Model assessment · HP

HP M425dn: wired monochrome work with single-pass color scanning review

An earlier USB and Ethernet MFP with 300 included ordinary sheets, automatic print duplex and a 50-sheet dual-head feeder. Legal scanning uses the feeder; the glass fits Letter and A4.

Sources checked 2026-10-21 · Our editorial approach

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LaserJet Pro 400 MFP M425dn (CF286A#BGJ; US configuration)Illustrated overview
A useful fit for

A small wired office printing 750–3,000 recommended monthly pages and using compatible HP computer scanning software or a configured network-folder destination.

The main tradeoff

The flatbed does not cover Legal originals, and the dn has no included Wi-Fi. Verify current software and the actual US electrical configuration before choosing earlier hardware.

Your needs, this model

Does it fit your priorities?

Can I scan both sides of Legal originals in color over USB and print Legal duplex with 300 ordinary sheets included?

Qualifies with earlier references enabled and compatible recommended HP software. Legal originals must use the dual-head single-pass feeder; the glass is Letter/A4 only. Extend the Legal paper tray and reserve its extra 2.75 inches behind the printer.

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Can I require Legal scanning from both the feeder and the flatbed, based on the store’s Legal-flatbed heading?

Fails. The route-specific original specification and actual software table limit glass to 8.5 × 11.7 inches and explicitly label Legal feeder-only. Its Legal feeder cannot satisfy a Legal flatbed requirement.

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Will the included dn configuration join my Wi-Fi network without an Ethernet cable?

Fails. Exact dn includes computer USB and Gigabit Ethernet. The dw model’s Wi-Fi and HP Wireless Direct are different configuration features and are not borrowed. A phone may still print through an appropriate shared network with the printer attached by Ethernet.

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A compact wired MFP with two different scan-size limits

The HP LaserJet Pro 400 MFP M425dn suits a small wired office making black documents, capturing color originals and using ordinary copying or analog fax. It combines a 50-sheet multipurpose input and 250-sheet cassette with automatic print duplex. Its 50-sheet dual-head feeder can scan both document sides in one pass.

The deciding distinction is where the original goes. Legal documents fit the feeder, but the glass is limited to 8.5 by 11.7 inches. The exact US shop's Legal-size-flatbed feature heading conflicts with the original specification and software tables. This review uses the explicit route-specific limits: Letter and A4 on the glass, Letter, Legal and A4 through the feeder.

HP identifies the exact US edition as CF286A#BGJ and explicitly marks it discontinued. This is an earlier reference for the documented 110–127-V, 50/60-Hz configuration. Check the actual option code and electrical plate; a separately documented high-voltage edition is not a universal-voltage promise.

Computer software and network destinations serve different routines

Computer USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet are standard. The dn does not inherit the dw version's Wi-Fi or HP Wireless Direct. The walk-up USB socket instead prints from or saves to a flash drive, and is distinct from a USB computer connection.

The original software technical reference lists HP Scan in the recommended package and explicitly permits installation for USB-direct or network-connected products. With a compatible Windows installation, open HP Scan, select a shortcut and adjust its settings, then scan. Its size table explicitly labels Legal as feeder-only. Color, grayscale and black-and-white output are separate choices.

Scanning from compatible TWAIN or WIA applications is also documented. The original Mac HP Scan routine selects the scanner, scans, appends additional pages if necessary and saves to the computer. Those historical software descriptions do not guarantee installation or full controls on a current operating system; verify the exact available package for the intended computer.

For a repeatable Ethernet workflow, an administrator can configure Scan to Network Folder in the Embedded Web Server's Scan tab. At the printer, choose Scan, select the prepared folder, check Settings and start. The destination must remain reachable and permit the configured access. This panel routine supports JPG and PDF; do not assume every desktop software export format also works at the panel.

AirPrint and Mopria are documented printing options on a suitable shared network. The printer can be attached by Ethernet while a compatible phone uses the network's wireless access point. Mobile jobs are kept separate here: their exact paper, automatic-duplex, scanning and capacity controls are not borrowed from the desktop software arrangement.

Use the single-pass feeder for Legal originals

The original hardware map explicitly identifies the dual-head scanner, and HP's exact dn specifications confirm single-pass two-sided document capture. This is different from a reversing feeder. The normal batch limit is up to 50 sheets of specified 75-g/m², 20-lb original paper.

Load a suitable document batch face up and bring the guides snugly against it. Choose the actual sides and destination in the compatible software or panel job, rather than assuming a two-sided original is detected automatically. Check the resulting file before discarding paperwork. Use the glass for supported individual originals and items unsuitable for a feeder; it does not acquire Legal-length coverage because the feeder accepts Legal.

The machine prints and copies in black. Color scanning and its color touchscreen do not make it a color printer. Desktop text-recognition features depend on the actual installed software; a panel folder scan is not automatically a searchable document.

300 included sheets, with extra space for Legal printing

Included ordinary-paper capacity is 300 sheets across the 50-sheet Tray 1 and 250-sheet Tray 2. The optional 500-sheet tray raises the expanded total to 800 but is not included. The 150-sheet output bin and 50-sheet document feeder are different capacities and do not increase blank-paper reserve.

Letter, Legal and A4 have positive support marks in both included inputs and the automatic duplexer. Open and extend Tray 1's support for the stock in use. For Tray 2, release the blue guide tabs and adjust length and width before loading. Place the stack flat at all four corners and beneath the limit tabs.

Legal stock requires extending Tray 2's rear. The original manual says it projects approximately 70 mm, or 2.75 inches, behind the machine. Reserve that space before placing the printer against a wall. Choose the correct size and type in the driver.

For compatible Windows automatic duplex, open Finishing and select Print on both sides. If only manual duplex appears, check the installed duplex-unit setting and whether the chosen media type supports it. This does not authorize automatic duplex on envelopes. Up to ten supported envelopes use Tray 1 with the actual size/type and a one-sided job.

Fax setup, toner and realistic workload

Analog fax uses the line socket and a suitable telephone service, followed by the date, time and fax-header setup. The separate phone socket does not turn Ethernet into a telephone line. Private Receive can retain incoming faxes behind a system password, while an outgoing email profile can have a PIN. Neither establishes held computer print jobs with PIN release, which remains unconfirmed.

The exact US supply parts are CF280A, HP 80A, and CF280X, HP 80X. HP declares approximately 2,700 and 6,900 pages under ISO/IEC 19752, and the original box lists an 80A. The Spanish brochure's replacement-parts row incorrectly uses CE prefixes despite CF prefixes in its own yield footnote; the exact US listing controls here. Remaining toner in earlier hardware is unknown.

HP declares up to 35 one-sided Letter ppm, with 750–3,000 recommended monthly pages rather than the 50,000-page maximum duty. The closed body is about 17.32 by 15.07 by 16.67 inches and weighs 33.3 lb. Allow more room for Legal tray extension, scanner opening, cables and maintenance. Choose a true Legal flatbed or an explicitly wireless configuration if either is essential.

Key details at a glance

Color printingNo
ScannerYes
CopyingYes
FaxYes
Flatbed scannerYes
Automatic document feederYes
Automatic two-sided printingYes
Automatic two-sided scanningYes
Single-pass two-sided scanningYes
Color scanningYes
Instructed envelope handlingYes
Apple AirPrintYes
Mopria printingYes
Recommended monthly minimum750 pages
Recommended monthly maximum3000 pages
Maximum monthly duty50000 pages
Included ordinary-paper capacity300 sheets
Document-feeder capacity50 sheets
Declared one-sided mono Letter rate35 pages/min
Unit-body width17.32 in
Unit-body depth15.07 in
Unit-body height16.67 in
Unit weight33.3 lb
Imaging enginelaser

Use the exact model’s instructions for operating limits, supplied equipment and version differences.

Paper, software and setup details

Print-rate conditions

Exact US maker declaration is up to 35 one-sided Letter ppm. Recommended monthly printing is 750–3,000 pages, distinct from 50,000 maximum duty. Original regional copy A4 rate and feeder scan rates are not substituted for print Letter ppm. No measured throughput is claimed.

Paper handling

Included Tray 1 is 50 sheets and Tray 2 is 250, totaling 300 ordinary sheets. Optional 500-sheet Tray 3 is excluded from the 800-sheet expanded maximum; 150-sheet output and 50-sheet ADF are not input reserve. Original table positively marks Letter, Legal and A4 in both inputs and the automatic duplexer. Set actual size/type, extend Tray 1 support, adjust Tray 2 blue guide tabs, load flat at four corners and beneath limit tabs. Legal Tray 2 extends approximately 70 mm / 2.75 inches behind the printer. Compatible Windows Finishing offers Print on both sides; if only manual appears, check installed duplex option and supported media type. Up to ten envelopes use Tray 1 with matching actual size/type and a one-sided job. No undocumented ordinary-paper weight basis is invented from the separate ADF specification.

Scanning arrangement

Exact dn has a dual-head, single-pass automatic duplex scanner and a 50-sheet ADF, with original capacity basis up to 50 sheets of 75-g/m², 20-lb originals. Feeder accepts Letter, Legal and A4; glass is only 216 × 297 mm / 8.5 × 11.7 inches, supporting Letter and A4. Actual software size table explicitly says Legal feeder only. The exact US marketing heading Legal-size flatbed conflicts and is not adopted. Compatible HP Scan recommended installation supports USB-direct and network arrangements; choose the real scan settings and document sides. Ethernet panel Scan to Network Folder separately needs prior EWS configuration, reachable authorized folder and supports JPG/PDF. Color scanning does not mean color printing.

Computer and mobile connections

Included computer USB 2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet are distinct from walk-up and external-device USB host ports. No dw Wi-Fi or HP Wireless Direct is included in dn. AirPrint and Mopria use the supported shared-network arrangement with printer attached by Ethernet. Mobile print plans do not inherit exact desktop paper/capacity/duplex, computer scanning or PIN controls. The original wireless-only manual section is not applied to dn.

Supplies and declared yields

Exact US parts CF280A / HP 80A and CF280X / HP 80X declare approximately 2,700 and 6,900 pages under ISO/IEC 19752. Original US box lists 80A; earlier hardware remaining toner is unknown. The original Spanish brochure replacement row has CE280A/CE280X while its own footnotes use CF, so consistent US exact parts control. No live price, measured cost, lifetime HP+ policy or unsupported quality claim is adopted.

Software and support

The original April 2012 software technical reference explicitly includes HP Scan in recommended installation for USB-direct and wired network products, with Legal feeder-only sizes, output color modes and file export. The original user guide gives Windows HP Scan and Mac selection/save routines plus TWAIN/WIA support. Verify exact current software, operating-system compatibility and document-side controls. Historical Smart Install, cloud or application descriptions are not current service promises. Fax Private Receive password and outgoing email-profile PIN do not establish print Job Storage; secure PIN print release remains unknown, not false merely because no disk is listed.

Electrical edition and setup

Actual HP US CF286A#BGJ explicitly discontinued; earlier opt-in applies. Documented low-voltage US configuration is 110–127 VAC, 50/60 Hz; separate 220–240-V edition is not a promise of universal power. Check actual option and plate. Exact body is 17.32 W × 15.07 D × 16.67 H inches, 33.3 lb; Legal tray adds 2.75 inches behind it and scanner opening needs more room. Analog fax requires line connection plus correct date/time/header setup; phone socket is separate. The original exact Spanish first-page text calls 50,000 recommended in error, while its own technical row and current US agree 750–3,000 recommended versus 50,000 maximum duty.

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