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Zebra ZD420 — Label thermal · 2018
Zebra

Zebra ZD420

Label thermal · 2018

84
/ 100
From $399
VS
HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw — Color laser AIO
HP

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Color laser AIO

84
/ 100
From $649
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Zebra ZD420 lands at 84 and HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Zebra ZD420 if…

  • ✓Wireless printing (most)
  • ✓Current-gen firmware
  • ✓Mature driver support

Pick HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw if…

  • ✓Wireless printing
  • ✓AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • ✓Good first-page-out time (laser models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Quality

Tie

Compared on the quality sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Reliability

Tie

Compared on the reliability sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Cost

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Compared on the cost sub-score

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw leads on cost (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Zebra ZD420

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Zebra ZD420 more score per dollar ($399 vs $649).

Zebra ZD420 84
vs
84 HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Score breakdown

Zebra ZD420
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 80
reliability 82
HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw
84
speed 80
quality 84
cost 82
reliability 82

Specs side-by-side

Zebra ZD420 versus HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw — full spec comparison
Spec Zebra ZD420 HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw
Type
Label thermal
Color laser AIO
Release year
2018
—

Zebra ZD420

Pros
  • +Wireless printing (most)
  • +Current-gen firmware
  • +Mature driver support
Cons
  • −Ink/toner subscriptions (HP)
  • −Noisy under heavy loads
  • −Paper path varies

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Pros
  • +Wireless printing
  • +AirPrint/Mopria compatible
  • +Good first-page-out time (laser models)
Cons
  • −Ink subscription lock-in (HP)
  • −Drum/toner replacement cost
  • −Slow photo print on some inkjets

FAQ: Zebra ZD420 vs HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw

Which is better, Zebra ZD420 or HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Zebra ZD420 worth the price? +

At $399, Zebra ZD420 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Is HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw worth the price? +

At $649, HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in quality.

Does Zebra ZD420 or HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for cost, Zebra ZD420 or HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw? +

HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw — leads on cost (82 vs 80). Compared on the cost sub-score.

Which is the better value, Zebra ZD420 or HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw? +

Zebra ZD420 — more score per dollar ($399 vs $649). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.