As you’re looking to purchase a new printer, you may be wondering whether an inkjet or laser printer is the right choice for your business. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to understand their differences so that you can make an informed decision based on your company’s needs.
How Inkjet and Laser Printers Work
Before we get into the advantages and disadvantages of each type of printer, let’s look at how inkjets and laser printers work.
- Inkjet printers use liquid ink that is applied in tiny dots to the surface of the paper.
- Laser printers use a powder called toner that fuses to the paper when heat is applied.
The Pros and Cons of Inkjet Printers
Pros of Inkjet Printers
- Inkjet printers are less expensive upfront.
- The ink cartridges cost less than laser printers’ toner cartridges.
- They offer good image quality and work well for printing photographs.
- Inkjets are versatile; they can print onto many types of paper. Also, options available include inkjet plotters and page-wide high-speed printers.
Cons of Inkjet Printers
- They typically have to be replaced more often than laser printers.
- The cost per print is higher than with laser printers.
- Smudging happens more often.
- Inkjets aren’t usually effective or efficient for large print jobs.
- Their ink dries up. Therefore, inkjet cartridges have a short shelf life.
- Ink cartridges don’t yield as many print pages as laser printers, and they must be replaced often. (However, now some inkjets give you the option of buying high-yield ink bags rather than cartridges).
- Commonly, inkjets cannot be serviced or repaired when they have problems.
- Their trays usually do not hold a lot of paper, so you might find yourself refilling them often.
- They print slower than laser printers.
The Pros and Cons of Laser Printers
Pros of Laser Printers
- Laser printers are excellent for large print jobs.
- They print quickly.
- Toner cartridges print more pages than ink cartridges do.
- When they have issues, they can usually be serviced and repaired successfully.
- They work well for printing text-heavy documents.
- Laser printer toner has a long shelf life and does not dry up like ink.
- Their trays hold more paper than inkjets’ paper trays do.
- Laser printers are more durable than inkjets and need to be replaced less often.
Cons of Laser Printers
- They cost more upfront than inkjets.
- Toner cartridges often cost more than ink cartridges.
- Laser printers are typically bigger and heavier than inkjets and require more space.
- They print better on some types of paper more than others.
- Laser printers don’t print images with as high-quality results as inkjets.
- Some business print jobs require ink rather than toner.
How to Choose Between an Inkjet or Laser Printer
Making the right decision depends on assessing your needs and determining which printer will best satisfy them.
Consider the following points as you evaluate printer types:
How much will you be printing?
Laser printers are faster and more cost-effective for high-volume jobs.
What type of documents will you be printing?
Inkjets perform better when printing high-quality photos, whereas laser printers produce better text documents.
How often do you print?
If you don’t print frequently, a laser printer might be a better investment because toner stays fresh longer. Ink cartridges that sit in a machine unused for long periods of time can dry out.
Which Type of Printer Is Right for Your Business?
If you need help figuring out which type of printer will be the better choice for your business, contact us for guidance! Our team is here to guide you by answering your questions and giving you with all the information you need as you make this important decision.