Laser vs Inkjet Printer: Which Should You Buy?

The laser vs inkjet decision comes down to what and how much you print, more than which is "better" in general.

Running cost

Laser printers use toner, which typically works out cheaper per page for high volumes of text documents. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges, which can cost more per page for large print volumes but are usually more affordable to buy upfront.

Print quality by content type

Laser printers produce crisp, smudge-resistant text, ideal for documents, invoices and forms. Inkjet printers generally handle photos and colour graphics better, making them a good fit for homes that print photos occasionally alongside documents.

Speed and volume

If you print frequently or in bulk -- a busy office, for example -- a laser printer's speed and lower running cost per page usually make more sense. For occasional, mixed home printing, an inkjet all-in-one (which typically also scans and copies) is often the more practical, affordable choice.

All-in-one vs print-only

If you'll also need scanning and copying, choose an all-in-one model rather than a print-only printer -- it's rarely worth buying a separate scanner unless you have specific document-scanning volume needs.

Tell us roughly how many pages you print a month and whether it's mostly text or includes photos, and we'll recommend a suitable model from our range.