Choose a printer around what you print, how often, required colour and paper sizes, scanning needs, connectivity and the complete running cost. Inkjet uses liquid ink; laser printing uses powdered toner and an electro-photographic process. Neither technology is automatically best for every workload.
A printer is a system, not only a print engine
The marking technology creates the page, but paper path, printhead or imaging drum, consumables, controller, network interface and software all affect daily use. A multifunction printer may also scan and copy; an automatic document feeder can process multiple originals while duplex capability can print on both sides.
Manufacturer page-yield figures use stated test conditions. Your documents, coverage, cleaning cycles, environment and settings can produce a different result, so use actual local usage for cost planning.
- Workload: occasional forms, regular documents, photographs or sustained office batches
- Output: monochrome or colour, text or graphics, supported paper sizes and media
- Workflow: print only, flatbed scan, automatic document feeder, copy or duplex
- Connection: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and supported operating systems
- Ownership: supplies, paper, maintenance, energy, downtime and service access
Choose the next learning path
Inkjet or laser?
Compare how the two technologies make a page and where each trade-off matters.
ExploreCalculate print cost
Use your own supply price and tested yield with a formula you can inspect.
ExplorePrinter not printing
Separate a printer condition from the queue, application, driver or connection.
ExplorePoor print quality
Classify the defect and test before running a consumptive cleaning cycle.
ExploreMaintenance checklist
Use condition-based care without inventing a universal service schedule.
ExploreExplore printer products
Move to the commercial category only after defining the workload.
ExploreCare begins with the correct supply and paper
Use paper and consumables supported by the exact printer model. Keep paper dry and correctly aligned, follow the manufacturer's cleaning process, and avoid touching sensitive imaging surfaces. Repeated deep-cleaning cycles can consume ink and may not correct a mechanical, electrical or blocked-flow fault.
Turn on sleep and duplex settings when they fit the workflow. ENERGY STAR evaluates imaging-equipment efficiency and includes power-management and, for certain products, duplex requirements; certification must be confirmed for the exact model rather than assumed for a brand.
Sources and further reading
Technical statements were reviewed against these references. External pages may change after our review date.
- Imaging Equipment — ENERGY STAR
- Laser Printer vs Inkjet: How to Choose the Right Printer — HP