Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw vs Lexmark CS331dw
Lexmark CS331dw costs $42 more upfront but prints cheaper per page — it pays that back after about 1,412 pages.
Cost to run
| Total cost of ownership | Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw | Lexmark CS331dw |
|---|---|---|
| After 1 year | $638 | $503 |
| After 2 years | $1,021 | $709 |
| After 3 years | $1,404 | $916 |
Lexmark CS331dw costs more upfront but 2.9¢ less per page. It overtakes Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw on total cost after about 1,412 pages — roughly 3 months at your 500 pages/month.
Specs compared
| Spec | Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw | Lexmark CS331dw |
|---|---|---|
| Print technology | laser | laser |
| Color support | color | color |
| Device type | single-function | single-function |
| Functions | ||
| Print speed (mono) | 26 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Print speed (color) | 26 ppm | 26 ppm |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1200 | Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) |
| Duty cycle (monthly) | — | 50,000 pages |
| Recommended volume | 2,500 pages/mo | 2,500 pages/mo |
| Automatic duplex | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic document feeder | No | No |
| Display | 5-line monochrome LCD | 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Paper sizes | Letter, Legal | Letter, Legal, A4 |
| Weight (kg) | 12.52 | 16.1 |
Cartridges & running cost
Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw
Cheapest to run: Canon 075 Black Toner Cartridge — $83.00 · 6.4¢/page · 1,300pg yield
Lexmark CS331dw
Cheapest to run: Lexmark CS/CX331 Black Return Program 4.5K Print Cartridge — $155.00 · 3.4¢/page · 4,500pg yield
Which should you buy?
- High-volume or cost-conscious printing: Lexmark CS331dw — about 46% lower cost per page (3.4¢ vs 6.4¢).
- A lower upfront budget: Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw — $42 less to buy — it would take about 1,412 pages before the pricier one's lower running cost pays off.
Where to buy
Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646CdwBuy — $254.50
Lexmark CS331dwBuy — $296.00
Compare with other models
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper to run, the Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw or the Lexmark CS331dw?
- The Lexmark CS331dw — its cheapest black cartridge works out about 46% cheaper per page (3.4¢ vs 6.4¢ mono).
- Which costs less to buy, the Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw or the Lexmark CS331dw?
- The Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw is about $42 cheaper upfront based on current prices.
- Is the Lexmark CS331dw worth the higher price?
- It costs about $42 more upfront but prints cheaper per page, so it pays that back after roughly 1,412 pages. Past that point it's the cheaper machine to own.
- What are the main differences between the Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw and the Lexmark CS331dw?
- Resolution: Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw 1200 x 1200, Lexmark CS331dw Black: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi) Color: 4800 CQ (2400 x 600 dpi). Display: Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw 5-line monochrome LCD, Lexmark CS331dw 2-line All Points Addressable (APA) monochrome LCD display. Paper sizes: Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw Letter, Legal, Lexmark CS331dw Letter, Legal, A4. Weight (kg): Canon Color imageCLASS LBP646Cdw 12.52, Lexmark CS331dw 16.1.