3D printer vs. laser printer: running cost
A laser printer is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $21 for a 3D printer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $15 difference.
| 3D printer | Laser printer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 120 W | 500 W |
| Watt range | 50–350 W | 300–1,000 W |
| Typical use | 4 hours a day, 3 days a week | 6 minutes a day, 5 days a week |
| Energy per year | 116 kWh | 31 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.2¢ | 9.0¢ |
| Cost per day | 5.7¢ | 1.5¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.74 | $0.46 |
| Cost per year | $21 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $50 | $13 |
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What drives the difference
- 3D printer: FDM printers draw 300+ W while the bed heats, then average 80-150 W printing PLA. A 4-hour print uses about 0.5 kWh.
- Laser printer: Laser printers draw 400-600 W while printing (fusing toner) and spike higher on warm-up, but print only minutes a day; sleep draw of 1-3 W makes up most annual use.
Ways to cut either cost
ENERGY STAR laser printer
Certified models have deep-sleep modes under 1 W.
See options on Amazon Heated bed insulation
Reduces heat loss from the underside of the bed, lowering average draw.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a 3D printer or a laser printer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a 3D printer costs about $21 a year versus $5 for a laser printer. That's $15 more, or 3.8× as much.
How many watts do 3D printer and laser printer use?
A 3D printer typically draws 120 W (range 50–350 W). A laser printer draws 500 W (range 300–1,000 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.