===== TOP BAR ===== 0416 295 964 | info@hunterofficetechnology.com.au ===== SITE HEADER ===== Logo + Search (inline) + Actions Get a Free Print Audit Cart Mobile search ===== MAIN NAV (Desktop) ===== ===== MOBILE OFFCANVAS NAV ===== ##### Menu - [Shop](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/shop/) [Consumables](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/) [Printers and Scanners](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers-and-scanners/) [Office Machines](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/office-machines/) [Power](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/power/) [Cables and Electrical](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/cables-and-electrical/) [Computers and Accessories](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/computers-and-accessories/) [Audio](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/audio/) [Mobile Accessories](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/mobile-accessories/) [Smart Home and Security](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/smart-home-and-security/) [Networking Products](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/networking-products/) [Conferencing](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/conferencing/) [Monitors](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/monitors/) - [Services](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/services/) [Managed Print Services](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/services/managed-print-services/) [Printer Warranty & Repair](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/services/repair-warranty/) [IT & Computer Repairs](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/services/computer-repairs/) - [MPS Partners](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/managed-print-partners/) [Brother Managed Print Services](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/managed-print-partners/brother-managed-print-services-newcastle/) [Epson Print Partner](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/managed-print-partners/epson-business-print-solutions/) - [Printers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/) [Brother Business Printers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/business-printers/) [Epson Business Printers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/epson-partner-printers/) [Home & SOHO Printers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/home-printers/) [Wide Format](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/wide-format/) [Cost-per-page calculator](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/printer-cost-per-page-calculator/) [Inks & Toners](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers/printer-inks/) - [Business Technology](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/) [Laptops & Desktop Computers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/laptops-desktop-computers/) [Accessories](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/computer-accessories/) [Document Scanners & Label Printers](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/document-scanners-label-printers/) [Meeting Room & Conferencing Equipment](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/meeting-room-conferencing-equipment/) [Presentation Equipment](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/presentation-equipment/) [Office Devices & Equipment](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/business-technology/office-devices-equipment/) - [Request Service](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/service/) - [Contact](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-contact/) [Contact Us](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-contact/) [News](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-news/) ===== MAIN CONTENT ===== # What’s the Difference Between Ink and Toner? 13 May 2026 Ink and toner both produce printed documents, but they work differently and suit different types of printer. **Ink is a liquid used in inkjet printers. Toner is a powder used in laser and LED printers.** They are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference can help you compare printers and choose the correct replacement supplies. [Shop printer ink, toner and consumables at Hunter Office Technology](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/). ## What Is Printer Ink? Inkjet printers apply tiny droplets of liquid ink to the paper through a printhead. Depending on the model, the ink may be supplied in replaceable cartridges, refill bottles or ink packs. These systems have different capacities and replacement methods, so check the requirements of your particular printer. Inkjet models are available for household documents, colour images, photography and business printing. Their suitability depends on the specific printer, supported paper and the output you need. [Browse printer ink in our online shop](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/ink/). ## What Is Printer Toner? Toner is a fine powder used in laser and LED printers. During printing, it is transferred onto the paper and bonded in place using heat and pressure. Toner-based printers are commonly used for text documents, reports, invoices and other office paperwork. Models are available for both black-and-white and colour printing. Toner does not dry out like liquid ink, but cartridges still need appropriate storage and handling. [Browse toner and laser printer consumables](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/laser/). ## Ink Cartridges, Ink Bottles and Ink Packs These products all supply ink, but they are designed for different systems. ### Ink Cartridges Cartridge-based printers use replacement cartridges matched to the printer model. Some use separate cartridges for each colour, while others combine several colours in one cartridge. ### Ink Bottles Refillable ink-tank printers use specified bottles to replenish their tanks. The correct bottle series matters: an ink bottle is not suitable simply because it is the same brand or colour. ### Ink Packs Some business inkjet printers use replaceable ink packs. These are installed according to the printer’s design and should not be confused with bottles used to refill tanks. Always match the supply type and product code to your printer. ## Is Ink or Toner Cheaper? Neither is automatically cheaper for every user. Running costs depend on the printer, supply pricing, cartridge or bottle yield, and the documents you produce. A refillable ink printer may suit one workload, while a mono laser printer may suit another. To compare costs, consider: - The printer’s purchase price. - Replacement supply prices. - Rated page yields. - Your mix of colour and black-and-white printing. - Other consumables and maintenance requirements. Dividing the supply price by its rated yield provides a basic ink- or toner-only estimate per page. It does not include every cost of operating the printer. Actual yields vary with document coverage, settings and usage. A page containing large images will generally use more ink or toner than a page with a small amount of text. ## Does Toner Include the Drum? Not always. The drum is part of the imaging process in a laser or LED printer. Some cartridges combine toner and drum components, while other printers use separate units. A “replace drum” message may therefore require a different product from a “replace toner” message. Check the printer’s instructions and the exact replacement code before ordering. If you are unsure, [contact Hunter Office Technology](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-contact/) with the model number and the message displayed. ## How to Find the Correct Replacement ### 1. Identify Your Printer Model Use the full model number from the printer label or settings. Similar-looking printers can use different supplies. ### 2. Check the Supply Code Compare the code on the existing cartridge, bottle or pack with the replacement listing. Confirm that the product page includes your printer among its compatible models. ### 3. Choose the Correct Colour Check whether you need black, cyan, magenta, yellow or a combined colour cartridge. Some specialist printers use additional colours. ### 4. Check Capacity and Compatibility Standard and high-yield options may be available. Confirm that the selected version supports your printer, then compare price and rated yield. ## Genuine and Compatible Supplies Genuine supplies are sold under the printer manufacturer’s brand. Compatible supplies are made by another supplier for specified printer models. When comparing options, review compatibility, stated yield, supplier support and any relevant conditions of your printer or managed print arrangement. For MPS-exclusive supplies or printers covered by an existing agreement, contact our team to confirm the appropriate ordering process. [Explore our printer consumables range](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/) to view the options available online. ## Choosing a New Printer? Decide what you need to print before choosing between ink and toner. Consider colour requirements, paper sizes, scanning and copying, expected volume and replacement supply costs. Compare individual models rather than assuming every inkjet or laser printer performs the same way. [Shop printers and scanners](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/printers-and-scanners/) or read our [guide to choosing the right printer](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-news/choosing-the-right-printer-home-business/). ## Buy Ink and Toner from Hunter Office Technology Find replacement supplies through the Hunter Office Technology shop: - [Shop printer ink](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/ink/). - [Shop toner and laser printer consumables](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/laser/). - [Browse all printer consumables](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/consumables/). For help identifying the correct product, [contact our team](https://www.hunterofficetechnology.com.au/hot-contact/) with your printer model and existing supply code. 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