What Is the Difference Between Inkjet and Laser Printers?


Quick Answer

Inkjet printers create images by shooting drops of ink onto paper as dictated by a computer, while laser printers use a xerographic process in which an image is digitally scanned by a laser, then transferred to paper. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both types when shopping for a printer.

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What Is the Difference Between Inkjet and Laser Printers?
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Full Answer

Inket jet printers are typically much less expensive than are laser printers. In addition, their toner cartridges are less expensive and easier to install. However, inkjet printers use far more ink than do laser printers, so their toner cartridges need replacing far more often.

Inkjet printers do an excellent job printing photographs because they print vivid colors with an absence of obvious pixelation. As a result, most photo printers are inkjets

Color printing is much more expensive on a laser printer. However, laser printers are significantly faster than inkjet printers, so they're a good choice for users who plan to print in great volume. They also produce completely smudge-free copies, which only the best inkjet printers can claim to do.

Laser printers tend to be larger than inkjet printers, and they hold more paper. Users who wish to network several computers to a printer may prefer the laser printer, which can hold over 3,000 sheets of paper; an inkjet typically only holds 100 sheets at a time.

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