Which Printer is Cheaper, Laser or Inkjet?
You’ve been there. Your printer runs out of ink right when you need to print something important. You run to the store and spend $40 on a tiny cartridge that lasts maybe two weeks.
A month later, you’re back buying more ink. Six months in, you realize you’ve spent more on ink than the printer cost.
This cycle leaves people wondering: which printer is cheaper, laser or inkjet? The answer might surprise you, because the printer industry has trained us to look at the wrong numbers.
Quick Summary: The Real Answer
Short Answer: Laser printers are cheaper for most people who print regularly. Inkjet printers only win if you print less than 20-30 pages per month or need high-quality photos.
Key Cost Factors:
- Upfront cost: Inkjet wins ($50-$150 vs $150-$400 for laser)
- Cost per page: Laser wins (2-5 cents vs 8-15 cents for inkjet)
- Break-even point: Around 6-18 months depending on your printing volume
- Total 3-year cost: Laser typically saves $200-$600
Quick Decision: Print over 100 pages monthly? Get laser. Print rarely or need photos? Get inkjet.
Understanding the Two Printer Types
Before we talk money, you need to understand what you’re actually buying.
How Inkjet Printers Work
Inkjet printers spray tiny drops of liquid ink onto paper. They use cartridges filled with ink, usually one black and several color cartridges. The printer heats or vibrates the ink to create microscopic droplets that land precisely on the page.
Here’s what matters for cost: Ink is liquid. It dries out even when you’re not using it. Most inkjet printers run automatic cleaning cycles that waste ink to prevent clogging. You’re literally paying for ink that never touches your documents.
How Laser Printers Work
Laser printers use a completely different method. They use toner, which is a fine powder, not liquid. A laser beam draws your document onto a drum, the drum picks up toner powder, and heat fuses the toner onto paper.
The cost advantage? Toner doesn’t dry out. You can leave a laser printer sitting for months and it works perfectly when you need it. No waste, no cleaning cycles, no dried-up cartridges.
That’s the basic difference that drives everything else about cost.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Let’s look at what you actually pay.
Initial Purchase Price
Inkjet Printers:
- Basic models: $50-$80 (Canon, HP, Epson)
- Mid-range with scanner: $100-$150
- Photo-quality models: $150-$300
Example: An HP DeskJet 2755e costs around $60 at most retailers.
Laser Printers:
- Basic monochrome: $100-$150
- Monochrome with scanner: $150-$250
- Color laser: $200-$400
Example: A Brother HL-L2350DW monochrome laser runs about $120.
At first glance, inkjet wins. You can get a working printer for half the price. But this is where the trap starts.
Ink and Toner Costs: Where Everything Changes
This is where most people get shocked.
Inkjet Cartridge Costs:
- Standard black cartridge: $15-$25 (prints 150-200 pages)
- Color cartridges: $15-$20 each (prints 100-150 pages)
- High-yield cartridges: $30-$40 (prints 400-500 pages)
Do the math. If you’re paying $20 for a cartridge that prints 200 pages, that’s 10 cents per page for just black ink.
Need color? Add three color cartridges at $15 each. That’s another $45. Now you’re looking at 15-20 cents per page for color documents.
Laser Toner Costs:
- Standard black toner: $40-$70 (prints 1,500-2,000 pages)
- High-yield black toner: $80-$100 (prints 3,000-5,000 pages)
- Color toner sets: $200-$300 (prints 1,500-2,000 pages per color)
A $60 toner cartridge printing 2,000 pages equals 3 cents per page. See the difference?
Even color laser printing, while expensive upfront, costs around 8-10 cents per page. Still cheaper than inkjet.
Real-World Cost Per Page Comparison
Let me show you actual numbers from popular 2024 models:
| Printer Type | Model Example | Black Cost/Page | Color Cost/Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Inkjet | HP DeskJet 2755e | 12 cents | 18 cents |
| Tank Inkjet | Epson EcoTank 2800 | 0.3 cents | 0.9 cents |
| Monochrome Laser | Brother HL-L2350DW | 2.6 cents | N/A |
| Color Laser | HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw | 2.3 cents | 9 cents |
Notice something interesting? There’s a third category: tank inkjet printers. These use refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. They’re cheaper to run than traditional inkjets but cost more upfront ($250-$400).
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
Here’s what doesn’t show up on the price tag.
Wasted Ink from Cleaning Cycles
Inkjet printers run cleaning cycles automatically. Some do it every time you turn them on. Each cleaning cycle uses ink. According to a 2022 study, up to 20% of ink cartridge capacity gets wasted on maintenance, not printing.
If you print rarely, you might waste half your ink keeping the printer working.
Failed Prints and Reprints
Inkjet printers jam more often. They have issues with paper pickup. Color alignment can drift. Each failed print costs you ink and paper.
Laser printers are more reliable. Industry data shows laser printers have about 60% fewer paper jams and misprints.
Energy Consumption
This one’s small but real. Laser printers use more power per page (about 3x more), but they print faster. If you’re printing 10 pages, the difference is minimal.
For home users, this adds maybe $10-$20 per year. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing.
The Dried Cartridge Problem
Print only occasionally? Your inkjet cartridges will dry out. I’ve seen cartridges expire after printing just 20 pages because they sat for two months.
That $25 cartridge might print 200 pages, but if it dries out after 50, you’re paying 50 cents per page. Ouch.
Toner never dries out. Never.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Let’s run real scenarios. I’ll show you exactly what you’d spend.
Scenario 1: Light Home Use (50 Pages/Month)
You print some bills, a few school papers, occasional recipes. About 50 pages monthly.
Inkjet Option (HP DeskJet):
- Printer cost: $60
- Yearly ink (600 pages): $70 (3 black cartridges at $20 each, 1 color set at $45, some waste)
- Year 1 total: $130
- Year 3 total: $270 ($60 printer + $210 in ink)
Laser Option (Brother HL-L2350DW):
- Printer cost: $120
- Yearly toner (600 pages): $18 (one toner lasts 2,000 pages, so about 1/3 of a $60 cartridge)
- Year 1 total: $138
- Year 3 total: $174 ($120 printer + $54 in toner)
Winner: Laser saves you $96 over three years, even with light use.
But here’s the catch: If you print only 20 pages per month and your inkjet cartridges don’t dry out, inkjet might edge ahead. That’s rare though.
Scenario 2: Moderate Home/Small Office (200 Pages/Month)
You run a small business from home, print client documents, invoices, reports.
Inkjet Option:
- Printer cost: $100 (getting a slightly better model)
- Yearly ink (2,400 pages): $340 (mix of black and color)
- Year 1 total: $440
- Year 3 total: $1,120
Laser Option:
- Printer cost: $180
- Yearly toner (2,400 pages): $75
- Year 1 total: $255
- Year 3 total: $405
Winner: Laser saves you $715 over three years.
The break-even happens around month 4. After four months, every page you print with laser is saving you money.
Want to know something wild? By year five, the laser printer saves you over $1,200.
Scenario 3: Heavy Use (500+ Pages/Month)
You’re printing constantly. Office environment, busy home office, or you homeschool multiple kids.
Inkjet Option:
- Printer cost: $150
- Yearly ink (6,000 pages): $900
- Year 1 total: $1,050
- Year 3 total: $2,850
Laser Option:
- Printer cost: $200
- Yearly toner (6,000 pages): $180
- Year 1 total: $380
- Year 3 total: $740
Winner: Laser saves you $2,110 over three years.
At this volume, buying an inkjet is like lighting money on fire. The math isn’t even close.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Use Level | Inkjet 3-Yr Cost | Laser 3-Yr Cost | Laser Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (50/month) | $270 | $174 | $96 |
| Moderate (200/month) | $1,120 | $405 | $715 |
| Heavy (500/month) | $2,850 | $740 | $2,110 |
The pattern is clear. The more you print, the more laser wins.
Cost Per Page: The Most Important Metric
Forget the purchase price for a second. The only number that matters is cost per page.
Why? Because that tells you what each document actually costs you.
How to Calculate It Yourself
Simple formula:
Cost per page = (Cartridge/Toner Price) ÷ (Page Yield)
Example with inkjet:
- Cartridge costs $20
- Prints 200 pages
- $20 ÷ 200 = $0.10 per page (10 cents)
Example with laser:
- Toner costs $60
- Prints 2,000 pages
- $60 ÷ 2,000 = $0.03 per page (3 cents)
Now multiply your monthly pages by that number. A person printing 200 pages monthly:
- Inkjet: 200 × $0.10 = $20/month
- Laser: 200 × $0.03 = $6/month
That’s $14 monthly savings, or $168 yearly.
Real Examples from Popular 2024 Models
| Printer | Type | Cost/Page (Black) | 1000 Pages Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 4155e | Inkjet | 11 cents | $110 |
| Canon PIXMA TS6420a | Inkjet | 9 cents | $90 |
| Epson EcoTank 2803 | Tank Inkjet | 0.4 cents | $4 |
| Brother MFC-L2750DW | Laser | 2.7 cents | $27 |
| HP LaserJet Pro M404n | Laser | 2.3 cents | $23 |
The EcoTank looks amazing, right? It is. But remember the upfront cost: around $300. You need to print about 2,500-3,000 pages to make that back compared to a standard laser.
When Inkjet Is Actually Cheaper
I’ve been tough on inkjet, but there are times when it genuinely wins.
Photo Printing
Need to print photos at home? Inkjet is your only real option under $500. Laser printers can’t match the color quality and paper handling for photos.
A good photo inkjet (Canon PIXMA Pro or Epson Expression Photo) produces prints that rival professional labs. The cost per photo is higher, maybe $1-$2 for an 8×10, but you can’t do it with laser.
Extremely Light Use (Under 20 Pages Monthly)
If you print maybe 10-15 pages per month and your cartridges don’t dry out, a cheap $50 inkjet might be fine. Your yearly ink cost would be around $30-$40.
A laser would save you $10-$15 yearly. Not worth the extra $70-$100 upfront.
Tight Upfront Budget
Sometimes you just need a printer today and only have $60. An inkjet gets you working. Just know what you’re signing up for with the ongoing costs.
Color Documents with Graphics
For occasional color flyers, presentations with images, or marketing materials, inkjet handles color better at low volumes. Color lasers are expensive to buy and their toner sets cost $200-$300.
If you print 20 color pages monthly, inkjet might be cheaper.
When Laser Wins on Cost
For most people, most of the time, laser is the money saver.
Regular Document Printing
Text documents, reports, invoices, homework, forms. Anything black and white. Laser beats inkjet every time.
The reliability alone saves money. No dried cartridges, no waste, no cleaning cycles.
Business Use
If you’re running a business, even a small one, laser pays for itself fast. The cost savings fund themselves in months.
Plus, you look more professional when your documents don’t have the streaks and inconsistencies inkjet sometimes produces.
High-Volume Printing
Printing over 100 pages monthly? Laser wins, no contest.
Printing over 300 pages monthly? Laser saves you hundreds of dollars yearly.
Long-Term Ownership
Planning to keep this printer for 3-5 years? Laser total cost of ownership destroys inkjet.
A good laser printer lasts 5-7 years easily. Some last 10 years. Inkjet printers tend to die or become obsolete in 3-4 years.
Things People Get Wrong About Printer Costs
Let me clear up some confusion.
“The Printer Is Free If I Buy It on Sale”
No it’s not. That $30 inkjet on Black Friday still needs $20 cartridges that print 150 pages. You didn’t get a deal. You got locked into an expensive supply chain.
Printer companies practically give away printers because they make money on ink. It’s the “razor and blades” business model.
“Generic Ink Is Just as Good and Way Cheaper”
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Generic ink can save you 40-60% on costs. But it can also:
- Void your warranty
- Clog print heads
- Produce inconsistent colors
- Dry out faster
I’ve had good luck with some generic brands and terrible experiences with others. Your mileage will vary.
Generic toner for laser printers is usually more reliable than generic ink.
“Laser Printers Are Only for Offices”
This was true in 2005. Not anymore. You can get a home laser printer the size of a shoebox for $100-$150.
Modern laser printers are quiet, compact, and perfect for homes.
“I Should Just Go to the Print Shop”
Maybe. If you print 20 pages yearly, sure. But print shops charge $0.10-$0.25 per page.
At 100 pages monthly, you’d spend $120-$300 yearly at a print shop. A laser printer pays for itself in 6-12 months.
How to Calculate Your Personal Costs
Here’s a simple way to figure out which is cheaper for YOUR situation.
Step 1: Count how many pages you printed last month. Check your printer’s page counter or estimate.
Step 2: Multiply by 12 for your yearly pages.
Step 3: Go to the manufacturer’s website and find the cost per page for models you’re considering. It’s usually listed in the specifications.
Step 4: Calculate:
- (Printer price) + (Yearly pages × Cost per page × 3 years)
Do this for both an inkjet and a laser in your budget.
Step 5: Pick the lower total.
Quick Decision Framework
Answer these questions:
- Do you print over 50 pages monthly? → Consider laser
- Do you print over 150 pages monthly? → Strongly consider laser
- Do you print mostly text documents? → Laser
- Do you need photo-quality color prints? → Inkjet (or outsource photos)
- Do you print rarely (under 30 pages monthly)? → Inkjet might be fine
- Is your budget under $100? → Inkjet now, but budget for laser later
Money-Saving Tips Regardless of Your Choice
Want to save money with either printer type?
Buy High-Yield Cartridges/Toner
Always buy the high-yield option. Yes, it costs more upfront. But the cost per page is often 30-40% lower.
Example: Standard toner is $45 for 1,200 pages (3.8 cents/page). High-yield is $75 for 2,600 pages (2.9 cents/page). The high-yield saves you money.
Use Draft Mode for Internal Documents
Most printers have a draft or economy mode. It uses less ink/toner. The print quality is slightly lower, but fine for documents you’re not sharing.
I use draft mode for anything I’m reviewing, editing, or just reading.
Print in Grayscale Unless You Need Color
Color ink/toner costs more. If your document doesn’t need color, print in black and white.
Check your print settings before you click print.
Consider Subscription Services Carefully
HP Instant Ink, Epson ReadyPrint. These services send you ink automatically and you pay monthly based on pages printed.
They can save money IF you print consistently. But read the fine print. Some lock you in, and you can’t use third-party ink.
Buy Quality Paper
Cheap paper causes jams, which waste ink/toner. It’s a false economy.
Mid-grade paper (like Hammermill or Georgia-Pacific) costs a tiny bit more but saves you headaches.
Turn Off Your Printer When Not in Use
Inkjet printers waste ink on cleaning cycles when you turn them on. But leaving them on 24/7 can cause ink to dry.
Best practice: Turn on when you need it, turn off when done. For laser, doesn’t matter much.
Conclusion
So which printer is cheaper, laser or inkjet?
For most people who print regularly, laser printers are significantly cheaper. The numbers don’t lie. Even though laser costs more upfront, the lower cost per page means you break even quickly and save hundreds over the printer’s lifetime.
Laser wins for:
- Anyone printing over 50-100 pages monthly
- Business documents and text printing
- Long-term ownership (3+ years)
- Reliability and consistency
Inkjet only wins for:
- Photo printing at home
- Very light use (under 20-30 pages monthly)
- Tight upfront budgets (under $80)
- Occasional color graphics
The real secret? Cost per page matters more than purchase price. A cheap printer with expensive supplies will drain your wallet. A more expensive printer with cheap supplies saves money.
My recommendation: If you’re reading this article, you probably print enough to benefit from laser. A basic monochrome laser printer like the Brother HL-L2350DW costs around $120 and will save you money compared to any inkjet within 6-12 months.
If you need color, either get a color laser (if you print a lot) or get a monochrome laser for regular printing and use a print shop for the occasional color job.
Stop falling for the cheap printer trap. Buy based on total cost, not sticker price. Your wallet will thank you.
Ready to make the switch? Calculate your monthly page count, compare the three-year costs, and invest in the printer that actually saves you money. The best time to switch was three years ago. The second best time is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is laser or inkjet cheaper in the long run?
Laser is cheaper in the long run for most users. While laser printers cost $100-$200 more upfront, they print at 2-5 cents per page compared to inkjet’s 8-15 cents per page. If you print over 50 pages monthly, laser breaks even within a year and saves hundreds over three years. The only exception is if you print fewer than 20 pages monthly or need photo-quality prints.
2. How much does it cost to run a laser vs inkjet printer per year?
It depends on your printing volume. For 1,000 pages yearly: inkjet costs about $100-$150 in supplies while laser costs $25-$50. For 3,000 pages yearly: inkjet costs $300-$450 while laser costs $75-$150. The gap gets bigger the more you print. Energy costs are similar for home users, adding maybe $15-$25 yearly for either type.
3. Do laser printers really save money or is it marketing hype?
Laser printers genuinely save money, and the math proves it. The savings come from toner lasting much longer than ink. One laser toner cartridge prints 2,000-5,000 pages compared to 150-400 pages for inkjet cartridges. Toner also doesn’t dry out like ink does, so you don’t waste money on unused supplies. For anyone printing regularly, the savings are real and substantial.
4. What’s the cheapest printer to run overall?
Tank-based inkjet printers like the Epson EcoTank series have the lowest cost per page, around 0.3-0.5 cents for black and white. But they cost $250-$400 upfront. For most budgets, a basic monochrome laser printer offers the best balance, costing $100-$150 to buy and 2-3 cents per page to run. This makes it cheaper overall unless you print more than 5,000 pages yearly.
5. Are inkjet printers ever cheaper than laser?
Yes, in specific situations. Inkjet is cheaper if you print fewer than 20-30 pages monthly and your cartridges don’t dry out. It’s also cheaper for photo printing since quality photo printers are inkjet-based and laser can’t match the color quality. If you have a very tight budget and need a printer immediately, a $50 inkjet gets you started, though you’ll pay more over time.
6. How do I calculate the real cost of a printer?
Use this formula: (Printer price) + (Monthly pages × Cost per page × 12 months × Number of years). Find the cost per page on the manufacturer’s website or divide cartridge price by page yield. For example, a $120 laser printing 200 pages monthly at 3 cents per page costs $120 + (200 × $0.03 × 12 × 3) = $336 over three years.
7. Why is laser printer toner so expensive if it’s cheaper per page?
Toner cartridges cost more because they contain much more supply than ink cartridges. A $60 toner cartridge prints 2,000 pages while a $20 ink cartridge prints 200 pages. You’re buying 10 times the printing capacity, which is why the upfront cost is higher. The cost per page is what matters, and toner wins there by a huge margin.
8. Do laser printers waste less than inkjet printers?
Yes, significantly. Inkjet printers waste up to 20% of ink on automatic cleaning cycles to prevent clogs. They also waste ink when cartridges dry out from disuse. Laser printers have almost no waste since toner is powder that doesn’t dry out or require cleaning cycles. This waste reduction is a hidden cost savings that makes laser even more economical.
9. Can I use cheap third-party ink or toner to save money?
You can, but it’s risky with inkjet. Third-party ink sometimes clogs print heads, voids warranties, or produces poor quality. Success varies by brand. Third-party laser toner is generally more reliable and can save 40-60% compared to name-brand toner. If you go this route, buy from reputable sellers and check reviews. Some manufacturers try to block third-party supplies with chips or firmware updates.
10. Is it worth buying an expensive printer to save on ink costs?
Usually yes, if you print regularly. A $200 laser printer that costs 3 cents per page will save you money compared to a $60 inkjet costing 12 cents per page. The break-even point is typically 6-18 months depending on volume. Calculate your specific numbers: if you print 150 pages monthly, you’ll save about $13 monthly with laser, recovering the extra $140 cost in about 11 months.