Genuine vs. Compatible Toner - What's the difference?
Posted by Lisa Turner on
You know your printer needs toner, but did you know that not all toner is created equal? You might hear terms like OEM, compatible, generic and genuine thrown around, but what do they all mean? Are compatible toner cartridges any good? We're here to explain the differences and advantages of both!
Genuine Toner
A genuine or original cartridge is manufactured by the same brand that makes your printer. For example, if you have an HP printer, HP will also manufacture the genuine toner for that printer. Genuine toner cartridges are also known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) toner. Many consumers prefer the peace of mind that comes with using genuine cartridges. ITF Supplies carries all major toner cartridge brands including Brother, Canon, HP and Kyocera at competitive prices.
Compatible Toner
Third-party manufacturers create compatible toner for branded printers. Also known as generic toner, they are a cheaper alternative to genuine toner cartridges. Although compatible toners are developed to be nearly identical to genuine toners, the quality varies more widely and is considered less reliable than their genuine toner counterparts. At ITF Supplies we sell only the highest quality compatible cartridges and offer a full refund if you're not satisfied with their performance. Take advantage of huge savings and check out our range of Compatible Toners.
Print Quality
Depending on what you are printing, a compatible toner can perform just as well as a genuine toner. If you're looking to print high-quality images, the best results will come from genuine toner paired with the recommended photo paper. However, if you're just looking to print documents, our compatible toners will be more than up to the task.
What about the Environment?
Certain toner manufacturers invest a significant amount of money to develop sustainable products and practices, from closed loop recycling programs and transforming waste into products. If you're looking to support a more sustainable future, purchasing genuine cartridges from environmentally conscious manufacturers such as HP is the way to go. However, even if you choose to purchase compatible toners, you can still do your bit for the environment and recycle by dropping them off at a Cartridges 4 Planet Ark collection box! Find your closest collection box here. All cartridges collected are sent back to Close the Loop in Melbourne where they are processed into raw materials to make new products. Learn more about the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark recycling program here.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide whether a genuine or compatible toner will suit your needs better. ITF Supplies carries a wide range of fully guaranteed genuine and compatible toners for your printers and we're always happy to help you out with your decision. Call us on 1300 662 469 or contact us for product help and recommendations!