The catch
HP 3101sdw
Fax is missing, as is automatic double-sided scanning.
Side by side
HP 3101sdw vs Canon MF462dw II: Form backs get scanned automatically on Canon
Quick verdict
Automatic two-sided scanning and heavier monthly printing point to the MF462dw II. For a lighter office that scans one-sided paperwork, the 3101sdw is enough, provided its purchase price looks better.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Two extra ppm is a smaller upgrade than the scanner
The print difference of 35-to-37-ppm is small. For an office that receives double-sided originals, capturing both sides of forms without turning them changes the workflow far more.
Where this comes from
HP has 35 ppm and a simplex ADF, and Canon has 37 ppm and a single pass duplex ADF.
The catch
Canon MF462dw II
Color scanning does not come with color printing on this model.
HP 3101sdw
- Why pick it
- Most of what you scan is one-sided
- You print fewer than 2,500 pages a month
- The catch
- Fax is missing, as is automatic double-sided scanning.
Canon MF462dw II
- Why pick it
- Both sides of your forms get scanned
- You would use a 100-sheet multipurpose tray kept separate
- The catch
- Color scanning does not come with color printing on this model.
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What this page compares
Two-sided scanning, another paper tray and recommended monthly volume are the points to weigh. See when stepping up to the Canon saves effort beyond a small gain in speed.
Automatic two-sided scanning and heavier monthly printing point to the MF462dw II. For a lighter office that scans one-sided paperwork, the 3101sdw is enough, provided its purchase price looks better.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Every week, two-sided signed forms
Both faces are captured automatically by Canon.
- HP 3101sdw
- Caution
- Canon MF462dw II
- Better fit
Invoice stacks of under 50 sheets, one-sided
50-sheet feeders come on each.
- HP 3101sdw
- Good
- Canon MF462dw II
- Good
Each month, three thousand pages
This falls within Canon’s recommended volume.
- HP 3101sdw
- Caution
- Canon MF462dw II
- Better fit
Occasional scans plus light office printing
Canon’s main upgrade is not needed for the simpler workflow.
- HP 3101sdw
- Good
- Canon MF462dw II
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Two extra ppm is a smaller upgrade than the scanner
The print difference of 35-to-37-ppm is small. For an office that receives double-sided originals, capturing both sides of forms without turning them changes the workflow far more.
How we worked this out
HP has 35 ppm and a simplex ADF, and Canon has 37 ppm and a single pass duplex ADF.
At three thousand pages, you cross the recommended workload boundary
HP’s 2,500-page recommendation is exceeded by that recurring volume, which stays inside Canon’s 4,000-page upper recommendation. It concerns regular use and is not a hard stop at the published number.
How we worked this out
Monthly ceilings recommended: 2500 and 4000.
On Canon, a second paper stock can be kept apart
A 250-sheet cassette and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray come together on Canon. HP’s 250-sheet input has no equivalent separate bulk feed, which matters when letterhead and plain paper alternate.
How we worked this out
Input is 250+100 on Canon and 250 on HP.
Option A
HP, 3101sdw
3101sdw
Scan stacks of single-sided pages and print black-and-white reports daily.
- Best for
- Most of what you scan is one-sided
Facts we checked
- Automatic two-sided scanning: Not offered
- Standard paper input: Holds 250 sheets
- Monthly ceiling recommended: 2,500 pages
- Output on Letter: Up to 35 ppm
Option B
Canon, MF462dw II
MF462dw II
Everyday black-and-white printing for the office, plus two-sided forms.
- Best for
- Both sides of your forms get scanned
Facts we checked
- Automatic two-sided scanning: Duplex in a single pass
- Standard paper input: Holds 350 sheets
- Monthly ceiling recommended: 4,000 pages
- Output on Letter: Up to 37 ppm
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | HP 3101sdw | Canon MF462dw II | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic two-sided scanning | No | Single-pass duplex | For supported originals, Canon does away with the manual return pass. |
| Standard paper input | 250 sheets | 350 sheets | A separate 100-sheet multipurpose tray is an addition on Canon. |
| Recommended monthly ceiling | 2,500 pages | 4,000 pages | Rely on this for regular workloads. Do not rely on maximum duty cycle. |
| Letter output | Up to 35 ppm | Up to 37 ppm | Scanning and paper handling come ahead of the small rate difference. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With HP 3101sdw
- Cartridges with non-HP chips or circuitry are restricted by HP, so check compatibility before you buy replacement toner.
With Canon MF462dw II
- Canon’s recommended range is passed by recurring workloads above 4,000 pages a month.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Scanning both sides is a routine job
Go with Canon MF462dw II. The manual reversal is gone with Canon.
Volume is moderate, and your originals are one-sided
Go with HP 3101sdw. If the price is right, HP meets that brief.
Color charts have to be printed
Neither model fits. Monochrome is all either produces.
Decision guide
How to decide
The MF462dw II is the choice for automatic two-sided scanning and heavier monthly printing. If your office is lighter and scans one-sided paperwork, the 3101sdw will do when the purchase price is more attractive.
Start from the documents coming in
Customers who send two-sided paperwork give the Canon an edge, whatever you print each month. When every original is one-sided, either feeder can handle the stack automatically. Let your originals decide which scanner is right. Your monthly page count does not settle it.
Volume guidance and durability headlines are different
Maximum duty cycle is a separate limit from the recommended monthly range. Go by the recommendation for the normal workload you expect to repeat, particularly if it is near 3000 pages a month.
An extra tray can cut down on swapping paper
With Canon’s 100-sheet multipurpose tray, a supported alternate stock can stay ready to go. Look up the paper size and weight rules for that tray. The spec does not mean every envelope, label or thick card loads as a full stack.
Verify cartridge compatibility before you order spares
HP describes dynamic security that restricts cartridges with non-HP chips or circuitry. That differs from the rule on an HP+ e-model, which requires original HP toner for life. The exact 3101sdw is what this comparison uses, and not an e-suffix subscription variant.
What this page can’t tell you
- No matched hands-on tests stand behind the rated print speeds, which come from manufacturers.
- Toner yields assume standardized test documents and shift with content.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the laser printers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 3101sdw |
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| Canon MF462dw II |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
HP 3101sdw
Most of what you scan is one-sided
See price & reviews on AmazonCanon MF462dw II
Both sides of your forms get scanned
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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