NGXP Tech

HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn Review: Fast, Secure & Compact Small Business Printer

by Prakash Dhanasekaran

If you’re running a small business, a dependable printer isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s the backbone of how you share information, create proposals, and keep daily operations moving. The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is one of the most reliable color laser printers in its class, balancing print quality, speed, and security without hogging desk space.

Get the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn on Amazon: Buy Now.

1.   Introduction to the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn

Think about it: how often has a slow or unreliable printer disrupted your workflow, left a client waiting, or cost you extra in supplies? Choosing the wrong printer can be a time-consuming and costly mistake, while the right one—such as the HP M454dn—can quietly keep your business running smoothly day after day.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is designed for small offices that need fast, secure, and efficient color printing. It offers automatic duplex printing, robust network connectivity, and HP’s well-regarded security features—all while fitting neatly into compact office spaces.

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we deeply analyze each product based on real-world performance, durability, and value for money. Our goal is to help you find the best product in every category—budget, performance, reliability, and long-term usage. If you’re a small business owner, office manager, or freelancer building a home office, our recommendations are based on extensive research, component analysis, real-world usability, and industry expertise.

This blog will take you past the sales brochures and into what really matters: how this HP LaserJet Pro works in day-to-day business use.

2.   Why This Blog Matters

Most printer reviews skim the surface, listing specs without answering the real questions: How easy is it to set up on a shared office network? What’s the long-term cost of toner? Does it remain fast when multiple users are printing simultaneously?

That’s where this guide is different. We’ll look at the HP M454dn Printer not just as a machine, but as a business tool. From HP print security to energy-saving features, we’ll explain how it actually performs when deadlines are tight and print volumes are high.

And that’s why it matters—because when you’re choosing a small business printer, you’re not just buying hardware, you’re investing in your team’s productivity and peace of mind.

3.   What You Will Learn from This Blog

Here’s exactly what you’ll take away:

  • Technical specifications of the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn explained in plain
  • Why duplex printing and Ethernet laser printer connectivity matter for small
  • Comparisons with other HP LaserJet printers to highlight strengths and
  • Honest look at setup, maintenance, and ongoing HP toner cartridge
  • Smart tips for getting the most out of this compact office
  • How printer security features and energy-saving technologies protect your business and reduce

By the end, you’ll know if the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is the right fit for your office—or if you should be looking elsewhere.

4.   Technical Specifications at a Glance

Here’s a detailed look at the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn’s specifications, designed to deliver fast color printing and high-volume printing for professional settings.

FeatureSpecification
ModelHP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn (W1Y44A)
Print TechnologyLaser Printing Technology
Print SpeedUp to 28 ppm (28 ppm Printer) for color and monochrome
First Page OutAs fast as 9.3 seconds (black), 10.9 seconds (color)
Print Resolution

Up to 600 x 600 dpi, enhanced to 38,400 x 600 dpi with HP

ImageREt 3600

Duplex PrintingAutomatic Duplex Printing (standard)
Input Capacity

250-sheet main tray, 50-sheet multipurpose tray, optional 550-

sheet tray (850 sheets max)

Output Capacity150 sheets, up to 20 envelopes
ConnectivityHi-Speed USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet (Network Printer), 1 host USB
Display2-line backlit LCD graphic display
Processor1200 MHz
Memory256 MB NAND Flash, 512 MB DRAM
Paper Sizes

A4, A5, A6, B5, B6, Letter, Legal, Executive, envelopes (No. 10,

Monarch)

Toner CartridgesHP 414X (7,500 black / 6,000 color pages)
Dimensions16.2 x 25.6 x 11.6 inches (W x D x H)
Weight41.7 lbs (18.9 kg)
Energy EfficiencyENERGY STAR certified, EPEAT Silver, saves up to 11% energy (Energy-Saving Printer)
Warranty

 

One-year limited hardware warranty, 24/7 HP web support

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn delivers 28 ppm speeds in both color and mono, plus automatic two-sided printing and Ethernet connectivity. With support for up to 850 sheets and HP JetIntelligence Toner, it’s a smart fit for small businesses that want professional results without wasting space or energy.

Get the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn on Amazon: Buy Now.

5.   Key Features of the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn

5.1   Built for Business Efficiency

The Color LaserJet M454dn is built for busy offices, offering 28 ppm in both color and monochrome. It automatically handles double-sided printing, helping cut down on paper use and boosting efficiency. The first page prints in as little as 9.3 seconds for black and 10.9 seconds for color, perfect for high-volume printing needs like reports or marketing materials.

The HP M454dn’s quick output and built-in duplexing make it a top choice for offices printing 500–4,000 pages monthly.

5.2   Network Connectivity

As an Ethernet laser printer, the M454dn offers reliable Gigabit Ethernet for network printer sharing across small offices. Unlike the Wi-Fi-enabled M454dw, it lacks wireless connectivity, prioritizing stability for secure printing.

FeatureHP M454dnHP M454dw
ConnectivityUSB, Gigabit EthernetUSB, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Wireless PrintingNoYes (Wi-Fi Direct, AirPrint)
Weight41.7 lbs42.3 lbs
Display2-line LCD2.7-inch color touchscreen

The best network printer for wired setups, the M454dn ensures secure printing but may not suit offices needing Wi-Fi.

5.3  Advanced Security with HP Wolf Pro Security

The HP Wolf Pro Security suite protects against cyber threats with hardware, firmware, and OS safeguards. Features like PIN/Pull printing and HP print security via JetAdvantage Security Manager ensure sensitive documents stay safe.

In a law office, secure printing ensures client contracts remain confidential, accessible only via PIN.

5.4   Energy Efficiency and Compact Design

The HP M454dn is an energy-efficient, compact office printer designed for small spaces. It’s ENERGY STAR certified and uses HP Auto-On/Auto-Off technology to save up to 11% on energy consumption. The printer weighs 41.7 pounds and has dimensions of 16.2 x 25.6 x 11.6 inches.

It offers reliable two-sided printing, making it ideal for small offices that require a space- friendly and efficient solution.

6.   Toner and Cost Analysis

The M454dn uses HP JetIntelligence Toner cartridges (414A/414X). Here’s a cost breakdown:

CartridgeTypeYieldEstimated CostCost per Page
HP 414A BlackStandard2,400 pages$80~3.3¢
HP 414A ColorStandard1,200 pages$100~8.3¢
HP 414X BlackHigh Yield7,500 pages$150~2.0¢
HP 414X ColorHigh Yield6,000 pages$180~3.0¢

 Toner cartridge compatibility is limited to HP chip cartridges, as printer firmware updates block non-HP options, a point of contention for cost-conscious users.

Choose HP 414X cartridges for high-volume printing to reduce costs.

7.Setup and Usability

Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro is straightforward. The 2-line LCD displays toner levels and settings, while the web portal enables remote management. Users report smooth setup on Windows 11/macOS, but issues with older systems.

Photograph the serial number inside the toner compartment for warranty purposes. The ON/OFF button is small, and its LED indicator can be easy to miss.

8.   Comparison with Competitors

Here’s how the best HP color laser printer compares to the Brother HL-L8260CDW and Canon LBP664CDW:

FeatureHP M454dn

Brother HL-

L8260CDW

Canon LBP664Cdw
Print Speed28 ppm Printer33 ppm28 ppm

Duplex

Printing

AutomaticAutomaticAutomatic
ConnectivityUSB, EthernetUSB, Ethernet, Wi-FiUSB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Paper Capacity250 + 50 (850 max)250 + 50 (1,050 max)250 + 50 (850 max)

Cost per Page

(Black)

~2.0–3.3¢~1.5–2.5¢~2.5–3.5¢
Cost per Page (Color)~3.0–8.3¢~8.0–10.0¢~9.0–12.0¢
Weight41.7 lbs35.8 lbs35.8 lbs
Display2-line LCD2-line LCD5-inch touchscreen

 This model delivers competitive black-page costs and strong HP print security, but color toner is pricier. The Canon’s touchscreen is a plus, but the M454dn excels in energy-efficient design.

9.   Real-World Performance

The professional color printer produces crisp text and vibrant graphics for office printing tasks. While it’s not designed for photo printing, it excels at producing sharp text and vibrant business graphics. Its quiet operation and sleep mode suit small offices, though the auto-off feature may require tweaking.

Adjust the shutdown interval to 8 hours in settings to minimize wake-up delays.

10.    Unique Insights

  • Toner Chip Issue: The HP chip cartridge requirement limits third-party toner use, a detail often skipped in
  • Setup Tips: Save the serial number and locate the ON/OFF button early to avoid
  • Energy Savings: Its low-power design helps cut electricity costs for high-volume
  • Security: HP Wolf Pro Security is a standout for secure printing in sensitive

11.    Conclusion

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is a strong choice for small businesses that need quick, high- quality color output, built-in duplexing, and solid security. Its space-saving build and low-power operation make it well-suited to tight offices, though limited toner options and lack of Wi-Fi could be drawbacks for some. For wired offices, it’s a reliable business laser printer.

  • 28 ppm color printing with built-in
  • Ethernet laser printer for secure printing, but no Wi-Fi.
  • HP Wolf Pro Security ensures data
  • HP JetIntelligence Toner costs require planning.
  • Compact office printer with energy-saving

Upgrade your office printing with the top HP color laser printer! Get the HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn on Amazon: Buy Now.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dn is a great option for small businesses looking for a reliable color laser printer. It’s known for its fast-printing speeds, easy setup, and robust security features, making it a solid choice for any team that needs to get things done efficiently.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dn (New Version): The Perfect Fit for Your Small Business

Looking for a new printer for your team? The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dn is the perfect choice for small teams that need a reliable, fast, and secure printer. This printer is built to keep up with your busy workday, delivering professional-quality color documents in a flash.

Forget complicated setups. The 4201dn is super easy to install, so you can get back to what matters most. Plus, it’s packed with advanced security features to protect your sensitive information. Need to print from your phone? No problem. With mobile printing capabilities, you can print from almost anywhere.

Ready to boost your team’s productivity?  Get the HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201dn today and see the difference it makes.

Share your experiences or tips in the comments—let’s create a community of small business printer insights!

***Disclaimer***

This blog post contains unique insights and personal opinions. As such, it should not be interpreted as the official stance of any companies, manufacturers, or other entities we mention or with whom we are affiliated. While we strive for accuracy, information is subject to change. Always verify details independently before making decisions based on our content.

Comments reflect the opinions of their respective authors and not those of our team. We are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use of the information provided. Please seek professional advice where necessary.

Note: All product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Any company, product, or service names used in our articles are for identification and educational purposes only. The use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.

Happy reading!

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