Stiftung Warentest does the printer check: Ink beats toner
In October 2013 the Stiftung Warentest put 17 current printers to the test, including multi-function devices as well as pure laser and toner printers. The surprising result: An inkjet printer was able to outperform the entire laser competition in terms of costs. We present the unexpected test winner and show you further tops and flops of the printer test.
The product test winner: Ink doesn't have to be more expensive
The test winner of a total of 88 tested printers comes from HP: The model "Officejet Pro X476dw" (inkjet printer) even comes up against the previous top laser printers and sets new standards:
- While the toner costs for a black and white laser printer are at least two cents per page, you are already printing with ink for one cent / text page.
- The HP Officejet Pro X476dw is also top of the class in terms of ecology with low power consumption. Stiftung Warentest awarded a "very good" here.
- However, the inspectors found one flaw when copying: Here the printer shows off its speed, but the quality of the copies is poor. He also disappointed when printing photos.
- Conclusion: The test winner HP Officejet Pro X476dw outperforms every competitor in terms of printing costs, but cannot keep up with the top quality. Because of its large ink tanks, it is also more aimed at small offices. More information about the printer can be found in the CHIP hardware test.
The printer test winners in the CHIP ranking
While the test winner has office qualities, there are also two top printers for home use: firstly HP OfficeJet Pro 276dw, closely followed by HP OfficeJet Pro 8000. The CHIP comparison:
- The HP OfficeJet Pro 276dw also tops the CHIP leaderboard, not least because of the low cost of 1.1 cents per text page.
- Instead of the HP OfficeJet Pro 8000, the CHIP top list lists the improved successor model, the HP OfficeJet Pro 8600 Plus, in third place. The printer convinces with fast and cheap printing in good quality.
The tops and flops of inkjet printers
Until now, inkjet printers were considered to be particularly cheap to buy and at the same time particularly expensive to consume. With the two product test winners Officejet Pro X476dw and HP Officejet Pro 276dw, Hewlett Packard is now proving the opposite.
- Top: In addition to the two top printers from HP, Canon's Pixma MX925 is also one of the best inkjet printers in the product test check. The printer can make up for the comparatively higher printing costs with better print, scan and copy quality.
- Flop: The last places were also occupied by two Hewlett-Packard printers: the two old models Deskjet 3000 and Deskjet 1000. According to the goods test, the reason for this are the high printing costs and the hardly available additional functions.
- All test details can be found at test.de.
Color and black and white laser printers tested
Even if the Stiftung Warentest came to the conclusion that inkjet printers are cheaper, various laser printers were able to convince in the test:
- Top: Due to its good print quality and speed, the HP LaserJet P1606dn is at the top of the product test list among black and white laser printers. In the CHIP leaderboard, however, he only takes 20th place.
- Number 1 of the color laser printer is in the ranking of the Samsung CLP-415NW foundation, which places it in 16th place in the CHIP test.
- Flop: The Brother MFC-9120cn (rating 3.2) is at the bottom due to its high power consumption and particularly high toner costs.
Stiftung Warentest's printer check: the conclusion
- Inkjet printers do not always have high follow-up costs, but sometimes convince with cheap ink and low consumption.
- In addition, inkjet printers are always cheaper to buy than color laser printers. The only exception is the test winner HP Officejet Pro X476dw, which is more suitable for a small office.
- With combination printers, the quality of a printout can differ significantly from that of a copy. The reason for this is the internal software. Color laser printers in particular often weaken with pictures and photos.
Tip: You can also save a lot of money by purchasing the printer cartridges. You can find a comparison of the cheapest providers here.