The HP Color LaserJet Pro M252n, M252dw, MFP M274n, MFP M277n and MFP M277dw all take HP 201 toner: standard 201A (CF400A black, CF401A cyan, CF402A yellow, CF403A magenta) or high-yield 201X (CF400X to CF403X). Both sizes fit the same four slots, so you can choose either one for any of these printers.
Our pick for most offices is the compatible 201X 4-pack at $60.77. If you'd rather start with the standard set, the compatible 201A 4-pack is $58.44.
Prices and cost per page
| Option | Price | Pages | Cost per page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201X 4-pack (CF400X set) | $60.77 | 9,700 for the set (2,800 black + 3 × 2,300 color) | about 0.63¢ |
| 201A 4-pack (CF400A set) | $58.44 | 5,700 for the set (1,500 black + 3 × 1,400 color, our rating) | about 1.03¢ |
| 201X black (CF400X) | $25.93 | 2,800 | about 0.93¢ |
| 201X color: cyan, yellow, magenta | $25.93 each | 2,300 each | about 1.13¢ |
| 201A black (CF400A) | $25.65 | 1,500 (our rating) | about 1.71¢ |
| 201A color: cyan, yellow, magenta | $25.65 each | 1,400 each (our rating) | about 1.83¢ |
Prices as listed on October 18, 2026. Cost per page is the price divided by the page count; for a 4-pack, that's the pack price divided by the combined pages of all four cartridges. HP rates its own 201X at about 2,800 pages black and 2,300 per color, matching our 201X. HP rates its 201A at about 1,420 black and 1,330 per color (ISO/IEC 19798; 201A black, 201A cyan, 201X black, 201X cyan), so our 201A figures are our own rating.
Which set to buy
The 201X 4-pack costs $2.33 more than the 201A 4-pack and covers about 70% more pages, which is why it's our main recommendation for anyone printing every week. The 201A 4-pack is still a sound choice for a printer that sees light use. If only one color has run out, a single cartridge such as the 201X black (CF400X) or 201A black (CF400A) is the cheaper fix.
HP printers that take 201A and 201X
| Printer | Cartridges |
|---|---|
| HP Color LaserJet Pro M252n | 201A or 201X |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro M252dw | 201A or 201X |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M274n | 201A or 201X |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277n | 201A or 201X |
| HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw | 201A or 201X |
Sources: HP's Color LaserJet Pro M252 user guide (M252n, M252dw), MFP M277 user guide (M277n, M277dw) and MFP M274 user guide (M274n, French edition) each list CF400A to CF403A and CF400X to CF403X as the replacement cartridges.
Similar model numbers that use different toner
A few nearby HP Color LaserJet Pro models take other cartridges, so check your model before ordering:
- M255 and MFP M283: these take HP 206 toner, not 201. HP's US store page for the 206A lists the M255dw and MFP M283fdw.
- M254 and MFP M281: these take HP 202 toner. Our M254 and M281 toner guide covers them.
How to confirm your model
Look at the model name on the front of the printer (for example "Color LaserJet Pro M252dw" or "MFP M277dw") and match it to the table above. You can also check a cartridge that's already installed: HP 201 cartridges are labeled CF400A to CF403A for 201A, or CF400X to CF403X for 201X.
Replacing a cartridge
- Open the printer's front door.
- Pull out the cartridge drawer.
- Lift out the empty cartridge.
- Unpack the new cartridge, remove any packing material, and set it in the matching color slot.
- Push the drawer back in and close the door.
Your printer's user guide has model-specific steps if anything looks different.
FAQ
Do the M252 and M277 use the same toner?
Yes. HP's user guides list the same 201A and 201X cartridges for the M252n, M252dw, MFP M277n and MFP M277dw.
Can I mix 201A and 201X cartridges?
Yes. Each color has its own slot and both sizes fit it, so a 201X black can sit next to 201A colors.
Will 201 toner fit an M255dw or M283fdw?
No. HP lists 206 cartridges for those printers. The 201 family is for the M252, M274 and M277.
Ready to order? Get our compatible 201X 4-pack for $60.77 or our compatible 201A 4-pack for $58.44.