HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw Printer Review
Compact Color Laser for Small Teams
HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
- 22 ppm Print speed
- Low per-page Running costs
- Wi-Fi & Ethernet Connectivity
- HP Smart Mobile app
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★ Quick Verdict
4.3/5 ★★★★★The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw delivers solid color prints fast enough for small offices, with a small footprint and strong wireless options. Its compact size and per-page costs are appealing, but the lack of an automatic document feeder may deter some workgroups. Overall, it is a dependable single-function color laser for light to moderate use.
Key Features
- ✓22 ppm mono and color
- ✓Automatic duplex printing
- ✓Wi-Fi and Ethernet support
- ✓HP Smart app and AirPrint
- ✓250-sheet paper tray
- ✓600 x 600 dpi resolution
- ✓800 MHz processor
- ✓High-yield toner available
Product Highlights
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is a compact workhorse for offices that need reliable color printing without bulky extras. It offers quick output, flexible connectivity, and easy control from mobile devices. With manageable toner costs and a small desk footprint, it's a strong contender in the small-office category.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Print speed | 22 ppm black and color |
| Print resolution | 600 x 600 dpi, up to 9600 dpi enhanced |
| Processor | 800 MHz |
| Memory | 256 MB |
| Paper input | 250-sheet tray, 1-sheet priority |
| Duplex printing | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Display | 2-line LCD |
| Monthly duty cycle | Up to 40,000 pages |
| Toner cartridges | 205A (1,350 black / 1,200 color); 205X (3,150 black / 2,300 color) |
Performance Review
The M255dw produces crisp, clean text and vivid color graphics for a laser in this class. Color registration is steady, and output speeds hold close to advertised rate for typical documents. The automatic duplexer works well and does not slow down the print stream too much.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Text quality | ★★★★★ 4.5/5 |
| Print quality | ★★★★★ 4.5/5 |
| Speed | ★★★★★ 4.2/5 |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ 4.5/5 |
| Value for money | ★★★★★ 4.4/5 |
Pros and Cons
- ✓Compact, business-like design
- ✓Fast first page and warm-up
- ✓Clear control panel with LCD
- ✓Good mobile printing support
- ✓Low power consumption in idle
- ✕No auto document feeder
- ✕No touchscreen display
- ✕Higher toner cost than high-volume models
- ✕Plastic build feels somewhat light
Comparison Table
| Feature | HP M255dw | Canon LBP633Cdw | Brother HL-L3230CDW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print speed | 22 ppm | 22 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi | 600 x 600 dpi | 2400 x 600 dpi |
| Duplex | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Monthly duty cycle | 40,000 pages | 30,000 pages | 30,000 pages |
| Display | 2-line LCD | 2-line LCD | 2-line LCD |
Who Should Buy This Printer?
Compact teams that need reliable color printing without a big footprint or high initial cost.
Solo operators who want fast, professional-looking color documents and easy setup on home networks.
Buyers who prioritize a low purchase price and can take advantage of high-yield toner to keep running costs down.
Price and Availability
Typical street price ranges from $300 to $380, with high-yield toner available to reduce long-term operating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the HP M255dw support automatic duplex printing?+–
Yes, the M255dw has built-in automatic duplex for two-sided printing. It is easy to set in the driver, and the printer handles paper flipping without you needing to turn pages manually.
Can I print from my phone using the M255dw?+–
Absolutely. The printer supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, and the HP Smart app for both Android and iOS. You can also use Wi-Fi Direct to connect without your existing network.
What toner cartridges does the M255dw use?+–
It uses HP 205A standard cartridges, yielding 1,350 pages for black and 1,200 pages for color. High-yield HP 205X cartridges boost yields to 3,150 pages black and 2,300 pages color.
🏆 Final Verdict
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is a dependable, compact color laser for small offices that don't need scanning or faxing. Its fast speed, solid quality, and strong wireless features justify its price, though heavy-duty users may prefer a model with a lower cost per page.