Article last updated March 8, 2023
To choose a new printer, you have to do more than just compare the models, brands, prices, and features. It's also important to compare printer ink and toner and decide which one is better.
Which of the two is therefore the best fit for you and your printing requirements? Let's examine the differences between the two types of printer cartridges, as well as their unique benefits and drawbacks, and recommend applications. Hopefully, by the conclusion of this blog post, you'll have the knowledge you need to make the best choice.
What is the difference between an ink cartridge and a toner?
Some people mistake ink and toner for the same thing, although the two printer cartridges are distinct. The fact that they are both used for printing is the only thing they have in common. But ink and toner are very different from one another in terms of compatibility, functionality, and physical characteristics.
Ink cartridge
Ink is a liquid that is used by inkjet printers and is made up of food dye and water. An inkjet printer draws ink from the cartridge and sprays it as tiny droplets onto the paper via fine nozzles during printing. Most inkjet printers can print in black or color, and they usually have separate black, cyan, magenta, and yellow cartridges for each color.
Toner cartridge
Toner is a fine powder made primarily of polyester that is used in laser printers. When the powder is adhered to paper, it becomes static charged. Whenever a laser printer prints, an electrostatic template of the printout is made on a metal drum inside the machine. Toner powder is then released and adheres to the drum's electrostatic template. Finally, as the paper passes through the drum, the image is imposed on it.
The majority of laser printers for home use can only print in black and white. However, some more expensive models can print in color. Overall, the biggest difference between printer toner and ink is the type of printing material used. Inkjet printers use printer ink cartridges to store liquid ink. Toner cartridges, on the other hand, are used by laser printers and hold toner or powder.
Is an ink cartridge more affordable than toner?
The majority of laser printers designed for home use can only print in black and white. However, some more expensive models can print in color. Overall, the biggest difference between printer toner and ink is the type of printing material used. Inkjet printers use printer ink cartridges to store liquid ink. Toner cartridges, on the other hand, are used by laser printers and hold toner or powder.
Which type of printer ink lasts the longest?
Because of this, toner may be a better choice in the long run, especially if you print often or in large quantities, even though it costs more up front.
Inkjet printers and ink cartridges are generally less expensive than laser printers and toners, but they do not last as long. Because of this, toner may be a better choice in the long run, especially if you print often or in large quantities, even though it costs more up front. Laser printers are ideal for printing text on documents because they print two to three times faster than most inkjet printers.
Inkjet cartridge or laser toner cartridge-which is better for me?
So, which one should you go with, inkjet or laser, and why? In reality, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because it depends on your needs at home or work. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences between the two so you can decide which is best for your printing needs.
Laser printers are excellent for:
Documents with black text
Larger offices with more space
Faster document printing is a priority (print speeds of up to 100 pages per minute are possible).
Printing on a narrower range of paper sizes
Inkjet printers are excellent for:
High-resolution images or documents/photos with vibrant colors and deep tones
Houses and businesses with limited space
Print speed is not a concern (maximum print speed of 16 pages per minute).
Printing on a wider range of paper sizes (including fabrics and glossy paper)
So those are the distinctions between the two types of printers. If you want a more in-depth discussion of the subject, read our blog post titled: Laser or Inkjet? Which one is right for me?
Branded ink vs Remanufactured ink and toner
After deciding between toner and ink, you have to choose between original, remanufactured, and compatible cartridges. Here's a quick rundown of each option.
OEM/Branded Ink Cartridges
OEM cartridges are brand-new ink cartridges for printers. Specific printer brands manufacture and sell them for use in their products. HP ink cartridges, for example, are designed to be used only with HP printers.
OEM ink cartridges are usually the most expensive of the three, but they do have some advantages, such as a manufacturer's warranty. They will also work perfectly with your printer, providing you with ink supplies from the same company that made your printer.
Compatible ink cartridges
Compatible ink cartridges are made from brand-new parts to make them look like their OEM counterparts. Compatible ink cartridges should function with all printers that use them and, like remanufactured ink cartridges, are typically less expensive than OEMs.
Remanufactured ink cartridges
These are used or recycled OEM ink cartridges that have been cleaned and fixed before being refilled with ink or toner. Remanufactured ink cartridges, like OEMs, are compatible with all printers.
Ink cartridges and toners from InkJets
Depending on the cartridge, Inkjets has options for both remanufactured and compatible ink and toner cartridges. Our ink cartridges print just as well and work just as well as OEM cartridges, but they cost up to 80% less. They are also made from the best materials and manufactured with the highest standards of craftsmanship. If you are not satisfied with any of your orders, we will give you your money back in full, no questions asked!
