When choosing a printer, many users are attracted by the low entry price of inkjet models, yet they are also troubled by the widespread belief that laser printers are more cost-effective. This dilemma is especially common among users with moderate printing needs. Behind what seems like an ordinary piece of office device lies a hidden consideration: full-cycle cost.
This blog will conduct an in-depth analysis from two key dimensions: purchase cost and the full lifecycle cost, to help you make a sensible choice based on your specific needs.
Ink vs Laser Printer Purchasing Cost
Purchase Cost Of The Device
Inkjet Printers: The initial price of this type of printer is usually more affordable. The entry-level printers of brands like HP, Brother, and Canon are generally priced between £35 and £75. For example, the HP DeskJet 2820e printer, which comes with wireless functionality, costs around £40 (2025.07). Mid-to-high range inkjet models usually range from £75 to £150. These inkjet printers are often designed to be compact and easy to operate. They are quite attractive for users with low usage frequency or limited budgets.
Laser Printers: In contrast, laser printers have a noticeably higher starting price. The entry-level single-color (black and white) laser printers typically range from £150 to £250, already far exceeding the price of inkjet printers. Color printers are usually priced between £250 and £450. Some high-end commercial models even exceed £500. Their higher cost reflects complex mechanisms and superior durability, making them suitable for long-term and high-frequency users.
Cost Of Consumables
The main difference in post-production costs lies in the consumables. Among them, the "cost per single page" is the factor that users are likely to overlook the most, but which actually has the greatest impact.
Inkjet Printers: Inkjet printers rely on liquid ink cartridges. A standard set (black and color) typically costs between £30 and £90. Seemingly affordable, each cartridge usually has a small page yield, often only 100 - 300 pages. Based on this, the cost per color page easily exceeds £0.2, and some even reach £0.4 per page. For users who frequently print color documents or photos, the costs will accumulate quickly.
Laser Printers: Laser printers use toner cartridges. A toner cartridge set may appear expensive upfront, ranging from £60 to £160 each. However, the page yield is much higher than that of ink cartridges. The black toner cartridges usually print 1,000 to 3,000 pages, while those for color models can deliver around 1,000 to 2,500 pages. The high-capacity toner can print even more. More importantly, toner doesn’t dry out, making it a more user-friendly option for infrequent users. In the long run, the cost per page - typically between £0.006 and £0.01 per page- is much lower than that of ink printers (each page £0.1 - £0.4).
✅ True Image Solution: Unbeatable Value For Laser Printing
True Image also offers high-quality compatible toner cartridges, covering mainstream brands such as HP, Brother, Canon, and so on. We provide cartridges with the same page yield as the original ones, but the price is only a fraction of the original.
Another common consumable is printing paper. In fact, laser printers are more inclusive of paper. Ordinary copy paper (about £4 to £7 per pack for 500) can meet the demand, and the scrap rate is lower. Inkjet printers have higher requirements for the ink absorbency and flatness of paper, so special inkjet paper (about £6 to £11 per package of 500 pages) is needed.
The Impact Of Usage Frequency On Cost
How often you print plays a crucial role in affecting which printer has greater long-term value. Inkjet and laser printers exhibit significant differences in high-and-low usage scenarios.
Inkjet Printers: Suitable for low-frequency users, such as those printing fewer than 100 pages per month. Due to the low initial cost of the device, it is more appealing for light users. If not used for a long time, the ink may dry out and clog the nozzle, which is a well-known frustration for inkjet owners. And long-term use is prone to accumulating high expenditures on consumables.
Laser Printers: Ideal for high-frequency users, such as those with a monthly print volume exceeding 300 pages. Laser printers own excellent printing stability. Since toner doesn’t dry out, they can still be used after being placed for months. The durable toner means long-term savings. With continuous use, the cost per page drops rapidly.
Ink vs Laser Printer Maintenance Cost
Average Lifespan Of The Printer
In general, the lifespan of a printer depends on its design, usage frequency, and regular maintenance. Inkjet printers, due to their more delicate components like printheads, are more prone to wear and tear. Their lifespan typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Laser printers have less internal wear and tear and typically operate for 5 to 10 years.
The following are the reference lifespans for major brands of laser and inkjet printers:
|
Brand |
Inkjet Printer Lifespan |
Laser Printer Lifespan |
|
HP |
3-5 years |
5-7 years |
|
Brother |
4-6 years |
6-8 years |
|
Canon |
3-6 years |
5-8 years |
|
Epson |
3-5 years |
5-7 years |
|
Samsung |
4-6 years |
6-9 years |
However, proper maintenance can effectively extend the lifespan, often far beyond the average.
Lifespan And Replacement Frequency Of Consumables
Inkjet Printer Consumables: As mentioned earlier, regardless of pages or shelf life, the lifespan of ink cartridges is short. So they need to be replaced more frequently. For ordinary users, this could mean swapping cartridges every month or every two months. This not only increases the consumables and time cost, but also leads to more waste.
Laser Printer Consumables: Thanks to the higher page capacity and superior stability, the replacement frequency of toner is significantly lower. High-volume users typically need to replace toner every 3 to 6 months. While low-frequency users may need to do it once a year or even less often.
Ink vs Laser Printer Recycling Difficulty
As sustainability becomes a growing concern, many users also consider the issue of waste disposal and recycling when choosing a printer.
Inkjet printers pose more environmental challenges. The recycling of plastic components and ink cartridges is quite harder. Many ink cartridges are ultimately discarded and directly buried, causing a serious burden on the environment. Although some brands have recycling plans, execution and participation vary greatly. If the printhead or circuit board is damaged, the entire device may be directly scrapped.
In comparison, the recycling system for used toner cartridges is more mature. And the toner powder is handled through standardized procedures. Many major brands (such as HP and Brother) offer free recycling channels. Additionally, laser printers themselves have more recyclable metal components, and some brands provide printer take-back programs.
How To Choose Your Printer
When To Prioritize An Inkjet Printer
- Short-Term Or Temporary Use: If you purchase a printer just to meet your immediate or short-term needs, an inkjet printer is a suitable choice.
- Low Printing Frequency: For households printing about 100 pages or fewer per month, the lower initial cost of an inkjet printer may outweigh long-term consumable costs.
- Space Limitation: Inkjet printers are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for compact offices, homes, and other such settings.
- Printing Quality: Inkjet printers excel at high-quality color output and are suitable for users who have high requirements for print details.
When To Prioritize A Laser Printer
- Long-Term Use: If you plan to use the printer for 5 years or more, then laser printers, with longer lifespan and lower consumable costs, are a more cost-effective choice.
- High Volume Or Frequent Printing: For users printing 300 pages or more per month, such as in small offices, start-up companies, etc., laser printers offer lower per-page costs and better durability.
- High Demand For Monochrome: Monochrome laser printers are more cost-effective, and they provide clear text output. These printers are suitable for those primarily printing documents.
- Low Maintenance Preference: The toner doesn’t dry out, so for users who print occasionally but want minimal upkeep, laser printers are the ideal option.
1. Recommendations For Popular Printers
|
|
Printer Model |
Ink/Toner Cartridges |
|
Inkjet Printer |
HP Deskjet 2810e |
HP 67 |
|
HP Envy 6120e |
HP 308 |
|
|
HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e |
HP 923 |
|
|
Brother DCPJ1200W |
||
|
Brother MFC-J4340DW |
LC-426 |
|
|
Canon PIXMA TR4755i |
PG-575/CL-576 |
|
|
Canon PIXMA TS3350 |
PG-545/CL-546 |
|
|
Canon PIXMA MG2551S |
PG-545/CL-546 |
|
|
Epson EcoTank ET-2861 |
Epson 104 |
|
|
Epson WF-2930DWF |
Epson 232 |
|
|
Laser Printer |
HP LaserJet M110w |
|
|
HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3302fdw |
||
|
HP LaserJet M234dw |
||
|
Brother HLL2400DWE |
||
|
Brother MFCL8690CDW |
||
|
Canon i-SENSYS MF655Cdw |
||
|
Canon Color imageCLASS MF753Cdw |
||
|
Xerox C235dni |
006R04383-006R04386 |
|
|
Xerox B235dni |
006R04400 |
|
|
Kyocera Ecosys P6235cdn |
Conclusion
How to make a choice between inkjet printers and laser printers? The key lies in balancing the upfront costs with full life cycle value. Therefore, before making a purchase, take the time to assess monthly printing volume and consider the long-term costs of both the device and the consumables.
Remember: Don't be misled by a low sticker price. The true value comes from how well a product performs throughout its entire life cycle. We hope this blog can provide you with practical insights, and help you find the optimal printer.
