Is My Printer Inkjet or Laser? How to Tell in a Minute

Quick answer: Check the model name. HP LaserJet, Canon imageCLASS, and Brother models starting with HL-L, MFC-L or DCP-L are laser printers that use toner. HP DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet and Smart Tank, Canon PIXMA and MegaTank, Brother MFC-J, DCP-J and MFC-T, and Epson EcoTank, WorkForce and Expression are inkjets. You can also open the printer: a box-shaped toner cartridge of dry powder means laser, and small liquid ink cartridges or bottles mean inkjet.

Knowing which kind you own decides what you buy: ink cartridges or toner, and whether a separate drum unit is involved. Once you know, our find ink by printer page lists the exact cartridges for your model.

How can you tell if a printer is inkjet or laser?

The fastest way is the model name, printed on the front or top of the printer. If that doesn't settle it, look at what's inside: laser printers use toner cartridges, and inkjets use ink cartridges or ink tanks.

1. Read the model name. Match the product line to the table below.
2. Open the cover. A large toner cartridge (often with a separate drum) means laser. Small cartridges on a moving carriage, or refillable tanks you can see through, mean inkjet.
3. Check the box or manual. The product description will say whether it's a laser or inkjet printer.
4. Look at what you've been buying. If you've been ordering "toner," it's a laser. If you've been buying "ink," it's an inkjet.

Which printer models are laser, and which are inkjet?

Each brand separates its laser and inkjet printers into named product lines, so the first word or prefix in the model tells you which kind it is.

A few products are neither. Canon's SELPHY photo printers use dye-sublimation, and its IVY mini printers use ZINK paper, so they take neither ink cartridges nor toner.

The "L" in a Brother model is the giveaway: an HL-L2350DW or MFC-L2750DW is laser, while an MFC-J4535DW is an inkjet. Our model guides cover dozens of these printers, for example the HP ink cartridge compatibility chart.

What's the difference between ink and toner?

Ink is a liquid sprayed onto the paper. Toner is a fine, dry powder that a laser printer fuses onto the paper with heat.

• Ink is made with dye or pigment colorants in liquid, according to Canon. It can dry out in the cartridge if the printer sits unused.
• Toner is a fine powder of tiny plastic particles. Canon notes that it doesn't dry out the way ink can.
• Speed: HP says laser printers often print 20 to 40 pages per minute, compared with 5 to 15 for inkjets.

We go deeper in what a toner cartridge is and how it differs from ink, how a laser printer works and how an inkjet printer works.

HP 67XL black and tri-color 2-packBrother TN760 tonerCanon PG-245XL / CL-246XL combo

Where do you find your printer's model number?

Look on the front or top of the printer first. If it isn't there, check the label with the serial number, usually on the back, side or bottom.

• Epson: the serial number label "appears on the side, back, or bottom" of the product, and may also sit under the scanner unit or printer cover.
• Brother: the label is on the back of the unit. On touchscreen models you can also go to Settings > All Settings > Machine Info.
• HP: open the cartridge access door. A label near the slots lists the cartridge numbers, and the control panel's ink or supplies menu shows them too.

Does a laser printer use ink?

No. Laser printers use toner, a dry powder, and many also use a separate drum unit that transfers the toner to the paper. If your printer asks for a drum, it's a laser.

See drum unit vs toner cartridge for when to replace each.

Which is better for you, inkjet or laser?

If you print a lot of documents, laser usually wins: HP's comparison puts it ahead on speed, cost per page and cartridge life. If you print less, or print in color at home, an inkjet can make more sense.

For a full cost breakdown, see inkjet vs laser: which one actually saves money.

Ready to restock? Shop ink cartridges or toner cartridges, or look up your model on the PrinterIQ finder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Policies, steps and settings were checked on October 27, 2026 and can change. Confirm with the store or manufacturer before you rely on them.

• HP Store: printers filtered by line (DeskJet, ENVY, OfficeJet, Smart Tank)
• HP Tech Takes: Laser Printer vs Inkjet
• HP Tech Takes: How to find what ink cartridge your HP printer uses
• Canon USA: Printer Buying Guide
• Canon USA: Printer Toner vs. Ink
• Brother Support (US): Inkjet Printer/Fax/MFC/DCP
• Brother Support (US): Monochrome Laser Fax/MFC/DCP
• Brother USA: MFC-J4535DW INKvestment Color Inkjet All-in-One
• Brother Support: Where is the serial number?
• Epson press release: discontinuing the global sale of laser printers
• Epson Support: How do I find my serial number?