HP 148A (part number W1480A) is the standard black toner for the HP LaserJet Pro 4001 and LaserJet Pro MFP 4101 series and prints about 2,900 pages. The high-yield HP 148X (W1480X) fits the same printers and prints about 9,500 pages, so it costs roughly a third less per page.
Which printers use HP 148A and 148X toner?
HP's US datasheets list both cartridges for these models:
- HP LaserJet Pro 4001 series: 4001n, 4001dn, 4001dw, plus the HP+ versions 4001ne and 4001dne
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101 series: MFP 4101dw, MFP 4101fdn, MFP 4101fdw
Two things trip buyers up. First, the 4002, 4003 and 4004 (and MFP 4102 to 4104) look identical but are regional versions that take other cartridge numbers, for example HP 151A/151X in the 4003. Second, the 4001 and 4101 replaced the LaserJet Pro M404 and MFP M428, which use HP 58A/58X toner; the two families are not interchangeable. When in doubt, read the number on the cartridge in your printer or use our cartridge finder.
HP 148A vs 148X at a glance
| Cartridge | Part number | Page yield* | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP 148A Black Toner Cartridge | W1480A | ~2,900 pages | Light use, lower upfront cost |
| HP 148X High Yield Black Toner Cartridge | W1480X | ~9,500 pages | Shared office printers, lowest cost per page |
| HP 148A Toner Cartridge 2-Pack | 2 × W1480A | ~5,800 pages total | Keeping a spare standard cartridge |
| HP 148X Toner Cartridge 2-Pack | 2 × W1480X | ~19,000 pages total | Busy offices stocking up |
*HP declared yields per ISO/IEC 19752 at about 5% coverage, continuous printing. Heavy graphics and dense spreadsheets use more toner per page.
Both cartridges are all-in-one: the green imaging drum is built into the cartridge, so there is no separate drum unit to buy or reset. A new 4001 or 4101 ships with a preinstalled HP cartridge, and your first replacement is the first time you choose between A and X.
Cost per page: how much the 148X saves
At current GS TONER prices the 148X costs about 2.1× as much as the 148A but prints about 3.3× the pages, so every page costs roughly 36% less. The X also means about three times fewer cartridge changes. The 2-packs contain the same genuine cartridges and save about 2% (148A) and 3% (148X) over buying singles, so they are about convenience and spare stock rather than a big discount.
HP rates these printers for a recommended 750 to 4,000 pages a month. Here is how long each cartridge lasts across that range:
| Pages per month | HP 148A lasts | HP 148X lasts |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | about 6 months | about 19 months |
| 1,000 | about 3 months | about 9.5 months |
| 2,000 | about 6 weeks | almost 5 months |
| 4,000 | about 3 weeks | about 10 weeks |
Decision rule: if the printer does more than about 500 pages a month, buy the 148X. Below that, the 148A is reasonable, especially for a home office where an X cartridge could sit in the printer for well over a year.
HP+ printers, chips and Dynamic Security
HP's datasheets for the 4001 and 4101 state that the printers are intended to work only with cartridges that have a new or reused HP chip, and that dynamic security measures block cartridges using a non-HP chip. Periodic firmware updates can block cartridges that previously worked. Remanufactured cartridges built around a reused HP chip are not blocked, but a clone-chip compatible may stop working after an update. Read more in HP Dynamic Security explained.
The HP+ models (names ending in "e", such as the 4001dne) go further: HP states that they require an HP account, an internet connection and exclusive use of Original HP toner for the life of the printer. If you own one, a genuine 148A or 148X is the only option that will work.
HP also lists a W1020XC contract cartridge (about 10,000 pages) for these printers. It is supplied through HP contract programs; for retail buyers, the 148A and 148X are the cartridges to look for.
How to recognize a genuine HP 148A
- The box and cartridge show part number W1480A or W1480X.
- The box carries HP's security label: tilt it and the icons shift and the word "ORIGINAL" appears and disappears. Its QR code can be checked on HP's anti-counterfeit page.
- After installation, the supplies status page reports a genuine HP cartridge with its level.
How to replace an HP 148A or 148X cartridge
- Press the front door release button and open the front door.
- Pull the used cartridge out of the printer.
- Take the new cartridge package out of the box and pull the release tab on the packaging.
- Lift the cartridge out of the shell and place the used cartridge in the shell for recycling.
- Hold the new cartridge at both ends and rock it end to end to distribute the toner. Do not touch the green imaging drum.
- Align it with the tracks inside the printer, push it in until it is firmly seated and close the front door.
For photos and general HP tips, see how to change toner in an HP LaserJet.
Low and very low toner messages
"Cartridge is low" is an early warning; HP says the cartridge does not need replacing yet. At "very low," the printer follows its Very Low setting: Stop, Prompt (stop, then let you continue) or Continue. On the 4001 series this lives under Setup > Supply Settings > Black Cartridge > Very Low Setting; the MFP 4101 offers the same option in its supply settings menu. If print turns faint, remove the cartridge and rock it gently to get a few more pages while the replacement arrives.
Recycling the empty cartridge
Original HP cartridges can be returned free through HP Planet Partners; recycling instructions come in the cartridge box. Our guide on how to recycle HP toner cartridges covers mail-back and drop-off options.
The bottom line
For an office LaserJet Pro 4001 or MFP 4101, the HP 148X is the default choice: lower cost per page and far fewer changes. Choose the HP 148A only for light, occasional printing. Everything we sell is genuine HP, brand new and factory sealed, with free US shipping and 30-day returns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HP 148A and 148X?
Only capacity. Both fit the same LaserJet Pro 4001 and MFP 4101 printers and print with the same quality. The 148A yields about 2,900 pages and the 148X about 9,500 pages.
Is W1480A the same as HP 148A?
Yes. W1480A is HP's part number for the 148A black cartridge. W1480X is the part number for the high-yield 148X.
What toner does the HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn use?
The US HP LaserJet Pro 4001dn uses HP 148A (W1480A) or the high-yield HP 148X (W1480X). The same cartridges fit the 4001n, 4001dw and the MFP 4101 series.
Does the HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101 have a separate drum?
No. The imaging drum is part of the HP 148A and 148X cartridge, so each new cartridge comes with a new drum.
Will a compatible 148A cartridge work in my printer?
It may not. HP says these printers block cartridges with a non-HP chip and that firmware updates can block cartridges that worked before. HP+ models require Original HP toner for the life of the printer.
