Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Lexmark
CS331dw Color Laser Printer

Compact color duplex printing with wireless and Gigabit Ethernet. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How our links work. This review uses linked manufacturer documentation. We have not tested this product hands-on.
MAKE IT PERSONAL

Find the undefined that fits you.

Tell us what matters. We’ll help you weigh the options.

Find my match
THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Lexmark maps part 40N9020 to the CS331dw color laser printer. It is print-only, rated up to 26 ppm in both black and color, and includes automatic duplex, standard Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and USB. Lexmark recommends 600–2,500 pages monthly, making the stated volume a better fit for a small office than a heavy department queue. The standard feed is a 250-sheet tray plus a single-sheet manual feed. Its 35.5 lb weight is less light than the compact dimensions suggest. The exact product page and part help distinguish it from similar CS/CX models.

Consider it for

A small office that wants color print-only output, automatic duplex and a choice of wired or wireless sharing..

Look elsewhere if

Avoid it if copy, scan, fax, a higher recommended monthly range or a very light printer is required.

Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Lexmark documents the exact U.S. part, color output and 600–2,500-page recommended range.
  • Automatic duplex and standard Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and USB support several small-office setups.
  • The 26 ppm rating applies to both black and color output.

What to weigh up

  • The 2,500-page recommendation ceiling may be low for a busy shared queue.
  • It is a printer only, without copy, scan or fax functions.
  • At 35.5 lb, it is not as easy to move as its compact dimensions might imply.

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredCS331dw (40N9020)
Main functionsColor laser print-only
Print outputUp to 26 ppm black and color; 600–2,500 recommended pages monthly
Two-sided printingAutomatic duplex; Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet and USB

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 10, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

What the features mean for you

Part 40N9020 identifies a color print-only model

Lexmark maps part 40N9020 to the CS331dw and identifies it as a color laser printer. This is a single-function model: the reviewed exact specifications do not list copying, scanning or fax. It is best considered where those jobs are handled separately and the priority is color output from a small shared queue. Check the part number because nearby CS and CX devices add different functions. A similar family name is not evidence that an individual printer has an ADF, scanner or fax line.

The recommended range points to a smaller workload

Lexmark recommends 600–2,500 pages per month and rates the CS331dw up to 26 ppm in black and color. The recommendation is the more useful guide for the office's routine; maximum speed and duty-cycle values do not substitute for it. A modest team can use the range to compare its ordinary volume with the printer's intended role. If the queue regularly exceeds the upper endpoint, choose a model with a higher published recommendation rather than relying on the printer's maximum duty cycle. The speed rating also remains a manufacturer figure rather than a promise for every file.

Automatic duplex is standard for both color and black jobs

Lexmark lists integrated automatic duplex, with a published duplex rate up to 13 sides per minute in both black and color. The 26 ppm simplex rating and 13-spm duplex figure describe different tasks, so the higher value should not be carried over to two-sided output. Automatic page turning can reduce manual steps for forms and reports, while the single-sheet feed remains useful for special media. The printer does not add duplex scanning because it has no scanner. Confirm the duplex path on an older unit before assigning it to a high-throughput routine.

Network choices work for desk or shared placement

The standard ports include 802.11b/g/n wireless, Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0. A small office can use Wi-Fi for flexible placement or Ethernet for a managed shared queue, and USB remains available for direct attachment. Lexmark lists AirPrint, Mopria and mobile printing support; compatibility still depends on current device software and network setup. Its security features are part of Lexmark's product design, but the exact configuration should be reviewed against an office's present security policy. Published connectivity does not prove that a used printer is configured or current enough for a given network.

A 250-sheet tray plus one-sheet feed keeps routine paper ready

Lexmark specifies 250 sheets in the main tray and one sheet in the manual feed, with a 100-sheet output bin. The manual feed supports occasional labels, envelopes or other special sizes without emptying the main tray. Standard duplex, a compact 9.6 by 16.2 by 15.5 inch chassis and 35.5 lb weight frame the trade-off: it can sit on a small office table, but moving it is a two-person consideration for some users. The tray capacity is fixed in the reviewed specification, so frequent high-volume reloading is a sign to compare larger models.

Supplies and age still need an exact check

Lexmark lists separate black, cyan, magenta and yellow toner cartridges, with higher-yield options up to 4,500 pages for color cartridges. The yields follow a standard coverage method and can differ considerably with the documents actually printed. The exact product page describes the model and supplies; it does not establish the contents or remaining life of any used unit. Check print quality, cartridge status, the imaging components, network ports and driver support before relying on it. This review does not claim a current offer, live stock, price or hands-on result.

What else to compare

Choose an MFP for document capture or a higher-volume printer when routine pages exceed the CS331dw's published range.

Explore this category →

Before you buy

Is the Lexmark CS331dw an all-in-one?

No. Lexmark identifies part 40N9020 as the CS331dw color laser printer; copy and scan functions are not listed.

What monthly workload does Lexmark recommend?

Lexmark recommends 600 to 2,500 pages per month for the CS331dw.

Does it have automatic duplex and Wi-Fi?

Yes. Lexmark lists integrated automatic duplex and standard 802.11b/g/n wireless.

Can it also use wired Ethernet?

Yes. Gigabit Ethernet and USB are standard in addition to the printer's 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.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

The CS331dw fits small-office color print-only work with duplex and flexible network placement. Its workload ceiling, weight and missing MFP functions define the main trade-offs.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.