Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Shop

Explained: The difference between ink and toner

ToughJobs
By

If you’re responsible for the printer in your office, you already know that printer consumables quickly become an issue. Even if you’re running a business from home, running out of materials starts as a small problem but can quickly turn into a big deal. The biggest problem, of course, is running out of ink or toner. Then, if you buy the wrong replacement, you’ve wasted money — and ink and toner aren’t inexpensive. Overall, this can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars for larger offices. Your first step to getting the right supplies is knowing the difference between ink and toner.

ink vs toner printer
KoOlyphoto/Shutterstock

Ink versus toner

The difference between ink and toner is mechanical. They are two different substances that work in different ways. Ink is liquid-based, and you use it for inkjet printers. Toner is made from powder and fits laser printers. Deciding if you need to order ink or toner depends on the type of printer you use. 

Related Videos

Ink

If you have an inkjet printer, you will need to use ink. Ink is a liquid-based material that is mixed with pigments or dyes to give it different colors. Most inkjet printers require two types of cartridges: Black and tri-color. Some specialized photo-quality printers might require separate color cartridges. This adds definition to the more complex color combinations high-quality pictures need. Inkjet printers squeeze tiny amounts of ink from a cartridge onto a rolling paper, spraying the ink directly onto it.

Most home offices and smaller offices that don’t print a lot of materials will have an inkjet printer because they tend to be cheaper and easier to use. The cost per page can vary widely, though, especially if you print a mix of regular documents and high-quality photos. However, for most home uses, an inkjet printer is the way to go. Make sure you get the right ink cartridges as defined by the manufacturer. 

Toner

Laser printers are more complex than inkjet printers, but they tend to be sturdier. They are also able to print faster. They are especially useful in larger offices or schools that print a lot of black and white text. By charging a drum with static electricity, the laser printer is able to attract the powder in the toner and then press it against the paper. This allows for more prints than a typical ink cartridge, as well as faster printing.

You will typically see printing speeds between 21 and 45 pages per minute. High-end commercial printers can get up to 100 pages per minute. Laser printers can be expensive, but their cost per page often makes them worth the investment. 

toner cartridges
Proxima Studio/Shutterstock

It’s important to know that some cheaper laser printers can only print in black and white. However, if you’re mainly printing text documents, that won’t be a problem.

Choosing between ink and toner depends on the type of printer you have. If you have an inkjet printer, you should get ink cartridges. Use an inkjet printer if you’ll be printing different types of content and if you won’t have to do a lot of printing overall. Note that while ink cartridges are cheaper than toner cartridges, they need to be replaced more often. Always double-check that you’re ordering the type of cartridge recommended by the manufacturer, too.

On the other hand, if your office prints a lot of documents and color printing is not a necessity, a laser printer is an economical choice. After investing in the initial higher cost, you’ll save money because toner doesn’t have to be replaced often. The cost per page rate is usually very low, too. Either way, though, consider high-yield cartridges when buying ink or toner. They’re more expensive, but they’ll last longer.

Editors' Recommendations

The best garbage disposals for getting rid of food scraps
the best garbage disposals

Garbage disposals are handy for larger kitchens, but they also come in smaller-horsepower models for lighter use. Many attach under a sink drain and connect to a switch above the sink. Some are plugged into a dedicated outlet and activated by a switch controlling that outlet.

The garbage disposals we’ve looked at are continuous-feed models, meaning that run until they are switched off. These are also lighter-duty models, with two at 1/2 horsepower and one at 3/4 horsepower. The 1/2 horsepower machines are not intended for grinding anything harder than soft scraps and leftovers. If this capability is what you’re looking for, one of these three options will serve you well.
InSinkErator Garbage Disposal
Best Overall

Read more
The best kinds of notebooks for staying organized
best business notepad

Modern professionals have all sorts of gadgets and technologies to help them stay organized, but one of the best ways to stay on track is still pen and paper. There’s even a tactile benefit to keeping notes and a schedule on paper.

Instead of trying the next flashy gadget, use a simple paper method to help you stay on track, organize your thoughts, and plan for the future. Some of the best notebooks for work are simple yet functional options designed to direct your thoughts and actions for success. Let’s take a look.
The meeting notebook
Meetings can be productive -- or they can be difficult to manage. A good meeting notebook helps you plan ahead for the meeting -- whether you’re hosting or just attending -- and gives you the flexibility to fill in notes, write calendar entries, and gather contact information.

Read more
Why you should take a portable laptop table to every job site
laptop table

Portable laptop tables are essential for workers who are constantly on the go. Operating in the office is drastically different than being on the job site, but one sure thing is you need a clean and safe space to place your laptop. Laptop tables are even more necessary if you’re currently searching for a rugged laptop that’s specially built to withstand tough work conditions such as dust, debris, or the elements. 
What is a laptop table? 
A laptop table is a portable surface you can use on the go when there’s no flat table or surface in sight. These are also referred to as laptop trays or lap desks and can be made of anything from wood or aluminum to silicone. More ergonomic options with a padded cushion under tough plastic, genuine wood, fiberboard, or composite materials are available. The padding is often made of memory foam and microbeads to cushion your legs and help provide an even surface.

The tough top should ideally be able to withstand or disperse heat from your laptop to prevent overheating. Another feature you might consider is whether or not the laptop desk has a built-in wrist pad. A cushioned memory foam strip provides relief for hands, especially if you spend a significant amount of work time on your computer.

Read more