HP LaserJet M209dw Review: Fast Duplexing, Compact Size, But Is It Right For You?

HP LaserJet M209dw Review: Fast Duplexing, Compact Size, But Is It Right For You?

Finding the right printer for a home office or small business often feels like navigating a minefield. You need something reliable, efficient, and cost-effective, especially for churning out black-and-white documents. Inkjets can be costly and prone to drying out, pushing many towards the consistency of laser printing. Enter the HP LaserJet M209dw. It arrives promising speedy performance, particularly its class-leading automatic two-sided (duplex) printing, all wrapped in a remarkably compact design perfect for tight spaces.

But marketing claims only tell part of the story. Is the M209dw truly the workhorse it appears to be? This review dives deep into its real-world performance, usability, ongoing costs, and crucially, potential pitfalls like setup frustrations and HP’s controversial toner policies. We’ll cut through the noise to help you determine if this budget-friendly, networked monochrome laser printer is the smart investment your workspace needs.

Key Specs at a Glance

Before we delve into the details, here’s a quick look at the HP LaserJet M209dw’s core specifications, providing a baseline for what this printer offers on paper.

Unboxing and Getting Started: Design Meets Software (The First Hurdle?)

Out of the box, the M209dw makes a positive impression with its modern, compact design. Its small footprint allows it to fit comfortably in tight home offices or on shared desks. Physical setup is generally straightforward; the toner cartridge often comes pre-installed, minimizing prep work. The 150-sheet paper tray loads from the front, which is convenient for refills, although some reviewers have noted the front flap feels somewhat flimsy. The printer uses a simple Button LED interface, with smart-guided buttons that light up only when needed, aiming for an intuitive experience.

However, the initial ease can quickly hit a snag when it comes to software setup. HP heavily pushes the use of its HP Smart app, especially for establishing a wireless connection. HP’s own setup guides direct users to download and use the app.

This app-centric approach leads to sharply divided user experiences. Many users report a smooth and easy setup process, guided effectively by the app. Yet, a significant number encounter substantial difficulties. Common complaints include:

• Wi-Fi Woes: The printer failing to connect to the network, the app being unable to find the printer, connections dropping, or difficulties reconnecting after network changes like updating a Wi-Fi password. While the printer features dual-band Wi-Fi with a “self-reset” function designed to automatically detect and resolve connectivity issues, user reports suggest this doesn’t prevent all connection problems.
• HP Smart App Frustrations: Users describe the app itself as sometimes being the bottleneck, failing to detect the printer, presenting a complex interface, or feeling like unnecessary software bloat.
• Network Before USB?: Some users report encountering instructions or behavior suggesting that the printer must be connected to a network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and potentially registered online before a simple USB connection can be reliably used. This contradicts the common expectation of straightforward plug-and-play functionality for USB devices and hints that the setup process is heavily geared towards getting the printer online, possibly to enable HP+ features, collect data, or manage firmware updates.

The setup process, therefore, isn’t universally “easy.” Its success seems contingent on the HP Smart App working seamlessly within a specific user’s network environment and the user’s willingness to navigate HP’s software ecosystem. What is a smooth experience for one person can be a significant roadblock for another.

Beyond the app, standard print drivers using PCLmS, URF, or PWG languages do exist. Professional reviews found that using the PCL driver resulted in faster print speeds compared to printing via the HP Smart app. Users seeking alternatives to the app might need to manually download and install these drivers from HP’s support site.

For mobile users, the M209dw supports Apple AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct, and printing via the HP Smart App. The HP Smart App notably adds functionality like scanning documents (using the phone’s camera) and saving them to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, or initiating copies from the smartphone. It’s crucial to understand, however, that these are features of the app leveraging the phone’s hardware. The M209dw printer itself is strictly a print-only device and lacks any built-in scanning or copying hardware. Some users have expressed disappointment after purchase upon realizing this limitation.

Putting It to the Test: Real-World Print Speed and Quality

HP heavily promotes the M209dw’s speed, particularly its claim of having the “fastest two-sided printing in class”. Officially, it’s rated at up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) for single-sided (simplex) printing and up to 19 images per minute (ipm) for double-sided (duplex) printing on Letter-sized paper (or 18 ipm on A4).

Real-world testing and user experiences paint a slightly more complex picture:

• Duplexing Speed: The automatic duplexing is indeed quick and efficient for a printer in this price range, largely living up to HP’s claims and being a highlight for many users.
• First Page Out Time (FPOT): The official specification lists FPOT as fast as 6.9 or 7 seconds. However, detailed testing by PCMag revealed significant inconsistency. Sometimes the printer started immediately, achieving roughly an 8-second FPOT, while other times it paused for up to eight additional seconds before beginning the print job. This variability can make the printer feel slower, especially for short, single-page documents.
• Overall Throughput: When using a direct driver connection (like PCL over Ethernet), the printer generally performs well. However, tests showed that printing the same documents via the HP Smart app could result in noticeably slower speeds. This means the perceived speed can depend heavily on how the print job is initiated.
• Noise: Opinions on noise levels vary. Some users find it impressively quiet, while others consider it noisier than expected for a laser printer. Official specifications list acoustic power emissions at 6.7 B(A) and pressure at 54 dB(A) during active printing.

The actual performance experienced isn’t uniform. It depends on factors like the connection method (Ethernet/USB vs. Wi-Fi), the software used (direct driver vs. HP Smart app), the type of document (simple text vs. complex graphics), and even random variations in the initial pause before printing. While the potential for speed is there, especially with duplexing, the headline figures don’t capture the full nuance.

When it comes to print quality, the M209dw operates at a maximum resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. While this might seem lower than the 1200×1200 or 2400×600 dpi figures touted by some competitors, the output quality, particularly for text, is a significant strength:

• Text: Consistently rated as excellent – sharp, clear, and highly readable, even at small font sizes. It’s considered top-tier for its price class and holds up well against more expensive mono lasers. Some comparisons even suggest its text output is superior to competing entry-level models despite lower resolution specs. This indicates effective image processing and rendering technology (like HP PCLmS/URF/PWG) making the 600 dpi resolution highly capable for its primary task of printing documents.
• Graphics: Quality is generally decent and sufficient for internal business use, but less impressive than text. Professional reviews noted potential issues like thin lines occasionally blending into dark backgrounds, gradients sometimes appearing darker than intended or exhibiting slight posterization (abrupt shade changes), and an overall lack of contrast in some graphics. However, thin lines generally rendered well.
• Photos (Monochrome): As expected from a mono laser not designed for photos, the quality is basic. Images may show some graininess due to dithering patterns and appear slightly darker than ideal, but they can retain reasonable shadow detail and are likely better than a typical black-and-white newspaper photo.

Paper Handling: Good Enough for Small Jobs?

The M209dw features a single 150-sheet input tray located at the bottom front and a 100-sheet output tray on top.

It offers decent media flexibility, supporting various types like plain paper, laser paper, rough paper, vellum, envelopes, labels, cardstock, and postcards. It handles standard sizes including Letter, Legal, A4, A5, A6, B5 (JIS), and Executive, as well as custom sizes ranging from 4 x 6 inches to 8.5 x 14 inches. Supported paper weights range from 60 to 163 g/m² (16 to 43 lb) for single-sided printing and 60 to 105 g/m² (16 to 28 lb) for automatic duplexing. While automatic duplexing is standard, it primarily supports Letter or A4 sizes, and there are user reports of issues with A5 duplexing despite some specifications potentially suggesting support.

The main limitation in paper handling is the lack of a dedicated bypass or manual feed tray. This means if you occasionally need to print an envelope, a sheet of labels, or letterhead, you must remove the paper from the main 150-sheet tray, load the special media, print, and then reload your standard paper. Additionally, there are no options to add extra paper trays to increase capacity.

Is the 150-sheet capacity sufficient? For its target audience of home users and small teams (1-5 users) printing within the recommended monthly volume of 200 to 2,000 pages, it’s generally adequate. However, if printing closer to the 2,000-page upper limit, the tray might need refilling quite often – potentially more than once a week if printing mostly duplex. This contrasts with competitors like the Brother HL-L2350DW or HL-L2460DW, which often feature a larger 250-sheet main tray plus a single-sheet manual feed slot.

Ultimately, the M209dw’s compact size was achieved partly by sacrificing paper capacity and handling flexibility. Users who prioritize the smallest possible printer might accept this trade-off. However, those with higher print volumes or who frequently need to print on different media types might find the lower capacity and lack of a bypass tray inconvenient compared to slightly larger, more flexible alternatives.

The Elephant in the Room: Toner Costs, HP+, and Dynamic Security

Perhaps the most critical – and controversial – aspect of owning the HP LaserJet M209dw revolves around its toner cartridges and HP’s associated policies.

The printer uses genuine HP 134A (W1340A) standard yield or HP 134X (W1340X) high yield black toner cartridges. The 134A is rated for approximately 1,100 pages, while the 134X offers a higher yield of around 2,400 pages.

Pricing for genuine HP toner varies, but typically falls in the range of $55-$60 for the 134A and $90-$105 for the 134X. This translates to the following estimated running costs:

(Note: CPP calculated using the lower end of price ranges for illustration. PCMag estimated the 134X CPP at 3.8 cents.)

The M209dw model is eligible for HP’s Instant Ink subscription service, where users pay a monthly fee based on the number of pages printed, and HP automatically ships new toner before the old one runs out. While related models ending in “dwe” often bundle HP+ (requiring an HP account, internet connection, and exclusive use of HP toner) and an initial free Instant Ink subscription, the standard M209dw does not mandate these. Some reviewers suggest that for this specific printer model, simply buying the high-yield 134X cartridges as needed is more economical than an Instant Ink subscription. Furthermore, there are reports that HP may be discontinuing the Instant Ink toner subscription option for new customers.

The major point of contention is HP’s Dynamic Security feature. HP states this technology is embedded in the printer’s firmware and is designed to block cartridges that use non-HP chips or electronic circuitry. HP also explicitly warns that periodic firmware updates are used to maintain the effectiveness of Dynamic Security and can block cartridges that may have previously worked. HP’s stated rationale is to protect print quality, printer reliability, and intellectual property.

The practical reality for users is that Dynamic Security effectively prevents the use of most lower-cost third-party (compatible or remanufactured) toner cartridges, which often sell for less than half the price of genuine HP cartridges (compare OEM prices with compatible prices). Numerous user reports detail frustration when their printer refuses to recognize a non-HP cartridge, sometimes suddenly after a firmware update blocked a cartridge that was previously working fine. While online forums discuss potential workarounds like swapping chips from empty OEM cartridges onto third-party ones, attempting firmware downgrades, or disabling cartridge protection settings via the printer’s web interface, these methods are often complex, may void the warranty, and offer no guarantee of success, especially as HP continues to update firmware.

This situation creates a significant dilemma regarding the true cost of ownership. The M209dw’s relatively low purchase price is appealing, but the potentially high running costs associated with mandatory OEM toner (enforced by Dynamic Security) undermine its “budget” status for many users who would typically rely on third-party supplies to save money. The total cost over the printer’s lifespan can be much higher than anticipated if only expensive genuine HP toner can be used.

Furthermore, firmware updates become a double-edged sword. While updates are generally recommended for security patches and potential improvements, accepting an update on a printer with Dynamic Security carries the risk of disabling currently functional (and cheaper) third-party cartridges. This forces users into a difficult choice: potentially compromise security by refusing updates, or potentially face higher running costs if an update breaks compatibility with their chosen toner supply.

How Does the M209dw Stack Up Against Rivals?

The HP LaserJet M209dw competes in the crowded market of compact, networked monochrome laser printers aimed at home and small office users. Its primary rivals often include models from Brother’s HL-L23xx/HL-L24xx series (like the HL-L2460DW) and Canon’s imageCLASS line (like the LBP122dw).

Here’s how the M209dw compares on key aspects:

• Speed: The M209dw’s fast duplexing is a strong point. However, overall throughput for longer documents might be similar to or slightly behind comparable Brother models in some tests. The Canon LBP122dw boasts a faster first-page-out time.
• Print Quality: The M209dw generally excels in text quality, potentially surpassing entry-level Brother models even with a lower nominal resolution. Competitors might advertise higher DPI figures, but real-world text output is where the HP shines. Graphics quality is more average across the board.
• Connectivity: The M209dw offers a comprehensive suite with dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, and Bluetooth LE for setup. This is generally competitive, though specific Wi-Fi standards or the inclusion of Ethernet can vary among rival models.
• Paper Handling: This is a weaker point for the M209dw. Its 150-sheet input capacity and lack of a bypass tray are less generous than Brother’s typical 250-sheet tray plus manual feed slot. The Canon LBP122dw is similar to the HP with a 150-sheet tray.
• Running Costs (OEM): The M209dw’s estimated OEM cost per page with the high-yield toner (~3.8 cents) might be slightly higher than some Brother equivalents, though precise competitor CPP requires checking current toner prices and yields.
• Third-Party Toner Friendliness: This is a major differentiator. Brother printers generally have a reputation for being much more tolerant of third-party toner cartridges compared to HP’s aggressive Dynamic Security measures. Canon’s policies are less frequently highlighted but are typically considered less restrictive than HP’s current approach. This means the potential for significantly lower long-term running costs often lies with competitors.
• Software/Setup: HP’s reliance on the Smart App for setup contrasts with potentially simpler, driver-based installations from Brother or Canon, avoiding the app-related frustrations reported by some HP users.

It’s also worth remembering the HP LaserJet M209d. This is essentially the same printer but lacks Wi-Fi and Ethernet, connecting only via USB. Some tests suggest it might even be slightly faster than the M209dw, and it typically has a lower purchase price. If network or wireless printing is not a requirement, the M209d could be a more straightforward and potentially faster alternative, though it likely still shares the same Dynamic Security limitations.

The choice between the M209dw and its rivals often boils down to a trade-off. Opting for the HP means getting potentially superior text quality, fast duplexing, and a very compact design, but accepting the constraints of its software ecosystem (app dependency, potential setup hurdles) and, most significantly, the higher running costs or risks associated with its Dynamic Security toner lock-in. Choosing a competitor like Brother might mean sacrificing some text crispness or compactness but gaining larger paper capacity, potentially easier setup, and crucially, the flexibility to use affordable third-party toner without battling firmware restrictions, leading to a lower total cost of ownership.

HP LaserJet M209dw: The Pros and Cons Summarized

To help weigh the decision, here’s a concise summary of the HP LaserJet M209dw’s key strengths and weaknesses based on specifications, professional tests, and user feedback:

The Verdict: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the HP LaserJet M209dw?

The HP LaserJet M209dw presents itself as a capable mono laser printer, delivering on its promises of speed (especially duplexing) and compactness, coupled with excellent text quality. However, these strengths are significantly counterbalanced by potential frustrations surrounding its app-dependent setup and, most critically, HP’s restrictive Dynamic Security policy that effectively locks users into buying more expensive genuine HP toner.

This printer is potentially a good fit for:

• Home users or small teams (1-5 people) who place a high value on fast automatic duplex printing and need a printer with a very small footprint.
• Those who primarily print text-based documents where the M209dw’s sharp output truly shines.
• Users requiring versatile network connectivity (both Wi-Fi and Ethernet are included).
• Individuals who are comfortable using the HP Smart App for setup and management, and are prepared to potentially troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Crucially: Buyers who intend to use only genuine HP 134A or 134X toner cartridges and accept the associated running costs (around 3.8-5.5 cents per page), OR those who are technically adept and willing to navigate the risks and complexities of attempting workarounds for third-party toner compatibility, knowing these may fail due to firmware updates.

Conversely, the HP LaserJet M209dw is likely NOT the right choice for:

• Users prioritizing the absolute lowest long-term running costs, who prefer the freedom and savings of using readily available third-party toner cartridges without hassle. Competitors like Brother are generally more accommodating in this regard.
• Anyone needing scan or copy functions – this is a print-only device. Look for an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) instead.
• Those who frequently print on different types of media (envelopes, labels, letterhead) and would benefit from a dedicated bypass or manual feed tray.
• Individuals who prefer a simple, reliable setup process and are easily frustrated by software glitches, app dependencies, or potential connectivity problems.
• Users seeking a basic USB plug-and-play experience without mandatory online components or app interactions (the M209d might be considered, but competitors often offer a less ecosystem-entangled experience).

Ultimately, the decision hinges on weighing the M209dw’s attractive features (speed, size, text quality) against its significant drawbacks (setup hurdles, toner lock-in). Consider the total cost of ownership – the appealing purchase price can be quickly overshadowed by high OEM toner costs if third-party options are effectively blocked. Is the performance and compact form factor worth potentially higher running costs and the acceptance of HP’s ecosystem constraints? Only the individual buyer, aware of these trade-offs, can make that call.

What’s Your Take? Share Your HP M209dw Experience!

Do you own an HP LaserJet M209dw? We’d love to hear about your real-world experiences!

• Did you find the setup process smooth sailing or a frustrating ordeal?
• Have you encountered any persistent issues with Wi-Fi connectivity or the HP Smart app?
• What are your thoughts on its print speed and quality, especially for text versus graphics?
• Are you using genuine HP toner, or have you ventured into the world of third-party cartridges? How has that worked out?

Share your insights, tips, or frustrations in the comments below. Your feedback can help others make a more informed decision!

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