If you’re shopping for a printer, you may notice that some require ink replacements, while others require toner. It’d be easy to think these both refer to the same thing. At the most basic level, you’d be forgiven for confusing the two. Both ink and toner are substances that help a printer do its job. This article will examine the differences between toner vs ink.
Fundamentally, though, they’re different. Printers can’t use them interchangeably, and knowing the difference can help you make a better-informed decision about which type of printer to buy. So, between toner and ink, here’s which is better for certain print jobs.
What is printer ink?
Printer ink is a viscous liquid that usually comes in small cartridges that are used in inkjet printers. These have specific colors, like black, cyan, and magenta. When combined via a printhead onto a piece of paper, they can produce everything from your 1040EZ form to family photos. Some printers have larger, refillable tanks that last longer than printer cartridges and are more eco-friendly as a result.
The downside is that because it’s a liquid ink, it can dry out over time. So, if you typically go months between printing anything, there’s a good chance one or more of your inkjet cartridges will be dry when you try to print. The incredibly small ink nozzles can clog as well. The cartridges themselves don’t last as long as toner cartridges, and as a result, they’re usually more expensive on a per-printed-page basis.
What is printer toner?
Printer toner is a fine powder that, with any luck, you’ll never actually see. Instead, the laser inside a laser printer will heat it, and deposit it onto a piece of paper. Toner powder can’t dry out over time, since it’s already dry. Laser printers also typically print faster than inkjet printers.
Toner cartridges are much larger than ink cartridges, which makes them more difficult to buy and store in bulk. They typically cost more as well, though you’ll get more pages from each toner cartridge.
Most laser printers are monochrome (black and white), and only require black toner cartridges. There are color laser printers, however, and they require specific yellow, magenta, and cyan toner cartridges.
Ink vs toner: which is better?
The choice between ink and toner really comes down to your specific printing needs. Ink, and inkjet printers, have a lower upfront cost, but often cost more per-page. They can also create more frequent hiccups like running out of ink when you haven’t used the printer in months. They do deliver more accurate color, though, for applications like photo printing.
Printer toner, and laser printers, will typically have a higher up-front cost, as well as higher per-cartridge replacement costs. However, they cost less per page, and because toner doesn’t dry out like ink, they’re more likely to be ready to print even if you haven’t touched the printer in months.
Laser printing is more affordable today
While inkjet printers are more common for home use, the falling price of laser printers has made them appealing for those looking for something for their home or workspace. The faster print speed of laser printing, high print quality, and cost-effective nature is why laser printers have been a favorite in small businesses for many years and are now finding their way into many homes, too.
You can find inkjet and laser models from printer manufacturers like Epson and Canon. In addition to regular printers, there are also all-in-one models that add scanning and fax functionality.
Which do I need, ink or toner?
Your printer can only use one of either cartridge type: ink or toner. You may find the word “inkjet” or “laser” on the printer’s side or front. If you see those words, you need ink or toner, respectively. You may also see the name “LaserJet,” which is a brand name of laser printer.
If you can easily open the top of the printer, and you see several small (smaller than your hand) cartridges, these are ink. If you’ve opened a few panels and found something the size of a baguette, that’s a toner cartridge.
If you can find the owner’s manual, they’ll likely say what types of compatible cartridges your printer accepts.
