If you’ve ever shopped for a printer or replacement cartridges, you’ve likely encountered the terms ink and toner. While both are essential for printing, they’re not interchangeable—and understanding the difference can help you save money, improve print quality, and choose the right printer for your needs.
What is printer ink?
Ink is a liquid used in inkjet printers. It's sprayed onto paper in microscopic droplets through tiny nozzles in the print head.
How it works
Pros of inkjet printers
Cons of inkjet printers
What is printer toner?
Toner is a fine, dry powder used in laser printers. It's made of plastic particles, carbon and coloring agents.
How it works
A laser "draws" the image onto a charged drum. Toner sticks to the charged areas and is fused to the paper using heat and pressure
Pros of laser printers
Cons of laser printers
Ink or toner: Which should you choose
Chose Inkjet
Choose Laser
Final thoughts
Ink and toner server different purposes - and knowing which one suits your needs can make all the difference. Whether you're printing family photos or business reports, choosing the right technology ensures better results and smarter spending.