The HP M402n vs Lexmark MS417dn comparison looks at two monochrome laser printers designed for business environments. Both models were built for offices that need reliable black-and-white printing, network connectivity, and relatively high monthly print volumes.
Although both printers are now older models, businesses may still have them in service or may be deciding whether an existing unit is worth maintaining. Print speed, paper handling, monthly volume, toner capacity, and duplex printing are some of the most important differences to consider.
HP M402n vs Lexmark MS417dn: Quick Comparison
| Feature | HP LaserJet Pro M402n | Lexmark MS417dn |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Technology | Monochrome Laser | Monochrome Laser |
| Print Speed | Up to 38 ppm | Up to 40 ppm |
| Standard Paper Capacity | 350 sheets | 300 sheets |
| Maximum Resolution | Up to 4800 × 600 dpi | Up to 1200 × 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet | USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet |
| AirPrint | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | 1200 MHz | 800 MHz |
| Memory | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Recommended Monthly Volume | 750–4,000 pages | 750–7,200 pages |
| Automatic Duplex | No | Yes |
| Standard Toner Yield | Approx. 3,100 pages | Approx. 2,500 pages |
| High-Yield Toner Option | — | Approx. 8,500 pages |
Specifications can vary by configuration and supplies used.
HP LaserJet Pro M402n
The HP LaserJet Pro M402n was designed as a compact monochrome business printer capable of printing up to approximately 38 pages per minute.
One advantage is its standard paper capacity. With a 100-sheet multipurpose tray and 250-sheet main input tray, the printer provides approximately 350 sheets of standard input capacity.
The M402n also includes Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, making it suitable as a shared network printer in a small or medium-sized office.
Its recommended monthly print volume of approximately 750 to 4,000 pages makes it better suited to regular business printing than a basic home laser printer.
One important consideration is duplex printing. The M402n does not provide automatic duplex printing. Businesses that regularly print double-sided documents should take this into consideration.
Lexmark MS417dn
The Lexmark MS417dn offers similar monochrome laser printing but is designed for somewhat heavier printing requirements.
Print speed is rated at approximately 40 pages per minute, giving it a small speed advantage over the HP M402n.
Another important difference is automatic duplex printing. The MS417dn can automatically print on both sides of the page, which can save paper and make production of double-sided business documents easier.
Its recommended monthly print volume is approximately 750 to 7,200 pages, making it potentially better suited to offices with heavier printing requirements.
The Lexmark also offered different toner-yield options, including an approximately 8,500-page high-yield cartridge, which can be an advantage for businesses that print frequently.
Print Speed: HP M402n vs Lexmark MS417dn
There is not a major difference in rated print speed.
The HP M402n is rated at approximately 38 ppm, while the Lexmark MS417dn is rated at approximately 40 ppm.
For many small offices, a two-page-per-minute difference will probably not determine which printer is better. Monthly print volume, toner costs, reliability, paper handling, and duplex requirements may be more important.
Paper Handling and Duplex Printing
The HP has an advantage in standard paper capacity, with approximately 350 sheets compared with 300 sheets for the Lexmark.
However, the Lexmark has an important advantage for businesses that regularly print double-sided documents: automatic duplex printing.
Therefore, the better choice depends partly on how the printer is actually used.
Toner and Cost of Ownership
Toner cost is an important part of evaluating any business laser printer, but cartridge prices can change substantially over time.
When this comparison was originally published, we compared the available toner options and their estimated page yields. Today, businesses evaluating either printer should compare current toner availability, cartridge yield, maintenance requirements, and repair costs rather than relying on the original 2018 retail prices.
A printer with a lower purchase price is not necessarily the less expensive printer to operate over several years.
Which Printer Is Better?
There isn’t one answer for every business.
The HP M402n may be a good fit for an office that wants a straightforward HP monochrome network printer and doesn’t require automatic duplex printing.
The Lexmark MS417dn has advantages for heavier print environments because of its higher recommended monthly volume, automatic duplexing, and high-yield toner option.
For an office that already owns either printer, replacement may not be necessary simply because the model is older. If the printer remains reliable and operating costs are reasonable, continuing to use it can still make financial sense.
Repair or Replace an Older Business Printer?
When an older HP or Lexmark printer develops problems, the decision to repair or replace it should consider the printer’s overall condition, monthly usage, availability of supplies and parts, and the cost of the required repair.
Paper jams, feed problems, print-quality issues, error messages, and network problems don’t automatically mean that a printer needs to be replaced.
If you’re experiencing recurring paper jams, see our guide to office printer paper jams
For current product support, drivers, manuals, and technical information, visit HP Support or Lexmark Support.
Business Printer Repair in Miami
PC Net, Inc. provides professional printer repair services in Miami for businesses experiencing printer problems, including paper jams, print-quality problems, error messages, and connectivity issues.
If you’re unsure whether an older HP or Lexmark printer should be repaired or replaced, diagnosing the actual problem first can help you make a better decision.
Call PC Net at (305) 513-8614 to schedule printer service in Miami.