Best Compatible Toner for HP LaserJet Pro M404 (Australia 2026)
The HP LaserJet Pro M404 is one of the most popular mono laser printers in Australian offices. It's fast, reliable, and the toner costs more than it should.
Here's how to fix that. 🐾
Which Toner Fits the HP LaserJet Pro M404?
The HP LaserJet Pro M404 series uses two toner options:
| Cartridge | Yield | RRP (genuine) | FetchInk compatible | |---|---|---|---| | HP 58A (CF258A) | ~3,000 pages | ~$115 AUD | ~$32 | | HP 58X (CF258X) | ~10,000 pages | ~$235 AUD | ~$52 |
Both are black-only — the M404 is a monochrome laser printer.
M404 Model Variants
All of the following use the same 58A/58X toner:
- HP LaserJet Pro M404n
- HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
- HP LaserJet Pro M404dw
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdn
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw
- HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428dw
HP 58A vs 58X: Which Should You Buy?
For any regular office use, the HP 58X is the right choice. Here's why.
Cost Per Page
| | HP 58A | HP 58X | |---|---|---| | Pages | ~3,000 | ~10,000 | | Genuine RRP | ~$115 | ~$235 | | Genuine cost/page | ~3.8¢ | ~2.4¢ | | Compatible price | ~$32 | ~$52 | | Compatible cost/page | ~1.1¢ | ~0.5¢ |
The 58X costs more upfront but delivers ~36% lower cost per page with genuine toner — and the gap widens further with compatible.
For a typical office printing 1,000 pages/month:
- Genuine 58A: ~$460/year in toner
- Genuine 58X: ~$282/year
- Compatible 58X: ~$62/year
That's $400 saved per printer, per year. Most offices have more than one.
When to Choose 58A
The 58A makes sense if:
- You print under 100 pages/month (occasional use)
- You're approaching end of printer life
- You need the lowest possible upfront cost
Otherwise, 58X is the clear winner.
Compatible Toner for the HP M404: What to Look For
Not all compatible toner is equal. Here's what matters for the M404:
1. Chip compatibility HP M404 cartridges include a chip that tracks toner levels and communicates printer status. Compatible cartridges must include a working chip — otherwise you'll get persistent "replace cartridge" warnings even with a full cartridge. FetchInk's compatible 58A and 58X cartridges include updated chips that work cleanly with the M404.
2. Fuser temperature compatibility The M404 uses a standard HP fuser. Quality compatible toner is formulated to fuse correctly at the printer's rated temperature — avoiding smearing, incomplete fusing, or damage to the fuser unit.
3. Yield verification Cheap compatible toner sometimes under-delivers on stated page yield. FetchInk's cartridges are tested against ISO/IEC 19752 standards.
HP's Instant Ink Warning
HP has been pushing Instant Ink subscriptions hard. If you're not enrolled in Instant Ink, ignore prompts to subscribe — you can use standard 58A/58X cartridges (genuine or compatible) indefinitely without a subscription.
If your M404 is enrolled in Instant Ink, you'll need Instant Ink cartridges specifically. Compatible 58A/58X cartridges will not work in Instant Ink mode. Check: Settings → Printer Info → Subscription Status.
Your Warranty Is Safe
Under Australian Consumer Law, HP cannot void your printer warranty because you used compatible toner. The ACCC has explicitly addressed this — using third-party consumables is your right as a consumer.
FetchInk's compatible toner comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If a cartridge doesn't perform, we'll replace it.
Summary
- ✅ HP M404 uses HP 58A (standard) or HP 58X (high-yield) black toner
- ✅ For regular office use, the 58X is better value — lower cost per page
- ✅ Compatible 58X from FetchInk from ~$52 — vs $235+ genuine
- ✅ Chip included — no persistent toner warnings
- ✅ Cannot void your warranty under Australian Consumer Law
- ✅ Skip Instant Ink — standard cartridges work fine without a subscription