Inkjet printers spray liquid ink and excel at photo-quality color and small, portable setups; modern ink-tank models cut running costs. Laser printers use toner, offering faster text printing and lower per-page costs for high-volume monochrome work. Choose based on your monthly volume, need for color photos, and total cost of ownership.
Inkjet and Laser: How they differ
Two printer families dominate consumer and small-business markets: inkjet and laser. Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of ink onto paper (using thermal or piezoelectric printheads). Laser printers use a dry powder (toner) fused to the page with heat.
Both technologies improved a lot since the mid-2000s. Inkjets now offer higher resolution, faster photo printing, and water-resistant pigment inks. Laser printers deliver faster text printing, higher monthly duty cycles, and lower per-page costs for large monochrome jobs.
Cost and running expenses
Upfront prices vary. Basic color inkjets remain affordable, while color lasers used to be costly - and many are still more expensive than equivalent inkjets. However, the gap has narrowed: entry-level color lasers are now within reach for small offices.
Running costs depend on usage. Toner typically yields many more pages per supply than a standard ink cartridge, so lasers often have a lower cost per page for heavy text printing. On the inkjet side, manufacturers now sell high-capacity "ink tank" models (Epson EcoTank, Canon MegaTank, and similar) that dramatically lower ink costs and refill frequency compared with traditional cartridges.
When choosing, consider total cost of ownership: purchase price, cartridge/tank yields, and how many pages you print per month.
Print quality and media
If you need photo-quality color, inkjet printers generally produce better results on glossy and photo papers. Dye inks give vivid colors; pigment inks provide sharper text and better water lightfastness. Many modern inkjets combine both types or offer pigment photo options.
Laser printers excel at crisp black text and fast document output. Color lasers have improved for charts and business graphics, but they still lag behind inkjets on photographic detail and glossy photo finish.
Speed, size, and convenience
Laser printers typically print text faster (higher PPM) and handle larger monthly volumes without as much maintenance. Inkjets tend to be smaller and lighter, which makes them convenient for students, home offices, and portable setups.
Connectivity has modernized both types: Wi-Fi, mobile printing (AirPrint, Android printing), USB, and cloud services are common on new models.
Security and legal notes
Printers do not require federal licensing for ordinary purchase. However, manufacturers and some devices include counterfeit deterrent systems to prevent accurate scanning or printing of banknotes. Reproducing currency is illegal under U.S. law.
Which should you pick?
- Choose an inkjet (especially an ink-tank model) if you print photos, need color on demand, or want a small, lower-cost entry model.
- Choose a laser if most of your work is text, you need fast output, or you print large volumes monthly.