Printer Types Explained: Inkjet vs. Laser and More

Tap a type to see its characteristics.

Inkjet Printer

Prints by spraying liquid ink through fine nozzles β€” the unit itself is inexpensive and photo print quality is good, though ink tends to run out relatively quickly.

Laser Printer

Prints by fusing toner powder with heat β€” fast printing speed and efficient for high-volume document printing, though the unit price is relatively higher.

All-in-One Printer

Combines printing, copying, scanning, and fax into a single device, saving space by eliminating the need for separate office machines.

Photo Printer

Specialized for photo printing with excellent color reproduction β€” some models can print photos directly without needing a separate computer.

Thermal Printer

Prints on special paper using heat, with no ink or toner needed β€” mainly used for receipt printers.

Your Printing Volume Shapes the Right Choice

For occasional home use printing photos or documents, an inkjet is a good fit; for an office printing large volumes of documents daily, a laser printer, with its lower running cost, can be the more economical choice.

Consider Ongoing Cost, Not Just Purchase Price

A laser printer costs more upfront but often ends up cheaper per page than inkjet over time β€” worth factoring in your expected print volume when deciding, not just the initial price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for printing photos, inkjet or laser?

Inkjet printers are generally considered to produce better color rendering and photo print quality.

Why do laser printers cost more upfront?

Their internal structure β€” including the toner and fusing unit β€” is more complex, but the cost per printed page is often lower than inkjet, which can make them more economical for high-volume printing.