Which toner should you buy: original or non-original?

Almost every printer owner has probably asked themselves this question when looking for a new toner. Printer manufacturers' stance is unequivocal. They recommend that we use only original toner cartridges. But is this the only correct solution, or are other options also possible?

Original toner is a sure thing, though the downside may be a higher price

There is no need for any lengthy debate about the quality of original toners.

They were manufactured by the printer manufacturer, and their, let's call it, "formula" was adapted to the specific requirements of the device. Print quality is therefore guaranteed and will always be at a high level. You can also always expect the same yield from the toner. The only thing speaking against the original toner is its excessively high price. The price of printers, meanwhile, starts at 90. the lifespan has decreased by more than half, which generally cannot be said about printer cartridges.

Are the high margins of printer manufacturers behind the success of compatible cartridges?

Malicious tongues say that the business philosophy of printer manufacturers closely resembles that of razor blade makers, who offer the basic device at a subsidized price and then make money on replacement cartridges. Some selected printer models are reportedly subsidized by up to one-fifth of the sale price. On the other hand, according to estimates by financial analysts, the profit margins on original toners and ink cartridges are somewhere in the range of 50 to 60%. What the real truth is, however, we will probably never know, because naturally no manufacturer will reveal the real figures.

Behind the disputes between printer manufacturers and compatible toner manufacturers, profits must be seen

Although several printer manufacturers suggest or claim that they show a reasonable profit not only from the sale of toners and supplementary components, but also make money from the sale of printers, certain doubts nevertheless remain. On the contrary, there is not the slightest doubt about the importance of printer consumables from the perspective of total revenues. The profit that manufacturers are able to generate from the sale of consumables is certainly interesting and worth attention.

It is therefore no wonder that there is rivalry between them and the manufacturers of alternative cartridges, or even a certain form of mutual animosity. If we look at everything from the customer's perspective, it is no wonder that the higher price of original cartridges is also a reason for dissatisfaction and the search for acceptable alternatives. Non-original toner cartridges can often be the right answer without any compromises. However, if we were to return to the beginning after all, it must be said that original toner cartridges are a safe bet and a guarantee of quality, but one for which you have to pay extra.

Compatible toners? Yes, but from verified manufacturers and sellers

While printer manufacturers logically do not want to change their positions and continue to stand by their claims that documents printed with compatible cartridges are not as high-quality as those with original toners, independent tests say something entirely different. According to them, there are no significant qualitative differences between original and compatible toners. The vast majority of printed documents thus met quality criteria that were at least comparable to the quality of prints from original cartridges.

Of course, even among compatible toners, distinctions need to be made, because there are both higher-quality and lower-quality alternatives among them. However, if you decide on an alternative manufacturer of compatible cartridges that holds recognized certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or STMC, you definitely won’t make a wrong choice. Compatible toners offer quality comparable to original toner cartridges, and among other things, they can help you save a significant amount of money.