Quick answer: A toner cartridge holds the toner powder. A drum unit is the light-sensitive cylinder that transfers that toner onto paper. Most HP toner cartridges have the drum built in, so you replace both at once. Most Brother laser printers use a separate drum unit that lasts through several toner cartridges and is replaced less often.
Everyone who owns a laser printer is familiar with replacing a toner cartridge. Not everyone is as familiar with drum units. So before we go any further, let’s define them both.
What’s the difference between a drum unit and a toner cartridge?
The toner cartridge is the container that holds the toner powder. The drum unit is a light-sensitive, electrically charged cylinder that transfers that toner powder onto paper to create text and images. The printer’s fuser then melts the toner in place.
Both of these components are essential for producing a print. Depending on what printer you own, you might be used to replacing your drum unit occasionally, or you may have never had to replace a drum unit. So, why the inconsistency? It all depends on the design of your printer. A drum unit can be built into the toner cartridge or sold separately, depending on the consumable requirements of your printer. Consult your printer’s user manual to determine what consumables are appropriate for your machine.
This is what a drum unit with a toner cartridge looks like:
This is what a drum unit looks like without the toner cartridge:
Which printers use a separate drum unit?
Most printers use toner cartridges with the drum unit built into the cartridge, but some brands use a separate drum.
Most HP toners have a built-in drum
If you own an HP laser printer, the drum unit is most likely built into the toner. Therefore, there is no need to replace the drum separately. Every time you buy a new toner for that HP printer, you are replacing the drum.
Most Brother toners and drum units are separate
Most Brother laser printer models use a separate toner and drum unit. In this case, the drum unit is not built into the toner and must be replaced on its own. Separate drum units last much longer than a toner cartridge. For example, one Brother DR-730 drum (about 12,000 pages) lasts through roughly four TN-760 high-yield toners (about 3,000 pages each). Your printer should tell you when it’s time to replace the drum, but you can usually tell your drum is on its last legs if you start to see spots or lines across the page.
Which is better: a built-in drum or a separate drum?
There is no real winner here. Printers that use toner with a built-in drum work just as well as printers that use a separate toner and drum. The main difference is how you pay for replacements.
With a built-in drum, every new toner cartridge includes a fresh drum. Each replacement costs a bit more, but print quality stays consistent and there’s only one part to buy.
With a separate drum, each toner cartridge costs less because you’re only replacing the toner. The drum lasts through several toners and is replaced occasionally.
Here’s how the page yields compare on two popular setups:
| Printer setup | Cartridge | Approximate page yield |
|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2350DW (separate toner and drum) | Brother TN-760 toner | 3,000 pages |
| Brother HL-L2350DW (separate toner and drum) | Brother DR-730 drum | 12,000 pages |
| HP LaserJet P1102w (drum built into toner) | HP 85A toner | 1,600 pages |
On the Brother printer, you replace the drum about once for every four toners. On the HP printer, every 85A toner you buy includes a new drum. Over the life of a printer, separate toner and drum setups usually cost less per page, since you aren’t paying for a new drum with every toner.
What type of printer is best comes down to preference. Some people prefer paying a bit more for toner with a built-in drum so they never have to think about the drum. Others prefer the lower cost of a separate toner cartridge and don’t mind replacing a drum occasionally. Whichever printer type you go with, factor in the cost of both the toner and the drum (if required) so you have a clear picture of long-term replacement costs.
To save more on laser printing, consider compatible toner cartridges and drum units. Our compatible Brother DR-730 drum units and TN-760 toner cartridges cost less than name-brand originals and are backed by our lifetime guarantee.
To get a better understanding of how a separate toner cartridge and drum unit install in a Brother laser printer, check out our video below. If you’re wondering why we don’t have a similar video for a toner with a built-in drum, it’s because the installation process is as simple as sliding the toner into your printer.
FAQ
Do I have to buy a separate drum unit?
It depends on your printer. Most HP laser printers have the drum built into the toner cartridge, so there’s nothing extra to buy. Most Brother laser printers use a separate drum unit, which you replace far less often than the toner.
How often should I replace a drum unit?
Much less often than toner. Many Brother drum units, like the DR-730, are rated for about 12,000 pages, so one drum usually lasts through about four high-yield toner cartridges. Your printer will display a message when the drum is near the end of its life.
How do I know when my drum unit needs replacing?
Most printers show a “Replace Drum” or “Drum End Soon” message. Repeating spots, lines or faded areas that remain after you install a new toner cartridge are also a common sign the drum is wearing out.
Why do I need a drum?
Without a drum unit, the toner powder in the cartridge cannot be transferred onto the page. The two parts work together to create a print, so you can’t have one without the other and expect the printer to work properly.
Do all new laser printers come with a toner and drum?
Most do. New laser printers usually include a starter toner cartridge, and a drum unit if the printer needs one, already installed.
We hope you found this explanation helpful. If you have any questions about your toner or drum cartridge, drop us a line in the comments section below.
Hi,
I just replaced drum in Brother HL2270DW with your LD DR420. I replaced current toner cartridge that is not empty into new drum. There is a squeaking noise as it prints. The toner cartridge is a replacement cartridge from EPS TN-450. What should I do? This is the first drum replacement from the original. The toner cartridge the 2nd replacement used. Other wise have been using Brother brand cartridges. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Hi Martha,
Have you tried reinstalling the drum unit into the toner? It may not be seated properly. Hope this helps! If you still have trouble, all of our LD brand products are backed by a lifetime guarantee, we’d be happy to get a replacement out to you.
Hello. I was trying to replace a Brother toner TN-2380. The printer supply shop in Danang Vietnam said the compatible toner was TN-2385. I am having difficulty fitting this in… any advice?
Hi Catherine,
I looked up the Brother TN-2380 and it looks like it is compatible with the following Brother printers: HLL2320D, HLL2360DN, HLL2365DW, DCPL2520D, DCPL2540DW, MFCL2700D, MFCL2700DW, MFCL2740DW. Do you own one of those printer models? Since we are a U.S. based company, we aren’t very familiar with Brother printers that are sold in Vietnam. If you do have the correct toner and are having trouble fitting it in the printer, you may need to remove the drum from the printer first. Then, insert the toner into the drum and reinstall them both together as one unit. You can see a demonstration of how to install a Brother toner into the drum unit in our installation video here: https://youtu.be/4pWV5ALMvCY Hope this helps!
My new HP laserjet said I’m low on toner, but the drum has 100%. What does that mean?!?
I ordered a drum because it seems to get more copies for the dollar. Now it seems I should have ordered a toner cartridge instead!!
Why does this have to be so confusing?! I just want to be able to print. Now I’m afraid I have to return the drum and buy a cartidge and will probably lose ability to print in the meanwhile.
Please help
Hi Peg,
Great question! If you are low on toner, you’ll want to replace the toner cartridge. The drum unit only needs to be replaced after the use of 3-4 toner cartridges, so if your drum life is showing 100% you definitely don’t need to replace it yet. It sounds like you were probably looking at the drum unit yield when you were researching copies for dollar. The drum unit yields more copies because it can be used for at least 3-4 toner cartridges. After you use a couple of cartridges you should notice the drum life percentage start to decline and eventually, you’ll need to replace the drum. Hope this helps!
How much developer does a Xerox Phaser drun # 108R01418 hold?
Thank you!
Very informative.
Toner Cartridge=Holds toner powder
Drum unit=Holds holds toner cartridge
Do you have to replace the drum every time you change the toner
Hi Harold! No you don’t have to replace the drum everytime you change toner unless you have an HP toner cartridge which usually comes with an integrated drum unit. Drum units have longer lifespans (higher page yields) than toner, you’d usually go through three toner cartridges before needing to replace the drum.
Hello,
I’ve just put an LD toner cartridge, CF210X, in an HP Laserjet 200 ColorMFP. It replaced a prior black LD cartridge that worked just fine. Now the pages print almost black over the whole sheet, edge to edge. Can’t find anything online like it for troubleshooting. Can you help? Please!
Hi Steve, Have you tried cleaning the drum unit?
My HP P1102w is a wonderful workhorse but lately, the prints are getting paler and paler. I only use HP cartridges but it’s getting hard to read my pages. Is it time to replace the printer or what could be the problem? (It is well over 5 years old but my Dad’s HP laserjet lasted 15 years!)
Hi Pam, you might try cleaning the transfer roller inside your HP P1102w. Toner can sometimes build up on the roller and create light prints. You can gently wipe down the transfer roller with a dry cloth, but you will need to turn it to ensure the entire roller gets clean. Also, try not to touch the transfer roller with your fingers, you don’t want to get finger print oils on it. Hope this helps!
What is the purpose of the green tab on the drum that slides across and back?
The green tab on the drum is the corona wire. This projects an electrostatic charge onto the drum to attract toner onto the page. If you are having print quality problems, you can slide the tab back and forth a few times to try and resolve the issue.
Hi,
A have a LEXMARK E260dn model of printer.
I have to change toner at first time. I would like to ask if I put the replacement toner Xerox model without drum it’s will be OK.
And if I will put the Xerox replacement toner instead of Lexmark it will be working without any problems? Thank you in advance your answer.
I have Samsung CLT-3185 printer that is printing faintly. What is your recommendation.. Do I replace entire cartridge with toner or just replace the drum?
My name is Somashekhar my memail address is [email protected]
Thanks in advance
Somashekhar
You’ll probably want to replace the toner first since it is usually the first to go. How many toners have you gone through? When was the last time you replaced the drum?
I have a samsung ml2525 and have been happily buying (and recommending) your mlt-d105l cartridges (and also your Brother ink packs) for years. Does the cartridge have an incorporated drum?
Hi John, glad you are happy the MLT-D105L cartridges! Yes, they have an incorporated drum!
My Brother MFC-L5800DW started printing evenly spaced smudges (2.5″ apart, and about 1″ long and 1/4″ wide) along the left edge of the page. I replaced the toners but didn’t help. Could this be the drum? Are there rollers to clean? Thanks.
Have you checked out this article yet? https://support.ldproducts.com/hc/en-us/articles/115006509808-How-can-I-fix-my-laser-printer-s-streaking-issue-
So I gotta say I love this .
I really have enjoyed my brother and it has really replaced my love for each of my many HP printers for sure, as I’ve had to replace my HP printers multiple times and it runs out inc super fast and the brothers quite the opposite.
the drawback being that I don’t print color but nowadays that’s not what’s important to me
. It was interesting to note that you were saying that the drum needs to be replace at least like the 2nd or 3rd time you buy toner something tothe effect, but I’ve only had to replace mine once since I initially bought it and am wondering if that may be something I need to do more often. I haven’t seen spots or lines but like I said I only had to change it from the initial one once.
I have replaced the toners multiple times and recently it’s started having some issues with duplex thing which is another thing I love about brother is the ability to duplex with little to no paper jams my HPs ate not add capable at it so if you have any thoughts about that I would be all yours.
Hi Dawn! It’s interesting that you already needed to replace the drum unit once–I don’t think that’s a bad thing. As long as your prints are coming out fine, I don’t see anything wrong with that. What kind of problems are you having with duplex printing?
Are there different colour drums for different colours of toner?
Hi Tamara,
It depends on your printer. Most color laser printers that use a toner cartridge and a separate drum unit require a separate color drum for each corresponding cartridge, so the black toner cartridge would have a black drum unit, the cyan cartridge would have a cyan drum unit, etc.
I have HP LaserJetPro M127fw series printer since 2015 which takes 83A cartridges. I’ve looked in the manual & screen menu for EOL on any separate drum unit and cannot locate. I replace the toner cartridge annually and it’s about $130 CAD. Does this mean the drum is included? Pls advise thanks very much Martha S
Hi Martha, yes the drum is built into the toner cartridge for the HP 83A cartridge series, so every time you replace the cartridge you are also replacing the drum.
Hi,
I have a Samsung M2885FW. I have inserted a new Imaging Unit and a new cartridge. The display still says ‘insert new image unit’ and ‘insert new cartridge’; it doesn’t recognise that I have already put them in. Any suggestions?
Mary
Hi Mary,
You might try doing a hard reset on the printer. With the toner/imaging unit still installed, power down the printer and unplug it from the wall for about a minute. Then plug it back in, power it back up and try reinstalling the toner cartridge/ imaging unit.
Thank you; I have tried that, but sadly still not recognising I have inserted unit, and so still not working.
M
i just replaced a drum and toner on my brother MFC-L2740DW and one week later it’s showing change drum and will not print but it will print a test page nicely.
what can I do to get it to work? It’s nearly brand new so don’t feel I should have to replace the drum so soon. I do normally get 3-4 toner use before having to replace a drum as mentioned.
Can anything be done short of replacing the drum so soon?
Hi Carol, most new Brother drums need to be reset before use. We have the steps for the MFC-L2740DW on our support page here: https://support.ldproducts.com/en_us/how-do-i-replace-the-drum-in-my-brother(r)-mfc-l2740dw-printer-SylvXt1LP
I need to replace the toner cartridge in my Brothers printer DCP-L2550DW. I don’t need to replace the drum. I have only used one toner cartridge in the printer since I bought it. (It came with but one toner cartridge). When I go online, I am consistently offered drum/toner cartridge combos, but can’t seem to find sales for toner cartridges alone. Why is this? I don’t want to by a drum I don’t need. I wanted to order online because local stores are not accessible due to pandemic regulations. It seems I’ll have to wait until stores reopen to buy toner cartridges without the drum. This seems like some kind of money-grabbing scheme to me.
Hi Clarie,
You definitely don’t need a new drum yet if you have only used one toner cartridge. We sell the toner cartridge by itself on our site here: https://www.ldproducts.com/Brother/Compatible/Laser-Toner/Black/TN760/102391-Product.html. Hope this helps!
I am using Brother HL-L5200DW. Recently, it gives me message that I have to replace drum. The drum is very expensive and it costs almost more than half the price of printer. Please advise
1. Can I use compactable drum with Brother genuine ink and toner cartridge ( Because I just start this cartridge which is still 95% full
2. Or should I just use original Brother drum
3. If I use compatible drum with genuine toner cartridge, would it affect the lifetime of printer and the quality of printing?
Hi Maria, yes you can use a compatible drum with an OEM cartridge, it’s a great way to save money! As long as you go with a reputable supplier with solid reviews (like LD Products!) you should not notice any difference in print quality or impact on printer life. You can find our compatible drum for your printer here: https://www.ldproducts.com/Brother/Laser-Toner/HL-Printers/HL-L5200DW/10448-Printer.html
Does the Canon MF264dw come with the Toner and Drum Cartridges?
Hi Margie, the MF264dw uses a separate toner and drum and both are included inside the printer when you buy it. You can find low cost compatible versions of the toner on our site at the link below. Unfortunately we do not have a compatible drum at this time.
https://www.ldproducts.com/Canon/Laser-Toner/ImageClass/MF264dw/12215-Printer.html
I have an HP LaserJet P1005 – best small printer ever – have had it for over 10 years and with no drum it just runs and runs and runs. I used to have a Brother and I was consistently replacing the drum – usually 400 to 500 dollars.
Allow me to make the most ignorant tech-confession of all time. I have been trying to discover all evening — a hell of a way to spend Saturday night — why my new Brother toner cartridge will not work in my very old and and dependable printer. I just discovered that when I turned in my old toner cartridge, I failed to separate it from the drum. The new cartridge will not work solo. So much for being ecologically aware! — SSK
I found this article to be very informative and helpful. Thanks!
Very clear and helpful writeup. Thank you!
I bought a drum for my Brother laser black only. printer from LD products so I would. have it when it was needed. It quit on me with a beep beep beep.
I went to replace the drum, and it wouldn’t fit. Is there a phone number I can call and see whether I can get one that does fit?
Mike
Hi Mike, sorry to hear you having trouble with our drum. Give our customer service team a call at 888-321-2552 and we would be happy to help you with installation.
Hi I have replaced my ink and toner cartridge however it let me use it for about 30 pages and now it’s showing “no toner”. Do I need to replace the drum unit.
I have not replaced the drum unit since I purchased it a year ago.
My Brother MFC 7360N printer prints correctly from the PC, but when making a copy from flatbed or feeder, the results are extremely dark. I have tried to change the printer settings (front of printer) to lighten = brightness/contrast, etc but nothing helps. What could be causing this COPYING problem??
My printer is a HP Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M177fw 1.1.2
Does it require a separate imaging drum? When I did the Supplies Status report it says that its supply level is very low.
I have had this printer for years and all I have replaced before are the cartridges. Currently 2 of them are also “very low” and the other 2 are OK.
HP LaserJet toner cartridges come with an incorporated imaging drum unit so you automatically replace the drum when you replace the toner.
I have a brother printer. The whole machine, toner and drum is new. A week later toner congregated and is stuck on the drum. It looks like a car tire drove the length of the paper.
How do I keep this from happening?