I used a 40-page PDF version of this story to test print speeds as well as observe text and image reproduction quality. I connected each printer to the same dedicated 2.4-Ghz Wi-Fi network, loaded each with the same copy paper and glossy photo paper (where applicable), then printed the same two test documents in both black and color. Narrowing down the pool to just the top ten printers, I called in and tested each printer side-by-side along a table in our office. I then cross-referenced the most highly ranked models with consumer reviews on retail sites. I created a test pool of the top-rated inkjet and laser printers based on my experience and research into expert reviewers from Consumer Reports, RTings, and Wirecutter. Opting for laser means you’ll save on ink costs, but these printer types often suffer in printing color photos and images.Ĭreating Connection In The Metaverse How We Test However a generic high-yield toner like this one from E-Z Ink can print 6,000 pages (3,000 per cartridge) for just $14 per cartridge with its two-pack. Toner Cartridge Cost: Toner is generally cheaper, at $77 for a genuine high-yield cartridge capable of printing 3,000 black-and-white pages.
With that said, many laser models cannot print in color-and color-capable laser printers are significantly pricier. If you often print out multiple pages of text-heavy documents or run an office with high print volumes, laser offers the best value. Laser printers excel at printing sharp text and are much faster, more detailed, and more precise than most inkjets. Unlike ink, toner can sit unused for longer periods of time. These devices use static electricity to attract and imprint toner onto the paper through heat. Laser printers use a toner cartridge that contains powder instead of ink. They cost more than inkjet models and take up more space but offer a much lower cost per page. Laser printers are commonly found in offices due to the fact that they can quickly print high volumes and offer large capacity trays. The brightest colors and clearest images are going to come at a premium depending on how frequently you have to replace your cartridges. While generic third-party cartridges can save you a few bucks, they often set off warning messages and tend to clog more frequently. You can expect to pay an average of $35.25 per cartridge based on the lowest ($19 and $25) and highest ($33 and $64) priced genuine black and color ink cartridges at the time of this publication. Inkjet Cartridge Cost: While most inkjet printers themselves are affordable, their cost of ownership has become more expensive over time due to rising ink costs. Inkjet printers may be more attractive for their compact bodies and lower initial investment, but a laser printer can save you money over time compared to the cost of replacing ink, especially so if you plan to use the printer less frequently for higher quantities of black-and-white documents like text-heavy reports. Buying extra large ink cartridges in bulk bundles can also help your bottom line.
Pro Tip To Reduce Ink Usage: You can save your ink by leaving the printer on between uses to prevent surges that drain faster. Laser printer toner won’t dry up between uses, but it also won’t match the saturation and lifelike images of ink either. Consumer Reports found that intermittent use-a few pages a few times per week-used more ink for routine maintenance than printing in larger batches.
Unfortunately ink is used passively for printer maintenance, which means you can find yourself purchasing refills more frequently. Ink is more expensive than toner cartridges (used by laser printers) but creates undeniably higher-quality images that can smoothly blend gradients. This liquid ink mixes to create photos and documents with richer colors, though it’s more likely to smudge when printing fine text. Inkjet printers use small nozzles to emit liquid black or color ink or dye from cartridges directly to the paper. But if you churn out text-heavy documents like reports daily, then spending a few more bucks up front on a laser printer will get you much faster print speeds with sharper, fuller text at a lower cost per page. If you don’t print that often or that much, say the occasional school report or photo, save yourself some money and buy a quality inkjet. Inkjet printers are more popular than laser printers for home use because they’re smaller, more affordable, and create richer graphics and color photos.