Laser printers are faster than inkjet printers when it comes to printing speed and quality. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing a printer, such as cost, maintenance, and functionality. In this article, we will compare and contrast laser and inkjet printers and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Laser and inkjet printers are two of the most common types of printers used in homes and offices. They use different technologies to produce printed documents and images.
Laser printers use a laser beam to create an electrostatic image on a drum, which then attracts toner particles and transfers them to paper. The toner is then fused to the paper by heat and pressure. Laser printers are known for their high resolution, sharp text, and fast printing speed. They are ideal for printing large volumes of documents, especially black and white ones.
Inkjet printers use tiny nozzles to spray droplets of ink onto paper. The ink is absorbed by the paper and dries quickly. Inkjet printers are known for their vibrant colors, photo quality, and low initial cost. They are ideal for printing photos, graphics, and small batches of documents.
How Fast are Laser and Inkjet Printers?
One of the main factors that affect the printing speed of a printer is the pages per minute (PPM), which measures how many pages a printer can print in one minute. The PPM varies depending on the printer model, the print quality, the paper size, and the type of document or image being printed.
According to PCMag, the average PPM for laser printers is 31.4 for black and white and 26.7 for color, while the average PPM for inkjet printers is 16.9 for black and white and 16.2 for color. This means that laser printers are almost twice as fast as inkjet printers on average.
However, PPM is not the only factor that determines the printing speed. Another factor is the first page out time (FPOT), which measures how long it takes for a printer to print the first page of a document or image after receiving the print command. The FPOT is influenced by the printer’s warm-up time, processing time, and paper feed time.
According to PCMag, the average FPOT for laser printers is 10.5 seconds for black and white and 11.3 seconds for color, while the average FPOT for inkjet printers is 14.3 seconds for black and white and 16.7 seconds for color. This means that laser printers are faster than inkjet printers in printing the first page, but the difference is not as significant as the PPM.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser and Inkjet Printers?
Besides printing speed, there are other advantages and disadvantages of laser and inkjet printers that you should consider before buying one. Here are some of them:
Cost: Laser printers are more expensive than inkjet printers upfront, but they have lower operating costs in the long run. This is because laser printers use toner cartridges, which last longer and cost less per page than ink cartridges. According to Consumer Reports, the average cost per page for laser printers is 3.9 cents for black and white and 15.5 cents for color, while the average cost per page for inkjet printers is 8.3 cents for black and white and 21 cents for color. However, the cost per page also depends on the printer model, the print quality, and the frequency of use.
Maintenance: Laser printers require less maintenance than inkjet printers, as they have fewer moving parts and do not clog easily. Inkjet printers need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the ink from drying up and clogging the nozzles, which can affect the print quality and waste ink. Inkjet printers also need to be used frequently to avoid clogging, while laser printers can be left idle for longer periods without affecting their performance.
Functionality: Laser printers are more versatile than inkjet printers, as they can print on a wider range of paper types and sizes, such as envelopes, labels, cardstock, and transparencies. They can also handle duplex printing, which means printing on both sides of the paper automatically, saving paper and time. Inkjet printers are more limited in their paper compatibility and duplex printing capabilities, as they can only print on certain paper types and sizes, and some models do not support duplex printing at all.
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences, budget, and printing needs. If you are looking for a printer that can print fast, high-quality, and large-volume documents, especially black and white ones, then a laser printer is the best option for you. However, if you are looking for a printer that can print vivid, photo-quality, and small-batch documents, especially color ones, then an inkjet printer is the best option for you.
To help you choose the best printer for you, here are some of the best laser and inkjet printers available in the market, according to PCMag:
Best Laser Printer: Brother HL-L8360CDW. This printer has a PPM of 33 for black and white and 31 for color, and a FPOT of 15 seconds for black and white and 16 seconds for color. It also has a high-capacity toner cartridge, a 250-sheet paper tray, a 50-sheet multipurpose tray, a 3.7-inch color touchscreen, and wireless connectivity. It costs $399.99.
Best Inkjet Printer: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e. This printer has a PPM of 22 for black and white and 18 for color, and a FPOT of 9 seconds for black and white and 10 seconds for color. It also has a high-yield ink cartridge, a 250-sheet paper tray, a 35-sheet automatic document feeder, a 2.7-inch color touchscreen, and wireless connectivity. It costs $229.99.
Conclusion
Laser and inkjet printers are two of the most popular types of printers in the market, but they have different features, advantages, and disadvantages. Laser printers are faster, sharper, and more economical than inkjet printers, but they are also more expensive, heavier, and louder. Inkjet printers are cheaper, lighter, and quieter than laser printers, but they are also slower, less crisp, and more wasteful. The best printer for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and printing needs. We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between laser and inkjet printers and make an informed decision.
