Are you trying to decide between a laserjet printer and an inkjet printer? Choosing the right printer for your home or office can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering what type of printer will keep you productive at home and handle a mix of color and black and white documents, an affordable color laser printer is a strong contender. Laser printers are known for their longevity and cost-effectiveness compared to inkjet printers. They utilize toner cartridges, which are designed for high-volume printing, meaning you won’t be constantly replacing supplies. Plus, toner powder eliminates the common inkjet problem of dried or clogged ink!
Many buyers find themselves asking the same question: Inkjet or laser printer – which one should I get? The answer depends on several factors, and to help you make the best decision, we’ll break down each consideration. This article will walk you through the key differences to ensure you make an informed choice.
Let’s start with the essential takeaway:
The primary distinctions between inkjet and laser printers are: inkjet printers use liquid ink and are best for lower printing volumes, typically favored by home users. Laser printers, on the other hand, use toner powder, excel in high-volume printing environments, and while commonly used in offices, are also a more economical long-term choice for home use.
Ultimately, the ideal printer – inkjet or laser – hinges on what you intend to print, how frequently you print, and your printing budget.
Now, let’s delve into the detailed comparison.
Printer Comparison: Inkjet vs. Laser
What is an Inkjet Printer?
Inkjet printers function by spraying minuscule droplets of ink onto paper. Generally, inkjet printers are more budget-friendly initially, smaller in size, and capable of printing both text documents and high-quality color images, particularly photographs. However, be cautious of extremely cheap inkjet models, as their long-term running costs can be surprisingly high.
What is a Laser Printer?
Laser printers create prints by fusing toner powder onto paper using heat. While laser printers have a higher upfront cost and utilize more expensive toner cartridges, they often prove to be a more economical choice in the long run. This is due to their lower cost per page and faster printing speeds.
Let’s examine the strengths and weaknesses of both laser and inkjet printers in detail to help you make a confident purchase.
Intended Use: What Will You Be Printing?
For those seeking a home printer for occasional printing needs, inkjet printers are often recommended. However, a frequent issue with inkjet printers is ink drying out from infrequent use. Therefore, if your budget allows, a reasonably priced laser printer is a better option as laser toner doesn’t dry out.
If you primarily print a low volume of documents but require high-resolution color images regularly, an inkjet printer will suffice. Laser printers are recognized for their durability and capacity to handle large quantities of both black and white and color documents frequently.
What is a Monochrome Printer?
A monochrome printer is designed solely for black and white printing. These printers only require a black cartridge to operate.
Although laser printers were originally designed for office environments, they are increasingly popular as home printers due to their long-term cost savings.
If your printing needs involve high volumes of documents, a laser printer is the superior choice. They are built to handle daily high-volume printing without issue.
What about color printing? Color laser printers are suitable for everyday color documents. However, for professional, high-resolution photo printing, a dedicated photo inkjet printer is recommended.
High-quality photo inkjet printers are specifically engineered to produce detailed photos with a wide range of tones and deep blacks, meeting the needs of photographers and creative professionals. Many professional photo inkjet printers use pigment-based inks, which are more resistant to fading and compatible with various art paper types and sizes. Dye-based photo inkjet printers are also available if longevity isn’t a primary concern.
Inkjet vs. Color Laser Printer: A common question is whether to choose a color laser printer or an inkjet printer. The answer depends on your color printing needs.
- For gallery-quality photos, a photo inkjet printer is the best choice.
- For medium-quality color images where extreme color depth and tonal range are not critical, color laser printers are generally recommended over inkjet printers because:
- Laser toner will not dry out when not in use.
- Laser toner cartridges yield significantly more pages than inkjet cartridges.
Printing Technology: How They Work
Inkjet printers use liquid ink, spraying it through tiny nozzles onto paper, as illustrated below.
Inkjet printing technology spraying ink droplets onto paper
Laser printers, conversely, utilize a drum unit to fuse (melt) toner powder onto paper using heat.
Laser printing technology fusing toner powder onto paper with heat
In essence, one printer type uses ink, and the other uses powder. Inkjet printers spray ink droplets, while laser printers melt toner powder onto paper.
Due to this fundamental difference in application, inkjet printers are often perceived as being more prone to smudging compared to laser printers. While this can be true for some inkjet printers, it’s not universally the case. Inkjet printers using pigment-based inks are less likely to smudge, whereas dye-based inks may require longer drying times. Paper type also plays a significant role, as some papers absorb ink more effectively than others.
Print Quality and Resolution
Print quality, technically known as print resolution, is determined by your desired output.
Simply put, for highly detailed, high-resolution photos, a professional photo inkjet printer with high resolution capabilities is essential. For reliable printing of sharp documents and satisfactory color reports or images, a laser printer is a strong choice.
Color Laser Printers: A Viable Option for Color Printing
It’s a common misconception that inkjet printers are inherently superior for color printing, and laser printers are solely for black and white text.
While inkjet printers still hold an edge for high-resolution photos demanding exceptional color tones and depth, color laser printers have become a compelling option. They offer the ability to print medium-quality color images while retaining the reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness of laser technology.
Advances in laser printer technology have significantly improved color laser printer capabilities, enabling them to produce impressive color photos.
Print Resolution: A Comparison
Resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI indicates more dots per inch, resulting in sharper prints. A resolution of 600 dpi is sufficient for high-resolution documents, and 1200 dpi is adequate for good-quality color images.
While higher DPI generally means sharper details, the difference becomes negligible beyond 1200 dpi. Higher resolutions are primarily relevant for professional-quality photographs.
Printer specifications often list resolution as two numbers, such as 4800 x 1200 dpi, representing the maximum resolution (4800 multiplied by 1200 dpi). Excessively high DPI can be unnecessary.
Inkjet Printer Resolutions:
Most inkjet printers today offer a maximum resolution around 5,000 dpi. Canon PIXMA printers commonly have a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. Epson photo printers can reach up to 5760 x 1440 dpi. Certain models like the Canon iP110 can achieve 9600 x 2400 dpi, double that of standard PIXMA models.
Laser Printer Resolutions:
Most laser printers provide print resolutions up to 2,400 x 600 dpi. However, newer models, such as the HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw, can optimize dpi to achieve enhanced print resolutions like 38,400 x 600 dpi.
In summary:
- Monochrome Laser Printers: Excellent for text and document printing.
- Color Laser Printers: Excellent for text, documents, and acceptable for medium-quality color images (e.g., family photos).
- Photo Inkjet Printers: Ideal for high-quality photos with a wide color range and tonal depth, best for gallery-quality prints.
Print Speed: Getting the Job Done Quickly
Laser printers are designed for workplace demands, engineered for faster printing speeds (15 to 100 pages per minute, or ppm), whereas inkjet printers are generally slower, around 16 ppm. Laser printers’ speed enables them to produce more documents, resulting in higher monthly print volumes.
- Laser Printers: 15 to 100 pages per minute
- Inkjet Printers: Approximately 16 pages per minute
Print Volume: Handling Large Print Jobs
Print volume refers to the amount a printer can output within a given timeframe. Laser printers are considered office workhorses due to their ability to quickly process large print jobs. Inkjet printers, intended for home use, have significantly lower print volumes. Consider the HP LaserJet Pro M401n and the Canon PIXMA TR8620 for comparison:
| Feature | HP LaserJet Pro M401n | Canon PIXMA TR8620 |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Type | Laser | Inkjet |
| Pages Per Minute | 35 ppm | 15 ppm |
| Monthly Print Volume | 750-3,000 pages | Less than 1,000 pages |
The difference in print speed and volume between these printer types is substantial.
Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle vs. Recommended Monthly Print Volume: It’s often confusing to understand which metric dictates optimal printer usage. Let’s clarify the difference between maximum monthly duty cycle and recommended monthly print volume.
- Maximum monthly duty cycle: The maximum number of pages your printer can print in a month without risking component damage.
- Recommended monthly print volume: The ideal number of pages to print monthly to maintain optimal printer performance and longevity.
Exceeding the maximum monthly duty cycle can shorten your printer’s lifespan. Adhering to the recommended monthly print volume is crucial for long-term printer health.
Page Yield: How Long Cartridges Last
Toner cartridges offer significantly higher page yields compared to ink cartridges, meaning toners last much longer. Ink cartridges typically yield between 135 and 1,000 pages, while toner cartridges can range from 2,000 to over 10,000 pages!
Ink tank printers have emerged as a solution for inkjet users, providing larger ink reservoirs to reduce cartridge replacements. Epson, Canon, and HP ink tank printers use ink bottle refills instead of cartridges. For example, an Epson 522 cyan ink bottle can print approximately 7,000 pages. Brother’s ink tank printers still use cartridges, but larger ones with increased ink volume. One of Brother’s largest ink tank cartridges can print up to 6,000 pages – impressive for an inkjet printer!
However, it’s important to note that high ink volumes in inkjet printers are only beneficial for regular printing.
Ink tank printers, being inkjet technology, still inherit issues like ink drying and nozzle clogs. If you want to minimize cartridge replacements but are unsure about print frequency, a color laser printer is recommended. For frequent, high-volume color printing, ink tank printers are a good option.
Printer Cost vs. Cartridge Cost
The initial cost of a laser printer might seem like a major drawback. Inkjet printers often have lower upfront costs, with some models priced as low as $29.99, while entry-level laser printers start around $59.99 – roughly double the price.
However, be wary of extremely cheap inkjet printers. These budget models often have a high cost per page and utilize cartridges with low page yields, leading to frequent replacements. The cumulative cost of ink cartridges can quickly exceed the printer’s initial price.
Inkjet printers generally have a lower price point compared to laser printers, partly because:
- Inkjet printers have an average lifespan of 3 years.
- Laser printers have a longer lifespan of at least 5 years.
Lifespan is also influenced by printing frequency.
A more critical factor when purchasing a printer is the cartridge price.
Cartridge prices for laser and inkjet printers differ considerably, and for good reason.
Laser printer cartridges (toner cartridges) print significantly more pages than inkjet cartridges, making them generally more expensive upfront. However, despite the higher cost, laser printers often result in lower per-page printing costs.
This leads us to the crucial metric: cost per page.
What is Cost Per Page (CPP)?
Cost per page is the most effective way to evaluate a printer’s cost-efficiency. Calculate CPP by dividing the cartridge price by its expected page yield:
Cost per Page = Cartridge Price / Cartridge Page Yield
Using the HP LaserJet M401n and Canon TR8620 as examples, the HP LaserJet M401n uses the HP 80x high yield LaserJet toner cartridge, yielding approximately 6,900 pages. The Canon TR8620 inkjet printer uses the Canon PGI-280XL high yield ink cartridge, which yields around 400 pages. The difference in page yield is significant: 6,900 pages vs. 400 pages!
An HP 80x cartridge costs $216.89 (as of 8/22/2023), and the Canon PGI-280XL cartridge is approximately $27.99. While the HP toner is 87% more expensive, it yields 86% more pages, resulting in a lower cost per page. See the table below:
| Feature | HP LaserJet Pro M401n | Canon PIXMA TR8620 |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Type | Laser | Inkjet |
| Cartridge | HP 80X Black Toner | Canon PGI-280XL Black Ink |
| Page Yield | 6,900 pages | 400 pages |
| Cost | $216.89 (as of 8/22/2023) | $27.99 (as of 8/22/2023) |
| Cost per Page | 3.1 cents per page | 6.9 cents per page |
The HP 80X toner has a lower cost per page of 3.1 cents ($0.031), while the Canon PGI-280XL ink cartridge has a higher CPP of 6.9 cents ($0.069).
Consider Compatible Toner Cartridges for Cost Savings
If laser toner prices seem prohibitive, explore more affordable compatible toner cartridge alternatives.
Non-OEM compatible ink and toner cartridges are widely available at significantly lower prices and often deliver comparable print quality to brand-name cartridges.
For instance, compare the price of an original HP 80x cartridge to a compatible HP 80x cartridge:
- Original HP 80x Cartridge: ~$216.89
- Compatible HP 80x Cartridge: $29.99
- A price difference of $186.9!
Compatible HP 80x cartridges are 84% cheaper than original cartridges. Significant savings are also available on compatible ink cartridges. Aftermarket options have made expensive printer cartridges a thing of the past.
While the lower initial cost of inkjet printers may seem more appealing, considering ink cartridge prices and their frequent replacement due to low page yields, the long-term running costs can quickly exceed the printer’s initial investment.
Conversely, laser printer cartridges, with their higher page yields, require replacements less frequently – potentially months or even years apart, depending on print volume.
Drum Unit Considerations
Another key difference is that inkjet printers only require ink cartridges, while laser printers require both toner cartridges and a drum unit. The drum unit in laser printers transfers toner powder to the paper. Toner and drum units are the two consumables necessary for laser printer operation. Some models combine the toner and drum unit into a single piece, while others keep them separate. HP laser printers often use toner cartridges with integrated drum units, whereas Brother laser printers typically use separate toner cartridges and drum units. When shopping for laser printers, verify whether you will need to replace both toner cartridges AND drum units (though drum unit replacements are far less frequent than toner). Don’t let this deter you from laser printers; drum unit replacements are typically needed only every 3-4 toner cartridge cycles. For more information, see our article, The Difference Between Toner Cartridge and Drum Unit.
Ink Cartridge Alternatives
To simplify and reduce the cost of ink cartridge replacements, printer manufacturers have developed alternatives.
HP Instant Ink Subscription Program
While not a direct replacement for ink cartridges, HP Instant Ink is a subscription service that automatically delivers ink cartridges when you’re running low, eliminating the need for manual cartridge purchases. Reviews of the service vary, so research thoroughly before subscribing.
Ink Tank Printers
Epson, Brother, Canon, and HP have all introduced printer series with larger ink tanks to minimize cartridge replacements. These printers utilize a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System).
Our article on Ink Tank Printers compares them to regular inkjet printers and laser printers, addressing common questions. If you’re considering this option, we recommend reading it.
Some drawbacks of larger ink tanks include:
- Higher initial cost compared to standard inkjet printers.
- The inherent inkjet issue of ink clogging nozzles and printheads if not used regularly.
Consider your printing frequency before investing in a more expensive CISS printer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What is a good home printer for both black and color documents, suitable for home and school use, that won’t dry out with infrequent use?
Answer: A color laser printer fits these requirements perfectly. Color laser printers handle both black and color printing and use toner powder, which eliminates ink drying and printhead clogging issues. HP Color LaserJet printers are known for excellent color accuracy and sharpness, with Canon Color ImageClass printers as a close second. Look for home or small business models rather than costly enterprise versions. Check customer reviews when deciding between printer models.
Question: I print regularly in high volumes and need a cost-efficient printer for both black and color. What should I get?
Answer: Consider either a good HP or Canon color laser printer OR explore ink tank printers. Laser printer cartridges offer thousands of pages per cartridge, and ink tank printers have large ink reservoirs for higher page yields than standard inkjet printers.
Question: I work from home and print many high-resolution photos. Can a color laser printer meet my needs?
Answer: For high-resolution photo printing, especially for professional use, a dedicated photo inkjet printer is recommended. Color laser printers are still limited by laser printing technology and cannot match the color accuracy and sharpness of top photo inkjet printers.
Question: Can laser printers print stickers or labels?
Answer: Yes, laser printers can print stickers or labels if you use the correct sticker paper designed for laser printers. Avoid using inkjet sticker paper in laser printers, as it can cause significant damage, like melting inside the fuser unit.
However, for vibrant and sharp color stickers or labels, inkjet printers are generally preferred. Inkjet printers also offer the option to print water- and fade-proof labels. For fade-proof stickers, choose an inkjet printer that uses pigment-based inks, which are more durable than dye-based inks.
Summary of Inkjet vs. Laser Printer Differences
Infographic summarizing the pros and cons of inkjet and laser printers
Inkjet Printers
Pros:
- Smaller and lighter, ideal for space-constrained environments.
- Excellent for photo-quality prints and image-heavy documents, offering better color blending and vibrancy than laser printers.
- Lower initial purchase price compared to most laser printers.
- No warm-up time needed before printing.
- Compatible with a wide range of paper types, including glossy photo paper, textured art paper, and fabrics.
- Can handle larger paper sizes.
- Ink refill kits can reduce printing costs.
Cons:
- Ink can be expensive, especially for regular users who frequently replace cartridges with low page yields.
- Slower print speeds than laser printers.
- Low-capacity paper trays (50-100 sheets) can be inconvenient for high-volume users.
- Lower monthly duty cycle.
- Ink can sometimes smear and dries slower than toner powder.
- Ink can dry out over time if not used regularly.
Laser Printers
Pros:
- Faster print speeds than most inkjet printers, significant for high-volume printing.
- Produce sharp, crisp text, ideal for text-based documents.
- Higher monthly duty cycle, better suited for high-volume print jobs.
- Lower long-term cost per page for frequent printing.
- Toner is generally cheaper in the long run for high-volume printing due to higher cartridge yields.
- Toner stores better than ink and won’t dry out.
Cons:
- Complex images and photos are challenging, although simple graphics are manageable.
- Generally larger and heavier than inkjet printers.
- Limited paper type compatibility compared to inkjet printers.
- Higher upfront cost than typical inkjet printers.
The decision between inkjet and laser printers ultimately depends on your printing needs, volume, and budget. Inkjet printers are best for small, image-intensive tasks like photos and school projects. For high-volume, text-based document printing, laser printers are more efficient and economical.
Consider your future printing needs as well. Will your requirements change? Planning ahead can save significant costs in the long run.
If you’ve decided on a printer type and want recommendations, check out our guides to the best laser printers and best inkjet printers. Happy shopping!
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