HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4701 Alternatives for Busy Small Offices

The best alternatives to the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4701 for a busy small office are the Brother HL-L8360CDW, the Canon imageCLASS LBP633Cdw, and the Lexmark C3326dw, all of which offer comparable print speeds and lower operating costs. These models are more affordable to buy and run than the Enterprise 4701, which is designed for larger workgroups. The right choice depends on your monthly print volume, whether you need duplex printing, and how much you value a low cost per page.

Why the Enterprise 4701 Might Be Overkill

The HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4701 is a solid printer, but it is built for a department with a high monthly duty cycle. It handles heavy workloads, has advanced security features, and supports large paper capacities. A busy small office typically prints a few hundred to a couple of thousand pages per month, not the tens of thousands the Enterprise series is rated for. Paying for that extra capacity means higher upfront costs and more expensive toner cartridges. For most small offices, a lighter-duty model will do the same job for less money.

What to Look For in a Replacement

When comparing alternatives, focus on these key specifications:

• Print speed: Pages per minute (ppm) for color and mono. Most small office models print 20–30 ppm, which is fine for a few users.
• Duty cycle: The recommended monthly page volume. Choose a printer that can handle your average month without being pushed to its limit.
• Duplex printing: Automatic two-sided printing saves paper and is essential for a busy office.
• Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, and mobile printing options (AirPrint, Mopria).
• Cost per page: The price of toner cartridges divided by their page yield. This is often more important than the printer’s purchase price.
• Paper handling: Input tray capacity, output tray capacity, and whether it supports heavier media like cardstock or labels.

Make a list of your average monthly print volume and the types of documents you print. That will narrow the field quickly.

Top Alternatives Compared

Here are three models that are frequently recommended for small offices. They are all color laser printers that can handle a busy workload without the enterprise price tag.

• Brother HL-L8360CDW: This printer prints up to 33 ppm in both color and mono, has automatic duplex printing, and comes with a 250-sheet paper tray (expandable to 1,300 sheets). It supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile printing. Brother’s toner yields are high, which keeps the cost per page reasonable.
• Canon imageCLASS LBP633Cdw: A compact model that prints 28 ppm in color and mono. It has a 250-sheet tray, duplex printing, and a 5-inch color touchscreen that makes navigation easy. Canon’s cartridges are reasonably priced, and the printer is known for its reliability.
• Lexmark C3326dw: This one is a bit slower at 24 ppm but offers a very low cost per page thanks to high-yield toner cartridges. It has a 250-sheet tray, duplex printing, and a 2.4-inch color display. Lexmark also offers a version with an extra paper tray for a bit more money.

All three are available from major office supply retailers and online. Check the current prices and toner costs before you buy, as they change frequently.

Cost Per Page: The Hidden Expense

The purchase price is only the beginning. Over a year, toner costs can exceed the printer’s price. The Enterprise 4701 uses HP’s high-yield cartridges, which are expensive. The alternatives above accept third-party or compatible cartridges, which can lower the cost per page further, but they may void the warranty. If you stick with OEM cartridges, the Brother and Lexmark models generally have the lowest cost per page in this class. For example, a typical black toner cartridge for the Brother HL-L8360CDW yields about 3,000 pages, and a color cartridge yields about 1,800 pages. At current prices, that works out to a few cents per page. The Canon is slightly higher but still cheaper than the HP Enterprise.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Busy offices often run into a few recurring issues with color laser printers:

• Paper jams: Usually caused by overfilled trays, damp paper, or using the wrong media type. Keep paper in a dry place and fan it before loading.
• Color misregistration: If colors look blurry or offset, run the printer’s calibration routine. This is a maintenance function in the printer’s menu.
• Toner smudging: This can happen if the fuser is worn or if you use low-quality paper. Try a heavier paper or replace the fuser if it is old.
• Connectivity drops: For Wi-Fi printers, interference from other devices can cause disconnects. Use a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable connection in a busy office.

Regular cleaning and using the correct paper type will prevent most of these issues.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Office

Start by estimating your monthly print volume. If you print less than 1,000 pages a month, the Canon LBP633Cdw is a good, affordable choice. If you are closer to 2,000 pages, the Brother HL-L8360CDW has a higher duty cycle and faster speed. For a smaller budget but a need for low running costs, the Lexmark C3326dw is worth a look. Also consider the number of users. If more than five people will use the printer, choose a model with a network port (Ethernet) and a larger paper tray so you don’t have to refill it constantly. If you print mostly text documents, a mono laser printer might be even cheaper, but if you need color for charts or marketing materials, a color laser is the way to go.

Costs and Long-Term Savings

Beyond the purchase price, factor in the cost of toner, paper, and maintenance. A color laser printer’s toner cartridges typically last 1,500–3,000 pages for black and 1,200–2,000 pages for color. High-yield cartridges cost more upfront but have a lower cost per page. Some printers offer a subscription service for toner, like Brother’s Refresh or HP’s Instant Ink, which can save money if you print consistently. However, these services often require a monthly fee and may lock you into using the manufacturer’s cartridges. For a small office, it’s often cheaper to buy high-yield cartridges as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use compatible toner cartridges in these printers?
Yes, most third-party cartridges are available for Brother, Canon, and Lexmark printers. They are cheaper, but they may void the printer’s warranty if they cause damage. Many offices use them without issues, but if you want peace of mind, stick with OEM cartridges.

Do these printers support wireless printing from phones and tablets?
Yes, all three models support AirPrint for Apple devices and Mopria for Android. You can also print via email with some models, but that requires setting up the printer’s email address.

What is the difference between a laser printer and an LED printer?
LED printers use a row of light-emitting diodes instead of a laser to create the image. They have fewer moving parts and are often more reliable, but the print quality is similar. The Canon LBP633Cdw uses a laser, while some other models use LED technology.

How long do color laser printers last?
With regular use and maintenance, a color laser printer can last 5–7 years or more. The key is to replace the fuser and transfer belt when they wear out, which is normal after about 50,000–100,000 pages.

Is it worth buying a refurbished model?
Refurbished printers can save you money, but they may have a shorter warranty and less support. If you buy refurbished, make sure it comes from a reputable dealer and includes a warranty.

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