Inkjet vs laser: which printer should you buy
Decide between an inkjet and a laser printer by comparing how much and what you print, cost per page, photo quality, speed and running costs.
Inkjets spray liquid ink and excel at photos and color; laser printers fuse powdered toner with heat and excel at fast, sharp text at a low cost per page. Neither is better for everyone. Work through these questions in order and the right choice usually becomes clear.
Steps
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Estimate how often you print
If you print only a few pages a month, consider a laser: toner is a dry powder that doesn't dry out, while inkjet nozzles can clog when left idle for weeks. If you print regularly, both types work well.
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Decide whether you need color
If you mostly print black text such as letters, forms and tickets, a black-only (mono) laser is usually the cheapest and most reliable option. If you need color now and then, a color inkjet is the most affordable to buy; color lasers suit business documents and charts.
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Think about photos
For photos, choose an inkjet. They produce smoother color and work with glossy photo paper, which laser printers can't use. Color lasers handle graphics well but aren't designed for photo-quality prints.
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Compare cost per page, not purchase price
Divide each replacement cartridge's price by its rated page yield, then add a little for paper. Cartridge inkjets are usually the cheapest to buy but the dearest per page; refillable ink-tank inkjets and lasers cost more up front but much less per page. Use real prices in your area, because they vary widely.
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Consider speed and volume
Lasers are generally faster for multi-page documents. Check the recommended monthly page volume in the specifications and pick a printer comfortably above what you expect to print.
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Check size and running needs
Lasers are often larger and heavier, warm up before the first page, and draw more power while printing. Inkjets are usually smaller and quieter. Make sure the printer fits where you plan to put it, with room to open its trays.
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List the features you need
Decide whether you need scanning and copying, an automatic document feeder, automatic double-sided printing, Wi-Fi, or printing from phones and Chromebooks. Look for support for AirPrint (Apple devices) and Mopria (many Android devices), so you can print without extra apps.
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Check long-term supplies
Before buying, look up the price and availability of replacement cartridges or ink bottles. Some lasers also use a separate drum unit that needs replacing over time, and some printers are designed to work only with the maker's own cartridges, so check this if you plan to use compatible supplies.
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Make the call
As a rule of thumb: photos and occasional color suit an inkjet, ideally an ink-tank model if you print a lot of color; mostly black text, or infrequent printing, suits a mono laser; a busy home office with mixed needs suits a color laser or a business-class inkjet.
Tips
- A very cheap printer often comes with low-capacity starter cartridges. Factor in the cost of the first full set of replacements.
- Check paper handling: tray capacity, the heaviest paper supported and whether it can feed envelopes or card stock.
- If you use a Chromebook, iPhone or Android phone, check the printer supports standard wireless printing so you don't depend on one app.
Common questions
Is a laser printer cheaper to run than an inkjet?
For black text, usually yes, especially compared with cartridge inkjets. Refillable ink-tank inkjets can match or beat lasers on cost per page, including for color.
Do laser printers dry out if not used?
No. Toner is a dry powder, so a laser printer can sit unused for months and still print. Drums and other parts wear with use rather than time.
Can an inkjet print sharp text?
Yes. Modern inkjets print very good text on plain paper. Lasers are slightly crisper and faster for long documents, which is why offices favor them.