When it comes to purchasing a new printer, it can be overwhelming to navigate the multitude of options available on the market. In this article, we will be comparing two popular printer models: the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw.
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is a compact, all-in-one printer designed for small businesses and home offices. It offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, and is known for its affordability and ease of use.
On the other hand, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is a more advanced, high-performance printer designed for larger offices and workgroups. It also offers all-in-one capabilities, but with faster print speeds and more advanced features, such as duplex scanning and mobile printing.
Comparing printers before making a purchase is crucial in ensuring that you get the best value for your money and that the printer meets your specific needs. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the design, print quality, features, performance, and price of both printers to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table – Differences between HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw vs M476dw
| Specification | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw | HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M476 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Print Speed | Up to 16 ppm (black and color) | Up to 21 ppm (black and color) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 x 600 dpi (black and color) | Up to 600 x 600 dpi (black and color) |
| Display Screen | 2-line LCD | 3.5-inch color touchscreen |
| Duplex Printing | Manual | Automatic |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Paper Capacity | 150-sheet input tray, 50-sheet output tray | 250-sheet input tray, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, 150-sheet output bin |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Up to 30,000 pages | Up to 50,000 pages |
| Mobile Printing | HP Smart app, Apple AirPrint, Mopria-certified, Google Cloud Print | HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, Mopria-certified, Google Cloud Print |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, ADF | Flatbed, ADF |
| Scan Speed | Up to 11 ppm | Up to 26 ppm |
| Scan Resolution | Up to 1200 dpi (optical) | Up to 1200 dpi (optical) |
| Fax | Yes, with up to 120-page memory | Yes, with up to 300-page memory |
| Fax Speed | 33.6 kbps | 56 kbps |
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and M476dw Design and Build
When it comes to design and build, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw differ in a few key ways.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is a compact printer, measuring 16.3 x 16 x 13.1 inches (WxDxH) and weighing 51.6 pounds. This makes it a great option for small offices or home offices where space is at a premium. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw, on the other hand, is a larger printer, measuring 16.7 x 19.7 x 19.6 inches (WxDxH) and weighing 72.6 pounds. This makes it better suited for larger offices and workgroups with higher printing demands.
Aesthetic Design and Display Screen
Both printers have a sleek, modern design that fits well in any office setting. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a two-line LCD display screen that is easy to navigate, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw features a larger, 3.5-inch color touchscreen display that allows for more advanced functionality.
Durability and Sturdiness
Both printers are built to last, but the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is more durable and sturdy due to its larger size and heavier weight. It is also designed with a higher monthly duty cycle, meaning it is capable of handling more print jobs per month than the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw.
Paper Capacity
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a standard paper capacity of up to 150 sheets, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has a larger capacity of up to 300 sheets. Both printers also have a 50-sheet automatic document feeder for easy scanning, copying, and faxing of multi-page documents.
Overall, the design and build of the two printers are suited for different needs. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is compact and affordable, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is larger and more durable, making it a better option for offices with high printing demands.
Print Quality
Print quality is an essential factor to consider when choosing a printer. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw have different print qualities due to differences in resolution and color accuracy.
Resolution and Color Accuracy
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a print resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) for both black and color prints. It also uses HP ImageREt 3600 technology to enhance image resolution, which can improve the overall print quality. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw, on the other hand, has a higher resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi for black prints and up to 600 x 600 dpi for color prints. It also has a higher color accuracy due to its use of HP ImageREt 3600 and Pantone calibration technology.
Print Quality for Different Types of Documents
When it comes to printing different types of documents, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw perform differently. For text documents, both printers produce sharp and clear text, but the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw produces more accurate and vibrant colors for images and graphics. This is due to its higher color accuracy and resolution.
For printing photos, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is the better choice as it has the ability to print in higher resolution and produce more accurate color reproduction. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw, while capable of printing photos, may produce prints with a slightly grainy texture.
Overall, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has superior print quality due to its higher resolution and color accuracy, making it the better choice for offices that require high-quality printing of images, graphics, and photos.
Comparing the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and M476dw Features
When comparing the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw, it is important to consider the various features they offer.
Duplex Printing, Scanning, Copying, and Faxing Capabilities
Both printers come equipped with automatic duplex printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities. This allows users to save time and paper by printing on both sides of the paper and scanning, copying, and faxing double-sided documents without the need to manually flip them over.
Display Screen and User Interface
As previously mentioned, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a two-line LCD display screen, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display. Both printers have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate through various functions and settings.
Connectivity Options
Both printers offer a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, NFC, and USB. This allows for easy integration with various devices and networks. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw also features built-in Wi-Fi Direct and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, making it easier for users to print from their mobile devices.
Advanced Features
In terms of advanced features, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has more to offer. It comes equipped with various mobile printing options, including HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print, allowing users to print from their mobile devices easily. It also features cloud integration capabilities, allowing users to print documents directly from cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox.
Overall, both printers have similar basic features, but the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has more advanced features, making it the better choice for offices that require a higher level of functionality and connectivity options.
Performance
Performance is a critical factor when choosing a printer. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw differ in their print and scanning speeds, ease of use and set-up, and the training or technical expertise required for advanced features.
Print Speed and Scanning Speed
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a print speed of up to 16 pages per minute (ppm) for black and color prints, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has a higher print speed of up to 21 ppm for black and color prints. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw also has a faster scanning speed of up to 26 pages per minute, while the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a scanning speed of up to 15 pages per minute.
Ease of Use and Set-Up
Both printers are relatively easy to set up and use. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a basic control panel, making it easy to navigate and access essential features. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has a more advanced touchscreen display, which may require some time to get used to. However, it offers more features and customization options.
Training or Technical Expertise Required for Advanced Features
The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw has more advanced features, such as mobile printing and cloud integration, which may require some training or technical expertise to set up and use. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw, on the other hand, has fewer advanced features, making it a more straightforward and less technically demanding printer.
Overall, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw performs better in terms of print and scanning speed and has more advanced features, making it a more versatile printer for offices that require higher printing and scanning speeds and more advanced features. However, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is easier to use and set up, making it a more suitable option for offices with less experienced or less technically savvy users.
Price and Value for Money
Price and value for money are crucial considerations when purchasing a printer. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw differ in their initial costs and operating costs, as well as their long-term value for businesses with high printing demands.
Initial Cost and Operating Costs The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw has a lower initial cost than the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw, making it a more affordable option for small businesses or home offices. However, the operating costs for the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw are slightly higher than the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw due to its lower page yield toner cartridges.
Long-term Value for Businesses with High Printing Demands For businesses with high printing demands, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is the better option due to its higher page yield toner cartridges and faster printing and scanning speeds. Although it has a higher initial cost, the long-term value of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is greater than the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw.
Comparison Summary
Overall, both the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw are reliable and high-quality printers. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is a more straightforward and affordable option for small businesses or home offices with low printing demands. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw is a more versatile option for larger businesses or offices with higher printing demands and more advanced features.
Based on specific needs and priorities, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw may be the better option for businesses that prioritize affordability, ease of use, and straightforward printing needs. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw may be the better option for businesses that prioritize versatility, advanced features, and higher printing demands.
Conclusion
Choosing the right printer for individual needs is crucial for maximizing productivity and minimizing costs. The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw and the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw are both excellent printers, but they have different strengths and weaknesses that make them better suited for different types of businesses and users.
For small businesses or home offices with low printing demands and a limited budget, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M181fw is a reliable and affordable option that offers straightforward printing capabilities. On the other hand, larger businesses or offices with higher printing demands and more advanced needs may benefit more from the versatility and advanced features of the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M476dw.
In conclusion, it is essential to carefully evaluate individual needs and priorities before choosing a printer. By doing so, users can make an informed decision that maximizes value for money and productivity while minimizing costs and waste.
