How to Choose the Right Toner for Your Printer

Choosing the correct toner for your printer is one of the most important decisions you can make—especially if you want sharp prints, long-lasting cartridges, and reliable performance. Whether you use your printer at home, in school, or in a busy office, the right toner helps you reduce printing costs while keeping your printer in good condition.

1. Check Your Printer Model

Your printer model is the number one factor when selecting toner. Each printer uses a specific toner series designed for its internal mechanisms.

Look for the model number on the front of the printer or inside the toner compartment.
Example: HP LaserJet M402 uses the HP 26A/26X toner.

2. Confirm Toner Compatibility

Once you know your printer model, check which toner cartridges are compatible with it. Using the wrong toner can cause:

• Poor print quality
• Error messages
• Leaks or smudges
• Even damage to your printer

On Shah Computers, every toner product lists the compatible printer models clearly so you can buy confidently.

3. Choose Between Original and Compatible Toners

There are two types of toner cartridges available in Kenya:

Original (OEM) Toners
Made by the printer’s brand (HP, Canon, Brother, Epson). They offer the best reliability and print quality but cost more.

Compatible Toners
High-quality third-party cartridges that provide the same print output at a more affordable price. These are great for offices, schools, and home users.

If you print daily documents, school assignments, or business reports, compatible toners can save you up to 50% without compromising quality.

4. Check the Page Yield

Page yield tells you how many pages a toner can print before it runs out.

Typical page yields:

• Standard toner (A series): 1,500–3,000 pages
• High-yield toner (X series): 4,000–10,000 pages

If you print frequently, a high-yield toner is more cost-effective and reduces how often you need replacements.

5. Consider Your Printing Needs

Different printing needs require different toner choices:

• Text documents → Standard toner is enough
• Colour graphics → Choose genuine or premium compatible colour toner
• Bulk printing → Go for high-yield toners for better savings

6. Buy Your Toner from a Trusted Supplier

A reliable supplier ensures:

• Genuine or high-quality compatible toners
• Fresh stock (not expired or dried)
• Clear warranty terms
• Verified compatibility information

At Shah Computers, All toners and inks are sourced from trusted suppliers and checked for authenticity and quality, ensuring reliable performance for your printer.