If you own a laser printer, then you’re familiar with replacing OEM toner cartridges and how expensive those replacements can be—especially for businesses. When your demand for printed documents is higher than average, your overall printing costs increase as well. To manage those high expenses, it’s important to explore all of your toner purchasing options.

The manufacturer’s option for toner (or OEMs) are the higher priced option. Then there are re-manufactured OEMs and then, compatibles.

To get a better look at the price difference, you’ll see the popular brand Cannon selling their CRG 137 Black Toner for average $75.00. The compatible or re-manufactured version is $25.00.

That’s a $50 reason for users to choose the cheaper option.

Before you jump for joy at the prospect of getting more bang for your buck, remember, if it sounds too good to be true …

Let’s back up a bit. We’ll take a look at why the prices are so different and you will find that compatibles are not ready to replace OEMs on the market anytime soon.

What are OEM Toner Cartridges?

Understanding OEM Cartridges

Considered the crème de la crème of printer supplies, toner cartridges are produced by the same manufacturer that made your printer.

For example:

• If you own a Xerox printer, your OEM toner cartridge is made by Xerox.

OEM toner cartridges are designed specifically for your printer, ensuring optimal compatibility, reliability, and print quality.

Why OEM Cartridges Are the Best Choice

OEM toner cartridges offer several key advantages:

• Superior print quality with sharp text and consistent results

• Perfect compatibility with your printer

• Lower risk of printer malfunctions

• Protection of your manufacturer’s warranty

Manufacturers strongly recommend using toner cartridges because they reduce failure rates and help extend the lifespan of your printer. If your printer ever needs servicing, you won’t have to worry about warranty issues caused by third-party toner.

Another advantage is innovation. When manufacturers improve toner formulas or cartridge design, OEM users benefit immediately from those upgrades.

The Downside of OEM Toner Cartridges

Despite their quality, toner cartridges do have drawbacks:

• Higher price point

• Limited recyclability

Disposing of unused toner cartridges can be difficult—but that’s where Toner Connect comes in. We help you turn unused, unopened toner cartridges into cash. Simply send them to us, and we’ll put money back in your pocket.

That extra cash can help offset the higher cost of toner cartridges, which is why many users consider cheaper alternatives.

Re-Manufactured OEM Toner Cartridges

What Are Re-Manufactured OEM Cartridges?

Re-manufactured OEM toner cartridges are original cartridges that have been cleaned, refilled, and resold by third-party companies.

Some buyers feel more comfortable choosing re-manufactured toner because the cartridge shell originally came from the manufacturer.

The Risks of Re-Manufactured OEM Toner

While re-manufactured cartridges may be cheaper, they come with risks:

• They do not include the manufacturer’s latest toner improvements

• Print quality can be inconsistent

• Increased risk of printer malfunctions

The risk is even greater when purchasing from less reputable sellers. Poor refurbishment processes can result in leaks, streaks, or damage to your printer.

Although re-manufactured toner cartridges may seem like a smart financial decision, they can negatively impact your printer’s productivity over time.

Compatible Toner Cartridges

What Are Compatible Toner Cartridges?

Compatible toner cartridges are newly manufactured cartridges designed to work with specific printers. They are not made or licensed by the original manufacturer.

Because of patent and copyright restrictions, compatible manufacturers must recreate cartridge components from scratch using recyclable materials.

Are Compatible Toner Cartridges Worth It?

Compatible toner cartridges are the cheapest option, but they come with trade-offs:

• Lower and less consistent print quality

• Higher printer failure rates

• Greater risk of long-term printer damage

For businesses, compatible toner cartridges are often the least popular option due to quality concerns. Continuous use of low-quality compatibles can even result in replacing your printer sooner than expected.

As with re-manufactured toner, finding a trustworthy seller is critical—and not always easy.

Before choosing compatible toner cartridges, ask yourself:

• How long do I plan to use my printer?

• How much do I print each day?

• What level of print quality do I need?

Your answers will help guide your decision.

Why Toner Cartridges Will Never Be Replaced

Choosing the right toner cartridge is an important part of managing your printing budget. You can invest in OEM toner cartridges to protect performance and reliability, or opt for cheaper alternatives that may compromise your printer over time.

While the toner market continues to evolve, major brands like HP, Canon, and Xerox are not losing customers. Their reputations, reliability, and loyal business clients ensure that toner cartridges remain the industry standard.

Ultimately, the best toner choice depends on your priorities:

• If budget is your main concern, compatible toner may work.

• If quality, reliability, and printer longevity matter most, toner cartridges are unmatched.

And remember—if you have unused, unopened OEM toner cartridges, Toner Connect will pay you for them.

Have OEM unopened toner laying around? Why don’t you see what it’s worth? 
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