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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose an inkjet for photos and mixed-color printing; choose a monochrome laser when you mostly print text in frequent batches and value speed. Neither technology is automatically cheaper to own: compare the printer price and the exact model’s compatible supplies, rated yields, and your expected print volume. Refillable ink-tank printers are inkjets, but their bottle-based supplies can make them a distinct option for high-volume color printing.
Inkjet or laser: which fits your work?
| Your printing needs | Usually worth comparing first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Home photos, color graphics, or occasional mixed-color pages | Inkjet | Liquid ink is suited to versatile color output. HP says inkjets produce better color gradation and detail on photo paper than laser printers: HP’s printer guide. |
| Mostly black text, frequent batches, and speed | Monochrome laser | Laser printers use toner fused with heat, and HP and Canon describe them as a strong fit for fast, higher-volume text printing: HP and Canon U.S.A.. |
| Regular color office output and many pages | Compare color laser and business inkjet options, including tank models | A basic cartridge inkjet is not the only inkjet category. HP identifies refillable ink tanks as an option for high yield and low running cost. |
| Infrequent printing, mostly text | Include laser models in the comparison | Laser uses dry toner rather than liquid ink. There is no universal, evidence-based number of idle days after which every inkjet needs maintenance, so do not rely on a blanket rule. |
What is the difference between inkjet and laser printing?
Inkjet printers
An inkjet places liquid ink on paper. It is the more versatile starting point for photos, color graphics, and documents that mix text and color. For photo work, check the model’s supported paper sizes and media as well as its output quality; the technology label alone does not tell you which paper it can handle.
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Cartridge and refillable tank inkjets should not be treated as equivalent when estimating supply costs. A tank model uses refill bottles, and HP describes tank printers as an option for high yield and low running cost. Compare the specific printer’s purchase price, compatible ink, and rated yield with your own expected volume.
Laser printers
A laser printer uses toner, not liquid ink, and heat fuses the toner onto paper. A monochrome laser is often a practical choice for frequent text printing and larger batches. If you need regular color office output, compare color laser models with higher-yield business inkjets instead of assuming a basic home inkjet is the only alternative.
#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)
For photos, HP says laser printers are not recommended because inkjet technology produces significantly better color gradation and detail on photo paper. That is HP’s guidance, not a claim that every inkjet will suit every photo workflow; check the chosen printer’s supported media and sizes.
How to compare the cost to run a printer
There is no reliable technology-wide answer to “Which is cheaper?” Canon says high-volume users may get better per-page value from laser, although laser printers often have a higher initial purchase price. The result for your use depends on the exact machine, supplies, and print mix—not just whether the box says inkjet or laser.
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
- Record the printer price. Compare the purchase price of models that meet your actual needs.
- Identify compatible supplies. Check the exact ink cartridges, toner cartridges, or refill bottles for each model, and their current prices.
- Calculate a rough supply cost per page. Divide the current supply price by its stated page yield. Compare black yield with black yield, and color with color; do not treat different kinds of yield as interchangeable.
- Adjust for your printing pattern. Consider monthly volume and how much color or image coverage your pages contain. A rated document yield does not guarantee the same yield for photo-heavy pages.
- Factor in useful features and capacity. Include duplexing, scanning, an automatic document feeder, wireless networking, or larger paper handling only when you need them.
Canon’s article includes a cartridge-price example based on Canon Store prices as of October 2023. Those amounts are historical, not current prices. An older ENERGY STAR Printer Buying Guide says inkjet printing can cost four to five times as much per page as laser, depending on ink use; that is a generalized comparison from a guide published more than a decade ago, not a current assessment of every model or refillable tank printer. For a buying decision, calculate from current prices and the exact models you are considering.
Which features matter beyond print technology?
- Scanning and copying: An all-in-one combines these functions with printing. Pay for them if they solve a real need.
- Automatic duplexing: Automatic double-sided printing can reduce paper use, but it is not universal. Confirm it on the exact model.
- Connectivity: Check compatibility with your devices and network. Canon notes that wireless printing and scanning require a working, supported wireless network.
- Paper and media support: For photos or specialist output, verify supported sizes and paper types before buying.
- Replacement-supply availability: Check that the correct ink, toner, or bottles are readily available at a price that makes sense for your volume.
A quick decision checklist
- Choose an inkjet as the first category to compare if photos, color graphics, or varied color documents are important.
- Start with monochrome laser models if most pages are black text and you print frequently or in batches.
- Compare refillable tank inkjets with color lasers when you print substantial amounts of color.
- Compare printer price and model-specific supply cost per page using current prices and stated yields.
- Confirm that the printer has the functions, connectivity, speed, capacity, and media support your work requires.
Sources: HP, “What Type of Printer Do I Need? A Simple Guide by Use Case”; Canon U.S.A., “Inkjet vs. Laser Printers – Which is Best For You?”; ENERGY STAR, “Printer Buying Guide”; Brother, “Inkjet vs Laser Printers: Key Differences.”
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
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
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.
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.
