Toner for the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw

In the United States it uses HP 218A or HP 218X (W2180–W2183). HP 219 is the European numbering for the same printer generation; HP's support table says the cartridges are regionalized, so buy the 218 series here.

No. HP lists "Print" as its only function. For scanning and copying with the same HP 218 toner, look at the MFP 3301sdw; add fax with the MFP 3301fdw.

In the United States: the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301sdw, 3301fdw and 3301cdw (the 3301cdw is sold through Costco). HP's U.S. store and support pages list all eight HP 218 cartridges for these models.

Look-alike numbers are not automatic matches: HP's U.S. support page for the 3203dw lists HP 222 cartridges, and the 3204dw and 3304fdw show no U.S. supplies at all. The printer finder explains each case.

Both fit the same printers and print the same quality; the difference is how much toner is inside. HP states about 1,300 pages for 218A black and about 3,200 for 218X black; for the colors about 1,200 versus 2,500 (ISO/IEC 19798, continuous printing).

Which one is cheaper per page follows from one division: price ÷ stated yield. That depends on today's prices, not on how much you print — our 218A vs 218X page does the math with the prices we checked.

Your volume decides something else: how many cartridges you buy per year, how much cash you tie up at once and how often you swap. Light users may prefer 218A's lower upfront price; heavy users save swaps with 218X.

Yes. HP lists the A and X versions of every color for the same printers; the high-yield cartridge is the same shape and slot, it just holds more toner. You do not need a setting change when you switch.

Yes. HP states that firmware updates "can also block cartridges using a non-HP chip or modified or non-HP circuitry from working in the printer, including cartridges that work today." Most HP printers can be set to notify you before installing updates instead of updating automatically; HP notes that services like Instant Ink require automatic updates.

If you rely on compatibles, keep a spare Original HP black cartridge and buy from a seller with a clear return or replacement policy.

An "e" at the end of an HP product code marks an HP+ printer. HP's HP+ FAQ says HP+ requires an HP account, an internet connection and Original HP supplies for the lifetime of the printer, so compatible and remanufactured cartridges are not an option on an activated HP+ printer.

The cartridge numbers themselves are the same HP 218 series. Note that HP Store's "3201dwe" address currently shows a certified refurbished 3201dw, not a new HP+ model.

Do not plan on it. HP regionalizes these cartridges and sells the U.S. 3201/3301 printers with HP 218. The U.S. models also have different model numbers from the European 3202/3302. Buy the 218 series here; we do not recommend importing another region's supplies.