If you have a printer in your home or office, you are eventually going to need to buy a replacement ink or toner cartridge. These small devices allow your printer to produce beautiful images and sharp documents, so keeping them filled is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your machine delivers high-quality printing results every single time.

However, ink and toner cartridges aren’t interchangeable, and it’s important for you to know the difference between them before you buy so your printer will remain in working order for years to come. Let’s review the major differences between printer ink and printer toner so you will know which type of cartridge to buy for your home or office printer.

Do I need an ink or toner cartridge for my printer?

The most obvious way to determine whether or not you should buy an ink or toner cartridge is to know the type of printer you have. Again, ink cartridges are made for inkjet printers and toner cartridges are made for laser printers, and they can’t be interchanged. Laser and inkjet printers each have their own benefits, so if you’re still deciding what type of printer is best for you, check out the differences between ink and toner cartridges below.

What is Printer ink?

Printer ink is designed for use in inkjet printers. Printer ink cartridges are filled with liquid ink that comes in a variety of colors and is transferred to paper during the printing process. Printer ink is usually more cost-effective and easier to replace than printer toner. Be sure to check the model of the ink cartridge your inkjet printer requires before purchasing.

What Is Printer Toner?

Printer toner is made for use in laser printers. A toner cartridge includes powder that’s used in the laser printing process. Printer toner supports faster printing speeds, produces very high-quality photos, and tends to last longer than ink, so you won’t have to replace it as often. Staples carries a large selection of both printer ink cartridges and printer toner cartridges compatible with all major printer brands such as Epson, HP, Brother and more.

Should I Buy an Inkjet Printer?

Inkjet printers are common in households. They print high-quality color images and text, have relatively affordable ink cartridges and have slower, more precise printing speeds. Most models print up to 16 pages per minute. Inkjet printers are best suited for home use and small businesses that print a mixture of documents and images. If you’ll be printing at high volumes or if your printer will be used by many people, an inkjet printer may not be best due to slower speeds.

Should I Buy a Laser Printer?

A laser printer is a great option for anyone, but they’re especially useful for large businesses, schools or those who do a high volume of printing. Laser printers produce crisp, quality results when printing both documents and photos. Though laser printers tend to be a bit more expensive than inkjet printers, some models can print 100 pages per minute with ease, making them efficient and worth the investment for offices and large operations.

When to Replace Printer Ink Cartridges

Most printer ink has a shelf life of roughly two years. Ink cartridges will have an expiration date written on the package, but if you regularly use your printer, it’s not likely your cartridge will last beyond the ink’s expiration. When your ink begins to fade or be spotty during print jobs, it’s a clear sign you need to replace your printer ink. Some printers will also alert you with a blinking light when ink is running low.

When to Replace Printer Toner Cartridges

Printer toner cartridges tend to have a much longer shelf life than ink, with some lasting beyond the intended expiration date of two years. Some people suggest that removing the cartridge and shaking it will redistribute the toner powder inside and extend its lifespan. Keeping your printer clean and well-maintained will lengthen lifespan as well. When you’re running low, your printer will usually alert you with a flashing light or message.

What Are Remanufactured Ink and Toner Cartridges?

Remanufactured printer ink and toner cartridges are original manufacturers’ cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled with ink or toner, and quality tested to make sure they’ll perform to the highest standards. These cartridges are an economical and environmentally friendly option to get the same, high-quality results at a lower cost.

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