Inkjet Printers vs. Laser Printers: Which is Right for Your Office?

There are two types of printers: inkjet printers and laser printers. People are often confused about the differences between them and which one would be better suited for their office. While both options have their strengths and weaknesses, here are some factors you should consider when choosing between an inkjet printer and a laser printer.

Ink vs. Toner Cartridges

The main difference between inkjet and laser printers is what they use to create the text and images on the items you print. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges, spraying liquid ink through microscopic nozzles in the printer onto the paper to form images and text. Laser printers use toner cartridges, which contain powder that is fused with the paper using heat.

Ink cartridges are generally cheaper to purchase than toner cartridges, but need to be replaced more often. Ink is also at risk of drying out if not used often or used up within a couple of months, while toner cartridges can last years before going bad. Both ink and toner can create crisp text and images in both black and white and color. However, inkjet printers are generally preferred by offices who need to print out high-quality images, such as photos, while laser printers are preferred by offices who print primarily text documents.

Print Volume and Space

Laser printers were originally designed for office and business use. As a result, they tend to be able to print more documents per minute, so if your office needs to print dozens of pages at a time, a laser printer will be the better option to save time. On the other hand, if you only need to print a few pages at a time, an inkjet printer may meet your needs.

Printers that can handle larger volumes will likewise be larger and take up more space. Because laser printers contain a drum that fuses the toner powder to the paper, they tend to be larger than their comparable inkjet counterparts. If space is a serious concern, inkjets might be the better option.

Price

Consider your budget. Both inkjet and laser printers have a wide variety of options at various price points. A laser printer will generally cost more upfront to purchase, but you will pay less in the future because toner cartridges last longer and can print more documents per cartridge. A comparable inkjet printer will cost less upfront, but you will end up paying more in the future if you need to replace the ink often or if the ink dries out before you are able to use it up.

A document management assessment from Century Business Products can help you decide which option is best for your office. Our highly trained Solutions Analysts will ask the right questions to find the solution for your business.

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