Choosing Between an Inkjet Printer and Laser Printer? A Comparison of Quality, Speed, and Cost

In a successful modern business, proper workplace equipment plays a vital role, ranging from expansive server racks to computer monitors. An oft forgotten component of the workplace is the printer. Slow or inadequate printers can hurt your workflow. It’s therefore wise to invest in high-end printers such as inkjet and laser. These devices provide greater features and performance capabilities that traditional printers. 

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about inkjet and laser printers. Furthermore, we will explain how you can choose between the two.

Key Differences Between InkJet vs Laser Printers

To start, inkjet and laser printers produce images differently. Inkjet utilizes dye-based ink to print images, while laser printers use toner. Each type has its own uses and benefits.

Dye-based ink is better suited for high-quality images and graphics while, on the other hand, toner is best utilized for high-volume printing. While they both print in high-quality, inkjet is best for home use and laser is more suitable for businesses with volume print load. 

Liquid ink is generally cheaper and better for low-usage individuals. It also produces sharper and more vibrant images. This type of pigment is quite versatile as it is compatible with various paper types. 

Toner is often more expensive, however, it does have greater durability and lasts longer. In addition, toner results in smudge-free printing and will not dry out. 

Typically, inkjet printers are used for color-based images, art projects, and marketing documents such as pamphlets and brochures. Laser printers are more often used for official business documents and black-and-white pages. 

Another major difference between inkjet and laser printers is speed. Understandably, rendering detailed, color-based images takes additional time. As a result, inkjet printers aren’t particularly popular in office settings. Laser printers are significantly faster, being able to print over 25 documents in a minute. Offices that require high-quantity printing may prefer increased speed and efficiency. 

Tips to Choose From Laser vs InkJet Printers

Now that we have explained the differences between inkjet and laser printers, we will discuss how you can choose between the two. While both offer unique benefits, choosing the right printer mainly depends on your needs.  

First, it’s important to determine your usage requirements. Are you looking for a single-use printer or one that prints in high-quantity?

For lower-usage individuals, inkjet is the preferable option as it prints high-quality images with clear and vibrant colors. 

On the other hand, laser printers are best for those who require quantity. In general, businesses should opt for laser printers as they are energy-efficient and yield quicker results. 

Along with speed and usage, cost is another primary factor. Initially, laser printers are more expensive than inkjet printers. A high-quality inkjet from a reputable manufacturer can cost anywhere from $100 - $300, while a laser printer with equal quality may be over $600. 

Understandably, this can be concerning to potential buyers. However, laser printers are more efficient and cost-effective over time, especially with high-quantity printing. Toner cartridges last longer and require less replacement. Also, printing color-based images costs more per page than black-and-white documents. 

Finally, size is an important aspect to consider. On average, laser printers are larger than inkjet printers. While this may not be an issue in an office space, it can be cumbersome in a standard home. 

Learn More with Rackfinity

At Rackfinity, it is our mission to help your business succeed with modern IT equipment. We believe these are worthwhile investments that will positively affect your business. With that being said, we offer a variety of excellent workplace tech such as bluetooth printers, desktops, and server rack accessories.

We also offer customized equipment design and installation services. All you need to do is schedule an appointment. 

To learn more, please call us at 1-800-944-0338. We look forward to hearing from you.