The main difference between a drum and toner is their function in a printer:
Toner
A powder that's stored in a cartridge and used to create images and letters on paper
Drum
An electrically charged cylinder that transfers toner from the cartridge onto the paper
Both the toner and drum are essential components for producing a print. Here are some other things to know about toner and drums:
Replacement
Toner cartridges usually need to be replaced more often than drums. You might go through three or four toner cartridges before needing to replace the drum.
Cost
Toner-only cartridges are usually less expensive than all-in-one cartridges that contain both the toner and drum.
Printer type
Whether the toner and drum come together in a single unit depends on the printer manufacturer. Some printers require separate toner and drum components, while others combine them into one.
Print quality
Both all-in-one cartridges and separate toner and drum units can produce excellent image and text quality.
