When you need to purchase a printer, there are two main options: Laser or inkjet. While one uses ink, the other uses toner. However, this difference does not tell you which type of printer will suit you. In fact, there are many other differences, such as maintenance difficulty and print quality, that you must consider before making a sound decision in the long term.
In this blog, we will examine laser printer advantages over inkjet and vice versa so you can decide which type of printer suits your needs. Now, let us explore laser printers.
What Is a Laser Printer?
To understand what a laser printer is, you need to explore how it functions. A laser printer reproduces an image of your file onto a drum. Next, the drum picks up toner using an electromagnetic charge. Then, the printer heats up the toner, fusing it with your paper. The result is a suitable print that uses little toner. Plus, these models print quietly.
The Advantages of Laser Printers
Now that you understand this printer better, let us explore its advantages.
Lower Ongoing Cost
One of the laser printer advantages over inkjet ones is that they print at a lower cost per page. Since laser printers use less ink and print faster, using them costs less, even if toner is generally more expensive. Moreover, toner remains usable longer than ink. Therefore, you will not need to replace it simply because you do not print often.
Faster Printing
Another benefit of using these printers is that they print fast. So they are convenient for large-volume printing. You can even fill their input tray with over 100 pages, which reduces refill frequency.
Higher Durability
Lastly, these printers are durable. They can last up to 5 years, and when they need servicing, you can easily find a technician to fix them.
The Disadvantages of Laser Printers
Here are the disadvantages you should consider before you select a laser printer:
High Initial Cost
A disadvantage of laser models is their cost. This steep cost can be prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses and personal use. On average, they cost $200 – $800 but can cost up to $3,000. They are generally more expensive if they print in color.
High Toner Cost
Another con of these printers is the cost of toner. Compared to ink cartridges, they may be more expensive. In fact, colored toners are even more expensive than black ones.
Larger Models
A major difference between inkjet and laser printers is their size. Most laser printers are bulkier, which can be inconvenient for personal use and small offices.
Requires a Warm-up
Finally, these printers take some time to warm up before they are able to print. Therefore, you need to leave them running to print quickly.
What Is an Inkjet Printer?
Now that we have explored laser printers let us examine inkjet printers. These printers’ nozzles spray ink onto pages – or other materials such as vinyl. Their print is sharp yet susceptible to water damage and fading.
The Advantages of Inkjet Printers
Here are the pros of selecting these printers:
Lower Initial Cost
The main advantage of this printer is its low initial cost. In particular, smaller models can be much cheaper than a laser printer. In fact, you can even buy an inkjet printer for $30 or less. Meanwhile, laser models usually do not cost less than $70.
High-Quality Prints
Another pro of purchasing this printer is the quality of its prints. More specifically, these printers create sharp images. Meanwhile, a laser model may create slightly fuzzy prints on low or medium-quality paper.
Smaller Models
A difference between laser and inkjet printers is that inkjet models come in smaller sizes. In fact, there are even models that you can comfortably maneuver with your bare hands. Meanwhile, some laser models require specialized equipment to move them.
Requires no Warm-up
The last advantage of these printers is that they can quickly start printing once you turn them on. Therefore, if you print only a few pages, this type of printer will be faster than a laser model.
The Disadvantages of Inkjet Printers
Before you opt for an inkjet printer, you should consider the following disadvantages:
Higher Maintenance
The main issue with inkjet printers is that they are high-maintenance. Firstly, their ink cartridges dry when unused, requiring replacement. Secondly, printing with these cartridges requires more ink compared to the toner used by laser printers. Thirdly, your printer requires ink for self-cleaning. Therefore, even if you use these printers, the ink requires frequent changing. This also leads to a higher cost per page.
Furthermore, if your printer has an issue, you may not find a technician to service it unless you already have a service contract. So, you may need to replace your printer instead of repairing it.
Lower Durability
A laser and inkjet difference is their durability. Inkjet models usually stop working within 3 years. They will last even less time if you use them frequently or use them to print large volumes of documents.
Inconvenient for Bulk-Printing
Finally, these printers are inconvenient for bulk-printing. They are slower than laser models, and their input trays often hold 100 pages or less. Therefore, you will need to frequently refill them.
Inkjet Printer vs Laser Printer: Which Should You Select?
When selecting printers, you need to consider three main aspects: Use, cost, and convenience. First, a laser printer is best if you need to print monochrome, written documents frequently. However, if you only need to print colored pictures occasionally, you should opt for an inkjet model.
Second, you should consider the cost of these printers. If you have a larger budget, you can increase your savings with a laser printer. However, if you cannot afford these initially expensive printers, you may have to purchase an inkjet model and spend more over time.
Third, you should consider the convenience of these printers. Do you have the space for a bulky printer? If so, consider a laser model. Do you need to print on various materials? If so, you can opt for an inkjet printer. Do you need to print frequently? If so, you should use a laser printer.
Conclusion
Now you know that despite the laser printer advantages over inkjet models, the type that is right for you depends on your specific situation. If your office is small, you have a tight budget, and you require high-quality prints, you should select an inkjet model. Meanwhile, a laser model will suit your needs if you need to print written documents quickly and frequently. However, if your situation does not fall cleanly into one category or the other, consider all of the advantages and disadvantages of these types of printers before you select your printer.
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