Gone are the days when we had to rely on noisy impact printers to produce documents. Today, the common choice comes down to two options: inkjet printers and laser printers.
- Inkjet printers spray liquid ink through microscopic nozzles onto the paper
- Laser printers use toner made of fine powders and a fuser to transfer images and text
Both have their strengths. This guide will help you decide which printer is best for your needs.
Cost of Owning
Thanks to advancements in technology, the prices of inkjet and laser printers are now closer than ever.
- Inkjet printers – The most affordable models start at around $60, but often ship with partially filled cartridges, meaning you’ll need replacements right away. Many inkjets also come with scanning and photocopying functions.
- Laser printers – Entry-level units start at about $130, usually with full toner cartridges included. However, most basic models are limited to printing only.
Size
- Laser printers tend to be bulkier, making them ideal for office use.
- Inkjet printers are more compact, making them a great fit for home offices or personal use.
Maintenance
Regular use means you’ll eventually need to replace ink or toner.
- Inkjet printers – Require low to moderate maintenance. You typically only deal with replacing ink cartridges.
- Laser printers – While toners last longer and are cheaper per page in the long run, laser units may also require fuser cartridges and other replacement parts over time.
Print Speed and Quality
- Speed – Laser printers win when it comes to efficiency. Even entry-level models can print up to 20 pages per minute, while most inkjets average around 6 pages per minute.
- Text quality – Both perform well at standard sizes, but laser printers produce sharper small fonts due to fuser technology.
- Color printing – Inkjets excel at producing vibrant, detailed images with smooth color gradation. Laser printers often show banding on colored prints.
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget and need a printer primarily for color images, an inkjet printer is the better choice. Just keep in mind the slower speed and frequent cartridge replacements.
If your priority is fast, high-volume black-and-white printing, a laser printer will serve you best, even if the upfront cost is higher.
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