Looking for a new printer but can‘t decide between inkjet vs laser? As technologies, both have unique strengths and shortcomings. This 2000+ word guide will compare them across key factors like cost, speed, print quality and intended use so you can determine the best choice for your home or office.
A Quick History
Inkjet printers work by spraying tiny ink droplets onto paper. The first models date back to the 1970s but quality and affordability dramatically improved for home use by the 1990s.
Laser printing relies on powder toner fused onto pages using heat. Invented in 1969, desktop laser printers first became viable for mainstream offices in the mid-1980s.
For many years, inkjet focused almost exclusively on consumers while laser targeted business environments. But the lines have blurred thanks to better print speeds on home inkjets and reduced costs bringing lasers to smaller workgroups.
Now both serve broad printing segments. Let‘s compare how they stack up!
Print Speed Comparison
Print speed measures how fast a printer outputs pages, stated in pages per minute (PPM). This directly impacts productivity when printing documents in bulk.
According to testing firm Buyers Lab Inc., today’s inkjet printers range from approximately 7 PPM on the low end to 20 PPM at the high end. Models utilize a wide array of print heads and ink formulations to achieve those speeds.
Meanwhile, entry-level monochrome lasers deliver 12 PPM while advanced color lasers reach 45 PPM or higher. For example, HP’s LaserJet Enterprise prints up to 60 pages per minute in General Office mode.
What does that mean in practical terms? Let’s say you need to print a 50-page manuscript. At 20 PPM, the inkjet would complete the task in 2.5 minutes. The 60 PPM laser would finish in just 50 seconds!
For occasional printing, inkjet speeds are probably fine. But laser‘s substantially faster throughput makes a big difference when you process high volumes or need many batch prints daily.
Verdict: Lasers are 1.5 to 3+ times faster across the board!
Print Quality Comparison
The other pivotal printer characteristic is print quality, judged on:
- Resolution – The number of tiny dots of color per inch (DPI)
- Sharpness – Precision of text, shapes, and fine details
- Vibrance – Intensity and accuracy of color
For photographic printing, inkjets lead the charge. Premium models boast up to 4800 x 1200 DPI resolution and can use six or more ink colors to produce billions of hue variations. They lay down tiny droplets for smooth blends between tones. When paired with glossy photo paper, images exhibit vibrant colors and appear almost airbrushed.
Laser printers peak at 600 x 600 DPI – much lower than professional inkjets. But their toners feature smaller, consistent particles that help form sharp lines and edges in documents. So while lasers lack the color depth for photorealistic prints, their output better showcases crisp fonts, diagrams with fine lines, or logos.
Verdict: Inkjets outclass lasers for art/photos. Lasers better showcase precise text and documents.
Cost Comparison
Let‘s break down the total cost between purchasing and operating these printers over a 3-5 year lifespan.
Upfront Hardware Cost
- Inkjet printers range from $50 to $500 at retail for home/small office models
- Laser printers largely start around $170 and climb over $1000 for high-capacity enterprise printers
Average Supplies Cost Per Page
- Inkjets print pages for ~7 cents black-and-white, 18 cents color
- Lasers average ~3 cents black-and-white, 11 cents color
Total 3 Year Cost of Ownership
- Inkjet: ~$450
- Laser: ~$570
The numbers vary across manufacturers, but often balance out over time despite laser‘s pricier hardware.
For moderate monthly printing, inkjets carry 20% lower total costs. But for very high volumes like 500+ pages per month, long term laser savings add up.
Verdict: Inkjets carry lower supplies cost for home and light office use. Lasers better serve heavy use.
Features Comparison
Alongside core printing capabilities, what about secondary features?
Modern inkjet and laser printers share amenities like:
- WiFi/Ethernet Networking
- USB Ports
- Copying
- Scanning
- Fax capabilities
But a few key advantages separate the technologies here as well:
- Inkjets tend to offer better scan quality for archiving photos
- Lasers boast faster duplex printing when copying two-sidedlegal contracts or booklets
- Most lasers feature higher paper capacities – 500 sheets on average versus just 100 sheets in home inkjets
- Enterprise lasers lead connectivity with Ethernet, Bluetooth and cloud integrations
For basic functions like copying or faxing, either typeusually gets the job done. But lasers edge ahead for large projects.
Verdict: Lasers better serve offices handling wide formats, long print jobs, archival needs and security.
Environmental Impact
With replacements needed every few hundred pages, inkjets generate more plastic waste from cartridges over time. Most now run recyclable inks with reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) however.
Lasers minimized waste using ozone filters and long life toners. Refilled toner cartridges also give these devices an eco-edge for high volume office use. Energy efficiency has been a key focus as well – modern lasers consume just 1-2 watts while idle.
So while operational metrics favor lasers, both technologies continue improving through better component recycling, lower emissions and greener manufacturing practices overall.
Recommended Printer Matches
Given what we‘ve covered, which printer type aligns better with common applications?
Inkjet printers best serve:
- Photographers needing premium photo output
- Families and home offices with light printing needs
- Students looking for a compact, portable printer
Laser printers optimally fit:
- Enterprise workgroups with intensive printing
- Accounting and legal firms
- Architecture studios handling large format needs
- Libraries or governmental agencies archiving records
If managing photos, graphics, or large print jobs are vital – lasers hold the advantage on stability and speed. But for most general home use, an affordable inkjet meets the need quite capably!
No matter your unique requirements, understanding these key printer technology differences will help narrow your buying decision effectively. Have additional questions? See the FAQs below or contact me anytime! I‘m always happy to discuss the ideal print solution for your situation.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Industry Print Expert
FAQs
Q: How much more does laser toner cost versus ink cartridges?
A: For name brand printers, black ink cartridges run $20-25 while a black laser toner costs $70-100. Keep in mind laser toner lasts about 5x longer though at 3,000 to 15,000 pages.
Q: Can a color laser printer produce photo quality prints?
A: Technically yes, but inkjet is better for photorealism. Laser printers max at 600 x 600 DPI versus 4800 x 1200 DPI on high-end inkjets. The color depth doesn‘t match either.
Q: What printer technology is "greener" for the environment?
A: Lasers generate less plastic waste over time and run more energy efficiently. But inkjets use less toxic inks nowadays. Overall both continue improving sustainability through recycling and lower emissions.
Q: How much smaller is an inkjet printer compared to a laser generally?
A: Inkjets average just 15 x 13 x 7 inches and weigh about 10-15 lbs. Lasers are larger at 18 x 16 x 12 inches and 16-30 lbs. The size/weight difference significantly impacts portability.
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to help match you with the perfect printer for your needs and budget.
Regards,
[Your name]
Printing Expert
[Contact info]
