When it comes to color laser printing, the cost of toner cartridges can quickly add up, making it essential to find a printer that offers affordable replacement options. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of color laser printers and explore which models had the cheapest toner in 2020.
Understanding Toner Costs
Before we dive into the specifics of each printer model, it’s crucial to understand how toner costs are calculated. The cost per page (CPP) is a common metric used to determine the affordability of a printer’s toner. This calculation takes into account the cost of the toner cartridge and the number of pages it can produce.
To give you a better understanding, here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with color laser printing:
- Black toner: $0.01-$0.05 per page
- Color toner (cyan, magenta, yellow): $0.05-$0.15 per page
Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and can vary depending on the printer model, usage, and toner quality.
Top Contenders for the Cheapest Toner
After researching various color laser printer models, we’ve narrowed down our list to the top contenders for the cheapest toner in 2020. Here are the models that made the cut:
1. HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw is a popular choice among small businesses and home offices. Its compact design and wireless connectivity make it an attractive option for those with limited space.
- Black toner: $0.013 per page (approx. 1,300 pages per cartridge)
- Color toner: $0.073 per page (approx. 1,300 pages per cartridge)
The HP 201X toner cartridges used in this printer are relatively affordable, with a cost per page that’s lower than many other models in its class.
2. Brother HL-L8360CDW
The Brother HL-L8360CDW is a high-end color laser printer designed for heavy-duty use. Its fast print speeds and high-quality output make it an excellent choice for businesses with high printing demands.
- Black toner: $0.015 per page (approx. 4,000 pages per cartridge)
- Color toner: $0.083 per page (approx. 4,000 pages per cartridge)
The Brother TN-431 toner cartridges used in this printer offer an impressive page yield, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
3. Xerox WorkCentre 6515
The Xerox WorkCentre 6515 is a versatile color laser printer that offers a range of features, including scanning, copying, and faxing. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for small businesses.
- Black toner: $0.018 per page (approx. 2,000 pages per cartridge)
- Color toner: $0.093 per page (approx. 2,000 pages per cartridge)
The Xerox 108R00996 toner cartridges used in this printer offer a moderate page yield, making them a decent option for those with average printing needs.
Comparison of Toner Costs
To give you a better understanding of the toner costs associated with each printer model, we’ve created a comparison table:
| Printer Model | Black Toner Cost per Page | Color Toner Cost per Page |
|---|---|---|
| HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw | $0.013 | $0.073 |
| Brother HL-L8360CDW | $0.015 | $0.083 |
| Xerox WorkCentre 6515 | $0.018 | $0.093 |
As you can see, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw offers the lowest toner costs per page, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
Additional Costs to Consider
While toner costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of ownership, there are other expenses to consider when purchasing a color laser printer. These include:
- Printer purchase price: The initial cost of the printer can vary greatly depending on the model and features.
- Drum replacement costs: Some color laser printers require periodic drum replacements, which can add to the overall cost.
- Maintenance and repair costs: Regular maintenance and occasional repairs can also impact the total cost of ownership.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding a color laser printer with the cheapest toner, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw is a clear winner. Its low toner costs per page, combined with its compact design and wireless connectivity, make it an excellent choice for small businesses and home offices.
However, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of ownership, including the printer purchase price, drum replacement costs, and maintenance expenses. By doing your research and calculating the total cost of ownership, you can make an informed decision and find the best color laser printer for your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M254dw offers the cheapest toner among the top contenders in 2020. Its low toner costs per page, combined with its compact design and wireless connectivity, make it an attractive option for those on a budget.
When shopping for a color laser printer, be sure to consider the overall cost of ownership and calculate the total cost of ownership to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
What is the most affordable color laser printer of 2020?
The most affordable color laser printer of 2020 is the Brother HL-L8360CDW. This printer offers excellent value for its price, with a low cost per page and a wide range of features that make it suitable for both home and office use. It has a high print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, and it can print at speeds of up to 33 pages per minute.
In addition to its impressive print quality and speed, the Brother HL-L8360CDW also has a number of convenient features, including wireless connectivity, a large paper capacity, and a touchscreen interface. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones and tablets, making it easy to print from anywhere.
How much does the Brother HL-L8360CDW cost?
The cost of the Brother HL-L8360CDW can vary depending on the retailer and the location. However, on average, it can be found for around $400-$500. This is a relatively low price compared to other color laser printers on the market, making it an excellent value for those looking for an affordable option.
It’s worth noting that while the initial cost of the printer may be low, the cost of replacement toner cartridges can add up over time. However, the Brother HL-L8360CDW uses high-yield toner cartridges that can print up to 4,500 pages, which can help to reduce the overall cost of ownership.
What are the key features of the Brother HL-L8360CDW?
The Brother HL-L8360CDW has a number of key features that make it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable color laser printer. These include a high print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute, and a large paper capacity of up to 250 sheets. It also has wireless connectivity, a touchscreen interface, and is compatible with a wide range of devices.
In addition to these features, the Brother HL-L8360CDW also has a number of security features, including secure print and secure function lock. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses and organizations that need to protect sensitive information.
How does the Brother HL-L8360CDW compare to other color laser printers?
The Brother HL-L8360CDW compares favorably to other color laser printers in its class. It has a lower cost per page than many of its competitors, and its high-yield toner cartridges can help to reduce the overall cost of ownership. It also has a number of features that are not typically found in printers at this price point, including wireless connectivity and a touchscreen interface.
In terms of print quality, the Brother HL-L8360CDW is also competitive with other color laser printers. It has a high print resolution and can produce vibrant, detailed prints. It is also relatively fast, with print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute.
Is the Brother HL-L8360CDW suitable for home use?
Yes, the Brother HL-L8360CDW is suitable for home use. It is a compact and quiet printer that can easily fit on a desk or shelf. It also has a number of features that make it convenient for home use, including wireless connectivity and a touchscreen interface. This makes it easy to print from a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
In addition to its convenience features, the Brother HL-L8360CDW also has a low cost per page, making it an affordable option for those who need to print frequently. It is also relatively easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for those who are not tech-savvy.
Can the Brother HL-L8360CDW be used for high-volume printing?
Yes, the Brother HL-L8360CDW can be used for high-volume printing. It has a large paper capacity of up to 250 sheets, and its high-yield toner cartridges can print up to 4,500 pages. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses and organizations that need to print large quantities of documents.
In addition to its high-volume printing capabilities, the Brother HL-L8360CDW also has a number of features that make it well-suited for heavy use. These include a durable design and a number of security features, including secure print and secure function lock.
What kind of warranty and support does the Brother HL-L8360CDW come with?
The Brother HL-L8360CDW comes with a 2-year limited warranty, as well as a number of support options. These include online support resources, including user manuals and FAQs, as well as phone and email support. Brother also offers a number of optional support services, including extended warranties and priority support.
In addition to its warranty and support options, the Brother HL-L8360CDW also has a number of features that make it easy to maintain and repair. These include a self-cleaning print head and a number of diagnostic tools, which can help to identify and resolve any issues that may arise.