Which is better inkjet or laser printer?

Asked by: Ethelyn Streich  |  Last update: March 21, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

Neither inkjet nor laser printers are universally "better"; the best choice depends on your needs: Inkjets excel at high-quality photos and general home use with lower initial cost but higher ink cost, while Lasers are superior for fast, crisp text documents and high-volume printing, offering lower long-term running costs with expensive but long-lasting toner. Choose inkjet for vibrant photos and occasional color; choose laser for sharp text, speed, and cost-effectiveness over time, especially for office tasks.

Is inkjet better than laser printers?

Neither laser nor inkjet printers are universally "better"; the best choice depends on your needs, as laser printers excel in speed, high-volume text printing, and lower long-term cost per page (cheaper toner), while inkjet printers offer lower initial purchase prices and superior photo quality, though ink costs and clogging can be issues, especially with infrequent use. Choose laser for office documents and speed, and inkjet for vibrant photos and lower upfront investment.
 

What are the disadvantages of a laser printer?

Laser printer disadvantages include a higher initial purchase price, bulkier size, and poorer photo quality compared to inkjets, while also having a warm-up time and consuming more energy, though they excel in fast, high-volume text printing and have lower running costs per page. This YouTube video provides a good overview. 

Which printer type is best for home use?

The best home printer depends on your needs, with top recommendations including the Brother HL-L2370DW (laser, monochrome) for overall reliability and text, Epson EcoTank models (e.g., ET-2980) for low-cost color/photo printing via ink tanks, and HP DeskJet 2855e for budget-friendly basic color printing with convenient ink subscriptions, while color lasers like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw offer stability for mixed use. Consider EcoTank/Maxify for high volume, laser for text, and inkjet for photos, prioritizing Wi-Fi, duplex printing, and low running costs like ink subscriptions or refillable tanks. 

Does inkjet or laser last longer?

Laser printers should be professionally serviced at regular intervals, but they can print far higher volumes in between each service when compared to an inkjet printer. While you can reasonably expect an inkjet printer to last 3-5 years, a well maintained laser printer will last 5-10+ years.

Inkjet vs. Laser: Which Printer Is Right for You?

16 related questions found

Which is cheaper to run, inkjet or laser?

Furthermore, because laser printers don't require costly cartridges, they are usually cheaper to run in the long term. On the other hand, if you don't need the extra speed or quality then an inkjet may be more cost-effective as they are usually cheaper upfront and come with cheaper media costs.

Do laser printers need to be refilled?

Yes, laser printers need toner refilled or cartridges replaced when the toner powder runs out, but they use a fine powder, not liquid ink, and last much longer, often several thousand pages, making refills less frequent and more cost-effective over time compared to inkjet printers. You can buy new cartridges, use refill kits (which add more toner powder), or use newer cartridge-free tank models designed for easy reloading with toner bottles, extending the cartridge's life multiple times before components wear out.
 

What is the best home printer for home use?

The best home printer depends on your needs, with top recommendations including the Brother HL-L2370DW (laser, monochrome) for overall reliability and text, Epson EcoTank models (e.g., ET-2980) for low-cost color/photo printing via ink tanks, and HP DeskJet 2855e for budget-friendly basic color printing with convenient ink subscriptions, while color lasers like the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw offer stability for mixed use. Consider EcoTank/Maxify for high volume, laser for text, and inkjet for photos, prioritizing Wi-Fi, duplex printing, and low running costs like ink subscriptions or refillable tanks. 

Is HP or Epson better?

Neither Epson nor HP is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your needs, with Epson often excelling in vibrant photo/graphic quality and long-term ink economy (EcoTank), while HP provides strong text quality, faster speeds for high-volume office tasks, and excellent smart features/software, though sometimes with higher ink costs. For creative work needing color accuracy, Epson is great; for busy offices needing speed and seamless apps, HP often wins.
 

Is it worth getting a laser printer for home use?

Yes, a laser printer is often worth it for home use, especially if you print mostly text documents, need speed, or print infrequently, due to its lower long-term cost per page, faster speed, and toner that doesn't dry out like inkjet ink, though color laser printers have a higher upfront cost and aren't ideal for photos compared to inkjets. Consider a monochrome (black & white) laser for text-heavy tasks, as it's more economical; opt for an inkjet or inkjet tank model if high-quality photos and graphics are your priority. 

What is the common problem of laser printers?

Paper Jams

This is a common laser printer problem. Primary causes include grime, dust, worn rollers, or incorrect paper weight. The most basic way to prevent paper jams is simply through regular cleaning of your printer. Also, replace parts as needed.

Are laser printers becoming obsolete?

No, laser printers aren't being entirely phased out, but major players like Epson are shifting focus to inkjet due to sustainability concerns (energy/waste), while other manufacturers HP adjust their strategies, but lasers remain vital for high-volume, cost-effective text printing, especially for businesses.
 

What is the main disadvantage of an inkjet printer?

Lower print speed: Inkjet printers tend to have a slower print speed compared to laser printers, which can be an issue if you have a large volume of printing to do. Prone to smudging: Inkjet prints can be prone to smudging if they get wet or are handled too soon after printing.

Is inkjet or laser better for infrequent use?

Inkjet printers require more frequent upkeep, particularly for users who print infrequently, but they offer excellent colour quality and affordability. Laser printers, with their lower maintenance requirements, are ideal for businesses or high-volume printing needs.

Which printer lasts longer?

Printer Type and Quality

Laser printers generally outlast inkjet models, thanks to more robust components designed for high-volume output. Build quality also plays a role—higher-end printers are made to last longer.

What are the downsides of laser printers?

Downsides of laser printers include a higher initial cost, larger size, poorer photo quality compared to inkjets, limited ability with special media, potential for toner leaks, and higher power consumption due to heat, though they excel at fast, sharp text printing with a lower cost per page over time. 

What is the no. 1 in printer?

Toner Buzz Picks: 8 Best Home Office Printers

  • Top 8 Printers for Home Office Use (Comparison Table)
  • Brother MFC-J1010DW.
  • Brother HL-L3220CDW.
  • Brother HL-L2460DW.
  • Brother HL-L2420DW.
  • Brother HL-L3280CDW.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-2800.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-2850.

Which is better, a Canon or an Epson?

Neither Canon nor Epson is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your primary use: Canon excels in vibrant photo quality, ease of use, and lower initial cost for ink tanks, while Epson often leads in faster speeds, robust text printing, handling diverse media, and lower long-term cost per page, especially for documents and graphics, using pigment inks for durability. Choose Canon for photo-focused home users needing vivid color and simple setup, and Epson for offices or creators needing fast, versatile, high-volume printing with excellent text and color graphics. 

What are the downsides of Epson EcoTank?

Epson EcoTank downsides include higher initial cost, slow print speeds (especially for photos), potential print head clogs if unused, messy ink refills, and hidden costs for maintenance boxes, plus a potential for "planned obsolescence" with waste ink pad errors requiring service, but these are often offset by long-term ink savings for heavy users.
 

What is the best printer for home use in Canada?

  • Best Home Printer. Epson EcoTank Photo ET-855016. ...
  • Best Upper Mid-Range Home Printer. Canon Color imageCLASS MF656Cdw/MF654Cdw11. ...
  • Best Home Printer for Photos. Epson EcoTank ET-39502. ...
  • Best Mid-Range Home Printer. Brother MFC-J4335DW6. ...
  • Best Budget Home Printer. Brother HL-L2460DW3. ...
  • Best Cheap Home Printer. Canon PIXMA MG36205.

What printer has the lowest maintenance costs?

Printers with the lowest maintenance costs are typically monochrome (black & white) laser printers, especially models from Brother, due to their high-yield toner, low cost-per-page, and lack of ink drying issues, though upfront cost is higher; for color/photo printing with very low running costs, Epson EcoTank or Canon MegaTank ink tank printers are excellent if used regularly. For occasional use, laser printers win, but for frequent, high-volume color, ink tank models with refillable bottles offer superior long-term savings over traditional inkjets. 

Which is better, a Canon or HP printer?

Neither Canon nor HP is universally better; the choice depends on your primary use, with Canon excelling in natural-looking photo prints and graphics, while HP often wins for fast, crisp text documents and business use, especially with their Instant Ink program for casual users. Canon generally offers better photo color accuracy and cheaper initial printer costs, while HP provides faster speeds and robust office features, but its ink can be pricier without subscriptions. 

How long can a laser printer sit unused?

Toner is a fine powder that does not dry out, so a laser printer can often sit unused for several months and still print normally. Inkjet printers, by contrast, are much less tolerant.

Which is cheaper: laser or inkjet?

Calculating Your Black and White Printing Costs

Most inkjet printers charge 7 to 15 cents per black page, often around the 10-cent mark. Laser printers typically cost 2 to 5 cents per black page.

What should you never do when working on a laser printer?

5 Mistakes You Can not Afford to Make with Your Laser Printer

  1. Using the Wrong Paper. Never force envelopes, cardstock, or glossy paper into a printer not designed for it. ...
  2. Touching Sensitive Components Barehanded. Your fingers' oils ruin imaging drums. ...
  3. Overloading the Paper Tray. ...
  4. Running It in a Dusty/Humid Environment.