Our take
The Lexmark MS521dn is a monochrome network printer with integrated duplex and a defined workload range. Lexmark maps part 36S0300 to the exact model and lists up to 46 ppm Letter, 350 sheets of standard input, a 150-sheet output bin and Gigabit Ethernet. Its recommended monthly volume is 2,000–15,000 pages. Wireless is an option, not a standard connection in the reviewed configuration, and Lexmark marks the model discontinued. It is a stronger fit for a shared wired queue than a personal USB printer, provided a used unit’s service history and optional accessories are checked. Choose it for the exact workgroup capabilities rather than the unsupported wireless claim in the historical listing.
A wired team that wants fast mono printing, automatic duplex, substantial expandable paper handling and a published workload range..
Skip it if built-in Wi-Fi, an MFP workflow or an active manufacturer product lifecycle is required.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Integrated duplex turns pages automatically for recurring two-sided output.
- The 46 ppm Letter rating and 350-sheet standard supply support a shared queue.
- Lexmark publishes a 2,000–15,000-page recommended monthly range distinct from duty cycle.
What to weigh up
- Lexmark marks the MS521dn discontinued, so service and supply support need verification.
- Wi-Fi is described as an option, not standard in the base configuration.
- The printer does not include copy, scan or fax functions.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | MS521dn (36S0300) |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Monochrome laser print-only printer; part 36S0300 |
| Print output | Up to 46 ppm Letter; 350-sheet standard input and 150-sheet output |
| Two-sided printing | Integrated duplex, Gigabit Ethernet/USB and 2,000–15,000 recommended monthly pages |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 15, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
Match part 36S0300 to the dn model
Lexmark identifies part 36S0300 as the MS521dn and lists monochrome laser printing. It is a print-only device, so users needing copy, scan or fax should look at an MFP. The exact suffix matters: Lexmark distinguishes duplex and network features by model name and documents integrated duplex and Ethernet on this part. The historical listing’s wireless claim should not override the manufacturer’s connectivity table, which labels Wi-Fi as an option. Check the part number and included options on a used machine before assuming its ports match a reseller title. ([Lexmark MS521dn U.S. page](https://www.lexmark.com/en_us/printers/printer/11835/Lexmark-MS521dn)).
Rated output and automatic duplex
Lexmark rates the MS521dn up to 46 ppm on Letter and lists integrated duplex. Automatic page turning can simplify reports and internal documents compared with refeeding sheets manually. The rated speed is a manufacturer figure and does not establish an identical speed in every office or on every job. Lexmark also publishes a separate duplex ppm, which is lower than its simplex figure. Buyers should treat those as ratings, not a guarantee for a used engine. Inspect the duplexer, pickup rollers and exit path when checking the offered device.
Standard paper and expansion
The MS521dn includes a 250-sheet input tray and a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder, for 350 sheets of standard input, with a 150-sheet output bin. Lexmark offers optional trays to expand input capacity. That can help a team keep ordinary paper loaded and reserve the multipurpose path for envelopes or another supported media type. Optional equipment should be counted only when the exact listing shows it. For a small desk, the standard capacity may be more than needed; for a shared printer, reduced reload interruptions may be useful.
Workload guidance and duty cycle
Lexmark recommends 2,000–15,000 pages per month for this model. The 120,000-page maximum duty cycle is a different measure and does not describe a routine month. A team should compare its actual recurring pages to the recommended interval rather than the maximum number. The upper and lower endpoints provide a more useful planning range than rated ppm alone, but they do not predict a particular machine’s remaining life or supply cost. Lexmark states that the model is discontinued, so support availability should also be checked independently from the published throughput details.
Wired networking and optional Wi-Fi
Lexmark lists Gigabit Ethernet and USB among the standard ports and describes wireless as an option. The Ethernet interface can serve a shared office queue; it does not make the printer wireless. Confirm the presence and compatibility of any wireless option if that connection is important. This distinction is especially important because the candidate listing describes the printer as wireless while the exact U.S. model page indicates an optional interface. The main recommendation is for a wired setup; households needing standard Wi-Fi should choose an exact configuration with built-in wireless documented by its maker.
Plan for discontinued equipment
Lexmark marks the MS521dn discontinued. That label means the model is no longer in the active product range; it does not prove whether a reseller has stock or whether parts are available. Check toner and imaging-unit compatibility, maintenance history, firmware support and the condition of the tray and duplex path on the exact unit. The manufacturer’s sources do not establish current price, stock or a specific listing’s condition. The MS521dn remains a clear fit when the requirement is fast mono network printing with duplex and a documented monthly recommendation.
Compare for your needs
For standard wireless choose a model whose exact part lists Wi-Fi as a standard port; for copy, scan or fax choose an MFP instead of this printer.
Find the undefined that fits you.
Tell us what matters. We’ll help you weigh the options.
Before you buy
Does the base MS521dn include Wi-Fi?
Lexmark lists wireless as an option; its standard ports include Gigabit Ethernet and USB, so verify any added wireless interface.
What is the recommended monthly range?
Lexmark lists 2,000–15,000 pages per month as recommended volume and separately gives a 120,000-page maximum duty cycle.
Does it have an automatic duplexer?
Yes. Lexmark lists integrated duplex for the exact MS521dn part 36S0300.
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.
- Lexmark U.S. MS521dn model page and specifications ↗ — checked October 15, 2026.
- Lexmark U.S. exact part, speed, duplex, paper, ports, wireless option, lifecycle and monthly range ↗ — checked October 15, 2026.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.