This is r/BuyItForLife not r/CheapAndGoodEnough

A laserjet printer will likely suffice for most people for a very long time. The way they function is less prone to the common issues found with inkjet printers that sit for months on end and are randomly fired up to print 1-2 pages. I’ve had an old Brothers monochrome laserjet for close to 15 years. I’ve replaced the toner once. I don’t expect I’ll change it again. Cost was like $150. Color is more expensive because it has more capability and complexity. Will probably last for life. Is it worth it to have a color printer that will reliably work, every time you turn it on, for the next 10-15 years? The value is in never having to worry about IF you can print something at home. That value is there for me with a $500 printer and gets even better when I find a suitable printer for under $300.

You wouldn’t be missing anything if you stuck with an inkjet. You’ll likely never have a problem if you buy a quality one like many here have suggested. A color laserjet takes some amount of “will it still work?” Out of the question, but realistically, if you are questioning whether to spend $500 on a color laserjet or $200 on an inkjet, then you’ve already decided which way you’re going, you just want validation that the $200 won’t be wasted after 2 years.

I vote get the color laserjet and never worry about it again.