HP LaserJet M110w Review: Compact but Conditional Verdict
Starting with a surprising twist, the HP LaserJet M110w Wireless Black & White Printer earns a conditional 7/10 from users. While marketed as HP’s “smallest laser printer in its class” with fast speeds and wireless convenience, feedback reveals a split between those who praise its compact efficiency and those who call it unusable without constant internet and an HP+ account. This tiny workhorse shines for light, occasional printing, but heavy users and privacy-conscious buyers may want to think twice.
Quick Verdict: Conditional
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact size fits small desks | Requires HP+ account and always-on internet |
| Crisp monochrome print quality | No color printing or duplex |
| Fast print speeds up to 21 ppm | Starter toner runs out quickly |
| Easy setup via HP Smart app for many | Wi-Fi connectivity issues reported |
| Energy-efficient, portable design | Paper tray leaves sheets exposed to dust |
| Works well for low-volume home/office | Limited paper capacity |
| Affordable initial cost | Toner subscription upsell pressure |
Claims vs Reality
HP advertises the M110w as “world’s smallest laser in its class” with “fast speeds up to 21 ppm” and “seamless wireless connectivity.” Users largely confirm the small footprint and speed, but setup and connectivity tell a more complicated story.
Marketing promises “seamless setup” via the HP Smart app. Reddit user adelessert countered this, stating: “This printer will not print without an HP+ account and an always-on internet connection… if you don’t agree to that, the printer will not operate.” Others on Best Buy praised easy installation, but multiple reviewers described “lengthy setup” and having to contact tech support to resolve errors.
HP’s “legendary laser quality” claim is supported by many. Best Buy buyers noted “excellent print quality for the price” and “surprisingly very good for black & white photos.” However, quality is limited to monochrome, and as one Reddit user hippie240 pointed out, “Great for shipping labels… does not print both side documents” despite HP’s general laser printer reputation for duplex.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Compactness and portability are the M110w’s defining strengths. Verified buyers from Best Buy and Reddit repeatedly highlight how it “fits perfectly into my space” and “doesn’t take up much desk room.” For small offices, apartments, or mobile setups, this is a game-changer. Reddit user zetta love said: “The printer was small and compact… connectivity with the printer was amazing, no issues at all.”
Print speed also earns applause. HP claims 21 ppm, and while not all users measured it, many felt it was “instantaneous” or “amazingly fast for its size.” This benefits students and small business owners who need quick turnarounds. Teacher eri beni 013 shared: “It boasts impressive speed… flawless print quality… handles label printing impeccably.”
Ease of use—when setup goes smoothly—is another win. Best Buy reviewers describe “straightforward to operate” and “easy to set up.” Elderly users benefited too; Reddit user kel4377 noted: “I wanted something simple to operate for an 80-year-old person… the instructions were simple to follow.”
Common Complaints
The most widespread gripe is HP’s requirement for an HP+ account and constant internet connection. Multiple Reddit threads warn that if disconnected from Wi-Fi, the printer “will stop letting you print (even over USB) until it is reconnected.” This is especially frustrating for buyers intending to use it offline.
Starter toner capacity is another sore point. Many report it running out after as few as 35 pages, far from HP’s claimed 950-page replacement yield. Best Buy user noted: “Original 141a cartridge appears to be only about 10% full… already 25% gone after 35 pages.”
Connectivity issues plague some buyers. Best Buy reviewers mention “frequent disconnection” and “temperamental connection.” HP’s own support forum hosts complaints about complex setup and the need to share Wi-Fi passwords with HP servers, raising privacy concerns.
Design quirks include the exposed paper tray. Hippie240 on Reddit complained: “Paper lays out in the open… gets dust and easy to get stuff inside machine.” This affects environments where cleanliness matters.
Divisive Features
Wireless printing via HP Smart app is polarizing. Many embrace it, citing convenience for printing from phones or cloud storage. Others resent the dependency on HP’s software ecosystem. While some find the app “super easy to follow,” others call it “HP crapware” and object to sharing network credentials.
Energy efficiency and auto on/off technology are appreciated by eco-conscious users, but not universally prioritized. For occasional printers, the benefit is clear; heavy users hardly notice.
Trust & Reliability
Trust concerns are amplified by HP’s dynamic security and subscription model. On Reddit, one user warned: “You can’t give your device away because the serial number is tied directly to your name.” Others recount printers “bricked” unless they paid for service.
Long-term durability is mixed. Some Best Buy owners report over a year of use without replacing toner, while others had failures within 16 months, such as paper feed issues. HP’s limited one-year warranty covers early defects but won’t satisfy those hit by premature breakdowns.
Alternatives
Several users compare the M110w to the discontinued HP LaserJet Pro M15w. The M110w offers slightly faster speeds (21 vs. 19 ppm) but shares the same paper capacity. Competitors like Canon and Brother are suggested by frustrated buyers who dislike HP’s subscription lock-in. For those avoiding internet-dependent devices, Brother’s basic monochrome lasers are often mentioned as reliable offline alternatives.
Price & Value
At retail, the M110w ranges from $93 to $129 new on eBay, with Best Buy listing around $119–$129. Resale value holds modestly, with open-box units selling for $84–$102. The low entry price appeals to budget-conscious buyers, but toner costs and HP+ subscription upselling can erode long-term value. Community advice leans toward factoring in the cost of genuine HP toner (~$50 each) and avoiding heavy printing to stretch starter supply.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP LaserJet M110w require an internet connection to print?
A: Yes, if using HP+ features. Multiple users report the printer will not operate—even over USB—without an HP+ account and always-on internet connection.
Q: Is the starter toner full capacity?
A: No. Buyers consistently state the included cartridge is “introductory” and runs out quickly, sometimes after just a few dozen pages.
Q: Can it print in color or duplex?
A: No. It’s a monochrome, single-sided printer. While some HP lasers include duplex, this model does not.
Q: Does it come with a USB cable?
A: No. It supports USB A/B but the cable must be purchased separately if not using Wi-Fi.
Q: How is it for mobile printing?
A: Many praise the HP Smart app for phone printing, though it requires account setup and internet.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a compact, fast monochrome printer for low-volume home or office work and don’t mind HP’s account/internet requirement. Avoid if you need offline functionality, large paper capacity, or duplex printing. Pro tip from community: keep paper tray empty when not in use to avoid dust, and budget for genuine HP toner to avoid lockouts.
