Toner parts- All cartridges

Original Equipment Manufacturer or brand name cartridges, are created by a specific printer's manufacturer, not an outside source. These cartridges are the most suitable for that given printer, and are typically backed with a guarantee or warranty. The toner cartridges that come with a new printer are OEM cartridges, these cartridges are easily installed in printers, and typically produce the highest quality prints. However, this accessibility and high quality can come with a hefty price tag. It is often the most expensive of all cartridges. Although they have a high page yield, lowering the actual cost per page, they can often cost as much as a new printer itself.

Generic, or compatible, cartridges are created by a third party, not involving the actual manufacturer of the printer or its original cartridges. These cartridges are modeled after OEM cartridges from most major brands, including HP, Xerox, Dell, and many more. They are typically constructed from completely new parts, but vary slightly from the OEM models due to patents and other restrictions. However, the parts are still compatible with those of an OEM cartridge. They may not be recommended by the printer's manufacturer, but they can operate just as well as the endorsed cartridges.

Remanufactured cartridges have the lowest rate of functionality among toner cartridges. These have been disassembled by an outside party, cleaned, checked, and then reconstructed to be used again. Some sources will even just drill a hole in a used cartridge, refill it with toner, and then plug it back up for use. Although the recycling factor makes them more environmentally friendly, these cartridges typically produce the lowest quality prints and can often be prone to leaking, which would damage the printer and ruin documents. Like compatible cartridges, remanufactured models have significantly lower prices than OEM cartridges.