All-in-one vs single-function printers for cost

When choosing between an all-in-one printer and a single-function model, the upfront price is just the beginning. The real cost comes from ink or toner replacements, maintenance, and how often you actually use each feature.

All-in-one printers (print/scan/copy) often seem like better value at first glance, but they can lock you into higher ink costs. Many models use combined color cartridges, meaning you replace the entire unit when one color runs out. Our data shows all-in-one ink costs averaging 30-50% more per page than single-function printers in the same price range.

Single-function printers (print-only) typically have:

• Lower per-page ink costs
• Fewer mechanical parts that can fail
• More third-party cartridge options

Key considerations:

1. Scanning needs: If you scan documents weekly, an all-in-one may justify its higher operating costs. For occasional scans, your phone camera + a free app often suffices.
2. Ink costs: Compare the cost per milliliter of ink. All-in-ones frequently use smaller, more expensive cartridges.
3. Yield: Check the page yield estimates - some all-in-ones have surprisingly low yields for their cartridge prices.

Our testing found the best value comes from pairing a basic single-function printer with a standalone scanner if needed. The HP [B0G1R37VJC] and Brother [B0FVY8TTVN] single-function models consistently deliver the lowest cost per page, while the Epson [B0DVT2JTRN] offers reliable all-in-one functionality if you truly need the features.