key details
| Model covered | M521dn (A8P79A#BGJ) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome print, copy, scan and fax |
| Print output | Up to 42 ppm Letter; automatic duplex |
| Two-sided printing | 50-sheet ADF, Ethernet; 2,000–6,000 pages/month recommended |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 8, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
An all-in-one built around monochrome office documents
HP lists printing, copying, scanning and fax for the M521dn. That range can centralize outgoing print jobs and incoming paper workflows for a workgroup that still uses fax. The model prints with one black cartridge and HP gives a maximum rated speed of 42 ppm Letter. The rating gives a consistent comparison point, but file complexity, device state and settings affect the actual job. Teams that only print should compare a simpler device; teams that need one station for copy, scan and fax can make better use of this model's added hardware.
Duplex output and the feeder serve different tasks
HP documents automatic duplex printing, which lets the printer produce both sides without an operator turning each page. It also specifies a 50-sheet ADF for a stack of originals. Those two features support common office tasks, but they do not mean the feeder itself scans both sides automatically. If double-sided document capture is a daily need, verify the exact scan path in the user guide before choosing. Automatic print duplex is confirmed, while one-pass duplex scanning is not a criterion this review can establish.
The M521dn is a wired network choice
The exact M521dn configuration is documented with Ethernet and USB rather than standard built-in Wi-Fi. Ethernet can support a shared network queue, while USB provides a direct workstation connection. HP offers the separate M521dw variant, so a listing that blurs the suffix can lead to a different connectivity result. Read the label on the exact unit and confirm the port set before treating wireless as a requirement. In a wired office, the dn's simpler documented setup may be appropriate; in a wireless-only room, another model is the better starting point.
Use HP's range to size the monthly routine
HP recommends 2,000–6,000 pages per month for the M521dn. That gives a practical workload frame for replacing toner and planning a shared queue; it is not the same as a maximum duty cycle. A buyer should compare the estimate with actual monthly pages and avoid using an overbuilt workgroup MFP for a very light desk routine simply because the speed looks high. HP also lists multiple paper inputs, including standard trays in the product configuration, but optional tray details should be confirmed on any offered unit.
Discontinued status makes exact-unit checks important
HP marks the model discontinued and identifies its product as commercial equipment. This does not tell us whether the specific unit in a marketplace listing has been maintained. Confirm the M521dn nameplate, fax connection, ADF rollers, duplex path, Ethernet port, trays and scanner glass. Ask about page count, toner and return terms, and check current operating-system support for the computer that will drive it. HP's feature sheet describes the original design; only an inspection can establish what remains in a used machine. If reliable current service is a priority, compare a newer MFP with similar workflow.
What else to compare
Compare a current wireless mono MFP if Wi-Fi or ongoing service is essential, or a print-only duplex model if copy, scan and fax would go unused.
Before you buy
Does the M521dn include fax and scanning?
Yes. HP lists print, copy, scan and fax functions for the exact M521dn model.
Is Wi-Fi built into the M521dn?
HP documents Ethernet and USB for the dn configuration; wireless belongs to a separate variant or optional hardware, not a standard built-in feature here.
What workload does HP recommend?
HP recommends 2,000 to 6,000 pages per month for the M521dn, distinct from its 75,000-page maximum duty cycle.
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. M521dn exact-part product page ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- HP U.S. M521dn exact part A8P79A#BGJ and configuration ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- HP exact M521dn specifications for functions, speed, duplex, ADF and monthly recommendation ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
The decision
The M521dn is a strong workflow fit for wired monochrome fax work with automatic duplex and a 2,000–6,000 monthly routine. Its discontinued status and lack of standard Wi-Fi define the trade-off.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.