Updated 11/16/23 to add LED:
When purchasing a new printer, there are several reasons you should consider getting laser vs. inkjet.
We are often asked to troubleshoot printing problems with inkjet printers. With Nevada’s dry climate, if you don’t frequently print something the ink in inkjet printers often dries out and clogs the ink cartridges and print heads, thus reducing print quality or completely rendering the printer useless.
When shopping for a printer you may be inclined to get an inexpensive printer because you don’t print very often. Though inkjet printers are usually less expensive, the cost of the ink and repair can make it a more expensive investment in the long run.
Let’s look at the pros and cons…
Pros of laser/LED printers:
- The toner powder that’s used in laser printer toner lasts longer than ink – typically thousands of pages (vs hundreds of pages for standard ink cartridge printers). You may only have to buy more toner cartridge(s) every few years.
- Cost-per-page of toner vs. ink is lower.
- The toner isn’t susceptible to drying up or clogging the printer.
- Laser printers print faster.
Cons of laser/LED printers:
- The initial equipment cost of a laser printer is usually more expensive. Color laser printers are usually hundreds of dollars more than their inkjet alternatives.
- Laser printers don’t print high-quality photos.
- All-in-one laser printers are usually larger and may not fit if you have a small space to place your printer.
More information about the choosing a printer can be found in the Consumer Reports Printer Buying Guide.
The technical differences between inkjet and laser/LED printers
Inkjet and laser printers operate on very different technologies, each with their own strengths. Here’s a breakdown of how they work:
Inkjet Printers
- Technology: Inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink directly onto the paper. These droplets can be as small as a few microns, allowing for precise details and vibrant colors.
- Process: They use one of two methods: thermal inkjet (heating the ink to create bubbles that force the ink out) or piezoelectric inkjet (using vibrations to eject ink).
- Best For: High-resolution photo printing and documents requiring vivid colors. Inkjet printers are generally slower and more suitable for low-volume printing.
Laser Printers
- Technology: Laser printers use toner, a powdered ink, and static electricity to transfer the image or text onto the paper.
- Process: A laser beam “draws” the image on a drum inside the printer, creating an electrostatic charge. The toner adheres to the charged areas, and heat is used to bond the toner to the paper.
- Best For: Fast printing of high-volume, monochrome documents. They are great for efficiency but less suitable for detailed photo printing.
If you’re debating which one suits your needs, it boils down to what you’re printing and how often.