Lexmark Printer Models Explained: Which Is Right for You?
Lexmark Printer Models Explained: How to Choose the Right Type for Your Business
Need a reliable printer that handles your workload without constant maintenance and has low running costs? Despite the technical model names, Lexmark printer models may be just what you’re looking for.
MS431DW, CX431ADW, MX632ADWE are just some of the types of Lexmark printers on offer, and you’d be forgiven if you were confused by the alphanumeric naming system. The good news is they’re actually logical — we promise. In this guide, we unpack what the letters and numbers mean, plus explain Lexmark mono laser printers (MS and MX) and colour laser printers (CX and XC). We will touch on key buying considerations like single-function vs multifunction, ink vs toner and print volume.
We’ll help you work out which model suits your home office or small business needs before you add anything to your cart. By the end, choosing the right Lexmark printer should feel a lot more straightforward.
Quick Answer: Which Lexmark Printer Should You Buy?
- Need mono printing only? Go MS331DN or MS431DW
● Need mono print + scan/copy/fax? Go MX431ADW or MX632ADWE
● Need colour all-in-one? Go CX431ADW
● Need A3 enterprise colour? Go XC9525
Browse the full Lexmark range now at Ink Station.
How Lexmark Names Its Printers (and What the Letters Actually Mean)
So let’s decode the system. The Lexmark printer models are categorised by a single letter or combined letters. The single letter will comprise an M for Monochrome (black and white), C for Colour, or S for Single-function only (print-only). These single-letter codes do what they say on the tin.
The combined letters in the range include MS (mono single-function), MX (mono multifunction) or CX (colour multifunction). It’s helpful to understand here that the X signals the extra functionality such as scanning, copying and/or faxing.
To give you an overview of what each option might be best for, we have broken it down in the table below:
| Code | Meaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| M | Monochrome (black and white) | High-volume everyday printing where speed and cost matter |
| C | Colour | Printing graphics, photos, or colour-coded data |
| S | Single-function (print-only) | Dedicated print stations or users who only need to print |
| MS | Mono single-function (print-only) | Dedicated print stations or users who only need to print |
| MX | Mono multifunction | Users who need everyday printing, but also want scan, copy, etc. |
| CX | Colour multifunction | Moderate-volume colour printing plus scan, copy and fax |
| XC | Colour multifunction (enterprise-tier) | Demanding office environments with high-volume colour printing plus scan, copy, fax. |
It’s worth mentioning here that Lexmark printer models also have letters and numbers at the end, such as A, D, W, SE, ADHE. The full breakdown isn’t essential; just know the suffixes indicate further functionality such as wireless connectivity (W). Once you understand the starting letters, any model number tells you exactly what type of Lexmark printer it is without having to delve deep into spec sheets or production descriptions.
Lexmark Mono Laser Printers: The MS and MX Series
MS Series — Print-Only Mono Laser
If black and white printing is all you need, then one of the Lexmark mono laser printers will have you covered. These devices offer a single function of printing only in monochrome, so their price point is lower. Their high-yield toner is a cost-per-page advantage over inkjet, and they are simple yet robust. Examples include the MS431DW (wireless, 42ppm, “Fast, Reliable, Efficient Printing”). Also, the compact MS331DN (wired, compact, “Compact Powerhouse: Big Performance, Small Footprint”), which is especially handy if you have limited desk space.
MX Series — Mono Laser Multifunction
If you need a copier, scan regularly or want to consolidate devices, the mono laser multifunctional printer may be your best bet. This option also only prints in standard black and white, but has the extra functionality that some businesses require. Examples of these printers include the MX431ADW (All-in-one multifunction versatility, “The Office Workflow Hero”), or the secure MX632ADWE (“Fast, Secure, Ready to Perform and Eco-Friendly Functionality”). This particular printer’s secure print features suit offices handling sensitive documents or operating in a managed IT environment.
To sum it all up, if you’re an Australian business owner or user who only needs to print black and white, then MS is sufficient. These printers are often compact, fast and low-maintenance. If your office scans, copies, or faxes regularly, MX covers all of that with the same sharp mono output. You can view the entire range of Lexmark mono laser printers here.
Lexmark Colour Laser Printers: The CX and XC Series
CX Series — A4 Colour Laser Multifunction
Small businesses that regularly produce colour documents, such as proposals, presentations, and client reports, will need a colour laser printer. The Lexmark CX series offers an all-in-one A4 printer, copier, scanner and fax. It’s worth noting here that a colour laser printer is not the same as an inkjet printer (read more about ink vs toner in our FAQ). Check out the CX431ADW (“Blazing Speed, Brilliant Colour”, wireless, all-in-one.).
XC Series — A3 Enterprise Colour Multifunction
For larger offices, print rooms or businesses needing A3 output or high monthly print volumes, the XC series fits the bill. Take a look at the enterprise-tired XC9525 (“The Office Hero with the Lowest Running Costs”, A3 colour prints, budget-friendly efficiency). Contact Ink Station directly to request a quote.
How to Choose the Right Lexmark Printer for Your Business
This simple checklist below will help you whittle down the printer range and identify exactly what you need.
1. Do You Need Mono or Colour?
Mono is cheaper to maintain for invoices, reports, and internal documents. Eg. MS431DW or MS331DN. Colour is best for client-facing or branded materials. Eg. CX431ADW.
2. Do You Need Print-Only or Multifunction?
Choose S or MS for the single function of print-only. The MX & CX series if you need to scan or copy. Eg. MX431ADW for most small offices, MX632ADWE for busier workgroups with security requirements. CX431ADW for creative and branding documents.
3. What Is Your Monthly Print Volume?
Light usage is 500 – 5,000 pages per month. Try the MS331DN or CX431ADW.
Medium usage is 800–8,000 pages. Try the MX431ADW or MS431DW. High volume usage is 2,000 – 20,000 A4 printing: Try the MX632ADWE. Business graded volume usage is 4,000 – 20,000 A3 printing: Try XC9525.
4. What Connectivity Do You Require?
Most Lexmark models are both wired and wireless.
5. How Much Desk Space Do You Have?
MS331DN is the most compact. The MX632ADWE and XC9525 are larger workgroup devices.
Equipped with this knowledge, browsing the Lexmark printer models at Ink Station should be a much more straightforward experience.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between Lexmark MS and MX Printers?
Both the MS and MX are mono (black and white) laser printers. MS models offer the single function of printing only. MX models are multifunctional as they print, copy, scan, and typically fax. The MS431DW and MS331DN are print-only. The MX431ADW and MX632ADWE add copying, scanning, and faxing in one device.
Are Lexmark Printers Good for Small Business?
Yes. Lexmark’s MS, MX, and CX series are all designed for small businesses and office environments. They output prints at a fast speed, include a high-yield toner and offer reliable performance under daily use. Lexmark printer models are a strong choice for mono laser printing where low cost per page and minimal maintenance matter.
Do Lexmark Printers Use Ink or Toner?
Lexmark’s current range uses toner cartridges, not liquid ink. Toner is a dry powder used in laser printers that produces sharper text, smudge-proof output and a lower cost per page than inkjet. Inkjet might edge ahead with photo quality but comes with higher running costs and slower speeds. For office use, laser printing (toner) is the practical choice. Ink Station stocks genuine Lexmark toner for all current models.
Which Lexmark Printer Is Best for a Home Office?
For most home offices, the MS431DW (mono, wireless, 42ppm) is the practical starting point if you only need to print. If you also scan or copy, the MX431ADW adds that extra functionality. For creative or brand works, the CX431ADW covers everything in one compact all-in-one device.
Now that the Lexmark naming system has been unpacked, choosing the right model should feel far less daunting. Whether you need a single-function mono workhorse or a colour multifunction printer for a busy office, you’ll know what you’re looking at when you browse the Lexmark range at Ink Station, and you can add to your shopping cart with confidence.