Laser Printers vs. Inkjet Printers: What's the Difference?

Laser Printers vs. Inkjet Printers: What’s the Difference?

June 27, 2017

When choosing a new printer, you will be faced with many different printer types. Two of the most common printer types are inkjet and laser printers. It’s important that you know the difference between them so you choose the right one to meet your needs.

Ultimately, inkjet printers are better for less frequent, in-home use. Laser printers are faster and more suited to office spaces that require large volume printing. Speak to a professional at a printer store in Phoenix, AZ if you need additional help deciding which printer type will be the best for you.

How they work

The fundamental difference between inkjet and laser printers is that they print onto paper using different methods. Inkjet printers use cartridges of liquid ink sprayed through microscopic nozzles. Laser printers use toner cartridges that are filled with powder. The toner gets fused onto the paper with heat.

Both types of printers are available in basic models that only print, as well as multi-functional models that can print, scan and copy. Visit a printer store in Phoenix, AZ to see all of the functionalities of these printer models.

Cost

In terms of upfront costs, inkjet printers are typically cheaper than laser printers, especially if you’re comparing inkjet to color laser printers, which are typically much more expensive than black and white laser printers.

The smaller price tag on inkjet printers can be deceiving, though. You also need to consider ongoing costs for things like ink. Ink cartridges are typically quite expensive and will need to be replaced more often because they don’t print as many pages as a laser toner cartridge. Toner cartridges for laser printers can be expensive right away, but often last a long time and can print a larger number of pages before needing to be replaced.

So, although inkjet printers themselves might be cheaper than laser printers, you will likely spend a lot of money replacing ink cartridges if you will be doing a lot of printing.

Speed

The speeds of these two printer types greatly differ, although technological advancements are slowly closing the gap. Inkjet printers are typically much slower than laser printers. Laser printers are well known for their fast printing speeds that are great for both small and large printing jobs.

Best uses

The two printers also have different specific uses. Inkjet printers are great for color printing and producing high-quality images. They can also print on different types of paper, making it easy to print labels and photos in addition to standard text.

Laser printers are not as great at printing color. While they can handle simple graphics, they cannot beat inkjets when it comes to quality images. However, laser printers are good at printing small fonts because they handle precise curves and dots in text well.

Which to choose?

Overall, the choice between inkjet and laser printers depends on your printing needs. If you want to print high-quality color images and don’t care so much about printing speed, inkjet printers will work well for you. If you are looking to print large quantities at fast speeds, particularly in an office setting, go with a laser printer.

If you are looking to purchase a printer, visit Arizona Copier Outlet. Our printer store in Phoenix, AZ has offered great products and service for over 30 years. For huge discounts on the best printer brands, visit us today!

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