Inkjet vs. Laser Printers: Which Is Right for You?
The key question when buying a printer is: Inkjet or Laser – which suits you better? Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so we’ve broken them down to help you decide.
These insights come from years of answering customer questions. Here’s our top tip: always check the long-term cost of consumables before choosing a printer. Because the main cost is not the actual printer but the cost to replace its consumables which on some cheaper models can be more than the printer!
Pros and Cons of Inkjet Printers
Pros:
- Lower ink costs: Inkjet printers are more economical for ink. For example, the Canon PIXMA G4670 GI-61 bottles are $0.01 per colour printout, compared against the Laser Brother MFCL9570CDW TN449 $0.05 colour printout.
- Exceptional print quality: Inkjets use "print heads" to deliver higher-quality printouts than lasers can't match.
- Versatile paper options: Inkjet printers handle everything from standard paper to canvas, fabric transfers, and photo paper.
- Compact size: Ideal for small spaces, they’re perfect for home offices or apartments.
- Quiet operation: Inkjet printers run much quieter, making them a great choice for shared or home spaces.
Cons:
- Smaller paper trays, typically holding up to 250 pages.
- Slower at printing large documents compared to Laser Printers.
- Water-based ink is more prone to smudging if exposed to liquids.
- Ink cartridges can dry out if the printer is not used often enough.
Pros and Cons of Laser Printers
Pros:
- Larger paper trays: These printers can hold double the paper capacity of Inkjets.
- Reliable print quality: Laser printers consistently perform well, especially for text-heavy documents.
- Faster document printing: Laser printers excel at high-volume, multi-page tasks.
Cons:
- Higher consumable toner costs compared to Inkjets when broken down by page count.
- Limited paper compatibility, with Laser-specific paper often costing more.
- Poor performance with photographs and image-heavy prints.
- Bulky design, requiring more space in offices or homes.
- Maintenance parts are more expensive, including fusers, drums, or waste toners. Some parts, such as fuser units, usually require professional servicing.
- Laser printers are noisier than Inkjets, which can be distracting in open-plan offices.
Conclusion
Both printer types have their strengths and weaknesses, but recent advancements in Inkjet technology have tipped the balance.
Inkjet printers now offer lower startup costs, affordable running expenses, and superior versatility. While Laser Printers remain reliable for high-volume tasks, their technology hasn’t significantly evolved in recent years.
Here’s our advice: Choose an Inkjet if you want cost-efficient, high-quality printing with versatility. Opt for a Laser Printer if you need speed and volume for text-heavy tasks. Either way, always factor in the consumable costs first when looking at printers and your specific needs before deciding.
Not sure what connection type you might need for your printer? Check out our guide on different printer connections.

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Updated 16/12/2024