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For regular, text-heavy printing, a monochrome laser printer often costs less to run per page than a cartridge inkjet—but it may cost more upfront. For photos and photo paper, an inkjet is usually the better fit. If low refill costs are the priority, compare refillable ink-tank models too. The cheapest choice depends on the exact printer, local supply prices, and what you print.
How to compare the cost over time
Compare the full cost for the same ownership period, not just the printer price or a single cartridge. A practical estimate is:
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Total cost = purchase price + expected replacement ink or toner + other relevant consumables + likely service or parts costs + electricity, if material.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For an initial supply-cost estimate, divide the local price of a replacement consumable by its manufacturer-published page yield. Epson describes this approach as consumable average selling price divided by published yield in its EcoTank calculator methodology. Treat the result as a comparison estimate, not a guaranteed personal cost per page.
#1 Best Overall
- BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES – Engineered for extraordinary productivity, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Monochrome (Black & White) 3-in-1 combines laser printer, scanner, copier in one compact footprint and delivers high-quality black & white prints
- FAST PRINTER WITH EFFICIENT SCANNING – Produces documents quickly with print speeds up to 36 ppm(2) and scan speeds up to 23.6/7.9 ipm(3) (black/color). A 50-page auto document feeder(4) allows for convenient, time saving multi-page scanning and copying
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTION OPTIONS – Easily navigate the changing demands of your business with secure multi-device connectivity via built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz / 5GHz) and Ethernet. Or connect locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Print, scan, and manage your wireless printer anytime, from almost anywhere from your mobile device. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(5)
- CHOOSE BROTHER GENUINE TONER – When it’s time to replace your toner, be sure to choose Brother Genuine TN830 or TN830XL replacement toner. And with Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service, you’ll never worry about running out of toner again and you’ll enjoy savings of up to 50%(6) on Brother Genuine Toner. Get started with Refresh today with a Free Trial(1)
- Use prices and replacement supplies for the exact models available in your region.
- Account for bundled ink or toner and how many pages it is expected to print; do not count the bundled supply as a replacement purchase at the start.
- Estimate black and color use separately when supplies are separate, and use your own expected mix of documents, graphics, and photos.
- Include relevant items beyond ink or toner, such as a drum or maintenance supply if the model requires replacement, plus service, parts, or electricity where applicable.
Yield figures are not directly interchangeable unless their test methods are comparable. Epson says its cited methodology uses manufacturer-published yields and, for its specified comparison, ISO-based yields. Canon describes its estimates as based on the ISO/IEC 24712 test chart and continuous-printing simulation. Both warn that actual results vary. See Canon’s comparison and Epson’s calculator notes.
Which printer type is likely to suit your workload?
Monochrome laser for frequent document printing
If most of your pages are text and you print regularly, a monochrome laser is a strong candidate. Toner cartridges can cost more to buy than ink cartridges, but the per-page cost can be lower at higher volumes. HP recommends considering laser for regular text-heavy use and points to 200 or more pages per month as a broad guide; that is directional advice, not a guaranteed break-even point for every model. Canon similarly says high-volume users can get better per-page value from laser. Read HP’s use-case guide and Canon’s inkjet-versus-laser comparison.
Rank #2
- BEST FOR HOMES & HOME OFFICES – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2405W Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer delivers sharp, crisp prints at an affordable price. Prints one-sided documents at speeds up to 30ppm(2)
- COMPACT, CONNECTED PRINTER – Flexible connection options make this an ideal printer for home use and at-home offices. Securely connect to multiple devices with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz) or locally to a single computer via USB interface
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Enjoy seamless, reliable everyday printing with the 250-sheet paper tray(4) and a manual feed slot that enables printing on envelopes and specialty pape
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
Inkjet for photos and mixed media
An inkjet is generally better suited to photo printing and photo paper. If you print mostly text in modest quantities, compare its replacement cartridge cost and yield with a laser model rather than assuming its lower or higher sticker price settles the question. Mixed workloads can also shift the calculation: color graphics and photos use supplies differently from black text.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesInk tank when refill cost matters
Refillable ink-tank printers are a third option, and should not be lumped together with cartridge inkjets when comparing running costs. HP says its described ink-tank system becomes more economical than an equivalent cartridge-based printer after approximately 1,500 pages. That is HP’s own model-dependent comparison, not a universal threshold; use the prices, yields, and bundled supplies for the specific printers you are considering. HP’s guide is at HP.
Rank #3
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS: Print up to 19 pages per minute.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Space-saving, compact design fits anywhere in your home, school or small office.
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Print from almost anywhere in your workspace using your compatible mobile device.
- PAPER CAPACITY: Up to 150 sheets.
- SUSTAINABILITY: Uses less than 2 watts in Energy Saver mode.
What can change the estimated cost per page?
A published yield is a standardized estimate, not a promise of how many pages you will get. Canon says actual yield and print cost can vary significantly with content and other factors. Epson notes that yield can vary with the image, paper, print frequency, and environment. A page of dense graphics or a photo is not equivalent to a lightly printed text page, so apply the rated yield to your own workload cautiously.
Also check whether the printer’s design calls for replacement items beyond the headline cartridge or toner. Epson’s total-cost methodology includes hardware and modeled supply costs, while noting that service, power, other consumables, and parts can affect ownership cost. Its methodology describes a historical comparison set built from IDC EMEA data for Q2 2019 and consumable data from H1 2019, with later H2 2019 inputs for a related average-price calculation; those inputs are not current market prices. Epson’s separate calculator footnote refers to genuine consumables in 40 best-selling European consumer A4 color inkjets using 2023 shipments published in Q1 2024 and ISO/IEC 24712 test patterns. Neither scoped comparison establishes a universal current cost advantage for one printer technology.
Rank #4
- BEST FOR HOME OFFICES & SMALL TEAMS – Engineered for consistent, premium print quality, the Brother HL-L2460DW Monochrome (Black & White) Laser Printer produces documents that are clear, crisp, and easy to review and share, all at an affordable price
- COMPACT, CONNECTED, EXCEPTIONALLY EFFICIENT– Connect with built-in dual-band wireless (2.4GHz/5GHz), Ethernet, or to a single computer via USB interface. Prints at speeds up to 36ppm(2), plus automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste
- BROTHER MOBILE CONNECT APP – Manage your wireless printer remotely and print from your mobile device anytime, from almost anywhere. Order Brother Genuine Supplies, track toner usage, and complete more work on-the-go(3)
- VERSATILE PAPER HANDLING – Tackle high-volume black & white printing with the 250-sheet capacity paper tray.(4) The manual feed slot enables printing on envelopes and specialty paper
- BROTHER IS AT YOUR SIDE – Backed by Brother with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of your printer
A simple way to choose between specific models
- Set the comparison period and workload. Estimate how long you will keep the printer, pages per month, and the proportions of black text, color graphics, and photos.
- Price the printers and their replacement supplies locally. For each model, identify the exact cartridge, bottle, toner, drum, or maintenance items it uses. Do not rely on an old or generic supply price.
- Estimate supply cost from yield. Divide each supply’s price by its published yield, checking the manufacturer’s test basis and whether it applies to black, color, or a set of supplies.
- Include starter supplies and other costs. Account for the yield of supplies included with the printer, expected replacements over your period, and any relevant service, parts, or electricity.
- Compare the totals against your priorities. Choose the lowest estimated total only if it also meets your needs for photo quality, specialty media, speed, paper capacity, and scanning or copying.
HP and Canon are useful for broad use-case distinctions, but their recommendations and comparisons come from manufacturers with commercial interests. RTINGS also publishes a general inkjet-versus-laser comparison; no model-specific current local price or yield is established by these general guides. For a decision, the decisive inputs are the exact candidates and your own print profile.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED PRINTER BRAND – Perfect for small teams printing professional-quality black & white documents and reports. Perfect for 1-3 people
- WORLD'S SMALLEST LASER IN ITS CLASS – Precision laser printing that fits anywhere
- FAST PRINT SPEEDS – Up to 21 black-and-white pages per minute single-sided
- WIRELESS WITH SELF-RESET – Helps you stay connected
- PRINT FROM ANY DEVICE – Wireless printing from any mobile device, PC or tablet. Works with Microsoft, Mac, AirPrint, Android, Chromebook and more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
