What Toner Does the Lexmark E260dn Use?

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Quick answer: The Lexmark E260dn uses a 3,500-page black toner cartridge sold in two versions, the Return Program E260A11A and the regular E260A21A, plus a separate E260X22G photoconductor (drum) kit rated at about 30,000 pages.

The two toners are the same size and yield; the E260A11A is discounted in exchange for an agreement to return it to Lexmark. The 9,000-page E360H high-yield cartridges do not work in the E260. Castle Ink sells a compatible E260A21A and E260X22G.

CastleScore · November 2026

71/100 — Recommended

Lexmark E260dn (Scored on Lexmark E260dn ratings)

Pillar (weight)ScoreWhat it is based on
Owner ratings (28%) 74 3.8★ average across 4 ratings on eBay's product page (very small sample)
Expert reviews (20%) — No published numeric expert score we could verify (Trusted Reviews and IT Pro reviewed it without an overall number).
Cost per page (18%) 78 About 2.8¢ per page with our compatible E260A21A toner (3,500 pages), plus about 0.2¢ for the E260X22G photoconductor.
Reliability (18%) 70 Most-reported problems: 31.xx missing or defective cartridge errors; paper pick-up on older units; envelope feeding
Features (11%) 58 Mono print only, up to 35 ppm, auto duplex, Ethernet, USB and parallel, 250-sheet tray plus optional drawer. No display, no wireless.
Value (5%) 65 Running cost and owner satisfaction for a retired workgroup laser that now sells used

Limited data: We could not find a published numeric expert score for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars; owner ratings are a very small sample.

Retired. Lexmark lists the E260dn as discontinued; it sells used only.

CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked November 2, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own compatible toner, photographed in-house.

What Toner Does the Lexmark E260dn Take?

Cartridge Lexmark part no. Approx. yield Castle Ink option
Lexmark E260A21A Black (regular) E260A21A ~3,500 pages Castle Ink E260A21A, $98.95
Lexmark E260A11A Black (Return Program) E260A11A ~3,500 pages Amazon
Lexmark photoconductor kit (drum) E260X22G ~30,000 pages Castle Ink E260X22G, $49.95

Yields are Lexmark's ISO 19752 figures from the E260dn product page, confirmed by 4inkjets and LD Products. A new E260dn ships with a 1,000-page Return Program starter cartridge. Amazon links are tagged (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases).

What Does E260dn Toner Cost per Page?

On November 2, 2026, 4inkjets and LD Products both listed Lexmark's E260A11A at $157.99, about 4.5¢ a page, with the OEM E260X22G photoconductor at $43.99 and $43.10. Our compatible E260A21A is $98.95, about 2.8¢ a page, and our E260X22G is $49.95, which adds about 0.2¢ a page over its 30,000-page life.

Will Compatible Toner Work?

Yes. E260-family cartridges carry a chip that the printer reads, and a compatible cartridge comes with its own new chip, so the Return Program agreement does not apply to it. Lexmark's support article for a 31.xx "Missing or Defective Cartridge" error says third-party and refilled cartridges may not be compatible and recommends checking that the cartridge is seated and the printer firmware is current; if a new compatible cartridge throws 31.xx after reseating, the seller should replace it.

How Do I Replace the Toner in the E260dn?

  1. Open the front door of the printer.
  2. Pull out the toner and photoconductor assembly by its handle.
  3. Press the release button on the photoconductor kit and lift the old toner cartridge out.
  4. Unpack the new cartridge and shake it side to side to loosen the toner.
  5. Line it up with the rails on the photoconductor kit and push it in until it clicks.
  6. Slide the assembly back into the printer and close the front door.

To replace the photoconductor, take the same assembly out, move the toner cartridge to the new E260X22G kit and reinstall it. These are the standard steps for this type of printer. If your model's door label shows a different order, follow the label.

Which Other Printers Use E260A11A and E260A21A?

The Lexmark E260, E260d, E260dn, E360d, E360dn, E460dn, E460dw and E462dtn all take the 3,500-page E260A11A and E260A21A. The E260X22G photoconductor also fits the E360 and E460 series and Lexmark's X264, X36x and X46x multifunction models.

What E260dn owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer review pages, manufacturer support communities and owner forums, answered in our words.

What is a Return Program cartridge?

The E260A11A is sold at a discount on the condition that you use it once and return it only to Lexmark for remanufacturing or recycling. The regular E260A21A has no such agreement and costs more from Lexmark. Both hold the same 3,500 pages. In 2017 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Impression Products v. Lexmark that Lexmark cannot use patent law to stop the resale or refilling of Return Program cartridges once they are sold, so the agreement is a contract between the buyer and Lexmark. A compatible cartridge is a different, newly built cartridge and carries no return obligation.

Can I use the 9,000-page E360H11A to print more?

No. Lexmark's high-yield E360H cartridges are made for the E360 and E460 series only, and the 15,000-page E460X11A is E460-only. The E260 is limited to the 3,500-page cartridges.

The lights show a 31.xx missing or defective cartridge error. What now?

Reseat the toner in the photoconductor kit and the assembly in the printer. If the error comes and goes, Lexmark says to print a Menu Settings page (press the Continue button while the printer is Ready) and update the engine firmware if it is older than 201c. If it persists with one cartridge only, the cartridge or its chip is at fault.

How often does the photoconductor need replacing?

About every 30,000 pages, which is roughly every eight or nine toner cartridges. It is a separate part from the toner, so the toner swap alone does not replace it.

E260dn quirks worth knowing

  • There is no display, only status lights; settings pages and network setup run through the Continue button or the printer's web page.
  • Real-world speed is well below the rated 35 ppm on short jobs, per Trusted Reviews, though duplex printing holds up well.
  • Trusted Reviews scored value lowest among its sub-scores because OEM toner is expensive for the class.
  • Some eBay owners of older units report paper pick-up problems and trouble feeding envelopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What toner does the Lexmark E260dn use?

The 3,500-page E260A11A (Return Program) or E260A21A (regular) black toner, with the separate E260X22G photoconductor kit rated at about 30,000 pages.

Is the E260A11A different from the E260A21A?

Only in the terms. The E260A11A is a discounted Return Program cartridge meant to go back to Lexmark; the E260A21A has no return agreement. Both yield about 3,500 pages.

Does the E260dn print two-sided automatically?

Yes. It has a built-in duplexer, plus Ethernet, USB and parallel ports and a 250-sheet tray.

Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives

Sources

Ratings and prices were checked on November 2, 2026 and will change over time.

Need replacement Lexmark toner cartridges? Shop Lexmark toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.

Written and reviewed by — Castle Ink CEO since 2005; more than 20 years of experience in the printer supplies and e-commerce industry..

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