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How to Buy a Laser Printer

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Laser Printer

Get a reliable laser printer for your home office during the back to school rush without blowing your budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want a home office printer that just works when you need it, rather than one that jams every time you print a boarding pass. A good laser printer should last you a decade, which means you are buying this once instead of replacing a cheap inkjet every two years. Look for monochrome models if you only print text, and check the release cycles to see when last year's model drops in price.

Back to school season brings out a lot of office gear discounts, making it a smart time to look. Around $350 covers a solid machine with duplex printing and decent speeds. Let's look at how to map out the purchase so you aren't scrambling to pay for it all at once.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money, and any remaining balance at the end of the 18 months will trigger standard interest charges.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your model

    Decide if you actually need color or if black and white will do. Monochrome laser printers are cheaper to run and rarely dry out if they sit unused for weeks.

  2. 02

    Check the release cycle

    Printer makers drop new versions on a predictable schedule, usually ahead of the fall semester. If you spot last year's model on clearance, grab it for the same hardware at a lower price.

  3. 03

    Map the payments

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to spread out the cost. For a $350 printer, that breaks down to $19.44 per month over that window.

  4. 04

    Factor in toner

    Factory cartridges run out faster than you think. Check the price of replacement toner before you commit to a brand so you aren't trapped by expensive refills.

  5. 05

    Test it early

    Set the printer up the day it arrives and run a few test pages. You want to find out if it drops Wi-Fi or has driver issues while you are still inside the return window.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy a laser printer or an inkjet for a home office?

If you mostly print documents and text, get a laser printer. Toner doesn't dry out like ink, and the per-page cost is much lower over the life of the machine.

How long do home laser printers usually last?

A decent laser printer easily lasts five to ten years with basic maintenance. You'll likely only replace it when drivers stop updating or you move to a new office setup.

Are third-party toner cartridges safe to use?

Most third-party toner works fine for daily text printing and saves you a lot of money. Just check reviews for your specific printer model to make sure they don't leak inside the machine.

What does a 0% intro window actually mean?

It means you pay no interest on your purchase for a set number of months. You still have to make your monthly payments on time to keep the deal active.