If you need prints that can get wet without becoming unreadable, you need a laser printer.

Toner doesn’t smear and run when it gets wet.

Laser printers don’t waste toner in the same way, and because they don’t gunk up like inkjets, they may last longer before needing to be replaced. A Printer Status Report lists the printer serial number, estimated ink levels, ink cartridge numbers, printer usage, and connectivity, scan, and fax settings.

Some inkjets have a lower cost per page than home laser printers, but they also waste more ink on cleaning. They may be more economical to run in the long term.The best inkjets do a good job, but even a mediocre laser printer does a better job delivering crisp results, especially when it comes to fine lines and small font sizes. Our laser picks can pump out as many as 27 pages per minute the fastest inkjets we’ve tested max out at 13 pages per minute. If you have a home office or run a home business, you may be more conscious of printer speed than those who don’t.

Laser toner cartridges don’t have to be replaced as often as ink tanks, and they don’t clog-as inkjet print heads sometimes do-if you go weeks or months between print jobs.

Laser printers are less frustrating to maintain.

A4 printer test page