HP M125a vs M127fn vs M1522nf vs M227fdn

If you need a printer that also scans and photocopies — CNIC copies, forms, files for a chamber or clinic — these are the four cheapest HP laser all-in-ones we stock. All are certified imported units, tested on print, scan, copy and fax before listing. Prices below are our live prices at the time of writing.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M125a: the home all-in-one

The M125a prints at 20 ppm, scans and copies on a flatbed, and connects by USB to one computer. HP rates it for up to 8,000 pages a month with 250–2,000 recommended. Without a document feeder you copy one page at a time, which is fine for a family copying CNICs and school forms, slow for an office copying files. Most units take the 83A cartridge (about 1,500 pages); some Asian-market units take 88A, so we tell you which with the printer. For a newer, brand-new alternative, see the HP Laser MFP 135a/136a range.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M127fn: the compact office counter

The M127fn is the M125 with everything an office counter needs: a 35-sheet automatic document feeder for copying and scanning stacks (up to legal size), a fax, and 10/100 Ethernet so every PC can print to it. It is the same 20 ppm engine and 83A cartridge, with manual duplex. It suits a reception desk or a small chamber where a few people copy and scan through the day.

HP LaserJet M1522nf: the cheapest feeder, fax and network

The M1522nf is the oldest design here but has the biggest document feeder (50 sheets) and a slightly faster 24 ppm engine, with fax and Ethernet — at the lowest price. It uses the widely refilled 36A cartridge. Because it is an older model, driver support on the newest computers is less smooth than on the M127fn and M227fdn; we install and test it on your PC at delivery.

HP LaserJet Pro MFP M227fdn: the one we'd buy

For a few thousand rupees more, the M227fdn is the only one of the four with automatic double-sided printing, and the fastest at 28 ppm, with a 35-sheet feeder, fax and Ethernet. Toner and drum are separate (30A / 30X toner, 32A drum), so a refill replaces only the powder. HP rates it for up to 30,000 pages a month. For any office that prints and copies daily, it is the best value here — and it is compared with the bigger M1536dnf and M426dn in our office all-in-one guide.

Which should you buy?

• Home or student, copying a few pages: M125a.
• Office, tight budget, need feeder and fax: M1522nf.
• Office, small desk footprint and newer drivers: M127fn.
• Office that prints a lot or wants double-sided: M227fdn.
• Office scanning to email or a shared folder every day: step up to the M426dn or M428fdn — see scan to email and folder setup.