How Much Does a Printer Cost?

Printers are an expensive and unreliable technology. Most printers, even from name brands, only last a few years before they need to be replaced. When it comes time to buy a new printer, you have to reconsider inkjet vs laser, scanner vs no scanner, touchscreens, paper capacity, and replacement ink all over again.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a few different types of printers and their typical price. We compared prices of over 50 printers and here is the quick takeaway:

Understanding Printer Types and Initial Costs

First up, let’s talk about the types of printers you might be considering: inkjet printers and laser printers. Each has its strengths and is suited for different printing needs.

Inkjet Printers are often less expensive upfront, perfect for color printing and can handle a variety of paper types and sizes. They are excellent for printing everything from essays to glossy photos. However, inkjets can be costly over time due to the price of ink cartridges, especially if you print a lot. For inkjet printers, entry-level models start around $50, suitable for basic home use. For more advanced features or higher print quality, prices can climb to $300 or more.

Laser Printers are initially more expensive, but when it comes to per-page costs, they’re a lot more economical, thanks to the longevity of toner cartridges. They’re ideal for high-volume printing, especially if you’re mostly dealing with text documents like reports or essays. Laser printers, known for their efficiency and better print quality for text, start at about $100 for basic models, with high-end models priced around $400 or more.

Multi-function features that include scanning and copying increase the cost, and toner for laser printers, while initially more expensive than ink, tends to last longer and offer a lower cost per page in the long term.

The Cost of Ink and Toner: Long-Term Considerations

The real crux of printer costs often lies not in the initial price tag but in the ongoing cost of supplies, particularly ink and toner.

• Inkjet Cartridges: While the printer itself might be quite affordable, ink cartridges can deplete quickly, especially if you’re printing regularly or producing high-coverage documents (like photos or colorful presentations). Over a year, the cost of cartridges can surpass the cost of the printer!
• Toner Cartridges: For laser printers, toner generally offers a lower per-page cost compared to inkjet cartridges. This is because toner cartridges can print thousands of pages before needing replacement, making them ideal for heavy users.

Alternative Printing Solutions: Tank Printers and Subscription Services

The printing industry has seen innovations aimed at reducing the cost of ink:

• Tank Printers: These printers have large, refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges. The upfront cost is higher, but they offer a much lower ongoing cost per page. They’re particularly cost-effective for users with heavy print needs.
• Ink Subscriptions: Some manufacturers offer subscription services where you pay a monthly fee based on the number of pages you print. This can be a convenient and sometimes cheaper way to manage printing costs, as the subscription covers ink replacement, which is sent automatically based on your usage.

Economic Sense: Calculating Total Cost of Ownership

When choosing a printer, consider the total cost of ownership, which includes the purchase price plus the cost of consumables over the printer’s lifespan. Here’s a quick way to estimate:

1. Estimate your monthly print volume
2. Calculate the cost of ink or toner needed for that volume
3. Add the annual cost of supplies to the initial cost of the printer

This method helps you see past the upfront price and assess how much the printer will really cost you in the long run.

Why Printer Costs Vary

Printer costs vary widely based on several factors:

• Printing technology: Inkjet vs. laser, as mentioned, has different cost implications.
• Print quality and speed: High-resolution and fast-printing printers tend to cost more.
• Additional features: Functions like duplex printing, scanning, faxing, and WiFi connectivity can also add to the cost.

Choosing the right printer is about balancing the initial cost against the long-term expenses. For occasional use, an inexpensive inkjet might make sense, while for regular high-volume printing, a laser printer could be more cost-effective. And if you’re somewhere in the middle, considering a tank printer or a subscription service might be the best way to get the most bang for your buck.