With paperless options slowly becoming everyone’s new favorite, you might think that printing has become obsolete. But the truth is, whether you’re a busy professional, student or home user, having the best printer can make a world of difference in your daily life. From printing important documents to taking studio-quality photos, the right printer can make a huge difference in productivity.
But how do you choose with so many options? Inkjet, laser, LED – each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses. Do you need speed or quality? Do you mainly print text or photos? And what about the ongoing costs that can sneak up on you?
In this guide we dive deep into the world of printing technologies. We’ll explore how each type works and what the pros and cons are, and help you figure out which type best suits your needs. Ultimately, you have all the knowledge you need to make the right choice for your ideal printing station.
Also check out our full list of the best all-in-one printers available.
What is an inkjet printer?
Inkjet printers are probably what most of us think of when we imagine a home printer. These versatile machines are popular for good reason: they are affordable, compact and can produce high-quality color prints.
The technology behind inkjet printers is fascinating in its simplicity. These printers work by spraying small droplets of liquid ink onto paper. The print head contains thousands of microscopic nozzles that fire these droplets with incredible precision. As the print head moves back and forth across the paper, it deposits these droplets to form your text or images.
I’ve always been amazed at the quality that inkjet printers can achieve, especially when it comes to photos. The ability to blend colors smoothly makes them a favorite among photographers and anyone who needs to print vibrant images.
Plus points:
- Affordable initial costs
- Excellent photo quality
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile paper handling
- No warm-up time required
Disadvantages:
- Higher costs per page
- Slower printing speeds
- Ink can stain when wet
- Not ideal for high volumes
- Regular ink replacement is necessary
What is a laser printer?
It is not without reason that laser printers have been an important part of offices for decades. These powerful devices use technology very similar to photocopiers, creating sharp and professional-looking documents at impressive speeds.
Here’s how it works: When you press print, the printer’s laser beam “draws” your document onto a drum inside the printer. This drum is covered with a material that becomes electrically charged where the laser strikes it. Then a fine powder called toner is applied to the drum. The toner sticks to the charged areas, creating your image or text. Finally, the toner is transferred to paper and fused with heat and pressure, resulting in your printed page.
The best thing about laser printers is their speed and efficiency, especially for text-heavy documents. They are the best choice for many businesses that need to print large amounts of paper quickly and consistently.
Pros:
- Fast printing speeds
- Sharp text quality
- Lower cost per page
- Ability to print large volumes
- Smudge-resistant prints
Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront costs
- Voluminous size
- Less versatile paper handling
- Not ideal for photos
- Warm-up time required
What is an LED printer?
LED printers may be the new kid on the block, but they are quickly gaining popularity. These printers are similar to laser printers in many ways, but with a key difference in the way they create the image on the drum.
Instead of using a laser beam, LED printers use a strip of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create the image on the drum. The rest of the process – using toner and fusing it with the paper – is very similar to that of laser printers. This technology was developed by OKI in 1989 and has since been adopted by other manufacturers.
Using LEDs instead of lasers may seem like a small change, but it brings a number of important benefits. LED printers are usually more compact because they do not require space for a moving laser and mirror system. They also tend to be more reliable because they have fewer moving parts.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Reliable performance
- Energy-efficient operation
- Fast printing speeds
- Silent operation
Disadvantages:
- Limited model selection
- Higher upfront costs
- Less common than alternatives
- Possible color accuracy issues
- Limited availability of supplies
Choose the right printer for your installation
When it comes to selecting the perfect printer for your needs, it is crucial to understand the key differences between inkjet, laser and LED printers. Let’s recap these differences so we can explore how to make the right choice:
| Inkjet printers | Laser printers | LED printers |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for printing high quality photos | Sharp text quality but limited visual fidelity | Similar to laser printers, but more compact |
| Lower upfront costs, but higher costs per page | Higher upfront costs, but lower costs per page | More energy efficient and reliable, leading to lower costs per page |
| Slower printing speeds | Fast printing speeds | Fast printing speeds |
| Ideal for low to medium volume printing | Excellent for printing large quantities of text documents | Not suitable for large print volumes |
How to create your ideal printing setup
Now that we’ve explored the different printing technologies, let’s talk about how to create the perfect printing setup for your needs. Remember that the right choice depends on your specific requirements, budget and printing habits.
- Assess your printing needs: Before you start shopping, take a moment to think about what you’ll be printing most often. Do you mainly print text documents or do you need high-quality photo prints? How many pages do you typically print per month? Understanding your needs will help you make your decision.
- Consider your budget: While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, be sure to consider the long-term costs. Inkjet printers may be cheaper initially, but if you print a lot, a laser printer can save you money in the long run due to its lower cost per page. Be sure to research the cost of replacement ink or toner for any printer you are considering.
- Consider space and placement: Where will your printer be located? If you’re short on space, a compact inkjet or LED printer may be your best choice. Also consider connectivity options. Do you need Wi-Fi capabilities for easy printing from multiple devices, or is a simple USB connection sufficient?
- Don’t forget about paper handling: If you often print on different types of paper or envelopes, look for a printer with versatile paper handling capabilities. Some printers offer multiple trays or the ability to handle thicker paper types, which can be a real time saver.
- Future-proof your purchase: Technology is constantly evolving, so try to choose a printer that will meet your needs not only now, but for years to come. Look for features such as mobile printing capabilities, cloud integration, or the ability to add functionality through software updates.
Remember, the perfect printer is waiting for you. By carefully considering your needs and understanding the strengths of each technology, you’ll be well on your way to creating your ideal printing setup. Have fun printing!
We’ve listed the best printers for small businesses.