Laser vs Inkjet Cost Per Page: Which Is Cheaper?

How cost per page works

The cost per page is the simplest number to compare, but it is rarely printed on the box. You calculate it by dividing the cost of the consumables (ink or toner, and sometimes drums) by the number of pages those consumables are expected to produce. Most manufacturers publish yield figures based on standardized testing, so you can compare different models. Look for the yield for the exact cartridge or toner you plan to buy.

Yield is always an estimate, because actual page coverage varies. A page with more text or dense graphics uses more ink or toner. The standardized tests use a low coverage percentage to make comparisons consistent. When you compare two models, make sure you are comparing yields from the same test method. For a deeper look at how yields are defined, see our printer cost per page guide.

Laser printing costs

Laser printers use toner, a powdered plastic fused onto the page with heat. Toner cartridges typically hold enough for a few thousand pages, but the yield varies by cartridge. Laser printers also have a drum unit, which transfers the toner, and a fuser that melts the toner. These components wear out over time and add to the per-page cost. Monochrome laser printing is generally the most economical for text-heavy documents because toner yields are high and the machine uses less energy per page once it is warmed up. For a list of efficient models, see our best monochrome laser printers.

Color laser printers have additional toner cartridges for each color, and those cartridges often have lower yields than the black cartridge. The cost per color page can be several times that of a black-and-white page. However, for high-volume color printing, color laser can still be competitive if the toner yield is high enough and the machine is energy efficient. You can compare your options in our best color laser printers.

Inkjet printing costs

Inkjet printers use liquid ink in cartridges. Standard cartridges typically yield fewer pages than toner cartridges, so the cost per page is often higher if you print a lot. Some inkjet printers have separate cartridges for each color, letting you replace only the color that runs out, which can save money. Others use integrated printheads that may need replacement, adding to long-term costs. If you are considering an inkjet, our best inkjet printers page covers models with different cartridge designs.

Ink tank printers are a different category. Instead of cartridges, they use refillable tanks filled with ink bottles. The ink in the bottle is much less expensive per milliliter than cartridge ink, so the cost per page can be dramatically lower, especially if you print high volume. The upfront cost of an ink tank printer is higher, but the per-page cost can offset that over time. These systems are ideal for users who print frequently and want to avoid the high cost of standard cartridges. See our best ink tank printers for recommendations.

Energy and environmental costs

The cost of a page is not just the ink or toner. Energy use matters. Laser printers have a fuser that heats to fuse toner, which consumes power during printing and while warming up. ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment is designed to be energy efficient, using features like sleep modes and automatic duplexing to reduce consumption. According to the ENERGY STAR program, certified equipment can save up to 35% energy compared to conventional models. This reduces operating costs and environmental impact.

Paper is another expense and a driver of environmental cost. The ENERGY STAR page notes that the typical office worker uses about 10,000 sheets per year, and 45% of that goes to recycling by the end of the day. Using double-sided printing and image combination modes can cut paper use significantly. These practices lower both cost and waste. Additionally, the EPA encourages recycling toner cartridges and used electronics, which can help recover some value and reduce waste.

Volume matters: matching the technology to your needs

The best technology for you depends on how much you print. If you print only a few pages a week, the lower upfront cost of an inkjet may be more attractive, even if the per-page cost is higher. If you print hundreds of pages a month, a laser printer's higher toner yield and faster printing will spread the fixed cost of toner and drum replacement over more pages, lowering the cost per page. For very high volume, ink tank systems can give laser-level economics with the convenience of liquid ink. Explore your options with our best laser printers and best inkjet printers pages.

Also consider the type of document. If you print mostly text, monochrome laser is often unbeatable. If you print photos, inkjet is usually better because it produces continuous tones; laser cannot match the color gradation. For mixed documents, a color inkjet or color laser may be a compromise, but the cost per page for color is always higher than for black and white. For photo-heavy workloads, see our best photo printers.

Other cost factors to consider

Maintenance is part of the cost per page. Laser printers may need periodic drum replacement, while inkjets may need printhead cleaning or replacement. Some inkjet printers have user-replaceable printheads, others do not. Check the maintenance schedule and the cost of parts before you buy. Understanding how to clean a printhead can be found in our printhead cleaning guide.

Paper weight and quality affect cost. If you print on high-quality photo paper, the cost per page goes up. Also, using draft mode and lower quality settings can extend ink and toner life, as the ENERGY STAR page suggests. Open standards also play a role in total cost of ownership. The Printer Working Group develops protocols that allow printers and operating systems to interoperate without vendor-specific drivers, which simplifies setup and reduces support time. This can lower the indirect cost of running a printer. We also have a guide on high-yield toner cartridges to help you evaluate consumable choices.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Which printer type has a lower cost per page?

It depends on your printing volume and the specific model. Generally, monochrome laser printers have the lowest cost per page for high-volume text printing because toner yields are high. Ink tank printers can match or beat laser printers by using less expensive bulk ink. Standard inkjet printers often have the highest cost per page unless you print very little.

What is page yield and why does it matter?

Page yield is the number of pages a cartridge or toner is expected to print under standardized conditions. It is a key factor in calculating cost per page. Higher yields generally mean lower per-page consumables cost, but the price of the cartridge and the actual coverage you print will influence the real cost.

Do laser printers use more electricity than inkjets?

Laser printers typically use more energy because the fuser must maintain high temperatures. ENERGY STAR certified machines are designed to enter low-power sleep modes and warm up quickly, which reduces energy consumption. You can lower electricity costs by enabling automatic duplexing and using draft mode for internal documents.

Are ink tank printers cheaper to operate than laser printers?

For high-volume printing, ink tank systems often have a lower cost per page than laser printers because the ink bottles are cheaper per milliliter than toner and the printhead is integrated. However, the initial purchase price is higher, so you need to print enough to realize the savings.

How do I calculate the cost per page for a specific printer?

Divide the cost of a full set of consumables (ink or toner cartridges, and any drums) by the total pages those consumables can produce. For accurate comparison, use the published yields from the manufacturer and factor in the cost of additional components like a drum or printhead replacement over the printer's lifetime.

Does color printing always cost more per page?

Yes, color printing always costs more because you use more consumables. Color ink or toner is often more expensive and yields fewer pages than black. The difference is especially large in laser printers where color toner cartridges have lower yields. For occasional color, inkjet may be more economical, but for high-volume color, color laser can be competitive if the yield is high.